The 11 Best Pellet Grills, Tested by Real Grillmasters

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowWhen to BuyBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

When to Buy

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Will Dickey

People / Will Dickey

If you enjoy grilling and smoking meat, a pellet grill is a worthwhile addition to your patio.These grills burn wood pellets to infuse your food with lots of smoky flavor, and they’re a favorite among grilling enthusiasts thanks to their versatility and easy operation. Whether you’recooking for a crowd like Dave Grohl, or making dinner for a few friends, a good pellet grill can up your BBQ game.Why to Buy“Pellet grills are great for low and slow cooking of heavier meat like beef, brisket, pork shoulder or pork butt, hams, turkeys, and even ribs or large roast,” saysBill Hazel, chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill. “They allow you to season your meat, then set it and forget it until the cook time is over.”To find the best pellet grills available today, the PEOPLE Tested team tested 26 models from top brands both this year and last year, using the grills to cook steak, chicken wings, pizza, and more.  After hours of rigorous testing, we found the best pellet grills that not only delivered the most flavor, but also offered the best temperature range and heat control, capacity, functionality, ease of cleaning, and overall value.Deal Alert!Our Best Budget grill, thePit Boss 440 Seriesis $100 off atAmazonright now.Our Best Investment pick, theTraeger Timberlineis $300 atHome Depot.Our Best Large Capacity grill, theWeber Smokefire EX4is $130 off atAmazon.On top of our testing favorites, we consultedJoe Downey, senior merchant of grills at Home Depot, for new grills to keep our eyes on this summer, and we also took into account top-rated pellet grills from at-home grillmasters.If you’re ready to take your grilling to the next level, these are the best pellet grills for summer 2024.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill at Atbbq.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$450Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill at Home Depot$3,300Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill at Amazon$480Jump to ReviewBest Large Capacity:Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill at Amazon$1,392Jump to ReviewBest Heat Control:Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker at Amazon$500Jump to ReviewBest Features:recteq Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$800Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker at Amazon$1,000Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill at Amazon$774Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill at Amazon$1,100Jump to Review

If you enjoy grilling and smoking meat, a pellet grill is a worthwhile addition to your patio.

These grills burn wood pellets to infuse your food with lots of smoky flavor, and they’re a favorite among grilling enthusiasts thanks to their versatility and easy operation. Whether you’recooking for a crowd like Dave Grohl, or making dinner for a few friends, a good pellet grill can up your BBQ game.

Why to Buy“Pellet grills are great for low and slow cooking of heavier meat like beef, brisket, pork shoulder or pork butt, hams, turkeys, and even ribs or large roast,” saysBill Hazel, chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill. “They allow you to season your meat, then set it and forget it until the cook time is over.”

Why to Buy

“Pellet grills are great for low and slow cooking of heavier meat like beef, brisket, pork shoulder or pork butt, hams, turkeys, and even ribs or large roast,” saysBill Hazel, chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill. “They allow you to season your meat, then set it and forget it until the cook time is over.”

To find the best pellet grills available today, the PEOPLE Tested team tested 26 models from top brands both this year and last year, using the grills to cook steak, chicken wings, pizza, and more.  After hours of rigorous testing, we found the best pellet grills that not only delivered the most flavor, but also offered the best temperature range and heat control, capacity, functionality, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Deal Alert!Our Best Budget grill, thePit Boss 440 Seriesis $100 off atAmazonright now.Our Best Investment pick, theTraeger Timberlineis $300 atHome Depot.Our Best Large Capacity grill, theWeber Smokefire EX4is $130 off atAmazon.

Deal Alert!

Our Best Budget grill, thePit Boss 440 Seriesis $100 off atAmazonright now.Our Best Investment pick, theTraeger Timberlineis $300 atHome Depot.Our Best Large Capacity grill, theWeber Smokefire EX4is $130 off atAmazon.

On top of our testing favorites, we consultedJoe Downey, senior merchant of grills at Home Depot, for new grills to keep our eyes on this summer, and we also took into account top-rated pellet grills from at-home grillmasters.

If you’re ready to take your grilling to the next level, these are the best pellet grills for summer 2024.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill at Atbbq.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$450Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill at Home Depot$3,300Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill at Amazon$480Jump to ReviewBest Large Capacity:Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill at Amazon$1,392Jump to ReviewBest Heat Control:Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker at Amazon$500Jump to ReviewBest Features:recteq Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$800Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker at Amazon$1,000Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill at Amazon$774Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill at Amazon$1,100Jump to Review

Best Overall:Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill at Atbbq.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$450Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill at Home Depot$3,300Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill at Amazon$480Jump to ReviewBest Large Capacity:Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill at Amazon$1,392Jump to ReviewBest Heat Control:Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker at Amazon$500Jump to ReviewBest Features:recteq Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$800Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker at Amazon$1,000Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill at Amazon$774Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill at Amazon$1,100Jump to Review

Best Overall:Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill at Atbbq.comJump to Review

Best Overall:Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill at Atbbq.com

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$450Jump to Review

Best Budget:Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$450

Best Budget:

Best Investment:Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill at Home Depot$3,300Jump to Review

Best Investment:Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill at Home Depot$3,300

Best Investment:

Best Portable:Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill at Amazon$480Jump to Review

Best Portable:Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill at Amazon$480

Best Portable:

Best Large Capacity:Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill at Amazon$1,392Jump to Review

Best Large Capacity:Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill at Amazon$1,392

Best Large Capacity:

Best Heat Control:Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker at Amazon$500Jump to Review

Best Heat Control:Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker at Amazon$500

Best Heat Control:

Best Features:recteq Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$800Jump to Review

Best Features:recteq Wood Pellet Grill at Amazon$800

Best Features:

Best for Beginners:Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker at Amazon$1,000Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker at Amazon$1,000

Best for Beginners:

Best for Baking:Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill at Amazon$774Jump to Review

Best for Baking:Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill at Amazon$774

