15 Best Pellet Smokers for 2022 – Buyers Guide

When it comes to smokers and grills, there are so many options on the market. In fact, some people don’t know that they want to use a smoker until they realize the deliciousness of the meat and the difference in cooking.

Today, we’re focused on helping you decide which grill grills best. To do that, we have to make sure you’ve got all the information you need.

The best pellet grills are those that you can use anytime you want them. They can range in price from low to high, and some are harder to regulate the temperature than others.

If you want the best grill, take a look at the 15 best products. We’ve focused on a variety of pellet grills to help you choose the right one. These are all considered the best in their industry, which means you are well on your way to buying the pellet smoker that best meets your needs. Without further ado, let’s check out these pellet grills!

Short on Time? Here are Our Top 3 Pellet Smokers

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9.5
REC TEC Grills RT-590 Bundle

REC TEC Grills RT-590 Bundle Best Overall

The REC TEC might be one of the best grill and smoker option on the market. You can utilize it to get that smoky flavor you've always wanted. This is considered the best overall grill and smoker for many reasons.
9.5
Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker

Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker Best for Large Space

The Traeger Pro Series is one of the best grills out there. When you wonder which product grills best, you are sure to want to use this grill. Learn more about it below!
9.5
2020 Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Grill

2020 Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker with Cover Best Budget

With the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Grill and Smoker, you can use it as a grill and smoker. We think this option grills best and is low-cost and portable.
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Buyer’s Guide

When choosing the best pellet smoker, there are a few things to consider. You’ve got to know how to choose the best pellet grill because there are so many pellet smokers out there.

Price

Typically, the best pellet smoker is going to cost a lot. There’s no doubt you can drop thousands of dollars on a single pellet grill. However, we have included some budget-friendly pellet smokers to help you choose the right option for your needs. Beginners might decide the best pellet smoker is a cheaper model. That way, they can learn how to use it before deciding to buy a more expensive pellet grill.

However, those with experience may want to go to the next level with their pellet smokers. In this case, the best pellet grill might be a more expensive option because it has more features.

Size

Some pellet smokers are quite large, but the cooking space inside isn’t all that much. Therefore, the pellet grill you select needs to fit enough food to feed your family or a large gathering.

If you don’t plan to smoke a lot, you don’t want to buy a pellet grill that’s too large. It’s just going to be a waste of a large cooking space and take up more room on the patio. Alternatively, the best pellet grills can’t be too small, or you’re not going to be able to cook as much as you need.

Metal Thickness

The best pellet grills are going to have an excellent temperature control feature that helps you retain heat and maintain the right temperature at all times. Sometimes, inexpensive pellet grills are made of thinner metal, so you’re always fighting for temperature control.

Remember, the best wood pellet grill is one that is high-quality through and through.

Large Cooking Space

Though we talked about the overall size when compared to the cooking space, you also have to focus directly on the grilling space there is. The best pellet grills are going to have a large cooking space, allowing you to fit more food on it at once.

Hopper

The hopper is what holds the pellets, and the auger feeds them into the fire automatically. This feature is essential for temperature control so that the wood pellet grill works correctly. You need to know the capacity of the hopper. This depends on the manufacturer of the pellet smoker and the size of your pellet grill. Large hoppers can help to make sure that you can fill it up and forget it, even if you’re cooking low and slow.

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Comparison Table

Pellet Smoker GrillsCooking SpaceHopper CapacityDimensionsReview
REC TEC Grills RT-590 Bundle 772 square inches30 pounds44×43.5×27 inchesCheck Price
Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker884 square inches18 lbs27x53x49 inchesCheck Price
2020 Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker with Cover219 square inches9 pounds31.75x34x23 inchesCheck Price
Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill700 square inches21 pounds24.8×22.05×43.11 inchesCheck Price
Z Grills 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker538 square inches10 pounds47x20x18.4 inchesCheck Price
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill570 square inches18 lbs40.5x25x22 inchesCheck Price
Traeger Grills TFB57PZBO Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker572 square inches18 lbs41 x 27 x 49 inchesCheck Price
Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker700 square inches20 pounds41x27x49 inchesCheck Price
Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill and Smoker 575 square inches18 lbs48x22x51 inchesCheck Price
Char-Broil Big Easy Tru-Infrared Smoker180 square inches25 pounds23.2×23.5×36.3 inchesCheck Price
Camp Chef Smoker Vault 24300 square inches20 pounds30.5x25x17 inchesCheck Price
Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 24450 square inches22 pounds of wood pellets30x48x49 inchesCheck Price
MoJack 47102 Myron Mixon Pitmaster Q3 24-inch Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker418 square inches15 pounds of wood pellets48x24x45 inchesCheck Price
Traeger Select Pellet Grill and Smoker589 square inches18 pounds of wood pellets57x25x46 inchesCheck Price
Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill875 square inches18 pounds of wood pellets41x22x24 inchesCheck Price
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The 15 Best Pellet Smoker Grills for 2020

