It isn’t very often that a product manages to impress you at a first glimpse. And you can be certain that any which manage such a feat definitely deserve a closer look. Just like the Traeger Grills Select Elite Pellet Grill and Smoker.

A brief glance at this outdoor cooking appliance makes it seem as though it’s the pellet smoker dreams are made of.

There’s its large cooking area — 589 square inches — large enough for you to be able to fully put its six-in-one versatility to excellent use.

There’s also its Digital Elite Controller system which is capable of keeping temperatures within 20 degrees thanks to its Advanced Grilling Logic feature, and its increased pellet capacity meaning you never have to worry about running out of pellets just when your party is in full swing.

And because there’s no such thing as too much space when it comes to preparing your favorite foods, the manufacturer has also provided additional stainless steel side shelves as well as a dual door storage cart.

However, such attention to detail comes as no surprise since Traeger, the manufacturer of this modern household marvel was actually responsible for creating the very first wood-fired grill to provide home chefs everywhere with a brand new dimension of flavor in their cooking.

And the icing on the cake is the fact that it’s not only particularly robust, but is also easy to clean, too.

If you've been searching for that pellet smoker that will provide the smoothest, most rewarding cooking experience possible, the Traeger Grills Select Elite Pellet Grill and Smoker might just turn out to be an excellent choice.

Key Features
  • A 589 square-inch cooking area
  • A Digital Elite Controller system featuring Advanced Grilling Logic
  • Increased pellet capacity
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 589 square inches
  • Dimensions: 57 x 25 x 46 inches
  • Manufacturer: Traeger
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Brand: Traeger Grills
Pros
  • A large cooking area for catering to a large number of guests
  • Extra prep and storage space thanks to the presence of side shelves and a storage cart
  • Robust and easy to clean
Cons
  • Temperatures may vary by up to 20 degrees

The next appliance on our list will not only provide the perfect smoky touch to your food in addition to featuring a cooking area with a truly impressive size, but will also surpass most other pellet smokers in its ability to attain high temperatures.

And that’s what makes the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill the perfect choice for celebrating spring and summer as never before.

With its cooking area of 811 square inches, you will be able to create tempting fare for large numbers of your family, friends and neighbors. It also comes with a pellet capacity of 22 lbs (compared to the standard 18 lbs of similar products of the same brand) ensuring you will get to create magic at your grill for longer.

And we meant what we said earlier on about those high temperatures. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill is actually capable of attaining 500 º F. But with its propane-fueled sear box, it can actually go all the way right up to 900 º F. And to ensure you’re able to tell what’s going on through it all, the manufacturer has also provided twin temperature probes too.

What’s more, the appliance’s patented ash cleanout will enable you to clean the pellet smoker with a minimum of fuss right afterwards rather than having to go through the rigors of having to vacuum the ash right out.

If you’re in search of a pellet smoker in a league all its own, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill might be the very appliance you need.

Key Features
  • Increased pellet capacity of 22 lbs.
  • Propane-fueled sear box
  • Patented ash cleanout
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 811 square inches
  • Dimensions: Not provided
  • Manufacturer: Camp Chef
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Ability to function for longer periods due to improved pellet capacity
  • 40% increase in cooking size
  • Ability to reach temperatures of 900 º F thanks to the presence of its sear box
Cons
  • Slightly complex assembly

A highly sensitive remote control app as well as a PID temperature regulation system make this pellet smoker one of the easiest to regulate. And that seems to be a sign that you can only be in for good things where it’s concerned. The outdoor cooking appliance which has been hailed as the ‘Ultimate Tailgating Grill’ by its manufacturers is also light and features legs which can also double as handles and can also be removed if necessary, ensuring it will fit into any vehicle trunk.

What’s more, this is one pellet smoker which will prove rather resistant to external temperatures which can be extremely beneficial when you’re cooking outdoors — the last thing anyone wants or deserves are temperatures which fluctuate wildly while they’re trying to create culinary magic. And it also features a chimney which comes with a hood to protect it from the elements while it’s in use.

Another thing which is so great about the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett is the fact that you will be alerted by its app in the event of any mishaps which occasionally occur when using pellet smokers, such as the temperature going higher than usual or any issues with pellets.

All these features make it ideal for braising, smoking, grilling or barbecuing at your favorite campsites, beach side parties, or any suitable outdoor adventure where you can get to make your own delicious fare.

