The pellet smoker is a versatile, unsophisticated cooker that makes it a decent and tempting choice over the old-fashioned pitmasters. It offers a much easier way of achieving excellent BBQ results.
This new innovative means of grilling delivers unbeatable efficiency and serviceability compared to the conventional charcoal or gas grill. This machine features heavy-duty construction and performance excellently as the regular smoker. Plus, it offers an endless amount of possibilities.
Well, this might sound interesting and seem like something you just can’t wait to have. Sadly, there are hundreds of products flooding the market claiming to be the right one. This makes the decision process overwhelming and a daunting task.
Luckily, we have carefully handpicked the top 12 best pellet smokers and included a detailed buying guide to ensure you make a smart decision.
Table of Contents
Review of the Best Pellet Grill/Smoker for 2021 – Top 12 Products of the Year
#1. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill
Over the years, the Z Grills has been a go-to for high-quality, aesthetically appealing wood pellet grills at a reasonable price. The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is an upgraded version of its predecessors.
This product sports a sturdy thick-gauge steel construction established on a robust cart base. It includes two adjustable feet and all-terrain wheels for easy transport and maneuverability across a cobbled patio or lawn.
What’s more, it comes with a 15lbs wood pellet hopper, which means enough fuel for a long smoking session. It’s great for smoking your racks of ribs or brisket all day. This machine features an auger system to deliver the wood pellets carefully to the internal firepot with incredible precision.
The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill sports an electric ignition system for reliable startups and a small fan to ensure a constant oxygen supply. The smoke and heat waft up to the main cooking chamber, where your food is heated and smoked to your preferred doneness level.
Also, this machine can easily replace up to seven outdoor cooking appliances. It can sear, grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, and BBQ – thanks to its wide temperature ranging from 180 – 450 degrees F.
The manufacturer did not cut corners with the build quality of this pellet grill. The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is built with thick-gauge steel to ensure this smoker stands smoke for a longer period without breaking down with time. More importantly, it features a special heat-rated coat which improves its visual appeal.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
- 452 square inch cooking space
- Wide temperature range
- Up to seven cooking functions
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- Not suitable for a very large family
#2. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill w/New PID Gen 2 Digital Controller
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is equipped with a hopper cleanout system, ashcan, and Gen 2 PID controller. Plus, it features an auto electronic ignition to offer reliable startup. This machine offers an overall rack smoking area of 570 sq. in.
More so, it has an 18 lbs hopper capacity and a 3,778 Cu. in. chamber capacity for long uninterrupted grill season. With its wide temperature range from 160 – 500 degrees F, this beast allows you to do more than smoke your food. Plus, its temperature control system is user-friendly, which makes setting the temperature hassle-free.
On top of that, this appliance features a built-in cool-down mode to adjust the smoking temperature if the food is left on the pellet smoker for a longer period. Another feature to like about Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is the dual LED temperature readout system to allow users to read the internal food and internal cooking temperature with ease.
This brilliant pellet smoker is equipped with stainless steel probes for measuring the internal temperature of your food. Additionally, it sports a built-in sensor gauge to monitor the cooking temperature and a dial system to choose your cooking modes and temperature.
That’s not all: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill features a patented ash cleanout system to collect the ash for convenient cleanup. Like our top choice for the best pellet smoker, it rocks an automatic auger dispenser pellet to feed the combustion chamber for unbeatable efficiency and performance.
Even better, this equipment is backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty to protect your investment and assure you of a high-quality, top-performing pellet grill.
Pros:
- Auto electronic ignition
- Gen 2 PID controller
- Three-year warranty
- Easy to clean
- 18lbs hopper capacity for long hours of smoking
Cons:
- Tend to rust if kept outdoors
- Removing the excess pellets can be challenging
#3. Traeger Grills TFB89BLFC Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
If you want a pellet smoker to handle your outdoor cookout, especially in cold weather, then you should consider the Traeger Grills TFB89BLFC Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. This machine has double side-wall insulation to promote higher temperature accuracy.
Further, this pellet grill offers up to six cooking functionality including BBQ, roast, braise, bake, smoke, and of course grill.
This equipment features intuitive control, such as the LED display, to easily set and monitor the grill’s temperature. Plus, it’s WiFIRE-enabled to allow you to set the timer, alert, and control the cooking temperature. With the Alexa technology, users can easily command these functions.
That’s not all: Traeger Grills TFB89BLFC comes with a large 885 sq in of cooking space, which is plenty enough to accommodate seven racks of ribs or ten chicken. Even better, it has a built-in sensor to notify users when the grill is low on pellets.