1. REC TEC Grills RT-590 Bundle – Best Overall

The REC TEC brand might just be the best portable pellet grill out there. It only weighs 100 pounds but holds up to 30 pounds of pellets. Even with its large size, it’s portable. Since the legs fold up, you can always take it with you wherever you want to go.

This grill is the best because it can go well over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It also adjusts the temperature with 5-degree increments. With this product, you can use it for camping, backyard BBQs, tailgating, and more.

You’re going to be impressed with the range of temperature options it offers. Plus, you can control the temperature easily. We like the durable cooking surface, which means the food cooks quickly and turns out great every time.

9.5Expert Score
Summary

If you prefer to deliver delicious smoked food to your family and friends and look great while doing it, this grill is the choice for you. It's amazing and outstanding while it performs. However, be aware that it's quite heavy. We think it's worth it, though!

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Excellent temperature controls
  • Easy to transport
Cons
  • Heavyweight feel; wheels can slide out
  • Lighter smoke

2. Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker – Best for Large Space

The Traeger Pro Series is considered the best option for a reason. You can use this pellet grill to bake, grill, smoke, barbecue, roast, or braise the meat and other items.

Because of the cooking area on the Traeger grill, it can hold six chickens or nine racks of ribs at once. We also like the digital elite temperature controller to ensure a more consistent heat. In fact, the temperature control of this grill is to within 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’re going to appreciate that you can choose the low-and-slow or fast settings to smoke foods with this product. There’s an easy-to-read LED display that shows the temperature all the time. Plus, this smoker runs best on 100-percent hardwood pellets. That way, you get a wood-fired flavor for the food and a consistent smoke.

We think this is the top grill manufacturer out there selling pellet smokers. It uses high-quality and durable materials. Plus, you can utilize the grill in all weather conditions and temperature ranges without negative effects within.

However, this is quite a large grill. You need the space to house it, but it can cook for the entire family or a party.

9.5Expert Score
Summary

This pellet smoker might be the best for the money. You can cook plenty at one time and get a consistent temperature. However, it's big and heavy, so you need to have a special place on the patio or deck to put it.

Pros
  • Wide cooking surface
  • One switch to turn on/off
  • Porcelain grates
  • Locking wheels for stability
Cons
  • Digital setting control needed
  • Top-out temperature is 375 degrees before ‘high’ mode

3. 2020 Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill and Smoker with Cover – Best Portable and Best Budget

The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Smoker and Grill is one of the best pellet smokers on the market. In fact, we think it’s the best portable pellet grill, and it’s also budget-friendly. Therefore, you can use it at the house or while road-tripping and camping. Still, you don’t have to worry about the space. It holds up to three baby-back rib racks, and they are all going to cook evenly.

With the Green Mountain Grills brand of pellet smokers, you get versatility and Wi-Fi capabilities. The mobile application works with iOS and Android. This way, you can control and monitor your grill from anywhere in the house (as long a the connection is strong). This helps you change the temperature as necessary.

We like the meat probes that are included. You can stick them into the meat and ensure that it’s the right temperature without having to open the smoker. There’s also a thermal sensor inside that transports information to your smart device as you cook.

9.5Expert Score
Summary

If you're on a tight budget, this might be the right smoker for you. It works well for regular smoker users and those who are new to the cooking style. Plus, it's portable and can go with you anywhere.

Pros
  • Slow cooking possible
  • Even temperature
  • Smoke stays in the grill
  • Mobile app available
Cons
  • Can only hold 9 pounds of pellets
  • Hot spots possible

4. Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill – Best Design

The Pit Boss Pellet Grill could be the best smoker out there because the burn system it uses offers digital controls. Therefore, you can always pick the precise temperature you need. We also like that you can easily adjust the temperature as you use the Pit Boss grill.

