{"id":2027777,"date":"2024-09-05T16:41:35","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T21:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=2027777"},"modified":"2025-09-05T06:31:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T11:31:26","slug":"best-pellet-grills","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-pellet-grills\/","title":{"rendered":"We Tested the 8 Best Pellet Grills for Every Pit Boss"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill\" pros=\"Huge hopper for extended cooking times\" pros1=\"Large grates\" pros2=\"Doesn't leak a lot of smoke\" pros3=\"Large side table\" pros4=\"Intuitive setup and controls\" pros5=\"Two lid handles\" cons=\"Hot to touch\" cons1=\"Cleaning can be tricky\" cons2=\"Wheels are small and can get stuck\" image=\"2036061\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Ace Hardware\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/MAYZm3\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe Recteq Flagship 1100 pellet grill<\/a> perfected the art of smoking and searing. Plan on serving up a sizable pork roast or cooking for a family get-together? With 1,109 square inches of cooking area, there's plenty of space for a party's worth of food on our overall best pellet grill pick.\r\n\r\nThe shelf under the unit is roomy and wide, and the big side shelf works well for storing prepped patties and hot dog dressings. An electrical outlet on the back offers a spot to charge phones or plug in a blender for margaritas<\/a>\u2014viva la summer!\r\n\r\n\"Recteq\r\n\r\nA gigantic hopper fits about 40 pounds of pellets (compared to the standard 20 or so pounds for most pellet grills). Of the three grills Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley<\/a> seasoned, this grill was the easiest to operate. That said, it gets very hot, so be careful while cooking.\r\n\r\nThere's also no need to invest in a pricey meat thermometer<\/a>. Instead, use the two built-in meat probes to penetrate your proteins and record the interior temperature in seconds. While we wish there were a few more probes provided (especially since there's plenty of space), we appreciate the ingenuity of this inclusion.\r\n\r\nIn terms of performance, the Recteq Flagship<\/a> produced the best color and moistness in our salmon test. The fish came out fairly smoky with some nice, dark edges. Similarly, the corn came out a little smoky and brown on both the top and bottom. While the sear wasn't super pronounced on the pork chops, we appreciated the color it creates.\r\n\r\n\"Grilling\r\n\r\nThe pork roast fared better. It had a pink smoke ring, dark bark and a tender and moist interior that easily shredded. This was easily the best pork roast out of all the options we tested, skyrocketing this pick to best pellet grill status. Similarly, the chicken breasts were juicy and came off the grill with some nice caramelization.\r\n\r\nOur biggest gripe with this grill is that we were not able to soak and wash the grates in the sink. Because the grate is one piece, it's far too large. You'd need a tub, or you could spray it off with a hose. We resorted to just scraping off excess debris with a metal scraper rather than using a soapy sponge and water, which didn't get the grill as sanitized as we'd like.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, while the grill has four wheels for easy mobility, they're on the small side and get stuck on some terrain types. However, these issues are a small price to pay for this overachieving pellet grill.\r\n\r\nGrate materials: <\/strong>\u200e304 stainless steel | Weight:<\/strong> 204 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 1,109\u00a0 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Two meat probes; large capacity hopper; towel bar; prep shelf\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 6 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Searing\" product_name=\"Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill\" pros=\"Great at searing\" pros1=\"Tray system with a disposable pan\" pros2=\"Large grill and grates\" pros3=\"Hood doesn't burn hand\" pros4=\"Utensil hooks\" pros5=\"Best temperature regulation\" pros6=\"Adjustable smoke level\" cons=\"Starting and changing settings not intuitive without WiFi\" image=\"2036071\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Walmart\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWeber-Stephen-Products-24-in-Wood-Pellet-Grill%2F5586610318\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/Dyb0GG\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"Lowe's\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2FWeber%2F5014658797\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Lowe's\" retailers_4_name=\"Weber\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/weberinc.sjv.io\/7aGeqV\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Weber\" \/]\r\n\r\nKnown for its classic kettle grill<\/a>, Weber makes a bunch of different grill models, including the luxe Weber Performer<\/a> and the colorful Weber Master Touch<\/a>. The brand also offers a range of gas options like the feature-rich Weber Genesis<\/a> and compact Weber Spirit<\/a>. But the true dark horse of the grilling game is the Weber Searwood 600 pellet grill<\/a>, which won as our top pick for producing powerful sears.