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It's no question that Americans love to grill, and nothing makes this more evident than when you consider the amount of money generated by the grilling industry. In 2021, grills and grilling accessory purchases generated $6.1 billion in revenue, with nearly every grill style seeing sales growth.

Two styles saw significant increases. It seems kamado grills and pellet smokers have caught the eye of consumers. If you're hoping to up your grill game, consider one of these popular options.

When it comes to kamado grill vs. pellet smoker, how do you choose the best grill for you? Read to discover which one of these grills will suit your outdoor BBQ style.

Form, Fuel, and Function

Although the outcome of using either grill is similar, their process differs considerably. The outer materials, fuel sources, and temperature control mechanisms are unique to each style.

Kamado Grill

It's easy to recognize a kamado grill by its oval egg shape. Originally, kamado grills were made of clay, but now manufacturers use ceramic as the outer material. Ceramic is a highly efficient insulator that allows cooking with the extreme heat while using minimal fuel.

On the subject of fuel, kamado grills use hardwood lump charcoal. Unlike the coal briquettes often used on traditional charcoal grills, lump charcoal contains no fillers or additives and is made from pure, natural wood.

You fill the bottom of the kamado grill with charcoal. Once it's lighted, the heat and smoke generated from the charcoal will fill the chamber.

To control the temperature on a kamado grill, you will adjust the air vents at the top and bottom of the unit. You adjust to different vent settings depending on your desired temperature.

Pellet Smoker

A pellet smoker has a look and visual lines similar to a propane grill and combines elements from a gas grill, a kitchen stove, and a conventional smoker. The outer material of a pellet smoker is usually either carbon or stainless steel.

Pellet smokers are fueled by small wood pellets placed outside the cooking chamber in a hopper. This hopper runs on electricity to ignite and deliver burning pellets to the cooking chamber.

After filling the hopper with wood pellets, you'll set the temperature similar to setting your oven to bake. The temperature is controlled by airflow initiated by fans in the unit.

Performance Perks

Both cookers are incredibly versatile, which helps explain why they're considered two of the best types of grills by many BBQ enthusiasts. Their ability to cook other foods is impressive; you can end up with a fire-roasted pizza or even fresh-baked cinnamon rolls using either. Here are some of their other notable features.

Kamado Grill Gains

Kamado grills are second to none in heat generation and retention. While most outdoor grills top out at 500 degrees, kamado grills can reach over 700 degrees.

Other benefits of a kamado grill include:

●      More fuel-efficient

●      Less moisture loss in food

●      Ceramic can last for a lifetime of use

●      Minimal maintenance or clean up

The ceramic insulation puts this style at the top for high heat performance.

Pellet Smoker Pros

You can take your cooking into the digital age with a pellet smoker. For example, many models, like the GMG Peak grill, boast WiFi Smart Control. With this feature, you can monitor and control your grill through an app on your phone from wherever you are.

More reasons to buy a pellet smoker are:

●      Easy start with the push of a button

●      Pellet flavor options add a variety

●      Most models have casters to allow portability

●      Automatically adds fuel as needed

Ease and consistency are why pellet smokers rank high on pit masters' lists of favorites.

Consider the Cons

One downside of kamado grills is their lack of portability; they are heavy and not easily moved. Also, because of their high heat capability and super insulation, they take longer to cool, making it tough to switch to cooking something that requires a lower temperature.

Pellet smoker hoppers run on electricity, so understand they must be near an electrical outlet. Pellet smokers also get cited for their lack of searing ability.

Making the Choice: Kamado Grill vs. Pellet Smoker

What will be center stage at your next barbeque? The choice comes down to your fuel preference and your heat control and heat intensity expectations. You'll also need to consider location and portability.

There's no doubt the decision between kamado grill vs. pellet smoker means you're choosing between two of the best grills on the market.

Photo by Thirdman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sausages-on-a-charcoal-griller-8021124/