Who in this world doesn’t love the flavor of smoked meats? One can even have a consensus on the fact that everybody loves the smoked meat flavor. The main thing is how to cook smoked meat. Well, there are a lot of options but I would recommend a particular one, i.e. pellet smokers. You just got to have best pellet smokers for a great meal of smoked meat. A lot of you people will be concerned about the harms associated with smoked and grilled food.
If you are one of those people, you can effectively use a pellet smoker eradicating all the concerns you have about smoked meat. It is the best inexpensive method to have smoked food. Down here, we present the best pellet smokers available in market as of today. You want to run through it and have the smoker that best suits you.
Why to Use Pellet Smokers?
It is a question that a lot of people ask about pellet smokers. They are rather a recent invention in the world of smoked and grilled food. For people who use charcoal and wood smokers, they benefit tremendously from pellet smokers as they are improved version of their predecessors. The popularity of these pellet smokers have increased hugely owing to their ease of operation. You just have to turn-on the power knob and see the magic.
Best Pellet Smokers – Our Picks
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Free Trial
Projects
SSL
Storage
Domains
98 lbs. Weight
418 square inches Cooking Space
18 lbs. Hopper Capacity
175°F - 450°F Temperature Range
Digital Controller
Porcelain Racks
127 lbs. Weight
430 Square Inches Cooking Space
18 lbs. Hopper Capacity
160°F - 400°F Temperature Range
Digital Controller
Automatic Ash Cleanout System
120 lbs. Weight
440 Square Inches Cooking Space
18 lbs. Hopper Capacity
175°F - 500°F Temperature Range
Digital LED Thermostat
Steel Barrel Construction
285 lbs. Weight
800 Square Inches Cooking Space
24 lbs. Hopper Capacity
175°F - 700°F Temperature Range
Digital Controller
High Build Quality
180 lbs. Weight
875 Square Inches Cooking Space
18 lbs. Hopper Capacity
160°F - 500°F Temperature Range
Digital Controller
Auto-Start Ignition
Best Pellet Smokers – Product Reviews
1. Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Best Overall
Many wood smokers have the problem of being too large or consume too much space. This is not the case with Traeger Lil Tex Elite smoker. It is regarded as the best pellet smoker also called as Lil Tex Elite. This smoker naturally enhances the elegance of your outdoor entertaining area owing to its bronze finish. It is also a compact size pellet smoker best suited for your outdoor area.
The smoker has a 418 square inches cooking space giving you enough room to smoke almost everything. You can even smoke rib racks and whole birds. You can smoke 4 chickens at the same time in this pellet smoker. So whipping up meals for a crowd has been made very easy. A problem associated with wood smoker is that food can struck inside the grates, well, you’ll love this smoker
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite has a non-stick coating that keeps the food away from sticking. This works best for even marinated foods. It also serves as the best pellet grill for all kind of food. You just have to oil the grates before grilling dry food. Lil Tex Elite 22 also features an elegant controller with LED display for quick monitoring. You can enjoy different temperature settings and also view the internal smoker temperature.
There is an 18-lb capacity hopper so you don’t have to refill the pellets regularly. This pellet smoker is also highly maneuverable owing to the glide-on wheels. One of the main reason for its popularity is the quick startup by auto ignition. The overall look and feel of this Lil Tex Elite is also stunning. The design has a beautiful bronze finish with powder-coated stainless steel. All in all, it is the best pellet smoker quite naturally.
Key Features
- Weight: 98 lbs.
- Cooking Space: 418 square inches.
- Controller: Digital
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lb.
- Range: 175°F- 450°
- Racks: Porcelain
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can Cook 16 burgers at 1 time.
- Easy knob for temperature adjustment.
- Have porcelain grated to avoid food sticking.
- A metal bucket for wood ash collection.
- A compact size pellet smoker.
- Easy to use.
- Sturdy construction and powder coat finish.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
- Cannot store extra wood pellets.
