Buying guide for Which pellet grill is best?
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Craving delicious food that's perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor and a joy to prepare? Look no further than a top-notch pellet grill. These versatile wonders combine precise temperature control with the rich smokiness of wood, and cleaning is a breeze. But to truly unlock their grilling and smoking potential, choosing the right model is key. Lucky for you, the BestReviews’ Testing Lab has done all the in-depth research needed to ensure you get the best pellet grill for your needs and budget.
For this article, we not only considered a wide variety of grills, compared features and considered home-user input, but we also consulted with experts. Gabrielle Marie Yap, senior editor at Carnivore Style, Mads Martigan, founder of MadBackyard.com, and Joonas Jokiniemi, barbecue expert and founder of Grill Smoke Love, provided insight on which models they loved as well as offered tips on how to get the most out of your pellet grill after you get it home and set up.
Our favorite of them all is the versatile Traeger Pro Series 780 Pellet Grill, which has a convenient TurboTemp feature to heat the grill even faster when you’re in a rush.
Our top picks
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 27" D x 49" W x 55" H | Weight: 166.66 lb | Grilling Area: 780 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 18 lb
Traeger's Pro Series pellet grill has it all. It offers precision temperature control up to 500 degrees so you can smoke, barbecue, bake, roast, braise and grill while infusing your food with that irresistible wood-fired taste. And the 780 square inches of cooking space give you plenty of room to cook plenty of food — up to 34 burgers at one time.
This model has a TurboTemp feature to help the grill heat up more quickly for decreased preheat times, and it promotes faster recovery times after you open the lid. And if you want to keep from running out of pellets unexpectedly, you can purchase a pellet sensor that remotely monitors the fuel level and alerts you when the pellets in the hopper are getting low.
With power, size, remote temperature control and more, Traeger's 780 Pellet Grill is our top pick, perfect for the serious grilling enthusiast.
Best value
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 27" D x 42" W x 49" H | Weight: 84 lb | Grilling Area: 459 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 15 lb
It is possible to get impressive features when you're shopping on a budget. The Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker has nearly everything you might hope to find in a more expensive grill. With the upgraded pellet-feeding system, you get a temperature that ranges from 180 to 450 degrees, allowing you to barbecue, smoke, roast, bake, braise and grill.
The 15-pound hopper provides you with hours of cooking time while the 450 square inches of cooking space are suitable for the needs of a small family. The grill also has a folding shelf for additional prep space and large, rugged wheels that come in handy if you ever need to move the grill.
While it doesn't offer the best performance in terms of even heating, we still think this model has enough going for it to make it a great value for the beginning backyard chef. It is a reasonably priced grill that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Expert-approved
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 27" D x 41" W x 53" H | Weight: 149 lb | Grilling Area: 575 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 18 lb
If you do not need to cook 34 burgers at one time and you can get by with a couple dozen, this Trager is an excellent option. Gabrielle Marie Yap, senior editor at Carnivore Style, said, "It's a fantastic choice because of its versatility and precision. The temperature control is spot-on, allowing you to smoke, grill, roast or bake with ease. The large cooking area is perfect for whipping up meals for a crowd, and the build quality is sturdy, ensuring it stands the test of time."
This model can heat up to 500 degrees and features not only precision control of the temperature to ensure a thorough cook, but the WiFIRE technology allows you to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely. You can be relaxing with guests and cooking at the same time.
This grill is a fantastic all-rounder, offering versatile cooking options and reliable performance at a slightly more affordable price than our Best of the Best pick. It's perfect for backyard chefs who crave a pro-level experience without breaking the bank.
Feature packed
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 50.2" D x 24.02" W x 39.8" H | Weight: 96 lb | Grilling Area: 465 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 5 lb
This Pit Boss stands out as a solid choice for its impressive build quality and feature-packed design. Made from durable stainless steel, it's built to last and offers user-friendly controls like an LED control board with simple temperature dials. This combination of quality, functionality and user-convenience makes it a compelling option.
The built-in fan circulates hot air to help ensure uniform cooking, even on a whole chicken. And the 500-degree max temperature lets you cook however you want, whether you prefer low and slow or high and fast.
If that's not enough, the manufacturer has included a side shelf for prep and serving, an upper rack for additional cooking space, a bottom shelf for storage and a bottle opener. This fun and rugged option can be your first step on your journey to pitmaster.
Just right
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 56" D x 24.5" W x 49" H | Weight: 140 lb | Grilling Area: 573 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 18 lb
Finding the perfect grill can be tricky. You might end up spending more than necessary for bells and whistles you won't use or settle for a budget option that leaves you wanting more. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill strikes a happy medium. You get enough grill to do what you need to do without overspending on features.
