Which Is The Best Pellet Grill

Digital Controls And Wi

Most modern pellet smokers come with programmable digital heat control. Some are Wi-Fi accessible and programmable with your smartphone.

One newer innovation is PID controllers It calculates the variables in the grill and keeps the temperature within 5 degrees of the set point. These controllers make cookers as close as you can get to smoking meat on auto-pilot.

Other older types of controllers, such as the three-position and multi-position controllers that have three temp settings or step-up in 5 or 10-degree increments, often suffer from 15-degree Fahrenheit swings either way.

In addition to a temperature probe for the smoker, look for controllers with at least one meat probe to monitor the meats internal temperature for better results. Some other pellet grills can have up to three separate meat probes.

Also See

• The best smokers in a few other styles make sure youve considered all the options!
• The best electric smokers As easy-to-use as a pellet smoker, though admittedly not as capable.

How To Shop For The Best Pellet Grills

Basic pellet grill designs tend to be pretty similar, Lampe explained. Youll find a little fire pot down in the bottom of your cooker and a delivery system that sends the pellets in as required, he said. This is all controlled by a thermostat and a little fan to blow on the fire.

Although this may sound simple and it can be he noted that there are different features that can make it even easier.

Camp Chef Smokepro Stainless Dlx Pellet Grill

First of all, Camp Chefs most significant and innovative design makes it easier to use and, ultimately, the best pellet grill to use for the enhanced cooking process. Hence, with high durability and decent portability, it possesses popularity amongst pit masters.

Also, the cleaning system with the enhanced ash clearout mechanism makes it absolutely ideal for the user. It comes with an aluminum foil and a bucket that clears out the overall grease and tar-like substance resulting from constant cooking. The company, however, recommends thorough cleaning twice a year.

Similarly, another feature that contributes to the selling of this grill is the temperature range. It comes with consistent temperature options with its automatic auger and digital control based on the food choice preference. Hence, the temperature control is precise and accurate that is even on cooking space.

Moreover, the grills overall efficiency is unmatched that is why it is considered the best pellet grill of 2022 out there. With its brilliant natural wood, it offers enhanced features with an excellent grilling and smoking mechanism. Hence, you cannot find grill like this Smoke Pro.

• Limited grilling area
• Lack weather resistance

Also Check: Cooking Temp For Pork Chops On Grill

Runner Up Traeger Grills Pro Series 34

Why youll love this:

Professional quality domestic price.

Traeger grills are well known for two things: their performance, and their cost. This huge grill provides all of the former, but skips out on the latter, ensuring you get a maximum quality grill without needing to break the bank.

Including all the features Traeger grills are known for , this grill could easily take pride of place among your cooking appliances. Just make sure you have enough space to park it.

What We Liked

• Versatility: The Pro Series 34 is an all in one grilling machine, able to smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, and grill to perfection. If you wanted you could use the Pro Series 34 as your only means of cooking and do just fine, which is what we like to see in a product.
• Electronic Ignition: The Pro Series 34 ignites pellets with a hot rod deep inside its mechanism, making the usually tedious task of lighting pellets as easy as flipping a switch.
• Huge Capacity: Both the grilling space and pound hopper are huge, and make large batch grilling a breeze.

What We Didnt Like

Traeger Grills came up with the first models in the mid-1980s and the same innovation that led to the first products, has kept Traeger at the top of the game.

Camp Chef vs Traeger Pellet: The Comparisons

You wont go wrong with a Camp Chef or a Traeger grill, both of which offer options for quality, size, price point, and portability.

Who Pellet Smokers Are Best Suited For

Even an entry-level pellet smoker will set you back more than a charcoal grill or gas grill. But for a little bit extra upfront, youll enjoy the simplicity and versatility that is causing pellet smokers to take over patios around the country.

It doesnt seem that long ago that only two companies were making pellet grills. Back in 2008 if you wanted to buy a pellet smoker you could choose between Traeger and MAK.

Its a testament to the popularity of this type of smoker that there are now so many new brands available to choose from.

Prices for decent pellet grills start at around $400 and can run well over $1000. When you can get an excellent charcoal smoker like the Weber Smokey Mountain for under $300 you may be asking yourself why would you want to buy a pellet grill?

It only takes two words to sum up the benefits of cooking with a pellet smoker. Convenience and versatility.

If the price isnt a deal breaker for you though, the convenience is really amazing. Get used to throwing a brisket on, setting the temperature and then just get about your day without a worry.

Because pellet smokers run off electricity they can also be a great choice if you live in a condo or are unlucky enough to have restrictions on burning charcoal or wood.