Final Verdict
Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 is a great smoker considering the features and services it offer. It is perfect for both home dwellers and those who have less outdoor space. Moreover, it has been made highly portable so outdoor adventures are not a bad option. There is a waste disposal pail for collecting ash and a valve for releasing inside smoke. We wholeheartedly recommend the use of Lil Tex Elite 22 which is the certainly the best overall option available.
2. Camp Chef PG24S Pellet Smoker and Grill Deluxe
The Camp Chef PG24S is certainly one of the best pellet smokers available in market today. It is basically a 2-in-1 pellet smoker. You can have the luxury to avoid flare-ups because it doesn’t provide the direct flame for you food. The Camp Chef PG24S is best suited for you if you desire an excellent smoky meal with a simple cooking process. This pellet grill will never disappoint you.
Talking about fuel source, Camp Chef PG24S Grill and Smoker Deluxe utilize the wood pellets. These wood pellets are basically compressed sawdust. So, instead of gas or charcoal, you use these pellets to grill or smoke. The Camp Chef PG24S is basically one of the most loved models by Camp Chef. It is definitely a high quality pellet smoker. This best pellet grill has an excellent electronic temperature control with a digital readout. The cleaning system is also very effective and easy.
Even considering just sturdiness, it is amongst the very best pellet smokers. There is not compromise on it robustness and build-quality as well. The even temperature and steady smoke is taken care by a digital temperature chip. It eliminates the big temperature swings making steadier temperatures possible. Camp Chef PG24S offers a good space of 430 square inches so, not a small pellet smoker by any means. It means you can cook anything you want from a full roast to several chickens.
You don’t have to refill the wood pellets every time you cook as it offers an 18 lb. hopper on its side. It has a state of the art cleaning system. It means you can change one flavor of pellet for another with a touch of button. This means that you can finish cooking with one flavor of pellet, then change for another flavor without cleaning everything out.
Key Features
- Smoking Racks: 6’’ x 24’’
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lb.
- Cooking Space: 430 Square Inches.
- Cooking Height: 32.5’’
- Cooking Area Dimensions: 19.5’’ x 22’’.
- Automatic Ash Cleanout System: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can be used for smoking, grilling, baking, or roasting.
- Side shelves of 16’’ x 12’’.
- High quality built.
- Dual LED temperature Readout.
- Temperature range up to 400°F.
- Built-in meat probe.
- Comes with a recipe book.
Cons
- No tabletop space.
Final Verdict
I am sure we have introduced you to an amazing pellet grill and smoker. It is undoubtedly the best pellet smoker by Camp Chef. Not only that, it has won many awards as well for its functionalities and qualities. If you are confused with the pellet smoker grills options available on the market, eliminate the hassle and choose this product. You can utilize it to smoke that way charcoal grill does. You appreciate the wood flavor of wood grill utilizing pellets, and it’s additionally electrically and electronically-operated.
3. Smoke Hollow PS2415 24-Inch Pellet Smoker Grill
Smoke Hollow has become a name of trust. Its products promise you the best authentic smoked flavor. It hasn’t disappoint you again when it comes to best pellet smokers. The Smoke Hollow PS2415 Pellet Smoker is definitely amongst the best available to us today. It promises you the taste and texture that you are yearning for. This unit has been made extremely easy to use. The presence of a user manual to start the cooking process is not at all required.
Smoke Hollow PS2415 has a digital LED thermostat along with internal temperature gauge for easy temperature control. The easy-drain grease system makes the cleaning of smoker hollow a very easy job. This pellet smoker has a 440 square inches cooking space and comes with a porcelain-coated wire cooking grill. The Smoke Hollow 24’’ pellet smoker is definitely filled with such amenities making it to the list of best pellet smokers.
The worth of this pellet smoker lies in taste of the meal prepared in it. It provides you the true BBQ taste. Yes the overall cooking process is a bit slow but it’s definitely worth it. All you just have to do is to plug in this electric smoker, and then you’ll see its magic. This auger-fed pellet delivery auger is managed by the digital LED thermostat and controls. It makes you the BBQ Chef making you able to do whatever you want according to your recipe and taste.