Best for Baking:

Best Smart:Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill at Amazon$1,100Jump to Review

Best Smart:Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill at Amazon$1,100

Best Smart:

Best OverallYoder Smokers YS640S Pellet GrillPHOTO: All Things BarbecueView on Atbbq.comView on Thebbqhq.comStar QualitiesHeats up to its maximum temperature in 10 minutesExcellent heat retention and quickly returns to the set temperature after adding foodDelivered distinct char marks and a rich, smoky flavor10-year warrantyIncludes Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsHot spot is directly over the searing grate, so food can cook too quicklyWeighs over 300 pounds and is quite heavy to moveIf you’re looking for a pellet grill that can do it all, the Yoder Smokers YS640 is worth its high price tag. During testing, we fell in love with this high-end grill and its highly adjustable temperature range, spacious interior, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This grill is made from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel for unbeatable durability, and it boasts a 640-square-inch main cooking grate with an optional second shelf that brings the total cooking area up to 1,070 square inches.The Yoder Smokers YS640 heats up extremely quickly, reaching its maximum temperature in a little over 10 minutes, and it passed all of our tests with flying colors, delivering beautiful char marks and rich, smoky flavors. We also noticed the grill’s excellent heat retention and it returned quickly to the set temperature after adding food. The grill was also a top performer when it came to traditional long smoking. It was basically the Goldilocks choice for pellet grills in the long-smoke test: not too much or too little smoke flavor, but just right all around.In terms of performance, the only downside we could find is that there is a hot spot directly over the grill’s searing grate, so you may need to position food accordingly to avoid it cooking too quickly.In addition to its stellar grilling and smoking abilities, this pellet grill is stacked with useful features, including Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to monitor its temperature right from your smartphone and two integrated food probes. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.Dimensions:61.3 x 55 x 36.1 inches|Weight:335 pounds |Cooking Space:1,070 square inches |Hopper Capacity:20 pounds |Temperature Range:150–600°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best OverallYoder Smokers YS640S Pellet GrillPHOTO: All Things BarbecueView on Atbbq.comView on Thebbqhq.com

Best OverallYoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill

Best Overall

Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill

PHOTO: All Things Barbecue

View on Atbbq.comView on Thebbqhq.com

Star QualitiesHeats up to its maximum temperature in 10 minutesExcellent heat retention and quickly returns to the set temperature after adding foodDelivered distinct char marks and a rich, smoky flavor10-year warrantyIncludes Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsHot spot is directly over the searing grate, so food can cook too quicklyWeighs over 300 pounds and is quite heavy to move

Star QualitiesHeats up to its maximum temperature in 10 minutesExcellent heat retention and quickly returns to the set temperature after adding foodDelivered distinct char marks and a rich, smoky flavor10-year warrantyIncludes Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor the temperature from your phone

Heats up to its maximum temperature in 10 minutes

Excellent heat retention and quickly returns to the set temperature after adding food

Delivered distinct char marks and a rich, smoky flavor

10-year warranty

Includes Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor the temperature from your phone

Red FlagsHot spot is directly over the searing grate, so food can cook too quicklyWeighs over 300 pounds and is quite heavy to move

Hot spot is directly over the searing grate, so food can cook too quickly

Weighs over 300 pounds and is quite heavy to move

If you’re looking for a pellet grill that can do it all, the Yoder Smokers YS640 is worth its high price tag. During testing, we fell in love with this high-end grill and its highly adjustable temperature range, spacious interior, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This grill is made from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel for unbeatable durability, and it boasts a 640-square-inch main cooking grate with an optional second shelf that brings the total cooking area up to 1,070 square inches.

The Yoder Smokers YS640 heats up extremely quickly, reaching its maximum temperature in a little over 10 minutes, and it passed all of our tests with flying colors, delivering beautiful char marks and rich, smoky flavors. We also noticed the grill’s excellent heat retention and it returned quickly to the set temperature after adding food. The grill was also a top performer when it came to traditional long smoking. It was basically the Goldilocks choice for pellet grills in the long-smoke test: not too much or too little smoke flavor, but just right all around.In terms of performance, the only downside we could find is that there is a hot spot directly over the grill’s searing grate, so you may need to position food accordingly to avoid it cooking too quickly.

In addition to its stellar grilling and smoking abilities, this pellet grill is stacked with useful features, including Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to monitor its temperature right from your smartphone and two integrated food probes. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Dimensions:61.3 x 55 x 36.1 inches|Weight:335 pounds |Cooking Space:1,070 square inches |Hopper Capacity:20 pounds |Temperature Range:150–600°F

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best BudgetPit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$450$412 at Amazon$658 at Walmart$448 at WayfairStar QualitiesProvides well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken, and moreHeats up quickly, reaching the maximum temperature in 15 minutesCompact, lightweight, and portableRed FlagsSmall hopper can only hold 5 pounds of wood pelletsFor those just getting into smoking, the Pit Boss BP440D2 is a compact and budget-friendly model that’s ideal for beginners. This grill outperforms many larger, more expensive models, heating up quickly and delivering well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken wings, and more. The grill is on the smaller side at less than 100 pounds, and it has a modest cooking space of 465 square inches — big enough to accommodate several pounds of chicken wings, but potentially not enough space for those who like to entertain large crowds.While this Pit Boss pick lacks many of the smart features of other grills on our list, this grill still punched well above its weight, particularly on the searing and smoking tests. It was able to reach its maximum temperature in around 15 minutes, and food cooked on the grill had an intense smoky flavor. The grill did experience some temperature fluctuations during the 10-hour smoking session, but overall, it performed impressively considering its budget-friendly price.However, the biggest downside of this grill has to be its small hopper. The hopper can only hold five pounds of wood pellets at a time, and in our testing, it needed to be refilled every two hours or so.Dimensions:50.2 x 24.02 x 39.8 inches|Weight:96 pounds |Cooking Space:465 square inches |Hopper Capacity:5 pounds |Temperature Range:180–500°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best BudgetPit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$450$412 at Amazon$658 at Walmart$448 at Wayfair

