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If you’ve ever had a perfectly smoked rack of ribs, I forgive you for never wanting to eat these beauties any other way. It’s like a roundhouse kick straight to the face of taste, zest, and earthy “goodness” that you just don’t get with other styles of cooking.
Which means you get delicious barbecued meat, every time.
If you’re looking for the best smoker for your needs, whether that’s something high-end, portable, or even a set-it-and-forget-it model, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover the differences in each of the models, and choose the smoker that’s right for you.
Because you and your family, deserve to eat well.
Our Best Choice
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker
TOP Reasons to BUY:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
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Camp Chef SmokePro DLX | Camp Chef SmokePro DLX BEST CHOICE
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Traeger Pro Series 34 | Traeger Pro Series 34 RUNNER UP
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Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E | Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E VALUE CHOICE
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Top 11 Best Pellet Grills Reviewed
1. Best overall – Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 570 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Hopper pellet grill
COLOR: Bronze
MATERIAL: Steel
Dimensions: 40.5 x 25 x 22 inches
WEIGHT: 140 pounds
BENEFITS
Provides a reliable smoke every time
Pefect for your outdoor kitchen
For the perfect to use around the house, look no further than the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. The SmokePro DLX gives users a lot of great features for a reasonable price.
With nearly 600 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room to cook for the whole family. A large capacity hopper holds plenty of pellets.
It incorporates an easy to use automatic starter and a dual LED temperature readout that allows users to monitor both the temperature of the grill and the food being cooked.
Camp Chef also incorporates a unique ash removal system. Users simply pull a lever to remove old ashes.
Read full review: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX
What we liked
What we didn't like
2. Runner Up - Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 884 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Wood-fired grill
COLOR: Bronze
MATERIAL: Porcelain, steel
DIMENSIONS: 22 x 59 x 49 inches
WEIGHT: 163 pounds
maximum temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit
BENEFITS
Versatile grill allows you to make multiple cooking options
Pefect for your large cooking
If you want better, go with the original. Traeger Grills came up with the first models in the mid-1980s and the same innovation that led to the first products, has kept Traeger at the top of the game.
One of the best models out there is the Traeger Grills Pro Series 34
With over 800 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room to cook for a crowd. Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 is also capable of temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you plenty of power to cook just about anything.
An automatic electric ignition allows for quick, simple starting. Traeger’s thermostat controls are operated with a simple to use dial that keeps grill temperatures within 20 degrees of the desired setting. The controls even have a ‘smoke’ setting, keeping temperatures low and slow for ideal smoking.
What we liked
What we didn't like
3. Best budget pellet grill – Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 700 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: 8-in1 BBQ grill auto temperature control
COLOR: Silver
MATERIAL: Stainless Steel, Metal
DIMENSIONS: 48.5 X 22.5 X 51.2 INCHES
WEIGHT: 132.2 pounds
BENEFITS
Super easy cooking even for beginners
Easy to assemble and easy to use
Great all around smoker and grill
On the surface this grill is everything you could ask for. It’s a 8 in 1 barbecue: it roasts, braises, sears, smokes, grills, barbecues, char-grill and bakes
The smoker section works as you’d expect for a high end smoker. It has an automatic pellet feeding system that should allow you to set it up and let it do the work unimpeded, pushing in new pellets as needed to keep the temperature regulated. Auto-start ignition and digital temperature control round out the smoking package.
It has a decent 700 square inch grilling space to make use of. Good for most meals and single items, though struggles with cooking multiple kinds of things at once since it’s a wood fire grill, and may be a bit too small for certain things (like especially large racks of ribs).
The frame is solid, the wheels are good and roll well, and the overall construction seems reliable. It even looks nice. A 3 year warranty covers most parts to finish things out.
Unfortunately, a lot of what I’ve said is not necessarily accurate. There are severe quality control issues with this model, making it hit or miss. When it works, it works and it’s a great purchase (and very cheap for what it is). But many users report issues with the pellet feeding mechanism breaking down, and temperature regulation often seems to be completely shot, leaving the grill either far too cold or too hot to function as you want it.