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Green Mountain Trek Prime Wifi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill

The Green Mountain Trek Prime WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect grill for the professional chef. With its adjustable heat baffle, you can easily eliminate any unwanted hot spots, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly every time. The grill also features foldable legs for easy transport, as well as GMG Smart Control and the GMG App, which allow you to control and monitor your grill from anywhere. Grill smarter, eat better with the Green Mountain Trek Prime WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill!

Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Green Mountain Trek Prime WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill! This top-of-the-line grill features extendable legs and a cart option for added versatility, as well as three power options for easy use anywhere. Plus, the included WiFi control lets you cook like a pro from anywhere in your backyard. With its high-quality construction and professional tone of voice, the Green Mountain Trek Prime is perfect for anyone who wants to up their grilling game.

Features:

Adjust your smoke and grill temp from 150°F to 550°F.

It can be controlled using any device with wifi capabilities.

It has an ash clean out system that allows you to easily remove the ashes.

This model features 400 square inches of cooking space.

Comes with a cabinet for storing the grill in your garage or shed when not in use.

Pros:

User friendly and intuitive controls.

Can be used as a smoker if wanted.

Cons:

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: Grilled Pork Chop Temperature Internal

Best Cheap Pellet Smoker

• Side prep table is helpful
• Ash catch makes cleanup much simpler than others

• Occasionally out of stock

A healthy balance of technology, quality materials and clever design. In line with most quality pellet grills, Camp Chefs SmokePro operates between 160 and 500 degrees hot enough to smoke and grill anything other than steak. Three quality of life improvements that come standard with the grill: a computer control screen you can actually read, a pellet hopper with a window built-in to see how much fuel is in the grill and a stupid-simple ash cleaning system, which amounts to pulling a small cup away from a trapdoor on the underside of the grill. Unlike other grills in the price range, Camp Chef pellet grills go on sale fairly regularly, too. The SmokePro covers the pellet smoking bases effectively and is backed by a legitimate company in Camp Chef, which is more than most budget-focused pellet grills can claim. We like it for the price and then some.

Camp Chef Smokepro Dlx Pellet Grill A Solid Mid

Weve already included the Woodwind from the Camp Chef lineup, but we just couldnt leave the DLX 24 off our list.

This grill offers a generous 570 square inches of cooking surface plus a removable upper warming rack.

You also get the new Gen 2 PID controller for better temperature performance and stability.

This grill shares a lot of the same DNA as the slightly more expensive Woodwind

Both are good options, personally, I would spend a little extra and get the Woodwind but especially if WiFi isnt a big deal for you, then you can pick up the DLX 24 and save some cash.

Read Also: What To Use To Clean A Stainless Steel Grill

Cookshack Pg500 Fast Eddys Pellet Grill

Why youll love it:

If your smoking needs extend beyond the typical family gathering, you may want to explore commercial grade models.

The Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddys gives users commercial grade features and durability in a compact, easy to use package.

What we liked

• Electronic Ignition: A single button flip is enough to ignite the pellets, and electronic temperature control allows for easily adjustable and accurate interior temperatures for grilling and smoking.
• Large Doors: Doors easily open from the sides at the perfect height to easily view and adjust big meat like turkey inside.
• Storage: Side table and under grill drawers provide convenient storage and prep space for utensils and other grill accoutrements.

What we didnt like

How Do Pellet Smokers Work

A typical pellet smoker grill setup will consist of the main grill chamber with a hopper built on one side.

This hopper is where the wood pellets are stored, and these are fed into the chamber to burn by a feeding mechanism. Usually this takes the form of an auger.

You control the smoker grill by using the digital controls to adjust the rate at which pellets are fed into the chamber. Pellets are then burned and turned into smoke and heat.

Just like with traditional BBQ smoking, temperature control is absolutely key, and pellet grills are fantastic at maintaining good, even temperatures for hours.

Also Check: Summerset Grill Parts

Top 7 Best Pellet Grills

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Are you looking to buy a pellet grill but want to make sure youre buying the right one?

Youre in the right place!

In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, youll learn:

• Why a pellet grill may be a good choice for you
• What to look for before making a purchase
• Our top 7 best pellet grills
• And much more!

A charcoal or gas grill or smoker is great. Theyre pretty intuitive and easy to find. However, in the way of convenience and versatility, these grilling classics can come short.

If youre looking for an alternative that slashes learning curves and smoking and grilling times, look no further than a pellet grill.

In todays grilling and barbecue market, pellet smokers have earned a reputation for being user-friendly and easy to use. They are also popular for their consistency and versatility.

Did I get your mouth watering at the description? Read on to learn more about my top 7 pellet smokers and other things pellet smoker-related!

