If you are passionate about cooking your meals outdoors, the pellet smokers lets you cook your food without losing its smoky taste. Not your regular charcoal or gas grills, these appliances implement burn wood pellets for fuel. This unique means ensures a constant temperature and smoke level at all times, providing equally cooked meat in every application. Pellet smokers are so adaptable that they can be used not only for grilling, roasting, smoking but even baking.
Having tested and researched several pellet smokers, we list the best blends of features and performance. In this article we will have a closer look at each one of these models and what makes them strength in and weakness. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or are new to grilling, there is something on our list of the Best Pellet Smokers for you.
Best Pellet Smokers
1. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- ULTIMATE 8-IN-1-- Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq; bake; roast;...
- PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY--There isn't an easier way to get wood-smoked...
- COST-EFFECTIVE--20 lbs of pellets provide 20 hrs of cooking time. When you...
We recommend the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking with convenience and flavor.
Using the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A has transformed the way we approach outdoor cooking. The versatility of its 8-in-1 functionality allows us to barbecue, smoke, bake, and even char-grill all from one unit. This adaptability makes it perfect for everything from weekday dinners to weekend gatherings.
The PID controller is a standout feature, ensuring that the grill maintains precise temperatures throughout the cooking process. We particularly appreciate how it performs in varying weather conditions, providing stable heat even when it's chilly outside. The large cooking area of 450 square inches is generous enough to handle meals for our family without any fuss.
While using this grill, we found that the flavor it imparts to food is significantly better than traditional gas grills. The smoky aroma is irresistible, and it adds a depth to our meals that is hard to replicate. Despite the initial hiccups we faced with assembly, we now enjoy the ease of using the digital control board, which allows us to set the perfect cooking temperature with minimal effort.
Pros
Cons
2. Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill
- NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet...
- WIFIRE TECHNOLOGY: WiFIRE technology connects your grill to home WiFi and...
- VERSATILE BARBECUE COOKING: The Pro 575 pellet grill offers 6-in-1...
If you're looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game, this smoker offers a fantastic balance of simplicity and impressive results.
Right from the start, we appreciated the Traeger Pro 575's user-friendly design. Setting it up was straightforward, and the D2® Pro Controller allowed us to set the desired temperature exactly, which is a game changer for achieving perfect results.
The WiFIRE® technology is another standout feature. Being able to control the grill and monitor your meals from your phones brings a new level of convenience. We enjoyed leisurely activities while keeping an eye on the meat, something we found incredibly helpful for long cooks like briskets or pulled pork.
Cleaning up after a cook was easier than we expected, thanks to the porcelain grill grates. It’s a joy to have a grill that requires minimal effort on the maintenance side. The spacious cooking area can handle everything from burgers to whole chickens, making it perfect for our family gatherings.
Pros
Cons
3. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker
If you are looking for both a versatile & reliable pellet smoker then the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker is one that we highly recommend.
The Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker is quite an easy one to use since it involves up to 8 in one and has been updated with an upgraded PID controller. You just set the temperature, and this smoker does all the work for you. Thanks to the pellet grill technology, the cooking results were consistently flavorful.
Built to last with a sturdy steel construction and high temperature powder coat finish, the product presents years of ultimate wood fired grilling experience. Also, the Z GRILLS is a grill manufacturer with over 30 years of experience and its products come with 3 years warranty, which makes it's a reliable product.
While we found that 550 sq in cooking area was enough even for large gatherings, the electric fuel type may not be a good fit for those who like charcoal or gas grills. Another issue is that the assembly process might take too long for some users.
Pros
Cons
4. Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 is a great portable and versatile pellet smoker if you want one.
The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is easy to assemble and the EZ fold legs make it easy to transport and store. Its portable size and stacheable legs allowed us to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, or BBQ just about anywhere we wanted.
One great feature is the Digital Arc Controller which maintains a plus or minus 15 degree F temperature control to keep everything cooking just right. The perfect temperature range to cook the food to perfection, 180 to 450 Fahrenheit was just what we needed.
