Let’s face it: everyone loves a good steak, including our The Barbeque Grill team. However, the problem with most restaurants serving steaks is that they usually cook at such high temperatures (and for so long) that it renders the meat almost inedible. But when you grill a steak at home with the best pellet grill for searing steaks, the experience can be exceptional indeed, even though grilling a perfect steak at home isn’t as simple as throwing it on the barbecue and waiting 15 minutes.
But not all pellet grills are made equal. Many barbecue models are available, but not all can perfectly cook meat. Some have great features but terrible performance; others have the other way around. For us, our best searing pellet grill award goes to the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi Pellet Grill.
Finding the most suitable pellet grills that can sear based on your needs and preferences can seem tough but not with our guide! Let’s go through all you need to know to get the best pellet grill that sears so that you can enjoy that perfectly charred and juicy steak every time!
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What Is Searing?
Searing is a cooking method in which food is browned on the surface by heating it to a high temperature. It helps to preserve moisture and flavor by creating a caramelized crust. Searing also seals in moisture to make the food more juicy and tender.
There are many ways to sear meat such as steaks, but the popular method for searing would be to make steaks on pellet grills since these grills use less fuel than other methods. It’s easy to use and maintain and produces fewer emissions, making them an excellent choice.
Why Use A Pellet Grill for Searing?
Not all grills are appropriate for searing. But there are many different types available. If you’re looking for a grill that can provide excellent results regarding searing meat, then you should consider a pellet smoker.
Pellet grills offer many features that make them perfect for searing, such as high heat output and the ability to maintain a consistent temperature. Also, pellet grills are very versatile. You can use them for other cooking methods like smoking, slow cooking or grilling to get smoke flavor out of your steak or meat of choice.
But are pellet grills good for steaks? YES! A pellet grill smoker, such as the Pit Boss 700fb, is perfect for searing steaks because it can heat up and cook evenly in a short amount of time. This is thanks to the pellets, which are small pieces of wood or compressed sawdust that are burned to create heat.
Pellet grills also have a built-in fan that circulates the hot air, ensuring that the food is cooked evenly.
Read More >> Best Pellet Grills Under 500
Top 7 of the Best Pellet Grill for Searing Steaks 2022
Many enjoy delicious steak cooked on a pellet grill because it’s simple and convenient. However, there are so many grills to choose from it can be challenging to choose the one that’s right for you.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself prior to purchase:
- Do you plan to use the pellet grill for small batches of cooking, or do you often cook for a large crowd?
- Are you on a budget or are you willing to spend on premium pellet smokers for searing?
- How often will you be using a pellet grill for searing?
To help you choose your best searing pellet grill, we’ve collected a list of the top 5 pellet grills for searing steaks. We’ve considered factors like price, features, and performance to help you find the perfect grill for your needs.
So, without further ado, here are the top 7 pellet grills for searing steaks:
#1 Camp Chef 24-in Woodwind Pellet Grill – Editor’s Choice
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There is no better pellet grill for searing than the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi Pellet Grill. This smoker connects to your phone or tablet via WiFi, allowing you to monitor internal temperature and adjust settings as needed. The color screen display makes it easy to monitor the temperature.
Barbecue components are made of stainless steel and enamel-coated powder-coated steel. The pellet hopper holds 22 pounds of pellets, and the grates are nickel-plated enamel-coated cast iron. The smoker heats up to 160°F to 500°F, with an option to raise the temperature to 650°F using Slide n Grill. The smoker measures 811 square inches, and the Sear Box adds another 184 square inches.
This pellet smoker with sear box is perfect for searing steaks (like medium rare steak) or getting a nice char on your burgers, though you will need to get the Camp Chef sear box separately as attachment. The Ash-Cleanout System also makes it easy to keep the Grill clean and maintained.
Smoking is simple. Set your desired temperature, start the team, and your smartphone or tablet will notify you when your meat is ready at your desired doneness. The first time the app gets connected to the Grill can be quite time-consuming but move past that, the Camp Chef Woodwind smoker is the best pellet grill for searing steaks and would make a great addition to any backyard.
