When choosing the best pellet smoker, consider the size of the cooking area, the features it offers, and the overall build quality. Additionally, make sure to choose a pellet smoker that is easy to clean and maintain.
Contents
- Quick Picks of Top 5 Best Pellet Smokers of 2024
- 1. Traeger Grills Pro Series 780
- 2. PIT BOSS PB700FB1 Pellet Grill
- 3. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wood Pellet Grill
- 4. Z Grills 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill
- 5. Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen)
- How do pellet smokers work?
- Who pellet smokers are best suited for?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Pellet smokers are a great way to achieve that authentic smoky flavor in your meats and other dishes. Here are some of the best pellet smokers of 2024:
Quick Picks of Top 5 Best Pellet Smokers of 2024
| Product | Main material | Weight | Fuel Type | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 | Stainless Steel | 146 Lb. | Wood Pellet | 55x49x27 in | See on Amazon |
| PIT BOSS PB700FB1 | Steel | 124.7 Lb. | Wood Pellet | 43x28x47 in | See on Amazon |
| Green Mountain Pellet Grill | Steel | 57.3 Lb. | Wood | 29.92×14.96x 21.65 in | See on Amazon |
| Z Grills 700D4E | Stainless Steel | 144 Lb. | Wood | 48x22x51 in | See on Amazon |
| Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) | Stainless steel | 204 Lb. | Wood Pellet | 30.3×55.5×31.3 in | See on Amazon |
As you narrow down your selection of the available Pellet Smokers of 2024, you want to make sure you align your top picks with the above-tabulated criteria. The criteria are meant to help you clarify your needs or goals with ease as you determine which smoker best suits you.
The following review of the top 5 picks digs into the details of each criterion while highlighting other product features that may hint at enhanced product functionality.
The Best Pellet Smokers to Upgrade Your Home
1. Traeger Grills Pro Series 780
This pellet smoker is packed with features, including a WiFi-enabled control system, a meat probe, and a
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 is a top-of-the-line pellet smoker that offers a range of features for the ultimate smoking experience.
One of the standout features of this smoker is its WiFi-enabled control system, which allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can easily check on your food while you’re away from the grill, and make adjustments as needed.
The Pro Series 780 also has a large cooking area, with a total of 780 square inches of cooking space. This makes it great for large gatherings and allows you to smoke multiple items at once. Additionally, the pellet hopper can hold up to 18 pounds of pellets, so you can smoke for hours without needing to refill.
The built-in meat probe is another convenient feature of this smoker. The probe allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your meats without having to open the smoker, which can help you achieve perfect results every time.
The overall build quality of the Pro Series 780 is impressive, with heavy-duty construction and durable materials that are designed to last. Cleanup is also made easy with the ash cleanout system, which makes it simple to remove any leftover ash or debris.
In conclusion, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 is a high-end pellet smoker that offers a range of features for the ultimate smoking experience. Its WiFi-enabled control system, large cooking area, built-in meat probe, and ash cleanout system make this smoker a great choice for anyone looking to achieve professional-quality results at home.
Pros:
- The WiFi-enabled control system allows for remote monitoring and temperature adjustments;
- Large cooking area provides 780 square inches of cooking space;
- Pellet hopper can hold up to 18 pounds of pellets;
- Built-in meat probe for monitoring internal temperature of meats;
- Ash cleanout system for easy cleanup;
- Heavy-duty construction and durable materials for long-lasting use.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other pellet smokers on the market;
- WiFi connection can be spotty and may require frequent reconnection;
- Some users have reported issues with the control panel and temperature accuracy;
- The ash cleanout system can be difficult to use for some.
2. PIT BOSS PB700FB1 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss PB700FB1 is a wood pellet grill with a 700 square inch cooking surface, making it suitable for large groups or parties. It has a digital control panel that allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings. The grill also features a flame broiler for added versatility in cooking. Overall it’s received positive reviews for its large cooking space, easy-to-use controls, and consistent cooking results. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality pellet grill at an affordable price point.
