Most pellet grills use a simple LCD screen or dial to adjust the temperature and timer settings, but some higher-end models like the Traeger Timberline XL use a Wi-Fi connection, a virtual assistant, and a companion app to give you hands-free control over your new grill. You can preheat with Alexa so the grill is ready when you step outside, use the app to set reminders to check on your food, and set up alerts for when the fuel is low or the ash and grease tray is full. To help you decide if a pellet grill is the right choice for your outdoor cooking needs, I’ve gathered up five of the best available on the market. I’ve broken down their features, such as temperature ranges, Wi-Fi capabilities, and fuel capacities, as well as their price points, so you can find a pellet grill that fits both your cooking style and your budget. Must read:
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Weber has been a top name in outdoor grills since 1893, and its new SmokeFire EX4 is one of the best pellet grills on the market. It gives you a cooking surface area of 672 square inches, which is perfect for everything from roasting whole chickens to searing burgers and steaks and smoking whole racks of ribs and briskets. The LCD screen lets you quickly and easily check on temperature and timer settings to achieve the perfect food every time; you also can use the companion Weber Connect app to set temperature and timer functions, basting and flipping reminders, and monitor motor and auger function. A removable grease and ash pan makes cleanup a breeze and prevents flare-ups from excess oil and fat. The hopper can hold an entire 20-pound bag of pellets, so you can spend less time filling the grill and more time enjoying your outdoor space. Pros:
Companion appLCD screen200F-600F temp rangeAsh and grease pan
Cons:
On the expensive sideWiFi connection required for app
While pellet grills can be more expensive than their charcoal and propane counterparts, you can get a great model from Pit Boss for under $300. You’ll get a 700 square inch cooking surface, giving you plenty of room for fish, veggies, ribs, and briskets, while the 180- to 500-degree Fahrenheit temperature range lets you bake, sear, and smoke food. The pellet hopper holds up to 21 pounds of fuel, and it features a simple dial for setting cooking temperatures for easy operation. Along with the main grill grate, there is a warming shelf for keeping things like steaks and chicken warm without burning while you prepare sauces and side dishes. Pros:
Under $300Big cooking surfaceSimple controls
Cons:
Somewhat limited temperature rangeNo side shelves
If money is no object on your quest to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, the Traeger Timberline XL is an excellent choice. You can use it either as a standalone pellet grill or build it into your outdoor counter space, letting you customize your outdoor kitchen layout to suit your needs. With the main cooking surface and dual warming shelves, you’ll get about 1,300 square inches of cooking space. The grill also features a rail that allows you to quickly and easily add or remove accessories like extra prep shelves, a butcher paper roll holder, or a storage bin. The left side of the grill features an induction cooktop for making sauces and side dishes, while Bluetooth meat probes let you instantly see internal temperatures for perfectly cooked briskets, steaks, and chicken every time. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to use Alexa, Hey Google, or the Traeger app to preheat the grill, set temperature and timer limits, and set reminders to check on your food. The pellet hopper can hold up to 22 pounds of fuel and has a built-in sensor that lets you know when you’re low on fuel. Keeping the Timberline XL clean is easy with the removable grease and ash keg, which lets you dispose of ashes, spent coals, and waste grease for better airflow and to prevent flare-ups during cooking. This pellet grill is backed by a 10-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind long after you bring the Timberline XL home. Pros:
10-year warrantyAlexa and Hey Google compatible1,320 square inches of cooking surfaceLow fuel sensor
Cons:
Almost $4,000Very largeAccessories can be pricey
The Cuisinart CPG-465 is a great pellet grill for outdoor cooking spaces that may be on the smaller side. With its dimensions measuring just 39x23x45.5 inches, you’ll be able to tuck this grill out of the way on your deck or patio when you need more space for seating and entertaining. You’ll still get over 450 square inches of cooking surface, which is perfect for weekend cookouts with your family or get-togethers with friends. The pellet hopper holds 13 pounds of fuel, which is perfect for an afternoon of grilling veggies, burgers, and brats or a day of smoking smaller cuts of meat. You can adjust the cooking temperature from 180 to 500 degrees, and the LED screen lets you quickly and easily adjust settings so you don’t burn your food. Pros:
Compact designPlenty of cooking spaceDecent hopper capacity
Cons:
Somewhat limited temperature rangeNo low fuel sensorNo Wi-Fi connectivity
Pellet grills are great for more than just searing and smoking. You also can bake, roast, and braise foods, turning your outdoor space into a chef’s kitchen. The Rider DLX 1200 from Oklahoma Joe is an almost perfect multipurpose pellet grill. Along with the main cooking surface, there are two warming racks for indirect-heat cooking or for keeping food at safe temperatures while you finish the sauces and side dishes. You can adjust the temperature from 200 to an impressive 650 degrees, letting you bake a pizza or pie, sauté veggies, sear steaks and chicken, or steam fish. The hopper holds a whole 20-pound bag of pellets, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel, while the two included meat probes let you quickly and safely check internal temperatures to ensure proper cooking of beef, chicken, pork, and fish. Pros:
Wide temperature rangeThree-tiered cooking surfaceTwo meat probes included
Cons:
No Wi-Fi connectivityNo low fuel sensor