\r\n\r\n\"Weber\r\n\r\nThe\u00a0Searwood's overall performance may sway you in the\u00a0Napoleon vs. Weber<\/a> debate. Plated steel cooking plates and a DirectFlame mode\u2014which creates a nice, dark color\u2014make this one a top performer in terms of sheer searing power. The grill's temperature<\/span> does not fluctuate at all, which is super impressive considering we're working with fire and wood.\r\n\r\nIt produced the best chicken of the bunch thanks to a rich, smoky flavor and solid searing on the surface. While it overcooked the salmon by a bit, taking the filet off a little earlier should circumvent the excess heat. We also cranked the Super Smoke option up to the third setting, which could explain the slightly charred results. While we regret the overcooking, we certainly don't regret the smoky flavor!\r\n\r\nThe Weber Searwood<\/a> provided the best wood-fired flavor of the bunch. This was apparent in the corn test, where the veggies sponged up just the right amount of smoke seasoning. It also created the best sear on the pork chops, rendering the fat smoky and crisp. Our Testing Team also noted the pork roast came out \"just perfect,\"\u00a0 boasting a tender and juicy interior with a red smoke ring and dark bark. There's also plenty of space for larger cuts thanks to the sizable 648-square-inch grates.\r\n\r\n\"Weber\r\n\r\nThe stainless handles don't get too hot, and there's a row of hooks for hanging your favorite Weber accessories<\/a>. Despite being a pellet grill, this all-in-one appliance works solidly for searing and smoking, so you only need one machine. It also wipes down easier than the other grills, so it's ideal for those who want to spend less time on cleanup.\r\n\r\nWe love the app's flexibility, which offers features like \"Start SmokeBoost,\" \"Manual Mode,\" \"Shut Down,\" target temperature, temperature alerts and a timer. It records the grill and probe temperatures and shows you a temperature fluctuation chart. The app itself also has recipes and another page where you can monitor the grill's progress\u2014just like having a sous chef on hand.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePlated steel\u00a0| Weight:<\/strong> 125.4 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 648 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes\u00a0| Special Features:<\/strong> DirectFlame cooking for searing; SmokeBoost setting; stainless towel bar; utensil hooks\u00a0|<\/strong> Warranty:\u00a0<\/strong>Cook box\u20145 years; Electrical components\u20143 years; Cooking grates, burn pot, heat diffuser, heat deflector, controller bezel\u20143 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Beginners\" product_name=\"Traeger Woodridge Pro\" pros=\"Simple to operate, shut down and clean\" pros1=\"Easy to assemble\" pros2=\"Approachable price point\" pros3=\"Delicious food results, especially at lower temperatures and longer cook times\" cons=\"Not ideal for searing and high-temp cooking\" cons1=\"App could be more advanced\" image=\"2151317\" image_credit=\"MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/POq5xe\" pr_display_text=\"Shop at Traeger\" retailers_2_name=\"Home Depot\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/homedepot.sjv.io\/QjzmG3\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop at Home Depot\" retailers_3_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/mOrWa1\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop at BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/aOYaLM\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop at Ace Hardware\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe Traeger Woodridge Pro<\/a> is our top pick for new pellet grill users. It\u2019s easy to assemble, use and clean, and it delivers even, consistent results. \"I appreciate that the controls and app are streamlined for hassle-free grilling. While some expert grillers might want more features from the Traeger App, I found its simple interface manageable and easy to use from the first cook,\" says Shopping Editor Mary Henn<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThe Woodridge Pro<\/a> is equipped with WiFIRE technology and a digital pellet sensor. These capabilities allow you to track your cooking and monitor your pellet levels from anywhere using the Traeger App. \"I love that Traeger has introduced the budget-friendly Woodridge Series,\" Mary adds, \"which includes many of the same technological features as the more expensive Ironwood and Timberline grills.\"\r\n\r\nThe Woodridge Pro also includes a folding side shelf for extra prep space, a super smoke mode and several other standout features to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. The hopper is located on the right side of the grill and can hold up to 24 pounds of wood pellets. Couple that with the grill's 970 square inches of cooking space and two tiers, and there\u2019s plenty of room to feed a crowd.