Pellet grills are outdoor grills that require the use of hardwood to fuel the flame and keep the heat going. A pellet grill is a vast, yet simple cooker, it is a combination of various features from a convection oven, gas grill, smoker, roaster, and charcoal grill. The food is cooked by an indirect heat source that distributes heat throughout the grill. A pellet grill helps you achieve excellent grilling results with less stress and monitoring.
Pellet grills offer optimum convenience and maximum cooking experience. It produces heat and smoke that evenly cook your food with added flavour. They offer a unique wood-smoked flavour and produce juicer flood with little effort.
Without further ado, let’s look at the top 10 pellet grills available in the market.
Top 10 Best Pellet Smoker For The Money
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster And Grill
This 3-in-1 roaster, smoker, and grill evenly cook the food and has a detachable basket from the cooker. It requires less or no oil in preparing juicy foods and healthier meals for your family.
This product features detachable racks, cooking basket, a meat thermostat, grease tray, 4 rib hooks, and a cover. The burner and the heated chamber are made from stainless steel. The detachable grate is made of cast iron with a porcelain coating. It is easy to assemble, use, and clean. Char-Broil The Big Easy uses TRU-Infrared technology that evenly distributes heat and produces juicy food all the time.
This product has a removable grease pan that catches spills, drips, and messes for easy cleaning and maintenance. The rotary ignition easily lights the grill with the help of a knob. It can hold up to 11kg cuts of meat, ribs, brisket, or other foods. The customized cover is designed with a strong, thick, durable material suitable for any weather. It protects the grill from snow, rain, sun, wear, and tear. The cover is big enough, easy to put on and remove.
Pros
- Less smoke
- Easy setup
- Versatile
- Requires less or no oil
Cons
- Does not flare-up.
- The handle is not sturdy
Camp Chef SmokePro Stainless DLX Pellet Grill
This product has a large cooking surface of about 570 square inches. The upper rack space is approximately 141 square inch which is suitable for warming or smoking, and the lower rack space of 429 square inch, which is the main cooking area, is for grilling. The racks are removable and can hold up quite a large amount of food.
Camp Chef SmokePro Stainless DLX Pellet Grill comes with various optional accessories that are attachable such as a sidekick burner or a side sear box. This product comes with a triple maintenance setting for easy cleanup. The grease trap captures the grease into the pan for disposal. The ash can catch all the leftover ash for easy cleaning. You just have to pull the can and dump the ash. The pellet purge allows you to take out the pellets from the auger.
The built-in sensor can sense the internal food temperature and the internal cooking heat. The stainless steel lid seals the heat in. The pellet hopper can hold up to approximately 18 pounds of wood; this provides you with more smoke and requires less filling.
Pros
- Extra accessories
- Ample cooking surface
- Dual temperature control
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not WiFi enabled
Z Grills ZPG-7002ENC Wood Pellet Grill
The next pellet grill is from Z Grills. It comes with a 3 years warranty and 8-in-1 options. This product has a large grilling surface of 700 sq inch with 20lbs pellet hopper capacity. It is constructed with high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to rust. They offer a 30 days replacement or refund.
The digital controller automatically regulates the temp and also adds pellets to the burner when necessary. This ensures the heat remains consistent and evenly distributed for an excellent cooking experience.
This product can grill, roast, bake, sear, smoke, braise, char-grill, and barbeque. Your meals taste different with this pellet grill, as it adds a unique smoked flavour to your meats or barbeque. With just one touch on your electronic auto-start ignition, your grill heats up.
The digital temperature control automatically monitors the temperature, ranging from 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and the LED sensor helps you read the internal temperature. The thermostat is precise and accurate at all times.
The waste oil collector is specially designed for easy cleaning. The caster wheels make the moving of this grill hassle-free. You spend less with this product, and you can grill for more than 15 hours with just 20 pounds of pellets.
Pros
- LED temperature display
- Digital Auto thermostat
- Premium stainless steel construction
- Ample grilling surface
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Difficult to maintain
REC TEC Grills | RT-700
Rec Tec features two non-stick grill mats, 6 years warranty, dual meat probes, WiFi connection, movable feet, two handles, and a premium cover. The inner grilling chamber is made of durable steel that does not chip, peel, or gets crack and is rust-resistant. The two handles on the lid make it easy to open even when it’s hot. The premium cover helps you protect the grill from all kinds of weather and rodents.
