How Long Do Pellet Grills Last? – Simple answer
When you buy a pellet grill, it’s not just another gadget – it’s an investment, much like a major appliance in your kitchen. That’s why understanding the lifespan of pellet grills is crucial to ensure you’re making a smart investment.
Most pellet grills can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years. However, when looking at how long they last, keep in mind the lifespan of a pellet grill can vary depending on a bunch of factors.
In this article, we’ll walk you through various factors to consider…
How Long Should a Pellet Grill Last?
The factors you should consider when looking at how long should a pellet grill last are:
How often do you use it?
The more frequently you use your pellet grill, the shorter its lifespan may be. However, modern pellet grills are designed to withstand regular use over many years.
Maintenance of Your Pellet Grill
Proper maintenance is very important for extending the lifespan of your pellet grill. Regular cleaning, grease management, and occasional inspections can prevent issues and ensure longevity.
Quality of Construction Materials
High-quality, name-brand pellet grills constructed from durable materials tend to last longer than cheaper alternatives. Stainless steel, for example, is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a popular choice for pellet grill construction.
Climate and Storage of Your Pellet Grill
Exposure to harsh weather conditions and improper storage can significantly impact the lifespan of your pellet grill. It’s essential to protect your grill from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures when not in use.
Complexity of Pellet Grills
A pellet grill, sometimes called a wood pellet grill or pellet smoker, consists of moving parts controlled by electronics. Therefore, there’s more opportunity for something to go wrong versus a simple charcoal grills or other types of grills/smokers.
They’re not overly complex though. Basically, wood pellets are stored in a pellet hopper and fed to a burn pot by an electronically controlled auger. In the burn pot, these wood pellets burn to produce heat and smoke, cooking food with a great smoky flavor.
Check out our full article on how they work.
Today’s pellet grills are more intricate than their older counterparts, which means there’s a greater chance of things going awry. It’s like comparing modern washing machines to older models – the more complex, the higher the likelihood of issues cropping up.
Interestingly, older pellet grills can outlast newer ones due to their more straightforward design.
The importance of a warranty
When pondering how long does a pellet grill last, it’s wise to delve into factors beyond just age. Consider the brand’s reputation, warranty coverage, and availability of replacement parts.
Although pellet grills are pretty straightforward machines with minimal potential for problems, it’s essential to be prepared for common issues like igniter failures, pellet feeding problems, or general wear and tear.
Opting for a brand that stands behind their product with a great warranty, and offers readily available replacement parts, can help keep your pellet grill running smoothly for years to come.
Warranty Coverage from Popular Pellet Grill Brands
There’s a lot of brands to choose from when purchasing a pellet grill. I look for brands who stand behind their products. I’m a big fan of RecTeq Pellet Grills for this exact reason…they stand behind their products with the best warranty in the industry.
| Brand | Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| Traeger Grills | 3 years for most components, 1 year for paint |
| Green Mountain | 2 to 4 years, depending on the model |
| Pit Boss Pellet Grill | 5 years for steel and 3 years for electrical components |
| Weber | 3 years for cook box and all components |
| RecTeq | 6 years bumper-to-bumper warranty (most models) |
| Grilla Grills | 4 years for the grill body, 3 years for the controller, and 2 years for the included meat probe |
How Long Do Pellet Smokers Last?
When you ask how long a pellet smoker lasts, people will probably tell you it depends. There are many things to think about.
How often you use it, what it’s made of, how you take care of it, and where you keep it all matter. Also, if the pellet grill has many extra features, that can affect how long it lasts. Keep these factors in mind when you are out on the market for a new pellet grill.
FAQ
What’s the deal with pellet grills versus gas grills or charcoal grills?
Imagine your grill as a kitchen oven that you can roll out to your backyard. They’re all about that low and slow cook with a fan-favorite smoky taste. Gas grills? Think quick and convenient, minus the smokiness. Charcoal is for the purists, loving that robust flavor, but it’s a bit more hands-on. So, take your pick!
Do I need to splurge on higher quality pellets, or are the budget-friendly ones just fine?
Choosing high-quality hardwood pellets like hickory or cherry upgrades flavor and burn consistency. Lower-cost pellets will do the job, but won’t deliver the same rich flavors for your meat.
Will using fewer pellets make my pellet grill last longer?
Sort of…try to maintain steady temperatures to avoid overworking your smoker. This can lead to your grill lasting longer over time.
What are the cooking options for pellet grills?
These things can transform your backyard into a full-on outdoor kitchen by giving you options to roast, bake, or smoke your food. Go ahead, bake a pizza, then smoke a brisket —these grills have got you covered.
Any tips on how to extend my pellet grill’s life expectancy?
- Protect from outdoors with a cover
- Keep it clean: ash is the enemy
- Store pellets in a dry place
- Keep the auger cleaned out
- Replace worn-out parts for overall maintenance
How does temperature control affect how long the pellets last?
Running your grill at higher temperatures will burn through pellets faster. It’s a pretty simple concept, high heat or extreme heat causes the burn rate to increase and uses more pellets.
When cooking on a lower heat, the pellets will last longer. Maintaining the right temperature is key to maximizing pellet usage.
