Back in 2007 when I first become aware of pellet grills and smokers the only brand I was really aware of was Traeger. Traeger is really where this whole concept of cooking with pellets started in the 1980s. It was a ‘slow burner’ but since the 2010s is really when pellet grills and smokers started to get CGWM-081 Clermont Pellet Grill & Smoker Cover mainstream awareness, discussed alongside gas and charcoal grills. There are now over 30 pellet grill/smoker brands that I’m aware of, and the link above goes to my A to Z list of brands article. Protect your Clermont Smoker from the elements with the Cuisinart Clermont Pellet Grill & Smoker Cover!
This smaller unit cycles the air within about 500 square feet twice hourly and within 250 square feet four times hourly. The auger will not run 100% of the time, it cycles on and off depending on the temperature setting. When selecting a temperature setting, the auger will feed pellets for several minutes. This will momentarily raise the temperature, but the temperature will decrease and stabilize after minutes. If you are transporting your grill in a vehicle after cooking on it, make sure the fire is completely out and the grill is cold before placing it in any vehicle.
From this point forward, I pretty much think any pellet grill/smoker over $500 should feature a PID control panel. Though as I’ve said above, I do like the general functionality of the control panel with its easy to read screen, control dial and high location on the grill. I do also like the built-in surrounding work surface, that could be very handy for food prep and the sear zone is a good feature to have. So cuisinart pots and pans set the good things first, I do like the large screen on the Clermont providing clear temperature information etc. I also like the large temperature dial, very similar to the temperature control panel on the Cuisinart Woodcreek and Twin Oaks. Also, while as I discuss above that I don’t think a very large 40 lb pellet hopper is really necessary, placing the control on top of the hopper makes it easier to read/use.
Where the Cuisinart Clermont is now competitive with the Pit Boss Lockhart unlike the Cuisinart Woodcreek is with offering direct-flame access. Hence, while the control panel on the Clermont maxes out at 500 degrees, higher grilling temperatures around 650 degrees should actually be possible above the Sear Zone. The direct-flame access on the Clermont works in a very similar fashion to Pit Boss grills with a leaver used to open/close groves on the grease tray. Cuisinart is still a relatively new player in the pellet grill/smoker game.
’ Well, the thing is, if you were using the pellet grill constantly every day, sure, the larger the hopper the better. This is a residential grade product that will likely be used at weekends etc. If the pellets start to absorb moisture from the air, you’ve potentially got problems. Hence, in most cases filling a 40lb hopper means if you want to keep the cuisinart soup maker pellets in a good condition you are going to be emptying it pretty frequently. I’ve previously done a Pit Boss vs Cuisinart comparison article where I reference that Pit Boss also doesn’t state the main grate size on the Lockhart. From the look of the two grills, I actually think the main cooking grate on both products is probably very similar in size.