You only have to use wood pellets to fuel up the grill. This means you don’t have to use electricity or propane to get appropriate heat amounts. We also like that the grids are made of cast-iron, which ensures even heating and durability. The Pit Boss brand also uses a porcelain coating on the grids to make them easier to clean and longer-lasting.

We like the Pit Boss brand because of its temperature range of 170 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can cook low and slow or sear the meat quickly.

There’s also a dome heat shield and exhaust system, which helps you to maintain more consistent temperature options. This is true even when you’re operating at the topped out temperature available.

9Expert Score
Summary

With the Pit Boss grill, you get a large surface for cooking. We like that the cast-iron grids feature a porcelain coating, making it easy to clean and providing an even sear.

Pros
  • Wide cooking surface
  • Sliding plate for searing steak or cooking fish
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to load in the pellets
Cons
  • Requires a screwdriver to open vent for searing finish
  • Approximation for temperature control

5. Z Grills 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker – Best Barrel Style

With the Z Grills 8-in-1 Smoker, you can do so much, including barbecue, smoke, roast, braise, bake, and grill. It generates its heat output by only using hardwood pellets. That way, you get a smoky, savory flavor with everything you cook on the pellet grill.

We think this grill could be the best out there because it has a main and warming rack. As food gets done cooking, you can separate them so that the process is continuous and all the meat gets done. You’re going to appreciate the smart digital controller most. With it, you can maintain your temperature to within about 20 degrees F. It features a simple dial to turn, making the process easy.

Everyone wants something that’s strong and durable, and this brand doesn’t disappoint. The large smoker ensures that you can cook whole chickens and racks of ribs with ease. There aren’t any cold/hot spots, and you can load the pellets easily.

9Expert Score
Summary

This 8-in-1 smoker allows you to use various cooking methods. You can change it up and ensure that the food comes out just as you like it. Plus, the cooking area is spacious, and there's a large hopper.

Pros
  • Decent cooking surface
  • Easy assembly
  • Consistent temperature range
  • Cook whole chickens
Cons
  • Thermostat might not be precise
  • Hard-to-follow instructions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDKn6QmKY_I

6. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

It’s no wonder that the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is considered the best choice today. It has many different features that can make it easier and more fun to grill and smoke.

If you’re hoping to up the grilling game, you just can’t go wrong with the Camp Chef brand. You’re going to appreciate the temperature controls, which start at 160 degrees F. This is ideal for smoking some pre-cooked meat or re-heating something you’ve already cooked. Those who want crispy, smoked chicken can raise it up to 500 degrees F.

With the Camp Chef brand, temperature changes are easy with the push of a button. You can achieve an authentic BBQ flavor, but the unit is also versatile to handle searing, grilling, baking, and smoking.

With this pellet grill, it’s possible to add the PGSEAR sear box or Sidekick. They aren’t included with the grill, but you can buy them separately to add even more versatility to the product.

It includes a large space for cooking. Plus, there’s a decent warranty. We think that it’s possible to cook a meal for up to six people on this grill. Plus, clean-up is quite easy, too. Just pull out the ash cleanout lever, and you’re ready to start again.

All you’ve got to do to turn it on is to hit the button. Plus, you can change the temperature easily. There’s also a stainless steel food probe to help you determine the right temperature for doneness. That way, you don’t have to open the smoker to check the meat.

8.5Expert Score
Summary

If you're a beginner, this is a great little smoker. You've got to take time to understand how they work, but there are plenty of videos out there to help you figure things out. We like that it works well for those who've been smoking for years. You can entertain large groups with the wide cooking surface. In fact, we think this is a great family-sized grill that's easy to maintain and utilize. The digital controls are stable, and it's quite easy to use.

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Stainless steel food probe
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Bubbling paint early on
  • Can have manufacturing issues/quality-control problems

7. Traeger Grills TFB57PZBO Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Traeger brand offers many styles, but we like the Pro Series pellet grill and smoker. You just can’t talk about the best grills out there without discussing the Traeger brand. This compact grill/smoker lives up to the reputation of the brand for sure.

It can be used to smoke, roast, and BBQ your food. Plus, it performs flawlessly and only has a 15-degree temperature inconsistency. This is much lower than other brands. We like that the temperature goes all the way to 450 degrees.

You’re going to like that there’s plenty of room on the Traeger grill. You can make side dishes, vegetables, and meat for up to five people.

