Wood pellet grills are becoming more and more popular all the time. People love their wood pellet grills due to their eco-friendly nature, and ability to cook food just like a regular grill. They are considered an easy, healthier way to cook. Pellet grills do require some work, such as caring for them properly, and knowing how to cook with them.
I have been using my wood pellet grill now for over a year, and I absolutely love it. In this article I will be discussing about 6 top rated wood pellet grills that are available on the market. The reason behind selecting these grills from many options of these types of grills is the fact that they have got high ratings for different aspects contributing to their quality beyond any doubt.
However, before we jump onto the discussion, let first take a look at a brief buying guide to the highest rated pellet grills. So, without further ado, let’s get started! For you folks that would like to jump directly to the 6 suggested pellet grills, you can do so by clicking HERE!
Buying Guide to the Top Rated Wood Pellet Grills
It’s time to get serious about grilling, and you’re going to want a grill that can handle it. Here are some things to consider when shopping for your new pellet grill!
1. Cooking Area
The cooking area of a grill is the total space that it can cook on. In other words, this is the number of people you can feed with your grill. Most grills have between 500 and 1,500 square inches of cooking area.
Grills with smaller cooking areas are called “mini” while those with larger cooking areas are called “big box” or “commercial grade”.
2. Grilling Capacity
The grilling capacity refers to how many people can be served on your grill at once. For example, if your grill has a 600 square inch cooking area but only serves two people at a time, then it has a grilling capacity of 2 (600/2).
If instead it had a 1,000 square inch cooking area but also served two people at a time, then it would have a grilling capacity of 4 (1,000/2).
3. Temperature Range
The temperature range is the difference in temperature between the high and low settings on your grill. For example, if your grill has an 850-degree high setting and a 250-degree low setting then its temperature range would be 600 degrees (850-250=600).
4. Temperature Controls
One of the most important things to look for when buying a pellet grill is temperature control. You want to be able to set the temperature at a level that’s just right for you and your food, so take a look at the different options and see if one of them fits your needs.
5. Hopper Capacity
The hopper capacity is basically how much wood pellets you can store in your grill at any given time. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, check out the manual or estimate based on what you usually use and how often you grill.
6. Durability
Durability is another thing to consider when choosing a pellet grill. You want something that will last as long as possible without falling apart or burning out after just a few uses, and if it happens to break down sooner than expected, don’t worry!
There are plenty of companies that offer warranties on their products, so make sure you take advantage of them when necessary.
7. Pellet Delivery
If you want to get your pellets delivered, you’ll need to make sure your grill can handle the weight. Pellets are usually sold in 40-pound bags, so make sure that your grill can hold at least 40 pounds of weight. Most pellet grills can hold up to 60 pounds of pellets.
8. Additional Features and Capabilities
If you want to do more than just cook with your pellet grill, make sure it has these features:
- A side burner (for cooking side dishes)
- A warming rack (for keeping food warm while it finishes cooking)
- A meat probe (for checking the internal temperature of meat)
- A built-in thermometer (to monitor the temperature inside the grill)
9. Types of Pellets
There are two different types of pellets: hardwood and softwood. Softwood pellets are made from pine trees or other softwoods like cedar and spruce. They have a mild smoke flavour and burn faster than hardwood pellets because they’re made from smaller pieces of wood.
Hardwood pellets are made from oak, maple, apple, cherry, or hickory trees and have a stronger smoke flavour than softwood!
10. Versatility
Most wood pellet grills are versatile enough to cook a wide range of foods. However, some grills come with additional features that can be helpful depending on what kind of food you like to cook.
For example, certain grills can be used as smokers, which means they have special features like adjustable temperature control and a water pan that helps keep food moist during smoking.
11. Size and Built
The size of your new grill should depend on how much cooking space you need in your indoor or outdoor area. Also consider how portable it will be, if you want something that’s easy to move around and store when not in use, look for lighter-weight models with wheels and/or handles.
12. Pellet Consumption
Pellet consumption varies from grill to grill so make sure to check out reviews online before purchasing one. Some grills use more pellets than others, this is especially important if you plan on using them for long periods of time (like overnight).