Best BudgetPit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill

Best Budget

Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill

PHOTO: Amazon

$450$412 at Amazon$658 at Walmart$448 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesProvides well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken, and moreHeats up quickly, reaching the maximum temperature in 15 minutesCompact, lightweight, and portableRed FlagsSmall hopper can only hold 5 pounds of wood pellets

Star QualitiesProvides well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken, and moreHeats up quickly, reaching the maximum temperature in 15 minutesCompact, lightweight, and portable

Provides well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken, and more

Heats up quickly, reaching the maximum temperature in 15 minutes

Compact, lightweight, and portable

Red FlagsSmall hopper can only hold 5 pounds of wood pellets

Small hopper can only hold 5 pounds of wood pellets

For those just getting into smoking, the Pit Boss BP440D2 is a compact and budget-friendly model that’s ideal for beginners. This grill outperforms many larger, more expensive models, heating up quickly and delivering well-defined smoky flavors when cooking steak, chicken wings, and more. The grill is on the smaller side at less than 100 pounds, and it has a modest cooking space of 465 square inches — big enough to accommodate several pounds of chicken wings, but potentially not enough space for those who like to entertain large crowds.

While this Pit Boss pick lacks many of the smart features of other grills on our list, this grill still punched well above its weight, particularly on the searing and smoking tests. It was able to reach its maximum temperature in around 15 minutes, and food cooked on the grill had an intense smoky flavor. The grill did experience some temperature fluctuations during the 10-hour smoking session, but overall, it performed impressively considering its budget-friendly price.

However, the biggest downside of this grill has to be its small hopper. The hopper can only hold five pounds of wood pellets at a time, and in our testing, it needed to be refilled every two hours or so.

Dimensions:50.2 x 24.02 x 39.8 inches|Weight:96 pounds |Cooking Space:465 square inches |Hopper Capacity:5 pounds |Temperature Range:180–500°F

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best InvestmentTraeger Timberline Pellet GrillPHOTO: Traeger$3,300 at Home DepotView on Bbqguys.com$3,300 at Best BuyStar QualitiesUnique features include Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and an induction cooktopEarned perfect scores on every single testLarge pellet hopper means it operates without maintenanceEvenly cooks meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result10-year warrantyRed FlagsTook about 30 minutes to reach its maximum temperatureIf you’re an experienced pitmaster looking for a top-of-the-line pellet grill, the Traeger Timberline is a worthwhile investment. Not only does this high-end grill have a sleek design that’s packed with useful features, but it was also the most consistent performer, excelling at every task we threw at it — the meats were evenly cooked and extremely juicy and flavorful, and there were no hot spots to speak of. It was the most consistent across the board, even lending a smoke flavor to a frozen pizza.The Timberline has three racks for a total cooking area of 880 square inches, and it has a large 22-pound hopper that lets it operate for longer without any maintenance. In addition to its main cooking chamber, this grill also boasts an induction cooktop, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth meat probes, built-in lights, and ample storage room, making it an all-in-one outdoor cooking station for your summertime parties. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can feel secure in your purchase. Our only complaint about this high-end grill is that it sometimes takes quite a while to reach its maximum temperature — even as long as 30 minutes. However, our team agrees that its stellar performance is worth the wait.Dimensions:59 x 25 x 51 inches|Weight:238 pounds |Cooking Space:880 square inches |Hopper Capacity:22 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best InvestmentTraeger Timberline Pellet GrillPHOTO: Traeger$3,300 at Home DepotView on Bbqguys.com$3,300 at Best Buy

Best InvestmentTraeger Timberline Pellet Grill

Best Investment

Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill

PHOTO: Traeger

$3,300 at Home DepotView on Bbqguys.com$3,300 at Best Buy

Star QualitiesUnique features include Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and an induction cooktopEarned perfect scores on every single testLarge pellet hopper means it operates without maintenanceEvenly cooks meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result10-year warrantyRed FlagsTook about 30 minutes to reach its maximum temperature

Star QualitiesUnique features include Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and an induction cooktopEarned perfect scores on every single testLarge pellet hopper means it operates without maintenanceEvenly cooks meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result10-year warranty

Unique features include Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and an induction cooktop

Earned perfect scores on every single test

Large pellet hopper means it operates without maintenance

Evenly cooks meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result

Red FlagsTook about 30 minutes to reach its maximum temperature

Took about 30 minutes to reach its maximum temperature

If you’re an experienced pitmaster looking for a top-of-the-line pellet grill, the Traeger Timberline is a worthwhile investment. Not only does this high-end grill have a sleek design that’s packed with useful features, but it was also the most consistent performer, excelling at every task we threw at it — the meats were evenly cooked and extremely juicy and flavorful, and there were no hot spots to speak of. It was the most consistent across the board, even lending a smoke flavor to a frozen pizza.

The Timberline has three racks for a total cooking area of 880 square inches, and it has a large 22-pound hopper that lets it operate for longer without any maintenance. In addition to its main cooking chamber, this grill also boasts an induction cooktop, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth meat probes, built-in lights, and ample storage room, making it an all-in-one outdoor cooking station for your summertime parties. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can feel secure in your purchase. Our only complaint about this high-end grill is that it sometimes takes quite a while to reach its maximum temperature — even as long as 30 minutes. However, our team agrees that its stellar performance is worth the wait.