More so, it’s equipped with a PID controller to alter the fan’s speed for a precise smoke level and temperature range. Also, the manufacturer included a meat probe to monitor the internal temperature of your food easily.
Traeger Grills TFB89BLFC offers exceptional smoke at lower temperatures below 175 degrees F, courtesy of the D2 controller. This mode allows you to create smoke rings on briskets, ribs, or roast with ease.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 cooking options
- Massive 885 square inches of cooking space
- Double side-wall insulation for better heat retention
- User intuitive controls
- WiFIRE technology & Alexa enabled
Cons:
- On the pricey side
#4. PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill
Another spot, another low-priced pellet smoker with lots of handy features. PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill comes with a large 700 sq in cooking space to cook for a large group of people and offers a wide temperature range from 180 – 500 degrees F. This unit sports a sliding patented Flame Broiler plate to offer both indirect and direct heat as well as eight cooking options.
This unit is perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners looking to smoke and cook just about anything from grill vegetables to burgers, char-broil and sear steaks, bake pizza to biscuits, and more.
The Flame Broiler is equipped with a burning system that’s digitally controlled for easy temperature settings. This grill uses the fan-forced air system and automatic electronic auto-start mechanism to keep the temperature at the set temperature for perfect results. The auger allows you to do other things, as it feeds the pellets into the combustion chamber automatically.
The PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill offers a top-tier cooking process without using charcoal, propane, or gas. Impressively, this equipment comes with a 21 lbs hopper capacity for an extended smoking period and heavy-duty 12 gauge steel construction for extra durability. Also, it’s accompanied by a 5-year limited warranty despite its budget price range, which gives peace of mind with the purchase.
Pros:
- 700 sq. in. total cooking surface.
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grids.
- Digitally controlled burn system.
- Affordable price range
Cons:
- PID controller not included
#5. Grilla Grills Multi-Purpose Smoker and BBQ Wood Pellet Grill
Taking our fourth spot is Grilla Grills Multi-Purpose Smoker and BBQ Wood Pellet Grill with its double-wall insulated barrel to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. The exterior is coated with rigid power, which makes this grill a durable one. This unit comes with a twin storage compartment and stainless steel interior components.
Additionally, the manufacturer added a rugged cover to protect this machine from harsh weather conditions. Also, there’s a ¼-inch stainless steel upper rack extension for extra cooking space.
This best pellet smoker from Grilla Grills provides both Hot ‘n’ Fast Sear and Low ‘n’ Slow Smoke. Like other options on this list, this pellet smoker offers more cooking functions, including smoking, roasting, broiling, baking, searing, and grilling.
Furthermore, it features a dual-mode PID controller to offer smoke production mode and temperature precision mode to cook just about anything. Even better, it’s equipped with 20 lbs hopper capacity and an automated feeding system for a hands-free cooking experience.
Pros:
- Up to 900 sq. in cooking space
- stainless steel construction
- Dual-mode PID controller
- Offers BBQ restaurant-quality wood-fired flavor
Cons:
- A bit of trouble when cooking at a lower temp
#6. Z Grills ZPG-7002B 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Another versatile pellet smoker from Z grills is the ZPG-7002B 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. This product offers up to 8 cooking functions, including grilling, baking, searing, roasting, barbecuing, char-grilling, braising, and smoking.
This smart grill features a built-in temperature system that controls and maintains the set cooking temperature. It features stainless steel construction for enhanced strength and durability. This model has a whopping 700 sq in of cooking space. However, it comes in a long but narrow shape, which might not sit well with you.
Z Grills ZPG-7002B features an automated feed system tailored with a top-tier temperature control system to deliver better cooking performance. Its auger system has an automatic feeding mechanism that helps maintain the heat and deliver ultimate smoke exposure. This equipment includes a 20lbs hopper capacity to hold enough pellets for a very long smoking session.
Its wide temperature range from 180 – 450 degrees F offers endless possibilities. More importantly, it has a unique waste oil collector, which makes cleanup a breeze. The manufacturer backs this beast with a 30-day money-back option and a three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- 180 to 450 degrees F temperature range
- 8-in-1 cooking function
- Three-year warranty and 30-days money-back/replacement option
- Built-in temperature control
Cons:
- The construction seems flimsy
#7. Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker has a large cooking space of 884 sq inches to hold up to 7 rib racks and 40 burgers. Another feature of this grill is its digital controller, which offers a “Set & Forget” function by just turning the dial to the preferred temperature.
This model includes a non-stick porcelain grill grate for effortless food release and snappy cleanup. Also, it has an 18lb hopper capacity that should hold enough pellets for a long smoking period without refilling.
