7 Reasons Why Pellet Grilling is one of the Hottest Trends in the Industry

If we look at some of the biggest and best inventions of the past decade, what do they all have in common? They make our lives easier. Electric cars allow us to eat our breakfast while driving to work; Amazon lets us run errands from the comfort of our couch; and with Alexa, we can surf the web and set reminders without lifting a finger. 

As a result, it’s no surprise that the popularity of pellet grills is skyrocketing. These grills boil the BBQ process to three simple steps: set the temperature, press ‘start,’ and let your grill do the cooking for you. But not only are pellet grills highly convenient – they also produce delicious dishes with minimal mess. Need more convincing? Read on for even more reasons why pellet grilling is taking the barbecue world by storm!

1. They’re Really Easy to Use

Yes, we know we already mentioned how easy pellet grilling is, but some things are just so great you gotta repeat ‘em. 

The only prep work that a pellet grill requires is to periodically load BBQ pellets, which are made from compressed hardwood sawdust, into the fire pot of your grill. Then, all you have to do is set the temperature, and an electric auger will dispense only the exact amount of pellets needed to heat the grill to your desired temperature. (Say goodbye to lighter fuel!) 

You can then go back to doing what you were doing without having to worry about checking on your BBQ – even if you’re slow roasting something for the better part of a day. Since the electric auger automatically supplies wood pellets to the grill, you don’t have to monitor the temperature, adjust air vents, or add more fuel. Your pellet grill does that for you. Also some pellet smokers can be pre-programmed with entire smoking cycles – could barbecuing get any simpler? 

The innerworkings of pellet grills. Photo courtesy of Gourmet Barbecue

2. You Don’t Have to Worry about Flare-ups

Even the best of the best BBQ masters have experienced their fair share of barbecue flare-ups. But with pellet grilling, that’s something you’ll never have to worry about again. In fact, flare-ups are practically impossible on pellet smokers because there is a full coverage heat baffle that separates your food from the fire. In other words, there is no direct contact between flat drippings and an open flame. 

The only possible way for a flare up to occur is if you never clean your grill. However, most pellet grill models have a removable firepot which makes cleaning so easy that you won’t “forget” to do it!

3. Pellet Grilling Offers Consistent Temperature Control

When it comes to traditional barbecues, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature – especially with the often-inconsistent weather we have here in Canada. 

Pellet grills, however, use sophisticated techniques for monitoring the temperature inside of the cooking temperature. There is a thermostat that sends signals to the controller if the heat fluctuates, and the grill will automatically send the required number of pellets to get the temperature back in check. As a result, you have the ability to pinpoint heat control with pellet grills – with some grills allowing you to regulate temperatures in 5 degree increments. 

Pellet grills offer accurate and consistent temperature control. Photo courtesy of Traeger

4. Choose From a Wide Temperature Range

Along with having highly accurate and consistent temperature control, pellet grills also boast the ability to grill foods at a wide range of temperatures. Want to make some delicious slow-roasted pork on your pellet smoker? Simply set it to a low temperature and let it roast for 14 hours. Likewise, you can also preheat your pellet grill for high-heat grilling to create a crispy coating on whatever it is you’re cooking.

Some pellet grills can even sear – and it’s becoming an increasingly popular feature for newer models. Others can reach super high temperatures in order to create the same effect, such as the grills in Broil King’s Pellet Smoker Series, which can reach up to 600F.

5. You can Get Creative with the Versatility of Pellet Grills

From jerk chicken to grilled sangria to crème brulee, pellet grills are capable of cooking almost anything. With the click of a button, you can smoke, barbecue, bake, braise, or roast practically anything you can think of!

With pellet grilling, the meal possibilities are endless. Photo Courtesy of Courtesy of Broil King

Since BBQ pellets come in a variety of different flavours – such as pecan, apple, hickory, and maple – you can also mix and match different pellets to create one-of-a-kind flavor combinations. 

Some barbecue brands have also created cold smokers you can add to your pellet grill to create delicious smoked salmon, cheese, and more. 

6. Control your Grill From Afar—Using Wifi!

Tech-savvy barbecue masters will no doubt be excited to know that today’s pellet grills come with a variety of bells and whistles that you can gleefully geek out over. 

If you want to check in on your dinner as it’s cooking or adjust the temperature of your grill, no longer do you have to make the long trek from your living room to your backyard. With a pellet grillet, all you have to do is take out your smartphone.

Just as the automotive industry and the tech sector have evolved rapidly, so has the world of BBQs – and pellet grills, in particular. Many pellet grills have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, along with companion smartphone apps, so you can control your grill in the palm of your hand.

The Traeger app, which is connected to the brand’s pellet grills through its WiFIRE® technology. Photo courtesy of Traeger.

7. Choose from a Variety of Pellet Grill Models

Given the current popularity of pellet grills, it seems crazy to think that in 2008, only two BBQ companies manufactured pellet grills: Traeger and MAK grills. This was largely due to the fact that Traeger had patents on the grilling style. But after those original patents expired, a bunch of other BBQ companies hopped on the bandwagon. Now, in North America, there are over 20 different brands of pellet grills available.

A recent addition to the pellet grill scene is Broil King’s Pellet Smoker Series, which includes 4 models of different sizes and features. But all the grills are durably constructed from heavy-gauge steel, with the ability to smoke, sear, or roast. Those interested in these pellet grills will also be happy to know that Broil King is offering a promotion right now where you will receive $195.00 worth of BBQ swag upon the purchase of a pellet grill.

Broil King’s Pellet Smoker Series. Photo Courtesy of Broil King

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