Pros
- Get professional BBQ results at home.
- Seamlessly switch between smoking and searing.
- Cook a whole rack of ribs or brisket with ease.
- Grill your steak to perfection and impress your family and friends.
- With one Grill, experience the best of smoking and searing.
- Create mouth-watering, restaurant-quality BBQ in your backyard.
Cons
- The first time you connect to the app, it may be difficult to connect as the system must update, which can be tedious.
- You’ll lose the side shelf if you use the Sear Box or Side-Kick. More money will be required to add the front shelf.
Read More >> Camp Chef vs. Rec Tec
#2 Z GRILLS 600D Wood Pellet Grill – Best Portable Pellet Grill Searing Steak
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Z GRILLS 600D Pellet Grill is 2nd on my list and perfect for those who want to sear their food using an affordable pellet grill. This searing pellet grill is rated the best on the market, is cheap, durable, and reliable with all the most important and desired features.
Z Grills uses convection cooking and 100% natural hardwood pellets. It creates fan-forced convection cooking and wood-fired flavor.
Using PID technology, the PID temperature controller maintains accurate temperatures from 180 to 450ºF. The convenient fire access door allows you to cook with direct flame up to 750 ºF.
The Z GRILLS 600D is the perfect choice for the griller who wants to explore the variety of cooking styles and flavors that grilling offers.
These wood pellet grills feature an 8-in-1 cooking style with up to 10 cooking functions and adjustable heat ranges. Plus an easy-to-move design and storage cabinet. With Z GRILLS’ patented convection heating process. Your meal will be cooked evenly, without any unwanted flavors. No more will you need to concern yourself with your food burning or becoming undercooked.
The Z GRILLS includes a specially designed waste oil collector to make cleanup a breeze.
The included locking caster wheels make it easy to move the Grill around, so you can take it wherever you go.
Thanks to a one-button ignition and digital temperature control, it’s much simpler to operate.
This is a superior pellet grill with sear feature, and it functioned properly. It was simple to operate and enjoyable to use. This barbecue is reasonably priced for a pellet smoker with sear box product of such high quality.
Pros
- Can grill at high temperatures for searing steak on pellet grill.
- Convenient hopper-fed pellet system.
- Even heat distribution for consistent cooking results.
- No flareups or hot spots.
- Easy to clean.
- Portable for tailgating and camping.
Cons
- No WiFi
- Small sized and small hopper capacity, not for large cooking
#3 Weber SmokeFire EX6 – Best Durable for Searing Steak
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There is plenty to love about the Weber SmokeFire EX6, which is the second generation of the SmokeFire pellet grill series. With a nice 1008 square inches of space to grill, cooking for the family or a large crowd is not a big issue.
Sporting a sleek design that is coated with porcelain- enamel finish, this product is made to last for many years against rust and cracks. Enjoy the best cooking experience at a temperature range of 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, whether it is for slow cooking, grilling, smoking or searing your food to get the best flavors. The heat stays consistent and spreads out evenly, which is a huge plus for a wood pellet barbecue grill.
Auger jams will be out of the question with its engine that is DC-powered to perform without a hitch. The LCD display is also easy to use, and you can cook from a distance with the help of WiFi via the Weber Connect app. Activate SmokeBoost on the app if you want your food like steak to have more smokey flavor to it.
On top of that, the convenient ash and grease management system also adds to the overall ease of using this best searing pellet grill.
Pros
- SmokeBoost feature provides for extra smokey flavor
- Large cooking space
- High heat up to 600ºF for searing steaks
- DC-powered motor reduces chances of auger jams
- Convenient ash and grease drawer for ease of cleaning
- Long-lasting material
Cons
- Hopper design could be improved to prevent pellets from flying out when emptying hopper
- Timers on app will be more helpful with color codes and labels
Read More >> Best WiFi Pellet Grills
#4 Z Grills ZPG-7002B
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The Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill is a high-end model perfect for avid home chefs. From the sleek, modern design to its many advanced features and accessories, this grilling machine is on another level for outdoor cooking appliances.