This model has a sturdy, durable design made of heavy-duty steel and double-walled construction. The cooking grates are made of porcelain-coated cast iron, which provides even heat distribution and is easy to clean. The grill also features a flame broiler that allows for direct and indirect cooking methods, as well as a side shelf for added prep and storage space. The hopper has a large capacity of 18 pounds of pellets, which allows for long cooking sessions without the need to constantly refill. Additionally, the grill has four wheels, which makes it easy to move around. Overall, the design and materials used in the Pit Boss PB700FB1 are built to last and provide a high-quality grilling experience.
Pros:
- Large cooking space: With a 700 square-inch cooking surface, this grill is suitable for large groups or parties.
- Easy-to-use controls: The digital control panel allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings.
- Consistent cooking results: The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution and the flame broiler allows for added versatility in cooking methods.
- Affordable price point: The Pit Boss PB700FB1 is a high-quality pellet grill that is priced competitively compared to other options on the market.
- Sturdy and durable design: The heavy-duty steel and double-walled construction ensures that the grill is built to last.
Cons:
- Assembly required: Some reviewers have reported that the grill is difficult to assemble and may require multiple people to put it together.
- Limited temperature range: The grill has a temperature range of 180-500F, which may not be sufficient for some cooking methods.
- Pellet consumption: Some users have reported that the grill consumes pellets at a faster rate than other pellet grills on the market.
- Temperature fluctuation: Some reviewers have reported that the grill can have temperature fluctuations, which can affect cooking results.
3. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wood Pellet Grill
The Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wi-Fi Control Foldable Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill is a portable, versatile grill that is perfect for tailgating, camping, and small outdoor spaces. It is small and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and set up. The grill uses wood pellets as fuel and has a digital control panel that allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings.
The grill features a Sense Mate thermal sensor, which continually monitors grill temperature, and adjusts the auger feed rate to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. The grill also has WiFi capabilities, which allows you to monitor and control the grill remotely using the Green Mountain Grills app on your smartphone or tablet.
The grill has a small cooking surface of around 165 square inches, which is enough to cook for 2 to 4 people at a time. With a hopper capacity of 9 pounds, which can last for around 6 hours of cooking. The grill is also designed to be very easy to clean, with a grease management system that makes it easy to clean the grease out of the grill.
Overall, the Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wi-Fi Control Foldable Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill is a great option for those looking for a portable, versatile grill that is easy to transport and set up. The WiFi capabilities and Sense Mate thermal sensor make it easy to monitor and control the grill, while the small size and foldable design make it perfect for tailgating, camping, and small outdoor spaces.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to transport: The grill is small and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and set up.
- Digital control panel: The grill has a digital control panel that allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings.
- Sense Mate thermal sensor: The grill features a Sense Mate thermal sensor, which continually monitors grill temperature and adjusts the auger feed rate to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
- WiFi capabilities: The grill has WiFi capabilities, which allows you to monitor and control the grill remotely using the Green Mountain Grills app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Easy to clean: The grill is designed to be very easy to clean, with a grease management system that makes it easy to clean the grease out of the grill.
Cons:
- Small cooking surface: The grill has a small cooking surface of around 165 square inches, which may not be sufficient for some people.
- Limited temperature range: The grill temperature range is between 150 to 550F, which may not be sufficient for some cooking methods.
- Pellet consumption: Some users have reported that the grill consumes pellets at a faster rate than other pellet grills on the market.
- Battery life: The battery life of the grill is limited, which means you need to keep an extra battery or a power bank to avoid running out of power.
4. Z Grills 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill
The Z Grills 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill is a high-performance pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options for both novice and experienced grillers. It has a cooking surface of 700 square inches which is large enough to cook for a big group of people or for multiple dishes at a time. The grill uses wood pellets as fuel and has a digital control panel that allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings. The temperature range is between 180-450F which allows the user to smoke, grill, roast, braise, bake and even char-grill their food.
The grill features a built-in meat probe thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature of your food without opening the grill lid, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature and cooking results. The pellet hopper has a capacity of 20 pounds, which allows for long cooking sessions without the need to constantly refill.
The grill is designed with double-walled insulation that helps to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce pellet consumption, the hopper lid and the cooking chamber are both sealed tightly to prevent heat and smoke from escaping. Additionally, the grill is made of heavy-duty steel which ensures that the grill is built to last.
Overall, the Z Grills 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill is a great option for those looking for a high-performance pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options. The large cooking surface, easy-to-use controls, built-in meat probe thermometer, and durable construction make this grill a great choice for both novice and experienced grillers.
