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Wood-fired, set-and-forget

Pellet Grills

Pellet grills burn compressed hardwood pellets fed by an auger, giving you real wood smoke with digital, thermostat-like control. They're the easiest way to get into smoking without babysitting a fire, and the better units double as everyday grills. Here are our current picks across price points.

Editor's Pick

Traeger Pro 22

  • 572 sq in
  • 18 lb hopper
  • 180–450°F
  • WiFIRE app
  • 6-in-1

The all-rounder we'd hand a first-time pellet owner. WiFIRE lets you set temperature and monitor from your phone, the 572 sq in fits two racks of ribs, and it swings from low-and-slow brisket to a hot, fast burger. Not the cheapest, but the one with the deepest support and accessory ecosystem.

Price tierPremium
Best Value

Z Grills 700 Series (Dual-Wall)

  • 700 sq in
  • PID 3.0 control
  • Dual-wall insulated
  • 8-in-1

More cooking area than the Pro for less money, with PID temperature control and dual-wall insulation that helps it hold heat in cold weather. The trade-off is a smaller dealer and accessory network, but the cook quality punches well above the price.

Price tierMid-range
Most Grill For The Money

Pit Boss Navigator 850

  • 932 sq in
  • Flame Broiler sear
  • Digital control

Nearly 1,000 sq in and a sliding Flame Broiler plate that exposes the cook to direct flame for real searing, something most pellet grills can't do well. If you feed a crowd and want sear capability without a second grill, this is the value sear-zone pick.

Price tierMid-range
Premium

Traeger Woodridge Pro

  • 970 sq in
  • Super Smoke mode
  • Pellet sensor
  • WiFIRE

Traeger's newer flagship-tier build: big 970 sq in capacity, a dedicated Super Smoke mode for heavier smoke flavor, and a pellet-level sensor so you're not guessing about refills mid-cook. The pick if you want the most refined Traeger experience and the full app ecosystem.

Price tierHigh-end

Buying notes

What to weigh before you buy

  • Hopper size matters for long cooks. A bigger pellet hopper means fewer refills during an overnight brisket. Smaller hoppers are fine for weeknight cooking but get annoying on long low-and-slow sessions.
  • Searing is the weak spot. Most pellet grills top out around 450–500°F, which is fine for almost everything but light for a hard steak crust. Look for a dedicated sear function or open-flame zone if steaks are a priority.
  • WiFi is genuinely useful here. App control lets you adjust temperature and get done-alerts from inside the house during a multi-hour cook. It's the one place smart features earn their keep.
  • Cold weather costs pellets. Single-wall barrels lose heat in winter and burn more fuel; insulated or dual-wall designs hold temperature better if you grill year-round in a cold climate.
  • Accessory ecosystem is worth checking. Bigger brands have more covers, shelves, and replacement parts available, which matters over the life of the grill.

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Still deciding between fuel types?

Our buying guide breaks down pellet vs charcoal vs gas vs smoker so you can match the grill to how you actually cook.

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