Getting the Most Out of Your Pellet Grill
With a good pellet grill you can smoke your food to mouth-watering flavors that will not only make you feel like you’re a child again but make loving memories with the entire family.
06/02/2019
Remember those good old days when summer was all about the family gathering together, enjoying the backyard while your father pretended to know what he was doing at the grill? Picnic tables, grilled meat, and burgers, a lot of fun and laughter, right? Definitely, a difference from today’s social media-induced get-togethers.
And as many of us do, with the nostalgia comes to need to relive that same childhood, and share it with our own children. Of course, the most important aspect here is the grill, right? Now, with a good pellet grill, you can smoke your food to mouth-watering flavors that will not only make you feel like you’re a child again but make loving memories with the entire family.
Whether you have a pellet grill or are considering buying one, this article will tell you how to get the most out of it.
1. Know Your Pellets
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel. Since they’re outdoor cookers that aid in smoking your food, the kind of wood pellets you use are extremely important. Do you want the best flavor and performance? Go with premium hardwood pellets. They may be costly, but they’re definitely worth the investment. And remember, keep those pellets dry. Moist pellets won’t start or maintain a flame. If your grill doesn't start, we advise you to check the pellet moisture first.
2. Keep it Clean
As with any cooking device, a clean pellet grill is a good pellet grill. It’ll last longer, and you’ll definitely enjoy the better taste, especially if you spot clean between cooking. Keep your pellet grill clean by making sure you scrape down the grill grates and drip tray, as well as wipe away grease spots or food residue on the shelf. A few tips that could make your cleaning easier is using foil on your grill racks and drip tray. If your grill is staying outdoors, a cover will definitely help.
3. Learn Temperatures
Maintaining the right temperature for your cooking is important. Although the knobs will tell you what temperature you’re cooking at, pellet grills are prone to what we call temperature ‘swings.’ That means that even if you’re cooking at a certain temperature, according to the knob, time lags could allow for the temperature to either rise or fall beyond your desired setting. Try to adjust the knob at a setting a little below the temperature you want to avoid this. Also, using a meat probe or thermometer can do wonders in helping you decide if your meat is ready.
4. Season Your Smoker
Trust us; we know how exciting it is to take your new grill out for a test drive. But there is one step that you should do before you start cooking. It might seem annoying, but it’s incredibly important. Seasoning your grill before using it allows you to get rid of manufacturing residues and gives you the nice smoky coating that does wonders to your food. Don’t skip this step…you’ll thank us later!
Grill Away!
Whether you’re new to the world of grilling, or you’ve decided to ditch the old grill, lying in your dad’s garage for a pellet grill, the final outcome is the same. You want to create a memorable experience for the whole family, and obviously, eat a delicious meal. A pellet grill will give you that and more. With the tips we’ve just shared with you, you’ll get the most out of your pellet grill and truly enjoy the savory taste of a well-smoked meal.