Looking for the best built-in pellet smoker? Durability, features, and capabilities, as well as design or style, are some of the first factors you need to consider in buying a new smoker.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top built-in pellet smokers on the market. Find out which one will be your next outdoor kitchen mainstay!
If you’re the type who enjoys cooking a variety of foods that require a hint of smoke, a reliable smoker will do the trick. You may be looking at a freestanding unit that is less expensive and easy to move around. But, when it comes to low and slow cooking setups, having a dedicated outdoor kitchen with a built-in smoker is the best.
And we’ve seen gas and charcoal-powered grills and smokers constitute the outdoor kitchen scene. However, with the introduction of pellet-fueled models, you will be able to expand your outdoor cooking preferences.
The beauty of cooking with built-in pellet grills/smokers is that you are using only natural hardwood pellets. We actually find it quite amazing that they leave very little ash as they burn slowly. And that slow burning allows the cooker to produce the smoke required to flavor your food.
If you integrate them into your outdoor kitchen, you might never want to cook inside your home kitchen again.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that building a pellet smoker into an outdoor kitchen is an investment. Your budget will have the most influence on what you can create in your cooking space.
Aside from choosing the best built-in smoker/grill, you’ll want to start with conceptualizing your ideal outdoor kitchen. What features would you like to add (sink, extra prep space)? Once you’ve figured these out, find a way of building them within your budget.
What Is a Built-In Pellet Smoker?
First off, the terms “pellet grill” and “pellet smoker” are often used interchangeably. Whichever term you use, they are both referring to the same thing.
A built-in pellet smoker for the outdoor kitchen is designed to be fitted into a sturdy, fire-proof enclosure. Typically powered by electricity, built-in pellet smokers allow you to cook slow-smoked dishes. And you can do so with far less fuss and monitoring than the more traditional techniques.
These smokers use compressed sawdust pellets as their fuel. And what makes them a good alternative to charcoal and wood-burning models is that they allow you to cook low and slow by setting the temperature you like.
Then, it automatically feeds and fires up the pellets. This will heat the cooking chamber during the long, slow-smoking process. Read on below and find out how it works.
How Pellet Smokers Work
Pellet smokers have augers that dispense the pellets into the fire pot as soon as you start the cooker and set the temperature. The unit then fires up the pellets and once it reaches the desired temperature, it consistently keeps that heat throughout the entire cooking process.
Pellet grills or smokers are ideal for slow-cooking meats including brisket, ribs, poultry, and pulled pork. If you want to bake pizzas, you can even use them as an outdoor oven. However, whatever you cook in it will have a subtle smoky flavor.
Their expensive upfront cost may be one of the limiting factors as to why some home chefs prefer offset firebox or bullet smokers. But, the best thing about pellet smokers is that they are easier to use. Mastering a traditional smoker requires a lot of patience. With a pellet grill, you’ll be able to avoid poorly cooked briskets.
Why Invest in a Built-In Pellet Smoker
We get that anything built-in comes at a high cost. But if you want versatility and have the money to invest in one, then we don’t see why you shouldn’t invest in a built-in pellet smoker.
These outdoor cooking appliances allow you to smoke, grill, bake, and sear to perfection. They are convenient since a lot of them include extra features that aren’t offered on standard built-in charcoal or gas grills. And if you want to cook pizzas, they provide the same great functionality as outdoor pizza ovens.
They also allow you to choose the smoky flavor profile that you want to add to your dishes. Pellets are available in a wide range of fantastic flavors. And sure you can do the same thing with a gas and charcoal grill, but not with the expertise of the auger in a pellet smoker.
With a built-in pellet smoker, you can mix different pellets and manage the amount of wood pellets you put into the auger during the cooking process.
Another reason to consider getting a built-in smoker is the intuitive one-touch push-button ignition. This means you won’t have to use lighters, there’s no need to figure out how much charcoal to use, and you won’t have to worry about gas consumption.
Precision and consistency in temperature are other advantages. Built-in pellet smokers can maintain optimal cooking temperatures for a longer period of time. Due to their ability to produce and retain low cooking temperatures, they make great smokers and grills.
