Pellet grills have taken the barbecue world by storm. Known for their ease of use, consistent results, and versatility, they appeal to everyone—from beginners lighting up their first rack of ribs to seasoned pitmasters chasing perfect smoke rings.

But with popularity comes plenty of confusion. Over time, a few myths and misconceptions have taken hold about how pellet grills work and what they can (and can’t) do. I’m breaking down some of the biggest myths and misconceptions to set the record straight and help you get the most out of your pellet grill.

Myth #1: Pellet grills don’t offer good smoke flavor

Hands down the number one misconception about pellet grills is that they don’t offer the same quality smoke flavor as other styles of smoker.

I’ve been smoking meat for more than 10 years, and I’ve cooked on just about every style of smoker out there. I started as a “stick-burner” cooking only on offset smokers and barrels, but as the technology evolved I’ve started branching out to other styles of smokers, including pellet grills.

I was a bit skeptical when I got my first pellet grill, as I think most pitmasters are. I couldn’t fathom that I could get the same level of smoke flavor from burning pellets as I could from burning splits of hardwood, but I was mistaken. Pellet grills are designed to smoke food and the technology has advanced over time to allow for the same quality of smoke flavor as you would find on a traditional wood-burning pit.

The key to getting the best smoke flavor when using a pellet grill is to use good quality pellets. Pellet producers like Bear Mountain BBQ produce pellets made from 100% natural hardwood. This makes a big difference when it comes to the smoke flavor of your food.

Myth #2: Pellet grills are for lazy cooks

Another misconception about pellet grills is that they are for lazy cooks. Nicknames like “easy bake oven” are prevalent in the BBQ community, but, in reality, cooking with pellets doesn’t cut out as much work as many think it does.

You still have to prep, season and smoke your meat in the same way you would on any style of smoker. While a pellet grill is more hands-off in the sense that you don’t have to continuously add wood to the firebox, you still have the same process of cooking meat.

Myth #3: Pellet grills are only for low and slow cooking

While this myth may have been true 20 years ago, it’s simply not accurate today. There are so many different styles of pellet grills on the market, and the versatility of pellet cooking is at a level it’s never been before.

Today’s pellet grills can typically maintain temperatures anywhere from about 200°F up to 500–700°F, depending on the model. That range gives cooks the flexibility to smoke low and slow or sear over high heat on the same grill. You can smoke a brisket all day, then crank up the temperature to sear steaks, burgers or even bake pizzas—all without switching equipment. Even models that top out around 500°F can still produce an excellent sear; it just takes a little more time and technique.

Modern pellet grills use precise digital controls and efficient airflow systems that maintain steady heat at any level, giving you consistent results whether you’re slow-smoking ribs or flash-grilling salmon.

Myth #4: Pellet grills are low maintenance

This is one of the myths about pellet grills that I wish were true, but unfortunately, it isn’t. If anything, pellet grills can be more high-maintenance than traditional charcoal or offset smokers.

It’s true that during a cook, pellet grills are more low maintenance. You don’t have to babysit the firebox, and the digital controller does much of the work. But once the cooking’s done, the real maintenance begins. Pellet grills produce a fine ash that collects in the burn pot and under the heat deflector, and if it’s not cleaned out regularly, it can clog sensors, block airflow and cause ignition issues.

Regular upkeep means vacuuming out ash, cleaning the grease tray, emptying the hopper between cooks, and protecting electronics from moisture. For guidance on how and when to clean your pellet grill, check out these tips.

Pellet grills have earned their place in the BBQ world. They’ve made great BBQ more accessible without taking away the craft behind it. Whether you’re cooking for convenience or precision, a pellet grill lets you focus on flavor instead of fire. At the end of the day, it’s not about the tool—it’s about the cook behind it.