Pellet grills are also known as pellet smokers. They are a type of grill that uses wood pellets as a fuel source. The pellet grills are multi-functional; they can smoke, grill, braise, sear, and bake using a PID controller to feed the wood pellets, manage the airflow, and keep consistent cooking temperatures.
Product | Features |
 | Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill
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 | Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill
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 | Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Pellet Grill
|
 | Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker
|
 | Weber Smoke Fire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill
|
 | Camp Chef SmokePro Slide and Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
|
The best pellet grills use food-grade pellets that burn cleanly and add a smoky flavor to the food. The wood pellets have a wide variety, including maple, oak, apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory. Pellet grill manufacturers have integrated smart, innovative features in their grills to make them more remote and easy to use and control.
Best Pellet Grills-Buying Guide
Factors to look for in the best pellet grills
- Maintenance
Maintaining the pellet grill is an important factor that requires special attention. The best pellet grills should be easy to maintain or clean. The right cleaning tools must be provided with the pellet grill to minimize the chances of greasing and rusting. If a pellet grill is maintained effectively, it can last longer. Cleaning the pellet grill after a grilling session should be easy.
2. Thermometer
A thermometer helps you check the food’s temperature and prevents overcooking and burning the food. The best pellet grills have built-in thermometers on the grill to help the users maintain the grill’s heat.
3. Portability
The portability is a huge winning factor for many pellet grills. Since people mostly grill outside their houses in places such as their backyards, lawns, and outdoor places, the best pellet grills need to be portable enough to meet all those standards. Most small to medium pellet grills are portable.
4. Material
The type of material used in making a pellet grill is important as it helps determine its durability and reliability. The best pellet grills are made from stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, or metal.
5. Durability
The best pellet grills are supposed to be durable and survive any weather conditions they are exposed to. The durability and life of the pellet grill should be long-lasting. Most pellet grills last for 6-10 years or longer if they are well-maintained.
6. Cooking Area
The cooking area of the best pellet grills can range from 150 square inches to 900+ square inches. The larger the cooking area, the more food it can grill at a time. Larger cooking areas are best for large families and huge party use. Medium to small cooking areas is perfect for medium and small-sized families and small friends and family get-together parties.
7. Extra Features
The extra features, such as the cover of the pellet grill, the extra side burner, the extendable preparation area, rotisserie kits, etc., are also essential when you are buying a pellet grill. If a pellet grill provides any or all of these extra add-ons, then you don’t have to waste your time and buy them separately.
8. Safety
Since pellet grilling involves a high heat level, you need to be careful while using it. You need to keep your wood pellets dry. You must ensure you never use your pellet grill in rainy weather conditions. Make sure you turn off the grill, unplug it, and let it cool down before cleaning it.
Best Pellet Grill Brisket Recipe
The most important ingredient in making the best pellet grill brisket is time. You must give it enough time at the right temperature to make a mouth-watering brisket. Follow these steps to make the best pellet grill brisket.
Step 1: Prepare the meat
Take a 16lbs beef brisket, cut out all the fat veins, and leave only a quarter-inch of fat on one side of the brisket.
Step 2: Add the seasoning
Turn the brisket to the fat-layered side (bottom side) and start seasoning the brisket with barbeque rub. You can also rub some salt and pepper to elevate the flavor. Flip the brisket and add the same seasoning to the (top side) of the brisket.
Step 3: Let the brisket absorb the seasoning
Cover the brisket for 3 hours and let it absorb the seasoning.
Step 4: Prepare the pellet grill
Fill up the hopper of your pellet grill and set the temperature to 195 degrees. Wait till the grill is heated.
Step 5: Put the Brisket on the Grill
Set the brisket in the middle of the grill and close the lid of the pellet grill.
Step 6: Take the Brisket out
After 8 hours of grilling, the brisket attains a bark and gets swollen up; take the brisket out.
Step 7: Wrap
After taking the brisket out of the grill, set it on butcher paper. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper and tuck it underneath the briskets tightly. Pin the meat probe in the middle of the brisket and ensure the meat’s temperature is 150 degrees.
Step 8: Put The Brisket Back In The Grill
Put the brisket with the meat probe attached to it on the grill. Turn up the grill to 250 degrees. After another 8 hours, your brisket is ready.
Step 9: Let It Sit For 2 hours
Put the wrapped brisket in a dry cooler and cover the top with a lid. Let the brisket sit in the dry cooler for 1-2 hours.
Step 10: Unwrap and Cut
Take the brisket out and unwrap it. Cut the brisket to your desired thickness.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Cut brisket pieces with some broth and bread. Enjoy your slow-cooked juicy brisket with your friends and family.
