Which Has The Better Control Panel
I have a separate article on how wood pellet grills work, but essentially the control panel is at the heart of how every pellet grill works to start/stop the fire and control the temperature.
There is a pretty significant difference between the Pit Boss Lockhart and Cuisinart Woodcreek, the Pit Boss features a PID temperature controller whereas the Cuisinart does not.
What that means is the Pit Boss can control its temperature to within 5 degrees of the set temperature. Whereas the Cuisinart is only able to hold its temperature within 25 degrees of the set temperature. Quite simply, the Pit Boss has a superior/more accurate control panel over the Cuisinart.
The control panel on the Pit Boss Lockhart with PID/Bluetooth functionality is the superior of the two pellet grills: Image Pitboss-grills.com
However, both the Pit Boss and Cuisinart control panels do feature Bluetooth connectivity. Its important to not confuse Bluetooth capabilities with WiFi though, and I would preferably like to see both pellet grills with WiFi. Update, the Pit Boss now has WiFi connectivity as well.
Though both of these pellet grills are built to be as affordable as possible, and some people will never actually use WiFi to its true potential anyway. The point is though, Bluetooth is only capable of short-distance remote communication with the pellet grill.
Cuisinart Grills Wrap Up
Cuisinart is a well-known American home appliance brand thats been around for almost 40 years. It manufactures a wide range of kitchen appliances, and as we hope youve seen in this Grill review Cuisinart maintains a very high level of quality in their goods. If youd still like a more elaborate explanation of what to expect from the Cuisinart CGG-888, take some time to hop over to Amazon, and read through some of the reviews that were left by previous buyers.
What We Loved About The Cuisinart Oakmont Pellet Grill And Smoker
- I love the easy connect technology that comes with this pellet grill. The bbq app worked great and was an unexpected feature for a wood pellet grill at this price point.
- This pellet grill includes a lot of high-end features that arent usually present at this price. It makes me feel like Im using a much more expensive grill. From the large LCD screen, to the appliance-grade viewing window, to the cooking chamber light, there are a lot of bonus features that were missing in the other grills available for this price.
- I really liked the cooking grates on this grill. They are hefty, put a decent sear mark on your protein , and stay put when being cleaned.
- Theres plenty of prep space on this grill, with a folding front shelf and side shelves.
- The pellet hopper is enormous, holding up to 31 pounds of wood pellets at a time.
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How Is Grilling Different Than Barbecuing
Barbecuing is a slow and low process, which involves cooking with hardwood, charcoal or wood pellets over indirect heat. The ambient temperature of the smoker heats the meat and breaks down collagen to create succulent dishes.
Grilling involves cooking directly over a fire source hot and fast. Pellet grill manufacturers have slowly been adding this feature to their products to provide the versatility of both cooking methods.
Cuisinart Twin Oaks Dual Function Pellet And Propane Gas Grill
$895.50
- Appliance grade viewing window with two 10-watt halogen lights make seeing inside a breeze
- Ready to use cast iron griddle for cooking versatility
- Easy Connect technology with Bluetooth connectivity
- Commercial grade gasket seal locks in smoke
- Express Ash Clean-Out System makes cleaning up as easy as 1-2-3
- Maximize space with the stainless steel flip-up warming rack
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How The Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Prime Has Held Up Over Time
After testing pellet grills in 2020, we handed off the Daniel Boone Prime to Harry Sawyers, a senior editor at Wirecutter. Harry noted that the Daniel Boone Prime is easy to use and maintain. He told us that it smokes meat well, either fast or slow , adding that the grate size is ample easily enough room to arrange a rack of ribs, two chickens, and assorted smaller stuff for a holiday crowd. He says its accessible to clean: pretty easy to remove grill grates with a pair of tongs to scrape the drip tray before big messes stiffen up. Overall, Harry said hes happy with the meats hes smoked in the Daniel Boone Prime. And running it manually is just about as simple and straightforward as it gets.
However, Harry also had some criticisms of the Daniel Boone Primes Wi-Fi connectivity, app, and temperature probes. On the Wi-Fi, he noted, The app generates its own Wi-Fi network. To use the app, you disconnect from your home network and connect to the grill network. So if youre using your phone for other things while using the Daniel Boone Prime app, you have to toggle between your home Wi-Fi network and the apps. Harry also took issue with a particular design quirk on the app. He found it too easy to accidentally turn the grill off through the app because the power button is at the top of the phone screen crammed very tight against other buttons you routinely need to press, like connect.
What Is A Pellet Gas Combo Grill
A pellet gas combo grill is a grill that works both on gas and wood pellets. This means that the combination of a pellet grill and a gas grill will allow you to prepare your food with wood pellets and enrich its smoky flavor using smoking techniques while also giving you options to cook over a gas burner.