Tips for DIY Built-In Smoker for Outdoor Kitchen
Are you looking to start a DIY outdoor kitchen project soon? Well, you have a few things to consider.
Most pellet grills you could find on the market have legs, which serve no purpose other than to hold the unit off the ground. But if you remove these legs and place the unit above a fireproof platform, you can convert practically any pellet grill into a bespoke enclosure.
We don’t recommend doing this as it will void the manufacturer’s warranty. However, if you opt to take this path, you should make sure that you have the right skills to build it. You may also need the help of someone who knows how to work around it.
Besides voiding the warranty, the manufacturer won’t be liable for any damage to your unit since you won’t be handling the grill the way they’re designed for.
Also, since wood pellet grills require good airflow, you should ensure that the fan that supplies the fire pot isn’t blocked. And, because augers are not permanently mounted, they require room to maneuver.
Keep in mind that DIY-ing is a time-consuming process. With certain built-in models, you might do a few modifications like removing the control panel from the sides of the grill. So, before taking on the DIY route, you should determine whether any adjustments you intend to make will void the warranty.
It is usually ideal to purchase a built-in pellet grill, which is designed to be mounted on your outdoor kitchen. If you’re not sure which model will work best in your space, have a look at our choices below!
The Best Built-In Pellet Smokers
As of now, the market for built-pellet smokers has not yet expanded. So in the meantime, here are a few of the best built-in smokers we’d love to see you integrate into your outdoor kitchen.
Coyote 36 Inch
The Coyote 36 Inch isn’t sold as a built-in model. However, you can fit it into your outdoor kitchen island by removing the casters and the brackets on the sides that hold the side tables.
This pellet smoker offers simple digital touch screen controllers and features that make grilling, searing and smoking faster and more efficient.
The front hopper can accommodate up to 15 pounds of pellets, which are rolled by the two augers into the fire pot. Those dual augers are great for any flavored wood pellets. And this is why it’s one of the best options if you want to impart a rich hint of smoky flavors to your food.
It also features a dual fan convection system. This functionality allows for accurate temperature control from 175 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. But, it will depend on the burn pot grate you use.
According to some users, this Coyote pellet grill can do everything from low and slow smoking to grilling, roasting, and searing steaks. With an 18 gauge 304 stainless steel construction, you can expect it to handle heavy-duty operations.
You could even use it for commercial applications, although we don’t recommend it since it’s not NSF-certified.
A user described it as a high-tech outdoor appliance, though we wished it had WiFi connectivity. It’s a very expensive grill, but if you’re a serious cook, we think this may be overall a well-worth appliance that you can use for years.
Pros:
● Durable construction
● Can be used as a built-in or standalone
● Offers a wide temperature range
● Ideal for heavy-duty applications
Cons:
● Doesn’t come with WiFi capability
● Expensive
recteq RT-1070
If you don’t have the budget for the Cayote, the recteq RT-1070 is another all-stainless steel model that’s designed with the goal of beating its competitor’s prices. But of course, the brand did so without sacrificing the grill’s performance and quality.
So, for those looking for a low-cost built-in solution, this one comes at an unbeatable price. And performs well at smoking, searing, grilling, baking, and even dehydrating while adding a delicious wood-fired flavor.
Unlike the Cayote pellet grill, the recteq is a WiFi-enabled built-in model that you can easily start, stop, and monitor through their app. Just choose your grill, click the power button, and the cooker will handle everything. It can preheat between 180 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
This pellet grill features a wide cooking space as well as a huge, front-mounted hopper that can hold 30 pounds of pellets. It also has components that are accessible from the front and a sliding grease catch. So, all you need to do is slide it into its position, plug it in, and you’re ready to cook all the dishes you have in mind.
However, we find the hood of the cooker to be inefficient for insulation since it’s made of a single layer of stainless steel. But we still think it’s a solid choice since it’s equipped with a 304 stainless steel firepot, grill grates, and drip pan, and it includes a heavy-duty cast-iron heat deflector.
One of its delighted users praises it for being so easy to use, even without using the app. It also claims to heat up as quickly as gas and to be easier to operate than an oven. Plus, as long as your outdoor kitchen is ready, it is simple to install.