Dimensions:59 x 25 x 51 inches|Weight:238 pounds |Cooking Space:880 square inches |Hopper Capacity:22 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°F

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best PortableTraeger Tailgater Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$480 at Amazon$480 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.comStar QualitiesOnly weighs 60 pounds, so it’s easy to moveHeats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout cookingUses pellets efficiently and regulates fuel, so you can cook longer without refillingRed FlagsLower maximum temperature than others we tested, so it doesn’t thoroughly sear steaksDoesn’t produce the strongest smoky flavorYou can smoke meat on the go with the Traeger Tailgater 20, the best portable pellet grill we tested. It weighs just over 60 pounds, making it easy to move around, and according to our team, the collapsible, fold-up legs make moving from ground level to a truck bed fast and easy. This grill offers 300 square inches of cooking space, which we found was enough to cook for four people at a time, and its eight-pound pellet hopper does a good job regulating the grill’s fuel, allowing you to cook for longer before needing to refill the pellets.This grill performed well in our tests, reaching its target temperature quickly and maintaining a fairly consistent temperature throughout cooking. However, because its maximum temperature is only 450 degrees Fahrenheit, it doesn’t deliver the best sear marks when grilling. We also found that food cooked on this grill didn’t have the strongest smoky flavor, but overall, the design is convenient and efficient for grilling on the go.Dimensions:37 x 18 x 36 inches|Weight:62 pounds |Cooking Space:300 square inches |Hopper Capacity:8 pounds |Temperature Range:180–450°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best PortableTraeger Tailgater Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$480 at Amazon$480 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.com

Best PortableTraeger Tailgater Pellet Grill

Best Portable

Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill

$480 at Amazon$480 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.com

Star QualitiesOnly weighs 60 pounds, so it’s easy to moveHeats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout cookingUses pellets efficiently and regulates fuel, so you can cook longer without refillingRed FlagsLower maximum temperature than others we tested, so it doesn’t thoroughly sear steaksDoesn’t produce the strongest smoky flavor

Star QualitiesOnly weighs 60 pounds, so it’s easy to moveHeats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout cookingUses pellets efficiently and regulates fuel, so you can cook longer without refilling

Only weighs 60 pounds, so it’s easy to move

Heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout cooking

Uses pellets efficiently and regulates fuel, so you can cook longer without refilling

Red FlagsLower maximum temperature than others we tested, so it doesn’t thoroughly sear steaksDoesn’t produce the strongest smoky flavor

Lower maximum temperature than others we tested, so it doesn’t thoroughly sear steaks

Doesn’t produce the strongest smoky flavor

You can smoke meat on the go with the Traeger Tailgater 20, the best portable pellet grill we tested. It weighs just over 60 pounds, making it easy to move around, and according to our team, the collapsible, fold-up legs make moving from ground level to a truck bed fast and easy. This grill offers 300 square inches of cooking space, which we found was enough to cook for four people at a time, and its eight-pound pellet hopper does a good job regulating the grill’s fuel, allowing you to cook for longer before needing to refill the pellets.

This grill performed well in our tests, reaching its target temperature quickly and maintaining a fairly consistent temperature throughout cooking. However, because its maximum temperature is only 450 degrees Fahrenheit, it doesn’t deliver the best sear marks when grilling. We also found that food cooked on this grill didn’t have the strongest smoky flavor, but overall, the design is convenient and efficient for grilling on the go.

Dimensions:37 x 18 x 36 inches|Weight:62 pounds |Cooking Space:300 square inches |Hopper Capacity:8 pounds |Temperature Range:180–450°F

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best Large CapacityWeber Smokefire EX4 Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$1,392 at Amazon$1,200 at WalmartView on Weber.comStar QualitiesSpacious interior of 672 square inches of cooking spaceSuperior heat regulation, with a temperature range up to 600 degrees FahrenheitWi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsDidn’t provide the best searingIf you regularly cook for a crowd, the Weber SmokeFire EX4 has a spacious interior with 672 square inches of cooking space across two racks. In addition to its large grilling area, the Weber also has a uniquely designed pellet hopper that spans the back of the grill and can hold up to 22 pounds of fuel at a time, allowing you to go longer between refills. It even offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature right from your phone — ideal for when you’re entertaining.As you might expect from this well-known brand, the Weber SmokeFire EX4 delivered top-tier results in our tests. The grill produced a very smoky-flavored pork butt that was right on par with the Yoder and Traeger Timberline models. The only area where it fell flat was searing — the char marks were surprisingly faint and the meat had a pan-seared look, despite the grill’s superior heat regulation and the fact that the grill goes up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.Dimensions:47 x 43 x 33 inches|Weight:178 pounds |Cooking Space:672 square inches |Hopper Capacity:22 pounds |Temperature Range:200–600°FPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best Large CapacityWeber Smokefire EX4 Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$1,392 at Amazon$1,200 at WalmartView on Weber.com

Best Large CapacityWeber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill

Best Large Capacity

Weber Smokefire EX4 Pellet Grill

$1,392 at Amazon$1,200 at WalmartView on Weber.com

Star QualitiesSpacious interior of 672 square inches of cooking spaceSuperior heat regulation, with a temperature range up to 600 degrees FahrenheitWi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsDidn’t provide the best searing

Star QualitiesSpacious interior of 672 square inches of cooking spaceSuperior heat regulation, with a temperature range up to 600 degrees FahrenheitWi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust the temperature from your phone

Spacious interior of 672 square inches of cooking space

Superior heat regulation, with a temperature range up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit

Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust the temperature from your phone

Red FlagsDidn’t provide the best searing

Didn’t provide the best searing

If you regularly cook for a crowd, the Weber SmokeFire EX4 has a spacious interior with 672 square inches of cooking space across two racks. In addition to its large grilling area, the Weber also has a uniquely designed pellet hopper that spans the back of the grill and can hold up to 22 pounds of fuel at a time, allowing you to go longer between refills. It even offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature right from your phone — ideal for when you’re entertaining.

