While the moisture absorbency of wood pellets is not a positive feature when it comes to combustion, there is an application where it is a benefit. A good quality wood pellet will break cleanly into two pieces with an audible ‘snap’ sound. Wood pellets that have started to absorb moisture will break apart into lots of smaller pieces and create lots of fines (dust).
Even with an 18-pound capacity, we’d like to see a larger hopper, as it seems outsized by the available cooking area. Speaking as someone who’s been voted most likely to dig a pit, build a fire, and slow roast meats on a spit on a random Tuesday, just because I can, and have, doesn’t mean I want to. Sometimes, I just want to grill some food quickly with the wood fire taste that’s unachievable with a gas grill.
If you’re looking for a pellet grill that can do it all, the Yoder Smokers YS640 is worth its high price tag. During testing, we fell in love with this high-end grill and its highly adjustable temperature range, spacious interior, and Wi-Fi connectivity. To find the best pellet grills available today, the PEOPLE Tested team reviewed 21 models from top brands, using the grills to cook steak, chicken wings, pizza, and more. After hours of rigorous testing, we found a batch of winners that brought the richest flavors, with the easiest setup, and best features. It performed well in the functional tests and was easy to assemble. With 892 square inches of cooking area, it has a good capacity and adequate heat retention and recovery times.
One person steadying the grill while another puts each leg on was very helpful. Made from stainless steel, Pit Boss smokers feature double-wall insulation to keep more heat inside while less escapes. Pit Boss finishes their smokers pit boss flat top with a durable and rust-proof powder-coat finish. When it comes to the quality, durability, and efficiency of materials, Pit Boss takes the cake. A pellet grill will use between one to three pounds of pellets per hour.
You can connect the grill to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the app allows you to monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature remotely. In terms of features, this pellet grill offers Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity so you can control your grill’s temperature from wherever you are. Overall, the performance was stellar; the only hiccup was during our baking test, the pizza crust cooked faster than the toppings, so it became a bit charred. Once you’re finished grilling, the grates are easy to scrape clean. There are some pellet burner manufacturers who will tell you to never use open bags of wood pellets in their equipment.
If you own a pellet stove, boiler, BBQ/smoker, or you’re looking to purchase one there is a very important lesson to learn. If you don’t keep your wood pellets dry, you will end up with a wet mush that can only be used as mulch in your garden. To emphasise this point, WoodPellets.com have produced the video below. It shows what happens when wood pellets come into contact with water. I’ll talk about more realistic wood pellet moisture issues below. However, first please watch the video to see what will ultimately happen if your wood pellets are exposed to moisture.
It looks solid and there’s no mistaking that this is battery-powered thanks to the neon green symbol on the right front of the grill. The digital control panel is big and bright with an easy-to-read indicator for battery life. The legs are sturdy so you don’t have to worry about your grill tipping over on the table during use either.
Earlier in February 2023, Pit Boss Grills dropped a teaser reel on Instagram and slightly longer YouTube teaser for what appeared to be an upcoming portable pellet grill that was battery-powered. Late in February, Pit Boss launched their Battery-Powered Portable Pellet Grill aimed at making pellet grills truly portable. When it comes to choosing a pellet grill, one of the main specs to consider is the size. For large parties, large families, or events, you will want a grill that has a large cooking capacity.
The tray doubles up as a place to set up the food or condiments while using the grill. The two wheels made the grill portable to use in any part of the patio, and when the grill was not in use, I could push it into its storage area quite easily. One of the legs is mounted with a bottle opener for easy entertaining on the patio.
Check out these 7 tips for getting your grill hot and ready when you need it. If you’re cooking with gas, you should always grill burgers with the lid closed. This will prevent flare ups, cook your burgers faster, and deliver a lot more consistency. 225 degrees Fahrenheit until the patties have reached an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit which will take about minutes. Then, take the patties out, preheat your grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or High, then place the patties back in to sear and grill to your desired doneness (see temperature chart above). Safety first, and so it’s worth pointing out the USDA recommends burgers be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.