Finding the best pellet smoker grill gets confusing fast because there are a lot of strong opinions out there. But once you know what you’re looking for, pellet grills are one of the easiest ways to smoke great food with steady temperatures and very consistent results.
Updated: February, 2026
On this page, I break down the pellet grill brands that are actually worth looking at, who each one is best for, and where to go next if you want deeper reviews on specific models.
I wrote these pellet grill reviews to help you choose a grill that fits your budget, cooking style, and how hands-on you want to be.
Quick Picks – Shortlist for Skimmers
If you don’t want to read the full breakdown, these are the pellet grill brands I see most people end up choosing:
Best all-around pellet grill: Traeger
Reliable, easy to use, and widely supported.
→ See my Traeger pellet grill reviews
Best build quality: RecTeq
Excellent temperature stability and solid construction.
→ Read my RecTeq pellet grill reviews
Best value for the money: Z Grills
A lot of cooking space and features for the price.
→ Check my Z Grills pellet grill reviews
Best feature-packed option: Camp Chef
Flexible setups with add-ons like sear boxes.
→ Read my Camp Chef pellet grill reviews
Best budget-friendly choice: Pit Boss
Popular entry-level pellet grills with generous cooking space.
→ See my Pit Boss pellet grill reviews
If you want more detail, scroll back up to the brand sections above, where I break each option down in more detail.
I will try to review as many pellet smoker grill brands as possible as part of my BBQ grill reviews, and hope it will help you find your top pellet smoker.
Main Pellet Grill Manufacturers
There are a lot of pellet grill brands out there, but not all of them are worth your time or money. Below are the pellet smoker brands I focus on, along with a quick note on what each one does best. If a brand isn’t listed here, it usually means I haven’t seen enough consistency or long-term reliability to recommend it yet.
- Traeger – Traeger – easy, widely supported starter brand.
→ Read my Traeger pellet grill reviews - RecTeq – best build quality and temperature stability.
→ See my RecTeq pellet grill reviews - Camp Chef – best mix of features and value.
→ View my Camp Chef pellet grill reviews - Pit Boss –budget-friendly with lots of cooking space.
→ Check out my Pit Boss pellet grill reviews - Z Grills – best value for the money (big for the price).
→ Read my Z Grills reviews - Green Mountain Grills – portable + Wi-Fi options.
→ See Green Mountain pellet grill reviews - Louisiana Grills – solid step-up without “premium” pricings.
→ View my Louisiana Grills reviews - Asmoke – compact and portable pellet grills.
→ See my Asmoke pellet grill reviews
I keep adding brands and models as I test and review them. Pellet grill technology has improved a lot in recent years, and not every brand keeps up. That’s why I focus on performance, reliability, and real-world use—not marketing claims.
More companies are adding pellet grills to their product line, and I will add some more as soon as I find the ones that I can recommend
Let’s dive a little deeper into this pellet smoker review and have a look at the brands I believe are worth looking at.
Traeger
Traeger is still the name most people recognize when they start looking at pellet grills. It’s often the first brand people compare, and for good reason.
Traeger pellet grills are easy to use, widely available, and designed to deliver consistent results without a steep learning curve. They’re a solid choice if you want straightforward pellet smoking and grilling without overcomplicating things.
Earlier generations had some controller issues, but based on recent models and feedback, those problems appear to be largely resolved.
If you want to compare the different Traeger models and see how they stack up, start here:
→ Read my Traeger pellet grill reviews
If you’re ready to check current pricing, Traeger grills are available through major retailers:
RecTeq
RecTeq is often seen as the “step-up” option in the pellet grill world. These grills cost more than entry-level models, but they’re built for people who care about solid construction, reliable temperature control, and long-term use.
What impressed me most during my RecTeq reviews is how consistent they are. Once you set the temperature, they tend to hold it extremely well, and the overall build quality feels a notch above many competitors.
If you’re the kind of cook who wants fewer shortcuts and more confidence that your grill will perform the same way every time, RecTeq is worth a serious look.