13. Portability
If you plan on using your grill outside, it needs to be portable. Look for a model that is easy to move around, such as one with wheels or handles. If possible, choose a model with a side door so that you can load it up without having to lift anything over your head.
14. Weight
Most people are looking for lightweight models because they want something they can easily carry around without breaking their backs. However, there are some heavier models out there which may have more features and better-quality materials than others at similar prices.
The key is finding something that suits your needs while still being lightweight enough for regular use and transportation purposes.
15. Clean-Up
If you hate taking the time to clean up your grill after every use, look for one with removable parts that are dishwasher safe. If possible, look for one with an ash removal system so all of the ashes can be cleaned up at once instead of having to do it in small batches throughout the year.
My 6 Picks of the Best Wood Pellet Grills
1. PIT BOSS 10537 Wood Pellet Grill
When you’re ready to step up your outdoor grilling game, the Pit Boss 10537 Wood Pellet Grill is the way to go. It uses hardwood pellet fuel, so you can rest assured that your food is being cooked with a healthy, sustainable fuel source. The temperature range is 180-500 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you a lot of flexibility in how you cook different foods.
The Pit Boss 10537 Wood Pellet Grill also has 8-in-1 cooking features that allow you to do everything from smoking and roasting to searing and baking, all on one grill! And it comes with a wide cooking capacity of 849 square inches, so there’s plenty of room for all your favourite dishes.
Finally, this grill comes with a built-in hopper capacity of 21 lbs, enough fuel for all day cooking without having to refill!
Pros
- It uses hardwood pellet fuel
- Has a wide temperature range of 180-500 degree Fahrenheit
- Extremely versatile with 8-in-1 cooking features
- Comes with a wide cooking capacity of 849 square inches
- Built-in hopper capacity of 21 lbs
Cons
- This grill does not hold temperature that well!
FAQ
1. Is there room on the smoker side of the grill for a brisket?
That is a possibility. This pellet smoker and grill combination is the best money can buy. This will provide you with a great level of satisfaction when used for smoking, roasting, and grilling.
There are no restrictions on the type of cuisine you can prepare on it. It is feasible to smoke the brisket while preparing other items on the smoker’s grill side.
2. In what year was this product created?
Check the manufacturing date, which can be found on the serial number. This device should be available in the model year 2021.
3. Does this model fold up?
There is not a single leg that is directly attached to the grill. A folding shelf can be found in front of the smoker door.
Conclusion
The Pit Boss is a versatile grill that comes with 8-in-1 cooking features. It has a wide temperature range of 180-500 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a cooking capacity of 849 square inches and an inbuilt hopper capacity of 21 lbs.
This grill will prove to be an effective option for you if you like the features that it has to offer and want to start cooking with wood pellets.
2. PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill
The PIT BOSS PB440D2 is built with a premium gauge stainless steel construction, so you can be sure that it’s durable and long-lasting. It also comes with a removable side shelf and serving tray, which makes it easy to cook for your friends and family without worrying about spills on your deck or patio.
The PIT BOSS PB440D2 has built-in two large wheels so you can easily move it around when you want to grill at different locations or when you’re cleaning up after a long day of grilling.
The grill features fan forced convection cooking so that your food cooks evenly every time. And finally, this grill has a large hopper capacity of 5lbs.
Pros
- Built with a premium gauge stainless steel construction
- Comes with a removable side shelf and serving tray
- Has built-in two large wheels
- Features fan forced convection cooking
- Has a large hopper capacity of 5lbs
Cons
- Getting a consistent temperature is a little difficult!
FAQ
1. How can you achieve a flame char broil while using pellets?
Slide the broiler cover open to show the open slots. Set the temperature of the flames to how hot (and how high) you want them to be. Wait a few moments before letting it go.
Keep an eye on it until you become used to it because it will be chaotic until then.
2. What distinguishes this model from the Lexington 540, if there is a distinction?
The Lexington model is only available on Walmart’s website and comes with a half PID controller. That means there are no P settings!