This product is WiFi-enabled, which allows you to monitor your food from anywhere through the Rec Tec Grills App. It comes with two meat probes that are directly built into the controller for easy monitoring of temp.
The thermostat features a smart grill technology that helps you maintain a constant temperature. The heat is evenly spread throughout the pellet grill. It automatically goes off with the press of a knob; the temperature ranges from 200 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The controller allows you to have a minimal level of control in 5-degree adjustments. The hopper can hold up to 40lbs pellet at once.
With Rec Tec, you can cook two different meals simultaneously. This product is constructed with a super stainless steel material that is durable and gives it a sleek appearance.
Pros
- Built-in probes
- 6 years warranty
- High-quality stainless steel material
- Sturdy cover
- Non-stick grill mats
Cons
- Costly
Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker with Fold Down Front Shelf Wood Pellet Grill
This Camp Chef pellet grill has two adjustable top shelves, which create an ample cooking space. The shelves can fit into a dishwasher for easy washing. The dual stainless steel probes allow you to cook two different meals simultaneously. The PID digital control has smoke settings that range from 1 to 10. It comes with a 3 years warranty.
The ash cleanout feature collects the ash in a can and allows you to trash in between grilling. You spend less time cleaning up. The front shelf is foldable and can serve as a storage cabinet. The side shelf can hold up various ingredients as you cook. This product is easy to assemble, use, and maintain.
The direct flame mode is activated as you slide, the chicken begins to grill. The meat probe allows you to monitor and adjust the internal temperature. This product evenly circulates and retains heat to all parts of the cooker. It offers great features for quicker meal preparation. The automatic auger distributes pellets for even and constant heating and smoke efficiency. You are allowed to choose your preferred smoke setting and temperature.
You create a new flavour by clearing out the hopper. The total grilling space is 811 square inches.
Pros
- Ample grilling space
- PID controller
- Easy to assemble
- Dual meat probes
Cons
- Not WiFi compatible
Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Green Mountain Pellet Grill has a thermal sensor, Sense-Mate, which monitors the food temperature. This portable pellet grill features a digital WiFi that allows you to monitor, adjust, and control your grills from afar through your device application. The peaked lid is for large chickens and rib racks. The convenience tray is for accumulating drips and grease for easy maintenance.
It features multiple power supply options. It can run with 12V or 120AC. You can power from your car, your home, or with a generator. The legs can be folded into a carrier handle. The manual temperature control helps you time the grill with 5-degree increment, and the app allows you to make a 1-degree increment. The app updates you on the food preparation progress, and it informs you when you need to add more pellets or make adjustments.
This product weighs 68 pounds and is foldable to fit into any trunk. This pellet grill is portable to carry around for various outdoor activities. This product is built with heavy-duty material that is of high-quality and made to last for years.
Pros
- Convenience tray.
- Foldable legs
- Heavy-duty material
- Versatile power supply
- WiFi-enabled
Cons
- Requires electricity
- Unreliable WiFi connection
Traeger Grills TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill
This versatile pellet grill allows you to choose from the various setting options, low heat, and slow grilling, or hot and fast grilling. You enjoy 6 different cooking styles with this product: baking, grilling, roasting, braising, smoking, and BBQ.
The black and orange colour creates an elegant appearance. It is constructed from sturdy steel material, and long-lasting powder coating finish. The removable porcelain grill grates are easy to clean.
The cooking capacity is quite small and can only cook for a limited number of persons at once. It can hold up to 12 burgers or 3 racks of ribs and 2 chickens. The digital pro-control ensures precise temperature and guarantees juicy results. It leaves your barbecue with a wood-fired taste.
Traeger Grill features an auto-start ignition, movable wheels, 18lbs hopper capacity, and a side life bar.
The thermal sensor and built-in digital control help you maintain a precise temperature. It offers superior heat circulation and retention. With the flip of a switch, the pellet grill comes on or goes off.
The digital control enables you to reset the temp to your preferred temperature. You can set and forget until your food is ready. The digital display allows you to monitor the internal heat without opening the lid.
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Auto start ignition
- Side lift bar
Cons
- Small cooking space
Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill
Pit Boss is an 8-in-1 grill with 700 sq inch grilling space made of cast iron with S Tier racks. An ideal grill for four to six persons. Natural wood pellets fuel this pellet grill, which means it’s not suitable for gas or coal. The digital control panel allows you to set your preferred cooking temperature, ranging from 180 to 500 degrees. It allows you to set and forget.