Pros:
- Large cooking space: With a 700 square inch cooking surface, this grill is suitable for large groups or parties.
- Easy-to-use controls: The digital control panel allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings.
- Meat probe thermometer: The built-in meat probe thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of your food without opening the grill lid, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature and cooking results.
- Large hopper capacity: The grill has a hopper capacity of 20 pounds, which allows for long cooking sessions without the need to constantly refill.
- Double-walled insulation: The grill is designed with double-walled insulation that helps to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce pellet consumption.
Cons:
- Assembly required: Some reviewers have reported that the grill is difficult to assemble and may require multiple people to put together.
- Limited temperature range: The grill temperature range is between 180-450F, which may not be sufficient for some cooking methods.
Overall, the Z Grills 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill is a great option for those looking for a high-performance pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options. However, it’s important to take into consideration the assembly and limited temperature range before making a decision.
5. Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen)
The Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) is a high-end wood pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options for both novice and experienced grillers. It has a cooking surface of 624 square inches, which is large enough to cook for a big group of people or for multiple dishes at a time. The grill uses wood pellets as fuel and has a digital control panel that allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings. The temperature range is between 180-550F, which allows the user to smoke, grill, roast, braise, bake, and even char-grill their food.
The grill features Weber’s exclusive Fuel Injection System which allows you to precisely control the temperature, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature and cooking results. The pellet hopper has a capacity of 18 pounds, which allows for long cooking sessions without the need to constantly refill.
The grill is designed with a double-walled insulation that helps to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce pellet consumption, the hopper lid and the cooking chamber are both sealed tightly to prevent heat and smoke from escaping. Additionally, the grill is made of heavy-duty steel which ensures that the grill is built to last.
The SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) also has a WiFi capabilities, which allows you to monitor and control the grill remotely using the Weber Connect app on your smartphone or tablet. This app allows you to track the progress of your food, monitor the temperature of your grill, and receive notifications when your food is ready.
Overall, the Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) is a great option for those looking for a high-end wood pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options. The large cooking surface, easy-to-use controls, built-in meat probe thermometer, and durable construction make this grill a great choice for both novice and experienced grillers.
Pros:
- Large cooking space: With a 624 square inch cooking surface, this grill is suitable for large groups or parties.
- Easy-to-use controls: The digital control panel allows for easy temperature control and cooking settings.
- Fuel Injection System: Weber’s exclusive Fuel Injection System allows you to precisely control the temperature, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature and cooking results.
- Large hopper capacity: The grill has a hopper capacity of 18 pounds, which allows for long cooking sessions without the need to constantly refill.
- WiFi capabilities: The grill has WiFi capabilities, which allows you to monitor and control the grill remotely using the Weber Connect app.
Cons:
- Assembly required: Some reviewers have reported that the grill is difficult to assemble and may require multiple people to put together.
- Expensive: The Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) is a high-end wood pellet grill and can be expensive for some people.
Overall, the Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) is a great option for those looking for a high-end wood pellet grill that offers a wide range of cooking options. However, it’s important to take into consideration the assembly, the cost and the WiFi capabilities before making a decision.
How do pellet smokers work?
Pellet smokers work by using wood pellets as fuel. The pellets are made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings, and are available in a variety of flavors such as hickory, mesquite, apple, and more. These pellets are stored in a hopper, which is typically located at the bottom of the grill.
When the grill is turned on, an auger, which is a long screw-like mechanism, pushes the pellets from the hopper into the grill’s burn pot, which is located at the bottom of the cooking chamber. The burn pot is where the pellets are ignited, and the heat and smoke are produced.
The grill’s digital control panel allows the user to set the temperature and cooking settings, which then controls the auger, which pushes the pellets into the burn pot. This ensures a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
The heat and smoke produced by the burning pellets are then directed into the cooking chamber, where the food is placed on the cooking grates. The food is then cooked by the indirect heat and smoke, which adds a smoky flavor to the food.
Some pellet grills are also equipped with a flame broiler, which allows for direct and indirect cooking methods, this means that you can also sear, char-grill or grill your food using the flame broiler.