If you want to compare models and see how they differ in size, features, and price, start here:
→ Read my RecTeq pellet grill reviews
If you are ready to check current pricing and availability, you can find RecTeq grills here:
I have reviewed several popular RecTeq models. Those comparisons will help you narrow things down fast.
I did look at the following models for you.
Camp Chef
Camp Chef sits in a really good spot for a lot of backyard cooks. Their pellet grills cover multiple price ranges, and they’re known for adding practical features that make cooking easier, not more complicated.
What stands out most in my Camp Chef pellet grill reviews is flexibility. Models like the Woodwind can be paired with add-ons such as a sear box or sidekick, which makes them appealing if you want one cooker that can smoke, grill, and sear without buying multiple grills.
If you’re looking for solid performance with good features at a reasonable price, Camp Chef is often one of the best value picks.
To compare models and see which Camp Chef pellet grill fits your cooking style, start here:
→ Read my Camp Chef pellet grill reviews
I’ve covered several popular Camp Chef models in detail, including:
If you’re ready to check current pricing and availability, you can find Camp Chef pellet grills at:
Pit Boss
Pit Boss is one of the most popular pellet grill brands for people who want a lot of cooking space without spending premium money. You see these grills everywhere for a reason: they are affordable, widely available, and easy to get started with.
In my Pit Boss pellet grill reviews, I have found them to be a solid option if you want good results without paying for high-end materials or extra features you may not use. They’re especially popular with first-time pellet grill owners and backyard cooks who want value over polish.
If you want to see how the different Pit Boss models compare and what they are best suited for, start here:
→ Read my Pit Boss pellet grill reviews
Louisiana Grills
Louisiana Grills is a brand I don’t like to leave out when talking about pellet grills. They focus on solid construction and features that appeal to more serious backyard cooks, without pushing prices into true premium territory.
What I like about Louisiana Grills is that many of their models are designed with longer cooks and temperature stability in mind. They’re a good fit if you want a pellet grill that feels more substantial than entry-level options, but you’re not ready to jump all the way into high-end pricing.
If you want to see how Louisiana Grills models compare and which ones are actually worth looking at, start here:
→ Read my Louisiana Grills pellet grill reviews
Green Mountain
Green Mountain Grills is best known for compact pellet grills and smart features like Wi-Fi temperature control. This brand is especially popular with people who want a pellet grill they can use at home and take on the road.
What stands out in my Green Mountain pellet grill reviews is how much control you get for the size and price. Models like the Davy Crockett are easy to transport, quick to set up, and still capable of producing steady, reliable results.
If portability, tech features, or remote monitoring matter to you, Green Mountain Grills is worth a closer look.
Some of the Green Mountain models I’ve looked at include:
- Green Mountain Davy Crockett
- Green Mountain Daniel Boone
- Green Mountain Jim Bowie
Z Grills
Z Grills is one of the most underrated pellet grill brands I’ve come across, and it’s the one that consistently surprises people once they start comparing specs, features, and real-world performance.
In my Z Grills pellet grill reviews, what stands out is how much you get for the money. Many Z Grills models offer similar layouts and features to more expensive pellet grills, but at a noticeably lower price point. That’s why Z Grills often comes up when people are shopping for their first pellet grill or looking for a solid upgrade without paying premium-brand prices.
I have spent time looking at multiple Z Grills models, and the customer ratings were better than I expected, especially considering the price range. If you are focused on value but still want reliable pellet smoking and grilling, Z Grills is absolutely worth serious consideration.
If you want to see how the different Z Grills models compare and which ones make the most sense depending on size and budget, start here:
→ Read my Z Grills pellet grill reviews
Some of the Z Grills models I’ve reviewed include:
Those reviews break down cooking space, controller performance, and where each model fits best.
If you are ready to check current pricing and availability, you can find Z Grills here:
Bradley
I am still not sure if I will spend time on a Bradley pellet grill review. I have looked at them and found between 12 and 20% of the people gave it a rating that was not that great.
I basically don’t waste my and your time on pellet grill reviews or any other review under an average of 4 stars unless I have formed a different opinion.
