A pellet barbecue is the big trend of recent years.
Why are some people crazy about it? Because it's efficient and reliable, and it allows people to slow cook and smoke food (I'm thinking, among other things, of large cuts of meat, like briskets and pork shoulders that turn out incredible on a pellet grill), and this, "without having to do anything". What I mean by that is that a pellet grill, you connect it to WiFi and you access the cooking data on your phone. You just have to start it, put your food in it, and that's it, without even having to stay next to it. Now that's the good life. 😉
Another aspect that can explain why people like these barbecues is because pellets, unlike logs, are the same from one bag to another. The humidity level, the size, the type of wood… everything is controlled and reproduced in the same way for each pellet. So you can't go wrong with that.
Anyway, I'm getting to the heart of the matter. At BBQ Québec, we have several models of pellet BBQs available, from different brands, so I thought it would be a good thing to make a little comparison. The pellet barbecue companies that we sell at BBQ Québec are Camp Chef , Yoder Smokers and Louisiana Grills. Here, I'm going to talk to you more specifically about the first two.
Camp Chef BBQs
Camp Chef grills are exceptional. What is remarkable about this brand is that they are the ones who changed the pellet grill game by changing the amount of pellets required to "feed" the grill and the speed to ultimately allow people to control the smoke output of the grill. So if you like your food really smoky, you can choose 10 as your smoke level, and if you don't want your food to taste smoky, choose level 1.
Thanks to the PID system of these barbecues too, you will not have to "do anything" because it is the one that manages the quantity of pellets that burn in the BBQ depending on the chosen temperature, etc.
Other than that, these BBQs last a very, very long time and what I love most about them is that, to me, they are the "best bang for your buck". What I mean is that they come at a bargain basement price and they are absolutely awesome.
If we get more specific, Camp Chef grills are made in China and made of relatively thin steel (what I call sheet metal). These barbecues are not designed to store heat, but rather to increase the temperature quickly. When you open the lid of this BBQ, a lot of heat escapes, which is why, I remind you, it is important not to open your device often and not to lift its lid all the way up when cooking. As my brother JP says, it is better to bend your knees and open the lid just a little to look into your barbecue.
If you want a really high temperature to grill your food, however, some models have Slide and Grill technology, which is a system I love. You pull the handle on the side of your unit and you can then grill directly with flames. It gives very good results.
However, if you want to help your BBQ retain its heat, you can also cover it with an insulating blanket . This protects the appliance from the cold and allows it to cook food more easily. You will save on pellets at the same time. 😎 (The ideal is to put one on your appliance from September to April/May, when the weather is cool and not too hot.)
Otherwise, another possible way to cook with the Camp Chef is to use an accessory like the Sidekick . It is very powerful and solid. However, it must be purchased separately.
Yoder Smokers BBQs
Yoder Smokers grills are more in the high-end category. They are quite expensive units, but definitely worth the price.
First, they are hand-built and assembled in the USA, and made from 1/8-inch thick steel, which partly explains the high price tag and proves that these are quality appliances. In fact, even the Yoder Smokers' PID system is their own; it was developed by the company itself.
Along the same lines, recent models of Yoder Smokers also have a Fireboard WiFi thermometer , a thermometer that is very accurate and fast, which also originates from the United States.
Thanks to their thick steel, these grills retain their heat; there is no loss, even when the lid is open. This means the temperature is very stable and the consumption of pellets is lower. (And if you want these aspects to be even more apparent, you can even put an insulating blanket on your Yoder.) They then, obviously, require more preheating time, but once they are ready, they are ready. 😜
These BBQs are really solid. In 50 years, yours will still be in "top shape". The only "defect" it might have is rust. But... you "sandblast" that and paint your BBQ and that's it. The rust won't be advanced enough for you to stick a screwdriver, for example, through its surface.
Otherwise, one aspect I like about the Yoders is that under their 304 stainless steel grills, the newer models have a heat diffusion tray in which there is a hatch that you can open so you can then grill directly over the flames. It's very convenient.
Also, instead of having a 10 to 12 inch auger, like most pellet grills have, Yoder Smokers have one that is about 1 to 1 ½ inches long. This makes the Yoder Smokers auger stronger and more precise, giving you better temperature control.
The element with the ceramic bellows that ignites the pellets is also really fast and efficient; the pellets ignite almost instantly with this.
Otherwise, some models, like the YS640s have a system that allows the heat to be diffused and creates two cooking zones with a different temperature. If you need to cook foods that do not require the same degree of cooking, then this is ideal.
Lastly, if you are someone who competes in BBQ competitions, a Yoder Smoker is a real winner. Plus, the great thing about Yoder Smokers is that you can actually “customize” your unit. Yes, you can have the cart painted any color you want, even add a design on it if you want!
Brief
No matter which barbecue you choose, you will definitely have fun with a pellet BBQ. The important thing to know, however, is that you must read the instruction manual of your appliance from start to finish because this type of BBQ is like a fusion between a BBQ and a computer. To use it properly, you must be prepared.
Also, a little tip: if you don't have another grill to sear your food on, I highly recommend installing Grill Grate cooking panels in your grill. The results you'll get with this will be impressive.
And finally, if you are hesitating between BBQ models, do not hesitate to discuss with our advisors in store or on our website. They will suggest the best models for your needs. 😊
Happy BBQ gang!