By Tony Carrick | Updated at 9:33 AM, November 30, 2021

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Whether you like smoked chicken or cooked steak, the best grain grill can meet your needs. Their versatility and ease of use set them apart from other grills. The wood pellets can be simmered or smoldered at a low temperature of around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the grill model. The once and for all design relies on digital control, internal thermostat and electric hopper, which can automatically send particles into the combustion chamber to ensure ease of use. However, keep in mind that because of these automated and electric functions, the pellet grill requires not only fire, but also electricity.

This guide will study the features to consider when buying the best pellet grill and provide the best options on the market, from small portable models to large appliances ready for large backyard barbecues.

When buying a pellet grill, please consider cooking surface size, structural quality, hopper capacity, and other key attributes.

The grill size refers to the overall size of the cooking surface and the equipment and how much space it needs on the deck or terrace.

Most pellet grills provide a cooking surface of 350 to 550 square inches. A chef who cooks for two people can use a surface of 300 square inches. Food for a family of four needs at least 450 square inches. A grill of 500 square inches or larger is a good entertainment center.

Of course, the larger the cooking surface, the larger the grill and the larger the space required. Although all grills have similar depth and height, their widths vary. The compact pellet grill is approximately 40 inches wide. Larger models can measure 50 inches wide or more.

Pellet grills and smokers spend their day outdoors and withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why quality is so important. You can find them in painted steel or stainless steel. When the paint wears and the steel is exposed to oxygen and water, the cheaper painted steel will eventually rust. The more durable stainless steel and its anti-rust chrome layer are ideal metals for making grills.

The high-end pellet grill includes stainless steel internal parts, such as burners, grate and heating plates, located in the metal plate body. On the best models, the metal plates are thicker and resistant to warping.

The hopper on the pellet grill automatically adds pellets to the grill according to the temperature setting on the control panel. The electric auger feeds the pellets from the hopper into the fire box of the grill, so the chef does not need to manually add fuel to the fire. Compared with gas and charcoal counterparts, this kind of automation results in the cost of pellet grills which are usually higher. The pellet consumption depends on the size of the grill and the temperature setting. Most pellet grills use about ½ pounds of pellets per hour for smoking and about 2.5 pounds of pellets per hour for grilling.

Precise temperature control distinguishes pellet grills and smokers from charcoal and gas grills. Unlike these other types of grills, the pellet grill allows the operator to set the grill to a specific temperature like an oven. These controls are in analog format or more expensive digital format. The thermostat in the grill box evaluates the temperature and then adjusts the hopper to add particles at a rate that maintains the set temperature. Some pellet grills even have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, allowing users to remotely set the temperature via smart devices.

Most pellet grills have the function of being easy to clean after grilling or smoking. The knob on the hopper releases unused particles for proper storage before the next grill. The buckle at the bottom of the grill can easily remove dust particles. The bucket under the grill collects drips for easy disposal.

The pellet grill can be used as a smoker as well as a grill. They grill perfect crusts on steaks and burgers at temperatures as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and smoke meat at low temperatures in the range of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This versatility helps justify the higher price of the pellet grill.

These portable models of automated equipment can be used for both bacon and grilling, and are great companions for camping sites and tailgates. The portable pellet grill provides a cooking surface of approximately 200 square inches and weighs approximately 50 pounds. The pellets themselves are also easy to transport.

Many pellet grills come with additional useful features that are easy to use, such as a wireless connection that allows users to remotely adjust the grill control or monitor the temperature through a smartphone app.

The following list considers size, quality and additional features to narrow the field to some of the top pellet grills on the market. This list includes portable models as well as full-size pellet grills from some well-known brands in the industry.

Traeger Pro 575 is one of the most respected brands of pellet grills, with a sturdy structure and smart design, making it one of the best pellet grills on the market. Traeger's D2 drive system starts and heats up faster than other grain grills. Traeger's WiFire technology allows outdoor chefs to control the barbecue via a smart device through the Traeger app or voice commands when paired with Alexa.

The heavy-duty steel structure makes it a sturdy device. A large 18-pound capacity hopper ensures that it can run for multiple hours without refilling. Its 575 square inch cooking surface can help feed a large group of people.

The SmokePro DLX by Camp Chef is a reasonably priced solid pellet grill with a 573 square inch cooking surface and a hopper that can hold 18 pounds of pellets, enough for a full day of smoking or several hours of grilling.

The connection of the two meat probes allows the chef to check the temperature of the food through the digital control of the grill without opening the lid. The latest updated controls on this 2021 model help maintain the temperature more consistently. SmokePro DLX by Camp Chef is available in black, bronze or stainless steel to suit various styles.

This model of Z GRILLS offers the most affordable way to add a pellet grill to an outdoor kitchen at a price that is hundreds of dollars lower than other pellet grills. The side-mounted 15-pound capacity funnel provides ample space and grilling time for a 450 square inch cooking surface. Like the common digital control on high-end pellet grills, precise temperature settings can be performed. The steel structure and powder-coated surface can prevent rust. It is 45 inches wide and is one of the more compact pellet grills on the market.

Perhaps the most famous name in the grill, Weber waited until 2020 to launch its first pellet grill, but SmokeFire EX6 is worth the wait. A common criticism of many pellet grills is that they cannot reach a high enough temperature to burn. Weber has learned from more than half a century of grill manufacturing experience and produced a pellet grill that can heat up to 600 degrees, which is about 100 to 150 degrees higher than most other pellet grills.

