Pellet Grills or Offset Thrills?
My in-laws created a monster. Oh wait, did you think I was talking about my wife? Five years ago, they bought me my first Traeger pellet grill as a gift and it was actually my father-in-law that suggested I start sharing my cooks in a “food blog.” I had no idea what a pellet grill was prior to 2019, I learned about them when the Meat Church BBQ Supply store opened. I’ve always had a little offset smoker and a Weber. In August of 2019 I posted my very first picture on my new Instagram account that I titled Meat Therapy. I had just finished putting my Traeger together and was enjoying a cold one smiling like a giddy school girl leaned up against it. I’m pretty sure I got one “like” on that photo and it was from a family member just trying to appease me.
Just in case you’ve been living in a hole, pellet smokers are outdoor cookers that merge the best of charcoal and gas grills along with kitchen ovens. They are fueled by wood pellets and can grill, sear, braise, and bake. Believe it or not, pellet grills have been around since the mid-80s, but have gained more popularity within the last five years or so. There have been a lot of opinions on whether pellet grills could compete with an offset smoker, but despite the criticisms pellet grills have received, no one can argue that they have changed the game when it comes to convenience. The best feature of a pellet grill is the sheer fact that they are simple to use.
After seasoning it in, my first cook was chicken leg quarters. I figured I’d better go with something relatively cheap for an inaugural cook on a grill that I had no idea how to use. And guess what? They didn’t suck!
My confidence grew quickly in trusting the technology that the Traeger offered and the next thing I knew I was making a brisket…on a Sunday…during church. I remember discretely pulling up my Traeger app and checking my brisket temps while obviously listening to the sermon. When COVID hit, I was an essential worker at our local hospital putting in long hours 6 days a week, but on the 7 th day there was rest and there was meat — lots and lots of meat.
Now don’t get me wrong, I still get thrills with my offset smoker. There is just something special about tending a fire for hours upon hours, honing in on a consistent temp, fighting the elements and all the different variables that come along with an offset smoker. Playing with fire and meat helps to reconnect to the primitive brain and embrace that inner caveman. It’s a true craft that produces incredible results when everything is dialed in just right. I truly love cooking on the offset, but time is a big factor. Between having time for my family, my “real” job, maintaining a 124-year-old historic home and everything else in a busy life, time must be prioritized. Unfortunately, that means I don’t get to burn wood as often as I used to or would like. I am okay with that though. With being introduced to pellet grills, I can put out consistent delicious food while having a busy lifestyle. It’s the joys of both worlds.
There are those “purists” out there that will talk all kinds of mess about pellet grills or as they refer to as “easy bake ovens.” But that’s okay. You do you. I am here to tell you though; they are all ovens just with different fuel sources. Can I bake on my pellet grill? Yep. Can I bake on my offset? Yep. I am of the mindset that you should cook on what fits your lifestyle best. A busy life, use a pellet grill. Less busy, go with an offset. If it’s up and down then why not have both options in your outdoor cooking arsenal?
That is how I’ve found the happy medium in my love for BBQ and outdoor cooking. Remember, whatever you cook on, have fun with it. Enjoy the memories created around sharing good food with family and friends. Cheers!
SPACEMAN KNIVES
CODE:
MEATTHERAPY10
MEATER US
CODE:
MEATTHERAPY23B
ARCTIC ZONE
CODE:
MEATTHERAPY10
PECOS
WORKSTATION
CODE:
JASONWILSON1
WILD FORK
CODE:
JASON20OFF100