We like that it’s easy to use because of the porcelain-covered grates and auto-start ignition. Just press a button, and it’s going to fire right up. The pellets get fed into the firebox from the auger automatically, so just put the meat on, turn it on, and let it go.

This grill has a stainless steel construction featuring a bronzed lid. That means it’s stable, but it only weighs in at 103 pounds, so you can move it around if you need to.

There aren’t any fancy options to clean the grill, but ash removal doesn’t build up fast, and a small vacuum cleaner or whisk broom is all you need.

8.5Expert Score
Summary

This is a lightweight, family grill/smoker combo that made the list effortlessly. With its quality construction and aesthetic appearance known from the Traeger brand, you're going to enjoy having it in the backyard. We like the way it handles itself, the stability, and the way it perfectly cooks food.

Pros
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Precision temperature control
  • Advanced digital logic
Cons
  • Can’t get a good sear on meat
  • Doesn’t caramelize meat

8. Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

We were pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Z Grills ZPG-7002B Pellet Grill. It’s moderately priced, but you still get all the extras you expect from your grill. You can easily braise, bake, grill, roast, and smoke with it, and there’s an impressively large rack area for your food to cook.

With this grill, there’s an auto-start ignition feature. That way, you push the button, and it instantly starts firing up. Plus, we like the automated pellet feeding system, which automatically adds the right amount of pellets as needed.

The grill also includes a digital control for the temperature, and it goes from 180 to 475 degrees F. This is all the beginner smoker needs to provide savory meat dishes without the hassle.

As with some rotisseries, you have complications when cooking. However, this grill uses fan-forced convection to distribute the heat more evenly. We all know how hard it is to grill salmon perfectly, but this little grill did so wonderfully.

8Expert Score
Summary

Although the plain-black aesthetics aren't remarkable and there isn't a meat temperature probe, we still think this is a great grill based on performance and price. Plus, the large space for cooking ensures that you can make delicious meals for the entire family or a large gathering.

Pros
  • Large Cooking Surface
  • 8-in-1 grill features
  • Push-button start
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Hard to keep preferred heat temperature
  • Not as much smoke as you might think

9. Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Traeger Pro 575 Grill is an excellent model for people who want to start up their pellet grill, add the meat, and let it work for them. This grill is also very versatile, so you can bake, grill, roast, and smoke.

We think the Traeger Pro 575 is ideal for college students, households, and tailgating. Plus, it works well for those who have never smoked before and those with extensive smoking experience. The entire system has been designed to make it easy and fun to smoke food. You’re going to appreciate that clean-up is easy, but it’s also simple to get it going, and the food always turns out perfectly.

With the wide main cooking surface, you can cook plenty of food at once. The convection technology means that the smoky air gets hot and circulates around your food to cook it all evenly.

One of the top features for this smoker is the digital thermostat controller. We like that it’s small enough for at-home usage but can be used for large parties. It’s even Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control the grill using Alexa and your smartphone.

8Expert Score
Summary

If you're a beginner and want to smoke like a pro, this could be the right smoker. It's easy to use, and you can set it up and then walk away from it. You're going to like the auto-start electronic ignition, so there's no fire to start. Just plug in your device, do the prep work, add your pellets, and have piping hot, smoked food to serve your friends and family.

Pros
  • Digital thermostat
  • Control with Alexa and the app
  • Sturdy construction
Cons
  • Small hopper
  • High price, but worth it

10. Char-Broil Big Easy Tru-Infrared Smoker

One thing we initially noticed about the Char-Broil Big Easy is the versatility it offers. With it, you can roast, grill, and smoke meat to perfection. Along with that, the internal smoker features a stainless steel construction and uses wood chips or pellets. However, on the outer/inner walls, you’ve also got a propane burner.

You’re going to appreciate the unique cooking system that the brand uses. It’s called Tru-Infrared and what it does is keep the food moist. It does this by limiting the hot air flow and utilizing radiant heat to cook the food directly.

The temperature can always be changed to the right setting, but your meat is going to keep the moisture inside while it cooks. This unique technology cooks your meat evenly and prevents flare-ups from happening.

With the grill, you get a roasting basket, too. This works well for various types of meat, such as poultry and ribs. It holds 25 pounds of meat, even though the space for cooking seems relatively small.

7.5Expert Score
Summary

This model is quite functional and easy to use. Therefore, if you want a smoker that does more, this might be the ideal product. Just assemble it using the instructions to ensure it is done right.

