If you’re living in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you know how strict they can be. But what about pellet grills?
Are they HOA-approved or do you have to stick with your old charcoal grill? Don’t worry, we won’t grill you too hard with legal jargon. 😉
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Are Pellet Grills HOA Approved?
There are many benefits to living in a community governed by an HOA. They help keep the neighborhood both safe and clean. But they may also add some restrictions to outdoor equipment such as grills.
Most pellet grills are electrically powered and are therefore not considered to be open flame grills. Pellet grills are generally considered safer to use for this reason and are typically allowed by the HOA to be placed on your balcony.
There are, however, certain pellet grills that may be considered open flame grills, namely older pellet smokers where the pellets are lit on fire manually. So as you shop for a pellet grill, you need to be cautious that you are looking at one which is HOA-approved before you buy.
No matter what type of grill you want to buy, it is a good idea to check with your HOA before you purchase one.
Related >> How Much Electricity Does a Pellet Grill Use?
Are Pellet Grills Open Flame Smokers?
Most pellet grills burn pellets using an electric rod and are therefore considered not to be open-flame grills. There are some brands of pellet grills that do have an open flame, however, and pellet smokers are generally considered to be open-flame smokers.
For this reason, it is important to do some research before you purchase your pellet grill if you live in a home with an HOA. Many HOAs don’t allow open flame grills to be kept on patios. Gas grills and charcoal grills are always considered to be open-flame grills.
What Brands of Pellet Grills Are HOA Approved?
Pellet grills are a great addition to any backyard, but before you buy one, you may want to check if your HOA approves of it. Here are some pellet grill brands that may be considered HOA-approved:
Traeger: Traeger is one of the most popular pellet grill brands out there, and they offer a wide range of models to fit any budget and cooking style. From the compact Tailgater to the high-end Timberline, Traeger has a pellet grill for every need.
Green Mountain Grills: Green Mountain Grills is another well-known brand that offers a variety of pellet grills, from the portable Davy Crockett to the large Jim Bowie. They also have some innovative features, such as their Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone app.
Camp Chef: Camp Chef is a brand that specializes in outdoor cooking gear, including pellet grills. They have several models to choose from, such as the SmokePro DLX and the Woodwind, which offer features like ash cleanout and sear boxes.
Pit Boss: Pit Boss is a brand that prides itself on offering affordable pellet grills without sacrificing quality. They have models like the Pro Series and the Austin XL, which can cook a large amount of food at once.
Related >> Pit Boss Grills: Which is Best? (Complete Guide)
These aren’t the only HOA-approved grills, and just because a grill appears on this list doesn’t mean it will be approved by your HOA. It is always best to ask your HOA about a specific grill brand before you spend money on a new grill.
Are Pellet Grills the Same as Electric Smokers?
Pellet grills and electric smokers are similar, however, they are not the same.
In an electric smoker, solely electricity is used to cook your food, with woodchips being added only for the purpose of flavor. But you can, in theory, use an electric smoker without wood chips to heat food.
A pellet grill, on the other hand, cannot work without wood pellets as these are the fuel the grill uses to head up. Nothing will happen if you try to start your pellet grill without pellets. The electricity is used to power the electric rod to light the pellets, but it produces very little heat on its own.
Related >> Pellet Smokers vs Electric Smokers
Are Pellet Grills Considered Electric Grills?
Pellet grills are unique in that they do use electricity to light, but they aren’t necessarily electric grills. Rather they use electricity to light a fuel source (wood pellets) and then use that to cook. This gives them a wider range of flavors than a typical electrical grill.
It also makes them more versatile as you can use charcoal pellets to get the same charcoal taste you love without needing a charcoal grill.
Are Pellet Smokers a Fire Hazard?
Pellet smokers are generally considered safer than other types of grills under normal use. This is because there is very little flame involved and they are generally safer to use closer to your home than other grills (also for a reason, because they need to be plugged in!)
That being said, any grill can be dangerous when not used properly. So always follow all directions and safety recommendations when you use your pellet grill.
