However, the Pit Boss Lockhart does feature a PID temperature controller, where it doesn’t appear that’s the case on the Cuisinart Clermont. However, that’s not really how most owners will be using the Clermont. Cuisinart is still a relatively new player in the pellet grill/smoker game. When selecting a temperature setting, the auger will feed pellets for several minutes.
The best way to do this is via the PID controller on your cooker. This 4-burner gas grill features four 12,000 BTU burners made of durable stainless steel. From now until May 31, BBQ Guys will throw in a free grill cover with your purchase of the Nexgrill Deluxe Gas Grill.
Turn the 3 burners of the gas grill section at Hi and let everything burn up for about minutes. You should be all good to start grilling immediately after. Instead of a fixed open flame like gas or charcoal grills, pellet grills use a hopper and firebox system.
I liked the idea of the doors rather than a lid. This is a residential grade product that will likely be used at weekends etc. Well, in certain cases you don’t want to leave pellets in the hopper. If the pellets start to absorb moisture from the air, you’ve potentially got problems.
Most notably, the open design is ripe to start grease fires after smoking fatty meats like brisket or pulled pork one day and cranking it up to 500°F to sear the next. While we were happy to see that Weber improved the pellet delivery system in the second generation model , we wish they had also updated the control panel. It doesn’t cuisinart griddler elite display an accurate grill temperature, instead displaying the same number as the grill’s set temperature most of the time. That meant we had to rely on our ambient probe to trust the actual temp. Like all outdoor cookers, pellet smokers must be cleaned periodically. Ash collects in the bottom of the smoke box and the fire pot.
The main difference in these smokers/grills is how well they take to the elements. Keep it clean and dry and I’m sure it will last. Leave it out in the weather and you’ll need a better quality metal to hold up with the abuse. I had issues with the pellets jamming in the augur. I ended up returning and buying a Louisiana pellet grill from Costco . I paid like $500 for it, so I wasn’t keeping it.
They’re made by compressing wood that’s ground into sawdust, and grill pellets are usually made with 100% hardwood or contain food-grade oils to add flavor. Next up, we wanted to know how the pellet grill worked with high-heat temperatures. We cranked the dial up to 500°F (or the highest setting if the grill didn’t have that setting).
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.