Traditional smokers have a problem.
It's not that they don't make great food—you've probably had many a great brisket or side of ribs expertly smoked by a barbeque pro.
It's the skill and time involved in making great smoked meats and other food with traditional wood fired or charcoal smokers. Unless you've invested some serious practice time or learned from a seasoned barbeque cook, getting the temperature and timing right in your smoker is tough.
Thankfully, if you want to make great food in a smoker, you've got options.
While electric smokers are one way to take the guess work out of smoking, another—perhaps better—solution is a pellet smoker.
Let's take a closer look at the best "pellet grill" and "pellet smoker" on the market.
Never Use Gas or Charcoal Again: Cooking with wood just tastes better.
If you want better, go with the original. Traeger Grills came up with the first models in the mid-1980s and the same innovation that led to the first products, has kept Traeger at the top of the game.
One of the top electric models out there is the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34.
With over 600 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room to cook for a crowd. The Traeger Texas Elite is also capable of temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you plenty of power to cook just about anything.
An automatic electric ignition allows for quick, simple starting. Traeger's thermostat controls are operated with a simple to use dial that keeps grill temperatures within 20 degrees of the desired setting. The controls even have a 'smoke' setting, keeping temperatures low and slow for ideal smoking.
These products do more than just smoke. Many do an excellent job with traditional grilling too.
Most of Traeger's products make great grills as well as smokers. And if you want the top wood pellet grill, look no further than the Traeger Grills Select Elite.
This grill uses Traeger's simple to use controls, giving users quick access to a range of grilling temperatures. An 18-pound capacity pellet hopper provides plenty of space for wood pellets and many hours of smoking.
The Select Elite has over 500 square inches of cooking space and can be easily moved around on the caster wheels it sits on. This grill also incorporates a storage cabinet beneath the grill, providing some extra storage space.
Porcelain grates really round out this premium grill by giving users a non-stick surface that's easy to clean and maintain.
Great smoked flavor doesn't have to stay home.
Whether it's tailgating or camping, grilling on the go is often part of the experience. The great thing about this model is that there are some truly great portable options.
One of the top portable models is the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett.
The Davy Crocket is a highly portable grill with fold up legs and an overall weight of under 60 pounds. At around 32 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 21 inches tall, it will fit in most car trunks and stow easily in a truck or SUV.
For maximum versatility, this grill will run on 12 or 110 volt power. In addition to this, the grill is Wi-Fi enabled and users can control the unit the Green Mountain iOS or Android apps.
The Davy Crocket ignites automatically. Temperatures can be adjusted from 150 degrees all the way up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many people just don't have space for massive grill, or just don't want one. Having a grill you can take along on your next tailgate or camping trip is a nice bonus.
If you're looking for a smaller model that you can take with you, the Traeger Tailgater is one of the top choices. With a compact form factor of just 36" by 37" by 18" and a set of folding legs, this grill can be easily stored or transported.
The Tailgater gives cooks the same great controls found on all Traeger models, including an electric starter and temperature control.
Despite its small size, this Traeger still has 300 square inches of cooking space. That's enough for two whole chickens or 12 hamburgers.
For the perfect to use around the house, look no further than the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. The SmokePro DLX gives users a lot of great features for a reasonable price.
With nearly 600 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room to cook for the whole family. A large capacity hopper holds plenty of pellets.
It incorporates an easy to use automatic starter and a dual LED temperature readout that allows users to monitor both the temperature of the grill and the food being cooked.
Camp Chef also incorporates a unique ash removal system. Users simply pull a lever to remove old ashes.
If your smoking needs extend beyond the typical family gathering, you may want to explore commercial grade models.
The Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddy's gives users commercial grade features and durability in a compact, easy to use package.
With 100% stainless steel construction, it is very durable. And with nearly 800 square inches of cooking space there's plenty of room for the biggest jobs.
This model uses an automatic ignitor and digital temperature controls. Pellets are fed into the grill from a large capacity hopper.
Inside, the PG500 has an upper and lower grate for true indirect and direct cooking. Below the burner are two warming drawers for keeping food warm before serving.