Furthermore, it is slightly more compact than the 440D2. It also cannot be upgraded to a wireless controller through Wi-Fi.
3. Can you obtain a larger hopper? 5lbs seems insignificant!
Yes, a hopper enlargement for this model is available for purchase separately. The one that fits models 340 and 440 is required.
Conclusion
The PB440D2 is a great grill, arguably one of the best wood pellet grill that you can find right now on Amazon. The grill is made by PIT BOSS, who has quickly established themselves as a reputable maker of pellet grills and smokers.
Owners love how easy it is to use, and its great cleaning ability. This and other models of the PIT BOSS brand can be purchased on Amazon now if you’d like to get one for your home.
3. Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Pellet Grill
The Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Pellet Grill is a great choice for grillers who are looking for a grill that can sear, smoke, and cook meat at temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a porcelain enamel finish to prevent rusting and cracking, so you’ll be able to use it year after year without worrying about repairs.
The grill has a large cooking area of 672 square inches, so you’ll have plenty of room for your steaks, burgers, and chicken wings. The Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Pellet Grill features 2 meat probes so you can keep an eye on the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid of the grill.
This will help you get the most out of your meats by making sure they’re cooked just right!
Pros
- Can sear and even smoke meat at temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with a porcelain enamel finish to prevent rusting and cracking
- Has a large cooking space of 672 square inches
- Divides heat evenly on the cooking area
- Features 2 meat probes
Cons
- The temperatures fluctuates in the middle of cooking once in a while!
FAQ
1. Is the new Weber hopper insert included with this purchase?
This is the second generation, and you can see that an insert is in the hopper.
2. Do you think it could fit two briskets?
I have no problem handling three briskets at once, one on top and two underneath. Most of the time, I place one item on the upper grate and a water pan on the lower grate.
It prevents moisture from escaping the smoker and simplifies clean-up.
3. Is the Weber app required in any manner to use it?
Yes and No, I learned that utilizing an app to set it up was easier at first, and once set up, it can be used without the app. But you can use it without the app too, you can simply set it up with its own buttons and the screen. The app just make remote operation easy.
Conclusion
If you are a first-time buyer, we highly recommend the Weber Smokefire. The grill is easy to use and requires no additional assembly. The grill also has outstanding temperature control and cooks your food evenly, every time.
Moreover, the grill has 12 different settings on the burners that allow you to easily cook low and slow. Overall, if you are looking for a smoker that can also grill meat then the Weber Smokefire may be the perfect grill for you.
4. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is the perfect high-quality grill to make your outdoor cooking experience more enjoyable. It has a large capacity pellet hopper, which means you can enjoy long grilling sessions without having to refill the hopper frequently.
The SmokePro DLX also comes with 10 different smoke adjustment settings. You can choose from mild, medium, or strong smoke flavours according to your taste and preference. Another great feature of this grill is its ash cleanout system, which makes it easy for you to clean out any leftover ash after grilling. You can also use this system to clean out grease from the grill’s internal components.
The SmokePro DLX comes with a purge system that helps prevent heat loss while you’re cooking your food so that it doesn’t cool down too fast during the grilling process. This feature also helps reduce flare-ups during cooking time because there will be less moisture inside the grill’s body due to its large capacity pellet hopper (and less moisture means less chance for flare ups).
Pros
- Comes with 10 different smoke adjustment settings
- Has an ash cleanout system, a purge system, and a grease management system
- Features a large capacity pellet hopper
- The grilling area is quite large at 573 square inches
- Also has certain side attachments like a sidekick or a sear box
Cons
- The grill could be better insulated!
FAQ
1. Is there a case or a cover included?
No, you should only buy Camp Chef brand goods since they will outlast the grill.
2. What exactly is the shell’s composition? What is the thickness?
It’s made of powder-coated steel for long lasting!
3. What are the electrical requirements and specs for the grill?
A standard outlet that you can place in your patio (120 volts, 15 amps).