Key Features
  • WiFi enabled for remote temperature regulation
  • Highly accurate PID temperature control
  • Foldable, removable legs
  • Protective chimney hood
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: Not provided
  • Dimensions: 29.5 x 20 x 14.5 inches
  • Manufacturer: Green Mountain Grills
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Ideal for camping or using outdoors away from home
  • The presence of an extra tray with hooks for your utensils
  • Foldable removable legs which can be converted into handles
Cons
  • The appliance's hopper may not always feed pellets

Do you love cooking and treating loads of people to tempting grilled meats, vegetables and fruits hot off your outdoor cooking appliance of choice? Then there’s no doubt that this product will most certainly be for you.

But why should you like it and just how will it turn out to be the ideal pellet smoker for creating awesome memories around great food, sunshine and your friends, family and neighbors?

First of all, there’s its cooking area of 646 square inches which is capable of handling up to 30 burgers. There’s also its amazing versatility which will ensure you’re able to create a wide range of dishes thanks to its ability to bake, braise, smoke and barbecue among other functions.

And to ensure its temperatures remain as precise as possible, its manufacturer has equipped it with a Digital Elite Controller which features Advanced Grilling Logic. And while the +/- 25 degree F temperature control it provides can be surpassed by other models, it will ensure your food turns out wonderfully cooked.

It wouldn’t be much use if a pellet smoker meant to feed loads of guests wasn’t particularly robust – another plus where the Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is concerned: made from steel with a powder coat finish, it's been built to withstand the rigors of heavy outdoor use.

With so many amazing features and much more, there’s no doubt that this pellet grill has what it takes to transform your summers into a never ending celebration.

Key Features
  • Robust steel manufacture
  • Digital Elite Controller for temperature regulation
  • 646 square inches of cooking space
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 646 square inches
  • Dimensions: 22 x 54 x 49 inches
  • Manufacturer: Traeger
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Suitable for entertaining a large number of guests
  • Ideal for frequent use due to steel construction and powder coat finish
  • Versatile and ideal for smoking, grilling, barbecuing, braising, etc.
Cons
  • +/- 25 degree F temperature control it provides can be surpassed by other models in terms of precision

The next item on our list is brought to us courtesy of a manufacturer which has spent about 3 decades providing outdoor cooking appliances of excellent quality to clients all over the globe. What’s more, they also happen to be on a mission to introduce as many people as possible to the joys of the perfectly made pellet smoker. All of which means we can only expect great things from this product.

And it most certainly doesn’t disappoint. There’s its stainless steel construction which is a guarantee of longevity ensuring you won’t have to worry about your pellet smoker falling apart due to rusting components. There’s also its impressive cooking area which is approximately 700 square inches, as well as its automated feed system which will maintain temperatures at desired levels regardless of the weather.

What’s more, the Z Grills 2019 New Model Wood Pellet Grill is amazingly versatile and will let you bake, grill, barbecue, smoke and roast, among other functions, providing you with a flexibility which will enhance your creativity and encourage you to come up with impressive recipes.

It’s also moderately easy to put together and is easy to clean meaning you’d be able to have it up and running without too much fuss and keep it pristine too.

If you’d love a pellet smoker which will enable you to experience the joys of charcoal grilling and smoking with the convenience of a gas grill, there’s no doubt that the Z Grills 2019 New Model Wood Pellet Grill is an option worth considering.

Key Features
  • Durable, corrosion resistant stainless steel construction
  • 20 lbs pellet capacity
  • A temperature range of 180°- 450°F
  • A combined cooking area of approximately 700 square inches
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 700 square inches
  • Dimensions: 48.5 x 22.5 x 51.2 inches
  • Manufacturer: Z Grills
  • Warranty: 3 year warranty
Pros
  • Impressive cooking area size - about 700 square inches
  • Suitable for baking, barbecuing, grilling, smoking, etc.
  • Stainless steel construction making it especially durable
Cons
  • Incapable of attaining higher temperatures compared to top-of-the-range models

If you’ve dreamed of creating truly delectable fare with all the smoky tenderness only a true pro can achieve, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill might be just the appliance you’ve been searching for.

Brought to you by a manufacturer which knows just what you need in the ideal pellet smoker, this outdoor cooking appliance features a simple but efficient system which will keep temperatures at desired levels. There’s also its hopper which has a rather impressive capacity saving you the trouble of having to top it up constantly and ensuring you can focus on what matters — creating great food and enjoying it, too. And thanks to its extra convenient ash cleaning system, you will no longer have to worry about the rigors of vacuuming but will get to bask in the flavors and aromas of your latest culinary creations.

