Pellet Vs Electric Smokers The Cost Difference
As a general rule, you will have to spend more to purchase a pellet smoker over an electric smoker. Now, the simple reason for that is a pellet smoker contains more components, therefore its more expensive to produce. You can purchase an electric smoker for just a few hundred dollars. The cheapest pellet smokers on the market will be at least a couple of hundred dollars more to provide the same cooking area. However, in terms of smoke flavour and ease of use, I believe a pellet smoker is simply superior. For instance, an electric smoker only produces smoke when there is a sufficient source of wood in the base to produce that smoke. With a pellet smoker on the other hand you know there is smoke if there are pellets still in the hopper.
If you are on a tight budget there are are several pellet grill/smoker options to choose from: Image ZGrills.com
Though on average, the point still stands, you will have to spend more to get a true pellet smoker. I have a previously produced a series of articles on the best wood pellet smoker/grills for under $500, under $1,000 and under $2,000. You may also want to check out some of my comparison articles comparing Traeger against other brands. Such as Traeger vs Pit Boss, Traeger vs Camp Chef and Traeger vs Weber. Many of the pellet grill manufacturers also offer finance/monthly payment options. Therefore, while the total cost of a pellet smoker is more than a typical electric smoker, that cost can be spread out over time.
What Is The Pit Boss 820
The Pit Boss 820 is a pellet smoker marketed by Dansons. The Pit Boss line offers different models which include the Small 340, Medium 440 Deluxe, Large 820, and 820 Deluxe. The number in the name indicates the number of square inches of space used for cooking/smoking surface. So, the Pit Boss 820 has 820 square inches of cooking and warming space.
The Pit Boss has a 16-gauge black coated steel cast iron grate and has a secondary removable cooking rack and wire lower shelf. It also includes a handle on the left side of the grill to aid in moving the smoker across cement aprons, grassy yards, or even gravel.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Pellet Grill
As for how much electricity the pellet grill uses will take some basic math skills to determine. For most appliances, the wattage being uses is listed on the back. Unfortunately, I couldnt find it on the back of my grill, but after researching online, I discovered that most pellet grills require about 30 watts of electrical power to function properly.
Most will use about 300 watts for the first 4 minutes, and once the hot rod ignitor is hot and the flame is going, it will pull about 50 watts of power continuously.;;
This formula will help you determine how much electricity your grill uses. You can then determine how much it will cost you based on your utility companys price per kWh used.
Formula
Watts * hours used per day * days used per year = Kilowatts/hour consumption
Multiply this number by your local utilities rate per kWh consumed (North Carolina averages 11.24 cents / kWh. Heres a chart of electricity prices with prices for different states throughout the United States.
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Negative Pit Boss 820 Reviews
One thing that reviewers noted is that the warranties for the Pit Boss are for one year, while other brands, like Traeger, are three years.;
Another downside is the electronics in the control panel make the Pit Boss require a steady electrical connection, unlike non-electric models.
One of the specific negatives about the unit is that it apparently requires a lot of pellets to keep the temperatures high enough.;
Pit Boss 72820 Deluxe
The heavy, 16-gauge steel construct and copper-finished lid make this model one of the most luxurious pellet grills on our list. With 820 square inches of grilling space and a temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees, it could be an excellent fit for larger families. Theres even a built-in bottle opener, since we all know that grilling can be a social event as much as a cooking technique. The chimney has a cool L-shaped design, and the cart-style design features two wheels and an efficient grease bucket.
Like the 700FB and the Classic 700, the 72820 Deluxe features a flame broiler for searing and a dial-in digital control panel with an LED readout screen. This grill gives slow-cooked foods a delectable smoky flavor, and a built-in meat probe allows you to see when the ingredients have reached their desired temperature. While it isnt as effective at low temperatures as it is at grilling, it does get the job done eventually. Wed recommend this grill to anyone who needs a minimum of 800 square inches of grilling space, and who would appreciate the raft of cosmetic features that it offers.
