Best Pellet Grills for Your Summer BBQs Barbecue (2024 Update)

Pellet grills have become a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. They combine the ease of a gas grill with the flavor control of a charcoal grill. These grills use wood pellets as fuel, which gives food a rich, smoky taste. It’s like having a smoker and a grill all in one neat package.

Pellet grills heat up quickly and cook food evenly. They also allow for precise temperature control, making it easier to get the perfect sear on a steak or slow-cook ribs to juicy perfection. While they can be more expensive than other types of grills, many people believe the investment is worth it for the flavor and convenience.

When choosing a pellet grill, there are a few key things to consider. The size of the grill determines how much food you can cook at once, so think about how many people you usually cook for. Also, check the temperature range and how easy it is to adjust. Build quality is important too, as you’ll want a grill that lasts through many BBQ seasons.

We looked into several pellet grills, spending hours researching and testing them to find the best options for backyard chefs.

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Best Pellet Grills

Check out our top picks for the best pellet grills. We’ve rounded up the best options to help you choose the right one for your backyard.

Pit Boss PB440D2 Pellet Grill

Perfect for home BBQ enthusiasts wanting a reliable and easy-to-use pellet grill.

Pros

Simple assembly
Delicious smoked flavor
Solid construction

Cons

Noisy auger feed
Temperature fluctuations in cold weather
Learning curve for temperature control

Setting up the Pit Boss PB440D2 Pellet Grill was a breeze. We managed to get it ready in about 20 minutes. The build quality impressed us from the start, and it felt quite sturdy.

When it comes to cooking, this grill makes it easy to get that wonderful smoky flavor in our meals. We smoked a 10-pound pork butt and some ribs on Father’s Day, and the results were mouthwatering. The grill held a steady temperature once we got the hang of it.

One issue we ran into was the auger making a thumping sound, which got a bit annoying. Also, during colder days, the temperature had some fluctuations, making it harder to maintain the perfect heat. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall experience has been very satisfying, and we feel it’s a good value for the price.

Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2024 Wood Pellet Grill

This grill is a great buy for anyone looking to take their backyard grilling up a notch.

Pros

Versatile cooking options
Easy-to-use digital controls
Large grilling area

Cons

Assembly can be challenging
Requires electricity
No rotisserie feature

Cooking on the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a breeze. The digital control board auto-ignites the grill, which means we can just set the temperature and let it do its magic without constant supervision. Whether we’re baking, roasting, or grilling, this model shines in all departments.

The large 450 square inch grilling area is a standout feature. We found it has plenty of space to cook for family gatherings or parties. And the fan-forced convection system means we get even cooking every time, which is key for perfect meals.

One slight challenge was the assembly. The instructions can be a bit confusing, and we needed two people to put it together. Despite that, once it’s built, the grill is sturdy and easy to move around thanks to its heavy-duty wheels. Overall, we love how it performs and highly recommend it for backyard chefs.

Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill

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The Traeger Pro 575 is a fantastic grill for anyone wanting top-notch wood-fired food with minimal hassle.

Pros

Simple temperature control dial
WiFIRE technology for remote monitoring
Durable brushless motor for long-lasting performance

Cons

Premium price
Requires a good WiFi connection
Heavy and large, not easy to move

Using the Traeger Pro 575 made our barbecue experience so much smoother. With its precise temperature control, cooking everything from ribs to vegetables was a breeze. We set the dial, hit Ignite, and let the grill do its magic.

We loved the WiFIRE technology. One of us could monitor and adjust the temperature right from our phone. It was incredibly convenient to get alerts and timers without being tied to the grill. This feature added a whole new level of flexibility to our grilling routine.

The grill also heats up fast and stays consistent, which helped us achieve perfect results every time. Having used other grills before, this one stood out for its ease of use and reliability. Definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a premium pellet grill.

Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill

The Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill is for those who want top-tier control and flavor from their grilling experience.

Pros

Consistent temperature control
Wood-fired flavor
Versatile cooking options

Cons

High initial cost
Requires maintenance
Heavy and bulky

Cooking with the Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill has transformed our barbeque sessions. The Smart Combustion technology gives us precise control over the temperature, making it easy to cook everything from briskets to desserts. The wood-fired flavor this grill produces is unmatched, bringing a unique taste to every meal.

One of the best features is the WiFIRE technology. We can monitor and adjust the grill from anywhere using the app. This allows us to relax and enjoy time with guests without constantly checking the grill. The P.A.L. Pop-And-Lock accessory rail also adds a personal touch, letting us set up the grill to fit our cooking needs perfectly.