What's more, there's no need to worry about taking turns to cook your favorite cuts resulting in tedious waiting times thanks to its large grilling area. It's also supplemented by warming and smoking racks bringing you 570 square inches of cooking space overall, ensuring you'll be able to cook what you need when you want to.

If you'd love an appliance which will make you the envy of your friends - and keep them coming over for more delightful outdoor cuisine, there's every possibility that the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet will be a superb choice for you.

Key Features
  • Special pellet cleanout feature
  • Special ash removal feature
  • A 570 square-inch cooking area
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 570 square inches
  • Dimensions: 41.5 x 25.5 x 22.5 inches - Package
  • Manufacturer: Camp Chef
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Capable of cooking your cuts, ribs, vegetables and fruit to succulent perfection
  • Large cooking area (570 square inches in total)
  • Ash evacuation feature for easy cleaning
Cons
  • May be hard to access ash removal system

Outdoor cooking appliances which come with the ability to withstand the rigors of wind, rain and UV rays certainly belong in a class all their own. Especially if they happen to tick the right boxes on every home chef’s wish list. And that's what lets you know just how special the Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker is right away.

Thanks to its amazing versatility, you will be able to treat your guests to entrées, main courses and even dessert while its precision temperature control and LED thermostat display ensure you’re able to monitor and regulate each process with ease from start to finish.

This pellet smoker also features a pellet capacity of 15 lbs. and a cooking space of 450 square inches making it ideal for catering to small gatherings. It also comes with a two-tiered cooking grate which will provide extra space while you grill, braise or barbecue and even features a collapsible front shelf as well as an additional side shelf on which you can place your tempting creations as well as the condiments you require to create even more.

And to ensure you’re able to cook in your favorite sunlit spot in your garden, the manufacturer has also provided all-terrain wheels to make it extra easy to move around.

All these amazing features mean that this pellet smoker might just turn out to be your favorite garden appliance for years to come.

Key Features
  • A 450 square-inch cooking space
  • A 15 lbs. pellet capacity
  • A two-tiered grate for extra space
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 450 square inches
  • Dimensions: 45 x 39.4 x 49 inches
  • Manufacturer: Cuisinart
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Impressively versatile and suitable for braising, grilling, baking, smoking, etc.
  • Additional shelves to provide you with extra space while you cook
  • Easy to move around thanks to the presence of all-terrain wheels
Cons
  • Slightly inaccurate temperature gauge

Its manufacturer has promised that this offering will make all your dreams of cooking under an open sky come true. And while that’s most certainly a bold promise, it does deliver on it.

The Camp Chef SmokePro Slide pellet smoker comes with an impressive 811 square-inch cooking area which makes it ideal for throwing amazing garden parties and making sure everyone gets to eat their fill of perfectly barbecued, braised, smoked or grilled fare. And it’s all thanks to its lower and 2nd level adjustable cooking surfaces.

And there’s also the fact that you can get to swap pellets during the cooking process if you feel like a change of flavor thanks to the presence of a hook for a bucket and a lever which will let you pull the selection being used right out. Cleaning out your ash has never been easier too: all you have to do is pull a lever and see all the accumulated ash come right out into a container beneath the pellet grill. What’s more, the manufacturer has also taken the extra precaution of ensuring their product comes with not just one thermostat, but two which will enable you to monitor your food while it sizzles on the smoker. With all these qualities and more, there’s no doubt that you will be able to thoroughly enjoy every moment spent creating tempting dishes for your friends and family.

Key Features
  • A control panel with two thermostats
  • Pellet and ash clearing levers
  • A combined cooking area of 811 square inches
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 811 square inches
  • Dimensions: 40.5 x 25 x 22 inches
  • Manufacturer: Camp Chef
  • Warranty: 3 years from purchase date
Pros
  • Features which make it easy for you to change pellets when desired
  • A handy ash clearing mechanism
  • Cooking shelves designed to fit perfectly into your dishwasher
Cons
  • Thermostats may be slightly inaccurate

It's just one appliance but it will feel like several thanks to featuring no less than seven functions. And this is one instance in which something which does seem too good to be true actually is. The Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker will ensure you get to serve fluffy biscuits, tenderly braised cuts, and succulent grilled fruit and vegetables to your delighted guests throughout the summer.

There's also its temperature range (180° - 450°F) which makes it ideal for implementing each one of those cooking methods and its impressive versatility thanks to its fan forced convection feature.

This pellet smoker also comes with a main grill which is 513 square inches in size and a warm grill measuring 187 square inches, providing you with a total of 700 square inches of cooking space which is ideal for impressing large numbers of guests with your barbecuing skills.

