Doesn’t the word “barbecue” just get your taste buds tingling? Have you ever found yourself salivating at the thought of grilling up some mouthwatering steaks and hotdogs? If you have, you’re definitely not alone.
But here’s the real question: how do you throw the best BBQ party?
How do you strike that perfect balance between smokiness and tenderness in your meat?
The secret lies in having the right tools. We’re talking about the finest meat, top-notch wood pellets, and, of course, a brilliant recipe. But above all, you need a top-quality pellet smoker. And not just any smoker—you need one of the very best.
Lucky for you, I’ve done the hard work and reviewed the best pellet grills available in 2024. We’re talking about the top performers—whether you need something portable, versatile, high-end, or an all-rounder to make sure you’re the BBQ hero at your next gathering.
10 Best Pellet Smokers & Grills for 2024 – Expert Reviews
With so many options out there, picking the right smoker-grill combo can feel overwhelming. But don’t sweat it. Keep reading to dive into our top 10 pellet smoker reviews and find the perfect match for your BBQ needs.
Best High-End: Recteq RT-1100 Flagship Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
Let’s kick things off with the Recteq RT-1100 Flagship. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer. With a new leg design for stability and a temperature range that now stretches from 180ºF to 700ºF, this grill is all about giving you control. The updated controller makes it even easier to use.
This beast comes loaded with features: WiFi connectivity, built-in meat probes, and a hot flash ceramic ignition system. With 1100 square inches of cooking space, you can easily fit ten large racks of ribs on this bad boy. And if that’s not enough, it has the highest capacity hopper—holding 40 pounds of pellets, giving you 40 hours of uninterrupted cooking. Impressive, right?
You can monitor the meat’s temperature by plugging in the two probes, offering a precise range between 180ºF and 700ºF. And those bullhorn handles? They make moving this grill around a breeze.
With WiFi control, you can start the smoker and keep an eye on the temperature from your smartphone. It’s backed by a six-year warranty—one of the longest you’ll find.
Pros
- Six-year warranty
- Smart PID digital controller
- WiFi connectivity
- 180ºF to 700ºF temperature range
Cons
- Basic app functionality
- Flimsy legs
Best Overall: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Pellet Grill & Smoker
Now, if you’re after something that delivers across the board, the Woodwind Pro from Camp Chef should be on your radar. We’ve recommended this brand for years because they consistently offer bang for your buck. The Woodwind Pro version just takes things up a notch with rugged construction and a nifty built-in Smoke Box.
Just like its predecessors, this grill is sleek and portable, with a stainless steel body. It offers a generous 40% extra chamber space, with options for 24 and 36-inch grills. Plus, with a twist of a knob, you can switch between direct and indirect flame, reaching temperatures from 160°F to 650°F.
The grill includes four built-in meat probes that measure your meat’s temperature and display it on a digital LED. You can connect this grill to the Camp Chef app via WiFi, allowing you to monitor and control everything from your phone. And when it comes to smoke settings, you can choose just how smoky you want it.
Clean-up is a breeze with its removable ash cup, and there’s plenty of space for utensils with its bottom and side shelves.
Pros:
- Large cooking capacity
- Bottom and side shelf for storage
- Remote smoke control through Wi-Fi
- Easy ash clean-up
- Four built-in temperature probes
- LED displays temperature
Cons:
- No hook attachments
- Small hopper capacity
- No automatic start-up from the app
Runner Up: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 (or 780)
Founded by Joe Traeger in 1985, Traeger Grills are legends in the BBQ world, and their Pro Series 575 Grill is no exception. It’s built to last with a rust-resistant body and offers 6-in-1 versatility, allowing you to bake, smoke, braise, roast, and BBQ—all with the consistent heat of 100% natural wood pellets.
The grill gives you a spacious 575 square inches of cooking area—enough for five racks of ribs or 25 burgers. And with Traeger’s WiFire Technology, you can connect to the grill from your phone to adjust the temperature, set timers, and even browse recipes.
What really sets this grill apart is its D2 Direct Drive train, which ensures faster heating and quicker ignition. Plus, the 18-pound hopper keeps the pellets flowing smoothly for consistent heat.
You can opt for the slightly larger Pro 780 if you need more space, but both models deliver in spades.