Weber's SmokeFire EX6 has the same robust construction and high-quality materials as other grills of the brand. As one of the larger models on the market, its cooking surface can accommodate more than 1,000 square inches. A large LED control screen and intelligent control complete its attractive features.

Although all pellet grills are versatile, it is difficult for a backyard chef to find a way to cook more meat than the Pit Boss model. The smoking cabinet at the top of the grill allows outdoor gourmets to smoke and grill at the same time in the 2,137-square-inch cooking space. This is 719 square inches of cooking surface and 1,418 square inches of smoking space. A 40-pound capacity hopper only needs a small amount of replenishment to meet all cooking needs, while the chef maintains the temperature through four meat probes connected via WiFi or Bluetooth.

Green Mountain’s portable pellet grill has ample cooking surface within a manageable overall size, and is an excellent complement to camping trips and trail activities. It has a cooking surface of more than 200 square inches in a 57-pound frame (especially large for a portable grill). It’s a bit heavy for a portable device, but it’s compact enough to fit in the trunk.

Compatible with 12 and 15 volt power supplies, car batteries or car accessory sockets, this grill can be used almost anywhere. But the chef does not have to hover. With the help of Sense Mate smart Bluetooth connection and meat probe, the grill master can monitor the meat while communicating with friends. But make sure they also check the grill. With its beautiful stainless steel lid and optional retractable legs and rolling cart, this is an appliance designed to show off.

Oklahoma Joe's Rider Deluxe has a maximum temperature of 650 degrees Fahrenheit, making it easy to create a popular crust on grilled steak. It is worth noting that Rider is stable at temperatures as low as 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which is suitable for delicious bacon.

Backyard foodies can configure a grate and shelf system for grilling or smoking. They can also monitor the temperature and the total running time of the grill through an innovative probe system. Double chimneys can achieve optimal airflow. The heavy-duty steel structure ensures that the equipment is durable.

Traeger’s Timberline has a cooking surface of more than 1,300 square inches and a 24-pound capacity hopper. The barbecue chef controls the device via voice commands via a smart watch or when paired with a digital assistant. The double-wall stainless steel interior is easy to clean and maintain. Other notable features include LED control and ample preparation and storage space, stainless steel front and side shelves, and a large drawer.

This behemoth from Traeger has a cooking surface of nearly 900 square inches, providing enough space to handle six ribs or up to 40 burgers. To support large cooking surfaces, Pro Series 34 is equipped with Traeger’s Digital Pro controller, which uses the grill’s built-in fan and pellet feed auger to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the large cooking chamber of the grill .

More than 4 feet wide, this grill will not shake due to the hacksaw frame chassis. The dual meat probe allows the chef to closely monitor the temperature of the meat through the digital display without opening the lid. The wheels make it easy to operate oversized equipment. Keep in mind that the grill is 53 inches wide and takes up a lot of space on the deck and patio.

Traeger Grills Pro 575 WiFi Pellet Grill has ample cooking surface, large hopper capacity, and practical features such as Wi-Fi connection and LED display, suitable for most backyard living spaces. Those who wish to enter the world of pellet grills at a more affordable price may want to consider Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker.

We considered various criteria when selecting the top grain grills for our list. We chose a model with precise temperature control, which can keep the temperature low to smoke the pig's butt, and also maintain the scorching sensation of grilled steak. We only considered models made of heavy-duty steel with durable enamel or powder-coated finishes to prevent rust. We also specially considered models equipped with large-capacity hoppers to reduce the need for repeated filling of particles.

Pellet grills are significantly different from charcoal and gas grills, so you must operate your grill accordingly.

Wooden balls not only produce the heat for cooking food, but they can also season meat as they include varieties such as pecans, cherries, and mesquite. Look for wood pellets that are best for the type of food you smoke or grill.

Use a thermometer instead of a timer to determine when the food is ready, especially when you use the grill to grill or bacon.

Compared to warm surfaces, smoky flavors are more likely to adhere to cold surfaces, so keep your pork butt, chicken, and ribs in the refrigerator until they can be served on the grill.

Finally, back roast your meat to make the chicken skin crispy or form a crust on a thicker steak.

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One of the many benefits of having a pellet grill is versatility. Unlike most charcoal and gas grills, pellet grills can maintain low heat for smoking and reach the high temperature required for proper grilling. This versatility eliminates the need to purchase separate grills and smokers. Because the pellet grills use automatic funnels and fans to circulate air for ventilation, they can maintain a certain temperature by themselves without excessive chef intervention. A complete baffle covering the heat source on most pellet grills means fewer bursts. All kinds of pellets on the market, including pecans, cherries and legumes, provide flavors that can satisfy almost any taste.

If you want to know exactly how pellet grills work, read on for answers to frequently asked questions about these outdoor appliances.

The pellet grill has a hopper for pellets. The electric auger moves the particles from the hopper into the cupping jar, where they are ignited by heating rods. Electric fans provide ventilation and help control the temperature of burns. The thermostat connected to the controller adjusts the fan and auger to meet the temperature set on the control panel.

Most pellet grills can last 6 to 10 years under normal use. With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality pellet grill may last longer.

Since the pellet grill uses electric augers, fans and digital control panels, it does require electricity.

Clean the pellet grill every three to five times to ensure it stays in top operating condition. First use a putty knife to scrape off any buildup inside the lid. Remove the internal parts and scrape off the inside. Use a store vacuum cleaner to remove any debris you have scraped loose. Wipe the inside and outside of the pellet grill, and then reassemble. After each barbecue, clean the grate while the grate is still hot.

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