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nDuring testing, Mary used the Woodridge Pro to smoke ribs and pork shoulder.\u00a0The pulled pork turned out super-juicy with a nice red smoke ring, and the ribs were smoky and tender enough to pull from the bone with ease. She also used the grill to cook brats, which got a nice char and were perfectly juicy.\r\n\r\n\"One of the best features of the Woodridge Pro is its compatibility with the Traeger App, which is efficient, user-friendly and easy to look at,\" Mary says. \"The Traeger App allows you to set and adjust the temperature of the grill remotely from the comfort of your bed at 5 or 6 a.m. It also allows you to set timers, view the actual and adjust the target temperature of the meat probe, check pellet levels and more.\"\r\n\r\nPriced lower than the Ironwood and Timberline series from Traeger, the Woodridge series makes a more affordable gift for grillers<\/a> just starting out, leaving room in the budget for Traeger grill accessories<\/a>.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain | Weight:<\/strong> 174 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong>\u00a0 970 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> WiFi and app connectivity; super smoke and keep warm modes; temperature probe; digital pellet sensor; folding side shelf\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 10 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Pros\" product_name=\"Traeger Ironwood XL\" pros=\"Very roomy\" pros1=\"Useful app features\" pros2=\"Locking wheels\" pros3=\"Generous work surface\" pros4=\"Quick pellet swaps\" cons=\"May be too large for some\" cons1=\"No disposable liner pan\" cons2=\"Interior paint is peeling after one year of use\" image=\"2036065\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/2aQe7z\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/xk0kyy\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/JKb4r7\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Ftraeger-ironwood-xl-grill-23%2F\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" \/]\r\n\r\nPellet grill pros should invest in a high-quality, long-lasting unit, and the\u00a0Traeger Ironwood XL<\/a> delivers exactly that<\/span>. It looks luxe and substantial enough to impress even the snobbiest griller. The unit's sleek, black powder-coated exterior and courtesy lights, coupled with a large cooking area and locking wheels, give it an edge over competitors.\r\n\r\nOur grill expert, Catherine, has been testing this pellet grill for over a year for our Ironwood XL review.<\/a> \"This is definitely a pellet grill for a serious smoker,\" she says of this feature-rich pick. She notes, \"It\u2019s intuitive and multi-functional, and it doesn\u2019t require what I like to call 'babysitting.'\" This is partly due to the phone app, which we found easy to connect. It also comes with two probes, accessory side shelves on both sides for food prep and an open shelf underneath for storage.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThe app offers helpful data, like pellet percentage and a timer, and you can shut the grill down via the app or employ the special cooking modes. Swapping out pellets is also easier than other Traegers thanks to a quick-swap hopper. Cooking modes include \"Super Smoke\" and \"Keep Warm\" modes. You can also use the app to view the grill's temperature and access recipes and tutorials, including a video on how to clean and maintain your grill.\r\n\r\nThis machine emits a lot of smoke at times, but it's a rockstar with consistent, even heat. The salmon smoked up beautifully, and the chicken breasts built up a nice bark on the bottom. It also gave the pork chops some nice color and provided enough power to give the pork shoulder a vibrant red smoke ring. While the shoulder was a bit dry, it was still moist enough to thoroughly enjoy.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nOne thing to note is that after a year of consistent use, the paint on the interior has begun chipping away. This could be partly due to a lack of disposable liners present in other Traeger models<\/a>. However, we found that level of visible wear to be pretty on par with most well-used pellet grills.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain\u00a0| Weight:<\/strong> 199 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 924 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Accessory shelving; locking wheels; courtesy lighting\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 10 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Budget\" product_name=\"Traeger Pro 575\" pros=\"Budget friendly\" pros1=\"Cleans up easily\" pros2=\"Drip bucket with disposable liners\" pros3=\"Smokestack-style chimney\" pros4=\"Keeps meat moist\" cons=\"Weak sear\" cons1=\"Small, hard-to-read screen\" cons2=\"Only one set of wheels\" image=\"2036063\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/aOxRoN\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/LKov90\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Grills-TFB57GLEO-Grill-Smoker\/dp\/B07SJW67X2?