Pros:
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What Should I Look For When Shopping For A Pellet Grill
To help you get started, heres a list of the most pertinent features and benefits of a pellet smoker. Bear in mind that some of these qualities are subjective. For example, the amount of grilling space should be proportionate to the size of your group, or how often you grill. A couple who rarely entertains will have no need of a grill with 800 square inches of cooking space, whereas a larger family would have a more difficult time with a smaller unit.
- ValueConsider how much youre willing and able to spend on a pellet grill
- DurabilityPay close attention to the quality of the materials, as well as the efficiency of the overall construction
- Pellet EfficiencyTake note of how quickly the auger component feeds pellets into the chamber
- SizeThe amount of grilling space thats available
- Type of Control PanelLook for sophisticated technology that makes for a largely hands-free operation
- Temperature ProbesThe best grills will offer dual probes that report the internal temperature of the meat, as well as the cooking chamber itself
- Ease of SetupAssembly should take no more than two hours for a single person
- Ease of UseOperation should be straightforward and efficient, with minimal cleanup duties required
Pit Boss 700fb Pellet Grill Bundle With Cover Review
A beautifully made backyard grill is a thing of beauty and a joy forever, but environmental wear and tear can really take its toll.
With the Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill Bundle with Cover, you can give your grill the protection it deserves with a durable cover that will keep it in perfect condition no matter the season.
If that sounds like the tail wagging the dog, rest assured that the grill lives up to the cover. A perfect family-sized grill, the 700FB has 700 square inches of cooking space .
There is also a 500°F temperature capacity and sturdy, high-quality construction that makes it built to last.
There is currently a great deal available on this bundle at the Pit Boss website: regularly priced at $510,the 700FBhas now been marked down to $350.;
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How To Start Up A Pit Boss Pellet Grill For The First Time Or One That Is Empty
Starting up an empty Pit Boss pellet grill is slightly different than starting up one that is already full of pellets.
If your Pit Boss pellet grill is truly BRAND new, you should go through the full process of seasoning it before cooking on it for the first time.
Otherwise follow these steps as follows:
Cooking With The Grill Wood Fired Pellet Grill With Flame Broiler Pit Boss
Grilling on an Ironwood 885 is nearly as very easy as grilling gets. Relieve of use is among the characteristics of pellet grills as well as the Ironwood selection does not disappoint in this respect. It additionally constructs on that benefit thanks to several vital features.
Having very good tools absolutely aids. We followed numerous Traeger recipes to the letter as well as ended up with flavorful pulled pork, ribs that fell off the bone, beautifully medium-rare brisket , tender sweet corn, as well as divine pork tenderloin.
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Pit Boss Electric Smokers
Two of the three Pit Boss smoker series are powered by a 1,650-watt electric element and also feature a pair of fully adjustable damper valves that helps you achieve exact temperatures and airflow. If you like checking the internal temperature of your food, these units come with a meat probe that can be stored in a dedicated control panel slot. With the front-loading wood chip tray, your smoking session can reach up to two hours.
Pit Boss 700fb 700 Sq Inch Pellet Grill
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The Pit Boss 700FB square inch pellet grill spoils you with an expansive cooking surface that is sure to satisfy all of your cooking needs. Designed with an innovative flame broiler you can cook your steaks and burgers to the standard that you would expect to receive in your favorite steakhouse. As you are left in complete control throughout the cooking process you can grill your meats at your desired temperature.
Constructed using porcelain-coated cast iron grids, this is a durable pellet grill that is likely to see you through many uses without any significant deterioration to the quality.
Fueled by using 100% natural wood pellets, this is a natural source that isnt reliant upon gas, propane, or charcoal, designed to reach your chosen temperature with immediacy.
Impressively, these wood pellets have been sourced from America so you can be confident in the root of your fuel.
Featuring a digitally controlled burn system, this grill is easy to operate leaving you in complete control when reaching your chosen temperature which ranges from 170 Fahrenheit to 600 Fahrenheit.
Pros
Cons
- Unfortunately, this grill begins to struggle with maintaining its temperature after a few uses.
