The Best Pellet Smokers And Grills 2023 | Our Top Picks {Reviews}

Ryan Conlon
16 min readJan 10, 2023

What’s better than those low and slow-cooked barbecue meat cuts which fall off the bone? If you are like me, who can spend an hour on smoking food, you need a pellet smoker. Though it takes hours to smoke meat, the best pellet smokers make it a no-labor job.

Pellet smokers ask only to fill the hopper with fuel, and the rest is on them. From regulating temperatures to adding more wood to the chute, they are on their own.

Many pellet smokers are smart enough to work with a smartphone so, you can remotely monitor the temperature and everything during slow and low cooking.

Since pellet smokers make slow and low cooking of larger cuts a breeze but finding the best wood pellet smokers for your need is not that easy.

Since so many brands are racing to win the game, it’s challenging to find the best. But not anymore because here we will show you some best picks for pellet smokers.

So, let’s read on:

What is a pellet smoker and how does it work

A pellet smoker is an advanced cooking device that’s perfect for low and slow barbecue. It uses chips of finely-processed hardwood to generate the smoke, ensuring an amazing flavor in each meal.

To use a pellet smoker, you simply fill the hopper with wood pellets, set the desired temperature, and let the appliance do the cooking for you.

That’s because this type of smoker has an internal computer that precisely controls how much of the pellets are being consumed so your food comes out cooked perfectly every single time.

And because it cooks with indirect heat, adjusting cooking temperature on a pellet smoker is easy too — just tweak the setting on its digital control panel!

The benefits of using a pellet smoker

Using a pellet smoker to cook food has become an extremely popular way to barbecue.

Pellet smokers are versatile and easy to use — they don’t require babysitting and enable users to keep their temperatures set with the press of a button.

Another benefit of using a pellet smoker is that food cooked with pellets tastes delicious and juicy, due in large part to the pellets’ ability to impart excellent smoking flavors effortlessly.

Additionally, since food cooked in a pellet smoker cooks evenly and quickly, it is hard to overcook your meal when using this type of smoker.

For all these reasons, it is no surprise that pellet smokers are becoming increasingly popular among experts, novices, and everyone in between.

How to choose the best pellet smoker for your needs

Whether you are a professional pit master or a weekend griller, picking the best pellet smoker for your needs can be daunting. But with some research and timely advice, you can get the most out of your smoke session.

  • First, look through reviews to get an idea of which models have features that meet your specifications.
  • Secondly, think about convenience-does it offer digital temperature controls and timers?
  • Finally, consider the value of your investment by exploring its durability and maintenance options.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to make an educated decision on the best pellet smoker that is perfect for you!

The top 10 best pellet smokers on the market today

Summertime is prime grilling and smoking season, but choosing the right equipment to get your desired results can be a challenge.

With so many different pellet smokers and grills on the market today, it’s hard to know which one will deliver succulent dishes every time you fire up your grill. That’s why we are here to help!

In this article, we review the top five best-rated pellet smokers and provide our unbiased opinions of each model so that you can make an informed decision about which one fits your lifestyle.

Read on for more detailed information about these amazing quality models and decide for yourself which one will become part of your summer traditions!

Best Pellet Grill Under 700

Traeger is the best pellet smoker, which will allow you to bake, grill, roast, smoke, braise, and barbecue your food and meats. It’s a versatile grill which can offer you a lot. This smoker comes with 884 square inches of cooking area.

Due to its large cooking area, it can accommodate 6 whole chickens and 9 racks of ribs in it simultaneously.

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with Wifi, App-Enabled — contains a digital pro controller, which is making it more comfortable to control this pro pellet grill. This pro grill designed to offer a set it and forget it experience.

While you can set your desired temperature by merely turning the dial to the required temperature, the maximum temperature this grill offers is 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The controller can also monitor and maintain temperature automatically.

This Traeger also comes with a spacious hopper, which will let you enjoy cooking for long hours without any need to refill. The size of the hopper is 18lb, contains porcelain grill gates, which are not sticky.

Even you can clean these, no matter what you have cooked in it. This pellet is an entire hardwood pellet, which will ensure wood smoking to add a consistent smoky flavor to your food.

Pros

  • One switch-turn ON and off is making this an easy to use grill
  • Best pellet smoker for smoke flavor
  • The grill grates are pretty easier to clean
  • The grill contains locking wheels, which are making it portable
  • Best pellet smoker on the market

Cons

  • It takes longer to cook at above 330 degrees
  • You may need a professional to assemble it

Best Small and Portable Smoker

Green Mountain Grills pellet smoker is the best small and portable smoker that you can use at home. Even you can also take it to your road trip or camping trip too. Because it weighs only 57 pounds. Davy Crockett grill pellet smoker comes with a fold able design.