If you appreciate well-designed, functional, and aesthetically beautiful products, you’ll love this pellet grill from Z Grills. The company has made a name for itself by offering high-quality outdoor cooking equipment that rivals the best manufacturers in the industry. Their flagship Z- Grills pellet grill continues this trend impressively. Let’s take a closer look.
With 700 sq inches of cooking space, you can place all your food at once and cook it properly. The 180° to 450° F temperature range allows you to cook a diverse variety of food. The 20-pound large-capacity pellet hopper provides extra time for cooking, and you can cook for up to 20 hours, .so you do not have to refill it as often. It’s corrosion-resistant, longer-lasting, and has a polished, sleek finish.
Wood pellet technology from Z Grills allows you to cook with wood fire flavor without propane or natural gas hassle. Your food will no longer overcook or undercook.
Stainless steel construction offers superior corrosion resistance, resulting in a longer-lasting grill with a sleek, polished finish.
The digital temperature control automatically adds pellets as required to maintain the temperature. The range of temperatures is consistent and preciseness. Thanks to convection heat distribution technology, ensuring that food is perfectly cooked.
Pros
- Grill a variety of foods with ease.
- Get authentic wood-fired flavor with 100% natural hardwood pellets.
- It has a grease cup that can be reused or thrown away
- A grease management system is built-in.
- Materials of superior quality
Cons
- It doesn’t distinguish itself from the competition
- Low temperatures produce the most smoke, so it’s not suitable for high temp cooking like grilling or perfect searing
#5 Green Mountain Trek Pellet Grill
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Sometimes, you may want a portable pellet smoker grill that you can easily bring outdoors for a good searing action. The good news is, Green Mountain Trek does the job really well as the best portable pellet grill for searing steaks!
An upgrade from the previous Green Mountain Grill (GMG) version, this 65-pound small smoker grill packs a punch when it comes to smoking and searing meat, comparable to that of bigger pellet grills with sear box. Choose between running the wood pellet grill with DC at 12V or AC power at 120V according to your preference, and cook perfect steaks with its temperature ranging from 150 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another nice feature would be the WiFi function, which allows you to operate the grill machine and monitor your cooking through its Android or iOS compatible mobile app. The Green Mountain Trek grill holds the temperature pretty well for a portable unit, so this might be the grilling unit you’re looking for if you want an easy-to-assemble unit that fits your car trunk enough to do your cooking outside away from home.
Pros
- Small sized grill, portable for outdoor cooking
- WiFi-controlled
- Dual powered – choose between DC or AC
- Can withstand high temperature up to 500° F for searing steaks
- Pellet usage is rather efficient and eco-friendly for a 9-lb hopper capacity
Cons
- Not exactly lightweight despite its small size
- Legs are short, so you may need to place it on higher ground for easier access
#6 PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill
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The Pit Boss PB440D2 Wood Grill is a great little powerhouse of a grill. It’s a small, compact, lightweight design that can easily be moved around the yard or patio. The main features of this grill are its clean-out ash pan and ash catcher system. Every person has the potential to buy a Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill, not just professional chefs.
The Pit Boss BBQ grill will not disappoint when maximizing kitchen space. The PB440D2 offers 465 square inches of space and porcelain-coated cooking grates for every penny spent.
A dial-in digital control on this Pit Boss pellet grill allows cooking temperatures ranging from 180° to 500°F.
Pit Boss PB440D2 air flow convection cooking is designed for a fast and even cooking process, great for making the perfect Pit Boss brisket. It also features an automatic ignition.
A dial-in digital control allows cooking temperatures ranging from 180° to 500°F.
It features a cheap, convection cooking system using quality 100% all-natural hardwood pellets.
Pros
- Because of the wheels on the bottom, it is portable.
- Easy to start
- Versatile
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Heat distribution is uneven.
- Searing space is limited.
