To answer this question, we will need to make a comparison between pellet grills and charcoal/propane grills. The propane grill takes a few minutes to heat up but lacks the flavour a pellet grill has to offer. The charcoal grills take up to 30 minutes to heat up. The pellet grill takes about 5 to 10 minutes to be fully prepared so it's the clear winner in this comparison. Of course, these times are influenced by size as well. A small gas grill will heat up quicker compared to a larger model, no matter the fuel it uses.
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Finding The Best Pellet Grill In 2023
Likes:Views:184Last Updated: 21 March 2023If you are in the market for a new pellet grill smoker or are trying to upgrade your current one you have come to the right place. They are versatile and capable of delivering great flavour constantly. As you probably already know the market is dominated by propane gas grills because they are the most affordable. But chipping in a little extra to make sure that your meat is always wood flavoured and doesn't taste like gas is a good plan.
In the guide below we will address the advantages and disadvantages of using pellet grills. We will also run you through a selection of the best pellet grills out there so that you can choose the one that better matches your preferences after consulting our pellet grill ratings.
Contents
TOP 7 best pellet grills: Comparison Chart
Best Overall: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill ReviewLet us tell you some of the great features of this smoker. It is easy to assemble, fantastic build quality, it produces amazing food and it's super easy to use. And with a clean-up that is almost a breeze what is there not to like about this pellet grills?
When compared to other pellet grills you really get much more out of this Camp Chef wood pellet smoker. Cooking on a wood pellet grill is like cooking on a precision smoker - you turn it on and forget about it. The awesome thing about this pellet bbq grill is that it infuses the meat with wood flavour.
Why We Like It
- 19.5 by 22 inch cooking surface
- Can smoke from 155 degrees up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (searing function)
- Does a fantastic job at getting that smoky flavour we all appreciate
- No need to babysit the cooker, especially on overnight cooks
- Best pellet grill for the money
Best Remote Control: Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett WiFi Controlled Portable Wood Pellet Grill ReviewWe are sure that you have noticed the name WiFi in the title of this next portable wood pellet grill on our list. And yes, you can control every feature of this grill by using your phone. The application can be downloaded on both iOS and Android so you can control the grill from wherever you may be. And that's not all - this portable pellet grill comes with far more gadgets and extra options.
Why We Like It
- Comes equipped with a pressure fan to keep away the sparks from the pellet hopper
- A very nice to have alarm that lets you know when you are low on wood pellets
- Sense-Mate heating system
- High quality finishes and components
Best Temperature Control: Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker ReviewIf you are reading this article you are probably considering the move from propane gas grills to a wood pellet smoker grill. And the TFB88PZBO Pro Series is a perfect match for your first wood pellet grill. It comes in a lovely black and gold colour scheme.
When it comes to a pellet barbecue, the Pro Series 34 ranks in middle of pack from our list with 884 square inches. It comes with grates that are coated with a substance that makes the steak or chicken meat not stick and easily come off.
Why We Like It
- The controls are very straightforward and intuitive
- Has large wheels to facilitate transport around the yard
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Most reliable customer service: Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker ReviewLooking for the best gas grill smoker combo? Using this wood pellet grills is like actually starting a fire with wood but without the hassle and the eco damage. What sets the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill apart from the others is just how easy it is to use. All you need to do is set the temperature, place your decider meat cuts inside and wait for it to do its magic. You will not need to lift a finger while it is running. If you want your beef cuts to come out as juicy and full of flavour as possible you can let them slowly cook using the lowest setting. The meat will come out as tender as it gets - basically falling apart. Also, it doubles as a large pellet smoker so you get even more out of it.