As you might expect from this well-known brand, the Weber SmokeFire EX4 delivered top-tier results in our tests. The grill produced a very smoky-flavored pork butt that was right on par with the Yoder and Traeger Timberline models. The only area where it fell flat was searing — the char marks were surprisingly faint and the meat had a pan-seared look, despite the grill’s superior heat regulation and the fact that the grill goes up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dimensions:47 x 43 x 33 inches|Weight:178 pounds |Cooking Space:672 square inches |Hopper Capacity:22 pounds |Temperature Range:200–600°F

PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best Heat ControlTraeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & SmokerPHOTO: Amazon$500 at Amazon$500 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.comStar QualitiesReviews say it’s simple to use, even for beginners“Set it and forget it” capabilities keep internal temperature within 15ºF varianceOne of the least expensive grills on our listRed FlagsMain grill grate can be difficult to remove and cleanNo Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilitiesDowney recommends this grill thanks to its “deliciously consistent results.” This affordable pick keeps the internal temperature within 15ºF variance via a digital controller, so you won’t have to fuss over maintaining the right temperature (as one reviewer puts it: “You can relax after a long day at work and let the Traeger do its thing.”)While we haven’t tested this grill ourselves, reviewers love it for brisket, ribs, steaks, and more. One reviewer even touts this grill as “hands down the best smoker/grill you’ll ever find.” This no-fuss, no-frill pick is great for those who want convenience and a smoky flavor at a fraction of the cost.Dimensions:49 x 41 x 27 inches|Weight:103 pounds |Cooking Space:572 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°F

Best Heat ControlTraeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & SmokerPHOTO: Amazon$500 at Amazon$500 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.com

Best Heat ControlTraeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker

Best Heat Control

Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker

$500 at Amazon$500 at Home DepotView on Acmetools.com

Star QualitiesReviews say it’s simple to use, even for beginners“Set it and forget it” capabilities keep internal temperature within 15ºF varianceOne of the least expensive grills on our listRed FlagsMain grill grate can be difficult to remove and cleanNo Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities

Star QualitiesReviews say it’s simple to use, even for beginners“Set it and forget it” capabilities keep internal temperature within 15ºF varianceOne of the least expensive grills on our list

Reviews say it’s simple to use, even for beginners

“Set it and forget it” capabilities keep internal temperature within 15ºF variance

One of the least expensive grills on our list

Red FlagsMain grill grate can be difficult to remove and cleanNo Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities

Main grill grate can be difficult to remove and clean

No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities

Downey recommends this grill thanks to its “deliciously consistent results.” This affordable pick keeps the internal temperature within 15ºF variance via a digital controller, so you won’t have to fuss over maintaining the right temperature (as one reviewer puts it: “You can relax after a long day at work and let the Traeger do its thing.”)

While we haven’t tested this grill ourselves, reviewers love it for brisket, ribs, steaks, and more. One reviewer even touts this grill as “hands down the best smoker/grill you’ll ever find.” This no-fuss, no-frill pick is great for those who want convenience and a smoky flavor at a fraction of the cost.

Dimensions:49 x 41 x 27 inches|Weight:103 pounds |Cooking Space:572 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°F

Best Featuresrecteq Wood Pellet GrillPHOTO: Recteq$800 at AmazonView on Recteq.comStar QualitiesHigh maximum temperature of 700 degreesConsistent heat retention thanks to five degree increments of heat controlExtra-large hopper with room for 30 pounds of fuelWi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsNo upper rack for warmingHot spot near the hopper could lead to overcooking some foodFor a well-priced pellet grill that has all the features you could ever need while smoking or grilling, you can’t go wrong with the Recteq 590. It has a single 590-square-inch cooking grate and an impressive temperature range of 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and it offers five-degree increments for more granular control. Plus, this grill has an extra-large 30-pound pellet hopper — the largest of all the grills we tested.The Recteq 590 did a great job grilling and smoking meat in our testing. Although it had a hot spot near the hopper, the grill is very consistent as far as temperature and overall heat retention. While it doesn’t include an upper rack for warming food, that’s not a dealbreaker. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control it from your smartphone, as well as two meat probes to monitor the temperature of your food as it cooks.Dimensions:44 x 24 x 43.5 inches|Weight:150 pounds |Cooking Space:590 square inches |Hopper Capacity:30 pounds |Temperature Range:180–700°FPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best Featuresrecteq Wood Pellet GrillPHOTO: Recteq$800 at AmazonView on Recteq.com

Best Featuresrecteq Wood Pellet Grill

Best Features

recteq Wood Pellet Grill

PHOTO: Recteq

$800 at AmazonView on Recteq.com

Star QualitiesHigh maximum temperature of 700 degreesConsistent heat retention thanks to five degree increments of heat controlExtra-large hopper with room for 30 pounds of fuelWi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the temperature from your phoneRed FlagsNo upper rack for warmingHot spot near the hopper could lead to overcooking some food

Star QualitiesHigh maximum temperature of 700 degreesConsistent heat retention thanks to five degree increments of heat controlExtra-large hopper with room for 30 pounds of fuelWi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the temperature from your phone

High maximum temperature of 700 degrees

Consistent heat retention thanks to five degree increments of heat control

Extra-large hopper with room for 30 pounds of fuel

Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the temperature from your phone

Red FlagsNo upper rack for warmingHot spot near the hopper could lead to overcooking some food

No upper rack for warming

Hot spot near the hopper could lead to overcooking some food

For a well-priced pellet grill that has all the features you could ever need while smoking or grilling, you can’t go wrong with the Recteq 590. It has a single 590-square-inch cooking grate and an impressive temperature range of 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and it offers five-degree increments for more granular control. Plus, this grill has an extra-large 30-pound pellet hopper — the largest of all the grills we tested.

The Recteq 590 did a great job grilling and smoking meat in our testing. Although it had a hot spot near the hopper, the grill is very consistent as far as temperature and overall heat retention. While it doesn’t include an upper rack for warming food, that’s not a dealbreaker. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control it from your smartphone, as well as two meat probes to monitor the temperature of your food as it cooks.

