This is one of the most common questions with pellet grills, and its for a fair reason. Earlier pellet grill models, in particular, had a really hard time with grilling/searing with a maximum temperature setting of just 450 degrees, which is not ideal for searing.

Now, as you can see from our Database, there are still some pellet grills on sale today that still only have a maximum temperature setting of 450 degrees.

However, you will also see that there are literally hundreds of models which offer a much higher temperature setting, some offer a temperature setting up 700 degrees, which can match a gas grill in terms of searing performance.

There are also pellet grills that may only have a 500 degree maximum temperature setting, but they offer direct-flame access from the pellet burn pot. With direct-flame access grate surface temperatures directly over the flames can be 650 degrees plus. 

So, in conclusion, yes, pellet grills can indeed sear, but some are much better at it than others.