On the downside, the Traeger Ironwood is quite an investment. It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure it works well. The grill is also pretty heavy, so moving it around isn’t easy. Despite these cons, we find the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

recteq Flagship 1100 Smoker

This fantastic smoker grill is a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking outdoors.

Pros

Excellent temperature control
Versatile cooking options
Sturdy and durable build

Cons

Assembly time can be lengthy
The smoker is quite heavy
App might have a learning curve

We were genuinely impressed with the recteq Flagship 1100 Smoker. The temperature control is outstanding, keeping everything precise within 5°F, which means consistent results every time. The cooking versatility is also a major plus, allowing us to smoke, grill, sear, and even bake.

Its sturdy construction stands out, made with high-quality stainless steel, making it reliable for the long haul. The build quality is top-notch, ensuring it can withstand heavy use and various weather conditions.

On the other hand, assembling this smoker took us a bit of time, even with the helpful videos available. Its weight is another factor to consider, as it’s not easy to move around. Finally, the app took some getting used to but eventually became a useful tool.

Overall, if you’re patient with the setup and learning the app, this smoker grill is a great addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill

The Traeger Pro 780 is perfect for those who want easy and precise wood-fired grilling.

Pros

Simple to use with precise temperature control
WiFIRE app for remote control
Versatile cooking options

Cons

A bit pricey
Doesn’t produce heavy smoke
Can be bulky for small spaces

We found grilling with the Traeger Pro 780 to be a breeze. The precise temperature control made it easy to cook everything perfectly. With a simple dial, we set our desired heat, hit ignite, and let the grill do the rest. This feature is perfect for those who don’t want to fuss with constant adjustments.

The WiFIRE technology is a game changer. Using the Traeger app, we could adjust grill temperatures, monitor our food, and set timers right from our phone. It’s incredibly convenient, especially when entertaining guests or multitasking. We could control everything without hovering over the grill.

We also appreciated the versatility of this grill. From grilling and smoking to baking and roasting, it handled everything we threw at it. Cleanup was a cinch thanks to the porcelain grill grates. Despite some minor cons, like the price and bulkiness, the Traeger Pro 780 remains a standout pellet grill that’s well worth considering.

ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill & Smoker – AS350

A great choice for anyone seeking versatility and rich flavors in a compact, portable grill.

Pros

Easy to use
Versatile cooking options
Portable design

Cons

Small grilling area
Requires frequent refilling
Can be difficult to move without handles

We had the opportunity to try out the ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill & Smoker – AS350 and were impressed by how straightforward it was to use. Setting it up took hardly any time, and the food looked amazing once it was done. This grill truly shines with its ASCA System that lets you add liquids to enhance the flavor, making every meal juicy and flavorful.

The grill really stands out with its eight different cooking styles. We were able to barbecue, smoke, and roast all in one day without any hassle. It’s fantastic for those who enjoy cooking a variety of dishes. The portability is a huge plus since we took it tailgating last weekend, and it was super convenient to pack and set up.

On the downside, the grilling area is smaller than we’d like, which makes it hard to cook for larger groups. It also requires frequent pellet refills, which can be a bit of a chore during long cooking sessions. Lastly, moving it around could be easier if it had built-in handles. Despite these minor issues, this grill is powerful and delivers exceptional results every time.

Traeger Tailgater

This grill is perfect for those who love wood-fired flavor and need portability.

Pros

Easy to transport with foldable legs
Precise temperature control
Versatile cooking options

Cons

Limited cooking space for larger gatherings
Smaller hopper capacity
Can be challenging for those new to pellet grills

The Traeger Tailgater offers an amazing wood-fired flavor that can go anywhere with you. It’s portable and easy to carry with its folding legs, making it perfect for tailgating, camping, or small patios. With its digital arc controller, maintaining the right temperature is a breeze, ensuring your food cooks perfectly every time.

One of the things we love about this grill is its versatility. You can smoke, braise, roast, bake, barbecue, and grill all in one compact unit. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who likes to experiment with different cooking styles.

On the downside, the Tailgater does have a smaller cooking space, which might be a bit limiting for larger families or parties. The hopper also holds less pellets, so you may need to refill it more often during longer cooks. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s still a fantastic option for those who prioritize flavor and portability.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best pellet grill, we need to think about several factors. Let’s break it down.

Temperature Range

It’s important to know how hot and how cool the grill can get. Some recipes need low heat, while others need high heat. Check if the grill can reach at least 500°F.

Size and Cooking Area

How many people do we usually cook for?

A bigger grill is great for large gatherings. A smaller one works well for family dinners. Look at the square inches of cooking space to see if it fits our needs.