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nFor those just learning how to grill<\/a>, dropping thousands on a barrel-shaped beast might not be the best option. The Traeger Pro 575<\/a> offers many of the same features as its pricier counterparts but in a budget-friendly (and slightly smaller) package. While the cooking area sits modestly at 572 square inches, there's still plenty of room for pork shoulders and other prime cuts. Those who require more cooking area can splurge on the most spacious Pro 780<\/a>, which offers a larger 780-inch grate.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThe unit has two all-terrain wheels and an external drip bucket with a few disposable aluminum inserts. While the wheels are a nice touch, we prefer the units with four wheels for easier mobility. The grill also has cord-management hooks on the back and a sleek yet small LED screen. A meat probe records the temperature of your protein, and the temperature controls are spot on. This is a high-heat unit that hits up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for faster cooks.\r\n\r\nWiFi app capabilities include a timer and pellet sensor that tells you when it's time for a refill. Additionally, a reusable liner along the interior makes cleanup a breeze\u2014just expect some slight warping and leakage after exposure to the hot pellets. One area where this visually differs from other Traegers is the handsome, smokestack chimney. It's a nice touch but doesn't really improve the smoking features, at least as far as we can tell.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nWhile our veggies and pork chops didn't caramelize very well due to a weak sear, this grill does some magical work on chicken. Our chicken breasts didn't taste very smoky, but they turned out moist and delicious with a deep mahogany color. It similarly impressed the team with its performance on the pork shoulder, creating a moist yet mild roast with a beautiful bark color and a prominent red smoke ring.\r\n\r\nWhile the Pro 575<\/a> doesn't impart as much smoky flavor as some of the other best pellet grills on this list, that's expected. According to Catherine, pellets will never be as smoky-tasting as real hardwood, so we aren't docking points for that. If you want a more robust flavor, invest in a smoke box to go inside the grill. Overall, it's an excellent budget pick for those dipping their toes into pellet grilling.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain | Weight:<\/strong> 124 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 572 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> LED screen; smokestack chimney \u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 3 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Splurge\" product_name=\"Traeger Timberline\" pros=\"Easy-to-use interface\" pros1=\"Large grilling area\" pros2=\"Adjustable grates\" pros3=\"Attractive kitchen-ready design\" pros4=\"Induction burner on the side\" pros5=\"Removable cutting board\" cons=\"Not the best at searing\" cons1=\"Pricey\" cons2=\"Lengthy, 20-minute shut down cycle\" image=\"2036932\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/o4XRKo\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" retailers_2_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/4G5oaM\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/zxegK0\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_4_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Ftraeger-timberline%2F\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" \/]\r\n\r\nWhether you plan on plank grilling<\/a> or showing off your low and slow roasts, the Traeger Timberline<\/a> is well worth the splurge for serious pit fiends. The super sleek kitchen-ready design is only the tip of the iceberg. It includes a whopping 880 square inches of grilling space and an induction burner on the side that's compatible with magnetic cookware. Adjustable grates also allow users to customize each cook based on their needs.\r\n\r\n\"It's a good performer with some showy extra features,\" says Catherine. \"The wood accents make it very appealing to look at. Sheri even discovered that the cutting board on the side table is removable (attached with a very strong magnet).\" The Timberline looks and feels like a mini outdoor kitchen on wheels. Apart from the grilling features, it offers accessory hooks, courtesy lights, towel racks and a side basket accessory shelf. It even comes with a plastic cupholder that holds the chef's favorite non-alcoholic beer<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThe easy-to-use interface worked well when coupled with the WiFi features and app. Set the temperature and a timer, manually select the \"Super Smoke\" or \"Keep Warm\" feature or engage the shut-down button. It also lets you know what percentage of the hopper is full. There's a grill and maintenance section that tells you how to clean and maintain your grill. There are also pages full of recipes and tutorials, along with shoppable sections where you can buy sauces and pellets or locate a Traeger dealer.