I review pellet grills and smokers for a living, so you can trust me when I say that these affordable options will keep the smoke rolling, make you fantastic BBQ, and make you the envy of your neighbors.
Why You Can Trust TheGrillingDad: I’ve spent hundreds of hours with hands-on testing to help determine which pellet grills are worth buying. The methodology section shows exactly how I rated these magical meat machines.
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The Best Pellet Grills for Smoking, Searing, and More
Here are my ratings of the best pellet smokers:
- Best Value Pellet Grill: ZGrills 700D3
- Best High-End Pellet Smoker: Yoder Smokers YS640 Competition Pellet Grill
- Most Versatile Pellet Smoker: Camp Chef WiFi Woodwind w/ Sidekick
- Best Mid-Range Pellet Smoker: Traeger Grills Ironwood 885
- Best Large Capacity Pellet Grill: Weber SmokeFire EX6
- Most Durable Pellet Smoker: Recteq RT-700
- Best Pellet Grill for Tailgating: Green Mountain Grills Trek
- Best Budget Pellet Grill: Pit Boss 440D2
- Best Vertical Pellet Smoker: Pit Boss Vertical
- Best Portable Option: Traeger Tailgater
How We Tested and Ranked the Best Pellet Grills
Our team at The Grilling Dad created a comprehensive system for testing, evaluating, and ranking pellet grills.
We fully researched each product on our list, testing them firsthand whenever possible, and developed a scoring system based on a number of key factors:
- Features — Do the pellet grills have WiFi controls? Are they equipped with fine-tuned temperature and/or smoking controls? Do they have built-in storage, a side griddle, or other perks, like accessories?
- Cooking capacity — Pellet grills with larger grilling areas were awarded more points.
- Cost — We rated each grill based on its retail price, with those within a range of $500-$1,000 receiving the highest-possible point value for this category.
- Temperature range — We gave each grill a score based on its temperature range. Products that had a range of 550 degrees or more received the highest amount of points in this category.
- Warranty — Pellet grills with warranties of 5 or more years were awarded the most points in this category.
- Performance — Last on this list, but most important to us, we hand-test these smokers and will continue updating the page as we test more. We based performance on how well they smoked and how well they grilled food–the smokability and grillability, if you will.
My Best Pellet Grill Reviews
1. Best Value Pellet Grill: Z Grills 700D3
Pros:
- Easy to control temperature, pre-heats in minutes
- Large pellet hopper
- Durable, long-lasting construction, excellent insulation
- Easy to use, great for beginners
- Affordable
Cons:
- You’ll need your own external thermometer
- No wi-fi capabilities
- Grill clearance might not be sufficient for all recipes
Specs:
- Dimensions: 47″ x 23″ x 52″
- Weight: 132 pounds
- Grilling Area: 694 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 20 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
Read Our Full Review: Z Grills 700D3 Review
Overall, if you are just getting into smoking, there is no better choice for a pellet grill than the ZGrills 700D3. It’s easy to set up and use, and works for both high-temperature searing and long smoke sessions.
Of course, this is a bit of a no-frills pellet grill, as there isn’t a thermometer, and no wi-fi capabilities, but we see this as more of an introductory grill, for all those who are looking to master the basics. Then, you have the option to buy upgrades as you learn your gilling style–making this grill an excellent gift as well!
- Also includes FREE GIFTS
2. Best High-End Pellet Smoker: Yoder Smokers YS640 Competition Pellet Grill
Pros:
- Unmatched cooking versatility for actually being able to grill, sear, and smoke all on one unit (most pellet grills aren’t great grills)
- Spacious cooking area and headroom
- Top rack slides out for easy access
- Effortless temperature control and monitoring through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Built to last with robust, heavy gauge steel construction
- Convenient and stylish custom cart for easy maneuverability and additional prep space
Cons:
- Its price point won’t work for everyone
- Because it’s built like a tank, you’ll need a lot of room to store it
- You have to adjust the smoke stack to fit the cover on it
Specs:
- Dimensions: 61.4″ x 36.5″ x 54.1″
- Weight: 418 pounds
- Grilling Area: 1,070 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 20 pounds
- Warranty: 20 years
Our hands-on experience with the Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill left us thoroughly impressed. This bad boy isn’t just a backyard showstopper; it’s a competition-grade pellet smoker that can handle anything from a family gathering to a BBQ showdown.
The YS640s boasts 1,070 square inches of cooking space and nearly 12 inches of headroom, making it ideal for everything from smoking briskets to whole chickens.