Pros:
- Digital Pro Controller for precise temp control
- 6-in-1 versatility
- 884 sq. in. cooking capacity
- Sturdy & durable construction
Cons:
- Issues with the electronic igniter
#8. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric WiFi Control Foldable Portable Wood Pellet
The Green Mountain Davy Crocket Wood Pellet Smoker is the best portable pellet grill out there, with several excellent features large models don’t offer. This unit maintains a temperature within 5 degrees of the set cooking temperature for amazing outcomes.
As said earlier, this grill comes in a portable structure that allows it to fit into your RV or car for an on-the-go grilling experience. It has sturdy, well-crafted legs that fold up effortlessly for easy storage.
What we love most about this affordable equipment is its WiFi capability, which makes monitoring whatever you’re cooking easier. Besides, you don’t have to babysit the grill, and you can control the cooking process from your smart devices. More so, Green Mountain Davy Crocket Wood Pellet Smoker features an advanced touchpad controller coupled with a built-in meat thermometer to monitor the internal food temperature easily.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Broad temperature range
- Highly portable
- WiFi connectivity
- Affordable price range
Cons:
- Only perfect for small BBQ production
#9. Broil King 496051 Regal 500 Pellet Grill
Another ultimate grilling machine designed to deliver incredible performance is the Broil King 496051 Regal 500 Pellet Grill. This model allows you to sear a steak at extreme temperature and low ‘n’ slow smoking.
With its digital display and control, users can easily set the cooking temperature at 225 degrees F for smoking, 350 degrees F for roasting, and 600 degrees F for searing steaks. Like the Green Mountain Davy Crocket Wood Pellet Smoker, this machine is Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled to allow users to control the cooking process using their smartphones.
More so, this product sports two temperature probes, an integrated timer, and three quick-set temperature modes – Grill, Roast, and Smoke. Furthermore, it’s easier to clean and run. This model comes with a large 22lb hopper capacity, which should be more than enough for a long smoking session.
On top of that, there’s a hidden grease tray and ash collector to make cleaning this unit a breeze. The manufacturer stands by this product by offering a 5-year warranty for the body and a 2-year warranty for the remaining parts, which boosts our confidence in this grilling machine.
Pros:
- WiFi & Bluetooth enabled
- A large steel pellet hopper
- Smart-Touch temperature buttons
- integrated grease tray for smart cleanup
Cons:
- Poor quality control;
#10. Z GRILLS ZPG-6002B 2020 New Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
If you want a versatile pellet smoker, you can’t simply go wrong purchasing this model. This grilling machine offers eight cooking functions, including braise, BBQ, roast, bake, smoke, and grill.
Even better, the Z GRILLS ZPG-6002B can achieve a higher temperature up to 1000 degrees F, which allows you to sear steaks. More so, it maintains a heat level within 10 degrees of your preferred temperature for excellent results.
What’s more: it comes with a 20 lb hopper capacity to offer up to 20 hours of smoke time. Easy to start and run thanks to its electronic auto-start ignition system and digital auto temperature control. In addition, it features a LED temperature readout, which makes it super easy to use, especially for beginners.
Pros:
- Easy to use and clean
- Automated electric feed system
- Maintains steady temperature
- Includes cart with locking caster wheels.
Cons:
- The cover doesn’t come free
#11. Weber 23510201 SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill
The Weber 23510201 SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill comes with an exclusive hassle-free clean system to trap the grease and ash in a removable drawer for convenient cleanup.
This model features the brand’s porcelain-enameled finish to ensure this model stands up to even the harshest of elements without cracking and rusting over time. This finish is also responsible for this grill’s high heat retention, which keeps the heat level precise throughout the cooking cycle.
On top of that, this best pellet smoker from Weber features an easy-to-read, weather-resistant LCD display to show the cooking temperature and time for proper grilling assistance.
Pros:
- large capacity hopper
- Flavorizer bars d for direct, more consistent heat
- Tough, durable construction
- Integrated Weber Connect Smart grilling technology.
Cons:
- Issues using the Weber remote function
#12. Traeger TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Grill
This ultimate grilling machine offers a cheaper way to achieve an authentic wood-fired taste with great temperature precision. The Traeger TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Grill features the WiFIRE technology, which allows you to control the grill using the Traeger app on your smart devices. Plus, it sports Alexa technology to use voice commands.
Similarly, this unit offers up to six cooking functions: BBQ, braise, roast, bake, smoke, and grill – all on the same grill. Courtesy of the porcelain enamel finish, this machine is easy to clean.
