Best Pellet Grills of 2024

Pellet grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking, combining the convenience of gas grills with the rich flavor of charcoal. They use wood pellets for fuel, offering precise temperature control and a smoky taste. Ideal for both novice grillers and seasoned pitmasters, pellet grills deliver versatility and consistent results, making them a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.

Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill

Elevate your grilling game with the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill, a culinary powerhouse designed to revolutionize your outdoor cooking experience. Crafted from durable alloy steel with a sleek stainless steel interior, this 6-in-1 marvel lets you barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, and grill with unparalleled ease. No rotisserie is needed; its fan-forced convection cooking system ensures versatile, consistent results every time.

Experience precision control with the 2019 upgrade, featuring a digital control board that auto-ignites and allows temperature adjustment from 180°F to 450°F. The automated electric feed system maintains heat and smoke levels effortlessly, while the 450-square-inch grilling area and 15-pound hopper capacity cater to gatherings of any size. With its easy-clean design and heavy-duty all-terrain wheels, this grill is not just a cooking appliance; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Pros:

• 6-in-1 versatility for barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, and grill
• Fan-forced convection cooking for even and versatile results
• 2019 upgrade with Temperature and Pellet Feed Control System
• Automated electric feed system for hassle-free heat maintenance
• Spacious 450-square-inch grilling area with a 15-pound hopper capacity
• Easy-to-use features: AUTO-Start Ignition, digital auto-temperature control, LED readout
• Specially designed waste oil collector for easy cleanup
• Upgraded cart with locking caster wheels for enhanced mobility

Cons:

• Relatively high weight at 84 pounds
• Limited color option (450 sq ft. bronze)
• May require assembly
• Wood pellet and electric fuel types may not suit all preferences

Green Mountain Pellet Grill

Starting without introduction, elevate your outdoor cooking game with the Green Mountain Pellet Grill. Ensure precise grilling with Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor that monitors temperature consistently. This portable powerhouse boasts a compact design measuring 29.92 inches in depth, 14.96 inches in width, and 21.65 inches in height, folding conveniently to fit in any trunk at just 68 lbs. Ideal for tailgating, it offers versatility with three power options: 110V, 12V, or adapters, making it a must-have for on-the-go grilling enthusiasts.

Crafted for convenience, this black beauty comes with a meat probe and a peaked lid designed for rib racks, accompanied by a handy convenience tray. Fuel your culinary adventures with wood pellets, infusing your dishes with that authentic smoky flavor. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue, the Green Mountain Pellet Grill ensures that every meal is a flavorful delight.

Pros:

• Portable design for on-the-go grilling
• A sense-mate thermal sensor ensures precise temperature control
• The peaked lid accommodates rib racks
• Convenient tray for added functionality
• Versatile power options: 110V or 12V with adapters
• wood fuel type imparts an authentic smoky flavor

Cons:

• Limited cooking space due to portable size

Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill

Elevate your outdoor cooking game with the Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill. Say goodbye to gas and charcoal as this electric grill delivers the unbeatable taste of wood-fired flavor. With WiFIRE technology, control your grill from anywhere via the Traeger app. Its 6-in-1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ with ease. The Pro 575 boasts a spacious 575 square inches of grilling space, accommodating up to twenty-four burgers or five rib racks. Plus, its D2 drivetrain ensures quicker starts, faster heating, and superior smoke quality for perfect results every time.

Crafted with alloy steel and inner steel materials, this grill is built to last. The 500°F max temperature and built-in meat probe guarantee precision cooking. Cleanup is a breeze with porcelain grill grates. Become the ultimate pitmaster and create unforgettable meals for friends and family with the Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill.

Pros:

• Wood-fired taste for authentic flavor
• Precise temperature control up to 500°F
• WiFIRE technology for remote control via the Traeger app
• 6-in-1 versatility for various cooking styles
• Quick ignition and faster heating with D2 drivetrain
• Spacious 575 sq. ft. grilling area
• Easy cleanup with porcelain grill grates
• Built-in meat probe for precision cooking
• Sturdy alloy steel construction with inner stainless steel components

Cons:

• Electric power sources may limit portability
• Pellet fuel is required but is not compatible with other fuel types
• Initial investment cost may be higher
• Reliance on WiFi for remote control functionality
• Weighs 124 pounds; may be challenging to move for some users

Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill

Elevate your grilling game with the Pit Boss PB440 Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill. Crafted from heavy-gauge stainless steel, this grill boasts structural strength and durability for years of barbecue bliss. With its LED digital control board and temperature control knob, achieve temperatures from 180°F to 500°F effortlessly.

Thanks to its innovative fan-forced convection cooking, enjoy versatile cooking options including searing, char-grilling, barbecuing, roasting, smoking, braising, and baking. With 465 square inches of cooking surface and a removable upper rack, there’s ample space for all your culinary creations. Plus, deluxe features like the two-tone black and mahogany finish, combination side shelf and serving tray, solid bottom shelf, and built-in bottle opener add both style and convenience to your outdoor cooking experience.