For instance, it offers adjustable smoke settings, intuitive controls with a low-glare display, a broad temperature range and a hopper cleanout system. You also get a grease-management system, an automatic shut-off and two included meat probes to monitor temperatures.
While it's not the cheapest or the most expensive model on the market, this option is suitable for just about anyone who is eager to venture into the world of wood pellet grilling.
Flame broiling
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 44.19" D x 26.52" W x 43.54" H | Weight: NA | Grilling Area: 700 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 21 lb
Buying an entry-level pellet grill doesn't mean you must sacrifice quality or features. With the Pit Boss 700, you don't even have to sacrifice space. This model gives you 700 square inches of cooking surface, and it comes with a 21-pound hopper, making it larger than many high-priced options.
It’s made with powder-coated steel and can cook up to 500 degrees. You can accomplish this with the simple set-and-forget controls. However, if you want to step up your steak game, you can sear over an open flame to give you that crispy, caramelized wow factor.
If you've been looking for a way to jump into backyard grilling with both feet, Pit Boss 700 Classic Wood-Fired Pellet Grill with Flamebroiler is an affordable way to start a new hobby that just might turn into a lifestyle.
Largest cooking surface
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 29" D x 54" W x 53" H | Weight: 95 lb | Grilling Area: 1,060 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 20 lb
This grill boasts a whopping 1,060 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to effortlessly feed a crowd. Plus, the generous 20-pound hopper means you can smoke or grill for hours on end, even at high temperatures, without worrying about refilling.
The Z Grills ZPG-10002B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is designed so you can barbecue, smoke, bake, roast, braise, grill, char-broil and sear. The intuitive control board helps you get excellent results on the first try, while the automatic feed system keeps the temperature within 10 degrees to ensure everything cooks exactly as expected.
The locking caster wheels let you move the cart or fasten it in place, and the easy-clean oil collector simplifies maintenance. This model comes with a three-year warranty so you can feel confident with your purchase.
Lightweight design
Product specifications: Power Source: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 18" D x 37" W x 36" H | Weight: 60 lb | Grilling Area: 300 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 8 lb
Bigger isn't always better — especially when it comes to tailgating! This model only has an 8-pound hopper and 300 square inches of cooking space, but it also only weighs 60 pounds, making it the most portable option on our list.
Even though this pellet grill is smaller, it doesn't mean Traeger sacrificed any features or functionality. It can heat up to 450 degrees, and it holds the temperature to within 15 degrees. This grill features a hopper that, while compact, holds enough fuel for several hours of cooking. Plenty of time to whip up delicious food and still catch the kickoff.
This portable pellet grill lets you bring your culinary skills and signature smoky flavor on the go. Whether it's camping adventures, backyard parties, picnics or tailgates, this grill offers the convenience of a rare go-anywhere design without sacrificing performance.
Best user experience
Product specifications: Power Source: wood pellets | Dimensions: 18" D x 37" W x 36" H | Weight: 60 lb | Grilling Area: 300 sq in | Hopper Capacity: 8 lb
Barbecue expert and founder of Grill Smoke Love, Joonas Jokiniemi, had this to say when asked about his favorite pellet grill: "If I could only recommend one, it would be the Traeger Pro 22. I bought it last June and haven't looked back since."
Traeger has been making pellet grills since the 1980s, so the company has a firm grasp on what is needed to create the best product. "The best thing about the Traeger Pro 22 pellet grill is that it's affordable and provides an excellent user experience from the moment you open the box all the way to cooking and cleanup," Jokiniemi added. "The instruction manual is very clear, and it only takes about one hour to assemble."
Another pro tip from Jokiniemi: Traeger offers an extensive selection of wood pellets. From the delicate sweetness of cherry to the bold smokiness of mesquite, you'll find the perfect flavor match for everything from juicy chicken drumsticks to succulent salmon, slow-cooked pork butts and even hearty briskets.
How we analyzed
To compile this article, we consulted three experts in the outdoor grilling world: Gabrielle Marie Yap, senior editor at CarnivoreStyle, Mads Martigan, founder of MadBackyard.com, and Joonas Jokiniemi, barbecue expert and founder of Grill Smoke Love. We combined their insights and knowledge with our expertise, then tempered all the data with consumer reviews to make sure we were offering real-world advice. After many hours of research, comparisons and interviews we hand-picked a list of top pellet grill options for both general and specific types of users.
What is a pellet grill?
