5 Reasons I Replaced My Old School Smoker With A Pellet Grill (And Why I’ll Never Go Back)

Look, I’m biased.

I love my Traeger grills.

So, I had to respond to Keith’s piece about why he would never use a pellet grill.

(Editor’s Note: Drizzlemeskinny has no affiliation with Traeger or any other grill company. This review is the opinion of author based on first hand experience. We sometimes link to grills for informational purposes, but we do not receive a commission if you buy. Let us know down in the comments where you stand on the pellet grill/old school smoker debate.)

And hey, if you’re one of those BBQ purists who swears by traditional charcoal and wood-burning smokers, I get it.

I understand why you might have some doubts about the latest trend in outdoor cooking: pellet smokers like Traeger.

Ironically enough, I tend to agree that there’s something nostalgic about tending to a charcoal grill or offset smoker, adjusting the vents just right, and savoring that deep, smoky flavor. But trust me, pellet smokers are changing the game when it comes to barbecuing.

They bring together convenience, precision, and unbeatable flavor. But if you’re not convinced, let me share my top five reasons why I’ve converted to pellet smokers as my primary rig.  Who knows, you might just find yourself loving them too.

1. Hard to beat the convenience

One of the greatest advantages of pellet smokers is their incredible user-friendliness. Unlike traditional grills that require constant monitoring and adjustments, pellet smokers are designed with convenience in mind. 

I am the father of four, I have a pool, and I live in a cul-de-sac. These things have made it tough to stick with using a traditional offset smoker. That’s why almost 10 years ago, I started to move away from charcoal and wood to pellets. As the years have gone by, I’ve let my ego relax and now enjoy the extra time with my kids while still making deliciously smoked meats.

That’s where the ability to set your desired temperature, load the hopper with pellets, and let the smoker take care of the rest gets harder and harder to beat.  It’s like having a personal BBQ assistant. This “set it and forget it” approach lets me fully enjoy the company of my family and friends rather than being tied to the grill all the time.

Cooking a brisket is incredibly simple, so simple that you can do it overnight.  Check out my recipe for smoking a brisket overnight, while you sleep! 

2. Unmatched Consistency

Consistency is essential when it comes to smoking meats, and let me tell you, pellet smokers excel at maintaining a steady and consistent temperature. Thanks to advanced technology like digital controllers and thermostats, you can be confident that the temperature will typically stay within just a few degrees of your desired setting.

This precise control is absolutely perfect for smoking meats like ribs, pork shoulder and brisket that need long, slow cooking times. So don’t be afraid to lean into the technology, and say goodbye to the days of burn outs, flare ups and temperature fluctuations that can ruin a perfectly good brisket.

When I am thinking of consistency, ribs instantly come to mind.  It is my favorite thing to smoke on a pellet grill.  So boom, here is my Traeger 2-2-1 rib recipe that is super consistent on a pellet grill. 

3. Packed with Technology to offer unmatched versatility

Largely due to the added technology, pellet smokers are incredibly versatile. You can smoke meats to perfection, but also grill, bake, roast, braise, and even sear using them. Imagine baking a pizza with some wood-fired flavor or roasting a Thanksgiving turkey with a hint of smokiness.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, this is a holiday that I really get the most out of my pellet smoker.  To get started a flip out my wood pellet flavors and add a special turkey blend that brings in some unique flavors from hickory, maple and rosemary.  But it doesn’t stop there, I am able to effortlessly make a delicious and juicy turkey, while at the same time baking off a whiskey infused pumpkin pie.  And if that isn’t enough, I am even able to throw veggies right on the same smoker delivering half of our Thanksgiving feast right from my pellet smoker. 

4. Results speak for themselves

Look all of the technology and convenience is for not if you can’t make delicious food.  But leveraging the steady, controlled heat and infusing the controlled flow of smoke from the wood pellets creates a cooking vessel that unfailingly yields tender, juicy, and flavorful food every time.

I’ve smoked everything from a rack of ribs, a brisket, or even Brussels sprouts with consistent results that delight family, friends and even strangers.  The way the smoke penetrates effortlessly enhances the natural flavors of the meat while maintaining its moisture.

While all these long smoked foods are great, I’ve converted more people to pellet smokers but just making some simple chicken breasts.  This is a grilled food that often gets over done on the outside, but under done on the inside.  Or if you do get it just right on the outside, the inside is dry and lacking in flavor.  But with a pellet grill, I consistently turn out great food like chicken breasts with minimal effort. 

Speaking of a long smoke, pulled pork comes to mind instantly!  So check out my recipe for Traeger Pulled Pork and see just how easy this long smoked recipe is on a pellet grill.

5. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter

When it comes to barbecuing, the equipment you use is not as important as the experience itself. Whether you’re grilling on a traditional charcoal grill, a gas grill, or a pellet smoker, what truly matters is the joy of cooking outdoors, the camaraderie of friends and family, and the delicious food and memories you create together.

Each type of grill has its own unique charm and brings something special to the table. While pellet smokers may offer convenience and consistency, the essence of barbecuing lies in the shared moments and the love put into every meal. So, whether you’re a die-hard charcoal fan or a pellet smoker enthusiast, remember that the best BBQ is the one you enjoy making and sharing with those you love.

There is more than enough room for everyone, as long as you’re sharing joy and positivity with friends, family and the world!

So what do you think, ready to add a pellet smoker to the mix?

I understand that you may have always been a fan of traditional charcoal or offset smokers, but I truly believe that you may enjoy the convenience and amazing flavor that a pellet smoker can bring to your backyard.

So might I suggest, give a pellet grill a try with an open mind.  Who knows, you just might be surprised how much you like the technologies and convenience that are making there way into the BBQ world.  Because there is still a place for all of us at the table, and I hope you will be open to giving it a try.

And please let me know down in the comments what you think.