How to Cook with a Pellet Grill

What You'll Need

FUELS AND TOOLS

Fill the Hopper

Fill the Hopper

  • Before pouring in your pellets, make sure the hopper is clear of debris.

  • Next, fill your hopper to the desired level, before starting the grill. Kingsford™ Hardwood Pellets deliver excellent performance in all pellet grills, including Traeger or Pit Boss®.

  • We recommend about 1 lb. of pellets per hour for low heat and about 2 lb. per hour for high heat.

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Light the Grill

Light the Grill

  • Most pellet grills ignite at the press of a button. Check your grill for instructions.

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Set the Temperature

Set the Temperature

  • Check your recipe for the recommended temperature.

  • We suggest between 225° and 275°F for smoking.

  • For searing, cook with the hottest temperature you can get, which is between 450° and 500°F for most pellet grills.

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Wait for the Grill to Achieve Desired Temperature

Wait for the Grill to Achieve Desired Temperature

  • Keep the grill lid closed to allow your pellet grill to heat up as quickly as possible.

  • While things heat up, it’s a good time to season your food.

  • If your grill isn’t up to temp after you finish seasoning, simply relax and enjoy the wait.

  • Good things come with patience!

  • View of a closed pellet grill with a Kingsford logo on it

Adjusting and Maintaining the Grill While Cooking

Adjusting and Maintaining the Grill While Cooking

  • Keep the grill closed to capture the full flavor.

  • For more smoke flavor, cook longer at a lower temperature.

  • For less smoke flavor, cook shorter at a higher temperature.

  • If you’re doing a multi-hour cook on your pellet grill, check the hopper occasionally to ensure the pellets are feeding in correctly.

  • Not so complicated — right?