When it comes to grilling pellets, the material you choose impacts the flavor of the food you prepare, as well as the speed of the cooking process and the other items you can use for marinating or otherwise flavoring your meat, vegetables and fish. So, are charcoal pellets better than grilling pellets? Or are grilling pellets better than charcoal pellets? Great question. Keep reading to find out. 

Flavor Profile

No matter what you’re grilling, you naturally want it to taste great and the material you use for the cooking process definitely impacts the final flavor profile of the food. As you can imagine, wood infuses the meat with the flavor it imparts, whether that’s plum wood or almond wood. You’ll get a taste of whatever that wood is when you cook. On the other hand, with charcoal pellets, you can get a good sear on your meat, which adds the iconic grilling flavor you’re probably used to. You are also able to cook at higher temperatures, which can sometimes impart a higher degree of that smoky flavor you love so much. 

Cost of the Pellets & Grill

If you’re on a budget, it makes sense to pay attention to the cost of the pellets you choose, be they wood or charcoal. If you don’t already own a pellet grill, that’s an investment to consider at the outset. Depending on which one you choose, expect to spend up to $2000 on a pellet grill. However, a charcoal grill will be much lower. Beyond that, consider the cost of staying stocked up on the pellets you need to grill. Quality plays a role here, as higher quality pellets of any type will cost more but will also impart more flavor and be easier and safer to use. Adding accessories to either type of grill is another cost component to keep in mind. If you want all the bells and whistles, expect to spend more than if you opt for a basic model. 

How to Use

When you’re deciding between charcoal and wood pellets, their ease of use is something that can have an influence on your decision. A pellet grill is arguably much easier to use than a charcoal grill. That’s because it’s as easy as pouring in the pellets and choosing your cooking temperature. With a charcoal grill, there’s more work involved in getting the charcoal to light and then you often have to wait for it to reach the desired temperature. On the other hand, a pellet grill is used most often for smoking and may not reach the high temperatures that a charcoal grill can. 

Grilling with wood pellets is a fun experience and the taste it gives your meat and seafood can’t be beat. If you want to give it a try and take a break from charcoal, we’re here for you. Shop online today for grilling pellets and browse the inventory of recipes at Knotty Wood Barbecue Company to create a meal to knock the socks off the people you love.