The auger feeds the hopper with pellets. This product has a fan-forced air that helps circulate and maintain the internal flame. The flame broiler comes with dual grilling settings, the direct flame, and indirect flame. The slide plates enable direct flame grilling.
The cast iron rack is easy to maintain and ensures maximum grilling results. Built with sturdy material to last for decades, and all your foods get the smoky flavoured taste every time. The premium cover protects the grill from all kinds of weather and outdoor elements. The cover prevents it from wear and tear, and It looks new even after so many years of usage.
The heavy-duty polyester cover has a locking drawstring that clings tightly to provide an overall coverage for the grill.
Pros
- Built with Cast iron
- Digital thermostat
- High-quality grill cover
- 8-in-1 cooking styles
Cons
- Temperature fluctuates
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill
Traeger Grills Pro Series uses only natural wood pellets for a smoked flavour and taste. The precision temp control guarantees a consistent heat distribution and retention for an evenly cooked meal. Digital control enables you to choose an appropriate temperature for your grilling. You can choose either to slow heat or fast heat the chickens.
It offers 6 different cooking styles, such as roasting, baking, BBQ, grilling, braising, and smoking. The advanced grilling logic produces juicier, tastier, and healthier meals.
The non-stick porcelain grates are easy to clean and maintain, leaving your food with new grease marks. You can check your cooking temperature without opening the lid with the dual built-in meat probes. The huge hopper capacity allows you to enjoy your cooking without refilling the hopper between cooks. The four legs of the grill come with two wheels for easy movement.
The hopper capacity is 18 pounds. It can accommodate 24 burgers or 4 chickens and 5 racks of ribs at once. The main grilling surface, which is the lower rack, is 418 square inches, and the upper rack, which is for warming, is 154 square inches, making a total of 572 cooking spaces.
Pros
- Ideal for a wide range of cooking styles
- Easy cleaning
- Dual meat temp probes
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No cover
- No extra accessories
Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill
The last on this list is another beautifully designed pellet grill from Camp Chef, Woodwind classic. This product helps you grill like a professional and in large quantities. It comes with a sear box and a huge cooking surface of 570 square inches. The upper warming rack is detachable to create ample space for whole chickens and other big food.
This product features a smart smoke tech that automatically feeds wood pellets into the burner to maintain the heat. The digital temp allows you to set and forget within 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This grill provides you with a smoky flavor and taste.
The patented ash cup allows you to clean in between and after cooks. The sear box can heat up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit for crispy snacks. You can smoke your steaks on the grill before transferring the steaks to the sear box for a crispy look.
You can cook different meals at the same time with both the sear box and grill. Camp Chef Woodwind generates heat from wood pellets. The hopper can hold up to 23lbs of pellets, which offers you a longer cooking time without refilling the hopper.
Pros
- A sear box
- Smart smoke technology
- Large cooking surface
Cons
- Not WiFi compatible
Best Pellet Grill – Buyer’s Guide
1. How Does A Pellet Grill work?
Pellet grills work best with hardwood pellets. They require 100% natural hardwood pellets to act as fuel sources, providing heat to the food. For the pellet grill to work effectively, you need to fill the hopper with wood pellets, and then you set the cooking temperature and time before you turn on the grill.
The pellet grills work straightforwardly. The auger feeds the burner with pellets continuously without breaks until the food is evenly cooked. The digital control system helps you monitor the internal temperature closely by controlling the heat supply. The forced fan helps in distributing the hot air inside the grill.
2. Who Are Pellet Smokers Best Suited For?
Pellet smokers are best suited for people who love outdoor cooking. Pellet grills run on electricity, making it a great choice if you have a constant power supply.
If you live in a condo or townhouse or stay in an environment where wood burning is restricted, pellet grill is the best option.
3. Best Pellet Smokers Brands
Every pellet smoker brand offers different features which makes it unique. There are a ton of brands in the market to choose from.
The best brands that have stood out over the years are Camp Chef, Pit Boss, Traeger, Rec-Tec, and Green Mountain. These brands are renowned for their quality products, and their pellet grills are highly versatile. They require minimal maintenance and offer precise temp control.
4. Things to Consider When Purchasing a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills come in different designs and with various features. These are some of the factors you need to consider before buying.
Temperature
Although each brand’s temperature varies, most pellet grills stay within the range of 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal range for all kinds of cooking styles from smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling.