Due to which it offers you an enhanced portability and storage option, also it comes with 110V adapters for 3 power options.

You can also connect it to your mobile devices for convenient control because it is Wi-Fi enabled. Therefore, you can quickly check the temperature range and set it as per your need via a mobile application with ease.

Interestingly, the app can also send you an alert notification if the temperature of your grill is dropping or the hopper isn’t feeding the pellet.

The meat probe can let you set the right temperature for your cooking needs. While its thermal sensor can also add the benefit of continuous monitoring. The Davy Crockett is offering you far more temperature controls than other similar pellet smokers.

Pros

Cons

  • A single person can’t handle it to move
  • Wi-Fi connection can go unreliable sometimes

Also, read guide for complete variety of: Best Smokers / Grills

Best Budget Pick for anyone

Pit Boss PB700FB1 is the best pellet smoker under 500, which can be the best budget pick for anyone. All you need a wood pellet to heat it.

There is no need to use propane or electricity to acquire the right temperature because it contains a digital control burn system. Therefore, this can let you choose a precise temperature as per your cooking needs.

It is offering a 170 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range. While it comes up with 743 square inches of cooking space, that can let you prepare enough food at once, also contains iron cast grids, which are ensuring its durability.

Even more, the best wood pellet smoker will let you enjoy delicious food without massive effort. Overall, the grill will last longer.

Pros

Cons

  • Some Consumers claimed its temperature fluctuates sometimes
  • Unavailability of PID controller

4. Z Grill 7002B Wood Pellet Grill

Best Pellet Grill Under 500

Z Grills is the best pellet grill under 500 which can let you bake, grill, barbecue, roast, braise and smoke your food with this single item only.

It is offering smart smoke technology which will give you experience set it and forget it type of cooking. Also, you can establish and maintain the desired temperature with an electric feed system accurately.

Its main rack is providing 697 square inches of space, which is excellent for partying at home and tailgating.

This Grill is a pure wood pellet that generates even smoke to infuse the best flavor in your food. This stylish model weighs 112LB and pretty easier to take anywhere.

Pros

Cons

  • It doesn’t offer convenient cleanup
  • Can be a bit expensive because you have to buy its accessories separately

5. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill

Best Pellet Grill for the Money

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill is offering 589 square inches of space. This space is enough to accommodate 20 burgers, 4 ribs racks and 5 whole chickens simultaneously. Even with full filled capacity, this smoker can ensure precise temperature. The maximum temperature range which it offers is 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

It uses hardwood pellets to which will never use charcoal or gas again. This grill will let you create a pure wood pellet grill to provide you ultimate wood-fired taste. Whether you want to enjoy low and slow or hot and fast cooking, this grill can let you do that.

Even more, it is offering 6 in 1 versatility so that you can enjoy different cooking styles to enjoy the best food to juicy perfection.

Pros

Cons

  • Takes time to assemble
  • Cooking space is limited to small groups

Also read: REC TEC RT-700 REVIEW

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SmokePro DLX is the best pellet grill smoker, which is beneficial in various aspects. Its ash clean out cup can save you from hours of cleaning after completing your cooking. Because it is easier to remove the bowl clean and fix that again.

This grill also includes a sear box in its package. Along with it, it also comes with a more accessible hopper clean out system which will let you maintain it effectively.

While an internal meat temperature probe can also help you to maintain a constant temperature for your required time, ultimately, your meat and other foods will come out as you are intending.

The maximum temperature range of this pellet is 500 degrees Fahrenheit and 25,000 BTU per hour. The minimum temperature range is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Its 570 square inches cooking area can be enough to feed your entire family simultaneously.

Pros

  • Sufficient grill to use in cold or rainy weather too
  • Offers a higher temperature range as compared to similar options
  • Also contains a side shelf

Cons

  • High power input is needed for this pellet to start
  • Assembly will take more time than mentioned

7. recteq RT-590 Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker

The recteq RT-590 Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker is the ultimate in grilling and smoking versatility! It’ll do just about anything you ask of it — smoke, grill, sear, bake, braise and even dehydrate — plus you get amazing wood-fired flavor with each meal. But that’s not all — the advanced smart grill technology keeps your control right at your fingertips.

Connect to the RT-590 from anywhere and rest easy knowing our PID algorithm keeps the temperature within 5℉ of your desired heat at all times. Everything is powered by high-quality stainless steel with incredibly durable construction so you know it will last a lifetime.

Plus, keep an eye on smoky stats like the 592 square inch cooking space, temperature range of up 240°F-700°F for 30hr of non-stop cooking off of one full hopper and more than enough 240lb Ultimate Blend pellets to make a multitude of delicious meals.

