This is something that gets many opinions, I’ve looked at and used many pellet grills with a lot of different setups and accessories.
Some grilling on a pellet grill has worked out, some haven’t. Here is a situation where it did not, this is on a higher end Traeger also.
Rather than just give the answer – I wanted to explain how any pellet grill smoker can do this to be as helpful as possible.
Drawing from my own firsthand experiences, I can confidently say that pellet grills are indeed capable of serving as regular grills. The question I will answer is how!
Over the years I’ve learned some tips and tricks that make it effective – if the heat retention isn’t part of pellet grill design.
The key to regular grilling or outdoor grilling is direct heat, for searing this is crucial.
Can You Use a Pellet Grill as a Regular Grill?
Whether either inbuilt or additional heat retention, any pellet grill smoker can become a proficient regular grilling tool. The key to regular grilling on a pellet grill smoker is to capture the heat it’s producing.
Once you get a better understanding of how to harness the heat, it becomes very effective, here are some examples below in the pictures of searing on a pellet grill smoker.
A regular grill is either charcoal or gas/propane with direct heat. Wood can be used, and tastes amazing, but most won’t go to the effort of building up the fire and letting it burn down.
Still having pure wood pellets as fuel is close to grilling on a wood fire too!
Let’s dive deeper into specific aspects that make pellet grills suitable for high-heat grilling:
Holding the Heat with Heavy Gauge Metal
Pellet grills are typically constructed with heavy gauge metal, which aids in heat retention to hold temperatures for long periods of low and slow cooking.
However, this sometimes only goes so far, you need to hold the heat generated from the burn pot.
Thick cast iron grates (higher-end models have this), a cast iron pan/griddle, or a specific product to replace grill grates can achieve this.
With proper temperature control and monitoring, you can achieve excellent results when using a pellet grill as a regular grill.
Capturing Heat with Cast Iron
For those seeking intense heat and the perfect sear, using cast iron grates can further enhance the grilling experience on a pellet grill. Cast iron is excellent at retaining and evenly distributing heat, ensuring consistent and even cooking across your food.
By placing cast iron grates on your pellet grill, you can elevate your grilling game and achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization that are coveted by barbecue enthusiasts.
Searing Happens When Grill Area is Hot
While pellet grills don’t produce an open flame like traditional grills, achieving a good sear is still possible.
The key is to ensure that the grill area is hot enough. Preheating your pellet grill for a sufficient amount of time allows the grates to heat up, creating the ideal surface for searing (with the addition of heat retention key when needed).
By utilizing the higher temperature settings and taking advantage of the hot grill area, you can achieve those mouthwatering seared crusts on your steaks, burgers, and other grilled delights.
Use of Hardwood Wood Pellets for More Heat
When using a pellet grill as a regular grill, the choice of wood pellets can affect outcomes.
Opting for hardwood pellets, such as mesquite or hickory, can provide the additional heat necessary for high-temperature grilling. As opposed to say fruitwood pellets like apples.
Hardwood pellets burn hotter and faster, allowing you to achieve the desired searing temperatures for your meats. Experimenting with different wood pellet flavors will also add unique smoky undertones to your dishes, enhancing the overall grilling experience.
Certain Models/Brands Pellet Grill Smokers With Higher Temperatures
While most pellet grills are designed for low and slow smoking, certain models or brands are specifically engineered to cater to the needs of direct heat grilling enthusiasts.
Some pellet grills come equipped with features such as adjustable flame broilers, searing stations, and specialized heat control mechanisms.
These are often gas/propane side units to the pellet grill smoker.
Investing in a pellet grill smoker with higher temperature capabilities can provide an enhanced grilling experience and greater control over the cooking process.
As many smoker and grilling retailers, I’ve spoken to have said, a pellet smoker and a searing gas/propane grill is a great setup for the backyard.
Most are Primarily Designed for Low & Slow Smoking
It’s important to note that while pellet grills can serve as regular grills, their primary design, and function lean toward low and slow smoking.
This means that the pellet grill excels in maintaining consistent temperatures over longer cooking durations, making it ideal for smoking ribs, briskets, and other barbecue favorites.
This guy in the video uses a pellet grill and propane/gas grill to do some thick patties.
He does do something not recommended by manufacturers and removes the heat shield and grease shield from the pellet grill though.
If you’re looking for a hot-temperature pellet grill, I wrote this
Some reading I did for this article:
- “The Versatility of Pellet Grills” – BBQ Guys: Link
- “Using a Pellet Grill as a Regular Grill” – Pit Boss Grills: Link
- “Pellet Grills: The Ultimate Guide” – Smoked BBQ Source: Link
- “Grilling Techniques for Pellet Grills” – Traeger Grills: Link
- “How to Grill on a Pellet Smoker” – Serious Eats: Link
- “Choosing the Right Wood Pellets for Your Pellet Grill” – BBQ Guys: Link
- “Understanding Your Pellet Grill’s Temperature Range” – Grilla Grills: Link
- “The Art of Searing on a Pellet Grill” – Camp Chef: Link
- “Choosing the Best Pellet Grill for High-Temperature Grilling” – BBQ Guys: Link
- “Pellet Grills vs. Traditional Grills” – Barbecue Bible: Link