Plus, with the ACS Control System featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can manage your cook from the palm of your hand using the mobile app. It’s lightyears ahead of the PID controller most other pellet grills are using.
The heavy gauge steel construction, ceramic ignition system, and rock-solid warranty give you the confidence that you’re investing in a high-quality, American-made product built to last.
Although, we listed it as the “best overall,” we could’ve named it the “best for smoke flavor,” the “best accessory options,” the “best for beef jerky,” the “best for commercial use,” and any other superlative you can think of. While it’s pricey, it’s really that good.
3. Most Versatile Pellet Smoker: Camp Chef Woodwind w/ Sidekick
Pros:
- Sidekick Accessories (from griddles to sear stations to pizza ovens)
- Smoke Control Settings
- Ash Kickin’ Cleanout System
Cons:
- It has a vibration while cooking and is a bit louder than other pellet grills
- The sidekick sear station and flat top require a propane tank
Specs:
- Dimensions: 30″ x 48″ x 49″
- Weight: 162 pounds
- Grilling Area: 811 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 22 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
Read Our Full Review: Camp Chef Woodwind With Sidekick Review
It’s hard to find a pellet grill with the right balance of everything. One that comes close is the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 Pellet Smoker.
The Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 Pellet Smoker has a second-generation PID controller that allows you to select your desired temperature down to the smallest increment. With reliable wireless connectivity and app integration, this pellet grill puts you in the driver’s seat as you smoke your meat to perfection.
If that’s not enough, it also has a flat top griddle or sear station on the side! You will need propane for this, though. We named it the “most versatile” but it could’ve been named the “best for searing” because of the attachments as well.
If you’re not sure about what pellet smoker to get, you cannot go wrong with the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 Pellet Smoker! It also comes in a larger model if you need something a little bigger.
4. Best Mid-Range Pellet Smoker: Traeger Grills Ironwood 885
Pros:
- Control from WiFi,which makes multitasking a breeze
- SuperSmoke mode allows you to get more smoke flavor when you want it, which many other pellet smokers can’t do
- Built to last
- D2 PID Controller, which ensures your grill will hold the temp you set
Cons:
- Not great for searing without add-ons
- Struggles to keep higher temps in cold weather
Specs:
- Dimensions: 53″ x 27″ x 47″
- Weight: 175 pounds
- Grilling Area: 885 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 20 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
Read Our Full Review: Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Review
The Traeger Ironwood 885 has everything you will want and need in a pellet smoker. From seamless wireless connectivity to a clear-cut stainless steel design, this Traeger disappoints in no area.
It comes equipped with pellet sensors and meat probes. These features put you in the driver’s (or griller’s) seat as you manipulate smoker settings on your phone. The hopper also features a trapdoor design meant to make cleaning and changing pellets a breeze.
If you go with the Traeger, I want to be the first to welcome you to the Traegerhood! You’ll find there’s no other community like it. People who have a Traeger, love them!
This model is the pellet grill we recommend for beginners.
5. Best Large Capacity Pellet Grill: Weber SmokeFire EX6
Pros:
- 1,008 sq in of cooking space, so you won’t have to worry about having enough space for the Thanksgiving turkey or even a couple of them
- 2 meat probes included
- Weber porcelain-enamel Finish, so you know it’s going to last a lifetime
- It can get up to 600 degrees, so it can actually smoke and grill effectively
Cons:
- The grease drain isn’t as steep as others, so use aluminum foil under your grill grates to avoid cleaning them after each use
- Not having a front shelf makes prep more difficult
Specs:
- Dimensions: 33″ x 43″ x 47″
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Grilling Area: 1,008 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 22 pounds
- Warranty: 3+ Years
The Weber Smokefire EX6 2nd Gen is the latest improvement to the not-so-popular EX4 model. With the updates, Weber has shown improvements to how it makes pellet smokers.
We found this pellet smoker generated more smoke flavor than most other pellet grills. The pellet smoker’s temperature control settings allow you to not only smoke meat but sear it.
Because of the flavorizer grill grates, it’s ability to grill, sear, and smoke, you’re getting an all-around great pellet grill. So, if reverse searing steaks is your thing, look no further than the Weber Smokefire EX6.