A pellet grill is an outdoor electric grill fueled by wood pellets. But the pellets don't just fuel the grill — they also provide a delicious smoky flavor to the meat and other foods you cook on the grill.
The pellet grill is designed to be used in a variety of ways. You can grill, smoke, roast, bake or braise your favorite foods all in the same appliance. And since the pellets burn almost completely away, these items are easy to clean.
The other great thing about a pellet grill is how easy it is to use. Most have digital controls, which means you can set up the grill and relax, knowing your food will be perfectly cooked every time. For example, Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker not only has a quick set-and-forget start that allows you to get up and running in about three seconds; it also features "WiFire" technology so you can monitor and control your cooking through your preferred smart device.
Expert Tip
"When shopping for a pellet grill, there are a few crucial factors to consider. First off, check the size of the cooking area to ensure it meets your needs. Temperature range matters too — opt for a grill that can hit high temperatures for searing or lower temps for slow smoking. Don't overlook the quality of the controller; a reliable one ensures precise temperature management."
Gabrielle Marie Yap
Senior Editor at Carnivore Style
Pellet grill features to consider
Material
For the best performance, it's important to choose a pellet grill that's well-constructed and made of sturdy materials. Stainless steel resists rust, is easy to clean and is highly durable. Choose a grill that's made from either commercial-grade 304 stainless steel or 430 stainless steel.
- Grills made of 304 stainless steel offer the best performance but are more costly.
- Grills made of 430 stainless steel are usually more affordable and still pretty durable.
Size and cooking area
You'll get more use out of a pellet grill if it's the right size for your needs. Size varies greatly, from small models good for camping trips to large, commercial-style grills good for a hungry crowd, so there's bound to be an option that suits you.
Most grills feature a primary cooking area (the main grate) and a secondary cooking area (additional racks). In a pellet grill, often, there's less difference between the two grilling areas because it mainly cooks by indirect heat (the heat source is not directly beneath the food), so the temperature is the same throughout the grill. It's best to pay attention to a pellet grill's total cooking area because that gives you a better idea of how much food you can cook at one time.
For four people, a pellet grill with at least 400 square inches of total cooking area is usually sufficient. For one or two people, you can opt for a smaller model. If you routinely cook for five or more, you'll want a larger grill.
Pellet hopper
Because the wood pellets are the grill's fuel, you should pay careful attention to the pellet hopper, the chamber that holds the pellets. You want a large enough hopper to hold all the pellets you need for a single cooking session. In general, it takes about an hour to burn a pound of pellets at 250 degrees. The higher the temperature, the faster the pellets burn. We prefer to look for a hopper with at least an 18-pound capacity if you want to slow cook for longer periods without having to refill the hopper.
Temperature range
In order for a pellet grill to be as versatile as possible, it should offer a fairly wide temperature range. For low-and-slow cooking, the grill only needs to reach temperatures of about 280 degrees. But if that's all you want, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a smoker instead. If you would like to do more, you need a model that can also grill at 450 degrees or higher. And for people who enjoy the crispy texture and caramelized flavor of high-temperature cooking, look for a pellet grill with a searing or flame-broiling feature.
Temperature controller
A pellet grill's controls help maintain its temperature for consistent cooking. There are several types of controllers to choose from, and some perform better under certain conditions than others. With technological advancements, however, a proportional-integrative-derivative controller is the clear winner when it comes to maintaining precision temperatures throughout the cooking time.
- Multi-position: A multi-position controller allows you to set the temperature at 10-degree intervals, which you can see on an LCD display. These grills offer more precise temperature control, but they only release pellets in fixed cycles. They can also be sensitive to the cold and wind, so they may not perform as well in inclement weather.
- PID: For the most precise temperature control, some pitmasters feel that a grill with a PID controller is the way to go. A PID controller uses algorithms to keep the temperature within a couple of degrees of the setting. It doesn't use fixed cycles to release the pellets. Instead, the controller only adds pellets when it's necessary to maintain the desired temperature.
- One-touch non-PID: One-touch non-PID controllers have buttons for selecting the temperature in 5- or 10-degree intervals for more precise temperature control. These grills also have LCD displays. They feed the pellets at fixed intervals, though, which means the temperature is only accurate to about 10 degrees.
Meat probes
Some high-end pellet grills have controllers with an outlet for a meat thermometer. You can check the temperature of the meat on the grill's display without having to open the lid. This feature is extremely handy because the less you open the lid, the better your food will cook.
Wi-Fi
Like so many appliances these days, there are some pellet grills that include Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can monitor the temperature of the grill, as well as keep track of the temperature of your food, via an app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. With this feature, you can monitor and adjust temperatures, even when you are not standing next to the grill.
