The Best Pellet Grills

Key Features:

• 575 sq. in. cooking capacity
• WiFIRE technology for app control
• Temperature range: 165°F to 500°F
• 20-pound hopper capacity
• Digital Pro Controller
• Porcelain-coated grill grates
• All-terrain wheels

Detailed Review:

The Traeger Pro 575 represents the sweet spot in pellet grilling—offering premium features without the premium price tag. The WiFIRE technology is genuinely useful, allowing us to monitor and adjust temperatures from anywhere via smartphone. The Digital Pro Controller maintained remarkably consistent temperatures, rarely varying more than 10°F from the set point. Smoke flavor was excellent across all our tests, from brisket to salmon. The 575 square inches of cooking space is sufficient for most families, easily accommodating two full racks of ribs or a large brisket. Build quality is solid, with heavy-gauge steel construction and a durable powder-coat finish. The all-terrain wheels make moving the grill easy, even on grass or gravel.

Performance Notes:

Temperature consistency was impressive throughout our testing. The grill held 225°F for 12+ hour brisket cooks without intervention. Heat-up time was reasonable—reaching 350°F in about 15 minutes. The pellet consumption was efficient, using approximately 1-2 pounds per hour depending on temperature. We successfully smoked brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, chicken, and fish, all with excellent results. The grill also performed well at higher temperatures for grilling burgers and steaks, though it doesn't match the searing capability of gas or charcoal.

Key Features:

• 811 sq. in. total cooking space
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Slide and Grill technology for direct flame
• Ash cleanout system
• Optional Sidekick attachment
• PID controller for precise temps
• Stainless steel construction

Detailed Review:

The Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 is a feature-rich pellet grill that stands out for its innovative Slide and Grill technology. This system allows you to expose food directly to flames for searing, combining the convenience of pellet smoking with the high-heat capabilities of traditional grilling. The 811 square inches of cooking space is genuinely massive—we easily cooked for groups of 20+ people. The ash cleanout system is brilliantly simple, making maintenance much easier than competing models. WiFi connectivity worked reliably, and the PID controller maintained temperatures within 5°F of the set point. Build quality is excellent, with heavy-gauge steel and stainless steel components throughout. The optional Sidekick attachments add even more versatility, turning this into a complete outdoor cooking station.

Performance Notes:

Temperature control was exceptional. The PID controller adjusted pellet feed rates automatically to maintain precise temperatures. We held 225°F for 14-hour brisket cooks with minimal temperature swing. The Slide and Grill feature worked brilliantly for searing steaks—we achieved 700°F+ temperatures for perfect crusts. The large cooking area maintained even temperatures throughout, with no significant hot or cold spots. Pellet consumption was reasonable given the size, averaging 1.5-2 pounds per hour at smoking temperatures.

Key Features:

• 850 sq. in. cooking area
• Digital control board
• Flame broiler for direct grilling
• Porcelain-coated cooking grates
• Large pellet hopper
• Meat probe included
• Folding front shelf

Detailed Review:

The Pit Boss Pro Series 850 delivers impressive value, offering a massive cooking area and solid performance at an accessible price point. The 850 square inches of space is genuinely useful—we cooked multiple racks of ribs, whole chickens, and briskets simultaneously. The flame broiler feature is a standout, allowing direct flame access for searing without needing a separate grill. The digital control board is straightforward and easy to use, though it lacks the sophistication of WiFi-enabled models. Build quality is good for the price, with powder-coated steel construction that held up well during our testing. The included meat probe is a nice touch. While it doesn't have the premium feel of higher-end models, it gets the job done reliably.

Performance Notes:

Temperature control was generally good, maintaining set temperatures within 15-20°F in moderate weather. Cold weather performance was less impressive—we saw larger temperature swings below 40°F. The flame broiler worked well for searing, reaching high temperatures quickly. Smoke flavor was good across all our tests. Heat-up time was reasonable at 12-15 minutes to reach 350°F. The large cooking area had some temperature variation—the center ran slightly hotter than the edges. Pellet consumption was average, using about 2 pounds per hour at smoking temperatures.

Key Features:

• 219 sq. in. cooking surface
• WiFi enabled with app control
• Runs on 12V or 120V power
• Foldable legs for portability
• Weighs only 57 pounds
• Sense-Mate thermal sensor
• Digital WiFi controller

Detailed Review:

The Green Mountain Davy Crockett is a marvel of portable pellet grill engineering. Despite its compact size, it delivers performance that rivals full-size models. The ability to run on 12V power is genuinely useful—we powered it from our truck battery at tailgates and campsites without issue. WiFi connectivity is impressive for a portable grill, allowing remote monitoring from inside the RV or tent. The foldable legs and 57-pound weight make it genuinely portable, though it's still substantial enough to feel stable. Build quality is excellent, with heavy-gauge steel construction. The Sense-Mate thermal sensor provides accurate temperature readings. While the 219 square inches of cooking space is limited, it's sufficient for 2-4 people.

Performance Notes:

Temperature control was excellent, maintaining set temperatures within 10°F consistently. The smaller size actually helped with efficiency—it reached temperature quickly and used pellets sparingly. We successfully smoked ribs, chicken, and even a small brisket. The compact hopper holds about 9 pounds of pellets, providing 6-8 hours of smoking at 225°F. High-heat grilling worked well, reaching 450°F+ for burgers and steaks. The smaller cooking area meant more even heat distribution with no hot spots.

Key Features:

• 702 sq. in. cooking area
• WiFi enabled with RT app
• Stainless steel construction
• 40-pound hopper capacity
• 6-year warranty
• PID controller
• Ceramic ignition system

Detailed Review:

The RecTeq RT-700 is a premium pellet grill that justifies its position with exceptional build quality and performance. The all-stainless steel construction is impressive—this grill will last decades with minimal maintenance. The 40-pound hopper capacity is massive, providing 20+ hours of smoking without refills. The PID controller is the most sophisticated we've tested, maintaining temperatures within 5°F consistently. WiFi connectivity through the RT app is reliable and feature-rich. The 6-year warranty is industry-leading and demonstrates RecTeq's confidence in their product. Build quality is outstanding, with heavy-gauge stainless steel, welded construction, and premium components throughout. The ceramic ignition system is more reliable than traditional hot rods.

Performance Notes:

Temperature control was exceptional—the best we've tested in any pellet grill. The PID controller made micro-adjustments to maintain precise temperatures regardless of weather conditions. We held 225°F for 16-hour brisket cooks with less than 5°F variation. Heat distribution across the 702 square inches was remarkably even. The grill performed equally well at high temperatures, reaching 500°F+ for grilling. Pellet efficiency was excellent despite the size. The massive hopper meant we never worried about running out during long cooks. Cold weather performance was outstanding—it maintained temperatures in sub-freezing conditions.