And don’t forget about digital capabilities through the recteq app!

Get everything you need to start customizing each and every meal in style with two meat probes included and a whopping 30 lb hopper capacity.

You’re already master chef in training so now’s the time to prove it with recteq’s RT-590 Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker!

8. Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill

Best Rated Smoker

Introducing the Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill — the perfect choice for those who love to savor the unforgettable flavour of perfectly smoked, wood-fired cuisine!

This innovative cooking system has been designed to create mouthwatering meals every time you cook.

The SmokeFire EX4 offers a 200–600°F temperature range and is equipped with DC powered engine designed to prevent auger jams, delivering enhanced grilling performance every time. Featuring 672 square inches of dual grilling space, plus a Weber porcelain-enamel finish that helps protect against rust and provides lasting quality you can trust.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also included two legendary meat probes (up to four probes capacity) so you can accurately measure the internal temperature of your favorite foods as they cook, allowing for precise control.

Experience unparalleled taste and convenience with the Weber SmokeFire EX4 pellet grill.

Offset Smokers could be best for you but must read the guide first

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One of the most important and noteworthy things about this smoker roaster is its versatility. It is a versatile option whose internal smoker uses wood chips for heat. While in its outer and inner walls, it has a propane burner.

It comes up with a unique cooking system known as TRU-infrared which will keep your food perfectly moist while cooking. This will use radiant heat for cooking food directly rather than using hot airflow. You can set a different temperature range, but still, your meat will stay moist.

The great thing about this pellet grill is that it doesn’t offer any flare-ups. It also contains a roasting basket while the grilling area is 180 square inches.

Pros

Cons

Best Digital Pellet Smoker

Introducing the Traeger Ironwood 885, a revolutionary way to bridge the gap between home cooking and true, professional-grade grilling.

Imagine cooking beef brisket that melts in your mouth or tender pulled pork that’s juicy and flavorful — all made with just the push of a button.

The Ironwood 885 has been carefully designed with updated WiFIRE Technology and Traeger’s patented D2 drivetrain to make outdoor grilling easier than ever before. With Traeger’s new app, you can monitor your grill from anywhere, making it easy to guarantee perfectly cooked meals every time.

Indulge yourself in the ironwood’s ability to produce fall-off-the-bone ribs, golden and crispy chicken wings, or so much more.

You can smoke for hours without ever having to worry about constantly monitoring the temperature or refilling wood chips. In fact, you can even bake a delicious pizza or cookies right on your grill!

Plus, thanks to its smart capabilities it will help you calculate and adjust cook times based on food volume so you don’t have to guess when dinner is ready.

Now is the time to take your grilling game up a notch with the world’s number one selling pellet grill — The Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker.

Enjoy better tasting food that is easier than ever to create with this innovative BBQ griller. So what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and do amazing things!

This pro pellet grill comes with a perfect size to enjoy smoked or grilled food with your entire family. Its 885 sq. inches cooking capacity is capable of accommodating 3 racks of ribs, 12 burgers and 2 chickens. Also, it comes with a digital controller that will let you set, maintain, and monitor the temperature with ease.

Traeger offers 6 in 1 versatility to enjoy different cooking styles with one grill. And this will let you cook with wood to provide traditional smoky flavored food with ease.

Pros

What are the cons of a pellet grill?

Though wood pellet grills have existed for decades, they have only recently become a popular choice for backyard barbecues and outdoor cooking.

Wood pellet grills offer many benefits over traditional propane grills, but there are some cons to consider before purchasing one.

One of the biggest drawbacks of a wood pellet grill is the price. They can be much more expensive than a propane grill, and the pellets used to fuel them can also be pricey.

Another downside to wood pellet grills is that they can be difficult to clean. The pellets can leave behind a sticky residue that is tough to remove, and the interior of the grill can be difficult to access for cleaning.

Finally, pellet grills can be temperamental and may require more maintenance than other types of grills.

Are pellet grills worth it?

If you’re serious about grilling and have some extra cash to invest, a pellet grill is definitely worth considering.

Pellet grills offer a variety of features that can revolutionize the way you cook outdoors. They give you precise temperature control, smoke burner options to add incredible flavor to your food, easy clean up, and convenience with hopper-fed pellets.

Plus, they offer a level of consistency that just can’t be matched on traditional gas or charcoal grills.

So if you plan to become master of the grill this summer and spend more time around the barbecue than the stove top, investing in a pellet grill is sure to pay off!

Do pellet grills give off carbon monoxide?

With the recent boom of barbecuing, many grilling enthusiasts have begun investing in pellet grills. Yet there are many unanswered questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of these specialized grills.

One common concern is whether a pellet grill can potentially give off carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly to humans when inhaled in large doses.

While certain precautions should always be taken while operating any barbecue device, pellet grills are generally considered safer than other types as they burn cleanly utilizing wood pellets and their temperatures tend to remain stable and consistent.

Therefore, while it’s possible that very small amounts of carbon monoxide could be released during operation, it’s highly unlikely that it would ever reach dangerous levels.

How far does pellet grill need to be from house?

When grilling with a pellet grill, it is important to be aware of how far the grill needs to be from the house.

The general rule of thumb is that the pellet grill needs to be at least 4–10 feet away from the house.

This is to ensure that there is no risk of fire spreading to the house if there were to be any problems with the grill.

How To Choose The Best Pellet Smokers

When it comes to selecting the best pellet smokers, there are many factors to consider.

Strength and durability should be of utmost importance when deciding on a smoker, as low-quality materials may not be able to withstand high temperatures or maintain consistent heat.

Additionally, purchasing a smoker with adjustable cooking grates and hopper sizes can provide more flexibility for larger cuts of meat or for smoking small game birds.

It can also be beneficial to look for features such as digital control panels instead of manual dials that can make it easier to monitor temperatures and desired cook times.

In the end, choosing the best smoker boils down to understanding your needs and researching all the capabilities of potential models before committing to one.

Considering all the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill smoker features, we are crowning it the best among our guide. The cook power of 500 F, 570 Sq in. of cook space and side grilling area make it a real workhorse for your parties. You can grill, smoke and griddle all at the same time with such a versatile smoker.

Moreover, it does not make a hole through your pocket for getting it.

Since you will be investing some handsome cash in pellet smokers, you must take care of the necessary aspects that a pellet smoker should have.

Without those features, pellet smokers not worth it. Below I’m listing some of them so you can check before purchasing:

  • Size — Are you a family of 2 or 8? Choose the pellet smoker size as per the number of heads you serve. Besides also look for a secondary cooking rack to increase its cooking capacity.
  • Budget — The most important feature is the price tag. The low price does not necessarily indicate a lousy quality smoker. You can still get a nice and sturdy smoker while remaining on budget.
  • Smart features — If you have a little high budget, then look for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth availability in the smoker. The smoker does not worth your big bucks if it does not have these smart features.
  • Hopper size — How many pellets can you pour in the hopper? It’s the most important factor since you will be cooking low and slow for long hours. Extended hours of cooking need a large hopper to fill pellets.
  • Reliability — The construction material makes for the durability of the smoker. Moreover, you can also check the warranty for the sake of reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions {FAQs}

Traeger is one of the best companies for its top-notch grilling products. However, on the flip side, the pit boss offers a handsome warranty period and is reasonably priced. So with the pit boss, you got some excellent features in hand for smoking.

The vertical pellet smokers offer more cooking space and nice heat flow from bottom to top. On the other hand, they are also fuel-efficient.

If you are more inclined to cater to parties and dinner, then pellet grills offer great value for the money. However, they cost some good bucks for party enthusiasts; it is worth buying.

For pitmasters looking to smoke perfectly cooked brisket, a pellet grill is an ideal choice. Brisket requires a long smoke time over indirect heat, and a pellet grill can provide a constant and controlled temperature throughout the entire cook.

Traeger grills are known for their signature sophisticated flavor profile, making them particularly good for brisket. They also offer multiple options for grilling at different temperatures and times with the control of smartphone apps.

If you’re majorly into smoked brisket, then investing in a top-of-the-line Traeger model like the Pro 20 or Ironwood is your best bet for flavorful results every single time!

Q5. Which wood pellets give the most smoke flavor?

When it comes to wood pellets, the key is to look for those that are more heavily smoked.

Hickory is a great option as it produces an incredibly strong smoky flavor.

Apple-wood imparts a much milder smoky flavor, while mesquite adds a rich and earthy smoke to whatever you’re cooking.

No matter which type of wood you choose, make sure that the pellet size is consistent and not too large or powdery.

Additionally, 100% all-natural hardwood pellets with no added oils or other fillers will give you the best smoke flavor possible.

Conclusion

After reading through this post on the best pellet smoker, hopefully you have a better idea of what is out there.

Pellet smokers are a great way to cook food and make delicious meals for your family. You want to make sure that the pellet smoker you end up with will last, has features best suited for your specific needs and offers great results in terms of taste and flavor.

No matter what brand or model you decide on, take your time, do the research and compare your options so that you get the best product for your money.

With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding that perfect pellet smoker that meets all of your grilling needs!

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The Best Pellet Smokers and Grills 2023 | Our Top Picks {Reviews}

Originally published at https://smokerzhub.com on January 10, 2023.

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