The 440 square inches space is large enough to cook most type of meals in it. You can have brisket roasts, full-size racks of ribs, and even whole chickens and turkeys. Considering it size, capabilities and versatility, it is definitely a great buy when it comes to best pellet smokers.
Key Features
- Cooking Space: 440 Square Inches.
- Cooking Dimensions: 50.3’’ x 25.6’’ x 51.5’’
- Thermostat: Digital LED thermostat
- Temperature Range: 175°F – 500°F
- Heavy Duty: Yes
- Steel Barrel Construction: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely user friendly.
- Easy to clean.
- It doesn’t waste pellets.
- High Versatility.
- Spacious Cooking Area.
- High Temperature Ranges.
Cons
- Limited portability.
- Temperature fluctuation in windy conditions.
Final Verdict
Smoke Hollow ps2415 24-inch Pellet Smoker grill the perfect pellet smoker that you need. It is one of the few cookers that provide true barbecue taste. The unit comes with plenty of qualities that are not easy to find. It is easily assembled, cleaned and comfortable to use. Enjoy your meal….
4. Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker – Best Luxury Buy
If you ever wanted an epitome of luxury grilling and smoking, Memphis VG0002S is the right grill for you. It is one of a kind elite pellet smoker. This pellet smoker has true convection capabilities. You can smoke a grill lots of food like pie, steak, pizza or smoked ribs. You’ll definitely enjoy your holidays and small social gatherings having this pellet smoker. Memphis claims to have full convection capability unlike any other pellet smokers available in market.
Memphis Elite Pellet Smoker has a beautiful and solid design offering a lot of convenient features for your best smoking and grilling experience. You’ll enjoy a unique 8-in-1 feature i.e. you can smoke, bake, roast, grill, sear, char, braise, and BBQ foods you want. This state of the art pellet smoker is made with high quality 304 stainless steel. So, this smoker has long life, rust-resistant, and weather proof. Not only that, it has been extremely easy to clean.
Memphis Elite Pellet Smoker has cooking grates consisting of 6-mm nickel plated steel. This smoker comes with an oven-quality gasket, and dual-wall firebox. It offers you a massive cooking space of 844 square inches so you can cook multiple rib racks, chickens, hog, brisket, and turkeys for a large crowd with ease. It has a 24-pound hopper so no interruptions can happen while smoking. Memphis Elite Pellet grill has the capability of 62 hours continuous cooking without pellet refill.
To add icing on the cake, this pellet smoker has a Wi-Fi controller for remote grilling and precise temperature probe to check the internal food temperatures and exert a digital temperature control. This smoker has mobility owing to the lock-on caster wheels. One can easily say that this is a pellet grill that has all the bells and whistles in its pocket.
Key Features
- Temperature Range: 175°F – 700°F
- Cooking Space: 800 square inches
- Controller: Digital
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Hopper: 24 pounds
- Weight: 285 lbs.
- Dimensions: 69’’ x 29’’ x 47’’
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong and durable build.
- Easy to use.
- Easy to clean.
- A great cooking space.
- Wide temperature range.
- Great temperature control.
- Wi-Fi enabled.
- High-quality components and features.
Cons
- A bit heavy
- An expensive pellet smoker.
Final Verdict
Memphis Elite Pellet Smoker Grill has certainly got the whole package. It is brilliant in every aspect but it is a bit costly to have. If you can afford it, you should not go anywhere else then to buy this pellet smoker. With a whopping 800 sq. inches of cooking surface, a large 24 lb. pellet hopper, dual metal convection fans, and precise temperature control capable of anything from 180° to 700°, the Memphis Elite is truly a revolutionary cooking appliance.
5. Camp Chef SmokePro LUX – Best Large Capacity
Camp Chef SmokePro LUX is definitely your best choice if you are looking for an ultimate cooking experience. It is one of newest models of Camp Chef. The main focus is the convenience of the users so Camp Chef SmokePro Lux has been loaded with features. The entire cooking process is as smooth as you would never have experienced. The consistency in cooking is also unmatchable, no wonder it is included in the list of best pellet smokers.