While some users might love a small, easy to transport smoker, others need all the space they can get. For those big family gatherings or community events, bigger is definitely better.
The Louisiana Grills Country Whole Hog is a great model for those who need some serious space. At seven feet long overall and with over 1700 square inches of grill space, the Whole Hog really can handle the whole hog plus some.
It is really more like two products welded together. Both sides have their own large capacity wood pellet hoppers and separate burners, allowing users to operate both sides at different temperatures. The two sides can even be partitioned to really separate your cooking.
Temperatures can be adjusted from 180 to over degrees Fahrenheit. And, this grill can be ignited easily with an automatic, electric ignitor.
If you really need the right, the Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire really delivers. While it doesn't come cheap, the Memphis Grills Elite packs a set of world class grilling features into a durable stainless-steel package for long lasting durability.
With over 700 square inches of cooking space, it has plenty of room. A 24 pound wood pellet hopper provides above average capacity and up to 62 hours of smoking.
One great thing about this model is its temperature flexibility. Cooks can smoke, grill, or bake at temperatures ranging from 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. An included ITC temperature probe lets you quickly track your food's progress.
Users can also control the grill through Wi-Fi with an iOS or Android app.
It can get a bit pricey. They've got a bit more going on than the traditional grill and all of those enhanced features really add to the price tag.
For those just getting started or looking for something slightly more inexpensive, the Camp Chef Smokepro STX is a solid option with a great set of features.
Users get over 400 square inches of coking space and an easy to use digital temperature control. With heats ranging from 160 to 500 degrees, there's plenty of room for both smoking and grilling.
The Smokepro STX also includes a meat probe, making it easy to track the progress of your meal.
There are many makers out there.
Some make great grills. And some not so much.
Here are some of the top brands in the marketplace.
Which makes a lot of sense when you consider that Traeger Grills pioneered the use of wood in smoker and grills.
At the top of their lineup sits the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood. From smoking to grilling and roasting, the Texas Elite can do just about everything a backyard barbeque might need with over 600 square inches of cooking space.
With Traeger's familiar electronically controlled ignition and thermostat, it is easily maintains consistent temperatures from 180 to 500 degrees.
Another major player in the market is Green Mountain Grills. Green Mountain makes a range of grills at reasonable prices.
One of their most popular models is the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett. And with good reason.
The Davy Crockett is a super portable model. With legs that fold up and compact form factor, this grill can go just about anywhere. On top of that, you can run this little model on both 110 and 12 volt power.
At nearly 70 pounds, it's not exactly light, but can be managed by two people.
Pit Boss Grills makes a number of different grills. From electric to propane and charcoal, they make just about everything.
One of their most innovative models is the Pit Boss Grills 77350 Digital. It takes advantage of the vertical, electric smoker design, but gets the smoking done with wood pellets.
Pellets feed in behind and electronic controls can be found on the front of the unit. For easy food management, the front door is made of insulated glass.
Temperatures can be adjusted from 150 to 450 degrees. Four porcelain grilling grates provide users with over 900 square inches of cooking space.
Camp Chef has been making grills and outdoor cookware for over 20 years. These grills are just one of the many products produced by this company.
The Camp Chef Woodwind is one of their top grills, offering outdoor cooks over 500 square inches of cook space and the ability to cook at temperatures from 160 to 500 degrees. To really get things done right, the Woodwind includes a sear box that can reach temperatures up to 900 degrees, allowing you to really lock in the flavors.
The Woodwind operates with an electric starter and thermostat. An included meat thermometer can be used to more closely monitor cooking progress.
If bold is your style, Rec Tec Grills are for you. From chrome bull horn handles to bold colors, these grills really grab your attention.
That bold style is part of what makes the Rec Tec Grills Bull RT-700 one of their great choice.
Whereas most smokers only allow temperatures to be set at 50 or 100 degree intervals–The Bull has very flexible temperature controls, allowing users to cook at virtually any temperature between 200 and 500 degrees. Cooks can also use the integrated meat thermometers to track and monitor progress.
