question about pellet grill care and feeding

[yardbird]

I currently have a charcoal grill and a propane smoker. I am considering a pellet grill/smoker as my next upgrade (depending on which of the current ones dies first)

Questions about the pellets...

Do you just leave them in the hopper all the time? Or do you have to empty the hopper of unused pellets when you're done cooking? I'm asking because today, for example, it's quite damp outside. And later this week it's going to go down into the low 20s or upper teens. Would the pellets absorb moisture and freeze into a solid block, thereby rendering the grill useless until you could thaw it out and dig out the pellets?

And if you're expected to empty the hopper and maybe clear the auger of unused pellets, how easy/hard is it to do that?

Questions about the hardware/electrical stuff...

Obviously a charcoal grill is about as simple as it gets. Replace a cooking grate occasionally and throw away the whole unit when the body rusts out.

In terms of maintenance and parts replacement, what would be realistic expectations and approximate costs? I'm reading on here about igniter failures, auger failures, board failures, and I know some of those are NOT common but the igniters do seem to have a certain life span and need to be replaced. How often do you need to change the igniter? Do you keep one on hand or buy when you need it? It just seems the most common item needing replacement from what I've read so far.

drip pans, cooking grates, etc .... what is maintenance like on these internal pieces? There's also the actual burn pot where the pellets are burning and that seems like it would get a lot of heat abuse. :)  How often are you replacing internal parts and how often are you pulling this apart and cleaning the internals?

I really like the "set-and-forget" of a pellet grill, but I also want to be realistic in terms of what maintenance and care it will need. I don't think anything comes free. :)

Thanks for any insights.

 

[bbq grub rub]

I've never had to remove my pellets unless I wanted a different flavor profile. As far as part failures go, never had one. I've used a traeger Jr for over a year and never had an issue. My BIL has had a Traeger (USA made one) for at least 4 or 5 years & I know he's never had an issue as well. I'm now the proud owner of a Rec Tec and with all the research I did before getting into this unit, I think I'm in for many, many years of great food & no problems.

   If you ever were to have an igniter stop working, you can light the pellets with a torch. As long as your auger & fan is working, you can go about cooking as you would any other time. IMHO you have a better chance of a charcoal grill disintegrating from the harsh environment they go through, than a quality pellet smoker having catastrophic failure. I did a lot of research and decided on the Rec Tec, I'm glad I did. I've done several cooks on it so far and had excellent results every time. It also maintains its temp whithin 2 degrees, even with a 40 degree ambient temp swing from morning to afternoon. If you're serious, do your research on materials used, controllers, features vs price, temp control and customer service after the sale. The Rec Tec has a 30 day money back garantee (they even pay return shipping) and a 5 year warranty. This was an important deciding factor for me. The research is part of the fun, enjoy your search and be sure to keep us updated, good luck.

 

[tjohnson]

I own a Treager Texas(Clone), and have had great luck with it

Most of the cheaper pellet grills are entry level.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you're not going to get some of the features offered on the more expensive pellet grills.  Parts are mostly steel with little or no stainless steel.  Controllers are basic and fit and finish may be marginal. 

The digital controller that came with my pellet grill was very inconsistent, so I replaced it with an Ortech digital controller,  Best $80 I've spent on the grill!  I can maintain a couple degrees of the set point.

I also sealed the lid to help control the heat, and keep more smoke in the smoker

Here's the downside of any pellet grill.....

A Pellet Grill is basically a "Pellet Fired Outdoor Convection Oven".  They are marketed as "Grills", not "Smokers".  If you want a heavy smoke flavor, it's tough to get out of a pellet grill.  That's not to say you can't do it, but pellet grills are designed for cooking, not smoking.

Visit some dealers and do some research

Do you want an entry level with no frills?

All Stainless Steel?

 

[ptpalms]

Check out the Blazin Grill Works units.  They have a pull out firepot that makes cleaning and start ups in the event of an ignitor failure or flameout a breeze. 

These units are built like tanks right here in the USA. 

See my other posts for the rest of my opinions on these grills. 

I wouldn't worry about them rusting out, and as for your other concerns, just like anything you buy, if you take care of it, it will last a long time.