Read full review: Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E Wood. In addition, we have this newest product too: Z GRILLS ZPG-700D 2019
What we liked
What we didn't like
4. Best freestanding pellet grill - Traeger Timberline 1300 Wood Pellet Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 1300 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Wood-fired grill
COLOR: Black
MATERIAL: Powder Coated Steel
DIMENSIONS: 58 X 28 X 51 INCHES
WEIGHT: 238 pounds
BENEFITS
WiFIRE Technology allows you to control grill from your smartphone
Pefect for your large cooking
While many grills are large, this one puts pretty much any grill you could think of to shame, with an enormous 1300 square inches of usable grilling space to play around with. That’s enough for an almost mind boggling amount of food; 12 whole chickens, 15 racks of ribs, or 12 pork butts, simultaneously.
Enough food to feed the largest gatherings and then some, this is the perfect grill for someone who need to feed a lot of people often, whether for commercial reasons or personal ones. If you’re running a small business or are frequently roped into cooking food for your family reunion or something, you’re going to want a grill as large as this.
But size isn’t the only factor here. This is a very advanced piece of machinery, with all of the fancy features Traeger pellet grills are known for, including the D2 direct drive engine, which makes sure the grill heats up fast and stays the perfect temperature set by the digital temperature controller, using variable air flow technology.
Everything about this grill is top of the tine, and it shows. Grilling on one of these is some of the easiest grilling you’ll ever experience.
It’s also well constructed of solid stainless steel, and built to last a lifetime. The only drawback is the price; top of the line performance commands a top of the line price with this grill.
What we liked
What we didn't like
5. Best portable pellet smoker - Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 12 inch x 16 inch of cooking space
STYLE: Gas Tru-Infrared
COLOR: Black/Silver
MATERIAL: Stainless Steel, Metal
DIMENSIONS: 32.1 X 16.5 X 20.9 INCHES
WEIGHT: 57.3 pounds
BENEFITS
Go From BBQ Novice to BBQ Pro in a shorter time
Perfect for Outdoor cooking
Great smoked flavor doesn’t have to stay home.
Whether it’s tailgating or camping, grilling on the go is often part of the experience. The great thing about this model is that there are some truly great portable options.
Also one of the best portable models, read the full review here: Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett.
The Davy Crocket is a highly portable grill with fold up legs and an overall weight of under 60 pounds. At around 32 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 21 inches tall, it will fit in most car trunks and stow easily in a truck or SUV.
For maximum versatility, this grill will run on 12 or 110 volt power. In addition to this, the grill is Wi-Fi enabled and users can control the unit the Green Mountain iOS or Android apps.
The Davy Crocket ignites automatically. Temperatures can be adjusted from 150 degrees all the way up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check out our other choices for the best pellet grill for searing.
What we liked
What we didn't like
6. Traeger Pro Series 22-Inch (Gen 1) Wood Pellet Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 572 Sq. Inch Of Cooking Space
Style: 6-in-1 Original Wood Pellets Grill
Color: Bronze
Material: Porcelain Steel
Dimensions: 41 x 27 x 49 inches
Weight: 102.3 Pounds
BENEFITS
Set it and forget it!
Enjoy the real wood-fired bbq taste
Insulating blanket allows year-round use
Model fits comfortably in small areas
Bigger isn’t always better.
Many people just don’t have space for massive grill, or just don’t want one. Having a grill you can take along on your next tailgate or camping trip is a nice bonus.
If you’re looking for a smaller model that you can take with you, the Traeger Pro Series 22-Inch (Gen 1) Wood Pellet Grill is one of the best choices. With a compact form factor and a set of folding legs, this grill can be easily stored or transported.
The Pro Series gives cooks the same great controls found on all Traeger models, including an electric starter and temperature control.
Despite its small size, this Traeger still has 572 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough for two whole chickens or 12 hamburgers. You can do grilling a wood-fired pizza, to even baking a homemade apple pie, you can do it all with Traeger.