6. Most Durable Pellet Smoker: Recteq RT-700
Pros:
- High-quality, durable stainless steel build
- Wi-Fi enabled controls from anywhere in the world
- Versatile cooking options
Cons:
- While they claim it can reach 700 degrees and sear, our tests could never get it to get over 575
- The rear hopper is more difficult to fill when compared to a side hopper
- Grill tools fell off the grill hooks every time I moved the grill around
Specs:
- Dimensions: 56″ x 32″ x 50″
- Weight: 190 pounds
- Grilling Area: 702 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 40 pounds
- Warranty: 4 Years
If you’re looking for a grill that can handle what life throws at it, the Recteq RT-700 Wifi-Enabled Electric Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker is just what you need.
We’ve found that this grill is equipped with more high-quality stainless steel than any other model in its class; almost all of its parts are made using stainless steel (including the grill grates), so we’re confident that this wood pellet grill can take a beating.
Don’t worry about long cooking times; even if you’re away, you can control this Wi-Fi-enabled grill with your smartphone. With the right app, you can remotely adjust temperature settings and monitor your food from anywhere!
7. Best Pellet Grill for Tailgating: Green Mountain Grills Trek
Pros:
- Extremely Portable Pellet Smoker — Take It Camping, RVing, or to the Beach
- Smartphone Control
- Comes With A Cover
Cons:
- It is not great for smoking large meals for a big family, but if you’re looking for something portable, that’s likely not a deal breaker for you
Specs:
- Dimensions:16″ x 32″ x 24″
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Grilling Area: 219 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 9 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
Read Our Full Review: Green Mountain Trek Review
The Green Mountain Grills Trek is one of the most portable pellet grills on the market. What’s equally impressive is the technology that goes with its portability.
For its size and weight, it packs some serious wireless connectivity, allowing you the control of smoking from your phone.
The Trek’s application also gives you some smoking and grilling ideas. This makes this wood pellet grill worth checking out if you’re new to the barbeque game.
8. Best Budget Pellet Grill: Pit Boss 440D2
Pros:
- Has the ability to sear, but the sear area is small
- Great value for the size
- Porcelain coated grates help prevent your food from sticking
Cons:
- If you’re cooking for a big family, you may want to go with a bigger model
Specs:
- Dimensions:50.2″ x 24.02″ x 39.8″
- Weight: 96 pounds
- Grilling Area: 518 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 5 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
Despite its smaller size, this pellet smoker from Pit Boss comes with features you’ll find in larger pellet grills. This Pit Boss boasts a digital control board. Complimenting the control board is a large LED read-out screen that tells you how hot it is inside the smoker.
A set of cooking grills can also be found at the bottom of the pellet smoker. The Pit Boss 440D2 also guarantees durability with its high-quality non-chip powder coat steel exterior.
They are known for having high-quality grills at affordable prices, making this our top budget pick.
9. Best Vertical Pellet Smoker: Pit Boss PBV3P1
Pros:
- Massive 40lb Hopper
- Vertical Design Fits Anywhere
- Dual-walled Construction
Cons:
- It doesn’t seem to hold a temperature as accurately as higher-end pellet smokers
- Several fluctuations up and down (+/- 10 degrees) during a 6 hour smoke
Specs:
- Dimensions: 26″ x 22″ x 53″
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Grilling Area: 901 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 40 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
The Pit Boss PBV3P1 Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker has four cooking decks stacked on top of each other. Even with highvolume smoking and grilling, you won’t need to worry about space.
The Pit Boss PBV3P1 Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker’s auto-start 300-watt lighter quickly fires up the pellet smoker’s heating rod. Once the fire is going, the Pit Boss PBV3P1 Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker’s auto-shut off feature turns off the heating rod. Hence, burning will not be an issue.
The temperature range of the Pit Boss PBV3P1 Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker is from 150 to 400 degrees. The heat deflector ensures that all decks receive the same amount of heat for even and consistent cooking.
This made the top of our list of the best vertical pellet smokers as well!
10. Best Portable Pellet Grill: Traeger Tailgater
Pros:
- 6-in-1 function
- Precision temperature control
- EZ fold legs
- Traeger customer service has been helpful the many times we’ve called them
Cons:
- I had a tough time getting the Tailgater up to temp and an even tougher time keeping it at the exact temp I set
Specs:
- Dimensions: 37″ x 18″ x 36″
- Weight: 62 pounds
- Grilling Area: 300 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 8 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
While it didn’t score well for an everyday pellet smoker, the Traeger Grills Tailgater is an underrated gem when it comes to portability.