Pros
- 8 different ways to cook so you can choose the one that you prefer
- Reliable customer service reps for any issues you might encounter
- Total cooking space of 900 square inches
- The fan inside turns the grill into a convection oven
Cons
- Pellets that tend to make too much smoke can cause some issues. Make sure that you buy the proper pellets for this model
Sale
Highest heating power: PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill ReviewThe 700FB top rated pellet grill is very simple and intuitive to put together and get cooking right away. Make sure you consult the manual for the very first time you cook as there is vital information within. All you need to do is choose your favourite rub, go to town and place them inside the Pit Boss 700FB - and you literally do nothing else. You will be amazed by the flavour the end result will have. It comes with a PID controller that gives you the choice between a wider temperature variance and more smoke with less pellet usage. You will have to play around with the controller to get the best results.
Pros
- Flame broiler that can provide both direct and indirect heat
- Very detailed manual for set-up and use
- Great value for money
- User-Friendly (easy to start and clean after use)
Cons
- The searing ability is not up to par with the other entries on our list. However, if you can invest more time you will get similar results
Elite Pick: Traeger TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 ReviewThis small pellet grill uses all-natural hardwood pellets to deliver that smoky flavour that keeps the juices inside for an amazing taste. It comes with six different cooking options that basically enable you to cook in whatever way you so desire. If we were to compare pellet grills this model does lack two of the cooking options but this is due to its size. It is an amazing pellet smoker that is very easy to use and to move around the yard. The Renegade Elite is a stainless-steel pellet grill that should be considered for a purchase. Easy to assemble, easy to set up and novice chef friendly.
Pros
- Only uses wood pellets to produce heat
- Comes equipped with large wheels and sturdy legs to support the grill
- 575 square inches of total cooking surface
- Versatile due to the heating options
Cons
- Smaller in size compared to the other mentions on this list. However, more than enough for an entire family meal
Traeger Pellet Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill ReviewTraegar Pellet Grills TFB30KLF comes with a medium to small cooking surface at 300 square inches. However, it is more than enough for one family or a small group of people. If you barbecue needs are focused towards larger groups you should look into the above mentioned options on our list as this compact grill may not give you the surface needed.
The pellet outdoor grill comes with an attractive black lid that makes it a great sight during the summer days.
Another advantage that comes with a small sized pellet grill is mobility. You can pack the Traeger TFB30KLF in your van if you are visiting a friend and grill in their backyard with ease.
Pros
- Even cooking due to its convection heating process
- Flavoured meals on this pellet grill vs charcoal
- Great mobility
- Low energy consumption
Cons
- The cooking area is quite lacking. So buy this unit only if you plan to cook for small groups
Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Best Pellet Grill
What is a Pellet Grill?
Pellet Grills, also called pellet smokers, are outdoor cooking units that combine features from charcoal smokers, gas grills and traditional ovens. Using wood pellets as combustion power they can grill, sear and bake with the aid of an electronic panel that feeds pellets to the fire while regulating the air flow inside the grill and maintaining optimal temperature.
How does a Pellet Grill Work?
The wood pellets are being thrown into a container known as a hopper. The pellets then travel inside the grill with the aid of an auger that is powered by electricity. The wood pellets are easily set ablaze, producing heat and thus cooking the meat while also adding wood flavour.
Similar to an oven the grills burn at a precise temperature depending on how many of them are fed by the auger. The volume of pellets directly influences and controls the temperature of the pellet grills.
Most pellet grills come equipped with a probe that can be attached to the meat to read the exact temperature thus allowing you to lower or increase the heat. You can also expect to find a grill mat with these grills so it’s easier to clean up after use.
What are the Benefits of Using Pellet Smokers?
The most important aspect you need to keep in mind when swapping your old grill for a pellet grill smoker is versatility. You will be able to cook to perfection a much larger variety of meats, cuts and vegetables. To different degrees, with different flavours based on the wood pellets you choose. The options are unlimited and only your creativity can limit you.
How to Choose the Best Pellet Grill?
Construction and Portability
Pellet grills are notorious for having low portability due to their bulky size and the fact that you need a power source in order for them to operate. Top notch pellet grills are made using painted stainless steel. Having them painted with higher quality powder coating resistant to high temperatures is essential. The paint work has to be premium as any removed paint can cause rust once it is exposed.