Pros:
● Less expensive
● Stainless steel construction
● All-around cooker
● Easy to install
● WiFi-enabled; convenient to use with or without the app
● Offers a wide temperature range
Cons:
● Poor insulation
Grilla Silverbac Alpha Connect
One of the best budget-friendly models we’ve looked at is the Grilla Silverbac Alpha Connect. It lacks the all-stainless steel build, but it has a solid design that suits many heavy-duty outdoor kitchens.
At a much lower cost than many of its all-stainless steel counterparts, this insert pellet grill comes with WiFi capability. This feature allows you to control or monitor your cooker anywhere. It’s equipped with an ample cooking surface too and has practically all the amenities you’d have on other higher-end models.
With a heavy-duty hinged stainless-steel lid and internal components, the Silverbac is tough enough to withstand wear and tear. It has a powder coat finish that will withstand a lot of uses. And for triple-layered protection from the elements, the seams on this grill are welded, powder coated, and caulked.
In addition to the sturdy lid, it comes with a double-walled thermal metal jacket. This is helpful if you live in colder parts of the country since it helps the grill retain its cooking temperature.
It does, however, have a low-temperature range. This pellet grill can only cook at temperatures ranging from 180 to 500 degrees in 5-degree increments.
But we love that it’s designed for performance and safety. It has a shutdown option that turns off the grill if the temperature goes above 615 degrees Fahrenheit. If the grill temperature falls below 110 degrees Fahrenheit, the grill will shut down as well. And don’t fret, it will all be displayed on the app!
Pros:
● Best budget-friendly pellet grill
● Important components are crafted from stainless steel elements
● WiFi enabled for added convenience
● Doubled walled jacket allows for keeping the heat in
● Auto shuts down for safety
Cons:
● Low-temperature range
● Doesn’t have the durability of an all-stainless steel unit
Traeger Timberline XL
By standard, the Traeger Timberline XL is not meant to be built into an outdoor kitchen. It does, however, come with a special trim kit (sold separately). This kit will make it possible to fit into your counter.
This cooker has the versatility of a traditional oven with the excellent wood-fired flavor that an outdoor grill offers. Designed to be efficient, the Traeger Timberline XL features Smart Combustion technology, which keeps the temperature constant—and it does so even when you open the hood!
We appreciate that it’s fully insulated with the EvenFlow Heat Shield technology, which assures consistently flawless results. On the side, there is an outdoor-rated induction cooktop burner that expands the grill’s amazing capabilities. It’s a 6-in-1 cooker that allows you to smoke, grill, roast, bake, braise, and barbecue.
And the best part? It’s WiFi enabled!
This pellet grill has a WiFIRE digital controller and wireless meat thermometers, so that’s giving you complete control at your fingertips. The XL is unrivaled in terms of construction and design. It includes three layers of stainless-steel grill grates, providing you with a large cooking surface.
However, with a temperature range of 165 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, is a bit lower than the Cayote one. But, it delivers those temperatures precisely and consistently while adding unmatched wood-fired flavors to your food.
It also has an interior light so you can still monitor your food when cooking at night. And, while we would have preferred a little price reduction without the bottom storage cabinets and wood shelving, we think they are a nice perk.
As one of the users said, the price is not for the faint of heart. And while we agree, it’s definitely well worth it if you compare it to other top-tier options.
Pros:
● Comes with casters for portability; can be easily slid and locked in between two counters
● Convertible to a built-in configuration using a special trim kit
● Highly versatile
● WiFi enabled for added convenience
● Comes with lots of storage solutions
● Offers a large cooking area
Cons:
● Expensive
● Low temperature range
Memphis Grills Beale Street
The Memphis Grills Beale Street blends fine craftsmanship with innovative features. It’s made of 430 stainless steel material which guarantees durability. The versatile design makes it a fantastic choice for many types of cooking. You can smoke, grill, bake, sear, and roast with confidence!
It includes four-inch convection fans integrated into it as well. So, if you’re looking for something that offers a true convection cooking experience, the Memphis Grills Beale Street could be a good option. This cooker’s convection capability delivers a uniform flow of heat for amazing results.