It may just be the best portable pellet grill available today! Its most distinct feature is its easy-fold legs, which make transport a breeze. The size is also not too shabby for a portable pellet grill, with a total grill capacity of 300 square inches. That’s more than enough space for two whole chickens or a dozen burgers.
With the precision temperature control, you’ll have an easy time cooking whatever dish you want on the go. No undercooking and no burning! Best of all, you’ll get the same classic smoky flavors and wood-fire taste that’s characteristic of pellet grills.
If you’ve decided on a portable pellet grill but want more options, check out our full guide here.
What Is a Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are a type of grill that uses ignited wood pellets and an electrical system of fans to heat food to a temperature you preselect. Anything you make in your indoor oven can be made on a pellet grill.
Is It a Pellet Grill or a Pellet Smoker? 🤔
When it comes to these cookers, some people call them pellet grills and some call them pellet smokers. Guess what? There’s no difference. Same thing, two different names.
If you want to read more of the nerdy stuff to decide if it’s more of a grill than a smoker, you can our full guide: Is a Pellet Grill the Same as a Smoker?
How Does a Pellet Grill Work?
Unlike charcoal smokers and propane smokers, pellet smokers use wood pellets as fuel. These pellets are fed into feeding inlets located on the sides of pellet grills. These pellets make their way into augers that feed the pellets in a pellet smoker’s burn pot.
Beneath the burn pot of a pellet smoker is a heating rod. It’s similar in many ways to the heating plates you find on most kitchen stoves. The heating rod on its own will not create a fire.
However, with wood pellets, enough flame can arise to create the smoke you require. A fan located within the heating part of the pellet smoker stokes the heat.
For the most part, pellet smokers or grills have the same type of temperature control mechanism. The temperature controller is an internal computer for the pellet grill. It ensures that everything from the fan to the number of pellets fed is in sync to deliver the temperature you desire.
It does this for the entire duration of smoking or grilling.
Learn More >> How Does a Pellet Grill Work? (An In-Depth Explanation)
What Are the Pros of a Pellet Grill?
Let me start by saying that we love our pellet smoker. It’s versatile, easy to use, and cooks excellent meals.
Not convinced yet? Here are some of the pros of pellet smokers:
- The reduced need for you to babysit whatever your smoking
- Quick and easy ignition
- Easy use
- Control from a distance via wireless connectivity
- Access to recipes
- Consistent cooking
- Reduced chances of flare-ups
- Versatility
Let’s go over each benefit in greater detail:
Charcoal and gas smokers and grills require a lot of prep and smoking time. For this reason, you’ll need a lot of elbow grease with these types of smokers.
With a pellet smoker, babysitting your BBQ ribs and pork chops will be a thing of the past. A lot of brands of pellet smokers today have easy temperature-setting systems you only need to manipulate once.
Once you’ve picked the desired temperature of your pellet smoker, you can just sit back, crack a cold one, and wait.
With a gas and charcoal smoker, you’ll need to prepare your charcoal and lighter fluid to start the flame. At times, once you get an initial flame going, there’s no telling how long you have to keep it going.Pellet smokers come with button-activated ignition systems. For this reason, all you need to do is flick the switch and pick your desired temperature. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
Pellet smokers allow you to do less babysitting due to their self-calibration of temperature. Based on the temperature you selected, a pellet smoker automatically regulates the number of pellets being dumped onto the auger. The pellets then burn to create the temperature you desire.All this gets done after you push a button and pick a temperature setting!
This way, you’ll be able to control your smoking and grilling from a distance. How’s that for high-tech convenience?
Pellet grills eliminate the need for all of this. You can light them with the press of a button, set the temperature, and forget it! Just set a timer to come back and temp your meat–it’s that easy.
Perhaps, the only time the temperature changes is when you change it. Otherwise, you can bank on your pellet grill’s ability to evenly smoke your meat.
Flare-ups do not happen with pellet smokers for two reasons. First, pellet smokers allow moisture of any kind to vaporize back into the meat inside the chamber. This means the diffusion pan stays dry throughout the smoking process.
Also, any moisture that comes off your meat and isn’t vaporized just makes its way to the grease pan located somewhere outside the smoker.
In fact, some, like the Traeger Ironwood 885, can easily hit the 400 to 700-degree range on nearly the same number of pellets. So, pellet grills are no longer just smokers. Their temperature ranges allow them to be an alternative to grills too.
Some pellet grill models can sear steaks and burgers, but most pellet grills aren’t going to hit those high searing temps like a charcoal or gas grill can.