Most parts should be made out of coated stainless steel to ensure durability, ease of maintenance and rust-resistance. Using these techniques, you get the best grill cover that will withstand any season.
Controller and Hopper
The temperature controller is what makes or breaks a pellet grill. You can look at the controller as the motherboard from PCs. It comes in various sizes and with various options based on manufacturer and price of the unit. Some come equipped with an LCD touch screen display and others have various buttons that can change its settings. Ideally you want to aim for a controller that can set your temperature between 180 degrees to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hopper is the attached unit that deals with maintaining the airflow within the grill and distributing the pellets inside the grill. You want to pick a hopper with the highest stocking capability while not having it physically get in the way of your cooking. Most pellet grills come equipped with a suitable hopper for their size and heating power.
Versatility
Versatility comes from the setup of the grill, the size of the grill and temperature control. The most versatile grills can roast, grill, sear, barbecue or even bake your cuts of meat. You can browse through our product reviews and look for how many functions the grill has. This can be a good starting point when choosing the most versatile wood pellet grill. A popular extra function that makes a grill versatile is adding a smoker box for gas grill to it. Thus, you can cook and smoke meat at the same time.
Ease of use
Ease of use comes from assembly, straight forward functions and how intuitive the temperature control is. If you were to cook on a low heat you can expect most grills on our list to be able to run unattended for even up to 10 hours. All you need to do is to remember to check on the meat once in a while to make sure it is removed when cooked to your desired preference. Generally, all the pellet grills on our list are easy to use and also easy to clean after use.
Verdict and our Recommendation for 2023
As far as we are concerned our choice is quite clear when it comes to the best buy on the list – the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill. Best value for money, best cooking results and the most versatile out of the list. Plus, you don’t have to be an expert chef to get delicious stakes and burgers out of this one. It’s so easy to use that you will feel the food gets done by itself, with minimal intervention on your side. The perfect pellet grill to impress your friends over a barbecue party. Also, it is extremely easy to clean after using so when everyone is chilling after a great meal, you won’t have to worry about how to clean the grill.
All in all, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is the best choice because it offers enough mobility while also delivering all the cooking perks of other bigger grills we reviewed.
Dont forget to check out mykitchenadvisor for more articles that will help you to make the right choice.
- Topics:
- BBQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When talking about pellet grill vs gas grill in terms of health, the answer is definitely the pellet model. First of all, the wood pellet grills do not use direct heat thus they produce far less carcinogenic chemicals. When cooking with charcoal or propane gas the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs for short) is made possible. We want to avoid these HCAs as they have been proven to be unhealthy.Yes, you can. But why would you when there are so many noble wood flavours out there for affordable prices? We strongly suggest you acquire hardwood without oak or alder. Apple, hickory, sweet maple and black cherry pellets are all a must try. Give them all a chance to check out their flavour and to see how you like the end result. Do not settle for lower quality wood pellets as the taste will most certainly suffer. Also, using lower-quality pellets will make it harder to clean the grill even with the best grill brush on the market.Do you like flavourless meat? Do you enjoy waiting around for 30 minutes for the charcoal grill to heat up? If the answer to this question is no then we have also answered your initial question. Pellet grills are far superior to the charcoal counterpart. Flavour, speed and versatility are all advantages of the pellet grill. Plus, you can go with a pellet smoker conversion kit and get smoked meat just as good as you would with charcoal.This is one of the main reasons for which the pellet grill was invented way back in the 1800s. People wanted to recreate the wood fire taste on their burgers without actually having to start a fire and use large amounts of wood. Your burger is guaranteed to be juicy and have an amazing wood flavour. You will get the tastiest hamburgers possible, way better than by using the best natural gas grills.PRODUCTS TESTED BY MyKitchenAdvisor
How We TestedWe have provided seven of our reviewers with one of the pellet grills on the list. We allowed them an entire day to test it with various meats, tinker around with it and then they all sent in their honest opinion. We asked them to consider the most important features of the pellet grill - from size and price to power - and we have presented them here for you to be able to make an educated purchase when the time comes.related reviews
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