Pros
  • Made of stainless steel
  • Easy to assemble
  • Unique infrared technology cuts cooking time
  • Suitable for cold-weather usage
  • Easy to load by dropping the food in
Cons
  • Must pay attention to cook times or meat can dry out
  • Paint could flake off

11. Camp Chef Smoker Vault 24

With the Camp Chef Smoker Vault, you get smart smoke technology. This means that it has the features you need to make delicious meals. We like the ash cleanout system because you can swiftly get out all the ashes and use it again. Plus, the grease management system helps you cook evenly without worrying that your meat is sitting in fat.

You’re going to appreciate the pellet hopper window, which easily lets you see how many pellets you have and still need. Because it holds so many pellets, you may not have to refill it unless you’re cooking really low and slow. There’s also even smoke distribution throughout the Camp Chef unit, so each bite you take offers the smoky flavor you want. This is all because of the continuous fan that runs while it’s on.

The smoker has wheels, as well, making it easy to maneuver around on the patio or deck. Plus, it’s 28 inches tall, so you can cook bigger cuts of meat with it.

7.5Expert Score
Summary

If you want a grill that handles various meats and foods, this might be the smoker for you. With multiple grates, hooks, and racks, you can customize the smoking experience to your needs and preferences.

Pros
  • Bottle opener attached
  • Built-in sensor gauge included
  • Digital controls
Cons
  • Takes time to get used to the features
  • Fluctuating temps possible

12. Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 Pellet Smoker

We like the Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi Pellet Smoker for many reasons. The stainless steel body is stylish and prevents rust, so you can keep it outside. However, there are also wheels to make it portable. Move it around to different areas of the patio when using it.

You’re going to appreciate the Camp Chef brand because of the extra chamber space. It’s about 40 percent bigger than other Camp Chef models. However, this does depend on the size you choose, and there are three available (36-inch, 24-inch, and 22-inch.)

Besides that, you can choose indirect or direct flames by twisting the knob so that you can choose from different temperatures.

There are four different built-in meat probes, so you can test the doneness of your meat. It’s shown on the digital LED, so it’s easy to read, as well.

It is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can connect the grill to the app on your smartphone. That way, you can set alerts, monitor the smoke settings, and control or change the temperature based on your particular needs.

Though it doesn’t come with it, you can order the sear box or Sidekick separately. The sear box can reach up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. With them, you can cook more and have more space for grilling and smoking.

The pellets go into a spacious hopper, which gets automatically fed into the firebox. It’s all automated, making your life much easier.

Clean-up is easy with this smoker because it includes a removable cup to the side. That collects the ashes with a single pull of a knob. Then, you can go right back to smoking meat the way you want it to be. You’re also going to like the side shelf and convenient bottom storage area.

7Expert Score
Summary

For those who want convenience and everything that comes with it, the Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi Pellet Smoker might be the right choice. Since it's Bluetooth enabled, you can use your phone to make changes. Plus, there are various attachments for it to help customize your experience.

Pros
  • Easy ash removal
  • LED display for temperature
  • Four temp probes
  • Bottom/side shelf
Cons
  • Can’t automatically start machine from the app
  • No hook attachments

13. MoJack 47102 Myron Mixon Pitmaster Q3 24-inch Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker

Those who want a great pellet grill might like the MoJack brand. It’s not as well-known as some of the others, but it’s a champion beast that can grill, bake, and smoke in large quantities.

Though it weighs about 100 pounds, the rubber wheels help you push it around if you want to move it right before you use it. Plus, the casters lock into place, so it’s not going to get out of control while using it.

This smoker features a 24-inch barrel with plenty of room to cook. Therefore, you can use it for large gatherings or for the family. The LED temp control helps you read the thermometer easily.

You’re going to like the storage rack on the bottom, which is a great place to put any extra pellets and tools you’re going to need while cooking.

7Expert Score
Summary

Individuals who are very serious about baking, smoking, and grilling with one product are sure to like this. It may not be suitable for beginners or those who only need to make small portions at once, though.

Pros
  • Looks great
  • Easy to install
  • LED temp display
Cons
  • Lid doesn’t sit perfectly
  • Porcelain coating can shed with time

14. Traeger Select Pellet Grill and Smoker

With the Traeger Select Pellet Grill/Smoker, you can cook 20 burgers or five chickens at once. Even when at full capacity, the temperature is accurate to within 20 degrees either way.