Alternative product review: Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22
What we liked
What we didn't like
7. Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddy's Pellet Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 784 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Features 4-Zone of cooking
COLOR: Silver
MATERIAL: Steel
BENEFITS
4-Zone cooking for direct, indirect, cold-smoking, or warming/holding.
Excellent customer service as well!
Saves you a lot of cooking time
If your smoking needs extend beyond the typical family gathering, you may want to explore commercial grade models.
The Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddy’s gives users commercial grade features and durability in a compact, easy to use package.
With 100% stainless steel construction, it is very durable. And with nearly 800 square inches of cooking space there’s plenty of room for the biggest jobs.
This model uses an automatic ignitor and digital temperature controls. Pellets are fed into the grill from a large capacity hopper.
Inside, the PG500 has an upper and lower grate for true indirect and direct cooking. Below the burner are two warming drawers for keeping food warm before serving.
What we liked
What we didn't like
8. Best large pellet smoker - Louisiana Grills Country Smoker Whole Hog
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 1700 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Whole hog smoker
COLOR: Black
MATERIAL: Steel
DIMENSIONS: 84 X 21.5 X 44 INCHES
WEIGHT: 437 pounds
BENEFITS
True to its name (Big Cooking Space)
While some users might love a small, easy to transport smoker, others need all the space they can get. For those big family gatherings or community events, bigger is definitely better.
The Louisiana Grills Country Whole Hog is a great model for those who need some serious space. At seven feet long overall and with over 1700 square inches of grill space, the Whole Hog really can handle the whole hog plus some.
It is really more like two products welded together. Both sides have their own large capacity wood pellet hoppers and separate burners, allowing users to operate both sides at different temperatures. The two sides can even be partitioned to really separate your cooking.
Temperatures can be adjusted from 180 to over degrees Fahrenheit. And, this pellet smoker can be ignited easily with an automatic, electric ignitor.
What we liked
What we didn't like
9. Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 844 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Freestanding wood pellet smoker grill
COLOR: Gray
MATERIAL: Stainless steel
DIMENSIONS: 47 X 29 X 69 INCHES
WEIGHT: 283 pounds
BENEFITS
Works like a convection oven too
Easy to use and can be controlled via WI-FI
If you really need the right, the Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire really delivers. While it doesn’t come cheap, the Memphis Grills Elite packs a set of world class grilling features into a durable stainless-steel package for long lasting durability.
With over 700 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room. A 24 pound wood pellet hopper provides above average capacity and up to 62 hours of smoking.
One great thing about this model is its temperature flexibility. Cooks can smoke, grill, or bake at temperatures ranging from 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. An included ITC temperature probe lets you quickly track your food’s progress.
Users can also control the grill through Wi-Fi with an iOS or Android app.
What we liked
What we didn't like
10. Best professional-grade pellet smoker - Traeger Grills Select Elite Pellet Grill
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 589 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Original wood-pellet grill
COLOR: Brown
MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
DIMENSIONS: 57 X 25 X 46 INCHES
WEIGHT: 122 pounds
BENEFITS
You can use it for quite a long time
Your husband Will loves this grill
Great for large cooking
These products do more than just smoke. Many do an excellent job with traditional grilling too.
Most of Traeger’s products make great grills as well as smokers. And if you want the best wood pellet grill, look no further than the Traeger Grills Select Elite.
This grill uses Traeger’s simple to use controls, giving users quick access to a range of grilling temperatures. An 18-pound capacity pellet hopper provides plenty of space for wood pellets and many hours of smoking.
The Select Elite has over 500 square inches of cooking space and can be easily moved around on the caster wheels it sits on. This grill also incorporates a storage cabinet beneath the grill, providing some extra storage space.
Porcelain grates really round out this premium grill by giving users a non-stick surface that’s easy to clean and maintain.