Dimensions:44 x 24 x 43.5 inches|Weight:150 pounds |Cooking Space:590 square inches |Hopper Capacity:30 pounds |Temperature Range:180–700°F

Best for BeginnersTraeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and SmokerPHOTO: Amazon$1,000 at AmazonView on Traeger.com$1,000 at Home DepotStar QualitiesPerformed well when grilling, searing, and bakingExtensive features like Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly control panelIndividual parts are removable for easy cleaningIncludes a top rack for warmingRed FlagsTook 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperatureStruggled with heat retention when food was addedRemoving the heat shield when it’s covered in grease made that part of cleaning difficultIf you’re new to the art of the grill, we suggest starting with the Traeger Pro 780 pellet grill while you learn the ropes. It’s a highly user-friendly model with lots of bells and whistles that make grilling a breeze. Between the Wi-Fi connectivity and user-friendly control panel, it’s simple to control the temperature, whether you’re standing at the grill or checking your phone while entertaining guests. We appreciated the large cooking space of 780 square inches — perfect for a large family gathering — and the top warming rack that will keep everything nice and warm while you’re working the grill. (If you’re in the market for a smaller grill, the Pro 575 offers all the same features and can hold 16 burgers or four racks of ribs. Downey says this model is one of his favorites.)It took about 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and there was one small hot spot over the burner, but in general, it seared, baked, and grilled the food we tested without issue. It created a perfectly baked pizza and juicy steaks, and the only major concern was the loss of heat when we added the food; it lost about 90 degrees and had a hard time returning to the original set temperature. During the smoke test, there wasn’t any visible smoke, but the smoky flavor produced was surprisingly present in the food. And when you’re finished grilling, the individual components can be removed from the grill for easy cleaning, though the heat shield is tricky to remove when greasy. However, we think this is a fantastic grill and a great price point for beginner grilling enthusiasts.Experts Say“While [pellet grills] seem like they are for grill experts and backyard home cooks with pro-level aspirations, this isn’t the case. The simplicity of use and hardwood fuel makes it easy for even the most novice grilling enthusiast to produce well-cooked food with the smoky flavor everyone loves.” -Joe Downey, senior merchant of grills at The Home Depot.Dimensions:55 x 49 x 27 inches|Weight:150 pounds |Cooking Space:780 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:78–500°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best for BeginnersTraeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and SmokerPHOTO: Amazon$1,000 at AmazonView on Traeger.com$1,000 at Home Depot

Best for BeginnersTraeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

Best for Beginners

Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

$1,000 at AmazonView on Traeger.com$1,000 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesPerformed well when grilling, searing, and bakingExtensive features like Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly control panelIndividual parts are removable for easy cleaningIncludes a top rack for warmingRed FlagsTook 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperatureStruggled with heat retention when food was addedRemoving the heat shield when it’s covered in grease made that part of cleaning difficult

Star QualitiesPerformed well when grilling, searing, and bakingExtensive features like Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly control panelIndividual parts are removable for easy cleaningIncludes a top rack for warming

Performed well when grilling, searing, and baking

Extensive features like Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly control panel

Individual parts are removable for easy cleaning

Includes a top rack for warming

Red FlagsTook 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperatureStruggled with heat retention when food was addedRemoving the heat shield when it’s covered in grease made that part of cleaning difficult

Took 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperature

Struggled with heat retention when food was added

Removing the heat shield when it’s covered in grease made that part of cleaning difficult

If you’re new to the art of the grill, we suggest starting with the Traeger Pro 780 pellet grill while you learn the ropes. It’s a highly user-friendly model with lots of bells and whistles that make grilling a breeze. Between the Wi-Fi connectivity and user-friendly control panel, it’s simple to control the temperature, whether you’re standing at the grill or checking your phone while entertaining guests. We appreciated the large cooking space of 780 square inches — perfect for a large family gathering — and the top warming rack that will keep everything nice and warm while you’re working the grill. (If you’re in the market for a smaller grill, the Pro 575 offers all the same features and can hold 16 burgers or four racks of ribs. Downey says this model is one of his favorites.)

It took about 20 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and there was one small hot spot over the burner, but in general, it seared, baked, and grilled the food we tested without issue. It created a perfectly baked pizza and juicy steaks, and the only major concern was the loss of heat when we added the food; it lost about 90 degrees and had a hard time returning to the original set temperature. During the smoke test, there wasn’t any visible smoke, but the smoky flavor produced was surprisingly present in the food. And when you’re finished grilling, the individual components can be removed from the grill for easy cleaning, though the heat shield is tricky to remove when greasy. However, we think this is a fantastic grill and a great price point for beginner grilling enthusiasts.

Experts Say“While [pellet grills] seem like they are for grill experts and backyard home cooks with pro-level aspirations, this isn’t the case. The simplicity of use and hardwood fuel makes it easy for even the most novice grilling enthusiast to produce well-cooked food with the smoky flavor everyone loves.” -Joe Downey, senior merchant of grills at The Home Depot.

Experts Say

“While [pellet grills] seem like they are for grill experts and backyard home cooks with pro-level aspirations, this isn’t the case. The simplicity of use and hardwood fuel makes it easy for even the most novice grilling enthusiast to produce well-cooked food with the smoky flavor everyone loves.” -Joe Downey, senior merchant of grills at The Home Depot.

