Best Pellet Grills

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Pellet grills have become a popular choice for backyard chefs and BBQ enthusiasts alike. Known for their versatility, these grills use compressed wood pellets as fuel, giving your food a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. They can grill, smoke, roast, and even bake, making them a one-stop solution for all your outdoor cooking needs.

    When shopping for a pellet grill, there are some important factors to consider. Size is crucial, as it affects how much food you can cook at once. The material is also important for durability and heat retention. Look for grills with sturdy construction, preferably made from steel. Additionally, think about the temperature range and controls, as you’ll want precise heat management for different types of cooking.

    We spent countless hours researching and testing various pellet grills to identify the best models that make outdoor cooking both enjoyable and efficient.

    Best Pellet Grills

    Here is our list of the best pellet grills. These options are top picks for outdoor cooking.

  • Z GRILLS ZPG 550B2

    10

    The Z GRILLS ZPG 550B2 is a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned grillers because of its user-friendly design and features.

    10

    The Z GRILLS ZPG 550B2 is a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned grillers because of its user-friendly design and features.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with auto temperature control
    • Consistent temperature with PID technology
    • Durable steel construction

    Cons

    • Legs can be tricky to assemble
    • Struggles to hold 225 & 450 degree settings at times
    • Hopper issues for some users

    We’ve had the pleasure of testing out the Z GRILLS ZPG 550B2, and it truly delivers on its promises of ease and flavor. The auto temperature control makes it effortless to cook, even for those new to grilling.

    The PID technology really stood out during our tests, keeping the heat steady no matter what the weather threw at us. We also appreciated the sturdy build of the grill, promising many seasons of great BBQs.

    Assembly was a bit challenging due to the mislabeled legs, but once set up, it was smooth sailing. Some users have reported hiccups with the hopper, but we found it capable of handling long cooking sessions just fine. If you’re looking for a reliable pellet grill, this is a great pick.

    Sale
    Z GRILLS ZPG 550B2
    • 【BETTER THAN GAS or OTHER GRILLS】There just isn’t an easier way to get flavor of wood smoked food than with a pellet grill. Try it, you’ll taste the difference from GAS or Charcoal grill.
  • Traeger Ranger Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill

    9.7

    Perfect for those who love wood-fired flavor on the go, this grill is a compact yet powerful option.

    9.7

    Perfect for those who love wood-fired flavor on the go, this grill is a compact yet powerful option.

    Pros

    • Portable and easy to transport
    • Precise temperature control
    • Built-in meat probe

    Cons

    • Heavy weight for a portable grill
    • Rubber feet covers could be better
    • Limited cooking area

    Taking the Traeger Ranger out for a spin was a pleasure. The wood-fired flavor it brings to dishes is fantastic. This grill is perfect for tailgates or small backyard gatherings, and its portability makes it easy to bring just about anywhere.

    The precise temperature control is a standout feature. It allows us to get consistent results every time. Just set the temperature and let the grill do the work. The meat probe is a handy addition, ensuring perfect doneness without any guesswork.

    On the downside, the grill is a bit heavy, making it less convenient if you plan to move it frequently. The rubber feet covers are flimsy and could use an upgrade. Despite these minor issues, the cooking performance and flavor are exceptional, making the Traeger Ranger a worthy investment.

    Traeger Ranger Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill
    • Digital Arc Controller for Precise Cooking – The Traeger Ranger portable pellet grill features a Digital Arc Controller for accurate temperature control, allowing you to grill, smoke, and sear with precision on any outdoor adventure.
  • Traeger Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill

    9.5

    The Traeger Pro 780 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and easy-to-use pellet grill.

    9.5

    The Traeger Pro 780 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and easy-to-use pellet grill.

    Pros

    • Precise temperature control
    • WiFIRE app connectivity
    • Versatile cooking options

    Cons

    • Limited smoke output
    • Heavy and bulky
    • Short power cord

    We found that the Traeger Pro 780 makes grilling a breeze. The temperature control is precise and straightforward. Setting the dial on the D2 Pro Controller and hitting Ignite lets the grill manage everything from there. This ease of use makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced grillers.

    One of the standout features is the WiFIRE technology. Controlling the grill from our phone added a level of convenience that we didn’t know we needed. It allows us to adjust temperatures, monitor food, and set alerts without constantly hovering over the grill.

    Nevertheless, there are a few downsides. The smoke output could be more generous for those who love a robust smoky flavor. Additionally, the grill is quite heavy and bulky, making it harder to move around. Also, the power cord is somewhat short, which might limit where you can place the grill.

    Despite these minor issues, the Traeger Pro 780 delivers on performance and convenience. It provides a versatile cooking experience, allowing us to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all in one. The build quality is excellent, and the app connectivity enhances its usability. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their grilling game.

    Sale
    Traeger Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill
    • NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste; The Pro 780 takes it to the next level with precise temperature control. 500 °F Max Temp
  • Traeger Ironwood XL Pellet Grill

    9.4

    If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, this grill offers incredible features and versatility.

