Tiny wood pellets make a big difference in your barbecue
Maybe you’ve heard of pellet grills. They seem to be popping up more and more these days. Just a few years ago, there were only two companies making them. But today, they're all anyone seems to be talking about when it comes to grilling, or backyard barbecues or tailgating. Why? Well, mostly because they're easy to use, quick to work and impart the food with that great smoky flavor we all want when we grill. In short, they make anyone a good griller.
How, you ask? Well, it starts with the pellets, themselves. They're made from compressed sawdust that is subjected to high pressure and heat. They burn cleanly and leave little ash to clean up. The grills constantly feed in the pellets to maintain a constant temperature, which not only allows for even grilling, but makes it possible for these grills to roast and smoke foods as well. “It's pretty simple for the cook—you turn it on and set it to your desired temp and, as long as you keep the hopper full of pellets, it'll keep cooking,” says Ray Lampe, author of Dr. BBQ's Big-Time Barbecue Cookbook and member of the American Royal BBQ Hall of Fame. What's more, they're relatively inexpensive compared to similar gas or charcoal grills. Herewith, four standout options to try.
This handsome grill is small enough to fit into the smallest of car trunks and yet boasts an impressive grilling area. The Ranger is able to handle a full rack of ribs, four steaks, six burgers or ten hot dogs at one time. The Digital Arc controller not only maintains a precise temperature, but a handy “keep warm” mode lets you cook your food ahead of time.
$449.95 at Williams Sonoma
This modern looking grill combines a novel, vertical shape with digital controls and convection cooking abilities within its dual-level cooking chamber. The hourglass shape also means its ideal for smaller patios or apartment dwellers without a lot of balcony space.
$929 at Grilla Grills
This rugged stainless steel grill sits on sturdy, foldable legs or easily slides onto a truck's tailgate. It comes with a digital WiFi controller (control and monitor through an iOS or Android mobile app), a meat probe, a peaked lid for extra room and a convenience tray with utensil hooks.
$348 at Amazon
This old school kettle shape is a great grill for novices. It's also once of the hottest pellet grills on the market, both literally and figuratively, reaching temperatures up to 749°F. There's also a simple temperature controller, digital display and integrated meat probe.
$499.99 / $399.99 at Recteq
You can control your smoke and flavor by choosing various pellets. This variety pack comes with a selection wood types and flavors, including apple, hickory and mesquite, along with Jack Daniel’s-infused wood.
$39.95 by BBQ Delight
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