Much like any convenient pellet smoker, it also has integrated Wi-Fi capabilities. In this day and age, who doesn’t want the convenience of using a mobile app that allows you to control your grill anywhere?
Another thing we like about this cooker is that you can also use the built-in programmed recipes. It will give you the exact temperatures and cooking durations to achieve restaurant-quality results.
The Beale Street Pellet Grill delivers consistent and precise temperature ranges from 180 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a large cooking surface, allowing you to cook food in large batches. You can even expand it if you get the optional grate.
The hopper does not hold as many pellets as the Cayote, though. But we still consider 12 pounds a considerable quantity.
Pros:
● Offers versatility and fine craftsmanship
● Cooks food evenly with its convection capabilities
● WiFi enabled for added convenience
● Has built-in programmed recipes
Cons:
● Small hopper capacity
● Low temperature range
What To Consider Before Getting a Built-In Smoker
The best pellet smokers don’t come cheap. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the best value for your investment. So before buying a new pellet grill/smoker, consider the following factors.
Features and Capabilities
Built-in pellet grills, unlike a typical charcoal grill or offset smoker, can be equipped with a slew of features and capabilities. Most of the time, the more bells and whistles it has, the higher the price tag. Make sure to pick a unit that has all the features you think you’ll need.
WiFi Capability
A built-in pellet smoker that you can easily control at your fingertips adds to the convenience. Having a WiFi capability allows you to manage or check the cooking temperature. As long as you have an internet connection, you’ll be able to have complete control over the cooking process wherever you are in your outdoor kitchen.
Luckily, most of the best pellet smokers we’ve looked at have this feature. They have all the modern day wireless capabilities you’d want in your cooker.
Meat Probes
There are models that allow you to plug in a meat probe directly into their controller output. Just stick the probe into your food and your cooker’s screen will display the temperature readings from your meat.
Here’s a YouTube video that shows how it works.
Smoking and Grilling Options
Pellet smokers used to lack the ability to grill. But now, manufacturers have removed a portion of the diffuser plate or by creating a dedicated grilling station in the cooker. A built-in smoker that gives you the option to grill allows for better versatility.
Other Add-Ons
Depending on the model and the brand, built-it pellet smokers may come with other extra features. Make sure to check what features are included and which ones are optional. If you can’t go without a certain feature, but it doesn’t come standard with your chosen cooker, then check that it’s offered as an add-on
Durability & Construction
Excellent craftsmanship is important in choosing the best built-in pellet smoker for outdoor kitchen. This means the quality of materials used and how well they’re made. But you don’t always see the cut corner on the inside. It is crucial to look into the small details in the construction of the cooker.
Check that it’s arc-welded and seamless, as what the manufacturer states in their product description. It’s also important that it can withstand the elements. Keep in mind that moisture attracts at any point where a metal or steel seam joins. You wouldn’t want to use a damaged nonstick pan or a rusting cast iron skillet to cook in, right?
The fire pot, drip pan, flame detector, and grill grates are the most important parts of your built-in pellet smoker. Make sure that these elements are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, so your cooker can serve you for many years to come.
For a built-in pellet smoker made from powder-coated steel, check that the coating is of premium quality. Your pellet grill can rust and all these integral parts can corrode once the paint flakes off or chips.
Also, a thick construction offers better insulation. High-quality materials will keep heat in, and it will be more pellet-efficient and maintain temperatures stable even in cold weather.
Hopper Size
The hopper is the box-shaped component attached to your cooker’s body. It’s the box you fill with pellets to heat the smoker. Your grill’s hopper should also be well-designed to move all the pellets into the auger system.
A good-capacity hopper will also store enough pellets to sustain the cooking cycle without needing to be refilled. The pellet hopper capacity largely determines how long your cooker can operate before needing to be refilled.
Note: Your auger may not hold the pellets correctly if you’re constantly feeding the hopper with fresh pellets at the bottom at the end of every cooking cycle.
And know that if you’re just guessing whether or not the hopper is properly feeding the auger, your smoker may not cook your food correctly.
To get to the point, the auger can either run dry or hold the fresh pellets at the bottom. There are wood pellet grills with hoppers that have a slanted bottom that feeds every last piece of the pellet into the auger automatically.
