How to use a pellet grill for the first time

How a pellet grill works

Pellets go into the hopper. An auger, turned by a small motor, carries them into the firepot, where a hot rod igniter lights them. A fan feeds air to the fire, and a heat baffle and drip tray spread the heat across the cooking chamber. A controller reads a temperature probe and adjusts how fast the auger feeds pellets to hold your set temperature.

Because everything runs on electricity, the grill needs a mains socket, ideally a weatherproof outdoor one close by. The manual will say whether an extension lead may be used and of what type.

Priming the auger and the burn-in

On a brand-new grill the auger tube is empty, so pellets take several minutes to reach the firepot. Many controllers have a prime function for this; others ask you to run the grill until pellets drop. If the igniter heats before pellets arrive, the grill may fail to light first time.

1. 1

   Place the grill outdoors on a level surface, away from fences and overhangs, as the manual specifies.

2. 2

   Check the heat baffle, drip tray and grates are fitted correctly.

3. 3

   Fill the hopper with dry hardwood pellets made for grills.

4. 4

   Plug in and use the prime or auger function until pellets drop into the firepot.

5. 5

   Start the grill as the manual describes, usually with the lid open or closed as specified.

6. 6

   Set a high temperature and let it run empty for about 30 to 45 minutes to burn off oils.

7. 7

   Run the shutdown cycle and let the grill cool.

Your first cook

Choose something forgiving: chicken thighs, sausages or a whole chicken at around 180 °C, or a pork shoulder for a longer smoke at around 110 to 135 °C. Preheat with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the lid closed during the cook; every opening loses heat and smoke.

Use a probe thermometer for doneness. The Food Standards Agency advises cooking poultry, pork and sausages until steaming hot throughout, with no pink meat and clear juices; see our core temperature table. Smoked meat can stay pink just under the surface, so trust the probe over the colour.

Pellet storage in UK weather

Pellets are compressed sawdust, and moisture makes them swell and crumble. Damp pellets cause poor ignition, temperature swings and auger jams, which are among the commonest pellet grill faults. In the UK's damp climate, store pellets in a sealed, airtight container indoors or in a dry shed, not in the open bag outside.

Do not leave pellets in the hopper for weeks in wet weather. Many grills have a hopper clean-out door to empty it. Keep the grill covered when not in use, as rain getting into the hopper ruins pellets quickly. If your grill struggles to reach temperature, see pellet grill not getting hot.

Shutting down and cleaning

Do not simply switch a pellet grill off at the plug. Use the controller's shutdown routine, which stops the auger and runs the fan for a few minutes to burn remaining pellets and cool the firepot. Pulling the plug can leave unburnt pellets in the firepot, which can cause a burst of smoke or a hard start next time.

Every few cooks, once cold, vacuum ash from the firepot and the chamber, and replace the drip tray liner. Ash build-up is a common cause of failed starts and temperature problems.

Note:Use a pellet grill outdoors only, never in a garage or enclosed space, as it produces carbon monoxide. Keep the lead and socket dry, unplug before cleaning and let the grill cool fully before vacuuming ash.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to season a pellet grill? Most makers recommend an initial burn-in at high heat to burn off manufacturing oils. Follow your manual's time and temperature.

Why did my pellet grill not light the first time? Usually the auger was not primed, so pellets had not reached the firepot when the igniter ran.

Can I leave pellets in the hopper? For a short time in dry weather. In damp conditions, empty the hopper and store pellets sealed.

Which pellet grill is best for a beginner? One with a clear controller and a probe. Compare models in best pellet grills for UK gardens.