Best Pellet Grills reviews
1. Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill
Description
The z Grill 450A wood pellet grill is a versatile multi-functional grill with 459 square inches of total cooking area. The temperature range is from 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The pellet grill grates are made from porcelain-coated steel, and the grill’s build is durable and strong.
Performance
The Z grills pellet grill has 8-in-1 versatility. To perfection, it can grill, sear, bake, barbeque, smoke, braise, roast, and char-grill. The grill cooks the food evenly and adds a pure smoky flavor to the food. The precise temperature is maintained by the PID temperature controller. You can sit and forget about the grill, you don’t have to check the food constantly.
Comparison
When compared to other versions of the same model, this Z grills wood pellet grill is built to last longer and provide quality service.
Usage
After filling up the 15 lb capacity hopper with natural hardwood pellets, pick a temperature, set the food in the grill, and put the lid on. You can leave the rest to the grill. After the cooking is complete, you can enjoy the delicious smoky-flavored food.
Pros
- Best pellet grills under 1000
- Best pellet grills for the price
- Rain cover included
- Versatile
- Durable
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Smart digital controller
Cons
- No color variety
What’s New
The advanced PID controller and smart digital control ensure that the user has maximum control of the grill and can monitor it easily. The grill is covered in a high-temperature powder coat, and the heavy-duty steel body helps it provide the signature wood-fired flavor to the food.
Why You Should Buy It
This pellet grill is one of the best pellet grills under 1000 suitable Fahrenheit families and couples.
2. Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill
Description
The Traeger grills ironwood pellet grill is one of the best pellet grills and smokers available on the market. This grill is suitable for professional restaurant-style grilling. You can elevate your grilling skills and craft with this ironwood pellet grill. It is loaded with additional features and built beautifully to provide premium value for the money.
Performance
The performance of the grill is optimal. With 885 square inches of cooking area, you can grill 10 chickens or 7 rib racks simultaneously. The wide pellet hopper capacity of 20 lbs ensures that the wood pellets will last longer. The maximum temperature range is 500 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it can grill quickly at high temperatures.
Comparison
When compared to the previous model, this pellet grill provides more square inches of cooking area. This pellet grill provides 235 square inches of additional cooking area.
Usage
You can use the grill easily by just setting a temperature and managing the grill from your mobile.
Pros
- Best pellet grills with wifi
- Best pellet grills and smokers
- WiFire Technology
- Wood-fired cooking
- 20lbs hopper
- Super smoke mode
- Double-sidewall insulation
Cons
- Not available in other colors
What’s New
The latest WiFire technology ensures seamless grill monitoring on your mobile device from anywhere in the world.
Why You Should Buy It
This is one of the best pellet grills to buy if you want to grill your food to perfection and if you are looking for a huge cooking area grill that is long-lasting for a premium price.
3. Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Pellet Grill
Description
The Traeger Grills Ranger portable pellet grill is the best portable pellet grill on the market. You can pack your wood-fired pellet grill and take it along with you for any adventure. It is built like a suitcase and has a durable and tough exterior.
Performance
The performance of the ranger portable pellet grill has porcelain-coated grill grates that are durable and strong. The overall performance of the grill is excellent irrespective of its small size. The grill has a total cooking area of 184 square inches. It can be for a rib rack or 6 burgers, or 10 hot dogs at a time, making it ideal for grilling outdoors.
Comparison
When compared with other portable pellet grills, this Traeger ranger has a medium capacity with a satisfactory 8 lbs of hopper capacity that is perfect for outdoor grilling adventures.
Usage
The usage of the Traeger ranger portable pellet grill is seamless and easy. It can be used by beginners as well as experienced cooks. The maximum temperature that can be set is 450 degrees which ensures quick grilling.
Pros
- Best pellet grills under 500
- Best pellet grills for beginners
- Best pellet grills on a budget
- 450 degrees maximum temperature
- Digital arc controller
- Included griddle
- Keep warm mode
- Highly portable
Cons
- Not available in any other color
What’s New
This is the only and best portable grill option available in the Traeger grills collections. All other portable grills do not provide easy portability like this pellet grill.
Why You Should Buy It
This is one of the best pellet grills for beginners and the best pellet grills under 500. If you love outdoor activities and want to grill outdoors, then this is a portable option for grilling that best suits all outdoor grilling adventures.
4. Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker
Description
The Cuisinart brand commits to producing innovative, functional, and top-quality products and has won many awards. Their products can be purchased online and offline. The Cuisinart wood bbq and smoker pellet grill and smoker is an innovative smoker pellet grill with a strong and stylish design look that lives up to the brand’s reputation.