And thanks to the presence of its integrated spigot, you won't need to worry about all that grease accumulating while you cook - all you have to do is place a handy container right beneath it and focus on creating magic at your grill.

And because cooking delightful offerings can be demanding work, the manufacturer has also ensured that this is one appliance which comes with extra storage space so you can have your condiments, utensils and even extra fuel right where you need them.

It's even ensured it comes with wheels and a brake making it extra easy for you to be able to set everything up in your favorite spot and get started right away.

With all these features and more, this is one appliance which will feel like a top-of-the-range offering at a great price which is all the reason you need to treat yourself to one.

Key Features
  • A temperature range of 180° - 450° F
  • A cooking area of 700 square inches
  • A large storage space for condiments and utensils
Specifications
  • Cooking Surface Size: 700 square inches
  • Dimensions: 48 x 22 x 51 inches
  • Manufacturer: Z Grills
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Impressive versatility thanks to fan forced convection cooking
  • Large cooking area
  • Large storage space
Cons
  • Unable to attain higher temperatures compared to top-of-the-range pellet smokers

The wonders of modern outdoor cuisine created by pellet smokers or pellet grills are many. They heat up in just under a quarter of an hour and are capable of maintaining your desired temperature for as long as possible.

Best of all, they come with all the perks of charcoal and gas grills, and none of the fuss. No lighter fluid — which might just ruin your barbecue before it’s had a chance to get started, no flare-ups — and the resulting charred remains of what should have been a succulent meal.

With all these amazing qualities, it’s hardly any surprise that they’re becoming increasingly popular. And in this post, you’ll not only get to find out what to look for when purchasing a pellet smoker but will also be able to take a glimpse at the very best available and all the features which make them stand out.

Related: The 10 Best Electric Smokers of 2020

What qualities you need to look for in a pellet smoker

Now you’ve decided that you’d love to purchase a pellet smoker, what qualities should you look out for when selecting the one appliance which will enable you to experience unforgettable flavors surrounded by summer’s warm sunshine?

What size Cooking area do you need?

Do you intend to enjoy a few quiet afternoons and evenings treating yourself, your spouse/partner and a few friends and family to freshly cooked treats just hot off your grill? If so, chances are you may not require a pellet smoker with a large cooking area - one with a range between 400 - 500 square inches will most likely suffice. However, if you intend to delight larger numbers of your loved ones with delectable offerings from your grill, selecting an appliance with a larger cooking area is highly recommended.

What is a good Temperature range?

The majority of pellet grills will let you bake that deep-dish pizza, grill those tiger prawns to juicy perfection and imbue your favorite cuts with the right balance of smoky flavor. Such magic typically tends to occur between 200°F to 430°F. But getting to experience the truly sublime delights that only searing can provide does mean going a little higher - above the 500° mark and even ascending right into the 600°F. In most cases, that requires going for top-of-the-range grills which are occasionally even capable of attaining 900°F.

What to know about Temperature control

One of the main defining features of pellet grills is their ability to maintain steady temperatures. The means by which they do so is particularly important and will determine just how effective they are in this regard too. Top-of-the-range pellet grills feature PID controllers which happen to be the most sophisticated variety available and the most effective at keeping temperatures consistent. Other control types which are able to do so within a 20°F range include multi-position and one-touch non-PID controllers. The cheapest pellet grills, however, tend to feature controllers which provide limited temperature control compared to the others.

What to consider about pellet smoker Quality

No grill can or will outlast the quality of its components. Those with a more solid construction will come with parts capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent use, the weather and just about everything else; those made from lesser-quality components may give out rather quickly once those essential parts rust. The most conscientious manufacturers will ensure that their components are not only sturdily built but have components made using stainless steel to ensure their longevity.

Special features in pellet smokers

In an effort to provide an enhanced grilling experience, manufacturers are constantly coming up with clever features to provide an added touch of convenience. These include WiFi capability — imagine getting to regulate your grill remotely with your tablet or smartphone, programmable meat probes — they will not only enable you to monitor temperatures but also regulate them too, and additional cooking racks — all the better to provide you with an extra bit of space.

Now you know why pellet smokers are so amazing and what qualities to look for, you're pretty much equipped to embark on a quest for the one which suits you the best. And to ensure your search proceeds as smoothly as possible, we’ve provided you with 10 products which stand out from all the rest and highlighted all the features which make them an excellent choice compared to other similar appliances.

Resources— Traegar Grills, Popular Mechanics

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