The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing & Using Pellet Grills

New to pellet grills? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover all the information you need to choose and use a pellet grill for pitmaster-quality results. 

What is a pellet grill?

Put simply, a pellet grill is a digital outdoor cooker that automatically feeds hardwood pellets from a hopper into a firebox to burn as fuel. Grillers love them for three main reasons:

1. Easy: Just set your temp and place your food. That’s it.
   

2. Versatility: Grill, smoke, bake, braise, and roast, all using one unit.
   

3. Flavor: Infuse your food with smoky flavor, without babysitting a smoker all day. 

How to pick a pellet grill

Not to boast (okay, maybe a little), but we’re a leader in bringing state-of-the-art pellet grills within reach to more people. Each Pit Boss pellet grill is made with heavy-duty materials for strength and heat retention, with a powder-coat finish to prevent rust and handle high temps. 

So, which one should you go with? Ask yourself these things: 

• “How much do I want to cook?”: Whether you’re feeding the fam or the neighborhood, our grills go from 200-1,200+ sq. in. cooking space and 5-31+ lbs.of hopper capacity.

• “Do I want smart connectivity?”: Monitor from afar and cook using our app with Wi-Fi®/Bluetooth® connected grills.  

• “How much do I want to spend?”: We take pride in making affordable and accessible grills, so consider your budget before buying. 

Pellet Grill Model Comparison

How to start a pellet grill the first time

Start your pellet grill right the first time and it will last a long time. Here’s how: 

1. Put fuel in the hopper: While pellet consumption can vary depending on ambient temp, grill size, and set temp but you can budget roughly 2 lbs./hour for smoking or 4 lbs./hour for grilling. If you’re setting up for a long cook, it’s best to fill it over halfway so pellets have the best chance of flowing down consistently.  

2. Power up and hold “Prime.” With the lid open, wait until you hear pellets trickle into the firepot (always do this the first time or if you run out of fuel). You may have to release the prime button and hold it again if the auger was fully empty. Once pellets hit the firepot, wait 5-10 minutes for the grill to ignite. 

3. Do the initial “burn-off”: Once you see a thick white cloud of smoke roll out, set your temp to 350℉ for 30 minutes to burn off any impurities.
   

Congrats, now you’re ready to cook.

How to cook on a pellet grill

Get that mouthwatering, wood-fired flavor in just four steps:

1. Have fuel in the hopper: Same as last time.

2. Open the lid, power on, and set to “Smoke”: This gets the igniter going before adding more fuel.

3. Watch for smoke: Your grill heats up quickly, about 3 - 4 minutes. 

4. Get grilling: Once the cloud of smoke clears, you're good to close the lid. Just set your target temperature, let the grill warm up, and place your food. Your grill has got the rest.

That’s the short-and-sweet version. Check out this for a detailed breakdown.

Maintaining a pellet grill

Your pellet grill works hard so you don’t have to. Take care of it with this easy cheat sheet:

After each cook: 

• Wipe down the probe with water and sanitizer.

• Scrape grill grates to remove greasy buildup.
  
  

After 15-20 hours:

• Scrub grill to remove ash, grease, and grime using our Pellet Grill Cleaning Kit. 

As needed:

• Remove the gasket seal and replace it if leaking.

• If you aren’t cooking again in the next couple of weeks, it’s best to empty the leftover pellets into an airtight bucket to protect them from absorbing moisture. 

• Check your probes every 2-3 years or if you suspect they may be reading inaccurately. Replace if maintenance does not correct.
  

Get pitmaster-level results from the start with Pit Boss®  

Every expert was once a beginner and we’re proud to welcome you to Pit Boss Nation. If you’re looking for a great starter pellet grill, our Carbon Series offers entry-level features and pitmaster-quality results. Available in both 543- and 718-sq. in. models, each boasts a generous 13.5 lbs. hopper, meat probe, and everything you need to cook with confidence.

FAQs

Q. Are pellet grills worth it?

Absolutely. Pellet grills automatically maintain the flame to make wood-fired cooking effortless and accessible for every type of griller. 

Q. Which is better for beginners: pellet grill or gas grill?

Both are great options, but nothing beats pellet grills for infusing food with authentic, smoky flavor without spending your whole Saturday managing a fire.