Pros:

• Premium stainless steel construction for durability
• Digital control board with LED readout for precise cooking
• Versatile, fan-forced convection cooking for consistent results
• Large cooking surface of 465 square inches
• Removable side shelf or serving tray for added convenience
• Two large wheels for easy maneuverability
• Porcelain-coated cooking grates for easy cleanup
• 5-pound hopper capacity reduces the need for frequent refills

Cons:

• A weight of 96 pounds may be challenging for some users
• Limited hopper capacity for extended cooking sessions

Elevate your outdoor cooking game with the Camp Chef Wi-Fi Woodwind Pellet Grill. Crafted from durable stainless steel, this powerhouse weighs in at 147 pounds and boasts dimensions of 40.2 inches in depth, 22 inches in width, and 27.5 inches in height. Its versatile design allows for temperatures ranging from 160°F to 500°F, catering to everything from slow smoking to searing.

Connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to monitor and control your cooking right from your smartphone with the Camp Chef app. Thanks to Slide and Grill technology, you can enjoy direct flame cooking, while the PID controller ensures precise temperature management for mouth-watering results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice griller, this high-quality pellet grill and smoker is your ticket to outdoor culinary perfection.

Pros:

• WiFi and Bluetooth PID controller for precise temperature control
• Four meat probe ports for easy monitoring
• Wide temperature range (160°F to 500°F) and 25,000 BTU output
• Smoke Control with 1–10 settings for a customized smoky flavor
• Slide and Grill technology for direct flame cooking up to 650°F
• Patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system for easy ash disposal
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Spacious cooking area (30 inches deep, 42 inches wide, and 49 inches high)

Cons:

• Weight may be a consideration for portability (132 pounds)
• AC power source required
• Wood pellet fuel may not be as readily available as other fuel types

Best Pellet Grills Buying Guide

Pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular for backyard barbecuing. Unlike traditional charcoal or gas grills, pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel to impart a smoky, delicious flavor to your food. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best pellet grill for your needs.

Cooking Area

One of the first things to look at is the overall cooking area. Pellet grills come in a range of sizes, from small portable models to large-capacity grills. Consider how much food you normally cook at once. Do you regularly host large gatherings and need a spacious cooking surface? Or is it just the immediate family? The cooking area includes the main grate plus any additional upper racks. A larger cooking area gives you more flexibility.

Temperature Range

You’ll want to think about the temperature range of the pellet grill. Most offer a maximum temperature of 500–600 °F, but the lower end can vary more widely. Basic models may only go down to 180°F, whereas high-end pellet grills can reach as low as 160°F for ultra-low and slow smoking. A larger temperature range allows you to use a wider variety of cooking techniques, from low and slow barbecue to high-heat searing.

Construction Quality

Be sure to inspect the overall build quality of any pellet grill you’re considering. Key areas to look at are the welding points, lid fit and seal, and materials used. Pellet grills made from stainless steel rather than powder-coated steel will be more durable and hold up better over time. Sturdy construction is also important for maintaining consistent temperatures.

Ease of Use

Look for pellet grills with user-friendly controls, digital displays, and lots of automation. Many models now come with Wi-Fi and app connectivity for monitoring and adjusting the grill from your smartphone. This allows you to multitask instead of constantly watching the grill. Ease of cleanup is another factor, so look for grills with components that are accessible and simple to clean after each use.

Fuel Type

The vast majority of pellet grills are designed for standard wood pellets, but there are some multi-fuel options as well. Make sure the grill you choose uses fuel that’s readily available in your area. Hardwood blends usually provide the best flavor, so look for grills designed for 100% hardwood pellets. The pellet hopper capacity is also important to reduce the hassle of frequently refilling.

Special Features

Many pellet grills now offer extra features like built-in meat probes, rib racks, extra side shelves, etc. Consider which features would be most useful for your grilling needs. If you plan to use the pellet grill for smoking, some models come with special smoking modes and extra components, like cold smoke boxes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ideal pellet grill for you depends on factors like cooking space, temperature range, build quality, ease of use, and special features. Determine what size and capabilities would work best for your household’s grilling needs. Do some comparison shopping while keeping your budget and desired features in mind. Investing in a quality pellet grill is a great way to elevate your outdoor cooking game.

Frequently Asked Question

What makes pellet grills stand out among other types of grills?

Pellet grills are distinct for their versatility, as they can grill, smoke, roast, and bake. The use of wood pellets as fuel imparts a unique flavor to the food, and the automated temperature control system ensures consistent results.

How do pellet grills work, and what sets them apart from traditional grills?

Pellet grills operate by feeding compressed wood pellets into a firepot, where they ignite and produce heat and smoke. The electronic control system regulates the temperature, allowing users to set and maintain precise cooking conditions. This differs from traditional grills, which often require manual adjustments.

What types of wood pellets are suitable for pellet grills, and how does the choice impact the flavor of the food?

Various wood pellets, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry, can be used in pellet grills. The choice of wood influences the flavor profile of the food. For example, hickory imparts a robust smokiness, while fruitwoods like apples provide a sweeter, milder flavor.

Are pellet grills suitable for beginners, or do they require advanced grilling skills?

Pellet grills are considered beginner-friendly due to their easy temperature control and set-it-and-forget-it nature. The automated features make them accessible to those new to grilling, while still offering advanced options for experienced users who want more control over the cooking process.

What features should I consider when selecting the best pellet grill for my needs?

When choosing a pellet grill, factors such as cooking area, temperature range, build quality, and additional features like WiFi connectivity or searing capabilities should be considered. It’s also essential to look at customer reviews and ratings to gauge the performance and reliability of a particular model.