Which Pellet Grill Class Is Right For You?
When you ask yourself "Which pellet grill is best for me?", ask yourself what you want to get out of your pellet grill smoker. Choosing a class helps you narrow down pellet smokers according to your price range and skill level. As you hone your skills, you'll move on to advanced pellet grills with luxurious features and higher performance levels.
What to look for in a pellet grill
When you ask yourself "Which pellet grill is best for me?", ask yourself what you want to get out of your pellet grill smoker. Choosing a class helps you narrow down pellet smokers according to your price range and skill level. As you hone your skills, you'll move on to advanced pellet grills with luxurious features and higher performance levels.
Quality
The materials and craftsmanship determine how many years your pellet grill will last. As you advance in the levels, you'll find sturdier craftsmanship, intuitive design, and high-quality steel that stands up to the test of time of backyard barbecues.
Performance
Higher performance levels mean more versatility. While a lower-grade pellet grill might only be suitable for smoking, advanced grills can bake, smoke, sear, and grill your meat. You'll reach higher temperatures and maintain a consistent temperature while you cook.
Features
As a new griller, grills with basic features are best to learn from, but as you gain expertise, more features are great for advanced recipes and grilling techniques. Other features make grilling easier so you'll always take perfectly cooked meat out of the smoker.
Price
Each class has different price range. A higher price means better quality, but starter smokers have the tools that you need until you move onto a pricier model. Additionally, if you don't plan on using your smoker often, you don't need to pay for features that you won't use.
Top Entry-Level Pellet Grills
Quality
Entry-level grills feature moderate-grade steel that holds up during the summer but might not withstand long-term use. These smokers rust and corrode more quickly than advanced models. Since they have a lower level of craftsmanship, they come with shorter warranties. Expect to use these grills for a few years before moving onto a newer model.
Performance
Starter grills often have low-tech controllers that cause temperatures to fluctuate, so you'll have to keep an eye on your smoker. Typically, they're designed for slow-smoking meat, making precision grilling a challenge. Starter controllers reach lower temperatures than advanced grills, but they're suitable for basic meals like hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs.
Features
Beginner pellet grills have fewer features than other classes--but if you're starting out, you only need the basics. Even the cheapest grills have a few modern features like WiFi connectivity or digital touch screens. Other basic features include removable drip trays and internal meat probes. These grills are great for camping and hiking trips where you just need the basics.
Top Practical Pellet Grills
Quality
While they're not top-of-the-line, practical pellet grills feature stronger construction and tougher steel than entry-level grills. Practical grills offer longer warranties and withstand extreme temperatures. In addition to the main construction, stainless steel makes up other components like shelves and cooking grates. Quality craftsmanship reduces the need for constantly repairs and replacements.
Performance
Practical pellet grills reach higher temperatures than entry-level grills, allowing for more versatility. With these smokers, you can cook entire meals: sear a steak, grill vegetables, and bake a pie. Advanced features provide greater control over the temperature and prevent flare-ups that blacken your meat. Practical grills distribute heat throughout the grill so your food cooks evenly and consistently.
Features
If you've been grilling for a while, practical pellet grills offer advanced features while keeping it simple. Most practical grills come with smartphone apps that connect to the grill, allowing you to monitor the temperature from anywhere. Other features include advanced temperature controllers and LCD displays for precise grilling. Extra space allows you to cook for large groups of people.
Top Premium Pellet Grills
Quality
Premium pellet grills are the mid-tier between practical and luxury grills. These grills offer quality craftsmanship, durable stainless-steel, and intuitive design. They're suitable for grillers who need more precision and convenience, and can experiment with advanced recipes and make the most out of limited features.
Performance
Due to the strong engineering, premium pellet grill smokers are consistent and reliable. You can grill large quantities of meat or huge cuts of meat like whole turkeys--either way, the grill cooks the food evenly with no burnt edges or raw interiors. Select grills circulate the smoke throughout the grill to make the food even more flavorful.
Features
Premium pellet grills have enough space to cook food for dozens of people. They infuse your meat with smoky flavor and provide extra space to store meat and hang your tools. Modern features include alarms, digital controllers, and WiFi connectivity that allows you to step away and check your progress on your smartphone.
Top Luxury Pellet Grills
Quality
Now that you know how to buy a pellet grill, browse luxury pellet grills to shop from the best. Luxury pellet grill smokers have the most advanced technology, toughest materials, best construction, and convenient features to create a restaurant-quality experience. They also feature sleek designs that fit in with modern kitchens. Bright stainless steel makes a luxury pellet grill the standout of your backyard dining area.
Performance
Luxury pellet grills have wide temperature ranges, enabling you to grill everything in the cookbook. You can sear, bake, grill, smoke and roast your entrees, sides, and desserts without switching between different smokers. Precision controls allow you to cook the meat perfectly with minimal temperature fluctuation. With fans and heavy-duty insulation, luxury grills maintain a consistent temperature while you grill.
Features
Luxury pellet grill has everything that you need: LED lights, steel grates, temperature probes, digital controls, front-loading hoppers, and other essentials. Luxury grills often have features specifically for different types of cooking, like searing and rotisserie grilling. With specific temperature settings, you can control the heat within 5 degrees. These grills have the highest temperature ranges, often climbing to 700°F.