Dimensions:55 x 49 x 27 inches|Weight:150 pounds |Cooking Space:780 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:78–500°F

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best for BakingOklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet GrillPHOTO: Amazon$774 at Amazon$340 at Walmart$449 at Home Depot

Best for BakingOklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill

Best for Baking

Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600 Pellet Grill

$774 at Amazon$340 at Walmart$449 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesLarge cooking space of 717 square inchesWe did not observe any distinguishable hot spots during testingIntuitive control panel guides users through each settingSpacious hopper means you won’t need to frequently refill the pelletsQuick-empty system makes removing used pellets easyRed FlagsCumbersome to move because its two wheels don’t rotateDifficult assembly (hardware was easily stripped and smoke stack cover broke)Struggled to sear steaks, so it would be better for grilling and baking

Star QualitiesLarge cooking space of 717 square inchesWe did not observe any distinguishable hot spots during testingIntuitive control panel guides users through each settingSpacious hopper means you won’t need to frequently refill the pelletsQuick-empty system makes removing used pellets easy

Large cooking space of 717 square inches

We did not observe any distinguishable hot spots during testing

Intuitive control panel guides users through each setting

Spacious hopper means you won’t need to frequently refill the pellets

Quick-empty system makes removing used pellets easy

Red FlagsCumbersome to move because its two wheels don’t rotateDifficult assembly (hardware was easily stripped and smoke stack cover broke)Struggled to sear steaks, so it would be better for grilling and baking

Cumbersome to move because its two wheels don’t rotate

Difficult assembly (hardware was easily stripped and smoke stack cover broke)

Struggled to sear steaks, so it would be better for grilling and baking

If you prefer a nice baked chicken over a seared steak, this is the grill for you. While the assembly was a challenge — brittle hardware that stripped easily and a smoke stack cover that broke away — we loved the intuitive control panel that guided the user through multiple options. It took around 15 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 517 degrees Fahrenheit and retained a temperature just under the set amount. We thought it unique that instead of a control with specific temperature settings, this model operates with three settings: low, medium, and high.

Dimensions:35.5 x 47.9 x 38.9 inches|Weight:149.9 pounds |Cooking Space:617 square inches |Hopper Capacity:20 pounds |Temperature Range:89–517°F

Best SmartLouisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series GrillPHOTO: BBQ Guys$1,100 at Amazon$1,100 at Walmart$967 at WayfairStar QualitiesLarge capacity with 1,028 square inches of grilling areaHigh maximum temperature of 500 degrees, which provides a good searProvided a smoky flavor to chicken wingsRed FlagsHot spot on grill can lead to uneven cookingMany of today’s best pellet grills offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and our top recommendation for a smart pellet grill is the Louisiana Grills Black Label. Not only does this grill have a spacious 1,028-square-inch grilling area (second-largest in size, behind ourYoderpick), but its smart features enhance the overall ease of use, making the grilling experience essentially hands-free. You can connect the grill to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the app allows you to monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature remotely.During our testing, the Louisiana Grills Black Label delivered a smoky flavor when we cooked chicken wings and yielded a well-seared steak, thanks to its high maximum temperature. The pork butt also came out with a lovely aroma and moderate smoky flavor. However, we did find that the left side of the grill is often noticeably hotter than the right side, which can lead to uneven cooking if you’re not careful about where you place your food.Dimensions:50 x 33.5 x 45.9 inches|Weight:186 pounds |Cooking Space:1,028 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:180–600°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best SmartLouisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series GrillPHOTO: BBQ Guys$1,100 at Amazon$1,100 at Walmart$967 at Wayfair

Best SmartLouisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill

Best Smart

Louisiana Grills 1000 Black Label Series Grill

PHOTO: BBQ Guys

$1,100 at Amazon$1,100 at Walmart$967 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesLarge capacity with 1,028 square inches of grilling areaHigh maximum temperature of 500 degrees, which provides a good searProvided a smoky flavor to chicken wingsRed FlagsHot spot on grill can lead to uneven cooking

Star QualitiesLarge capacity with 1,028 square inches of grilling areaHigh maximum temperature of 500 degrees, which provides a good searProvided a smoky flavor to chicken wings

Large capacity with 1,028 square inches of grilling area

High maximum temperature of 500 degrees, which provides a good sear

Provided a smoky flavor to chicken wings

Red FlagsHot spot on grill can lead to uneven cooking

Hot spot on grill can lead to uneven cooking

Many of today’s best pellet grills offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and our top recommendation for a smart pellet grill is the Louisiana Grills Black Label. Not only does this grill have a spacious 1,028-square-inch grilling area (second-largest in size, behind ourYoderpick), but its smart features enhance the overall ease of use, making the grilling experience essentially hands-free. You can connect the grill to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the app allows you to monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature remotely.

During our testing, the Louisiana Grills Black Label delivered a smoky flavor when we cooked chicken wings and yielded a well-seared steak, thanks to its high maximum temperature. The pork butt also came out with a lovely aroma and moderate smoky flavor. However, we did find that the left side of the grill is often noticeably hotter than the right side, which can lead to uneven cooking if you’re not careful about where you place your food.

Dimensions:50 x 33.5 x 45.9 inches|Weight:186 pounds |Cooking Space:1,028 square inches |Hopper Capacity:18 pounds |Temperature Range:180–600°F

Easiest AssemblyTraeger Ironwood 885PHOTO: Amazon$1,500$1,300 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.comView on Acmetools.comStar QualitiesConsistent temperature and heat retention mean it does well with searing and bakingExtensive user-control settingLarge cooking space of 885 square inches, so it’s ideal for larger groupsLarge hopper with 20-pellet capacity (and smartphone notifications when it needs a refill!)Red FlagsGave a lighter smoky flavor than others we testedTraeger is one of the top brands when it comes to pellet grills, so it should come as no surprise that they have assembly down to a T. Despite its large size, the Traeger Ironwood 885 was extremely simple to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and minimal components. This grill is ideal for those who like cooking large amounts of food, as it offers 885 square inches of cooking space and a 20-pound pellet hopper that sends smartphone notifications when it’s running low.The Ironwood 885 performed well when searing and baking, providing even, consistent heat across the whole cooking area. However, we noted that the grill performed just average in the smoking test even though it contained a ‘super smoke’ setting — a bit disappointing considering its high price point. The good news, though, is this grill offers granular control over a variety of settings, including the auger speed, built-in temperature probes, and more.Dimensions:53 x 27 x 47 inches|Weight:175 pounds |Cooking Space:885 square inches |Hopper Capacity:20 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°FPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Easiest AssemblyTraeger Ironwood 885PHOTO: Amazon$1,500$1,300 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.comView on Acmetools.com

Easiest AssemblyTraeger Ironwood 885

Easiest Assembly

Traeger Ironwood 885

$1,500$1,300 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.comView on Acmetools.com

Star QualitiesConsistent temperature and heat retention mean it does well with searing and bakingExtensive user-control settingLarge cooking space of 885 square inches, so it’s ideal for larger groupsLarge hopper with 20-pellet capacity (and smartphone notifications when it needs a refill!)Red FlagsGave a lighter smoky flavor than others we tested

Star QualitiesConsistent temperature and heat retention mean it does well with searing and bakingExtensive user-control settingLarge cooking space of 885 square inches, so it’s ideal for larger groupsLarge hopper with 20-pellet capacity (and smartphone notifications when it needs a refill!)