Other pellet grills have flat-bottomed hoppers. Such hoppers require some care to keep them running smoothly.
Design & Style
As we mentioned earlier, most pellet grills/smokers come in freestanding versions. Some are designed to be mounted on an outdoor kitchen counter. Others have casters that you may need to take out.
Before purchasing a built-in pellet smoker, it’s always a good idea to take measurements of the space where you intend to install it. Built-in smokers, just like any appliance, have a set of cutout specifications in addition to the unit’s actual dimensions. Check that there is enough space for suitable positioning.
When you install your cooker, depending on how close it is to your house, you may want to get an insulated jacket or some sort of rolled padding as a safety precaution. The instruction manual will guide you on how to measure and buy it if insulation is required.
Is It Pellet-Efficient?
Avoid anything that eats up excessive amounts of pellets. And this is why we recommend getting a cooker that’s made of high-quality, thick material. Again, a thicker build will have better-insulating capacity. A thinly-made cooker will just demand large amounts of pellets just to keep the temperature stable.
And you can’t go for a smoker that’s too thick, either. If your smoker has walls that are too thick, it will act like an absorber plate, which means that the heat will get transferred from the cooking surface to the walls. This would necessitate a large amount of pellets to heat up the cooking chamber to the required temperature.
Does It Hold Well Onto Its Heat?
You should consider how efficiently your cooker will retain heat during the cold winter season. If your pellet smoker can hold on to heat well, you won’t have to consume a lot of pellets during the entire cooking cycle. So, if it’s capable of keeping the heat, it will also deliver excellent briskets.
Make sure that the pellet grill or smoker you pick is designed to retain heat. While insulating blankets are excellent at trapping heat, you can rely on them since they are essentially just a band-aid approach.
Choose grills that have an integrated twin-wall construction. This will help in keeping the heat in the combustion chamber.
Certain models, however, are only twin walled on half of their body and are therefore less expensive. If you can, go for fully twin-wall insulated models, such as the Traeger Timberline.
Cooking Performance
Of course, besides construction, heat retaining ability, and features, how well the smoker cooks your food determines if your investment is worth it or not. Pellet smokers are known for their set-it-and-forget-it heating capabilities. And therefore it should deliver optimal heat.
The best built-in pellet smoker should be able to reach the highest temperature required to cook your food.
You can start the cooker by turning on the hopper and letting the pellets go through the auger to the fire pot and ignite. Then, the wood pellets should put out some smoke and heat up the cooker evenly as a result of burning and airflow from the fan.
You see, this is where a good smoker excels. It provides an automated fuel and air supply system with integrated temperature control.
Once it heats up, it should be able to reach the smoking temperature within 2 minutes. The pellets in the fire pot should begin to blaze in 5 minutes.
Built-in pellet grills may produce heat that is higher than you’d expect. Knowing how the timer works and the way the hopper feeds the auger is the key to low and slow cooking. Also, you’ll want a steady amount of pellets in the fire pot.
You can also put thin or delicate food on a warming rack if the temperature gets too hot. Then, shut it off for around 15 minutes, close the lid, and keep the heat in, and it will continue to cook your food.
If you want to cook at a higher temperature, you can just turn the dial. But keep in mind that you may need to use a probe for various meat cuts. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and learn how fast it heats up and how to control it if you have to cool off.
Cost
Built-in pellet smokers/grills can get very expensive. One of the most affordable pellet grills we’ve found is the Grilla Silverbac Alpha Connect. But even that is pricey compared to an offset or a firebox smoker.
We understand that the price tags of most of these models can be overwhelming. But you can go in knowing you’re getting a highly versatile outdoor kitchen appliance.
Sure, getting a cheap unit will save you money in the short term. However, if it rusts and the parts fail after a few years, you’ll pay more for the repair cost. Not only that, but you may also have a harder time finding spare parts.
Most of the manufacturers we know prioritize the value their products provide. The body of the cooker, the firebox, the burners, the grates, the motorized components that drive the auger, and all other elements under the hood are all made of the best and most durable materials.