This large enough Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Smoker is a superior version of Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. This pellet smoker is famous for the cooking space it has. It offers an ample 663 square inches grilling surface on its lower rack and an additional 221 square inches on the warming rack. If you are bothered about cleanup of this pellet smoker, well you need not to worry. There is an Ash Can Cleanout System that is patented in this unit can prove out to be a boon to the users.
Camp Chef SmokePro LUX has the Smart Smoke Technology and automatic auger dispenser produce decent smoky barbecue. Besides that, the grill has various features included that would cost quite a sum on their own including a meat probe, warming rack, auto ignition, and a utility shelf. When you talk about the hopper capacity, it wouldn’t disappoint you. It has a capacity of 18 pounds so you can cook continuously with excellent temperature.
This pellet grill has a two LED temperature display for the internal cooking temperature and the internal food temperature. It is a digital pellet smoker that has been designed extremely innovatively. It is capable of slow and low cooking giving you the best taste winning a Vesta Award as well. You can even gather your friends and family for a party and this pellet smoker will help you immensely.
Key Features
- Temperature Range: 160°F – 500°F
- Auto-start Ignition: Yes
- Smart Smoker Technology: Yes
- Ash Cup Cleanout System: Yes
- Controller: Digital
- Cooking Space: 875 Square Inches
- Hopper: 18 lbs.
- Weight: 180 lbs.
- Smoker Dimensions: 47.5’’ x 62’’ x 24’’
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large cooking and grilling space.
- Digital Controls.
- Auto-start ignition.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Pellet hopper clean-out.
- Patented ash clean-out system.
- Dual LED temperature readout.
Cons
- Paint chipping issues
Final Verdict
Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill and Smoker is the ultimate choice if you are looking to cook delicious recipes. The main feature to me of this product is the ease of cooking and convenience. You don’t have to experience any kind of swings in temperature while operating this pellet smoker. The patented clean out system avoids issues related to cleaning of smoker. The utility shelf, roller coaster wheels, and the side shelf adds to your convenience. If you purchase it, it will be certainly a rewarding deal.
Best Pellet Smokers – Buying Guide
These are the things to look for when buying a pellet smoker to have a profitable deal….
1. Cooking Space
Well, it depends on the individual needs but normally the best pellet smokers have 300 – 1300 square inches of cooking space. The grills with large cooking space will cost a bit more. It really depends on the size of the gathering you are having and also on the food quantity you want to smoke and grill in one cycle. A pellet smoker with 500 square inches cooking space will result in you cooking more sessions.
2. Pellet Smoker Durability
Durability is perhaps one of the most important attributes of a pellet smoker. You should choose a model that has powder-coated stainless steel body with sturdy construction. It will ensure that your pellet smoker has long life and rust resistance.
Some other important features are also associated with best pellet smokers like porcelain-enameled grates, a fire box, and a drip pan. A marine grade 304-stainless steel is considered best for pellet smokers.
3. Pellet Delivery
Pellet smokers deliver wood pellets into the auger tube and then to combustion chamber. The heat depends on the number of pellets entering the chamber. Make sure when you start using the pellet smoker, the tip of the auger tube should be at a distance from combustion chamber for pellets safety. It is advised to go for pellet smokers with minimum hopper capacity of 18 lbs.
4. Temperature Controls
It is advised to go for pellet smokers with digital controls. It will make your life a whole lot easier. In this way the temperature controls are more straightforward. In this way, you don’t have to monitor the whole cooking process and smoker will take care for you. These digital controls are:
- Non-PID Controllers: They have meat probes, LED displays, and one touch button operations. You can increase temperature in 5°F – 10°F interval.
- PID Controllers: These are best for auto-pilot smoking. They have an algorithm working to keep the smoking temperature ranges.
- 3-Position Controllers: They have 3 heat settings i.e. low (225°F), medium (325°F), and high (425°F). They are more common with cheaper pellet smoker models.
Out of these, PID controllers are most suitable. They relay the temperature variations and maintain temperature range to within +/- 50°F. You can also read and control the inside temperatures easily by digital controls.
