Can you use a pellet grill on a wood deck

In this article, you’ll learn if you can put your pellet grill on a wood deck and a few safety measures you can take to ensure you don’t accidentally set your deck on fire.

Let’s begin.

Contents show

Pellet Grills & A Wood Deck

Grilling season is upon us, and this means more time spent cooking up your favorite meats and vegetables outdoors at your home.

One piece of equipment that’s a popular choice is a pellet grill or smoker. This may raise the question;

Can you use a pellet grill on a wood deck?

The short answer is, yes, you can use a pellet grill on a wood deck and should be comfortable doing so.

However, keep in mind that there’s some natural risk whenever you’re dealing with live fire. It would be best if you were sure to raise it off thedeck and make the people in the area aware it’s there and turned on.

Also, keep an eye on it to ensure it’s working correctly and there are no safety risks or issues. Make sure you always place your grill in the right spot on a flat and clean surface. Confirm it’s away from any potential debris that may be sitting around or nearby as well.

Can A Pellet Grill Catch on Fire?

Another question that you may want to be answered if you’re using a pellet grill on a wood deck is can it catch on fire.

The simple answer is yes, your pellet grill can catch on fire or even explode, but it’s not likely if you’re putting safety first and avoiding any potential hazards.

A pellet fire is made possible when the pellets in and around the firepot ignite. You can avoid your pellet grill catching on fire by making sure the firepot isn’t overflowing with ash or pellets before lighting the grill.

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Grills & Decks

You might also be wondering if a grill can go on a deck and be used safely.

Start by remembering that you should always choose to grill outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home or a building.

Avoid having your grill under overhangs or overhanging tree branches. You must never use a grill on a porch, deck, or balcony with a roof, overhang, or wall. Finally, remember that it’s never safe or okay to leave your pellet grill or any grill unattended for too long.

The most significant risk factor is using your pellet grill on a balcony, so you should avoid doing this at all costs.

What about A Covered Porch?

When considering using a pellet grill on a wood deck, you may also be curious if you can put one on a covered porch. It’s okay to use it on a covered wood deck, and you may prefer it so you can grill in any weather.

However, you may want to stick to not cooking food at temperatures over 300 degrees since the most common hazard is likely a grease fire.

It would be best if you protect your wooden deck from the grill using a grill mat too. By placing a grill mat under the pellet grill, you’ll be saving your deck from burning embers and stubborn grease stains. It should extend past your grill in length and be durable enough to withstand strong winds.

Your awning should be installed at a proper height, and you should also make sure you’re good about maintaining and cleaning your grill regularly.

Are Pellet Grills Worth the Investment?

Pellet grills are not only great for grilling foods but can also be used as a smoker. Unfortunately, pellets are harder to come by than gas, and pellet grills are generally more costly than a gas grill option.

However, if you’re someone who likes to be outdoors cooking and grilling a lot, then you may want to consider investing in a pellet grill since you’ll be able to use it on your wood deck. While you may need to spend a bit more upfront, they offer genuine value for your money.

They’re so much more than grills, and you can cook a variety of foods on them without having to stand over the grill and monitor it every step of the way.

They’re versatile grills with a set and forget mentality. You may even come to find that your pellet grill makes a better smoker than it does a grill.

Safety Tips

Make sure your pellet grill is at a safe distance away from your house when using it. You may want to have a fire extinguisher and water spigot handy in case of an emergency.

It would be best to have your pellet grill or smoker placed and sitting on a fireproof grill mat. It’s safe to say that any outdoor cooking equipment used on a wooden deck needs to have one of these under it.

In addition, you can avoid a grease fire by keeping your grill clean. Vacuum and change out the foil on your drip pan, for example. Before you completely shut down your grill after your food is ready, try turning it down to about 180 degrees and let it cool off before you shut it down all the way.

You might also want to consider anchoring your grill to a nearby structure away from the house if there are high winds you’re dealing with.

Conclusion

Grilling is an enjoyable activity to do and makes the food you want to eat taste even better. As a beginner with pellet grills, you now know that it’s safe and okay to use a pellet grill on a wood deck.

However, you must be following the correct protocols and guidelines when it comes to safe grilling practices.

Hopefully, you’ll soon be on your way to investing in a sturdy grill mat and will start to safely and successfully use your pellet grill at home, including on your wood deck.

Enjoy your time as you grill, knowing that it’s okay that you’re on a wood deck if you’re safe about it, and clean your grill often. Then, enjoy the process of making your food and how good it tastes when you’re done smoking or grilling it.

Author
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Jack Dempsey

Owner Backyard Alpha at Backyard Alpha

Jack Dempsey is an Architectural tech by trade, project manager and landscape designer who has written online for more than 10 years about home improvement, patio, gardens, and home improvement. Jack also writes for Tropicalfishcareguides.com where he shares his 30-plus years of keeping fish in aquariums and ponds.