If you’ve got an outside plug point that’s in the right spot, well, you’ve got nothing to worry about. But, when you want to move your pellet grill to the prime spot in your backyard or when you’re out camping or tailgating, sometimes that short cable just doesn’t go the distance. You’re going to need an extension cord.
Here we outline exactly what type of extension cord to use, what to look for, and what the best extension cord is for your pellet grill.
Can I Use an Extension Cord With My Pellet Grill?
Most power cords on pellet grills only come 6 ½ feet long, such as Traeger, Pit boss, Smoke hollow, etc. If you don’t have a plug point that’s close enough, you’re going to need to consider your options.
Pellet grills don’t use too much electricity, as it’s only required to power the digital display, combustion systems including the fire rod, and the fan. Since this only requires 500 watts to operate properly at most, you can use an extension cord with your pellet grill, connected to any internal or external plug point in your house.
What’s more important is that you use the right type of extension cord, for the safety of your pellet grill, and more importantly yourself.
Note: If you are using an extension cord and your pellet grill won’t ignite at all, try plugging it in directly to the power outlet to check if there is a problem with your cord.
What Type of Extension Cord Can I Use?
The digital control panel, the fans, and the igniter require an average of 500 watts to operate properly.
Although it’s not a lot of power, since you use your pellet grill outdoors, it’s important you get an outdoor extension cord. More than anything, this comes with adequate length, brightly colored for visibility, and thicker cables that are harder to damage. Because of how robust they are, outdoor extension cords are most suitable for any outdoor tools, pellet grills, or other backyard machines.
Indoor extension cords are more suitable for light usage and indoor conditions. They are much easier to damage or cut through. Also, since they are usually white they are much easier to trip on in the backyard. To be clear, indoor extension cords will be able to handle the power fine, but should only be used with absolute caution.
In all circumstances try to use an outdoor extension cord, even if you’re just using your pellet grill on your balcony or patio. Outdoor extension cords usually have a lower wire gauge and a higher quality casing. This makes them easily able to power a pellet grill, plus be much more durable and resistant to damage.
You can even the extension cord with camping or in the RV if you have a portable pellet grill, they will either be long enough to reach a power plug or be able to extend the distance between your pellet grill and your portable power generator. Using a proper-strength extension cord that’s long enough will help you reach shelter to prevent any low-temperature issues in your pellet grill.
Best Extension Cord For Pellet Grills
Best Overall!
UltraPro 3-Outlet Power Strip
The UltraPro 3-Outlet Power Strip is powerful, durable and comes will all the safety features you’ll need. Being weatherproof, grounded, double insulated, and having a vinyl jacket.
It also comes in various different lengths, being 9ft, 15ft, 25ft, 50ft, and 100ft. But remember, only get the length you actually need or the extension cable will unnecessary resistance.
The various colors offered are great for matching it with its surroundings to be discreet, or standing out if it’s in an odd spot so nobody trips on it. One of the most overlooked features is that it also comes with the ability to hang the multiplug on a hook which is perfect for the backyard or shed set-up.
The only thing to consider is that it is 16 gauge. where you only really need 12-14 to run a pellet grill. A higher gauge simply means it will draw more power and could be of use if you plan on plugging more than one appliance into it.
Also, be wary when looking at different colors as some don’t come with the three plugged power strip and instead only come with one outlet.
Best Multi
The Wood Black AgriPro
The Wood Black AgriPro is one of the most popular multi-extension cords in the market.
It easily handles the power requirements of any pellet grill, and comes with enough to safely power other appliances at the same time with 1875 total wattage, 15A, and 125VAC. It’s also a 14 gauge which is ideal for pellet grills.
It’s suitable in all weathers, heavy-duty, and water-resistant, suitable for any outdoor terrain from the backyard to farms, ranches, or use when camping or tailgating.
The only limitation is that it does come with a fixed 25ft length. Usually, this is enough to cover the distance between your pellet grill and a power outlet, but it may be too short for all uses.
Best Quality
Clear Power Lawn & Garden Extension Cord
The Clear Power Lawn & Garden Extension Cord is a premium quality choice if you only require a single outlet. This will mean you will get the full dedicated 125VAC, 13A, 1652W to your pellet grill.
It’s grounded, bright orange for visibility, weather-resistant, and flame retardant. You’ll be covered no matter what you’re doing in the backyard!
One of the other main benefits is that you can choose if you want a 3 pronged grounded plug or a 2 prong polarized plug. These 2 prong plug points are dated now, but some old locations still run on them!
Multiple lengths are available, which helps you choose exactly how long you need it to be. But if you are looking for more than a single plug then it’s going to be much less suitable.
What to Watch Out For in an Extension Cord?
When purchasing a new extension cord for your pellet grill pay attention to:
- The quality of the material of the cord
- The wire gauge
- The wire resistance
- Type of the plug
- Outdoor customizations
- Whether it’s a multi plug
- Color
The first thing to look for in an extension cord for a pellet grill is the material of the cord. Look for extensions that are made of heavy-duty materials and have a vinyl-thermoplastic covering.
The length of the extension cord is also extremely important. You don’t want a wire that is too long and has low resistance because that means that it won’t be able to power your grill. Try to stick within the range of 20 to 50 feet to avoid unnecessary resistance. The key is to only use an extension cord that is the length of what you need and no more.
Wire gauge is also closely related to the amount of power you can acquire. High wire gauge means less power, so try to avoid the use of any wire that is more than 14 gauge, but avoid any wire that’s less than 12.
Another thing to look for is the type of plug. You would always need a three-prong plug that has a ground prong. This would keep your precious grill safe.
If you do need to plug-in more than one appliance, then make sure you get an outdoor extension cable with a multi-plug. Just be careful not to overload the plug, so check the power requirements of everything you are connected to.
Lastly, always remember to look for water-resistant cords that can withstand high temperatures and outdoor weather.
What Gauge Extension Cord Do You Need For A Traeger Grill?
Traeger Pellet Grills are beastly machines, but they don’t require all that much electricity. When you’re choosing an extension cord for your Traeger grill make sure it’s between 12 and 14-gauge, grounded, and weatherproof.
This is the same for other pellet grills too, whether it’s a Traeger Pellet Grill, Pit Boss Pellet Grill, Grilla grill, or even for an electric grill or electric smoker. Rarely will you ever find a smoker or grill that requires any more than a 14-gauge for a power cord.
Conclusion
You absolutely can use an extension cord with your pellet grill. But, it’s always best to use an outdoor extension cable over an indoor extension cable. The Double-Insulated UltraPro 3-Outlet Power Strip will solve all your backyard power issues. Coming in multiple different lengths and colors, it is highly durable and powerful enough for a pellet and more.
Remember, always avoid using low-quality extension cords as the safety of your pellet grill and your barbecue is at stake!
