What Is The Best Pellet Smoker Grill

How Much Cooking Surface Area Do You Really Need

What’s the BEST PELLET SMOKER for your money?

Unless you are only ever going to be cooking for yourself, a relatively large cooking area matters.

At the same time, you shouldn’t go overboard. I have seen this happen far too many times. People assume that bigger is better and get far more smoker grill than they actually need. Remember, larger smoker grill combos take a longer time to heat up. Thus, if you don’t actually need all that room, you are simply wasting your time.

To decide how any inches of cooking space you need, think about how many people you have to cater to on a regular basis. Now, how many burgers, hot dogs, racks of ribs, briskets, or pork does this average out to?

Camp Chef Woodwind Wi

Easy-to-use sear zone

Expensive

The Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 is an attractive, versatile grill that fits better in tight spaces due to its vertical legs and small footprint. We tested it with a nice propane-fueled griddle attaches to the side , which runs independently of the pellet grill controller. Heat distribution was even, equaled only by the Traeger. And the sear zone was perhaps the easiest to use, with a slide that pulls out to expose the center of the cooking grate to the direct heat of the flame. The color LCD control screen allows you to set the temperature and the amount of smoke produced. We appreciated all the features and the addition of the Sidekick, but they add to the costthe Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 runs $800 without the griddle. At the time of publishing, the Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 bundled with the Sidekick was sold out, but you can still buy the Sidekick separately for $239.99.

BEST VALUE PELLET GRILL

Are There Different Types Of Wood Pellets

Yes, there are, and they have different strengths. “Most hardwoods will have subtle differences in the flavor they give onto the meat,” says Chef Derek Wolf of Over the Fire Cooking. “I love to use hickory and oak wood when I smoke most beef and pork. Apple, cherry, and pecan do really well with seafood and poultry.”

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Best Wifi Pellet Grills/smokers Under $2000

With a budget of up to $2,000, you are able to pick up some higher-spec Traeger/REC TEC pellet grills which feature the same WiFi/app functionality discussed above on their grills for under $1,000.

So are there any WiFi-enabled pellet grills that only come in the under $2,000 price bracket and are not available for under $1,000?. Well, currently the only pellet grill that I can think of is the Beale Street from Memphis Grills. This is a relatively compact grill, however its full stainless steel construction, hence the higher price point.

While I believe the Memphis Beale Street is an excellent pellet grill for under $2,000, is it one of the best WiFi pellet grills? Image BBQGuys.com

Now, while I think at its core the Beale Street is an excellent pellet grill with great features and build quality for under $2,000, on the WiFi side of things Memphis Grills apparently have some work to do. If you check out the App Store reviews for the Memphis App, they are not exactly what you would hope them to be.

The arent any better, hence it appears Memphis Grills have got their work cut out for them. Hence, this is an example of a great pellet grill/smoker with its fundamental cooking capabilities, however, its WiFi/App performance, not so much.

Therefore, I think the best WiFi pellet grill options under $2,000 is either an Ironwood/Timberline grill from Traeger or a REC TEC pellet grill such as the RT-700.

Are Pellet Smokers And Grills Worth The Money

To be honest with you, all grills, in general, are a good investment in my opinion because they will last you a really long time and produce top-notch results. However, if I were to compare the price of a pellet grill to that of a charcoal or gas grill then I would say yes, it is probably worth the extra money. Why?

Because its better for your health due to less harmful substances being produced while cooking and it also saves you money over the long run since pellet smokers use less fuel than other types.

Also, keep in mind that buying pellets can get quite expensive which makes owning a smoker even more costly but this cost also depends on how much meat you plan on smoking so make sure you do your math before making a purchase.

Also Check: Mcdonalds Grilled Chicken Nuggets

How Hot Can A Pellet Smoker Get

It is important to remember that pellet smoker temperature gauges are not the same as grills. If you simply look at the temperature gauge on a grill and get confused when it feels right or too hot, keep in mind that meat is cooked between 100°F and 600°F, so you should expect your grill to be that hot roughly.

Pellet smokers can get just as hot as gas and charcoal grills, however because of how they work and their more efficient design they will probably never get more than 400-500 °F which puts them on about the same level of heat as gas/charcoal grills. The only difference with pellet smokers is that the hotter they get, the less smoke is produced while cooking which means the meat doesnt have that campfire taste to it.

Traeger Tfb57gzeo Pro Series 575 Grill Smoker Overall Best Pellet Smoker On The Market

The first on our list is the top-notch device from the Best Traeger Grills that is second to none when it comes to top-notch performance and dependable reliability. The availability of accurate temperature control in the device allows for greater control and better natural taste.

The presence of WiFIRE technology on the smoker makes it one of the best Wi-Fi pellet smokers on the market. Additionally, you will love an accommodating grilling space of 575 sq that allows you to cook for the whole family at once.