Performance
The grill’s performance is multi-functional as it provides more than just grilling features. Roasting, smoking, braising, baking, and barbecuing can be done on this wood bbq grill and smoker pellet grill. It has 450 square inches of cooking area with a worthy 15-pound hopper capacity. These features make this pellet grill one of the best pellet grills and smokers available on the market.
Comparison
When compared to other Cuisinart grills and smokers, this pellet grill is the perfect grill that is multi-functional and provides great value for money.
Usage
You can fill the 15 pounds hopper capacity, set the temperature to your desired level, and leave the grill to do the grilling. You can sit back and relax while the pellet grill cooks your meal.
Pros
- Best pellet grills on a budget
- Best pellet grills under 500
- Portable
- All-terrain wheels
- Shelves included
- 6-in-1 versatility
- 15 pounds hopper capacity
- Value for money
Cons
- Heavyweight
What’s New
The pellet grill will be safe from elements and UV rays with the wind and water-resistant fabric. A stationary side shelf and a collapsible front shelf are included.
Why You Should Buy It
You can buy this grill if you want to grill in your backyard and throw a party or host a small get-together with your friends. This pellet grill is perfect for outdoor grilling on a breezy day.
5. Weber Smoke Fire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill
Description
Weber smoke fire EX4 wood-fired pellet grill is one of the best pellet grills and smokers on the market. This wood pellet-fueled grill has a strong, reliable, and durable build with an easy opening and closing lid with a handle. It is designed to perform effectively and provides a premium quality grilling experience.
Performance
The performance of this grill is high quality and satisfactory as it has a large cooking area of about 672 square inches of dual grilling space. The porcelain-enamel finish of the grill prevents rusting, damage, and cracking. This weber smoke fire EX4 grill is also one of the best pellet grills for searing as it sears just as well as it grills. The temperature range is from 200-600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Comparison
This grill provides more cooking space and higher cooking temperatures. It is built to last and maintains a constant temperature throughout the grill.
Usage
The use of this grill is easy as it only requires you to set the food inside the grill and set a temperature, and let the food sit on the grill until it is perfectly grilled. The easy-clean ash and grease drawer collects all the grease and waste materials and can be cleaned easily.
Pros
- Best pellet grills for searing
- Best pellet grills under 1000
- Easy to clean
- High-temperature range
- Built to last
- Large cooking space
Cons
- Only available in black color
What’s New
The higher temperature range is a new feature that works quickly and efficiently. It helps in cooking food easily and quicker than usual.
Why You Should Buy It
If you like to host parties and get-togethers, then this grill is the perfect choice for all your grilling needs to feed a big group of people.
6. Camp Chef SmokePro Slide and Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
Description
The camp chef smoke pro slide smoker wood pellet grill is a versatile wood pellet grill. It is built with strong material. This wood pellet grill and the smoker can create a decadent wood-fired flavor. It has a sleek design with a handled lid. You can slow cook as well as a quick roast on this grill.
Performance
The performance of this grill is outstanding as it features slide and grill technology that allows you to switch between indirect smoking and direct flame according to your needs. You can achieve 2 different flavors in one grill. It is easy to clean with the ash kickin’ cleanout system. It also ensures stable temperature regulation with dual meat probes. You can easily achieve mastery of a wood-fired grill with the help of this grill.
Comparison
When compared with other grills, this grill has a total rack surface area of 811 square inches. It has ash cleanout, cord management, and grease management systems.
Usage
Since you get a foldable front shelf and side shelf, it gives you extra space to prep your ingredients. You can slow cook your brisket, slide the grill knob, and grill some burgers on the wood-fired grill. The temperatures are easy to manage with a PID controller.
Pros
- Best pellet grills made in America
- Best pellet grills under 1000
- Easy-to-use menu dial
- Easy to clean
- Manual included
- 2 meat probes
- Adjustable settings
- Folding front shelf
Cons
- Heavyweight
What’s New
The ash cleanout system, cord management system, and expanded chamber height are the new features of this pellet grill version.
Why You Should Buy It
This wood pellet grill is sufficient for a large family or big grilling party. If you are willing to invest in a good grilling appliance, then this grill will give you assured satisfaction and quality service.
FAQs
1. What is the best pellet grill to buy?
The best pellet grill to buy is the grill that gives the most value for money. The grill should provide high-quality performance and be durable and reliable. The factors mentioned above must be considered while buying a pellet grill. Best pellet grills differ according to every person’s needs. The Z Grills 450 A wood pellet grill is the best for under 500.
2. What is the best pellet grill for the money?
The best pellet grill for the money is the Traeger grills ranger portable pellet grill if your priority is portability. It is affordable and easily portable. You can carry it anywhere easily. It provides a quality grilling experience and can be used by anyone. If you are looking for a backyard-worthy pellet grill, then Traeger or camp chef pellet grills are suitable.
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