Many people prefer a combo grill when they have a large family and a lot of mouths to feed. This is because you can make sids and kids friendly food on the gas portion of the grill while making smoked food on the other side. Be careful though, as not all combo grills give you the option of doing both at once. So if this is a feature you are looking for, ensure you buy a combo grill that is split in the middle.
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Best Pellet/gas Combo Grills/smokers In 2022
In recent years Ive started to notice more of the most popular pellet grill brands coming out with pellet/gas combination grills, commonly known as combo grills. Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons. As there are both pros and cons to both pellet and gas grills producing a grill with both fuel options does appeal to some people. Therefore, I thought I would produce a post to highlight some of the best pellet/gas combo grills/smokers currently on the market and also to discuss if and when you might want to consider such a combo grill/smoker. For instance, is a 50/50 split between pellets and gas cooking areas really your best option? Or is a smaller side propane accessory a better option?
Currently, I think the best pellet/gas combo grills/smokers are the Camp Chef Woodwind with a propane Side Kick and the new Camp Chef Apex : Image CampChef.com
Disclaimer: Hey! By the way any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon or other sites are affiliate links, and I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Cuisinart Oakmont Pid Controller
Of all the units in our Best pellet grill under $599 test, the Cuisinart Oakmont pellet grill was the only unit to offer WIFI connectivity.
The Cuisinart Easy Connect app allows you to control the temperature of your pellet grill when youre on the move using your WIFI connection. We were able to set up the grill using the app in just about 5 minutes, and we were connected and ready to go.
The pellet grill controller display is large and easy to read. Everything is controlled by a single dial knob on the Cuisinart Oakmont pellet grill, and a simple hold of the dial is what turns the unit on and off.
Theres 1 temperature probe that comes standard with the unit, and the probe is designed to run through the front door on the Cuisinart Oakmont pellet grill since theres no probe port to slide the cable through while youre cooking. There are two meat probe readouts and probe ports so if you
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Pit Boss Sportsman 1230 Pellet/gas Combo Grill
| Dimensions | 69.54 x 31.69 x 50.17 inches |
| Fuel Type | |
| BTUs | 30,000 |
Next up, we have the 1230 Sportsman gas grill smoker combo by Pit Boss, and these guys really are the experts when it comes to any kind of smoker grill combo.
The 1230 Sportsman gets our vote for one of the best overall pellet smoker grill combos because it is sleek looking, seriously well constructed, and does everything you could possibly want it to without any fuss.
The 21 pound pellet hopper allows you to load up and leave the unit to do its thing for hours at a time, whilst the 30,000BTUs on the gas side offers fast and furious temperatures for a wide range of cooking processes.
It comes with two meat probes included, so you can achieve accurate temperatures and perfectly deliciously cooked cuts of meat. Sure, its expensive, but the results are so worth it.
Pros:
- Large cooking area over 50/50 gas-pellet split
- Two Meat Probes for accurate cooking
- 180°F to 500°F temperature range
- 21 lb. hopper capacity
- 8-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, barbecue, char-grill, and sear
Cons:
- Size of each cooking chamber small relative to the size of the entire unit
Why You Should Trust Us
I love cooking meat over fire. Its one of my greatest joys in life. Cooking over mesquite wood fire is my favorite, but who am I kidding? Ill gladly grill over charcoal and propane gas flames, too. This affinity started when, at 23, I began working the wood-fired grill at a restaurant. It was my responsibility to build and maintain the fire in that grill from the moment I started my shift until the end of dinner serviceabout 10 hours a shift for two and half years. Every night I walked out of the restaurant a smoky, sooty mess, and I loved every second of it.
Now my scrappy line-cooking days are behind me, and as a senior staff writer for Wirecutter I help review grills and grilling tools, along with all kinds of other kitchen tools and appliances.
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The Best Pellet Gas Combo Grill: A Comprehensive List And Buyers Guide
Home » Grills » Pellet Smoker Grills
What is a pellet gas combo grill? A pellet gas combo grill is a type of grill that uses both wood pellets and natural gas or propane as fuel. These grills feature heating and cooking components from both pellet and gas grills, integrated into a single frame. So you get a pellet grill and a gas grill in one grill.
This type of grill is becoming more and more popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a pellet grill. In this article, we will list the 3 best pellet gas combo grills on the market right now. We will also include a buyers guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
This Thoughtfully Designed Wood Pellet Grill And Smoker Is Ideal For Entertaining And Outdoor Fun
Room to grill more foodA two-tiered cooking grate makes room to grill more food, and a handy folding shelf provides a place to rest tools, spices, and serve ware. |
Handy grease bucket holderThe grill stays cleaner with an integrated spigot that drains hot grease into a cup instead of accumulating in the bottom of the grill. |
Unique portable designAll-terrain wheels and a stable handle makes it easy to position on a deck or patio for grilling, and roll it into storage when not in use. |
Ideal for entertainingThis awesome pellet grill and smoker makes dining alfresco more fun. Serve guests a memorable experience with the celebrated flavors of grilled and smoked foods. |
2.0 out of 5 stars
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Pellet/gas Grill Safety Tips
No matter which type of grill youll decide to use, you must be careful because the grills can be dangerous if they arent used properly. According to Intermountain Healthcare, here are some safety pointers that you must pay attention to.
