Converting from Bradley to Pellet Grill

[zueth]

I know that there are other people out there that started with a Bradley and eventually moved on to a pellet grill, which i plan to do in the near future.

So I was curious as to how you have modified your cooks now that they are done on the pellet grill.  I know that the cooks won't take as long since the temp is more finely regulated and heat recovery is way better.   For example, when I do 4 pork butts it takes 24-30 hours, I know that it won't take that long on a pellet grill, but not sure what to expect. 

Anything else besides timing that I need to change?

Thanks.

[teesquare]

You are going to find the improvement...uh change is easier than you planned. Similar to your Bradley ( if digital ) pellet grills are typically operated by a digital controller and thermostat. Yes you have a broader range of temp control - and because the pellet grill is more like a convection oven than Bradley - the air thru put will help speed up the cook times as well as higher temps available to you.

[TentHunteR]

One of the first things I changed when switching to pellet cooking was unless I'm grilling, I do NOT preheat the grill.  I leave it off until the food is on. This helps the smoke profile in two ways; it takes advantage of the extra smoke during startup, and it delays the outside of the meat reaching 140 degrees, thereby extending smoke absorption. The smoke is always clean on a pellet grill, even during  startup.

I know this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but most grills/smokers are preheated to get temps settled in. This is not necessary with a pellet cooker, since it's thermostatically regulated.

[Pappymn]

One of the first things I changed when switching to pellet cooking was unless I'm grilling, I do NOT preheat the grill.  I leave it off until the food is on. This helps the smoke profile in two ways; it takes advantage of the extra smoke during startup, and it delays the outside of the meat reaching 140 degrees, thereby extending smoke absorption. The smoke is always clean on a pellet grill, even during  startup.

I know this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but most grills/smokers are preheated to get temps settled in. This is not necessary with a pellet cooker, since it's thermostatically regulated.

Great tip

[GusRobin]

I went from a Bradley to a pellet grill with no change in timing of cooks, or not one that was noticeable. But then after I did the first burn in of the Bradley, I did the dual element mod and added a PID. So it always had the ability for higher, more consistent temps with quick recovery.

[zueth]

Thanks I still have just the 500 watt element and no PID, was going to add those but thought I would save the money and apply to a new pellet grill.


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[GusRobin]

I'd go with the pellet grill.

[smokeasaurus]

I'd go with the pellet grill.

agreed.

[Roget]

I'd go with the pellet grill.

agreed.

I love my Bradley.
(But I'm beginning to love my pellet grill also)