Consistent temperature and heat retention mean it does well with searing and baking

Extensive user-control setting

Large cooking space of 885 square inches, so it’s ideal for larger groups

Large hopper with 20-pellet capacity (and smartphone notifications when it needs a refill!)

Red FlagsGave a lighter smoky flavor than others we tested

Gave a lighter smoky flavor than others we tested

Traeger is one of the top brands when it comes to pellet grills, so it should come as no surprise that they have assembly down to a T. Despite its large size, the Traeger Ironwood 885 was extremely simple to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and minimal components. This grill is ideal for those who like cooking large amounts of food, as it offers 885 square inches of cooking space and a 20-pound pellet hopper that sends smartphone notifications when it’s running low.

The Ironwood 885 performed well when searing and baking, providing even, consistent heat across the whole cooking area. However, we noted that the grill performed just average in the smoking test even though it contained a ‘super smoke’ setting — a bit disappointing considering its high price point. The good news, though, is this grill offers granular control over a variety of settings, including the auger speed, built-in temperature probes, and more.

Dimensions:53 x 27 x 47 inches|Weight:175 pounds |Cooking Space:885 square inches |Hopper Capacity:20 pounds |Temperature Range:165–500°F

Unsure if a pellet grill is right for you? We’vetested dozens of grills— charcoal, gas, pellet, and portable options — to find the top choices for your summer cookout. No matter what features you’re in the market for, these models deliver grillmaster-level performance.

Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Amazon

$449 at Amazon$505 at Monumentgrills.com

Of the13 gas grills our team tested, this affordable pick came out on top thanks to its high-quality construction and five-star performance. This grill is the perfect size for summer barbecues, whether you’re cooking for your family or the whole neighborhood.

Everdure Cube Portable Grill

$200 at Amazon$199 at Bbqguys.com$200 at Food52

Looking to bring a portable grill along to your next camping adventure or picnic? The Everdure portable grill was one of the beston-the-go charcoal grills we tested, and its affordable cost makes it a no-brainer for barbecue enthusiasts.

People / Russell Kilgore

What to Know About Pellet Grills

Cooking Area

As you look at these numbers, you’ll want to note whether the pellet grill’s cooking area is one main grate or multiple racks. If it’s the latter, keep in mind that raised racks aren’t exposed to the same heat as the main grate, so they’re not ideal for high-heat cooking.

Temperature Range

It’s also beneficial to look at the temperature increments that the grill offers. Some pellet grills, such as theRecteq 590, allow you to change the temperature in 5-degree increments, while others jump 25 degrees or more between settings, giving you less control over your grill.

Hopper Size

All pellet grills have a hopper that feeds wood pellets into the grill to be burned. However, hoppers can vary in size — models like thePit Boss BP440D2hold just 5 pounds of pellets at a time, while theRecteq 590can hold a whopping 30 pounds of wood pellets. When a pellet grill has a larger hopper, it won’t need to be refilled with pellets for a longer period of time. This is useful if you’re planning long smoking sessions, such as cooking brisket.

For the best deals on pellet grills, shop during holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many retailers will also mark gown grills as summer winds down, since grills tend to be a seasonal summer product. After Labor Day, many retailers want to clear out inventory to make room for next year’s models, allowing you to score great deals.Image

Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill.People / Will Dickey

The PEOPLE Tested team did a whole lot of grilling, smoking, and baking to find the best pellet grills for your backyard. In addition to considering expert picks, we conducted firsthand testing on a total of 26 different grills, putting each model through the paces to evaluate its ease of use, consistency, features, and more.

In the end, the winner was theYoder Smokers YS640, which earned 4.6 out of 5 stars. TheTraeger Timberlineactually earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5, but given its sky-high price tag, we opted to list it as an investment-worthy pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pellet grills can range significantly in price, with small, basic models retailing for as low as $300 and high-end options costing $3,000 or more. If you’re looking for a starter pellet grill, our budget pick, thePit Boss PB440D2,at the lower end of the price range, is a great option, while theTraeger Timberline Wood Pellet Grillis an excellent investment if you plan to do a lot of grilling for large numbers of people. In general, a good quality pellet grill with a decent temperature range and feature set will likely cost between $800 to $1,000.

When cooking with a pellet grill, you can use various types of wood pellets to impart different flavors into your food. Some of the most popular options include apple, which is ideal for pork and poultry, and hickory, which is a go-to for barbecue. However, other wood pellet flavors include cherry, mesquite, maple, and pecan.

Madison Yaugeris a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. She has used her expertise to share thebest grills (all types),best Yeti products(including coolers and tumblers), and more.Camryn Rabideauhas been a professional product tester since 2016, and she’s written extensively about all types of home appliances, including grills. To determine the best pellet grills of 2024, they used firsthand insights from PEOPLE lab tests while writing this piece, and also spoke with Bill Hazel, chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill.

Our Expert PanelBill Hazelis the chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill.Joe Downeyis the senior merchant of grills and fire at The Home Depot.

Our Expert Panel

Bill Hazelis the chef and owner of BBQ food truck Bill’s Grill.Joe Downeyis the senior merchant of grills and fire at The Home Depot.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com