The Traeger Tailgater 20’s one downside is that the grill is only good for 300 sq inches, which might not keep up with larger gatherings. However, we discover that this is perfect for our small family gatherings. One downside is that the legs are poorly designed according to some reviews, but we didn’t have any issues with them.
Pros
Cons
5. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with PID 2.0 Controller, 700 cooking area, meat probes, rain cover for outdoor BBQ, 7002c ZPG-7002C is your choice if you are searching for a basic capacity with a long term expectation.
The temperature is kept consistent regardless of the external temperature with the PID 2.0 TECHNOLOGY. This feature is really important, especially if you’re cooking in a small space which has different temperatures. The 700 sq grilling space is perfect for home, party and tailgating, also. There’s also the hopper cleanout we like, as it’s easy to remove the hopper and swap in pellet flavours.
There are some downsides to this product, however. Temperature control mounting hardware is not sturdy enough, and so we have a loose temperature control. Since you’re assembling the smoker, it can take a few hours, so be sure to have some time to dedicate to putting it together. Finally, the product box may be tattered, but the content is safe inside.
If you are looking for a pellet smoker with a huge capacity and built to last, Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with PID 2.0 Controller is a buy.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a pellet smoker, you have to consider some factors to ensure the product you are buying suits your needs. Here are some features to look at:
Cooking Area
When it comes to picking a pellet smoker, you have to consider the cooking area. You might want to think about how many people you want to cook for on a regular basis. If you have a big family or entertaining frequently required, a bigger cooking area is essential. However, a smaller cooking area would be enough for a small family or occasional use.
Temperature Range
Another important feature to consider is the temperature range. The best pellet smoker should have a wide temperature range to cook different foods. It is best if it falls within a temperature range of 180°F to 500°F.
Hopper Capacity
The smoker’s hopper capacity is the number of pellets the smoker can store. More convenient is the larger hopper capacity which results in less frequent refills. If you’re going to use the smoker occasionally, a smaller hopper capacity may be enough.
Ease of Use
The best pellet smoker should be easy to use even for new beginners. When searching for a smoker, look for one that has an intuitive control panel, a simple to read display, and simple temperature adjustments.
Durability
One crucial factor to consider when you choose a pellet smoker is the durability. Shop for a smoker that is built sturdy, is made of high quality materials, and offers a solid warranty to ensure it will have years of use.
Additional Features
Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in meat probes and programmable cooking settings add additional bells and whistles, making pellet smoking even easier and more enjoyable.
It would be good to consider these features before you take a decision for a best pellet smoker and which pellet smoker will suit you and offer you the best cooking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of Pit Boss Pellet Grills?
Pit Boss pellet grills are also cheaper than high end brands. They also have a large cooking capacity and feature digital temperature control. But there have been reports of poor build quality and customer service.
What are the benefits of a vertical pellet smoker and which ones are the best?
If you choose the vertical pellet smokers, but do not have much space, you will not have to deal with a large unit, but even then, you will have that ability. Additionally, horizontal models tend to have a more even temperature distribution. Pellet smokers that some of the best vertical smokers on the market include the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, the Pit Boss Vertical Pellet Smoker, and the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050.
What sets Weber Pellet Smokers apart from other brands?
Weber Pellet Smokers are known for their steadfast and precise cooking. Additionally, they also provide a variety of models that feature WiFIRE technology and SmokeBoost. Another reputable brand for a pellet smoker is Weber, known for quality and customer service.
Where can I find unbiased reviews of pellet grills, and what should I look for?
AmazingRibs.com, Consumer Reports, and BBQGuys.com feature reviews of the pellet grills that are unbiased. Whether you are looking for a review on performance of cooking, its build quality or ease of use, there are a number of factors to address when reviewing.
What factors should I consider when choosing a reliable pellet smoker?
A pellet smoker are not always the same and a decision requires thinking about some factors like cooking capacity, temperature range, quality of build and usability. You should also add in any other features, if those are important to you, Wi-Fi connectivity, smoke control for example. In the end, the best pellet smoker for you will be determined by your own needs and preferences.