5. Price
Price is what governs most of the pellet smoker discussions. You know for a fact that you don’t want a too expensive product. Yes the expensive products do are loaded with features but you should ask yourself whether or not buying these suits you. Usually a quality model can cost you between $400 -$2500. If you for cheaper models, that will cost you more in the longer run. Make smart decisions.
6. Extra Features
There are some extra features that can certainly enhance your cooking experience. These are:
- Wi-Fi: There are pellet grilles that you can control from distance by smart devices using Wi-Fi.
- Portability: Not all pellet smokers are portable. But a portable one will definitely help you more in the longer run.
- Built-in Lightning: This features helps you grilling when you are facing light problems.
- Sear Box: The sear box is there for extra char-grilling and hot smoking capability.
Best Pellet Smokers – FAQs
1. What basically is a Pellet Smoker?
A pellet smoker as the name indicates is a smoker heated using pellets. These smokers usually has digital controls for controlling and monitoring everything. They automatically feed pellets to firebox to keep it up and running. Pellet smokers are now at the peak of their popularity as they offer the classic wood-smoked flavor. They are extremely easy to use and best for beginners.
2. How does a Pellet Smoker Work?
Pellet smoker works in rather an ingenious way to carry out continuous cooking operation. They have a pellet delivery system that makes them most easy to operate.
- One motors turns the auger which feeds the pellet to firebox.
- A digital controller is there to maintain internal temperature in the firebox.
- A hot rod makes the ignition of pellets with the help of a combustion fan.
- The firebox is responsible for wood-burning fire and circulation of smoke throughout the grill.
3. How to use a Pellet Smoker?
It is best to learn how to use a pellet smoker to have the most out of it. Here are some tips on using a pellet smoker to enhance your cooking experience.
- Make sure to keep the pellet grill clean all the time. It will ensure the food hygiene. It also helps in removing pollutants so no compromise on food quality. Always go for best pellet grills available.
- It is important to ensure safety when using a pellet smoker. You should always keep yourself updated on weather forecast. Don’t expose your smoker to rain water. Always keep the power cords away from water and make sure they aren’t wet.
- Some components of pellet smokers should be replaced from time to time. This will have a direct impact on the performance of your pellet smoker.
- Don’t open the lid while smoking otherwise your food will lose its flavor and temperature fluctuations will happen.
- Keep the pellet smoker as dry as possible. Cover the grill every possible time. Exposing the pellet grill to water will hinder its performance. The grill can also buckle and swell with water damage.
4. Are Wood Pellet Smokers any good?
If you are talking about the flavor of meal, they are pretty good for it. Pellet smokers produce both heat and smoker to ensure slow cooking developing more flavors. You can use different woods according to your choice. You can use oak, cherry, and maple among many others as well.
You just have to set the temperature, close the lid and walk away while the pellet smoker will take care of you. There is usually a meat probe, an ash clean-out pail, leaving the grill easy to move and clean up.
5. What are the benefits of a pellet smoker?
- It is faster than charcoal and electric smoker.
- They are quick to pre-heat and cook food much quicker.
- Pellet smokers have superior temperature controls.
- They are an excellent investment and value for money.
- Pellet grills offer versatility. You can roast, bake, BBQ, grill and smoke as well.
- There is also an option of cold smoking.
6. What are the drawbacks of a pellet smoker?
- They don’t generate high temperatures like charcoal smokers.
- They need electricity to operate.
- Pellet smokers cannot work without pellets. You have to keep an extra stash of pellets.
Read Also: Best Electric Smokers – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Final Words
Pellet smokers are increasing in popularity and this trend has a curve going upward. There is no stopping at least in the near future. These smokers offer you maximum convenience, impart a delicious, smoky flavor on barbecued foods, and are easier to use than charcoal grills. Yes, you have to all out if you are buying an expensive pellet smoker, but it is all worth it. This is a great investment and will serve you for many years. We have provided you with a list of most trusted and best pellet smokers. Now, it is your turn to make your choice. Happy Cooking…..