Read More >> How to Clean Pit Boss Grill
Read More >> How To Shut Down A Pit Boss Pellet Grill
#6 Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddy’s Pellet Grill
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Cookshack is known to be a premium brand apart from other luxury pellet grill brands like REC TEC and Memphis Grills. We had to include the Cookshack PG500 in the list due to its sturdy 100% stainless steel construction and temperature range of 180 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for searing steaks and other meats.
This wood burning pellet grill is built to withstand high heat without a sweat so expect years of use with this one. You would also appreciate the convenient autostart feature and the large cooking surface that lets you grill, smoke or sear like a pro.
The highlight of this product would be the draft fan function, which provides pressurized air condition that significantly improves the searing results. Additionally, it comes with electronic thermostat for ease of temperature adjustments. It has four zones for cooking: direct, indirect, cold-smoking and warming. You can even use this searing pellet grill during winter for grilling on the direct flame zone without issues!
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Durable and can withstand high heat for long thanks to its stainless steel build
- Draft fan creates a pressurized condition that improves heat and enhances searing
- Automatic start for convenient cooking
- Grill and sear anytime no matter the weather, performs well even during winter
Cons
- Does not hold temperature well enough due to lack of insulation
- Grill is heavy
Pellet Grill vs. Sear Box
One of the most significant differences between pellet grills and sear boxes is that pellet grills offer a wide range of temperature control.
With a sear box, you can only sear at one temperature and then finish the rest of the cooking process in the oven.
You can set a pellet grill to different temperatures throughout the cooking process. Using a pellet grill, you can sear at a high temperature and lower it once your meat is almost finished. This makes for juicier meat and more flavorful results.
A pellet grill is better than a sear box if you want fast and easy searing. Additionally, pellet grills are much easier to clean than sear boxes and are less prone to flareups. Sear boxes also need longer cook times since they must be reheated after use.
How to Choose the Best Pellet Grill For Searing Steaks?
Many pellet grills on the market advertise themselves as being able to grill a steak. But, not all of them are developed for that purpose. There are pellets explicitly made for searing meat and pellet grills that can be used to sear steaks.
Choosing the pellet grill for searing steaks depends on your needs. If you are cooking steaks and other meats, you need one that can provide the right amount of heat. This is so that you can sear them without overcooking them.
A lower-end model will probably be fine if you want to use your grill for grilling vegetables, fish, poultry, or other foods that don’t need high heat. You should also consider any special features your pellet grill may have. Some models have built-in thermometers or probe ports to help you keep track of the food’s temperature as it cooks.
Others have built-in racks to allow you to safely put large items like roasts or whole chickens onto the grill.
Finally, consider the size and shape of your home’s grilling area and the space you have for your new barbecue. A compact pellet grill may be smaller than an average kitchen stove. But it’s better suited for smaller spaces with limited space.
Here are a few things to remember when searching for the best pellet grill for searing meat or cooking steak.
Temperature Range
The typical pellet grill operates at 150 to 500 °F. Searing requires a higher temperature than other forms of barbeque grilling. And pellet grills vary Low in their temperature ranges. Because of this, users must seek grills that match the desired temperature range. The best searing occurs at 800 to 900°F, with most pellet grills providing 500 degrees F.
Digital Temperature Control
When searing meat on a pellet grill, it’s important to have precise temperature control to ensure that your food is cooked evenly. Many pellet smokers come with digital temperature control. That allows you to set the temperature in increments of 10 degrees. A perfect sear is hard to achieve, so this is very helpful.
Cooking Area
If you prepare a meal for a large group or have limited space on your deck or patio, you should consider the cooking space. You can usually tell the size of the pellet grill’s interior cooking area by its measurements.
The amount of cooking space is listed in square inches for most companies. A family of four requires at least 400 square inches of cooking space on a pellet grill. If you plan to cook for six or more people, you should get a grill with 600 to 700 square inches of cooking space.
Cast Iron Cooking Grates
We recommend looking at pellet grills with cast iron grates when searching for ones that sealed cast iron grates heat up quickly, so they retain heat better than stainless steel. You may sear food as soon as you put it on the grates as long as you allow the Grill to reach the appropriate temperature. Food does not stick when you flip it since cast iron grates are used.