    9.4

    If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, this grill offers incredible features and versatility.

    Pros

    • Precise temperature control
    • Easy to use remote control via app
    • Simple cleanup process

    Cons

    • High price
    • Heavy and bulky
    • Takes time to get used to the features

    The Traeger Ironwood XL gives us the power to control our grilling like never before. The Smart Combustion technology ensures the temperature stays consistent, which is a game changer in cooking.

    WiFIRE technology makes grilling extremely convenient. We can monitor and adjust settings from our phones, making it easy to manage while entertaining guests.

    Cleanup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the EZ-Clean Grease+Ash Keg. This alone is worth mentioning because it saves a lot of hassle. Overall, the Ironwood XL is a strong contender for anyone serious about grilling with wood smoke.

    Sale
    Traeger Ironwood XL Pellet Grill
    • PRECISION TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Smart Combustion and fully-insulated construction ensure ultra-consistent burn for perfect results, every time, with temp range of 165 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill

    9.3

    If you’re looking for a robust pellet grill that’s perfect for family gatherings, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill is worth considering.

    9.3

    If you’re looking for a robust pellet grill that’s perfect for family gatherings, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill is worth considering.

    Pros

    • Excellent heat retention
    • Large cooking area
    • Versatile temperature range

    Cons

    • Longer heating time
    • Relies on electric ignition
    • Thin stainless steel build

    We found that the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill offers impressive heat retention and an expansive cooking area that fits up to three whole chickens. This makes it ideal for large family meals or entertaining friends. The versatile temperature range also makes it perfect for grilling or smoking a wide variety of foods.

    Though it takes about 30 minutes to reach full temperature, the grill offers consistent heat, ensuring that your food cooks evenly every time. The electric ignition works well most of the time, but it’s something you need to keep in mind as it does have an occasional hiccup.

    The stainless steel construction, while sturdy, does seem a bit thin compared to other grills. Given its performance and versatility, we believe it provides great value, even if some material feels less durable. Just make sure to monitor the pellet hopper to keep things running smoothly.

    Sale
    recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill
    • WORKHORSE GRILL & SMOKER: These grills offer 380 sq. in. of cooking space, a perfect wood pellet grill for families, large groups, tailgating, or camping. Accommodate 3 whole chickens, 4 baby back ribs, 50 chicken wings, 15 bone-in pork chops
  • Traeger Pro Series 780 Bundle

    9.1

    If you’re looking for a versatile and user-friendly pellet grill with smart features, the Traeger Pro Series 780 Bundle is a top choice.

    9.1

    If you’re looking for a versatile and user-friendly pellet grill with smart features, the Traeger Pro Series 780 Bundle is a top choice.

    Pros

    • Offers precise temperature control
    • Integrates well with smart home technology
    • Provides a large cooking area

    Cons

    • Requires electricity to function
    • Can be a bit bulky
    • Premium price point

    We recently used the Traeger Pro Series 780 and enjoyed the experience. The temperature control is precise, letting us cook everything from steaks to cakes without worrying about fluctuations.

    Setting up the grill was straightforward. The included WiFIRE technology allowed us to control it seamlessly through the Traeger app and even using Alexa. This convenience alone makes grilling and smoking easier and more enjoyable.

    With 780 square inches of grilling space, this grill is perfect for large family gatherings or weekend barbecues. It can handle a lot of food at once, which is a huge plus when entertaining guests. The included meat probe ensures our meat is cooked to perfection every time.

    No products found.

  • Kamado Joe Pellet Joe Grill

    9

    This grill is a fantastic addition to our outdoor cooking setup, perfect for those who want both quality and convenience.

    9

    This grill is a fantastic addition to our outdoor cooking setup, perfect for those who want both quality and convenience.

    Pros

    • Unmatched heat retention
    • Easy to use with digital controls
    • High cooking temperature

    Cons

    • Heavy and bulky
    • Expensive
    • WiFi can be unreliable

    The Kamado Joe Pellet Joe Grill truly excels in heat retention, thanks to its ceramic body. We’ve noticed it holds steady temperatures even during long smoking sessions, making our meats tender and juicy. The high cooking temperatures it can achieve are great for perfectly searing steaks.

    We love the ease of using digital controls. The grill reaches the desired temperature swiftly, and the stainless-steel hopper gives us up to 14 hours of cooking time, which means fewer interruptions. The aesthetic appeal with its red finish and sturdy build also adds value to our patio.

    On the downside, the grill is quite heavy, making it less portable. It’s also on the pricier side, which might not suit all budgets. Additionally, we’ve experienced inconsistent WiFi connections, which can be frustrating when trying to monitor cooking remotely.

    Sale
    Kamado Joe Pellet Joe Grill
    • 18-inch Wi-Fi ceramic pellet grill with 250 sq.in. of cooking space
  • Traeger Ironwood 650 Wood Pellet Grill

    8.7

    If you want a versatile and easy-to-use pellet grill, the Traeger Ironwood 650 is a solid choice.

