How to Cook with a Pellet Grill

What You'll Need

FUELS AND TOOLS

Kingsford™ Hardwood Pellets
Pellet Grill
Aluminum Foil

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™ Craftsmoke Premium Pellets deliver excellent performance in all pellet grills.
We recommend about 1 lb. of pellets per hour for low heat and about 2 lb. per hour for high heat.

Light the Grill

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

Set the Temperature

We suggest between 225° and 275°F for smoking but smoking but check your recipe for the recommended temperature.
For searing, cook with the hottest temperature you can get, which is between 450° and 500°F for most pellet grills.

Let the Grill Get Hot

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, relax and enjoy the wait. Good things take time!

Maintaining Flavor and Heat 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.
Feeling ready to fire up the pellet grill? We have dozens or recipes to help you plan your menu.

Pellet Grill Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, 1 lb lasts about an hour at low heat 30 minutes at high heat. Always check during long cooks to ensure a steady feed and avoid temperature drops.

Yes! Mixing pellets like Hickory and Applewood. Experiment with blends to match your favorite meats and recipes.

Absolutely — they’re designed for excellent performance in Traeger, Pit Boss, and other major brands. You’ll get even heat and authentic smoke flavor every time.

How long do pellets last in the hopper?

Typically, 1 lb lasts about an hour at low heat 30 minutes at high heat. Always check during long cooks to ensure a steady feed and avoid temperature drops.

Can I mix pellet flavors?

Yes! Mixing pellets like Hickory and Applewood. Experiment with blends to match your favorite meats and recipes.

Do Kingsford™ pellets work in all pellet grills?

Absolutely — they’re designed for excellent performance in Traeger, Pit Boss, and other major brands. You’ll get even heat and authentic smoke flavor every time.