We like the stainless steel construction of this grill, and the LED display is easy to read so that you can monitor the temperatures. Plus, if you need to make adjustments, you simply turn a dial.

The Traeger brand is well-known for its grills and smokers. With this one, you can braise, bake, roast, smoke, and barbecue various foods. We like that it uses hardwood pellets, giving everything you cook a smoky flavor. There are three pieces to the grill grate, so it’s easy to wipe it clean once you’re done cooking. Plus, it makes it more durable.

6.5Expert Score
Summary

Those who want to smoke at home are sure to appreciate this pellet grill from Traeger. It's very versatile, but it isn't too big. Therefore, you may be able to utilize it in a small space with ease. Plus, it offers consistency with food temperatures.

Pros
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Side shelves included
  • Storage space underneath grill
Cons
  • Can take a long time to assemble
  • Not many bells and whistles

15. Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill

With the Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill, you can find it in black or bronze for the lid. This is one of the largest models from the Camp Chef brand. With almost 900 square inches of space, you are sure to want to cook for the entire neighborhood. Plus, it includes the primary rack and a warming rack.

There are four wheels included with this pellet grill, so it’s easy to move around. Plus, the casters lock so that you don’t have it moving while you’re trying to smoke. We like the two side shelves and bottom rack to help you store utensils and other items.

You’re going to appreciate the hopper because it automatically feeds the pellets into the grill. This controls the temperature and means you don’t have to shovel in pellets all the time. We like the innovative temperature chip, which prevents the grill from varying too much in temperature.

Those who want extra can replace one of the side shelves with the sear box to help them reach higher temperatures and get the delicious char on the meat they like.

6.5Expert Score
Summary

Those who want a large grill that can do a lot are sure to appreciate the LUX version of the SmokePro. If you want something more aesthetically pleasing and unique, go with the bronze lid. Impress the family or neighbors and cook them something delicious.

Pros
  • Quick to start
  • Dual sensors
  • Automatic pellet feeder
Cons
  • Quality issues and concerns
  • Temp varies too much
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FAQs

What Are the Advantages of Using a Pellet Smoker?

There are plenty of advantages to using the best pellet smokers, such as:

  • The pellet smoker is very easy to use. Just set it and forget about it. The temperature control is also very easy to change, and there’s a wide temperature range.
  • Wood pellets are quite inexpensive and can be found from many retailers.
  • The pellet grill smoker takes little maintenance to use it.
  • You can easily reload the pellets, so you can smoke the meat longer.
  • The smoker isn’t usually heavy, so it can be transported to other areas of the yard.
  • Smokers and grills like this don’t produce much ash.
  • Many times, the best pellet smokers offer built-in meat probes to help you measure the temperature without having to open the smoker.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Pellet Smoker?

Though there are various benefits of using pellet smokers and grills, they do have some disadvantages, such as:

  • Small pellet smokers have a lower capacity for wood pellets, so you must add more wood pellets frequently.
  • Typically, a pellet smoker isn’t well-insulated, so it can be hard to use them.
  • You must utilize wood pellets, and some areas may not have easy access to them.
  • A pellet smoker might not create enough smoke to provide you with a strong BBQ flavor.
  • The mechanical auger of the pellet grill might break or jam.
  • Pellet grills require electricity to function, so they may not be suitable for all situations.

How Do Pellet Smokers Work?

Even the best pellet smokers have to be high-quality, or they aren’t going to work right. Typically, you’re going to plan to use them once a month or even more frequently.

Though a pellet grill does seem similar to gas grills or charcoal smokers, the wood pellet grill works differently. First, this pellet grill uses natural wood to fire up the grill, which is longer-lasting. The pellets are fed into the hopper, which sends it to the cooking chamber through an auger powered by electricity.

Next, your wood pellets get burnt with lighter fluid and matches or through the electrical ignition system. A convection fan moves the smoke and heat from the pellets to the chamber within the grill. As things cook, the auger rotates at set intervals to add more pellets to the fire.

Pellet grills have precise temperature control, which happens digitally or with a dial. There is a wide temperature range, which means you can cook on the pellet grill on high or low flame.

Many newer pellet grill models use meat probes to read the temperature within the internal chamber. You can also stick the probes into the meat directly. Go by the temperature of the meat to ensure the right doneness. Usually, the probes get connected to the control board and allow you to make precise temperature control changes as necessary.

Smart technology might also be included, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This means you get temperature control right from your smartphone. You can easily check the temperature of the meat, even if you’re not right by the grill.

