Pellet grills are a more cost-effective option when compared to other types of grilling. With that being said, how many pellets do pellet grills use?
A typical pellet grill uses between a ½ pound and 1 pound of pellets per hour on the smoke setting and between 2 ½ pounds to 3 pounds per hour on the high setting.Â
How Much Does It Cost To Cook With A Pellet Grill?
The number of pellets you use is dependent upon the weather outside. If it is colder or windy, you may need more pellets to sustain the same amount of heat on a calm, warm day.
Let’s say that the weather is optimal for cooking on a warm, calm day. If you are burning about one pound per hour, it costs you around $0.76 per hour to cook using wooden pellets.
This means that a twenty-pound bag of pellets will last you about 20 hours using the smoke function and about 6 hours if you are cooking on high.
How Does The Cost of A Pellet Grill Compare To Other Types of Grilling?
Grill Type |
Cost per Hour of Cooking |
| Pellet Grill | $0.76 |
| Charcoal Grill | $2.85 |
| Gas Grill | $1.20 |
| Electric Grill | $0.26 |
Cooking for one hour with charcoal costs around $2.85. An hour of cooking with a gas grill is about $1.20. Both of these are considerably higher than using a pound of pellets for cooking.
Electric grills are cheaper than pellet grills; however, at about $0.26 per hour. With this being said, electric grills lack the flavor that pellet grills provide.
Do Wood Pellets Expire?
If you’re considering buying in bulk and are not an avid griller, you may be wondering how long the pellets will last?
If properly stored, wood pellets can last forever. However, if exposed to environmental elements such as moisture, they can go bad.
It is recommended you store your wood pellets in a dry, cool place that is safe from the possibility of getting wet in any way. By doing this, you can save yourself time and buy a big bag that will last you a long time rather than taking multiple trips to the store each time you want to buy pellets.
What Different Types of Pellets Can I Get For My Grill?
- SIGNATURE BLEND WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: The flavors of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods combine for in our Traeger Signature Blend Hardwood Pellets for flavor that can take on just about anything you cook; From classic BBQ meats, to fish and veggies, this versatile blend gives you full-bodied flavor youll go back to time and time again
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesnt just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke; It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwoods unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn; Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- PAIRS WELL WITH EVERYTHING: Pairs especially well with Beef, Poultry, Pork, Lamb, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables
- FEATURES: Made in USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, Low Ash, 20lb Bag. PLEASE NOTE: Pictured with new packaging, you may receive old packaging.
- Selecting Pellet + Rub option pairs our recommended Traeger spice rub to each wood pellet flavor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are an array of options when it comes to choosing which food-grade pellet to use in your grill. It is important to consider what you will be grilling and the type of flavor you are going for.
Here is a list of a few different pellets and what they work best with.
Type of Pellet |
Flavor |
What to Grill |
| Mesquite | Strong Earthy | Poultry, Beef |
| Oak | Heavy Smoke | Beef, Seafood, Baking |
| Apple | Slightly Sweet, Fruity | Poultry, Pork, Baking, Veggies |
| Cherry | Slightly Sweet, Fruity | Poultry, Pork, Seafood, Baking, Veggies |
| Hickory | Bacon-like Flavor | Beef, Poultry, Pork |
| Alder | Hint of Sweetness | Poultry, Pork, Seafood |
You can also purchase blends of different wood pellets to achieve a mix of flavors. Try out different pellets until you find what works best for your taste pallet.
Do All Types Of Pellets Cost The Same?
Not all pellets cost the same. Cost is determined by:
- Brand
- Type of Wood
- Purchase location
There is a multitude of brands to choose from when it comes to food-grade wood pellets. Names like Bear Mountain and Pit Boss are trendy.
Dependent on the brand, costs may vary slightly but not usually by much. Often, buying in bulk can save you some money.
Prices also vary slightly depending upon the type of wood you are buying, but it is not by much. Try purchasing from bigger name-brand stores like Lowes to get cheaper options. Amazon Prime is also a great place to find lower-priced wood pellets.
Be sure that when you find a good price that it is food-grade wooden pellets and not just wood pellets. It is best to be safe and know that the pellets you are using haven’t been mixed with toxic wood finishings or other cheap woods that may ruin your flavor or poison you.
Are Pellets Good For Grilling?
Not only are pellets cost-effective, have a long shelf life, and come in various flavors, they also produce a great smokey flavor in your food. Choose between a variety of types to get the exact flavor you desire through an easy grilling experience.
Further Reading: Do You Soak Wood Pellets Before Using Them In Pellet Grills?
Video: Thinking of Buying a Pellet Grill? Watch This Comparison First
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