Related >> How to Clean a Pellet Grill
Cons of a Pellet Grill:
If any product is very good at one thing, it’s probably lacking in another area. Pellet smokers are no different–they have downsides as well.
They are extremely versatile, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be excellent at all of these styles of cooking. Most pellet smokers are not good at searing or even grilling some foods without adding attachments.
This is mainly due to the lack of high-heat functionalities, which makes sense since their main selling point is “set it and forget it.”
If you want to be able to make good food, add wood-fired smoke flavor, something that is easy to learn, and easy to use, then a pellet smoker will be a great purchase.
If you want something that is great at searing foods and grilling at high temperatures, I’d recommend going with a different option or going for the Yoder Smokers YS640 or the Weber Smokefire EX6.
We’ve got a full guide on the pros and cons of pellet grills if you’d like to learn more.
Related >> How long do pellets last?
How Does It Compare To Other Grills and Smokers?
If you’re not entirely sure if a pellet grill is the right choice, we’ve done some comparisons to help narrow down which type of cooker is best for you.
- Pellet Grill vs Charcoal Grill
- Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill
- Pellet Smoker vs Propane Smoker
- Pellet Smoker vs Electric Smoker
- Traeger vs Pit Boss
What To Look for When Buying a Pellet Smoker
Not all pellet smokers are created equal. With the options available on the market, you’ll need a guide on how to narrow your choices. While it all comes down to personal preference and budget, you may want to check what features you want in a smoker.
Here are some things to look for when you’re in the market for a new pellet smoker:
We recommend planning for 100 square inches per family member you regularly cook for, plus a buffer of 100-200 square inches for large cuts and when you host guests. This means for a family of 4, you should look for a grill with 500-600 square inches of cooking area.
The hopper is a part of your smoker’s pellet cooker. It is the part that holds the pellets. The size of the hopper matters because it determines how long you can smoke.
Larger hoppers naturally mean larger pellet capacity. This is a sign that your pellet smoker or pellet grill is built for longer cooking sessions.
In general, you want a pellet hopper that can hold at least 10 lbs of pellets for regular, everyday smoking. Those who regularly like to smoke overnight should look for a pellet hopper that holds around 20 lbs.
Of course, you want a pellet smoker that will not give up on you within just a year. A good rule of thumb would be to choose a pellet smoker that consists mainly of stainless steel.
Powder-coated steel or alternatives to stainless steel aren’t bad choices. However, powder coating doesn’t do well in high-moisture and can lead to rust after a while.
The problem with meat thermometers is that you cannot always leave them in the meat as you smoke them. To solve this common pain point, some companies have included meat probes in their pellet smokers.
Meat probes allow you to keep an eye on the internal temperature of your meat as you smoke it. Though not an absolute necessity, it’s surely something worth having.
Most pellet smoker brands have wireless capabilities built into the pellet smokers they sell. You will want one that seamlessly integrates with your mobile devices — whether you use a tablet or a phone.
Also, some companies offer in-app recipes. If you’re new to grilling or smoking, a pellet smoker with wireless connectivity and app integration may be worth the extra dollar.
If you want to use your pellet smoker as a grill (like burgers and steaks), you definitely want to consider the maximum temperature. Most brands, unfortunately, advertise that they can sear, but the sad reality is most of them can’t. If searing is important to you or you want a cooker that will replace your current grill and give you the option to smoke, I’d recommend the Yoder Smokers YS640 or the Weber Smokefire EX6.
Looking for Something More Specific?
Do You Need a Smart Pellet Grill?
A smart pellet grill is one that has wi-fi connectivity, allowing you to control the pellet grill from afar.
While this is a nice feature, it is not necessary. Non-smart pellet grills (or should we say dumb-pellet grills?) are often cheaper, and they cook the same as those with fancy wi-fi technology. They are an excellent pellet grill choice, especially for those on a budget.
That being said, if you are looking to become a serious smoker, and plan to smoke overnight, a smart pellet grill is probably a better choice, so you aren’t adjusting the temperature of your pellet grill in your underwear in a snow drift at 2 am because your pork butt has reached the perfect temperature.
What Size Pellet Smoker Do You Need?
Generally, we recommend planning on 100 square inches of space per family member, plus a buffer of 100-200 square inches to account for guests or specialty cuts of meat.
For a family of 4, a 500-600 square inch bottom grate should be sufficient for about most of your cooking, even when hosting a crowd. For reference, 650 square inches can hold 8 full chickens or 6 pork butts.