Typically, manufacturers of pellet grills offer a wide temperature range. That way, you can cook your food the way you want to do so.

How Do You Maintain a Pellet Smoker?

Once you’ve cooked on the pellet grill, you need to clean it. Typically, grease and food can get stuck onto the grill grate, which ruins the taste for the next meal. Therefore, you should wash them after the meat has been cooked. Alternatively, you can wait and wash them before the next smoking adventure. However, it’s easy to forget to do it later.

If you do clean them before cooking, turn up the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and wait about 10 minutes to help re-melt the grease. Then, take a stiff wire brush and remove the particles from the grates.

Now, you’ve got to remove the grease tray or drip tray and clean it out with a scraper. To help avoid having to do that each time, consider placing a tin foil pan over the tray. You can just toss it in the trash when you’re done grilling.

You may want to utilize a vacuum to remove extra ash from the firepot and inside the chamber. Wipe the inside chamber with a damp cloth, and don’t forget to wipe off the metal probes. Some high-end grills come with a special ash-removal system to make clean-up easier. Use it according to the instructions in the manual.

It’s also important to clean out the chimney of the grill each year. Use a damp cloth and brush. Frequently wipe off the exterior of your smoker and utilize polish on stainless steel surfaces to help them keep their shine.

How Do You Choose the Best Wood Pellets to Smoke?

Now that you know the advantages of using pellet grills, it’s important to choose the right wood pellets for the food you cook. High-quality pellets are going to make a big difference, so let’s learn about the various options:

  • Hardwood and Softwood – Both hardwood and softwood pellets have good and bad things about them. Hardwood is more stable and burns consistently. They often provide a thicker smoke, too. However, if you use softwood, they burn at a higher temperature because there’s more lignin. There are also higher BTUs, so they burn out quicker. Utilize hardwood if you’re cooking low and slow. Softwood works well for large crowds where you’re moving the meat faster.
  • Ingredients – Pay close attention to what’s included in the making of the pellets. Some brands use chemical fillers, oak, and alder fillers. It saves the manufacturer money, but it can negatively affect the flavor. Plus, they produce more ash and burn at a lower temperature.
  • Flavor – You’ve got a variety of wood options to smoke the meat and add different flavors. Hickory is popular and provides the strong barbecue flavor you want. Applewood is great for the Midwest and Northeast areas and offers a milder, sweeter smoke. Birch is excellent when you’re cold-smoking fish, while cherry is a sweet and bold choice.
  • Ash Content – This focuses on how much ash gets produced based on the burnt wood. Low-quality pellets produce more ash.

What Are the Different Types of Smokers?

The best pellet smokers on the market have an ingenious design, so they’re the top choice among smokers. Even the best gas grills can’t compare to what smokers can do, but there are many choices out there, including an electric smoker, propane, and charcoal smoker. We’re going to learn how they compare to each other.

You must understand that the best pellet smoker is going to be easy to light. With the best pellet grill, the pellets go into the hopper, the unit is heated, and you’re done. The set it and forget it mentality is what people like most.

However, with a charcoal smoker or grill, it takes longer to light, and you’ve constantly got to check the unit to make sure that it works right. Still, they produce more authentic smoky flavors when compared to the best pellet grill.

The electric smoker and the best gas grills and smokers are comparable because they’re all set to the right temperature and left alone. However, with an electric smoker, you may not have a strong smoky flavor when compared to a traditional pellet smoker.

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Conclusion

Now is the time to make the right decision to find the best pellet grills on the market. Our goal for this review is to give you an idea of the pellet grills that are available. That way, you can choose the best pellet smoker for your home.

It’s not just about choosing the best grill for your home. You’ve also got to know how to use a grill and smoker. This means understanding temperature control and the various features that they have. Make sure you understand what pellet smokers do and how they work before buying the best pellet grills out there.

Which of these products grills best? There isn’t an easy way to answer that because each pellet grill has its own benefits and drawbacks. The one you pick might be best for you but completely wrong for your neighbor.

Generally, the best pellet grills are going to be the ones that fit within your budget, works for you, and offer the taste you want. Please take the time to research the pellet grills that have caught your eye in this review today. If you prefer to purchase a pellet smoker, you want to make sure it’s the best.

The choice is yours. All of these pellet grills are considered the best in their industry. Get yourself a pellet smoker, grab some meat, and get to smoking!

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