What does more money get you

[Eli Lawrence]

I see there are three levels of pellet grills on the market -- The cheap , moderate , and the expensive --- I have have the cheap -- and IPA grill that I had tons of flash fires with chicken , What does more money get you and is it worth it -- Am considering the Rec Tec , Mak , and Memphis ( way to much money )

 

[bregent]

More money can get you:
Better controller - usually PID with more stability and more features like programs, wifi, auto relight, etc
More stainless - less corrosion
Better fit and finish
Direct flame on some
Insulation - less pellet consumption

Only you can decide if these are worth the added cost.

Not sure about the nature of the fires you've had, but if you don't clean out the pit and then cook at high temps, even the most expensive grill can have a grease fire.

 

[oldsmokerdude]

Quality and type of controller as bregent mentioned (PID is the way to go) and quality of construction (thicker steel, better hinges and latches, more options, etc). If you've not used a pellet pooper before, I would recommend a mid level entry to see if you like it. They are not everyone's "cup of tea". That said, lot's of folk on here have great luck with the lower cost models.

 

[Eli Lawrence]

I have owned a cheap IPG pellet grill and the grease fires happened when I was raising the temp on chicken thighs to get crispy skin. First it took for ever for the temp to raise and once it did the fat on the drip pan when up in flames --- I would finish it off in my gas grill. Was hoping the mid price or higher price ones don't have this problem. The beauty of the pellet grill is the purity of the smoke.