This versatile pellet grill is equipped with a D2 drivetrain for reliable and quick startup, faster heat up, and high-quality smoke. This unit offers 575 sq in of cooking space to accommodate up to 24 burgers, four chickens, or five racks of ribs effortlessly. Also, it has an integrated meat probe to cook to juicy perfection.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 Versatility
- 575 Square Inches grilling space
- WiFIRE Controller and Alexa enabled
- D2 Direct Drive for more flavor and power
Cons:
- Durability concerns
How to Shop for the Best Pellet Grill/Smoker
Grilling Surface Area
The best pellet smoker should offer a cooking space from 300 to about 1,300 square inches. Keep in mind that the larger the cooking space, the large the pellet smoker, and the higher the price.
However, the cooking space to opt for should be influenced by the number of people you intend to cook for or how much food you want to prepare in a cycle. A small-sized grilling machine that offers less than 570 square inches of cooking space may cause you to cook more BBQ sessions.
But with a large cooking space of more than 600 square inches, you can easily cook for a large group of people. Also, a large grilling area requires more pellets for effective results.
Durability
It’s best to choose a pellet smoker that’s made of stainless steel and features a powder-coated finish. A model with high quality, sturdy construction tends to last longer. Plus, it should be weather-proof and rust-resistant.
Also, you want to consider pellet smokers with a drip pan, a firebox, and porcelain-enameled grates. Products with marine-grade 304 stainless steel construction will offer ultimate durability.
Feed Mechanism
The best pellet grills should deliver the pellets into an auger tube before finally combusting in the combustion chamber. The better the delivery system, the better the heat levels.
When purchasing one of these machines, you should avoid going for a model with the auger tube’s tip very close to the combustion chamber, especially for an electrical-powered model to forestall any fire accident. In addition, wide-size augers are a better choice, as they are less likely to jam. Plus, a large hopper capacity ensures you can smoke for a longer period without refilling the hopper.
Temperature Controls
Pellet smokers are digitally-controlled to make it easier to grill and control the temperature for perfect outcomes. Some models offer a Set ‘n’ Forget cooking experience, which means you don’t have to babysit the grill.
However, there are three types of controllers:
- Non-PID Controllers: this controller lets you customize the grill temperature in 5 – 10 degrees F intervals; they are equipped with an extra one-touch button, LED displays, and meat probes.
- PID Controllers: they are best suited for auto-pilot smoking. These controllers sport sophisticated algorithms to help maintain the cooking temperature within the set temperature range.
- Three-position Controllers: these offer three heat modes: low at 225 degrees F, medium at 325 degrees F, and high at 425 degrees F. At specific intervals, the augers feed the combustion chamber automatically to maintain the chosen heat setting. The three-position controllers are often found in a low-priced pellet smoker.
In our experience, the PID controller is your best pick, as they show the internal cooking temperature and keep the heat level about a 50 degrees F range of the set temperature. Even better, there are some models with PID controllers featuring WiFi connectivity, which makes them more convenient to use.
Nonetheless, pellet smokers with plug-in meat probes allow users to read the food’s internal temperature without any hassle on the LED display.
Temperature
The best pellet smokers offer a broad temp range: 180 – 500 degrees F. Thus, users can bake, grill, smoke, BBQ, and even sear with these models.
For people looking to smoke low & slow, you should consider a grilling machine with a temperature range of 180 – 400 degrees F. But for searing or hot smoking, you need grills that offer higher temperatures from 500 – 700 degrees F.
Extra Features
High-end grills are equipped with several excellent extra features to make grilling convenient and fun. Here are some of the features to check out before splurging on a pellet smoker
- WiFi Connectivity: some pellet smokers feature WiFi connectivity to control the machine from a distance using their smartphones.
- Sear Box: this extra accessory allows you to char-grill and hot smoke your food.
- Integrated lighting: These additional features come in handy when cooking in low-light outdoor conditions.
- Multi-level Cooking Racks: this rack system lets users cook different sorts of food at a go and at different temperatures.
- Portability: not all pellets smokers feature a compact and foldable design. So, you should consider models with foldable legs and a portable design for secure storage and easy transport.
Price
When it comes to pellet smokers, you don’t want to settle for the most expensive products. These high-end smokers might come with lots of features that won’t come in handy. Likewise, a cheaper machine is flimsy and features only basic functions. In short, you should settle for a well-built, durable, and reasonably priced pellet smoker.
How to Choose a Pellet Grill Smoker
Conclusion
All in all, we have reviewed the top 12 best pellet smokers. Now, it’s your turn to make a choice from our list. However, if you are still on the fence, you should consider our top choice, Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill. It’s easy to use, durable, affordable and offers versatile cooking functions.
Nonetheless, whichever pellet smoker you settle for, we’re confident that the grilling machine will serve your purpose for many years.
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