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Camp Chef Pellet Grills With Propane Sear Box/sick Kick
Currently, my favourite combo pellet/gas grill is the option of combining either a Camp Chef Woodwind 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 and 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 focussed on providing more utility to the pellet grill/smoker. In other words, you do most of the cook 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.comThe Camp Chef propane Sidekick is a more flexible solution compared to the Sear Box, though it is more expensive: Image Campchef.com
Wifire As Well As Traeger Application
A special feature of the Timberline Traeger 1300 is that it features an embedded Wifi capability permitting you to connect the pellet grill to the free Traeger application for very easy control and monitoring.
When you utilize the app you can browse over 1.600 dishes, adjustment temperature level setups, check the degree of pellets still in the receptacle as well as review the real food preparation as well as probe temperature without having to rise from your chair.
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Pit Boss Lockhart Platinum Series
Traeger doesnt have any grills like the Lockhart, but its a fun grill so we thought we would include it anyway.
You get a fairly standard pellet grill on the bottom, with a double-door smoke cabinet stuck on top.
This gives you an insane 2136 square inches of cooking space, all within a fairly moderate footprint .
You get a large 40 lb hopper to keep you cooking, and two probes are included although you can add up to four total.
Its a fun, unique smoker that doesnt fit into the same mold as 99% of the other pellet grills you see out there.
Its a good choice for anyone that wants to feed a crowd, without spending too much money.
Keep The Pellet Hopper Lid Closed
After you fill your hopper with enough pellets, close the lid and keep it closed. I say that because I had some issues with my Traeger pellet grill. I think it had to do with air getting to the augur area. Soon I had smoke coming up out of my hopper. That is NOT where you want smoke!
I never had the pellets in the hopper catch fire, but it seems to me that is a possibility. Whether they ever would catch fire or not, I still didnt want smoke in there. I want smoke where my meat is. I think its best to keep the hopper lid closed unless youre filling it up or checking pellet levels. Keeping it closed keeps debris out of there that might clog up the augur.
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Should You Procure The Z Grill 450b
The Z Grills 450B is a wonderful economical alternative for people, partners, or compact families.
It does not have several of the top-end features like WiFi as well as insulation. Its PID temperature level controller does an excellent task of developing a dependable grilling atmosphere for quickly repeatable outcomes. Its very easy and also sturdy to use, especially with its recently upgraded receptacle cleanout system and also manual feed button.
The Z Grills 450B looks and does like a pellet smoker that deserves far more than its appealing cost.
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Pit Boss 700fb Wood Pellet Grill
The 700FB was one of Pit Boss top selling grills but its become a little outdated now with the release of the Sportsman and Navigator range.
Like its name suggests the Pit Boss 700FB has 700 sq inches of cooking surface. To get the same space on a Traeger you would be looking at the Traeger Pro 780 which is double the price.
While you do give up a bit in features like WiFi connectivity, the price difference alone makes the 700FB a very tempting buy in the mid to large sized pellet smoker range.
This grill does have plenty of options for cooking hot though. Its able to hit 600°F and youve also got the flame broiler system where you use a slide-plate to get direct flame grilling.
You get a standard digital controller so the temperature will fluctuate a little more. The control unit isnt as nice as the Sportsman and there are no side or front shelves.
Otherwise, the features of this grill are all fairly similar to those we discussed in our Pit Boss 440 review above.
You dont see many companies selling vertical pellet smokers.
Maybe its because people like the old school cool look of the drum shaped design.
We think thats a shame because the vertical design lets you fit a lot more cooking real estate into a smaller foot print.
If you want to go down the vertical smoker path, Pit Boss offer their 3 series, 5 series and 7 series.
There isnt really a Traeger alternative to the Pit Boss Vertical smokers.
You might also see these referred to as Copperhead Pellet Smokers
Pellet Grill Vs Electric Smoker
Electric smokers;are modern takes on classic smokers, offering ease of use and more control than its traditional cousins. Instead of bricks of wood or charcoal, electric smokers heat wood chips in order to get that smoky flavor. Like pellet grills, they are very convenient to use, allowing cooks to set it and forget it. However, most electric smokers dont reach high enough temperatures to grill and sear . They do get hot enough for most other outdoor cooking techniques so if an electric smoker is something youre interested in, take a look at;Pit Boss Electric Smokers. Our smokers can reach temperatures of 400°F offering 5 in 1 options for outdoor cooking.
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