The 7 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers of 2023, Expert Tested

A simple start-up also gets you grilling faster, while the convection heating process eliminates any flare ups as well as the need to babysit the grill. This versatile pellet grill is a great option for those who love to grill just as much as they love to smoke. It features a digital controller that allows the chef to dial in temperatures ranging from as little as 180 degrees Fahrenheit for slow-and-low smoking up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for grilling. It’s also equipped with a “Flame Broiler” lever that produces heat up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for searing steaks and burgers. As you shop for a pellet grill, it’s important to look at its cooking area, which is listed in square inches. The larger this number, the more food you’ll be able to cook on the grill at one time.

But you if are a Traeger pellet grill owner, you are undergoing an awesome grilling experience as it is… Those of you who are addicted to the smoking world would know the beauty of Pit Boss pellet grill. One of the major reasons for fire hazards is grease in pellet grilling.

Of all the grills we tested, only the Yoder model yielded dark grill marks. The Yoder produced a good amount of smoke in all of our tests, though this almost understates its exceptional performance in our long smoke test. The smokiness it gave shoulder was just right, without any of the astringency that typically indicates over-smoking. The most expensive grill on this list, the Timberline has a high cost-to-value ratio. The cost is due, in part, to its double-wall construction and convection design, which paid off in the grill’s superior heat control and retention. Test after test, the Timberline stood out for the amount of smoke it gave chicken, pizza, flank steaks, and pork shoulder (the juiciest pork shoulder any of the grills produced).

We’ve got  options for a budget under $500, for if you can spend up to $1,000, or if you’re simply looking for the best of the best. If you want some other portable options, check out our list of the best portable pellet grills. Pit Boss did not skimp on the materials, focusing on ensuring this pellet grill has a durable construction. The body is made from heavy-duty steel covered by a high-temp powder coating while the cooking grates are porcelain-coated stainless steel.

There was a lot of taste testing involved, and we noted how evenly the food was cooked, whether it had a smoky flavor, and how many pellets were used in the cooking process. During the smoke test, there wasn’t any visible smoke, but the smoky flavor produced was surprisingly present in the food. And when you’re finished grilling, the individual components can be removed from the grill for easy pit boss flat top cleaning, though the heat shield is tricky to remove when greasy. However, we think this is a fantastic grill and a great price point for beginner grilling enthusiasts. If you’re new to the art of the grill, we suggest starting with the Traeger Pro 780 pellet grill while you learn the ropes. It’s a highly user-friendly model with lots of bells and whistles that make grilling a breeze.

I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life, constantly back and forth between losing and gaining. Back in 2014, I decided to pay more attention to the things I was cooking. I have a huge sweet tooth so I also gave myself the challenge of creating delicious tasting sweet treats that were lightened-up. I took to Instagram to share my creations and from there this blog was born. I keep things pretty simple, with basic ingredients that most people have in their kitchen already. Many Pit Boss smoker owners recommend cleaning your smoker every three to five uses.