- Dont turn the gas on while the grill is closed
- Turn off your grill when not in used
- Do not grill using gas unattended
- Never run the pellet side of your grill without pellets
- Always clean your grill after use to avoid a fire.
- Keep kids away from the grill as all parts of the grill, even the legs, may be hot.
If you follow these safety tips, you should have no incidents while you grill.
Cuisinart’s Pellet Grill Cooks With Wood Or Charcoal
Cuisinart’s new barbecue lets you smoke or sear with hardwood pellets or tried-and-true charcoal.
Cuisinart is the latest brand that wants in on the pellet grill game. Just like Weber, the appliance maker now has a new line of wood-burning outdoor cookers built to challenge Traeger for dominance. The most interesting product in my view is the extremely flexible $597 Woodcreek 4-in-1 Pellet Grill. Thanks to a big 30-pound capacity pellet hopper, plus a tight gasket, it can smoke food low and slow for hours on end.
There’s also a ceramic “briquette” accessory that’s designed for searing items under high heat. And when only genuine charcoal briquettes will do, the grill comes with a removable charcoal tray to tackle that task as well. Other handy features include a cast-iron griddle, viewing windows and interior halogen lights.
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Camp Chef Pellet Grills With Propane Sear Box/sick Kick
Currently, one of my favourite combo pellet/gas grills is the option of combining either a Camp Chef Woodwind, Woodwind Pro or SmokePro pellet grill/smoker with either a Sear Box or Side Kick propane attachment on the side.
I have a separate post comparing the Sear Box vs Side Kick, as the differences between the two are not immediately clear. The Sear Box, as the name implies, is purely for searing/grilling.
You can probably fit 4-5 burgers on there or 2-3 steaks. Now granted, thats not a lot of space compared to some of the 50/50 pellet/gas combo grills below. However, this solution is mainly focused on providing more utility to the pellet grill/smoker.
In other words, you do most of the cooking on the pellet grill to lock in the flavour and then finish off the cook with the Sear Box. Or cook up just a couple of quick burgers/steaks etc on the Sear Box.
The propane Sear Box can be attached to most Camp Chef Woodwind and SmokePro pellet grill/smoker models: Image CampChef.com
The SideKick, on the other hand, is more flexible . However, to use the SideKick you have to purchase additional accessories such as the BBQ Grill Box, Cast Iron Griddle, Artisan Ovan , and various other cookware is also available.
The SideKick with the BBQ Grill Box does provide more grilling space than the Sear Box, however, the total cost is higher.
The Camp Chef propane Sidekick is a more flexible solution compared to the Sear Box, though it is more expensive: Image CampChef.com
What Makes The Cuisinart Clermont Pellet Grill & Smoker Different
Most pellet grills are designed similar to a traditional offset smoker. They include one maybe two racks of cooking space with a lid that lifts up.
The Clermont on the other hand is designed more like a commercial oven. It has two large French-style glass doors with two cooking racks that can be adjusted to five different levels.
Just like an oven, you can use it to bake, roast and braise, but because its a pellet grill, you can also use it to smoke, barbecue and even grill.
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What Do Customers Think Of The Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet And Gas Grill
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet And Gas Grill is a unique and innovative product that offers the best of both worlds grilling with pellets or gas. Its perfect for those who love to grill, but cant decide between the two methods. This grill has received rave reviews from customers, who love its versatility and easy-to-use design.If youre looking for a high-quality pellet grill that also allows you to use gas, then the Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet And Gas Grill is the perfect option for you. Its easy to set up and use, and produces great results whether youre using pellets or gas. Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned griller, this grill will make your life easier.
Pick #: Cuisinart Twin Oaks Dual Function Pellet And Propane Gas Grill
The last amazingly good pellet/gas grill is the Cuisinart Twin Oaks dual-function pellet and propane gas grill, allowing you to cook with ultimate versatility.
While this grill is still massive, out of all of them on this list, it is the easiest to move around your patio or yard.
This is another grill on the list which lets you watch your grill temperature via app. We also like that it has viewing windows so you dont have to open your grill every time you want to check on your food.
Like the PitBoss options, it is split in half pellet grill, half gas grill, so you can utilize both cooking styles at the same time. Plus there is even a side gas burner, giving you four total in addition to the smoking space.
The smoking space is a bit smaller than we would like, but this grill is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Cuisinart Twin Oaks Dual Function Pellet and Gas Grill Characteristics
- Dimensions 67.24 x 23.43 x 47.87 inches
- Weight 200 pounds
- Cooking area 900 square inches
Pros
- Durable grill and rust-resistant cast-iron grates
- Multiple gas burners
- Smaller pellet side than gas side
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