With over 700 square inches of cooking space, it has ample room for the largest of gatherings. The Bull doesn't come cheap though, with a price tag of nearly $2000, you must truly want the top choice if you want this grill.
While Louisiana Grills makes more than just pellet grills, they make some very high quality pellet fueled units. From huge 1700 square inch grills, to smaller, household size units, they make it all.
The Louisiana Grills 60800 Stainless Steel Wood is one of their top grills for the average user. With over 800 square inches of cooking space, this grill is large enough for a crowd.
The stainless steel construction ensures that it will last for years to come. And flexible, digital controls make temperature adjustment simple.
At the end of the day, price is often the most important part of every buying decision. Unfortunately, pellet grills are not the most affordable grills on the market.
There are not many under $500, but they can be found. Here are a few that can be had for less than four figures.
For under $1000, the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 is tough to beat.
Made by the original pellet smoker maker, this grill packs a lot of features into a package that's great for both a family meal or a large weekend gathering.
If you want to keep the price below $500, the Camp Chef Smokepro STX is a great pellet grill that doesn't sacrifice on quality.
With this grill you get over 400 square inches of coking space and an easy to use digital temperature control. With heats ranging from 160 to 500 degrees, there's plenty of room for both smoking and grilling.
There aren't a lot of budget options out there in the market. But, if you want to save a few dollars, the Traeger Grills Junior Elite is a great buy that won't break the bank.
With this pellet powered grill, users still get Traeger quality in a compact, affordable package.
If you look long and hard at the pellet smokers available, there's not quite as many choices as many buyers might like. And not many of them are cheap. Most of the pellet fueled grills on the market are close to $1000.
The Traeger Grills Lil Tex Elite 22 and Smoker is a great grill for those looking for a good mix of value and features. With the Traeger name and features behind it, the Lil' Tex Elite is a solid performer.
If you're in the market for a pellet smoker or grill, take a look at Traeger's Lil' Tex Elite today.
These model come in a few different shapes and sizes. But they all work—essentially–the same way. But, quality and features do vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
thermostat and a mechanism to fee pellets into the fire, you've got a bit more to consider than size and BTUs.
The first thing you'll want to consider is the thermostat. Many model fueled grills don't reach very high heats—with around 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit being the max for many. That's something you'll want to consider if you plan to do any searing while cooking.
Another big consideration is how the pellets are fed into the grill and what type of pellets can be used.
Many brands, like Traeger, recommend using only products made by them in their grills. While others may work, performance may not be the same.
A lot of models also include other features, like a separate searing compartments or integrated meat thermometers. Other units have fold up legs, perfect for tailgating or camping.
Traditional models have a problem.
It's the skill and time involved in making great smoked meats and other food with traditional wood fired or charcoal models. Unless you've invested some serious practice time or learned from a seasoned barbeque cook, getting the temperature and timing right in your smoker is tough.
While electric models are one way to take the guess work out of smoking, another—perhaps better—solution is this.
Let's take a closer look at the models and a few of the top choices on the market.
If you've made it this far and you're still wondering what a pellet smoker is, you're not alone. This grills and smokers are not quite as ubiquitous as their traditionally powered cousins.
Rather than relying on charcoal, propane, or other fuel sources, it burn wood pellets. They are made of compressed saw dust and tend to burn longer than regular firewood.
These products look pretty similar to other models, the design and size are very similar. Unless you know what you're looking for, you'd have a hard time telling the difference if you put a propane grill next to a pellet grill.
Pellet grills or smokers use an electronically controlled thermostat and feeding system to feed wood pellets into the smoker. This allows the model to keep an even, predictable heat by adding wood as needed.
Unlike pellet stoves, the wood pellets made for smokers are food safe and can be had in a variety of wood types and flavors to suit the foods being smoked or grilled.
The biggest benefit of using this model is the ease of use. Rather than trying to get charcoal up to a certain temperature and keep it there for hours, a using this gives you an even consistent heat that lasts for many hours.
While the same can be done with a traditional smoker, it takes a fair amount of skill and practice to keep the temperature and conditions consistent.
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