Pros:
- Remote temperature control from the phone
- D2 Train gives faster heating and start-up
- Large cooking capacity
- Automatic auger for pellets
- Durable construction
- Versatile cooking
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons:
- Expensive
- Accessories increase the cost
- Requires a vacuum for removing ash
Best Value: Camp Chef SmokePro Slide Pellet Smoker
The Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker is all about sturdy, durable design. This grill is built to last, with a rust-resistant body and a weight of around 145 pounds. But don’t worry, it’s easy to move thanks to the caster wheels on two of the legs.
It’s versatile, too, with a slide-and-grill feature that lets you smoke, roast, grill, and braise your meat. The cooking space is ample, with a second adjustable shelf that can be removed if needed. Plus, it’s packed with features to make grilling a breeze: digital temperature control, two stainless steel probes, and an automatic auger that keeps the temperature steady between 175 to 400°F.
Cleaning up is simple, too, with a lever that releases the ash into a cup below. The large foldable front and side shelves make it convenient to keep your grilling tools close at hand.
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy construction
- Convenient front-facing and side shelf
- Easy ash clean-out
- Efficient consumption of pellets
- Adjustable second shelf
- Built-in two temperature probes
Cons:
- No hooks
- Some users reported faulty temperature sensors
Best Budget: Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E 2024 Upgrade
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Z GRILLS has you covered. They’ve been in the game for over 30 years, and the ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill offers serious versatility. You can grill, BBQ, roast, braise, bake, smoke, sear, and char-grill—all in one.
With a stainless steel body, porcelain-coated cast-iron grids, and a heavy-duty wheel for easy mobility, this grill is built to last. It offers a solid 700 square inches of cooking space and a 20-pound hopper for long-lasting cooking sessions.
The grill is easy to use, with an automatic electrical ignition and a fan that evenly distributes heat inside the chamber. The digital control board lets you adjust the temperature between 180 to 450°F, with an LED display for easy monitoring.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Large cooking space
- Automatic pellet feeder
- Precise temperature control
- 8-in-1 versatility
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- Quality control issues
- No meat probes included
- No proper ash disposal system
Best Pellet Smoker Under $500 – Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef DLX Pellet Grill is another Camp Chef gem. Available in stainless steel, black, and even bronze, this grill is known for its versatility and ease of use. The stainless steel body ensures durability, while the two caster wheels make it easy to move around.
With a total of 570 square inches of cooking space, this grill has plenty of room for your BBQ delights. It features a dual LED temperature control, a stainless steel temperature probe, and an automatic auger to feed the wood pellets. The smart grease management system and a lever system for easy ash clean-up are just the cherries on top.
The hopper holds 18 pounds of wood pellets, which means fewer refills and more uninterrupted cooking time. And with a side shelf and electronic ignition, this grill is all about convenience.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Large hopper capacity
- Grease management
- Three color options
- Electrical ignition
- Built-in sensor gauge
- Automatic auger for wood pellets
- Temperature probe
- LED temperature read-out
Cons:
- Less cooking space for the money
- Variation in temperature control
Best Portable: Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Wi-Fi
Looking for something portable? Look no further than Green Mountain Grills’ Davy Crockett. This American-made grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, or a picnic. It’s compact and lightweight, weighing only 68 pounds, and the legs fold into carrying handles for easy transport.
Despite its size, this grill is packed with features. It has Sense-Mate technology that reads the grill’s temperature accurately, a 17-pound hopper, and Wi-Fi digital temperature control. You can manage everything from your phone—adjusting the smoke and heat settings, setting precise cooking timers, and monitoring the pellet levels.
And with its cooking space measuring 12 x 16 inches, you’ve got enough room to cook up a storm. Plus, the grill comes with auto-ignition and a side rack for utensils.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Foldable
- Adapters offer powering options
- Wi-Fi digital temperature control
- Large hopper capacity
- Inexpensive
- Precise temperature control
Cons:
- Poor grease drainage
- Small cooking space
Best Design: Pit Boss Classic Wood 700 Sq In Fired Pellet Grill
Ever struggled to get a good sear on your grill? Pit Boss has got you covered with their Classic Wood 700 FB. This grill is designed to solve the common searing issue with its sliding plate design and real flame searing capability.
With 700 square inches of cooking surface, a 21-pound hopper capacity, and porcelain-coated wire cooking grates, this grill is both spacious and easy to clean.