What Pellet Grill Brands Are Made in the USA?
Lots of pellet grill brands are made right here on American soil! They are as follows:
- Weber Grills – Huntley, Illinois
- Blaz’n Grill Works – Beatrice, Nebraska
- Royall Grills & Smokers – Reedsburg, Wisconsin
- KANDO Gear – Red Rock, Texas
- MAK Grills – Dallas, Oregon
- Twin Eagles Pellet Grills – Cerritos, California
- Cookshack Grills – Ponca City, Oklahoma
- Yoder Smokers – Hutchinson, Kansas
- Pitts&Spitts – Houston, Texas
Find out more in out full article about which pellet grills are made in the USA.
Pellet Smoker Alternatives
- Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
- Monument Mesa Gas Grill
- Weber Charcoal Grill
- Bradley Digital Electric Smoker
Pellet Grill FAQs
Are Pellet Grills Worth It?
Pellet grills are worth it if you enjoy the versatility of smoking, grilling, baking, roasting, and more all on the same cooker, but don’t mind the hefty initial cost. If you love wood-fire taste, you’ll love having a pellet grill around. I use mine almost daily.
Who Makes the Highest Quality Pellet Grill?
Traeger Grills is the most popular brand, because they had a patent for 20 years that made them the only pellet grills on the market, which gave them an advantage. During our tests, however, we were impressed with the quality of the 2nd Generation of the Weber Smokefire and the Yoder Smoker YS640!
What Pellet Grill is Best for Beginners?
Generally, any pellet grill you pick will be perfect for a beginner because they are so easy to use! We do recommend picking something with a probe and digital temperature read out to help you learn though, such as the PitBoss we mentioned or any pellet grill by ZGrills!
For more information on the best smokers for beginners check out our 5 best pellet smokers for beginners.
Can Grill Burgers With Pellets?
You can cook burgers on a pellet grill and get a unique smokey flavor to them. Many of the pellet grills on our list can go up to temperatures of 450-500 degrees, which is great for grilling hamburgers.
Are Pellet Grills Good for Steaks?
The best pellet grills are good for steaks if you like adding a wood-fired taste to your steak. Although most can’t sear a steak, getting the tender smoked steak is easily done on your new pellet grill.
Yoder Smokers and Pit Boss have a feature where you can sear directly over a flame, which is great for steaks as well.
How Can You Get More Smoke From Your Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are known for having less smoke flavor than offset smokers, but some models offer features like super smoke mode to adjust the intensity. Generally, the pellet grills with consistent temperatures produce less smoke flavor than those with fluctuating temps.
If you’re not getting enough smoke for your liking, try using a smoke tube in your pellet grill.
Is It Safe To Run a Pellet Smoker Overnight?
It is safe to run a pellet smoker overnight as long as your smoker is not in the rain, close to nearby structures that can catch fire, and has plenty of pellets.
Do You Need Electricity To Grill With Pellets?
A pellet grill needs electricity to run. The pellet grill’s control panel, thermometer, auger, and fans all run on electricity, so it has to be connected to power.
Are Pellet Grills Difficult to Clean?
Cleaning a pellet grill is easy, and can be accomplished with just soap and water. Allow your pellet grill to cool, then disassemple it, washing each part with warm soapy water. Lay the pieces out to air dry and reassemble once dry!
How Long Can You Cook For on a Pellet Grill?
How long you can cook for on your pellet grill will depend on your grill brand, and the size of your pellet hopper.
Generally the average pellet grill burns 1/2-3/4 of a pound of pellets per hour. We recommend being conservative and planning for 1 lb. of pellets per hour, so you can plan for ±10 hour smokes when you have a 10 lb pellet hopper.
How Much Do Pellet Smokers Cost?
Based on 96 different pellet smoker models, prices range from $227 to $8,099 with an average price of $1,024.
Hello, What about the Recteq 2500 BFG? Have you ever work with that Smoker?
YES! Been using it for a local charity actually, putting on BBQ events for them. We’ve cooked 20+ racks of ribs at a time, multiple briskets and pork butts. Build quality is fantastic. One guy at an event said the brisket turned out better than Kansas City bbq. Lol. It’s a pretty sweet grill and a steal for the size and quality.
Recteq has world-class customer service.
However, we didn’t include on this list because this is geared towards the average backyard BBQ-er and the BFG is, well, a bfg.