A camping grill is an excellent addition to any RV packing list, but there are several types to choose from. Propane and charcoal grills are standard, but the best pellet grills have unique advantages for RV camping. What are pellet grills, and are they a reasonable alternative to burning gas or charcoal when camping? Let’s explore.
Key Takeaways
- Pellet grills offer flavorful, safe, and user-friendly cooking by combining the benefits of traditional grilling and smoking. They use compressed hardwood pellets for consistent heat and a smoky taste without the risks of propane or the hassle of charcoal.
- Drawbacks include power requirements, larger size, and higher cost, making them less ideal for off-grid campers, those tight on space, or buyers on a budget.
- American-made options like Yoder, MAK, and Blaz’n Grill Works provide high-quality, durable pellet grills, while other popular brands are designed in the US but manufactured overseas.
What Is a Pellet Grill?
The term ”grill” often describes any simple outdoor cooking appliance, but there are many types. A traditional grill uses propane or charcoal for fuel. A griddle uses propane but has a smooth, cold steel rolled surface instead of grates. A smoker does not use propane or charcoal. Instead, it uses an electric heating element to burn wood pellets.
A camping pellet grill combines traditional grilling with smoking. It uses an electric heating element to burn compressed wood pellets. The grill can smoke food at low temperatures and grill it at high temperatures. You set the temperature digitally and never have to guess.
In the mood for a smoked brisket or a juicy grilled burger? With a pellet grill, you don’t have to choose. Let’s review everything you need to know about pellet grills, from the different types to which is best for camping to tasty pellet grill recipes.
What Are Pellet Grills Good For?
There are many benefits to using pellets as opposed to gas or charcoal. They can be better than other grill types for the following reasons:
- Flavor: When burned, wood pellets leave your food with a unique, delicious, smoky flavor. Pairing the right flavor with your specific meal is key.
- Safety: Pellet grills are also much safer than gas grills, as you don’t have to worry about using and storing propane. We’ve all heard at least one gas grill horror story in our lifetime, but they are starting to become a thing of the past, thanks to electric grills. The fear of singeing your eyebrows off from leaving the propane valve open too long is no longer.
- Ease of Use: Lastly, pellet grills are easier to use, especially compared to charcoal grills. I have a love-hate relationship with charcoal grills. They taste great, but take forever to heat up, and it’s always a guessing game on whether you have enough hot coals to cook your food thoroughly.
Are There Negatives of a Pellet Grill?
Although camping pellet grills have many benefits, they aren’t for everyone. Let’s consider why it might not be a good choice for you.
- Power: There are options for pellet grills that don’t require a plug-in, but if you genuinely plan to camp off-grid for an extended period, a pellet grill might not work for you, and you’d be better off with a gas or charcoal grill.
- Space and Weight: This is a big issue for many campers, especially those with a family. While there are undoubtedly compact pellet grills, most will be bigger and bulkier than your average gas or charcoal grill. In other words, if you’re extremely tight on space and weight, you might want to consider other grilling options.
- Cost: As pellet grills are much more complex than your standard gas or charcoal grill, you’ll pay a higher premium. They may not be for you if you’re on a tight budget. Charcoal grills are the most affordable choice for campsite cooking.
Are Pellet Grills Worth It?
There’s no definitive winner in the ongoing debate over the best camping grill. However, you can’t beat a pellet smoker regarding versatility and convenience. They are easier to use than most other grills and allow for fast cooking when you just want a quick hot dog or slow cooking when you have all day to sit around the campsite for that delicious smoked brisket.
How To Use a Pellet Grill
It doesn’t get much easier than using a pellet grill. Unlike charcoal, you don’t have to pile up coals and hope they all light. You don’t have to worry about running to the store for more propane. Use a pellet grill like a pro with these five easy steps:
- Fill the hopper to the appropriate level. You’ll need more pellets for grilling and fewer for smoking. Keep an eye on your hopper capacity and add more as needed. The more you use your grill, the better you’ll get an idea of your pellet consumption.
- Turn the grill on and set the temperature to your desired setting. This is all done digitally, so there’s no guesswork.
- Wait for your grill to reach the set temperature. The amount of time varies by the size of your grill and the temperature setting, but most take 10-15 minutes.
- Place your food directly on the rack and allow it to cook for the required time. If you’re using temperature probes, insert them now so you don’t have to open the grill until finished, sealing in the flavor.
- Remove your food from the grill, let it cool, then enjoy!
What Are Grill Pellets Made Of?
Pellet grill fuel isn’t your average firewood. It offers consistent, food-safe combustion. Grill pellets are made from 100% compressed hardwood sawdust, with no added binders, glues, or chemicals. During production, heat and pressure compress the sawdust into small cylindrical pellets. The result is a clean-burning fuel source that infuses your food with authentic wood-smoked flavor.
Are a Certain Type of Pellets Better for Grilling?
Common wood pellet types include hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite, and oak. Each variety delivers a distinct flavor profile that enhances different meats, vegetables, and seafood. Certain pellets pair better with specific foods, and choosing the right one can elevate your dish. Here are a few popular pellet flavors and their best uses:
- Apple: Mild and slightly sweet—ideal for pork, poultry, and baked sides like smoked mac and cheese.
- Hickory: Strong and savory—an excellent match for ribs, brisket, and red meats.
- Cherry: Adds a subtle fruity tang—perfect for pork and chicken.
- Mesquite: Bold and earthy—great for beef and hearty cuts, but best used sparingly.
- Pecan: Rich and nutty—excellent for pork, poultry, and even smoked desserts.
For the best grilling results, use food-grade pellets specifically labeled for cooking, not heating pellets meant for stoves or fireplaces.
What Pellet Grills are Made in the United States?
Among the pellet grills you’ll find online at Camping World, Broil King stands out for manufacturing pellet grills in North America. Their production facilities are in Huntington, Indiana, Dickson, Tennessee, and Waterloo, Ontario. Broil King grills are constructed using American-sourced steel for components like the cook box and cabinet, ensuring durability and quality.
Brands such as Blackstone, Pit Boss, Cuisinart, and TYTUS design their grills in the US but manufacture them overseas. While these brands may not be American-made, they offer a range of features and price points suitable for various grilling needs.
If buying American-made is essential, several reputable pellet grill brands are manufactured in the US:
- Traeger (Select Models) – While not all models are US-made, Traeger still assembles some higher-end lines stateside.
- Yoder Smokers – Known for their heavy-duty build and pro-level performance, Yoder pellet grills are proudly made in Kansas.
- MAK Grills – Built in Oregon, these grills are prized for their precision temperature control and all-metal construction.
- Blaz’n Grill Works – Manufactured in Nebraska, they offer customizable pellet grills with stainless steel upgrades.
Buying an American-made pellet grill is a great way to support US manufacturing and get a durable product built for years of campsite cooking.
RV grilling is one of our favorite parts of camping. From fresh-caught seafood on coastal trips to grass-fed burgers anytime, we love cooking outdoors. Enjoy these additional grilling and cooking recipes for your next trip:
- Everything You Need for Grilling in an RV
- RV Tailgating Tips
- Campfire Accessories for RVers
- RV Kitchen Essentials List
Do you have experience with pellet grills? Let us know what you like or dislike about them in the comments below!
