How to Choose the Right Pellet Grill and Smoker?

Can you imagine your outdoor party without grilled food? Doesn’t it feel incomplete without the aroma of smoked meat? If you don’t have an outdoor grill or smoker and you are planning an outdoor party, don’t get carried away with impressive advertisements. The quality of the products is not in question here, but it is possible that certain types would not suit your home. Sound confusing? Here is a guide to look at before buying your outdoor pellet grills and smokers.

There are many varieties of pellet grills and smokers. Depending on the size, purpose, fuel, installation and features - you have many to choose from. Learning about these factors will help you make an informed decision.

Fuel Types

According to fuel type, grills and smokers are divided into four categories.

1. Charcoal: This is the traditional type to get the best BBQ flavor. A lump of charcoal or briquettes are burnt to heat up and cook the meat. Heat regulation is difficult. You may have to spend some extra bucks on the charcoal and cleaning can be a tedious task.

2. Electric: Heats up quickly and takes 120 to 220-volts. Much more convenient and portable than the charcoal but lacks the tradition taste.

3. Radiation: The burner generates radiation and it uses the heat produced to cook meat. It is time-saving and less costly as you can skip the fuel costs.

4. Gas: This is the little brother of charcoal. Lava rock, ceramic stones, pumice stones and heat plates are the alternatives used here. It needs 240-volts of electric connection. This user-friendly grill is not portable. You can choose between natural gas or propane gas.

Way of Installation

How and where you want to install your pellet grills and smokers is also a large factor in deciding what one to choose.  

1. Built-in: The name itself states how it is. This is a set grill in a surrounding base. The base can be of cement or stone. You can also opt for a custom base.

2. Free-standing: This is the most popular choice for outdoor pellet grill or smoker. This is a portable grill with a complete look. User-friendly in nature and can be used with any fuel.

3. Portable: The basic feature lies in its portability. This can be a free-standing grill or a small tabletop model. It can be heated with propane, electric or charcoal.

4. Post-mount: This is also a built-in grill on a singular stand. You can install it in the outdoor areas allowing a more classy look.

Apart from these types, you can also get pellet grills and smokers with an infrared burner, halogen burner, side burner and many others. American Propane can help you decide what is best for your situation  according to your needs and preferences.