A type of outdoor cooker that utilizes wood pellets as fuel and incorporates a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller to precisely regulate temperature is gaining prominence. This technology offers enhanced temperature stability compared to traditional pellet grills, resulting in more consistent cooking outcomes. For example, a steak cooked on such a system is less likely to be overcooked or unevenly seared due to fluctuating temperatures.
The appeal of these devices stems from the combination of convenience and precision. The digital control system allows users to set a desired temperature, and the PID controller works to maintain that temperature by adjusting the rate at which pellets are fed into the firepot. This level of control is beneficial for both novice and experienced grillers. Historically, wood pellet grills offered the flavor of wood-fired cooking with the ease of gas or electric grills. Adding PID control addresses the primary drawback of earlier models: temperature inconsistency.
