10Best.Guide

Pellet Grill

Top Picks

Last Updated: June, 2023
Pros
  • Produces plenty of smoke for a pellet smoker
  • Temperature stays within range
  • Easy to assemble
  • Grills or smokes any type of meat perfectly every time
  • Great for experimenting with different types of wood pellets
Cons
  • Had one issue with back feed in the auger
  • Auger motor was not attached to the pellet box
Bottom Line
The Traeger pellet smoker is a great option for those looking for a smoker that produces plenty of smoke, maintains temperature well, and is easy to assemble and use. However, there have been some issues with assembly and repairs, and it may take longer to reach high temperatures compared to a gas grill.
Pros
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Set it and forget it feature
  • Wi-Fi app control
  • Made some of the best meals
  • No need to constantly regulate temps and add water
Cons
  • Expensive for the features it offers
  • Temperature probe is off the mark
Bottom Line
The Traeger 780 Pro smoker is a convenient and easy-to-use grill with a set it and forget it feature and Wi-Fi app control. However, it is expensive for the features it offers, and the temperature probe is off the mark. It also does not produce enough smoke without additional help.
Pros
  • Easy to use and holds temps well.
  • Great for smoking ribs, brisket, and turkey.
  • Makes better tasting BBQ than any restaurant.
  • Quick cooking time.
  • Good for smoking beef short ribs.
Cons
  • Difficulty in searing steaks.
  • Traeger support is not efficient.
Bottom Line
The Traeger grill is a great investment for those who love to grill, smoke, and bake. It is easy to use, holds temperatures well, and produces better tasting BBQ than most restaurants. However, some customers have experienced issues with delivery, assembly, and heating up to temperature correctly. It may also not be suitable for extreme winter conditions.
Pros
  • Easy to use and set up
  • "Set and forget" feature
  • Heats up quickly
  • Plentiful smoke
  • Good flavor
Cons
  • Inaccurate temperature readings
  • Not enough space for larger cuts of meat
Bottom Line
The Ninja Foodi Wood Fired Grill is an easy-to-use and well-built grill that is perfect for small groups. It heats up quickly, produces plentiful smoke, and is easy to clean. However, it may not be suitable for larger cuts of meat, and the temperature readings may not be accurate.
Pros
  • Easy to use and dummy proof
  • Quality and expertly designed packaging
  • Great customer service and replacement parts availability
  • Big hopper for long slow cooks
  • Easy to schedule delivery and assemble
Cons
  • Controller temperature is typically 25-40 degrees cooler than ambient temperature
  • Paint flaking and burn marks reported
Bottom Line
The Traeger Pro Series 575 WiFire grill is a quality product with great customer service and replacement parts availability. It is easy to use and has a big hopper for long slow cooks. However, some users have reported issues with the controller temperature, paint flaking, and lack of smoke taste on the meat. The app also crashes frequently.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Pellet Grills: Types, Features, Prices, and Tips

Overview

Pellet grills have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and ease of use. They use wood pellets as fuel, which provides a unique smoky flavor to your food. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That's why we've created this comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types

There are several types of pellet grills available on the market, including:

1. Vertical pellet smoker: This type of grill is designed for smoking meat and is perfect for low and slow cooking. They have a large cooking capacity and are ideal for smoking large cuts of meat.

2. Portable pellet grill: These grills are perfect for camping, tailgating, or picnics. They are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport.

3. Built-in pellet grill: This type of grill is designed to be built into an outdoor kitchen and is ideal for those who love to entertain. They offer a large cooking capacity and are perfect for hosting large gatherings.

Key Considerations

When choosing a pellet grill, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, including:

1. Cooking capacity: Consider the size of your family or the number of guests you typically entertain when choosing a grill.

2. Hopper capacity: The hopper is where the wood pellets are stored. A larger hopper means less frequent refilling.

3. Temperature control: Look for a grill with a digital controller that allows you to set and maintain the temperature.

4. Pellet consumption: Consider the amount of pellets the grill consumes per hour to estimate the cost of fuel.

5. Ash cleanout system: A good ash cleanout system makes cleaning the grill much easier.

6. WiFi connectivity: Some grills offer WiFi connectivity, which allows you to monitor and control the grill from your smartphone.

Features

Some of the key features to look for in a pellet grill include:

1. Temperature range: Look for a grill with a wide temperature range to allow for a variety of cooking methods.

2. Direct flame grilling: Some grills offer direct flame grilling capabilities, which allows for high-heat searing.

3. Side shelves: Side shelves provide additional workspace for food prep.

4. Rotisserie attachment: A rotisserie attachment allows for even cooking of large cuts of meat.

Prices

Pellet grills can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price typically correlates with the size, features, and quality of the grill.

Tips

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your pellet grill:

1. Use high-quality wood pellets for the best flavor.

2. Preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes before cooking.

3. Clean the grill regularly to prevent buildup.

4. Experiment with different cooking methods to find what works best for you.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a pellet grill for grilling and smoking?

A: Yes, most pellet grills offer both grilling and smoking capabilities.

Q: How often do I need to clean my pellet grill?

A: It's recommended to clean the grill after every use to prevent buildup.

Q: How long do wood pellets last?

A: The length of time wood pellets last depends on the size of the hopper and the cooking temperature.

Q: Can I use any type of wood pellets in my grill?

A: It's recommended to use high-quality wood pellets that are specifically designed for pellet grills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a pellet grill is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. By considering the types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips outlined in this guide, you can find the perfect pellet grill to suit your needs.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to assemble and well-packaged
  • Large size for BBQ parties or gatherings
  • Ability to set grill temps in 5-degree increments
  • Can be used like an oven with steady temperature control
  • Intuitive controls and well-engineered
Cons
  • Overpriced as a smoker
  • App is not kept current or compatible with modern devices
Bottom Line
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a well-engineered and intuitive grill that is easy to assemble and has a large size for BBQ parties or gatherings. However, it may be overpriced as a smoker and the app is not kept current or compatible with modern devices. Customer support may also be under-skilled.
Pros
  • Only actual 12-volt pellet grill on the market
  • Affordable compared to other pellet grills
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Good size for camping and small groups
  • Temperature control is accurate
Cons
  • Some customers experienced issues with the power source
  • Assembly can be awkward
Bottom Line
The Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill is an affordable and portable option for camping and small groups. While some customers experienced issues with the power source and grill performance, the accurate temperature control and good customer service make it a solid choice for those on a budget.
Pros
  • Good quality for the price
  • Large grilling area
  • Solid and well-built
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Set it and forget it
Cons
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Bolt broke while assembling
Bottom Line
The Pit Boss grill is a solid and well-built option for those looking for a large grilling area at an affordable price. While there are some issues with temperature fluctuations and assembly, it is easy to use and gets the job done.
Pros
  • High-grade materials and excellent value compared to competition
  • Retains heat well
  • Overbuilt and durable
  • Good instructions and easy assembly
  • Three-year warranty
Cons
  • Some units arrived damaged
  • Poor customer service
Bottom Line
The Z Grills smoker is a durable and cost-effective option for those looking for a high-quality smoker. However, some units may arrive damaged and there have been some customer service and quality control issues reported.
Pros
  • Easy to use and heats up quickly.
  • Assembly is easy.
  • Good customer service.
  • Handles wind well.
  • Perfect size for 2 to 4 people.
Cons
  • Burnt food on initial use.
  • Electrical components may not last.
Bottom Line
The Recteq Bullseye is a good option for those who want a smaller pellet smoker that can also get really hot for grilling/searing. However, there are some concerns with the electrical components and safety, and it may be difficult to control the temperature.
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