Pellet Consumption
Pellet consumption is the amount of wood pellets that a pellet grill uses per hour of cooking. This can vary depending on a number of factors such as the temperature setting, the size of the grill, and the type of food being cooked. Pellet consumption can also be affected by external factors such as wind and humidity.
In general, pellet consumption can range from 0.5 to 1 pound of pellets per hour for low and slow smoking, to 2 to 3 pounds of pellets per hour for high-temperature grilling. However, it’s important to note that these numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the specific grill and the conditions under which it is being used.
To get a more accurate estimate of your pellet consumption, you can use the “burn test” method. This involves measuring the amount of pellets used during a specified period of time, such as an hour, and then using that information to estimate the amount of pellets needed for a full cook.
It’s also worth noting that some pellet grills have been designed to reduce pellet consumption. Double-walled insulation, for example, helps to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce pellet consumption. Additionally, some grills have a grease management system that makes it easy to clean the grease out of the grill. This can also help to reduce pellet consumption as a dirty grill can consume more pellets to maintain the temperature.
Who pellet smokers are best suited for?
Pellet smokers are best suited for people who are looking for a versatile and convenient cooking option. They are perfect for those who enjoy outdoor cooking and want to add a smoky flavor to their food. They are also great for those who want to achieve the same results as a traditional smoker, but with more convenience and control.
Pellet smokers are ideal for people who want to cook for a large group of people, or for those who want to cook multiple dishes at the same time. They are also great for those who want to have a consistent temperature while cooking and don’t want to have to constantly monitor the temperature of their grill.
Additionally, pellet smokers are great for those who want to have a variety of cooking options, as they can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, braising, baking, and even char-grilling.
FAQs
Pellet grills are outdoor cooking appliances that use wood pellets as fuel. They work by using an auger, which is a long screw-like mechanism, to push the pellets from the hopper into the grill’s burn pot. The burn pot is where the pellets are ignited, and the heat and smoke are produced. The heat and smoke are then directed into the cooking chamber, where the food is placed on the cooking grates. The food is then cooked by indirect heat and smoke, which adds a smoky flavor to the food.
A traditional smoker uses charcoal or wood to produce heat and smoke, while a pellet grill uses wood pellets as fuel. Pellet grills offer more convenience and control than traditional smokers, as they have digital control panels that allow the user to set the temperature and cooking settings. Pellet grills also have a more consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
There are many different types of wood pellets available, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, and more. The type of wood pellets you choose will depend on the flavor you want to achieve. For example, hickory and mesquite pellets will give a stronger smoky flavor, while apple and cherry pellets will provide a sweeter taste.
It’s recommended to clean your pellet grill after every use, or at least every few uses. This includes cleaning the cooking grates, the drip tray
Most pellet grills have a hopper capacity indicator that will let you know when the hopper is running low on pellets. Some grills also have a low-pellet alarm that will sound when the hopper is running low. It’s also a good idea to check the hopper level periodically during long cooking sessions to ensure that you don’t run out of pellets in the middle of cooking.
Yes, you can cook a wide variety of foods on a pellet grill. The indirect heat and smoke produced by the pellets allows you to smoke, grill, roast, braise, bake, and even char-grill your food.
Preheating time can vary depending on the grill and the temperature setting, but generally, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for a pellet grill to preheat.
Yes, you can use a pellet grill in cold weather, but it may take longer for the grill to preheat and for the food to cook. It’s also important to make sure that the grill is protected from the wind and rain to ensure proper functioning.
No, a pellet grill is designed to use wood pellets only. Using other types of wood can damage the grill and may also be dangerous.
It is not recommended to leave a pellet grill unattended while in use. Pellet grills are equipped with safety features, but they should still be monitored to ensure that they are functioning properly and to avoid any potential hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pellet grills are a versatile and convenient outdoor cooking option that uses wood pellets as fuel. They offer a wide range of cooking options and can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, braising, baking, and even char-grilling. They have digital control panels that allow for easy temperature control and cooking settings, and are designed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. They are also equipped with safety features and come with a variety of accessories to make cooking easier. Pellet grills are perfect for those who enjoy outdoor cooking and want to add a smoky flavor to their food, cook for a large group of people, or have a variety of cooking options. However, it’s important to take into consideration the cost, assembly, pellet consumption, and maintenance before making a decision.