\r\n\r\nCatherine is a big fan of the touchscreen controls, finding them easy and organized. Each setting has its own sub-menu, which helps make things feel more intuitive. As you boost the temperature, the screen automatically switches from \"Smoking\" to \"Grilling\" to \"Searing,\" a feature we love.\r\n\r\n\"The Traeger Timberline<\/a> corn would pair with any type of food without overpowering it,\" says Mark Derse, our photographer. It came out slightly smoky with a light flavor. The grill produced near-perfect chicken that had lots of bark and a juicy interior, with a light mahogany top and mild, smoky flavor. Similarly, the pork chops received a little color along the edges (though not as much as we'd like), and the pork shoulder offered beautiful, complex flavors and a nice color.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nHowever, with more tech comes more issues. Testers note that after 30 minutes of cooking the chops, the grill went into its 30-minute shutdown cycle. Then, they had to turn it off because it said it was too hot (500 degrees Fahrenheit). After they turned it back on, it prompted a deep-clean notification, even though the grill was thoroughly cleaned. After a restart, the grill worked as expected. We don't think this was a big issue, but we want to make note of it\u2014especially given the high price point.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200eStainless steel\u00a0| Weight:<\/strong> 238 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong>\u00a0 880 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Touchscreen; two wireless probes; two wired probes; induction cooktop\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 10 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Portable\" product_name=\"Traeger Tailgater\" pros=\"Portable design\" pros1=\"Fold-down legs\" pros2=\"Good size for moving, travel and storage\" pros3=\"Assembly isn't too complicated\" cons=\"Small hopper\" cons1=\"Not as stable as some grills\" cons2=\"No pellet chute\" image=\"2036088\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Walmart\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTraeger-Pellet-Grills-Tailgater-20-Wood-Pellet-Grill-and-Smoker-Black%2F689642658\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_2_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/MAnyK3\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_name=\"Home Depot\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/homedepot.sjv.io\/bO5GRb\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop at Home Depot\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/e1rvX6\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe Traeger Tailgater<\/a> is our top pick for those wanting to use a pellet grill on the go. Compact with a small 300-square-inch cooking area, it offers a simple yet effective interface. It also weighs in at a very modest 62 pounds and has foldable legs. This makes the Tailgater compact enough to tuck into a van for camping trips, storage and\u2014you guessed it\u2014tailgating. Given the smaller size, assembly takes only one person rather than the two it takes for the other best pellet grills on our list.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nWhat it lacks in extra features like WiFi, it makes up for with a lower price point and easier mobility thanks to a lightweight build. It also has its fair share of helpful features, including a \"keep warm\" mode for folks waiting for other dishes to finish cooking. It's an affordable gift for grillers<\/a> just starting out\u2014and it leaves plenty of room in the budget for Traeger grill accessories<\/a>.\r\n\r\nDon't think this tinier Traeger isn't as effective as its larger cousins, either. It produced juicy, moist chicken breasts with a little caramelization and a nice smoky top. That said, it gobbles up pellets rather quickly, and the lack of a way to empty the pellets means there's no way to switch flavors mid-cook. \"You'll want to keep an eye on the pellet consumption on the Tailgater,\" says tester Sheri Kaz<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe pork chops came out moist, albeit slightly uneven. Similarly, the pork shoulder end result was fairly tough and didn't pull well. While it wasn't dry, it also wasn't super moist. \"I would think the shoulder would be 190 degrees Fahrenheit internally versus the actual 205 degrees Fahrenheit that it was,\" says Catherine Ward, Prep Kitchen Manager.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nDespite fewer settings, the interface is less intuitive than other Traegers. It lacks a pellet chute and has a smaller hopper than the others. But it still incorporates core features like a meat probe and the signature barrel style. While its performance isn't quite on par with our top performers, it's the only truly portable option on our list. It's also great for those who want to learn to use their pellet grill before investing in a thousand-dollar appliance.