The brands we’ve included on our list conduct quality assurance. This is to ensure that their products meet their and your standards. So, if these manufacturers strive for higher qualities and if you’re a discerning pit master, you can trust that the value that your pellet smoker delivers will last a long time.
Customer Service
So, let’s say, you encounter some issues, where do you go for help?
And we all appreciate a knowledgeable, friendly, and available customer support team. If you’re going to buy from a reputable brand, you can expect professional customer service. We’d always tell our readers to never buy from resellers unless they are authorized retailers.
A company that offers excellent after-sales support means that they will definitely be around for years. This way, you’ll be able to seek assistance from them if something goes wrong with your unit later on.
Customer Reviews
Well, we’re here to tell you about these recommended smokers and grills. We’ve spent days reading input from end users who have these cookers out for testing.
But aside from us, who else will tell you how well these grills and smokers perform?
Yes, warranties can back up the manufacturer’s claims, but it’s the users with firsthand experience with the product that can provide you with the facts. There are many cooks out there who are eager to share their thoughts. By gaining their insights regarding a certain product, you could make an informed decision.
In our reviews, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of each model on our list. And with no intent to give you a partial opinion, we’ve also included critical and relevant reviews from their users.
Warranty
The best pellet grill should come with a warranty. This is important since it protects your investment. Warranties can vary depending on the manufacturer, from one year to a lifetime.
So, before buying a new pellet smoker, make it a habit to check the warranty period. Read what’s covered and all the fine prints in the user’s manual that comes with your new unit.
FAQs
Are wood pellets environmentally friendly?
Yes. Wood pellets are perhaps the most eco-friendly fuel for smoking and grilling. Compared to a propane and natural gas grill, wood pellets are renewable biofuels.
In addition, unlike lump charcoal, which is wood pieces incinerated in a vacuum, or briquettes, which are sawdust typically bonded with chemical fillers, pellets are just extruded mashed wood pulps that are made without burning. And they leave almost no ash.
Manufacturers that produce pellets use a mix of harvested trees and sawmill wastes, such as sawdust and scrap wood material. They are ideal for achieving clean and efficient burning.
Can pellet grills be built in?
Pellet smoker grills have become so ubiquitous that there is no market segment that they have not yet reached. Manufacturers have seen the need for many home chefs to build outdoor kitchens. And you can now select from a variety of built-in smoker grills for your outdoor kitchen.
Does Traeger make a built-in smoker?
Traeger does not manufacture pellet grills that are built in. Most of their models cannot be fully integrated into an outdoor kitchen. However, you might want to consider the Traeger Timberline XL. It’s one of the best offerings from their Timberline series that includes a cart that you can slide between two islands.
Can Recteq be built-in?
Yes, the recteq RT-1070, in particular, comes with the built-in option. If you prefer not to fit it in your outdoor kitchen, you can also get the cabinet version.
Is a pellet smoker as good as a regular smoker?
Pellet smokers may be preferable if you want to be able to accurately manage the cooking temperature. Just turn the dial and you’ll be set. Also, since there is no open flame, you won’t have to worry about any risk of abrupt flare-ups that might burn your food.
But if you want to add a unique and rich smoky flavor to your food without being overpowering, then a wood-smoker would definitely be your best option.
Which is better: pellet or wood smoker?
A wood-fired smoker provides you with better versatility than a pellet-fired smoker. This is not to say that a pellet smoker cannot produce high-quality meat, though. It simply means that it is less likely to do this on a consistent basis than a wood smoker.
Also, while wood smokers are less expensive, pellet smokers provide more temperature control.
How long do pellets last in the smoker?
It depends on the temperature you set, the brand, and the model. The most important component, though, is the temperature at which you are cooking your food.
In general, most pellet snooker grills will consume up to three pounds of pellets an hour. So, let’s assume that a 20-pound bag of pellets can last you somewhere between 6 and 20 hours, depending on how you use them.
What is the largest pellet smoker on the market?
The Traeger XL is one of the largest residential pellet smokers available and is intended for the most dedicated cooks. This pellet smoker is called an XL for nothing. Large in both size and capacity, it can accommodate up to 12 chickens or 16 racks of ribs in one go.
Why are pellet grills so popular?
