If you’ve been considering a pellet smoker, then there are a few things that you need to know. If you’re looking for something to replace your regular smoker, we can help.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about pellet smokers before you make a purchase. The best 5 pellet smokers to choose from.
What are pellet smokers?
A pellet smoker is an electric or gas-powered machine that uses pellets of wood to burn and heat food. This allows the user to cook with less noise and mess than they would normally have to deal with in a traditional setup.
The most common types of pellet smoker include gas models and electric models. The main difference between these two is how they work and what kind of fuel source they use.
Electric pellet smokers use electricity to create heat inside the machine while gas pellet smokers use natural gas.
Pellets come in different sizes and shapes so they can be used in any type of cooking application. You can buy them by the bag or by the pound depending on your preference.
Some people like to buy their pellets in bulk to save money. In this case, it’s important to choose a high quality brand of pellets. If you don’t do your research and buy cheap pellets, then you could end up wasting your money when you get home and realize that the pellets were just too small to actually make a difference with your cooking performance.
To help you decide which pellet smoker you want to buy, read our article detailing the best pellet smokers on the market.
Pellet smokers vs. grillers
There’s nothing wrong with using a traditional smoker box or grill whenever possible. Pellet smokers are designed to be more efficient than traditional setups so you may not have to spend that much time in the kitchen if you go the pellet route.
However, many people prefer to use both traditional smoking methods and a pellet smoker if they’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors cooking. A pellet smoker is perfect for outdoor use because it will keep the smoke from getting into the house when you’re in the backyard grilling.
Types of pellet smokers
Most of us already know what a pellet smoker looks like but there are a few things to remember when shopping around for one.
First of all, you should look at the size of the unit. There are several different types of pellet smokers available so you have to make sure that the one you’re purchasing will fit into your budget.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you plan to use it indoors or outdoors. You’ll probably want to go with the indoor option if you live in a colder climate since you won’t have to worry about heating the room up to the proper temperature.
You may also want to look into some of the other features offered by each model. Some units offer multiple racks for holding different types of food items or you may be able to control the temperature of the fire through your smartphone app.
Features to look for in a pellet smoker
When buying a pellet smoker, you’ll want to pay close attention to a few key features. Here are some of the features that you can expect to see in a quality pellet smoker:
Smokeless ignition system –
Many of today’s pellet smokers feature a unique technology called a “smokeless ignition” system. This means that the wood pellets themselves are responsible for creating the heat. Instead of using lighter fluid or propane, you simply place the pellets in the grate area and light them up using a match.
Built-in thermometer –
Some pellet smokers allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the smoke chamber from anywhere in the house with your phone. This makes it easy to check the temperature without having to open the door to the smoker.
Automatic ash cleanout system –
Many pellet smokers include an automatic ash cleanout system. This allows you to easily remove ashes from the smoker every 30 minutes or so. It’s a great way to ensure that you never have to bend over to scoop up those ashes yourself.
Multiple rack configurations –
Some pellet smokers offer several different rack configurations so that you can adjust the cooking style based on what you’re making. For example, some models let you swap out the racks for a variety of square and rectangular racks for cooking chicken, fish, and pork chops.
Temperature settings –
Most pellet smokers include a digital display that shows the current internal temperature of the smoker. You can set the device to automatically maintain that temperature level or you can manually change the setting with your phone.
Smartphone apps –
Some models include apps that allow you to monitor the temperature and adjust it remotely. This allows you to start the fire without opening the door of the smoker and losing heat.
Indoor/Outdoor –
Some models are specifically designed for indoor use only while others are designed to function well outside.
With a little bit of research, you’ll be able to find a pellet smoker that fits your needs perfectly.
Buying a pellet smoker
Once you know exactly what you’re looking for in a pellet smoker, it’s time to start browsing around online to compare prices and read reviews from previous buyers.
Make sure that you take your time and really evaluate each product before you make a final decision. When you find a pellet smoker that meets all of your requirements, you’ll be happy that you made the right choice.