5 REASONS WHY PELLET GRILLS ARE SO POPULAR
“Now you’re cooking with gas” was a catch phrase originally 1. PELLET GRILLS ARE EASY TO USE developed in the 1930s by gas companies when electric stoves began to enter household kitchens. The phrase One of the greatest features of a pellet grill is the fact was popularized throughout America when radio show they’re easy to use. Simply fill the hopper with food-grade personalities such as Bob Hope used it as a reference to “you’re wood pellets, empty the ash pail, and select your desired on the right track.” Since the phrase is still used today–and the temperature and smoke level. The pellet grill takes over fact that gas stoves ARE arguably superior to electric anyway– from there as an electric auger feeds the burn pot with wood it’s safe to say their marketing efforts were successful. pellets from the hopper.
Gas grills have been the leader on decks and patios for many Once you set the temperature, the pellet grill maintains it years now. However, that trend has begun to change. Wood- and feeds wood pellets as needed. Pellet grills are highly fired, electric pellet grills are growing into the new backyard precise with temperature control from their lowest to highest go-to. Their user-friendly design and superior wood-fired settings (180-500 degrees on many grills). flavor are loved by pellet grill owners, but those are only a For even more accurate control, grill blankets are available couple examples why the grilling faithful enjoy them. to help pellet grills hold in more heat and smoke. They What are 5 reasons why pellet grills are so popular, and how maintain even more consistent temperatures throughout the can your outdoor cooking elevate to new levels? entire year, but they’re especially useful in the winter months when outside temperatures drop.
WWW.IFACOUNTRYSTORES.COM • FOLLOW US FOR TIPS & HOW-TOS, NEWS & PROMOS Pellet grills are also easy to clean when you’re finished cooking. Whether it’s a quick clean-up or a deeper clean, no effort takes longer than 15 minutes to maintain your grill.
2. SET IT & FORGET IT The combination of smoke quality and convenience with With pellet grills, you can set it and walk away. Since the grill pellet grills is unbeatable. Taste all of your barbecue does all the work, you get a wood-fired taste without having to favorites from the comfort of your own backyard. Pick constantly feed logs or wood chunks. Overall, pellet grills do your favorite wood pellet flavors, set the grill on low and not require as much time or attention, and there’s no need to go. You’ll love the beautiful smoke ring, tenderness, and constantly check the grill temperature or level of smoke. delicious flavor you get from home cooked ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken quarters and wings. Fresh salmon, trout, and even sides such as mac and cheese are wonderfully smoky and tasty.
Bake – Anything cooked in an oven can be done in a pellet grill. Pellet grills primarily work as a convection oven. Indirect heat and smoke are produced from the burn pot and blown around the pellet grill for a perfect, evenly cooked finish. Bake breads, cakes, pies, breakfast casseroles, and delicious, wood-fired pizzas. Plus, when you bake your favorites outside in the summer months, you avoid heating up your house and kitchen.
Newer models even monitor temperature levels from the Grill – For many of our common grilling favorites–such palm of your hand. Traeger and Camp Chef now both as summer burgers and hot dogs–there’s a time when we feature, easy-to-use, WiFi controlling technology. Change the need to turn up the heat. Pork chops and your favorite temperature, adjust smoke levels, and receive notifications cuts of steak or chicken are fabulous when cooked over a from your phone. wood fire. Don’t forget your vegetables too!
When you have the freedom to walk away from the grill, Pellet grills used to only have an indirect heat option, but you’re able to do other activities. Experiment with different that has changed in recent years. To improve the grilling cooking methods, perfect your own sauces or rubs, try new feature, many manufacturers now offer models with recipes, and watch more of your favorite sports or shows. perforated drip trays, direct heat over the burn pot, and/ or temperatures up to 500°. This allows your burgers 3. VERSATILITY TO COOK ANYTHING and steaks to sizzle and get those beautiful grill marks and a good crust on the outside, while still preserving a Naturally, a pellet grill is great for smoking and grilling, but medium to rare center. it’s also the centerpiece for much more. All of your favorite dishes that are usually cooked inside can now be done outdoors. Think of it as a kitchen in your backyard where you can perfectly cook anything with confidence.
BBQ – Traditional smokers have set the BBQ bar for a long time and are debated to provide a better smoke. On the opposite side of that argument are pellet grills. Pellet grills are now recognized for their quality and are even sanctioned in contests sponsored by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), winning many bbq competitions in recent years.
WWW.IFACOUNTRYSTORES.COM • FOLLOW US FOR TIPS & HOW-TOS, NEWS & PROMOS For a truer sear, cuts such as tri-tip require an even higher temperature or intense encounter with heat to seal in natural flavor. If you preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill grate, the meat has more surface area for direct high heat. Camp Chef also offers a separate sear box that mounts on the side of the grill and reaches temperatures up to 900°.
Roast – Try your family favorite oven roasted or crockpot recipes in a roasting pan or dutch oven, or new techniques such as a spatchcock roasted chicken. Winter holidays will also never be the same. Oven roasted and fried turkeys are great, but–in our opinion–neither 5. THE BBQ COMMUNITY matches a brined and smoked turkey for the holiday With a pellet grill, anyone can be an expert at grilling or season. smoking; it’s simple and so easy. All of your favorite meals Braise – Braising creates melt-in-your-mouth comfort will only get better, and options now available will improve food by tenderizing the meat and enhancing the flavors evening dinners and weekend get-togethers. of everything in the pot. Give your favorite cut of meat The versatility and easy to use pellet grill features allow a sear, and then simmer it on lower heat in a covered you to have more time on your hands. You’ll find yourself roasting pan or dutch oven with vegetables, herbs, and experimenting more with sauces, rubs, and new techniques a little liquid (recipes with stock or wine provide the such as brining and injecting meats like the pro’s do. boldest flavors).
Along with a variety of cooking techniques, there’s a model of pellet grill available for any type of activity or lifestyle. As long as you have a power source–such as a 12-volt inverter or a gas-powered generator–you can take a pellet grill car camping, tailgating, to the lake, or to family get-togethers. There’s a barbecue community on social media too. People 4. GREAT WOOD-FIRED FLAVORS like yourself who simply love great food. Look for #bbqlife, #bbqnation or #traegergrills on Instagram and follow some While there are many grilling options out there, nothing of your favorite bbq masters and home cooks. Pick up tips produces better tasting food than a pellet grill. Fuel flavors and recipes, and share your own experiences. your food and with wood-fired flavors are superior to gas and charcoal alternatives. All of your favorite dishes are simply Let the flavors lead you to new things, and cook with better on a pellet grill. confidence. You’ll easily be the envy in the neighborhood, and relatives will begin asking, “what have you been cooking With pellet grills, you also have flavor options when lately,” at all family functions. choosing wood pellets for your grill. Each pellet flavor, or type of wood, has a unique taste that naturally These are only 5 reasons why pellet grills are popular. If the complements and enhances your favorite foods. Specific idea sounds–or in this case smells–good, you may need to try hardwood blends are also available. Experiment with it yourself and start cooking with wood. You may just be on different food-grade wood pellet options and find the flavors the right track. you and your family enjoy the most. If you need help along the way, visit your local IFA Country Store. We’re happy to talk about food and show you our selection of rubs, sauces, grills and grilling accessories.
Information for this article was provided by Mike Stauffer, Branch Manager, American Fork IFA Country Store; Jason White, Assistant Manager, Riverton IFA Country Store; Bart Keller, Asst. Manager, Draper IFA Country Store; Eric Thomson, Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Cooking, Cedar City IFA Country Store; and Dan Jensen, Outdoor Cooking Category Manager, IFA Country Store.
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