Here is a guide if you have just got a pellet grill smoker and want a decent overview of what comes next.
If it is brand new, you will need to do a burn-off, if it’s secondhand you won’t have to work on that, but you will want to do a decent clean before your first cook.
I’ve put together a few pellet smokers, have a relationship with a distributor of smokers, and reviewing quite a few as well.
I will talk about what you need, how to use it, what wood pellets you can use, and what to cook on it as a first-timer!
When using a pellet grill, you will need a few essential items to ensure a successful grilling experience.
What to Do With a New Pellet Grill Smoker
Once assembled, remove all international packaging then fill the hopper with pellets. A factory burn-off is needed for 10-15 mins to remove any industrial chemicals left behind from manufacturing. Simple cooks are best to start with burgers, nuts, fish, grilled vegetables, or sausage.
Some obvious and not-so-obvious things you will need.
These include:
Pellet fuel: Pellet grills run on wood pellets, which are made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings. You will need to purchase these pellets separately and ensure you have enough to last for the duration of your grilling session.
Probe thermometer: A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the grill and ensuring that your food is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
Some grills have built-in units, and a hand-held instant read probe is always useful for internal cooked temperature checking.
Grill brushes or scrapers: These tools are used to clean the grill grates before and after use. Here is an article I wrote on cleaning pellet grills as well.
Tongs or spatulas: These tools are used to flip and remove food from the grill.
Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves: These will protect your hands from heat while handling the grill or accessories.
Cover: A cover will protect your grill from the elements, prolonging its lifespan.
Most pellet grills come with an instruction manual that will provide specific information on how to use the grill and what accessories are recommended.
First Time Using a Pellet Grill
Using a pellet grill for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but once you understand the basics, it’s quite simple.
Here are a few steps to follow when using a pellet grill for the first time:
If you have it, read the instruction manual: Before using your pellet grill for the first time, be sure to read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the specific features and controls of your grill.
Here are links to the manual and support of the main brands:
Assemble the grill: Follow the instructions in the manual to assemble the grill. This usually involves attaching the legs, hopper, and other components to the main body of the grill.
Fill the hopper with pellets: Fill the hopper with wood pellets, ensuring that the pellets are dry and not damp.
Factory Burn off is Often Required at this Stage, and Let Cool
When Cooking
Preheat the grill: Allow the grill to preheat for at least 10 minutes.
For Long Indirect Cooking or Direct Searing
Add the food: Once the grill is preheated, add your food to the grill grates. Be sure to use tongs or a spatula to handle the food, as the grill grates will be hot.
Monitor the temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the grill and the internal temperature of the food. This will help you achieve the desired level of doneness for your food.
Clean the grill: After use, be sure to clean the grill grates and other components of the grill to prevent rusting and to ensure that the grill is ready for the next use.
Store the grill: Once the grill is cool, cover it and store it in a dry place.
What to Cook for the First time on a Pellet Grill
Easiest Smoking Projects:
- Nuts – simple – smoke uncooked nuts like peanuts or cashews for 30-60 minutes
- Fresh Sausages – bratwurst, frankfurters, hot dogs
When cooking on a pellet grill for the first time, it’s best to start with simple dishes that are easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of complicated techniques. Here are a few ideas for dishes that are well-suited for first-time pellet grill users:
Searing and Grilling Options
Grilled vegetables: Vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are easy to grill and take on a delicious smoky flavor when cooked on a pellet grill.
Burgers: Classic burgers are a great option for a first-time pellet grill cook. They are easy to prepare, and the smoky flavor from the wood pellets will add a unique taste to the burgers.
Chicken Thigh: Chicken is a versatile meat that can be grilled in a variety of ways. Try marinating it in a simple blend of herbs and spices before grilling for added flavor.
Thigh has a higher fat content, it’s a lot harder to overcook!
Fish: Fish is a healthy option and it’s also easy to grill. Try brushing it with a little oil and seasoning it with herbs and spices before grilling it.
Smoking Options
Pork Shoulder: A simple spice rub, and left for 8-13 hours, you can achieve pulled pork. You really need at least 90C or 194F internal temperature to breakdown the meat to a point where it pulls (remember to rest the meat in foil and wrapped it up for at least 1-2 hours, it will continue cooking as well)
It’s important to always have a thermometer on hand and to keep an eye on the temperature of the grill, also, it’s important to follow the instructions of the recipe and keep an eye on the food to avoid burning it.
What Type of Pellet for a Pellet Grill
I keep it really simple, with lighter and stronger woods – fruit woods are lighter flavors better for fish or poultry.
Stronger woods, like hardwoods, are better for red meats and wild game.
There are a variety of wood pellets that can be used in a pellet grill, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular options include:
Hardwood: Hardwood pellets are made from a variety of hardwood trees, including hickory, mesquite, and oak. These pellets are known for their strong, smoky flavor and are great for grilling meats and other foods that require a bold flavor.
Fruitwood: Fruitwood pellets are made from fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach, and pecan. These pellets have a milder, sweeter flavor and are great for fish, poultry, and pork.
Blend: There are also blends of pellets that are made from a combination of different types of wood. These blends can have a unique and complex flavor, depending on the mix of woods used.
Competition Blend: This blend is a combination of different types of wood and it’s specially formulated to provide a consistent flavor and a good smoke ring.
Charcoal Wood Pellets: Not commonly known, you can mix in charcoal wood smoking pellets to add the charcoal flavor to you’re pellet grill smoker!
It’s important to note that some pellets are better suited for certain types of food than others, it’s always a good idea to experiment with different types of pellets to find the one that you like the most.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure you are using food-grade pellets and not treated or painted wood pellets to avoid any chemical contamination.
My favorites pellets for most cooks are: Oak or Pecan (I consider these medium-strength wood flavor)