You can have a look at all the Bradley Smokers on Amazon here if you like.
Expert pellet grills
I know that many people have doubts about these grills from Walmart. However, in my expert grill reviews, I found that they have 3 models of pellet grills.
The Concord, Atlas, and Commodore pellet grills are worth having a look at.
Smoke Hollow
Smoke Hollow pellet grills are made by Masterbuilt and just this name should be enough to show that this is a good brand. I did the Smoke Hollow pellet grill review for you to see if this affordable pellet smoker might be the one you are looking for.
Asmoke
Asmoke focuses mainly on compact and portable pellet grills, which makes them a good fit for people with limited space or anyone who wants a pellet grill that’s easy to move around.
What I like about Asmoke pellet grills is that they keep things simple. They’re not overloaded with features, but they still deliver steady temperatures and decent smoke flavor for their size.
That makes them a solid option for patios, small backyards, or even tailgating and camping.
If you’re looking for a smaller pellet grill that doesn’t feel flimsy or overly complicated, Asmoke is worth a look.
To see how the Asmoke models compare, start here:
I did the Asmoke AS300 portable pellet grill review for you to start.
Later, I have added the Asmoke AS350 pellet grill review to compare the 2.
Best Pellet Smoker Grill For The Money
There’s no single “best pellet smoker for everyone.” Just like with cars, it depends on what you value most: price, build quality, features, or long-term durability.
That said, after reviewing and comparing a lot of pellet grills, there are a few brands that consistently stand out for different reasons.
If you want a safe, well-known option that’s easy to use and widely supported, Traeger is usually where people start. It’s a solid choice if you want predictable results without overthinking the setup.
→ See my Traeger pellet grill reviews
If build quality and temperature stability matter most to you, and you’re willing to spend more for it, RecTeq is hard to beat. These grills are often picked by people who want something they’ll keep for years.
→ Read my RecTeq pellet grill reviews
If you’re looking for the best value for the money, this is where Z Grills really shines. They offer a lot of cooking space and features for the price, which makes them a popular choice for first-time pellet grill buyers and budget-conscious upgrades.
→ Check my Z Grills pellet grill reviews
Those three brands cover most buyers. Once you know which direction fits your budget and cooking style, the individual brand reviews will help you narrow it down fast.
Best Pellet Smoker – Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
Pellet grills raise a lot of questions, especially if you’re new to them or trying to decide between brands. Below are some of the most common questions I see, along with straight answers based on hands-on use and research.
Are Pellet Grills Good for Smoking?
Yes. Pellet grills are very good at maintaining steady temperatures, which makes them especially well suited for low-and-slow smoking.
Once the pellets are loaded and the temperature is set, the grill feeds itself and keeps the heat consistent. That makes pellet grills a popular choice for brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and other long cooks.
If you want to see which brands handle smoking best, take another look at the pellet grill reviews above.
You can almost compare it to using a smoke tube to add smoke to a BBQ or smoker. I guess this also answers the question that I have read: Are pellet grills good for smoking?
Are Pellet Grills Good for Grilling?
Pellet grills can grill, but they work a bit differently than charcoal or gas grills.
Because the heat is indirect, most pellet grills behave more like a very hot oven. Some models top out around 450°F, which is fine for burgers and chicken but not ideal for hard searing.
That’s why brands like RecTeq and Camp Chef offer sear inserts or add-ons. If high-heat grilling matters to you, it’s worth comparing models carefully.
You can also read my pellet grill vs pellet smoker article for more information on the subject.
How Do Wood Pellet Smokers Work?
Pellet grills work by automatically feeding wood pellets into a small fire pot using an auger.
In simple terms:
- You fill the hopper with pellets
- Set your desired temperature
- Turn the grill on
The grill lights the pellets, controls airflow, and feeds fuel as needed to maintain the temperature. Once it’s running, very little babysitting is required.
This “set-it-and-relax” style is one of the main reasons people choose pellet grills.
Depending on the hopper size and how long you will smoke, you can add the number of
Do Pellet Smokers Use A Lot Of Electricity?