What we liked
What we didn't like
11. Camp Chef PG24STX SmokePro Pellet & Smoker
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: 429 sq. inch of cooking space
STYLE: Hopper Pellet Grill
COLOR: Grsy
MATERIAL: Stainless steel
DIMENSIONS: 40.5 X 22 X 25.2 INCHES
WEIGHT: 113 pounds
BENEFITS
Just set it and let it work—no more babysitting.
Can use up to 48 hours
Smoke, Eat, Repeat
It can get a bit pricey. They’ve got a bit more going on than the traditional grill and all of those enhanced features really add to the price tag.
For those just getting started or looking for something slightly more expensive, the Camp Chef Smokepro STX is a solid option with a great set of features.
Users get over 400 square inches of coking space and an easy to use digital temperature control. With heats ranging from 160 to 500 degrees, there’s plenty of room for both smoking and grilling.
The Smokepro STX also includes a meat probe, making it easy to track the progress of your meal.
What we liked
What we didn't like
by Brands
There are many makers out there.
Some make great grills. And some not so much.
Here are some of the best brands in the marketplace.
Traeger Grills
Traeger has been putting together pellet fueled smokers for over 30 years. That’s longer than any other maker of this models
Which makes a lot of sense when you consider that Traeger Grills pioneered the use of wood in smoker and grills.
At the top of their lineup sits the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood. From smoking to grilling and roasting, the Texas Elite can do just about everything a backyard barbeque might need with over 600 square inches of cooking space.
With Traeger’s familiar electronically controlled ignition and thermostat, it is easily maintains consistent temperatures from 180 to 500 degrees.
More of this amazing brand on this page.
Green Mountain Grills
Another major player in the market is Green Mountain Grills. Green Mountain makes a range of grills at reasonable prices.
One of their most popular models is the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett. And with good reason.
The Davy Crockett is a super portable model. With legs that fold up and compact form factor, this grill can go just about anywhere. On top of that, you can run this little model on both 110 and 12 volt power.
At nearly 70 pounds, it’s not exactly light, but can be managed by two people.
Pit Boss Grills
Pit Boss Grills makes a number of different grills. From electric to propane and charcoal, they make just about everything.
One of their most innovative models is the Pit Boss Grills 77350 Digital. It takes advantage of the vertical, electric smoker design, but gets the smoking done with wood pellets.
Pellets feed in behind and electronic controls can be found on the front of the unit. For easy food management, the front door is made of insulated glass.
Temperatures can be adjusted from 150 to 450 degrees. Four porcelain grilling grates provide users with over 900 square inches of cooking space.
You may also want to read our review for Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill.
Camp Chef
Camp Chef has been making grills and outdoor cookware for over 20 years. These grills are just one of the many products produced by this company.
The Camp Chef Woodwind is one of their best grills, offering outdoor cooks over 500 square inches of cook space and the ability to cook at temperatures from 160 to 500 degrees. To really get things done right, the Woodwind includes a sear box that can reach temperatures up to 900 degrees, allowing you to really lock in the flavors.
The Woodwind operates with an electric starter and thermostat. An included meat thermometer can be used to more closely monitor cooking progress.
Rec Tec
If bold is your style, Rec Tec Grills are for you. From chrome bull horn handles to bold colors, these grills really grab your attention.
That bold style is part of what makes the Rec Tec Grills Bull RT-700 one of their great choice.
Whereas most smokers only allow temperatures to be set at 50 or 100 degree intervals–The Bull has very flexible temperature controls, allowing users to cook at virtually any temperature between 200 and 500 degrees. Cooks can also use the integrated meat thermometers to track and monitor progress.
With over 700 square inches of cooking space, it has ample room for the largest of gatherings. The Bull doesn’t come cheap though, with a price tag of nearly $2000, you must truly want the best choice if you want this grill.
Louisiana Grills
While Louisiana Grills makes more than just pellet grills, they make some very high quality pellet fueled units. From huge 1700 square inch grills, to smaller, household size units, they make it all.