The digitally controlled burn system keeps things safe, and the grill runs on 100% hardwood pellets. You can comfortably cook for four to six people at a time, with a temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Built with heavy-duty steel, the design is as durable as it is elegant—perfect for open-fire pot searing.
Pros:
- Allows proper searing
- Easy to clean
- Durable construction
- Elegant design
- Large cooking area
Cons:
- Costly for fuel
- Not smokeable
Best for Campers: Traeger Grills Ranger Pellet Grill
You didn’t think we’d only mention one Traeger grill, did you? Traeger is known for making grills that BBQ enthusiasts love, and the Ranger is perfect for campers. It’s got all the features you need, packed into a portable design.
The Ranger’s digital Arc Controller allows for five-degree temperature increments, and it comes with a Keep Warm mode to ensure your food stays hot and juicy. Advanced grilling logic ensures precise temperature control, and the Meat Probe lets you check the internal temperature without lifting the lid.
With its compact size—20 x 13 x 21 inches—and a weight of 60 pounds, it’s easy to take along on your outdoor adventures. Plus, it has a baffled lid with latches for safe transportation.
Pros:
- Precise temperature control
- Keeps the food warm
- Meat Probe for checking the temperature by lifting the lid
- Easy to clean
- Easy to move around
Cons:
- For small to medium gatherings
- Requires electricity
Best Large Capacity: Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill
This product is currently unavailable. You can see the alternative product: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 Grill with Sidekick Sear:
SmokePro is the fourth exceptional pellet grill model of Camp Chef on our list. Available in both black and bronze-colored lids, the grill is one of the largest from the brand. It offers a massive 875 square inches of cooking space and includes a first rack as well as an additional warming rack.
The stainless steel grill comes with four wheels and two locking casters for easy transportation. Besides this, you get a bottom and two side shelves for storing your utensils.
The 18-pound hopper feeds pellets to the grill automatically to control the temperature precisely. It even features an innovative temperature chip to prevent substantial temperature variation and provide consistent smoke. The dual sensors, on the other hand, measure both the food and the internal temperature, which are displayed on the dual-LED readout.
Overall, you can reach a maximum temperature of 400°F on the grill. However, you can replace the side shelf with a sear box to reach high temperatures needed for searing your meat.
Apart from all this, the grill has a secure ash cleaning system that removes the burnt wood pellets from the grill. With a smart automatic electric ignition, you will not have to wait for the grill to start up.
Pros:
- Quick start-up
- Convenient shelves for storage and prep
- Durable body
- Dual sensors and temperature read
- Automatic pellet feeder
- Large cooking space
Cons:
- Temperature variation
- Quality issues
How To Choose The Best Pellet Smoker & Grill
Now that you’re clued in on some top choices, let’s talk about how to choose the right pellet smoker for your needs.
Size
This one’s all about what you need. Got a small family or only cook for intimate gatherings? A smaller grill might be just what you need. But if you’re hosting big BBQ bashes, go for a larger grill with more cooking space. You’ll save time and be able to cook multiple dishes at once.
Clean-up
No one wants to spend ages cleaning up after a great BBQ. Look for a grill with a solid grease management system or removable grease trays. Some grills even have ash removal systems and dishwasher-safe grates for easy clean-up. And if you’re dealing with wood pellets, pick a grill that lets you clean and replace them easily.
Portability
Love to take your grill on the go? Choose a model with sturdy wheels, locking casters, foldable legs, and carrying handles. If you need something compact for travel, grills like the Country Smokers Pellet Grill are perfect—they’re lightweight and easy to move.
Temperature Settings
Got the budget for a high-end grill? Go for one with advanced temperature controls. A PID controller, for example, keeps the temperature spot-on. Look for grills with LED displays, meat probes, and temperature gauges. Luxury models like the RT-700 even offer WiFi controls, so you can manage everything from your phone. If you’re after something more budget-friendly, look for non-PID or multi-position controls, but make sure they offer accurate temperature readings.
How To Pick Wood Pellets for Smoking?
Got your grill sorted? Now it’s time to pick the right wood pellets. High-quality pellets can make a huge difference in your cooking. Let’s dive into what makes a great pellet.
Hardwood or Softwood
Both hardwood and softwood pellets have their pros and cons. Hardwood pellets burn consistently and produce thick smoke, making them ideal for low and slow cooking. Softwood pellets, on the other hand, burn hotter and faster, thanks to their higher lignin content. If you’re in a rush, softwood is your go-to. But for a slow-smoked dish, hardwood is king.