No. Pellet grills use electricity mainly to start the fire and power the controller and auger.
After startup, the electricity usage is minimal. The heat itself comes from burning pellets, not electricity.
This means pellet grills are still outdoor cookers and don’t behave like electric smokers.
How Long Does A Bag Of Pellets Last In A Smoker
Pellet consumption depends on:
- Cooking temperature
- Outside temperature
- Grill efficiency
As a rough guideline, most pellet grills use:
- About 1 to 3 pounds of pellets per hour at typical smoking temperatures (225–250°F)
Higher temperatures will burn pellets faster.
Which Pellet Grill Is The Best?
It is impossible to answer this question because there are too many opinions out there. It is like answering the question of what is the best car.
Several brands stand out, and I had a look at most of them here on this page.
I will keep adding more brands and test them so I can share my personal experience in the reviews.
My experience can help you find the best pellet grill for your family and the type of smoking and grilling.
How Long Does It Take A Pellet Grill To Heat Up?
Depending on the brand, it will take about 5 to 10 minutes after you turn it on. It also depends on your temperature setting and of course the outside temperature.
Are Wood Pellets Safe? Do They Contain Glue?
Wood pellets used in pellet grills do not contain glue.
They are made from compressed wood materials like sawdust and wood chips. During manufacturing, natural lignin in the wood binds the pellets together under high pressure.
This means the pellets are made from wood only. No added adhesives.
New Pellet Smoker Trends and updates
Pellet grill technology has improved a lot in recent years, and that’s one of the reasons they’ve become more popular with backyard cooks.
Controllers are more accurate, temperature swings are smaller, and many newer models now include features like Wi-Fi monitoring, built-in meat probes, and better airflow design. All of this makes pellet grills easier to use and more consistent than they were just a few years ago.
You’ll also notice that some pellet grills across different brands look similar. That’s common in this space. Shared designs and components help keep prices competitive and allow newer brands to offer solid features without pushing costs too high.
What still matters most, though, is how a brand handles quality control, customer support, and long-term reliability. That’s why I focus my recommendations on grills that perform well in real backyard use, not just on spec sheets.
As pellet grill competition continues to grow, buyers benefit from better features, more choices, and improved value across most price ranges.
More Pellet Grill brands
There are quite a few pellet grill brands on the market, and new models keep showing up every year. Some of these brands look interesting on paper, but I don’t recommend them until I’ve had enough time to review performance, build quality, and real user feedback.
The brands and models below are ones I’m currently researching or keeping an eye on as pellet grill technology continues to improve. This section is more about awareness than recommendations.
Pellet grills have come a long way in the last few years. Better controllers, Wi-Fi features, and more consistent temperature control are becoming standard, even on more affordable models. That’s good news for buyers, but it also means it is important to separate solid performers from short-term hype.
As I test and review more pellet grills, I will update this page and move the best performers into the main brand sections above.
If you are deciding on a pellet grill today, I recommend starting with the brands already covered in detail earlier on this page.
Best Pellet Smokers – My Experience
Although pellet smokers have been around for a while, they have had a hard time gaining popularity.
Nowadays, I have seen them at some BBQ competitions, and a few years ago,o that was almost a No-No for some competitors.
I have used a few pellet smokers and love the convenience and easy clean-up. However, sometimes I miss the “real” charcoal flavor a little.
I guess that is a trade-off we make for the convenience of using a pellet smoker and the, in general, easy way of cleaning.
You can always add more smoke by adding a smoke tube to the smoker chamber.
So, to answer the question, what is the best pellet grill, I can only answer that it is the one you decide to buy and learn to use in the best possible way.
You can buy an expensive pellet grill and not know how to use it, and cook some average food.
You can buy a more affordable pellet grill and learn how to use it and cook some awesome food.
Robert Chill
Robert Chill loves to cook on grills and uses all types of recipes and techniques to cook some awesome food. With his experience, he can share many reviews, tips, and ideas on how to useany type of grill. You can read more about him here.