Pellet grills are gaining popularity because they are very simple to use. They also provide unrivaled temperature control. These pieces of equipment also perform well at cooking vegetables, chicken breasts, and chops. And pretty much everything else that needs a hint of smoke.
What kind of power is needed to run a pellet grill?
Your built-in pellet grill will need electric power to run the hopper and roll the pellets into the fire pot. It will also run all of the temperature gauges and control panels. Should it require an extension cord, check that it’s rated safe for use outdoors.
Can I take the legs off my existing grill and use it like a built-in grill?
In most cases, you cannot simply detach the legs or stand of your unit to trick it into working as a built-in one. A high-end pellet smoker may include a custom cart that is compatible with your grill’s head. However, most of them aren’t really designed to be built-ins.
Are pellet grills high maintenance?
While pellets produce very little ash, they aren’t exempted from becoming dirty. Pellets may still leave some ashes. It’s always a good idea to empty your fire pot regularly and clean it up with a vacuum.
Do pellet grills make good smokers?
Yes. Pellet grills are excellent cooking equipment for imparting additional flavor to your dishes. They deliver enough smoke to add a smokey flavor to your food which is often more powerful than when you cook in a charcoal smoker.
Do you soak wood pellets before smoking?
Soaking wood pellets before smoking isn’t really a recommended practice and you should avoid doing it. Pellets are made of compressed sawdust, therefore soaking them will just cause them to expand and break into pieces. Doing so not only impairs the smoke, but you’ll also run the risk of damaging your pellet smoker.
Afterall, pellets are easy to work with and you don’t need a lot of prep to use them. Once you fire up the pellets and start smoking, you can place your food on the grills and watch it cook.
Are wood chips better than pellets?
Pellets burn slower than wood chips but offer hotter temperatures. They outperform wood chips in nearly every smoking situation. And this is due to the fact that they burn drier, cleaner, and slower, which allows them to produce a richer smoky flavor.
Do you have to flip meat on a pellet grill?
Smaller meat chunks will cook more quickly than larger ones. But if you need to, just flip smaller slices once, ideally halfway through the cooking process. For larger cuts, you’ll want to flip them at least twice to get a nice and succulent finished product.
Can you leave pellets in the hopper?
The answer to whether it’s OK to leave pellets in your smoker’s hopper depends on a few factors. You can safely keep them in the hopper for about 2 weeks up to 2 months if your unit is stored in a dry place, if it’s covered to protect it from moisture, and if you use premium wood pellets.
Keep in mind that if your cooker is exposed to moisture or humidity, the pellets will just end up decaying in the hopper. It’s always best to just empty the hopper if you know you won’t use your pellet grill or smoker for a long time.
Make sure to keep any leftover pellets in a tight, dry, sealed container. Using moist pellets will affect the smoke in your next cooking session. The pellets will also get stale or clog the augers of your cooker.
And To Wrap It Up…
Built-in pellet smokers are a nice addition to your outdoor kitchen. And while most of them are more expensive than your standard smoker grill, many pitmasters believe that the convenience and quality of the food they offer are worth the investment.
When it comes to choosing the best built-in pellet smoker for outdoor kitchens, you must first plan your budget. But if you already have a freestanding grill and are looking at modifying or converting it to fit your outdoor space, you should carefully consider doing so. This might void the warranty.
You should opt for a custom-made built-in model. We highly suggest that you go for an all-stainless steel one if you have the budget for it. But if not, there are less expensive choices available that could meet your outdoor cooking needs.
But above all of these considerations, the type of cooker you’ll use will boil down to the amount of time you spend on food prep, your preferred cooking method, your set up, and a lot more.
Whichever you choose, one thing we know is for sure: the best built-in pellet smoker will diffuse the air in your outdoor kitchen and backyard with the delicious aromas of wood smoke. Aromas that will remind you of the incredible infused flavors that a pellet grill can achieve.
We hope that you found this guide helpful in your hunt for the best built-in pellet smoker for your outdoor kitchen!
Also, make sure to check out the latest prices and deals on the fantastic cookers we’ve discussed above. We can’t wait to hear about all of the delicious food you’ve cooked in them. Good luck!
