New pellet grill and have some questions to make sure I start things out right!

[Lucas Bruursema]

Hi All. I have for the longest time wanted a pellet grill and for an early birthday and Father's Day gift I got the pit boss pro series 1100 from Lowes. I read lots of good reviews about pit boss and hope that it will be a good grill. I am not new to grilling and smoking but am I correct in a
saying that cooking on a pellet grill is a new skill set to learn? I guess right now I'm confused on the temp in the grill I know that the temp gauge on the barrel will read different than the control module but my first cook I cooked steaks at 400 and almost cremated them because the grill was so hot The temp read 400 but the barrel gauge read almost 550. I followed the manual exactly to let the temp stabilize but I guess I was hoping I could get suggestions on how to make sure that I am grilling correctly or that my grill is operating correctly? I also cooked pizza at 400 and the tops were almost done but the bottoms were almost burnt...so...not sure if I'm going at this all wrong. The temp and actual controls on the controller seem to be working correctly and their is little fluctuation. Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[chef jimmyj]

Can't help but congrats on the new toy and good luck. Someone should be by to help...JJ

 

[Lucas Bruursema]

Thanks! Cooking burgers and baking some potatoes as we speak. Looks like they may come out all right.

 

[smokinq13]

You'll love your machine! I got a austin and use it all the time. I do not go off of the barrel/ chamber gauge but rather what the digital says... plus from trail and error you learn what temperature settings to use... the gauge is too high off grate level and since heat rises it will be hotter. I do recommend for long cooks/ smokes you get a wireless thermometer to watch the temps... i got the ThermoPro tp20 (i believe) and use it every smoke! One goes into the meat while the other sits grate level to accurately read chamber temperature

 

[Lucas Bruursema]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

If you have or get a multi-probe thermo, can place them around the grates to find temps. Check at 225, 300, 350, whatever temps you'll cook at and take some quick notes. I recently did this with the Inkbird to see where I stood

My pit probe is on the left side right above the bottom grate. I don't have an analog temp on the lid though. Just food for thought.

As far as learning a new skill, it's was different for me from all other cookers. Turn on, set temp, cook... pace around cause you don't have to add splits or charcoal... took some getting use to to fully trust it, but know I sleep or leave the house for long intervals confidently. As long as the hopper is full.

Congrats on the purchase though!

 

[Lucas Bruursema]

Thanks for the advice and I'll give that a shot!

 

[schlotz]

Yup, you have to know what your real grate temps are. Good calibrated probes are worth every cent.