Ingredients
Always check what’s in your pellets. Some brands cut costs by adding fillers like alder, oak, or chemicals, which can mess with the flavor and burn less efficiently. Go for 100% natural wood pellets for the best taste and performance.
Flavor
Different woods add different flavors to your meat. Here are some top picks:
- Hickory: The classic BBQ wood. Strong flavor, great for pork, brisket, and poultry.
- Applewood: Mildly sweet, perfect for pork, poultry, fish, and veggies.
- Birch: A softwood that’s great for cold-smoking fish.
- Cherry: Bold and sweet, ideal for slow-smoking duck, salmon, and chicken
.
Ash Content
The more ash a pellet produces, the lower its quality. Ash buildup can lower your grill’s efficiency, so opt for pellets with low ash content and high BTUs.
Moisture Content
Moisture affects how quickly your grill lights up. High-quality pellets have moisture content below 6.5%, which means they light up faster and burn hotter.
The Features of A Pellet Grill
Here’s what to look for in a top-notch pellet grill.
Design
The best grills are built with high-quality stainless steel for durability. Look for rust-resistant materials and sturdy wheels for easy transport. The cooking grates should be heavy-duty cast iron or tempered steel for even heat distribution.
Cooking Space
The more, the merrier. A good pellet grill offers plenty of primary cooking space and an additional warming rack. Some models even have a sear box on the side for high-temperature searing.
Hopper
The hopper holds your wood pellets and automatically feeds them to the fire. Larger hoppers mean less time refilling and more time cooking. Make sure it’s easy to clean and replace pellets.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial. Simple three-position controls offer basic low, medium, and high settings, while multi-position and PID controls provide finer adjustments. PID controllers are the gold standard, offering precise temperature control and smart meat probes.
How Does a Pellet Grill Work?
Pellet grills are a different beast compared to charcoal or gas smokers. They use natural wood pellets, fed from a hopper to the cooking chamber via an auger. The pellets are ignited electronically or with lighter fluid, and convection fans distribute heat and smoke evenly. The auger keeps feeding pellets at set intervals, maintaining consistent heat.
Advanced grills offer digital or dial controls, with a wide temperature range for everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. Meat probes connected to the control board keep you updated on the internal temperature, so you can make adjustments as needed. Some grills even have smart features, allowing you to control everything from your phone.
How To Use a Wood Pellet Smoker?
Using a pellet smoker is straightforward. Start by filling the hopper with high-quality wood pellets. Set up the cooking grates, choose your temperature on the control panel, and connect the grill to a power source. If you need to cook quickly, crank up the heat.
Ignite the pellets with the auto-ignition button or manually with a lighter. The grill’s meat probes will monitor the internal temperature, displaying it on the LED screen. When the grill is hot, place your meat inside and follow your recipe.
Keep an eye on the hopper and refill it with pellets as needed. Once your dish is ready, turn off the grill, let it cool down, and clean the grates before storing it away.
How To Maintain a Wood Pellet Grill?
After a BBQ session, it’s essential to clean your grill to keep it in top shape. Food and grease can build up, affecting the flavor of future meals. Preheat the grill to 200-300°F to melt any grease, then brush off any food particles. Clean the grease drip tray with a scraper, and consider using foil pans for easier clean-up next time.
Vacuum out any ash from the chamber and firepot, and wipe down the interior and meat probes with a damp cloth. The chimney should be cleaned annually, and the exterior of the grill can be polished to maintain its finish.
The Benefits of Using a Pellet Smoker
Investing in a pellet smoker can revolutionize your cooking. Here’s how:
- Versatility: Smoke, grill, BBQ, roast, bake, and braise on one grill.
- Quick preheating: Pellet grills heat up faster than most gas grills.
- Flavor variety: Use different wood pellets to add unique flavors to your dishes.
- Set-it-and-forget-it: Built-in meat probes and convection fans make cooking a breeze.
- Precise temperature control: Adjust heat within three to five-degree increments.
- Fuel efficiency: Pellet grills use fewer pellets than charcoal for the same cooking time.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—our top ten pellet grills for 2024. These grills offer the best features for every budget. Before making a purchase, make sure you’re familiar with the essential features and choose the grill that best suits your needs. Here’s to mastering your next BBQ!
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