To enhance your grill’s searing, you could consider getting a GrillGrate, which is an extra accessory made of hard-anodized aluminum that you can place on top of your cooking grates. The grill grate can absorb more heat due to its higher thermal mass, hence you can achieve higher temperatures to create better results when searing steaks on pellet grill.
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Read More >> 10 Best Grill Mat for Concrete Patio
Conclusion
After the complete review, we hope you are more confident to choose among the best pellet grills! If you are uncertain about the value of these models, you may consult the buyer’s guide to see if they are adequately equipped for your searing needs. Or just go for our recommended model – the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi Pellet Grill!
Searing is a bit more challenging in the world of pellet grills. After all, to sear meat, you need an intense source of heat and a way to keep the meat above it. Pellets are fantastic for indirect cooking, but they don’t exactly give you enough heat to sear meat. That’s why we see so few pellet grill manufacturers that allow you to sear.
Not to worry though, with our recommendations, you will be well on your way to having a great steak searing experience with the abovementioned searing pellet grill products!
FAQs
Are pellet grills good for searing steaks?
It depends on what you’re seeking. If searing is your main concern, pellet grills will not be the best option for you. This is because pellet grills are designed for smokers, so they don’t have the same high-temperature capabilities as gas or charcoal grills.
However, pellet grills are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a way to add some smoke flavor to your evenly cooked steak. They can help give your steak a slightly smoky taste that can be pleasant for some people.
Additionally, pellet grills are very convenient and easy to use. They require minimal setup and maintenance and can cook your food quickly while producing outstanding results.
What is the best temperature for searing steak on a pellet grill?
Ideally, the best temp to sear steak on grill is between 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. But normally a pellet grill can operate up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, with some going up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than enough for searing steaks to your desired doneness.
Which is the most affordable pellet smoker searing?
From our list, we recommend the Z GRILLS 600D Pellet Grill for a no-frills searing pellet smoker. It allows you to cook a variety of styles up to 750 ºF, and you get really good flavors from the convection cooking. It’s also durable which is a huge plus point for such a low price less than $500.
Green Mountain Davy Crockett is another most affordable options available in the market today, costing less than $500 as well. It’s lightweight and portable for cooking in the outdoors, yet has all the functionality you seek in a WiFi pellet grill that sears really well.
We recommend these two products if you want a value-for-money pellet grill for searing.
Do pellet grills get hot enough to sear?
It depends on the pellet grill and the pellets to get hot enough to sear. Some pellet grills have a sear function that raises the grill to a high temperature. At the same time, others need you to use the indirect cooking method to get the grill hot enough to sear. Good-quality pellets are the best way to ensure that your pellet grill gets hot enough to sear.
How do you get good sear marks on a pellet grill?
You can do a few things on a pellet grill to achieve good sear marks for your pellet grill steak.
- To begin, check to see if the grill grates are hot enough.
- Second, ensure the steak is cooked to the appropriate temperature with a good meat thermometer.
- Use a high-quality steak sauce or marinate as the third step.
- Fourth, don’t move it about while the steak is cooking.
- Fifth, set aside the steak for a few minutes before slicing it.
You should be able to get beautiful sear marks on your pellet grill if you follow these guidelines to cook steak. Enjoy!
What temp do you cook steaks on a pellet grill?
Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before putting the steaks back on. Place your grill on low heat to get the smoke flowing. To get a low-heat smoke going, leave your steaks on the grill for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes. After smoking, raise the heat on your grill to its highest setting, 450-600 °F. Serve your pellet grill steaks when they are done to your liking.
Can you slow cook a steak on a pellet grill?
Yes, a pellet grill may be used to slow cook steaks. Set the grill to a low temperature, around 200-225 °F, and let the steak cook for 3-4 hours. The best way to do this is to wrap the steak in foil or butcher paper and then place it on the grill. Remove the steak from the grill and set it aside to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.