Grilla Grills Silverbac Pellet Grill
Summary
Specifications – Grilla Silverbac Pellet Grill
507 square inches of primary cooking area (expandable)
180 to 500 degree F temperature range
Temperature controlled in 5-degree increments
20-pound capacity side mounted pellet hopper
Single meat temperature probe
Wi-Fi enabled controller with proprietary App
Quick change pellet hopper
Stainless steel cooking grates
Powder coated steel and stainless steel construction
Total weight 170 pounds
Made in China by Grilla Grills
PROS
Full Connectivity
Pellet Dump
Good Capacity
Solid Construction
CONS
Limited High-Temperature Capabilities
Full Review – Grilla Silverbac Pellet Grill
When Grilla Grills, then Fahrenheit Technologies, introduced the original Grilla Grills Pellet Grill, they didn’t follow in anyone’s footsteps. That pellet grill was unique in every way and extremely efficient. But it suffered from a limited capacity cooking chamber. That first pellet grill though was successful and innovative enough to justify the creation of the Grilla Grills company.
To stake their claim in the pellet smoker world, Grilla Grills Silverbac (or known by its full name the Silverbac Wood Pellet Grill Alpha Connect (WiFi) was developed. This is a more traditional barrel-style pellet cooker. This review is based on the latest version of the Silverbac Alpha. The Grilla Grills Silverbac has been improved (mostly in terms of the controller) since it was first introduced.
Most pellet grills below $1,000USD don’t have a lot of variabilities. The Silverbac looks a lot like other models, though, built with more weight. In fact, it is considerably heavier than the comparable pellet grill from Traeger or Pitt Boss. This weight is found in the stainless steel lid (because you couldn’t build a lighter lid than Traeger) and in the rest of the body. The Silverbac has efficient heat holding capabilities, and while the operating temperature range isn’t far off of the competition, increased insulation means using fewer pellets. One of the biggest costs of operating a pellet grill, is, in fact, the pellets themselves.
The Latest Controller
Grilla has finally gone Wi-Fi with a new controller (introduced in 2021). All of their wood pellet grills now include this new controller with only a small bump in prices. This controller connects to the Grilla App and allows for remote monitoring and control of the pellet grill. This is a dual-mode controller, but it still only has one meat temperature probe. Basically, this is the Wi-Fi-enabled version of the Alpha Smoke controller. This unit allows you to choose how you want the temperature-controlled in the grill.
The original model uses a wave pattern that raises and lowers the temperature slightly. As the temperature drops, the Grilla Silverbac produces more smoke as the wood pellets smolder. The fan then accelerates combustion raising the temperature back up again. In this mode, the grill produces a smokier flavor. The second mode, a traditional PID controller configuration, keeps the temperature steady enabling it to hold a near flat temperature curve. While the first mode is superior for smoking, the second mode provides for more precise temperature control. This is an industry first and an added value, though I suspect that most users will stick to one over the other.
In this price range and given the capacity, this is certainly the pellet grill to buy. It is well packaged (which is important since it is frequently sold online), and the instructions are well written. Grilla provides a number of accessories for this grill and has a good reputation for supporting its products. I do suggest that if you are looking for a smaller unit with an even smaller footprint, you consider the original Grilla Pellet Grill.
Grilla Silverbac vs Z-Grills 700 Series
If you’ve seen the Z-Grills 700 pellet grill around, you will notice that they are amazingly similar. In fact, the Z-Grills grill is made in the same factory (yes, in China) as the Grilla Silverbac. So is there a difference? Yes and not just in the price. The Silverbac lists for $900USD while comparable Z-Grills can run two hundred less. So why spend more?
Let me put it to you this way. The Silverbac weighs in at around 170 pounds whereas the Z-Grills 700 can (depending on the model) weigh as much as 135 pounds. See the difference? It’s in the construction. Since these grills are not in many stores, you might not get the opportunity to view them side by side, so you have to trust me. The Silverbac is a better-constructed grill and holds heat and smoke better than the Z-Grills 700.
About Grilla
Grilla Grills is a full-service outdoor products company. In addition to their pellet grills, they also offer a kamado-style charcoal grill called Kong (keeping with the primate naming convention. There is also a portable pellet grill called the grilla grills chimp. Grilla even features an all stainless steel griddle and a line of outdoor kitchen products. The Grilla Grills Silverbac is available as a built-in pellet grill as well as in the Silverbac All-Terrain version.
About Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and is reliable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to make the memories that your children will cherish.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on uses sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.