Key Features

Bronze

Generous grilling space

What we like about this best wood pellet smoker is its top-notch grilling space of 575 sq inches that lets you make a variety of delicious BBQ for a complete guest list. Not every wood pellet smoker on the market offers vast cooking space.

As a result, users have to waste a lot of time whenever they need something more significant and in more quantity. To facilitate these users, Traeger has provided a gorgeous cooking space of 575 sq inches so that all gets done in a single go.

Temperature control

The problem with many cheap wood pellet smokers is that they do not allow users to maintain accurate control over the cooking temperature. Besides providing the ultimate wood-fired taste, this device from Traeger also allows for precise temperature control so that you can customize your dishes per your taste and choice.

Pros

Also Check: Grilled Shrimp Temp And Time

Best Pellet Smokers That Are Worth Purchasing In 2022

Pellet Smokers do cost a fortune but shouldnt we keep an open mind regarding the associated functionalities!

Hell yes, as a pellet smoker can actually change the way you approach cooks. Moreover, unlike charcoal, electric, gas, and offset smokers, pellet usage is eco-friendly and economical in the long run. While comparing different kinds of smokers is a topic for another day, our primary concern is to drive a pellet-induced smoking renaissance, with a focus on flavors, heat control, heat retention, ease of ignition, and other attributes.

Besides, did you know that since 2016, Pellet Grills and Smokers have been hogging the limelight with almost 9.1 percent sales growth to consider! Statistics like these project the popularity of pellet smokers, even though the upfront costs are considerably higher than the gas smokers and even Kamados.

However, pellet grills and smokers are still worth investing in, considering the consistency of the cooks and the moderately-pronounced wooden aroma, imparted to the portions. Then again, selecting the perfect pellet grill or smoker can be confusing unless you know where to look and what to look for.

What Type Of Smoker Grill Is Right For You

The Best Pellet Grills and Smokers 2021 | Big Box Stores Can’t Compare to Family Owned Grilla Grills

Now, as you have gone through this list, you will have realized that I have included only one gas grill smoker combo – just a propane grill smoker combo, no natural gas – so what gives? Why aren’t these types as much of a part of the best smoker grill combo options?

Well, while these smoker grills are quite common – even popular – they aren’t a great choice for either grilling or smoking. This is due to the lack of flavor that you typically get with most pellet grills or charcoal models.

I do get the appeal of a gas smoker grill combo, I really do. They involve less hassle and lets face it, they allow you to get grilling or smoking that much faster. If you do have your heard set on such a machine, there is a something that you can do.

Now, to a certain degree, the smoke flavor can be mimicked with the help of a smoker box or smoke box. Thus, if you are looking for gas combo grills, then this is something that you may want to consider.

Of course, at the end of the day, it is about choosing the combo grill that is best suited to your needs and preferences.

Recommended Reading: What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops

Where Did Pellet Smokers Come From

In 1982, Oregon’s Traeger Heating introduced a home heating system that burned wood pellets made from compressed sawdust, a by-product of local lumber milling. Since demand for these furnaces and wood pellets dropped off after winter, Traeger came up with a grill that would burn pellets and keep the business afloat over the summer months.

They had the field to themselves for a few years, but the idea was too good to go un-imitated, and soon competitors began popping up. In the early days, most pellet smoker controllers had only three settingslow, medium, high and there was no temperature probe in the oven to create a feedback loop. So, whether you were smoking a few slabs of ribs on a scorching summer day or six pork butts during a blizzard, the controller only knew pellet-feed on and off times for its standard settings. It had no information on the actual temperature inside the cooking chamber.

Using accurate digital thermometers to monitor cooking and internal meat temperatures is essential to being all that you can be in the backyard. Unlike the caveman-era heat estimators built into the lids of most grills and smokers, modern pellet smoker LED displays will give you the real story of what’s happening in your smoker. Of course, if your smoker doesn’t come with a dual-display system that monitors both cooking and meat temps, you’ll still need an accurate digital meat thermometer.

Ash And Grease Management

Cleaning up after you cook is a drag but its an incredibly important step in the process and will greatly increase the shelf life of your grill.

Any grill that has built in features to make that process as quick and easy as possible is doing something right.

A lot of the top of the line units will have built in removable ash pans, or similar features that make the cleanup process simple and efficient.

Recommended Reading: Soak Grill Grates In Vinegar

What Is The Best Pellet Grill

Having a pellet grill means you can enjoy delicious, tender, and smoky food all the time without making any mess.

The grills we have discussed above are all meant for different purposes and you should keep your preferences in mind before choosing a reliable option.