Expert Tip
"Unlike a gas grill, where the top rack is considered a warming rack, pellet grills cook more like an oven, so the top racks provide true additional cooking space at the same temperature as the bottom grill grates."
Mads Martigan
Founder of MadBackyard.com
Expert tips on using a pellet grill
To get the most out of a pellet grill, we turned to the people who use these grills the most. The tips we received from these experts were insightful and rewarding. For instance, while everyone focuses on the size of the grilling surface, Mads Martigan, founder of MadBackyard.com, reminded us that height is important too. "Having extra vertical space gives you more flexibility to cook larger cuts, like briskets and pork butts on the top racks." Martigan also advised using a water pan below the meat to provide both moisture and additional heat diffusion during long low-and-slow cooks.
Gabrielle Marie Yap, senior editor at CarnivoreStyle, championed experimenting with different wood pellets to impart unique flavors to your dishes. Yap also said, "Keep an eye on pellet levels, especially for longer cooks, to avoid interruptions. And don't forget to clean the grill regularly to maintain optimal performance."
Joonas Jokiniemi, barbecue expert and founder of Grill Smoke Love, offered practical advice that could be applied to nearly any type of outdoor cooking. "Always preheat the grill to the desired cooking temperature before putting food in," he began. "Use a meat probe to monitor internal temperature for perfect doneness. And let your meat rest to redistribute the juices for optimal flavor and tenderness." Jokiniemi also recommended keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and ensuring the grill was on a stable, non-flammable surface before use.
Expert Tip
"Another feature to consider is whether you want a pellet grill with a direct heat option, such as the Pit Boss Pro Series line of grills. These models use a lever to pull open a grate on the flame broiler plate, exposing the direct flames from the fire pot underneath. This is a nice feature to have if you don't own a gas grill or just want to be able to smoke and sear your meat all on the same grill."
Mads Martigan
Founder of MadBackyard.com
Pellet grill prices
Pellet grills cost a little more than other outdoor grills. For a backyard model, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1,000 (or more).
Inexpensive
A small or portable pellet grill that offers about 300 square inches of cooking area, can heat up to about 450 degrees and has little-to-no special features costs around $300.
Mid-range
A mid-size pellet grill that offers about 500 square inches of cooking area, can heat up to 500 degrees and has some special features will cost roughly between $400 to $600.
Expensive
Large pellet grills with generous cooking space (500 square inches or more), high heat capabilities (at least 550 degrees) and special features come at a premium. Starting prices are around $700, but can quickly climb to $1,000 or more. Consider if the added features fit your grilling needs before investing.
FAQ
Q. Does a pellet grill require electricity?
A. While wood pellets are the fuel you use to cook the food, the grill still requires electricity to operate the pellet feeding system and to monitor the temperature. Consequently, most pellet grills must be plugged into a standard 110-volt outlet.
Q. What kinds of foods can I cook on a pellet grill?
A. A pellet grill is an extremely versatile cooking method, so you can cook a wide range of foods. The standard grill fare like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, vegetables and fish are all fair game, but you can also smoke brisket and ribs, roast whole birds and large cuts of meat, prepare braised short ribs, and even bake foods like pizza and pies.
Q. What kind of pellets should I use in a pellet grill?
A. The proper pellets for a pellet grill are usually sold as barbecue or smoker pellets. They should be made from food-grade hardwood and not contain any filler materials. And, of course, if there is a particular flavor you enjoy (hickory, mesquite, apple, etc.), purchase that type.
Our expertise
Allen Foster started researching, testing and evaluating products for BestReviews in 2018. Before that, he sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, Allen has in-depth knowledge of products ranging from lawnmowers to outdoor grills. As part of his training, Allen attended seminars and workshops on many types of grills, grilling techniques, maintenance and more, so he could help customers find what they needed.
Gabrielle Marie Yap:
- Is the Senior Editor at Carnivore Style
- Has a deep passion for the culinary arts
- Grew up in a family where food was an important tool for creating memories and bonds
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Majored in culinary entrepreneurship with a summa cum laude distinction
Mads Martigan:
- Is the founder of MadBackyard.com
- Loves the outdoors
- Has a passion for pellet grilling
Joonas Jokiniemi:
- Is a barbecue expert and founder of Grill Smoke Love
- Was born and raised in Finland where he spent summers in a wood cabin learning about grilling and smoking from his dad and uncles
- Learned about American barbecue culture while living in California
- Has over 30 years of experience with outdoor cooking