There are pellet grills that come with a slow or fast temperature setting. This type of temp control allows to either slowly heat or rapidly heat the food within the grill. If you like crispy food, ensure you buy a grill with an additional sear box with a temperature above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Total Cooking Space
The size of the cooking surface needs to be considered when buying a pellet grill. The number of persons you want to serve at a goal will determine the grilling space’s size. Whether it is for a small family or a large gathering. The surface is often measured in inches.
Construction
The materials used in constructing the pellet grill will determine its durability. Most pellet grills are made from a stainless steel material with coated paint or cast iron. A pellet grill with premium quality materials will last for years, resistant to corrosion, and withstand any weather.
Temperature Control
The temperature control can be digital, automatic, or manual. Most brands use digital temp control because it is easier to operate. Digital temp control is accurate and precise. It allows you to set and leave without worrying about the progress of your food.
Budget
Your available budget is a major determinant when it comes to purchasing new gadgets. Ensure you choose a grill that is within your budget and is well-built. Settle for a pellet grill with the necessary features that are in-line with your cooking needs and styles. You can buy quality models within breaking a bank.
Additional Accessories
Not all pellet grills come with additional accessories like a sear box, side tray, ash can, wheels, foldable legs, WiFi connection, LED light, drip pan, extra racks, etc.
These extra accessories help you enjoy an excellent cooking experience with less stress and produce good results. The WiFi connection allows you to monitor your cooking from a far distance, and the wheels allow you to move the pellet grill.
Maintenance
The extra features that make clean up swift need to be considered. Not all grills feature a greased pan or an ash cup. Without these features, cleaning can be time-consuming and stressful. The grease pan helps you gather the greases and drips for easy cleanup.
Hopper Capacity
The larger the hopper capacity, the less filling you will have to do. A hopper with about 30 lbs capacity will require no filling during food prep, and you can use it for hours without being short of pellets. A large hopper capacity helps you reserve enough pellets.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Pellet Smokers
Benefits Of A Pellet Smoker
These are some of the benefits of using a pellet smoker.
- Pellet smokers offer precise temperature control, which allows you to set and forget, unlike the traditional grill that requires attention. The digital control system ensures both the heat and cooking temperatures are in check.
- Pellet smokers preheat quickly and produce quicker results without wasting much time. They are faster than other grills.
- Pellet grills offer convenience and versatility. They can be used to prepare different kinds of meals from BBQ, grilled chickens, baked apple pies, etc. You can easily monitor the progress of your food with great features such as the WiFi connectivity function.
- Pellet grills create less mess when in use. Some brands offer an ashcan cleanout or self-cleaning system for easy maintenance.
Drawbacks Of Pellet Smokers
These are some of the setbacks of pellet smokers
- The heat generation of most pellet grills is not as high as that of a coal grill. You need an additional sear box to get crispy snacks.
- They are quite expensive.
- Most pellet grills require the use of electricity to operate.
- Pellet grills cannot be used for indoor gatherings. They are recommended for outdoor use.
- All pellet grills cannot operate without wood pellets. You always need to have extra wood pellets handy to avoid running out of pellets during food preparation.
FAQs
How do I care for the pellet grill?
Ensure the pellet grill stays dry when not in use. Water can easily damage the pellet grill and reduce it effectively. Get a premium cover that you can use to protect it from all kinds of weather when not in use.
What to avoid when cooking with a pellet grill?
Avoid opening your food frequently when cooking with the pellet grill. Opening the lid causes the temp to become unstable, and you also lose the flavour.
How many flavours do wood pellets have?
Wood pellets are gotten from different kinds of hardwood, which have various flavours.
The wood pellets add flavour to your food. These flavours include apple, maple, hickory, oak, pecan, cherry, mesquite, etc.
You can mix more than two wood pellets flavour to get a unique flavour. Fruitwood pellets are best with poultry, baked foods, seafood, and pork. Staple woods are suited for wild games, vegetables, and savoury beef.
Are pellet grills bad for your health?
Scientists have proven that pellet grills are safer to use than coal grills. The lid locks in the smoke, which makes it safe to use for people with breathing issues. It also reduces the rate of cancer effects.
Wrapping It Up
Enjoying picnics with your family and friends can be such a wonderful experience that you all always look forward to every weekend. With pellet grills, you stand to enjoy tastier, healthier, and juicer meals with less effort.
A quality pellet grill offers and meets your grilling preparation needs. You get to try out new recipes and techniques with any of these pellet grills. You get to satisfy your taste buds with the various available pellet flavours.
The post Top 10 Best Pellet Smokers & Grills 2020 Reviews appeared first on Dumont Restaurant.
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