Conclusion
If you are looking for a grill that can do it all and has the versatility to match, then the SmokePro DLX cannot be beat. It is an advanced pellet grill that has a large cooking area that can hold multiple size grills easily.
Its 10 unique smoke-adjustment settings will have you grilling with the best of them!
5. Camp Chef Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill is a great choice for the person who wants to get into the world of smoking but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on an expensive bulky grill. It’s easy to use and extremely convenient for a newbie, and it features an ash cleanout system, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning it up after each use.
The built-in PID controller makes sure that your temp stays consistent throughout the entire cooking process, even if you’re using different settings for different meats.
It has 10 different adjustable smoke settings so you can get exactly what you want out of your meat. This is especially useful when it comes to controlling the taste of poultry.
Pros
- Built-in PID controller for consistent temperatures
- Has 10 different adjustable smoke settings
- Easy to use and extremely convenient for a newbie
- Features an ash cleanout system
- Easily transportable and lightweight
Cons
- The wheels sometimes rub on the frame and hence don’t rotate freely!
FAQ
1. Are the grill grates comprised of stainless steel, or just chromed steel?
This stuff is composed of stainless steel!
2. Is there a propane tank for the grill?
No. It only works with wood pellet.
3. Is a grill cover included with the purchase?
However, despite being advertised as having one, it did not come with one! However, it is separately available on Amazon for $80.
Conclusion
Any way you look at it, the Camp Chef Pursuit is a great grill. The grill stows easily, it’s easy to use, and it’s certainly convenient for anyone who isn’t looking for a complicated machine.
It comes with all the features you need in a grill at an affordable price. And if you want those extra features down the line? It’s an option that costs only $150 more than the base model.
6. Weber SmokeFire EX6 Wood Pellet Grill
The Weber SmokeFire EX6 Wood Pellet Grill is one of the best pellet grills on the market today. It combines simplicity, versatility and ease-of-use with high-quality construction and craftsmanship to provide an exceptional experience for anyone who uses it.
The Weber SmokeFire EX6 Wood Pellet Grill features a porcelain finish that prevents rust and cracking. The large 1,008 square inch dual grilling space makes it easy to cook for large groups of people.
It comes with a DC powered engine that prevents auger jams so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time trying to fix the grill. This grill distributes heat evenly so you can sear as well as smoke meat at temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Features a Weber porcelain finish to prevent rust and cracking
- Has a large 1,008 square inch dual grilling space
- Comes with a DC powered motor to prevent auger jams
- Distributes heat evenly
- Can sear as well as smoke meat at temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- The temperature control system is not 100% accurate!
FAQ
1. How many watts is required for something like this?
If by watts you mean power requirements, then this one needs a regular outlet (120 volt).
2. How far apart are the grill’s wheels? How long is the grill in total?
The length of the grill, measured from wheel to wheel, is 42 inches, and the total length is 55,5 inches from one end to the other.
3. How much space does it have for pellets?
This grill’s hopper can hold up to twenty pounds of pellets.
Conclusion
This Weber grill is excellent for someone looking to break into the world of grilling, as well as for a more experienced griller. It offers a ton of versatility, and when used with the add-ons it can even be used for smoking foods.
The ability to sear food will be welcome for those who are already champions at smoking, and the easy installation process makes this a worthwhile purchase.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
The Bottom Line
A pellet grill, in general, is a great option for cooking if you like the taste of grilled food. It is also very versatile and can be used in a number of different ways depending on what you like to eat. A wood pellet grill, however, is better than other types that are available on the market today. Instead of using charcoal or propane, it uses wood pellets to help turn your meats into delicious and tender meals that everyone can enjoy.
In the end, it all comes down to analysing your own needs and preferences as a customer. Do you want portability or stability? Do you need an entry level grill, or you have no interest in any cheap grills? Perhaps you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly choice, which may sway you towards a pellet grill over a charcoal one.
Also, if you are highly confused about which one to buy, just go with any one which we have mentioned above. All of them belong to the best ones according to their price point and are the best bang for the buck! If you have any tips or stories to share, feel free to leave a comment below, Be Safe and Happy BBQ.!