Previous/older generation pellet grills/smokers are fitted with what's called a 'time-based controller'. In other words, the auger is simply turned on and off at set intervals until a set temperature is achieved. 

The problem is this type of controller does not compensate for climate changes (winter/summer) and it also doesn't adapt to the fact some pellets actually produce more heat than others. For instance, Oak pellets produce more heat, than say, Applewood pellets.

Time-based pellet grills/smokers will hold their temperature to within 25 degrees of the set temperature in general. However, the temperature swings can be even wider in some cases.

For the most accurate temperature regulation, you should be looking for a pellet grill that has a PID controller, which runs a mathematical algorithm to make constant adjustments to maintain the set temperature to typically within 5 degrees.

However, more accurate temperature management means less smoke. That's why some PID pellets have a Smoke Setting to provide a wider temperature swing when selected to produce more smoke. 

You can use our database to browse all of the PID pellet grills/smokers on the market.