How Long to Cook Steak on Pellet Grill at 350°F: Timing Guide

Grilling the perfect steak on a pellet grill can be a game-changer for your backyard cookouts. Cooking at 350°F strikes a great balance between searing the outside and keeping the inside juicy and tender. But knowing exactly how long to cook your steak at this temperature is key to getting those mouthwatering results every time.

Whether you’re aiming for rare, medium, or well-done, understanding the timing and technique will help you avoid overcooking or undercooking your steak. With a pellet grill, you get consistent heat and smoky flavor that elevate your steak to the next level. Let’s dive into how long you should cook your steak at 350°F to nail that perfect bite.

Understanding Pellet Grills and Their Temperature Control

Pellet grills combine digital precision and wood-fired flavor to deliver consistent cooking results. Understanding their operation helps you control steak cooking times and temperatures accurately.

How Pellet Grills Work

Pellet grills use small hardwood pellets fed automatically into a firepot by an auger. A digital controller monitors the grill temperature with a sensor and adjusts pellet feed and fan speed to maintain steady heat. This cycle ensures consistent temperature levels, eliminating flare-ups and hot spots commonly found in charcoal or gas grills. You can set your grill to 350°F and rely on it to maintain that temperature precisely throughout the cooking process.

Benefits of Cooking Steak on a Pellet Grill

Steak cooked on a pellet grill at 350°F benefits from even heat distribution and enhanced smoky flavor from hardwood pellets like hickory, oak, or mesquite. Controlled airflow prevents flare-ups, reducing burnt spots. The steady temperature helps sear the steak’s surface while keeping the interior juicy. Additionally, pellet grills require less monitoring, so you can focus on timing your steak perfectly rather than managing heat fluctuations.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time for Steak at 350°F

Several factors influence how long your steak takes to cook at 350°F on a pellet grill. Understanding these will help you control the process for consistent, delicious results.

Steak Thickness and Cut

Thickness directly changes cooking time. Thicker steaks, such as 1.5 to 2 inches, require 20 to 30 minutes; thinner cuts, around 0.5 to 1 inch, cook in 10 to 15 minutes. Different cuts—like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon—vary in fat content and density, which affects heat absorption and cooking speed. Denser cuts take longer, while well-marbled steaks sear faster and retain moisture better.

Desired Level of Doneness

Time depends on your preferred doneness level. For rare steaks, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, typically reached in 10 to 15 minutes for medium thickness. Medium steaks hit 135°F and take 15 to 20 minutes. Well-done steaks reach 160°F or higher, requiring 25 minutes or more. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature rather than relying solely on time.

Type of Pellet Used

Pellet type impacts heat distribution and flavor, subtly affecting cooking time. Hardwoods like oak and hickory burn hotter and longer, sometimes shortening cooking durations by a few minutes. Fruity woods, such as cherry or apple, produce milder heat and smoke, which might slightly extend cooking time. Always choose quality pellets to maintain consistent temperature and avoid interruptions from pellet inconsistencies.

How Long to Cook Steak on Pellet Grill at 350°F

Cooking steak on a pellet grill at 350°F balances flavor and texture well. Your cooking time varies primarily by steak thickness and desired doneness.

Estimated Cooking Times by Thickness

• 1-inch steaks take approximately 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through
• 1.5-inch steaks require around 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once for even cooking
• 2-inch steaks need about 16 to 18 minutes, flipping midway and checking for doneness frequently

Adjust timing if steak has significant marbling or bone-in, as these factors affect heat absorption and distribution.

Recommended Internal Temperatures for Doneness

• Rare: 125°F, with warm red center and soft texture
• Medium-rare: 135°F, offering warm pink center and firmer texture
• Medium: 145°F, presenting mostly pink center and slight firmness
• Medium-well: 150°F, featuring small hint of pink and firmer meat
• Well-done: 160°F or higher, fully cooked with no pink remaining

Use these temperature benchmarks as your guide for consistent results.

Using a Meat Thermometer Effectively

Insert the meat thermometer probe horizontally into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or fat to get accurate readings. Check temperature during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. Remove the steak from the grill 5°F below your target temperature since residual heat continues to cook the meat as it rests. Let it rest covered loosely for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Steak on a Pellet Grill

Master the key steps to ensure your steak delivers ideal flavor and texture on a pellet grill at 350°F.

Preheating and Preparing the Grill

Start by preheating the pellet grill to 350°F for at least 10 to 15 minutes to guarantee steady heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Loading quality hardwood pellets, such as hickory or mesquite, enhances the smoky flavor. Avoid opening the lid frequently during cooking to maintain stable temperature and consistent heat distribution.

Seasoning and Resting the Steak

Apply salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides of the steak at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the seasoning to penetrate. For more flavor, add garlic powder or herbs like rosemary and thyme. Let the steak rest at room temperature before placing it on the grill; this promotes even cooking. After grilling, allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to redistribute juices and improve tenderness.

Searing vs. Slow Cooking

Sear the steak over direct high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side to develop a caramelized crust while maintaining the internal moisture. Then, switch to indirect heat at 350°F to finish cooking slowly to the desired doneness. This two-step method balances a flavorful exterior with a juicy interior. Avoid searing too long as it can dry out the steak, and slow cooking alone may not create enough crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Steak on a Pellet Grill

• Skipping preheating: You reduce cooking consistency if you don’t preheat the pellet grill for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F, since uneven temperature hinders achieving proper sear and doneness.
• Overlooking grill grate preparation: You increase sticking risks and lose grill marks without cleaning and oiling grates before placing the steak, which affects texture and flavor.
• Cooking straight from the fridge: You risk uneven cooking if you place cold steak on the grill because internal temperature rises too slowly, resulting in overcooked edges and undercooked center.
• Using an inaccurate thermometer: You compromise timing and doneness if you rely on guesswork instead of using a calibrated instant-read meat thermometer, especially near the last few minutes of cooking.
• Neglecting to rest the steak: You lose juices and tenderness by cutting into steak immediately after removal. Resting for 5 to 10 minutes allows juices to redistribute for optimal texture.
• Searing at low temperature only: You create a pale crust instead of a flavorful sear if you skip the initial high-heat searing step before cooking at 350°F, missing the signature Maillard reaction.
• Ignoring pellet quality and type: You weaken smoky flavor and experience inconsistent heat if you use low-quality pellets or inappropriate wood varieties that do not complement beef.
• Forgetting to adjust time for thickness or cut: You risk undercooking or overcooking if you don’t increase cooking time proportionally when grilling thicker steaks or those with bone-in cuts.
• Opening the grill frequently: You lose heat and add cooking time when opening the lid repeatedly, which disturbs consistent temperature essential at 350°F for precise steak doneness.
• Skipping seasoning or improper seasoning timing: You miss out on optimal flavor development if salt and pepper aren’t applied at least 30 minutes before grilling, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Conclusion

Mastering steak on a pellet grill at 350°F comes down to timing, temperature, and technique. By paying attention to thickness and doneness preferences, you can confidently hit that perfect balance between a flavorful crust and a juicy center.

Using a reliable meat thermometer and allowing your steak to rest will elevate your results every time. With consistent heat and smoky flavor from your pellet grill, you’re set to enjoy steakhouse-quality meals right at home.

Keep experimenting with cuts and pellet types to find your personal favorite. Your next great steak is just a grill session away.