The Louisiana Grills 60800 Stainless Steel Wood is one of their best grills for the average user. With over 800 square inches of cooking space, this grill is large enough for a crowd.
The stainless steel construction ensures that it will last for years to come. And flexible, digital controls make temperature adjustment simple.
by Price
At the end of the day, price is often the most important part of every buying decision. Unfortunately, pellet grills are not the most affordable grills on the market.
There are not many under $500, but they can be found. Here are a few that can be had for less than four figures.
Under $1000: Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood
For under $1000, the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 is tough to beat.
Made by the original pellet smoker maker, this grill packs a lot of features into a package that’s great for both a family meal or a large weekend gathering.
Under $500: Camp Chef Smokepro STX
If you want to keep the price below $500, the Camp Chef Smokepro STX is a great pellet grill that doesn’t sacrifice on quality.
With this grill you get over 400 square inches of coking space and an easy to use digital temperature control. With heats ranging from 160 to 500 degrees, there’s plenty of room for both smoking and grilling.
FINAL VERDICT
If you look long and hard at the pellet smokers available, there’s not quite as many choices as many buyers might like. And not many of them are cheap. Most of the pellet fueled grills on the market are close to $1000.
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great grill for those looking for a good mix of value and features. With the Camp Chef name and features behind it, this a solid performer.
If you’re in the market for a pellet smoker or grill, take a look at Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker today.
If you’ve made it to this page and you’re still wondering what a pellet smoker is, you’re not alone. Pellet grills and smokers are not quite as ubiquitous as their traditionally powered cousins. We also created a beginner’s guide for BBQ enthusiasts out there.
After all, they haven’t been around nearly as long. While pellet stoves and heating have been around for a while, Traeger Grills did not introduce the first pellet smokers until the mid 1980s
Rather than relying on charcoal, propane, or other fuel sources, pellet smokers burn wood pellets. The pellets are made of compressed saw dust and tend to burn longer than regular firewood.
Pellet burning smokers look pretty similar to other smokers and grills, the design and size are very similar. Unless you know what you’re looking for, you’d have a hard time telling the difference if you put a propane grill next to a pellet grill.
The Benefits of Smoking with Pellets
The biggest benefit of using a pellet smoker is the ease of use. Rather than trying to get charcoal up to a certain temperature and keep it there for hours, a using pellets gives you an even consistent heat that lasts for many hours.
While the same can be done with a traditional smoker, it takes a fair amount of skill and practice to keep the temperature and conditions consistent.
How to Choose the Right Pellet Smoker for Your Needs
These model come in a few different shapes and sizes. But they all work—essentially–the same way. But, quality and features do vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
What to Look For—the Thermostat
Models that use wood pellets have a little more going on than your average pellet smoker. Since they use athermostat and a mechanism to fee pellets into the fire, you’ve got a bit more to consider than size and BTUs.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the thermostat. Many model fueled grills don’t reach very high heats—with around 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit being the max for many. That’s something you’ll want to consider if you plan to do any searing while cooking.
Don’t Forget About the Pellets
Another big consideration is how the pellets are fed into the grill and what type of pellets can be used.
Many brands, like Traeger, recommend using only products made by them in their grills. While others may work, performance may not be the same.
Other Features
A lot of models also include other features, like a separate searing compartments or integrated meat thermometers. Other units have fold up legs, perfect for tailgating or camping.
Traditional models have a problem.
It’s not that they don’t make great food—you’ve probably had many a great brisket or side of ribs expertly smoked by a barbeque pro.
It’s the skill and time involved in making great smoked meats and other food with traditional wood fired or charcoal models. Unless you’ve invested some serious practice time or learned from a seasoned barbeque cook, getting the temperature and timing right in your smoker is tough.
Thankfully, if you want to make great food in a smoker, you’ve got options from SeriouslySmoked.
While electric smokers are one way to take the guess work out of smoking, another—perhaps better—solution is this.
Looking for something to cook in your backyard? Check out our pellet smoker recipes page!