    8.7

    If you want a versatile and easy-to-use pellet grill, the Traeger Ironwood 650 is a solid choice.

    Pros

    • Excellent temperature control
    • WiFi connectivity
    • Versatile cooking options

    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Can be heavy
    • Requires regular maintenance

    The Traeger Ironwood 650 offers fantastic temperature control, making it easy to cook everything just right. The WiFi connectivity is a game changer; we could monitor the grill from anywhere using the Traeger app. It’s very convenient, especially during longer cooking sessions.

    One of the standout features is the versatility. We were able to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on the same grill. The porcelain grill grates also made cleanup straightforward.

    Despite these positives, it’s important to consider the price, which could be a bit steep for some. Also, weighing 149 pounds means it may not be easy to move around. Regular maintenance is needed to keep it performing at its best.

    Overall, the Traeger Ironwood 650 delivers excellent performance, but just be ready for some upkeep and the initial investment.

  • Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2024 Upgrade

    8.7

    If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable pellet grill, this model is a solid choice due to its ease of use and consistent results.

    8.7

    If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable pellet grill, this model is a solid choice due to its ease of use and consistent results.

    Pros

    • User-friendly digital controls
    • Large cooking area
    • Sturdy stainless steel construction

    Cons

    • Can be difficult to clean
    • Assembly can be somewhat tricky
    • Temperature fluctuations at times

    Using the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A was a smooth experience. The digital auto temperature control made it easy to maintain the desired heat level, allowing us to set it and forget it. The cooking area was spacious, fitting a decent amount of food, which is great for family gatherings or weekend barbecues.

    One of the standout features is the sturdy construction. The stainless steel build ensures that it’s durable and promises longevity. However, we did find that cleaning the grill isn’t the easiest task. Some food tends to stick to the grate, making it necessary to scrub thoroughly after use.

    Another aspect to consider is the assembly process. While it’s not overly complex, having an extra set of hands can be helpful. Once assembled, the grill is easy to move around thanks to its heavy-duty wheels. Despite minor temperature fluctuations, the overall performance of the ZPG-450A makes it a commendable addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

    Sale
    Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2024 Upgrade
    • ULTIMATE 8-IN-1-- Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq; bake; roast; braise; smoke; grill; sear; char-grill.
  • Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

    8.6

    A solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking for versatility and ease of use.

    8.6

    A solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking for versatility and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Great 8-in-1 functionality
    • Easy-to-use temperature control
    • Large cooking space

    Cons

    • Takes some time to heat up
    • Requires cleaning more often
    • Basic assembly instructions

    We’ve used the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker a few times, and it’s a versatile beast. The 8-in-1 function means we can grill, smoke, BBQ, roast, and more without hassle. The auto temperature control is a game-changer, making it super easy to cook even for beginners.

    One of the best things we noticed is the spacious cooking area. We comfortably fit several burgers and rib racks at once. It’s perfect for family gatherings. The side shelf and tool hooks offer convenient storage, which is a nice touch for keeping things organized.

    On the downside, the grill takes a bit of time to heat up, which can be a slight inconvenience if you’re in a hurry. We also found that it demands frequent cleaning, but this keeps it running smoothly. Assembly was straightforward, but the basic guide could use an upgrade.

    Sale
    Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
    • VERSATILE BARBECUE COOKING - Our 600D wood-pellet grill offers 8-in-1 versatility to bake, grill, smoke, BBQ, roast, braise, sear, and char-grill all on the same grill, especially searing function is excellent. Sear steaks, burgers, and even seafood are easy to make your dishes obtain the desired brown or black crust, the Z Grills 600D innovative flame broiler allows for either direct flame searing (up to 750 °F) or indirect grilling. (IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please keep the lid open when you're using direct flame searing)

Buying Guide

When choosing a pellet grill, consider several important features.

Temperature Control

Look for grills with precise temperature control to cook different types of food. Some grills offer digital controllers, which are more accurate.

Hopper Size

The hopper size determines how long the grill can run without needing a refill. A larger hopper is useful for longer cooking times.

Construction Quality

A grill made from high-quality materials like stainless steel will last longer and provide better insulation.

Grill Area

The cooking area is important based on how much food you plan to cook at once. A larger grill area is better for bigger gatherings.

Additional Features

    • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows you to control the grill remotely.

    • Meat Probes: Useful for monitoring the internal temperature of the meat.

    • Grease Management Systems: Make cleanup easier.

FeatureImportance
Temperature ControlEnsures precise cooking temperatures.
Hopper SizeAffects how long you can cook without refilling.
Construction QualityImpacts durability and heat retention.
Grill AreaDetermines the amount of food you can cook at once.
Wi-Fi ConnectivityRemote control of the grill.
Meat ProbesInternal temperature monitoring.
Grease ManagementSimplifies cleanup.

Selecting the right pellet grill involves thinking about these key features. Prioritize what matters most based on your cooking preferences. Keep these points in mind to make the best choice for your needs.