Hi, I’m Eddie van Aken, The Grilling Dutchman. I have spent years testing grills in my backyard in Kentucky, and pellet grills have quickly become some of my favorites. They are easy to use, give amazing smoke flavor, and let you “set it and forget it” for low-and-slow cooks.
In this guide, I’m sharing my honest and unbiased experience with the most popular pellet grills on the market, what I like (and don’t like) about them, and which ones I would personally buy.
Eddie’s Tip! If you would first like to read more on how to get started with using a pellet grill, you should read my pellet grill cooking hub first.
Eddie’s Tip! Start small if you’re new. Even a 300–400 sq. inch. cooking area is plenty to get a feel for temperature control and smoke flavor.
What to Look for When Buying a Pellet Grill
When I shop for grills, I focus on these things:
- Build quality: Stainless steel lasts longer, but cheap paint flakes.
- Temperature control: Does it hold steady? Can I get to 450°F for searing?
- Hopper size: Longer cooks need a bigger hopper.
- Extra features: WiFi, meat probes, easy cleanup.
- Service & warranty: If something breaks, can you get parts easily?
Eddie’s Tip! Don’t just buy the “most popular” brand. Think about how you will use it. Weekend rib sessions or all-day brisket marathons
My Brand Breakdown – What I Have Tested
Here’s my take on the brands I have cooked with. I’m writing from my own experience. Some in my backyard, some at friends houses.
Traeger
I think Traeger is the classic entry point. They are reliable, easy to use, and you can find replacement parts almost anywhere. I have cooked everything from chicken to brisket, and the WiFi app works well
I found some great deal on Traeger grills on this website.
Rec Teq
This is a step up if you want premium features. The build quality is solid, and the temperature control is rock-steady. I’ve taken one of a friend, on a week-long cook for ribs, and it didn’t miss a beat. “See the Rec Teq’s I recommend”
Camp Chef
Camp Chef grills are great mid-range options. They have lots of accessories and I like the easy-to-clean design. I’ve grilled veggies, fish, and ribs, and cleanup was simple.
“Click Here To See All Camp Chef Pellet Grills”
Pit Boss
Pit Boss offers big value. I’ve used theirs for parties because the hopper holds enough pellets for long cooks, as you can read in my Pit Boss Pellet grill review. The main downside?
They can be a bit heavy and take up space. Click Here To See Pit Boss options”
Z- Grills
This is the pellet girl I am using at the moment, and you can read my full Z-Grills reviews to see why I like them so much. “Click Here To See all Z-Grills options”
Louisiana Grills
If there is one brand I can’t leave out here, it is this one. I started on Louisiana Grills reviews and still have a lot to do to finish all of them. “Click Here To See All Louisiana Pellet Grills options”
Other Brands
I’ve also tried Green Mountain and a few smaller brands. Some are decent for the price, but I always check service and support before buying.
Click Here To See All Green Mountain Pellet Grills
My Top Picks – If I Were Buying Today
If I had to pick just one for most people, Z-Grils. They are beginner-friendly but still good for serious cooks.
For pros or backyard chefs who want the best: Rec Teq. It’s more expensive, but the consistent heat and build quality are worth it.
Eddie’s Tip! Think about your goals. If you just want casual smoke flavor for weekends, don’t overspend. If you want to cook like a pitmaster, go premium.
Best Pellet Smoker Grill For The Money
This question pops up everywhere. To answer this question of what is the best pellet smoker for the money, I spent. Is like asking what the best car is. Each and every one of us has a different opinion about that,
My choice if I had unlimited resources would probably be a Req Tec. But since I, just as most of us, have to watch the budget, I went for a Z-Grills. Affordable and, up to now, very reliable.
I will keep writing my grill reviews here and publish my experience here on the website.
How Pellet Grills Work – My Experience
Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, an electric auger to feed the fire, and a thermostat to control temperature. Basically, you fill the hopper with pellets, set the temp, and the grill does the rest.
What I love is the consistency. You can smoke brisket at 225°F all day (or night) without babysitting the fire. Plus, the wood pellets give that classic smoky flavor that makes people say, “Wow, this is amazing!”
Pellet Smoker – Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
There is a lot to tell about pellet smokers and grills, and I try to answer a lot of the questions I found and had myself here in the pellet smoker reviews.
Q: Can I smoke on a pellet grill?
A: You can absolutely smoke on a pellet grill. They excel at low-and-slow smoking.
Q: Are pellets expensive?
A: Pellet grills are not expensive anymore and are cheaper than a gas grill in the long run.
Q: Does a pellet grill sear well?
A: Pellet grills do not sear very well in most cases. Some models reach 450°F–500°F, which is enough for a decent sear. I usually finish steaks on a cast-iron pan if I want a perfect crust.
Best Pellet Grill Smokers – My Experience
I have tested these grills in rain, snow, and blazing summer sun. Pellet grills make outdoor cooking easy and consistent.
If you are just starting, pick a Traeger. If you want to go pro, I would personally go with Rec Teq. No matter which one you choose, make sure it fits your style of cooking and backyard space.
You can always read my article on how to get started with a pellet grill guide to learn how to improve the smoke flavor.
The best pellet grill is the one you decide to buy and learn to use in the best possible way.
You can buy an expensive pellet grill and not know how to use it, and cook some average food.
You can buy a more affordable pellet grill and learn how to use it to cook some awesome food.
Related Posts
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken