Best Pellet Grills, Smokers 2021

However, the Pit Boss Lockhart does feature a PID temperature controller, where it doesn’t appear that’s the case on the Cuisinart Clermont. However, that’s not really how most owners will be using the Clermont. Cuisinart is still a relatively new player in the pellet grill/smoker game. When selecting a temperature setting, the auger will feed pellets for several minutes.

Now, for the last pre-cook step, keep the doors open and turn the grill back on. Then, set the grill to 500F and let it ride for a good 30 minutes. Like most pellet grills, the Clermont comes in a lot of parts and pieces and requires assembly. You only need a screwdriver and wrench, which are included with the hardware. Copyright © 2005 by Meathead’s AmazingRibs.com. In addition our Pitmaster Club is a huge thriving community of cooks who love to share.

When too much ash is allowed to build up in the fire pot, controllers will shut down. Woodcreek’s fire pot has a trapdoor on the bottom that slides away via a pull out handle on the right side, letting the ash drop into a removable tray below. This system of automatically replenished wood pellets makes pellet grills very easy to use. Just close the lid and walk away while your meat is cooked to smokey perfection. For the price, we were impressed with this pellet grill. It didn’t feature the precise temperature control we found with more expensive grills, but the knob on the digital control panel sets the temperature in 20°F increments.

clermont pellet grill & smoker cover

Cuisinart generously throws in a large cast iron griddle. It’s big and heavy with a 15 x 12 inch griddle surface and a trough at the back for scraping grease and gunk into while cooking. Woodcreek has a 30 pound capacity pellet hopper to feed fuel to the fire pot. A sensor at the bottom warns when pellets run low.

They’re made by compressing wood that’s ground into sawdust, and grill pellets are usually made with 100% hardwood or contain food-grade oils to add flavor. Next up, we cuisinart soup maker wanted to know how the pellet grill worked with high-heat temperatures. We cranked the dial up to 500°F (or the highest setting if the grill didn’t have that setting).

Always allow the auger tube to fully load with pellets to ensure proper lighting of the grill. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is cooked to a safe temperature. NEVER use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal cuisinart pots and pans set lighter fl uid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fi re in this appliance. Keep all such liquids well away from the appliance when in use. Unplug the grill from the power source and allow the fi re to burn out on its own.

Do not place power cord where it may come in contact with hot surfaces, or pose a tripping hazard. Set up this grill on a hard, non-combustible cuisinart soup maker smooth level surface. Do not store or use gasoline, liquid propane or any other fl ammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this appliance.

I’ve previously done a Pit Boss vs Cuisinart comparison article where I reference that Pit Boss also doesn’t state the main grate size on the Lockhart. From the look of the two grills, I actually think the main cooking grate on both products is probably very similar in size. My general thoughts on the Clermont match the phase ‘two steps forward, one step back’. Hence, there is some progress here, however, its not where it needs to be on price/features. It not only looks sophisticated, it sets this pellet grill apart from others, because of the huge windows and massive cooking space. With superior counter space and hidden storage, I highly recommend the Clermont.

This is a knob found on the side of your pellet grill. Not emptying the Ash Clean out will result in ash accumulation and restricted airflow, causing temperature swings and flameouts. As the pellet grill runs like a convention oven with a fan, you may start to notice ash settling on the bottom of your chamber and even on your food. This hopefully goes without saying, but it’s a good idea to spot clean the lid, side shelf, and cook racks between cooks. Pellet grills (a.k.a. pellet smokers) are quickly becoming a backyard favorite of casual foodies and barbecue enthusiasts alike.