The reverse-sear method turns any pellet grill into a competent steakhouse.
Pellet grills are optimized for low-and-slow smoking but with the right technique they also cook steakhouse-quality steaks. This guide covers the reverse-sear method that works reliably on Traeger, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Weber SmokeFire, and Recteq pellet grills, plus the gear that makes the process easier.
In this guide (jump ahead)
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Step-by-step method
- Choose the right cut — 1.5 to 2 inch thick ribeye, strip, or filet works best for reverse sear. Thin steaks skip the low-temp stage entirely.
- Season 45 minutes ahead — Salt and pepper generously, rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. Dry surface = better sear later.
- Preheat pellet grill to 225F — Standard low-and-slow temperature. Add smoke wood if desired (oak or hickory for beef).
- Cook to 115F internal (for medium-rare) — Use a leave-in probe thermometer. This takes 30-45 minutes for a 1.5 inch steak. Cooking rate depends on grill and steak thickness.
- Rest steak for 5 minutes off heat — While the pellet grill ramps to searing temperature or you fire a side sear station.
- Sear at 500F+ (or on a hot cast iron) — One to two minutes per side. Higher-temp searing gives the Maillard crust. Some pellet grills reach 500F; a cast iron in the grill or a side sear station also works.
- Rest again 5 minutes and slice — Internal temperature rises 5-10F during rest. Slice across the grain for tenderness.
Recommended pellet grills for reverse-sear
Any pellet grill that hits 500F or higher handles the sear step. Some enthusiast grills add dedicated sear zones.
See also: How to Smoke Brisket for First-Timers: A Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works
- Camp Chef Woodwind Pro with Sidekick — Pellet grill with attached propane sear box for high-temp finish.
- WIFI Smoker & Pellet Grill: This Camp Chef pellet grill lets you monitor and control cooking from your smartphone using Bluetoo…
- Premium Pellet Grill: Down & out ventilation gives you even heat and smoke throughout the entire chamber; grill features durabl…
- Camp Chef Pellet Grill: Download the app to set timers, receive notifications and monitor your food from anywhere with this smo…
- Camp Chef Apex Pellet Grill — Integrated 900F sear station.
- Weber SmokeFire EX6 — Pellet grill capable of 600F direct-flame searing.
- APPLICABLE MODELS: EX4 Glow Plug Fit for Weber SmokeFire EX4 and EX6 – Gen 1 and Gen 2
- APPLICABLE MODELS: EX6 Glow Plug Fit for Wood Pellet Grills/Wood Fired Pellet Grill 22510001 22510201 23510001 23510201
- REPLACEMENT NUMBER: 7009, perfect fit for grills
| Product | Standout Feature | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef Woodwind Pro WiFi 24 Pellet Grill | WIFI Smoker & Pellet Grill: This Camp Chef pellet grill lets you monitor and control co… | Check Price → |
| ULXIOM 2Pack Glow Plug Fit for Weber SmokeFire EX4 EX6 Gen 1&2 Repl… | APPLICABLE MODELS: EX4 Glow Plug Fit for Weber SmokeFire EX4 and EX6 – Gen 1 and Gen 2 | Check Price → |
| Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet | Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Cooking Skillet: This Blacklock 12-inch skillet pan is triple… | Check Price → |
| Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan, PFAS-Free, 10.5 Inches | Steakhouse Sear At Home: The Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan delivers high-heat searin… | Check Price → |
| ThermoWorks Signals BBQ Alarm Thermometer with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth… | Monitor Multiple Temps at Once: Track up to four channels — meat, pit, or both — on one… | Check Price → |
| ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, No. 1 Recommended Instant-Read Thermomet… | Unmatched Speed and Accuracy: A blazing fast ONE-second instant-read time delivers quic… | Check Price → |
| MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer, Honey, Bluetooth, 165ft, Grill… | Truly Wireless Food & Meat Thermometer: 100% wire-free, the MEATER Plus gives you compl… | Check Price → |
Sear pan or cast iron for the finish
A cast iron skillet in the grill (or a side sear station) delivers a better crust than most pellet grills alone.
See also: How to Smoke Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork: The Complete First-Timer Guide
- Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet — Classic cast iron for pellet grill searing.
- Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Cooking Skillet: This Blacklock 12-inch skillet pan is triple seasoned for a natural nonstick finish,…
- Lightweight Design: Weighing 25% less than traditional cast iron cookware, this cooking skillet has a thin, lightweight design…
- Elevated Cooking Pan Handle: Featuring an extended, raised handle that stays cool longer, this skillet pan ensures safety and e…
- Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan — Ridged cast iron for grill marks and sear.
- Steakhouse Sear At Home: The Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan delivers high-heat searing and bold grill marks while channeling…
- Time-Tested Even Heat Distribution: This durable cast iron cookware supports uniform cooking, helping reduce hot spots while ma…
- Indoor & Outdoor Ready: Compatible with stovetops, ovens, grills, and campfires, this versatile kitchen utensil supports depend…
Thermometer essentials
The reverse-sear method depends on hitting exact internal temperatures. A leave-in probe plus an instant-read is the standard combination.
See also: Best Meat Thermometer for BBQ 2026: ThermoWorks, MEATER, BBQOVN, and Inkbird Head-to-Head
- ThermoWorks Signals Wireless Thermometer — Four-probe wireless for during-cook monitoring.
- Monitor Multiple Temps at Once: Track up to four channels — meat, pit, or both — on one clear display.
- Powerful App Control and Tracking: The ThermoWorks App lets you monitor, graph, and manage all four probes remotely with custom…
- Stay Connected Anywhere: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth send live temperature data and alerts to your phone or tablet.
- Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Thermometer — One-second instant-read for final temperature check.
- Unmatched Speed and Accuracy: A blazing fast ONE-second instant-read time delivers quick and precise temperature readings for p…
- Outstanding Customer Support: Our Customer Care and Tech Support teams are based in American Fork, Utah. When you buy a ThermoW…
- Commercial Grade Durability: Built to last with a waterproof IP67 rating and a 5-year warranty. Thermapen ONE is designed to wi…
- MEATER Plus Wireless Thermometer — Single-probe wireless option.
- Truly Wireless Food & Meat Thermometer: 100% wire-free, the MEATER Plus gives you complete flexibility and freedom in your cook…
- Freedom to Cook Anywhere: With a built-in Bluetooth repeater in the charger, MEATER Plus extends wireless range, allowing you t…
- Dual Sensor Accuracy: Equipped with dual temperature sensors, it monitors both internal meat temperature (up to 212°F) and ambi…
Final note
Cook times, temperatures, and technique details are drawn from established BBQ practice and manufacturer guidance. Always follow your grill or smoker manufacturer”s safety guidance. Product prices and availability change frequently; check the Amazon listings for current information.
Related PitPrimer guides
- How to Reverse Sear a Steak on Any Grill 2026: Charcoal, Pellet, Kamado, and Gas Method
- How to Grill Pizza on a Kamado or Kettle 2026: Complete Setup + Gear Guide
- Traeger vs Recteq 2026: The Enthusiast Pellet Grill Head-to-Head (Which Ranks Higher?)
- Best Pellet Grill Over $2000 in 2026: Premium Enthusiast Tier Compared
Frequently asked questions
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