Quick Note: The terms pellet grill and pellet smoker can be used interchangeably. One isnt more right than the other.

Grate Materials And Overall Construction

In general, the more stainless steel used in the construction, the less chance for corrosion, but the higher the cost. Most manufacturers build using steel that has either been painted or a baked on powder-coated enamel-like coating.

Look for internal parts like the grill grates and fire pot made with stainless steel for the longest life. A porcelain-coated cast iron grate is the next best choice.

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Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker Grill

Why youll love it:

If you really need the right, the Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire really delivers. While it doesnt come cheap, the Memphis Grills Elite packs a set of world class grilling features into a durable stainless-steel package for long lasting durability.

What we liked

• Convenient Storage Cart: The Memphis Grills Elite has a lot of under grill storage space and can easily store your utensils, pellets, and other accoutrements when not in use. The added tables are sizable and convenient as well, adding a lot of utility to the grill.
• High Temperature Range: This grills burns up to 700 degrees, higher than many of its competitors, and burns as low as the standard 180 degrees. This high temperature range make sit excellent for any kind of grilling, being able to go low enough for perfectly slow smoked meats and high enough for even the most aggressive searing necessary. This temperature range is hard to match, much less beat.
• Wifi Enabled: This grill can have its temperature controlled via phone app and wifi connectivity, and can be adjusted quite accurately within it, with electronic ignition to boot.
• Huge Hopper Capacity: A 24 pound pellet hopper capacity puts other grills to shame, and offers up to 62 hours of smoking on a single load, or over 9 and a half hours of grilling.
• Good Grill Capacity: 658 square inches of cooking space make this grill more sizable than most, and makes it perfect for larger than average crowds.

What we didnt like

Best Pellet Smokers Of 2022

Pellet smokers offer incredible cooking versatility unlike any other type of barbecue. With wood-fuelled fire and motorized control, they offer BBQ fans convenience and versatility in equal measure. These best pellet smokers will take your outdoor cooking to the next level.

Pellet grills and smokers offer many of the same benefits and features as charcoal smoking or gas grilling. The crucial difference is that they dont use lump charcoal or propane gas. Pellet cookers use wood pellets to get their beautiful and unique aromas and flavors. Using an automatic feed and auger to feed the firebox, theyre easy to control and use to achieve delicious barbecue flavors.

At a Glance: Our Top 3 Picks

• Best Budget Option:Pit Boss 700FBBudget-friendly with a side searing plate and automatic feed make this a great option for newcomers.

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Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker

The significant selling point of this Traeger Pro 22 is its excellent digital temperature control and the automatic auger that makes a perfect combo for customary cooking. Hence, the consistent temperature based on the food type is provided by the grill that makes it excellent.

Similarly, the design is highly durable and not portable at all. With its 100 ounces and construction quality of high-end stainless steel, this pellet grill offers brilliant longevity. Moreover, the natural wood pellet in the grill makes it efficient and adds extra flavor to the food with improved smoke.

Moreover, this Pro 22s operations are what the users desire with the enhanced convenience in usage. Hence, with the brilliant low and slow grill settings, the user is provided with a variety of dishes, making it easy to make barbecue and many other high profile dishes.

Last but not least, maintenance is the best quality for the user. Hence, Traeger recommends cleaning the chimney twice a year to eliminate a tar-like substance and the grease that adds overtime. Thereby, the ash clears out, and the bucket solves the matter to some extent making the cleaning process comfortable for the user.

• No electricity
• Limited temperature range

The Benefits Of Smoking With Pellets

The biggest benefit of using a pellet smoker is the ease of use. Rather than trying to get charcoal up to a certain temperature and keep it there for hours, a using pellets gives you an even consistent heat that lasts for many hours.While the same can be done with a traditional smoker, it takes a fair amount of skill and practice to keep the temperature and conditions consistent.

Safety measures you should know about pellet

Pellet grills are incredibly safe. The key is to use a high-quality grill and fill the hopper with premium food-grade, all-natural wood pellets. While charcoal and gas grills can be prone to flare-ups due to grease dripping into the flames, this is not a problem associated with pellet grills, providing a more reliable and predictable cooking experience.

What is a wood pellet? Are they toxic?

Wood pellets are typically composed of sawdust, wood chips, sticks, and lumber mill scrap. Manufacturers use a hammer mill to ensure the materials are approximately the same size. They then expose the sawdust to high pressure to bind the pieces together. After being in an oven at a temperature of approximately 225°F, the wood pellets are soft. A controlled cooling process allows the wood pellets to harden.

At no point in the process does the manufacturer require chemicals to create their product. Pressure, heat, and cooling do not add contaminants to wood pellets so they are free from toxic pollutants.

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