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nSenior editor Katie Bandurski<\/a> has been long-term testing the Traeger Tailgater<\/a> since September 2024. \"The tech on this one is pretty simple compared to other Traegers,\" she notes. \"That said, it does impart a lovely smoky taste. I grilled apples in a cast iron skillet to serve with shortcake and vanilla ice cream this fall. Yum! You could really taste the smoky flavor without it being overwhelming. I\u2019m excited to experiment with different pellet flavors, too.\"\r\n\r\nThat said, she noticed that the bottom tray rusted in the short time she's had it. While it doesn't come into contact with food, she found this disappointing given the price point.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain | Weight:<\/strong> 62 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong>\u00a0 300 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>No | Special Features:<\/strong> \"Keep Warm\" mode; temperature probe\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 3 years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Compact\" product_name=\"Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill\" pros=\"Keeps smoke inside\" pros1=\"Separate searing grate\" pros2=\"Locks on wheels\" pros3=\"Comes with repair paint\" pros4=\"Side tables\" cons=\"Bulky and difficult to move\" cons1=\"Scratches easily\" cons2=\"Silicone buttons\" image=\"2036072\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Yoder\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.yodersmokers.com\/pellet\/the-ys480s-pellet-grill\/\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Yoder\" retailers_2_name=\"All Things BBQ\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.atbbq.com\/products\/yoder-smokers-ys480s-pellet-grill-with-acs\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on All Things Barbecue\" \/]\r\n\r\nBig cooking areas and small grills don't typically mix, but the Yoder Smokers YS480s pellet grill<\/a> proves that's not always the case. It boasts a behemoth 800 square inches of grilling space while still only taking up around 53 inches lengthwise. This pick for the bestpellet grill for compact spaces maximizes surface area by utilizing one lower row with three cooking grates and a second-level slide-out cooking shelf.\r\n\r\n\"Pellet\r\n\r\n\"The instructions are not super clear for this smoker,\" notes Ben Landwehr, TMB studio assistant, of the smoker assembly. \"There are certain screws on the base that aren\u2019t attached until later, and this isn\u2019t made super obvious, so some backtracking may be required. It\u2019s built on its side, then lifted upright. Definitely a two-person lift, as this is one of the heaviest-duty smokers on the list.\" In addition to this assembly hiccup, the unit itself is big, bulky and difficult to move, though the inclusion of a side table means more prep space. The grill also scratches easily, which is why it comes with its own spray coverup paint.\r\n\r\nHowever, the separate searing grate is a \"grate\" addition that more than makes up for these oversights. The grill can also cook in an over-the-flame fashion. You can even bake or do some indirect grilling. Because the Yoder keeps smoke inside while closed, it's also a good choice for both quick grilling and barbecuing<\/a> low and slow roasts. The app is especially user friendly. It shows temperature and probe information, plus the option to program temperature changes.\r\n\r\nIt may not be the best for fragile items like fish (which give off a lot of white albumin<\/a>) or veggies (which don't soak up a lot of smoky flavor). That said, the grill is well-equipped to cook up chicken breasts with a nice char or juicy pork chops. During our tests, it also created juicy, tender pork shoulders with a nice dark bark that fell apart at the slightest shred. Ours had a nice pink smoke ring and a milder flavor, something that Catherine says is normal when you're not smoking with hardwood.\r\n\r\nOverall, the performance and smaller size make the Yoder<\/a> an excellent compact option for home cooks.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200eSteel | Weight:<\/strong> 277 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 800 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Two meat probes; slide-out cooking shelf; direct over-the-flame grilling; searing grate; drip bucket\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> Cooking chambers\u201410 years; ACS\u20143 years; Ceramic ignitor\u20143 years\r\n\r\n
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How We Found the Best Pellet Grills<\/h2>\r\nOur Product Testing Team first looked at bestsellers and top-rated finds with excellent reviews. We secured 12 grills from the most popular brands, including Traeger, Cuisinart and Weber. Primary testers include Dylan Fischer<\/a>, Sheri Kaz<\/a> and Prep Kitchen Manager Catherine Ward<\/a>. We used Pit Boss Apple Blend pellets<\/a> for all these tests.\r\n\r\nDue to internet limitations, these grills were connected to WiFi and paired indoors<\/em><\/span>, so the grills were not ignited or running during connection, meaning we could not engage with most features. Throughout this test, we smoked 115 pounds of pork shoulder, plus chicken breasts, salmon, corn and pork chops. All in all, our testers:\r\n