However, if you want to go with our recommendation, then simply choose Traeger Grills Pro Series 575. It offers a 6-in-1 cooking interface with grilling, roasting, baking, searing, braising, and BBQ. Meanwhile, the extensive 575 sq. inches grilling space makes it compatible for large parties. In the end, you can control it through your smartphone app as it offers a wireless connectivity option.

So, thats all about the top-rated pellet grills available in 2022. Give your feedback about this guide so that we can review and update it in near future.

Happy Grilling!

I’m a Chef with an unmatched selection of BBQ and grilling products. I have turned my passion for outdoor cooking into expert knowledge that will help you make the perfect meal, whether it’s at your home or mine!

The Features Of A Pellet Grill

Let us take a look at the standard features of a pellet grill.

Design

The best wood pellet grills are made from the highest quality stainless steel to ensure durability. Their rust-resistant feature allows you to use them for a long time. Since pellet grills are quite heavy, the grill offers sturdy wheels for easy transportation too.

Besides this, the best grills contain heavy-duty cast-iron or tempered steel cooking grates to distribute heat evenly and quickly.

Cooking Space

Depending on the size of your pellet grill, you can get a sizable primary cooking space and an additional secondary warming rack. Generally, the latter is smaller and best suited for indirect heating.

While some pellet grills may provide the option of attaching a sear box, some of them include a separate sear box on the side for searing meat at high temperatures.

Hopper

The hopper holds the wood pellets and comes with an automatic auger to feed them to the fire. This feature helps to maintain the temperature of the grill precisely. The hopper capacity, on the other hand, depends on the size of the grill as well as the manufacturer. Large hoppers allow you to cook continuously without taking a break.

Temperature Control

Memphis Grills Elite Pellet Smoker

BEST IN CLASS

Memphis Grills

Memphis Grillss Elite model is the Rolls Royce of pellet smokers. The grill packs some impressive features and spec, but what really makes it the best pellet grill is build quality. The Elite is made of 100% dual-walled, sealed stainless steel. This premium construction means it can sit your backyard for years without rusting, but it also cultivates the tastiest meals possible.

One of the benefits of this high-quality build is a scorching max temperature of 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can also go as low as 180 for extra-slow cooking and is controlled via Memphiss smartphone app.

The Elite grill also features a large 24-pound hopper that can keep the smoker going for up to 62 hours all by itself. As for the cooking area, its not the biggest on our list with 844 square inches, but thats enough for most families and small gatherings.

Walmart

Cuisinarts Clermont is an all-in-one grill and smoker whose multi-functionality actually works. The high-tech grill runs on wood pellets, which Cuisinart offers in an assortment of styles. The auger feeds pellets into the hopper at a sustained rate, so all you have to do is set the temperature, and wait for the Clermont to get hot enough.

What Are The Advantages Of Pellet Grills

There are a number of reasons some people prefer pellet grills over traditional charcoal or gas models. One of the main benefits is that they provide precise temperature control with minimal oversight, which is useful if, for instance, you plan to smoke food for long periods of time. Pellet grills also give food a wonderful smoky flavor, and you can use different types of pellets to control the flavor profile of your meals. Further, because pellet grills cook using indirect heat, they prevent flare-ups and result in more even cooking.

Read Also: Is Veggie Grill All Vegan

Best Large Pellet Grill Camp Chef Smokepro Lux

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.

What we like:

What we dont like:

Temperature variation

Best Wifi Pellet Grills/smokers Under $1000

Pellet Grill: The Best pellet grill smoker (Buying Guide)

Its much more competitive for the best WiFi pellet grills under $1,000 as you will see below. However, first, what is your best option if youre looking for WiFi functionality in a vertical pellet smoker?

Its quite an easy recommendation, as its currently the only vertical pellet smoker with WiFi built-in, the Camp Chef WiFi XXL Vertical Pellet Smoker. So what if you have a budget of up to $1,000 and you are looking for a horizontal pellet grill/smoker?

Well, you have several options from Traeger, Camp Chef, REC TEC and Weber to choose from. Grilla Grills have now introduced their own Alpha Connect WiFi control panel as well. First off, lets discuss Camp Chef, and their Woodwind pellet grills and alternatively their Gen 2 WiFi control panel.

If you are looking to monitor multiple cuts of meat via WiFi through an App the Camp Chef Woodwind pellet grills are currently one of the best options: Image Campchef.com

If you want to monitor the internal temperature of multiple cuts of meat through WiFi via an App, currently one of the best options is the Camp Chef Woodwind pellet grills as the control panel features 4 meat probe ports.

Camp Chef do now fit a WiFi-enabled control panel onto their budget SmokePro range as well. However that Gen 2 WiFi control panel only has 2 meat ports.

I believe the Traeger WiFire app to be one of the best options for BBQ beginners: Image Traegergrills.com