Best Pellet Grill for the Money

There is no doubt that smoking food offers some of the best flavors around. If you’re looking to get into smoking foods, or are just looking for a better smoker, then investing in a pellet grill can be a great way to improve your outdoor cooking skills.

However, with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best pellet grill for the money.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular options and provide helpful tips for choosing the perfect pellet grill for your needs. So, whether you’re in the market for your first pellet grill or are looking to upgrade an existing model, read on for information on some of the best pellet grills available today.

Z GRILLS ZPG-10002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

Looking for the ultimate outdoor cooking experience? Look no further than the Z GRILS ZPG-10002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. This incredible grill can do it all – smoke, grill, bake, and roast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is push a button to get started.

With a spacious 1056 sq inches cooking area, this grill can accommodate even the largest of gatherings.

The stainless-steel construction ensures durability and easy cleanup, while the automatic temperature control ensures perfectly cooked food every time.

And with a wide range of cooking temperatures available, this grill is perfect for everything from juicy burgers to smoked ribs.

The 20-pound hopper capacity means you can cook for a large crowd without having to refill the grill often.

And the included cover means your grill will be well protected from the elements when not in use. Plus, with a 3-year warranty, you know you’re getting a quality product.

Pit Boss Classic Wood Fired Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The Pit Boss Classic Wood Fired Pellet Grill & Smoker is an 8-in-1 cooking machine capable of smoking, grilling, baking, roasting, braising, searing, and slow cooking!

You’ll get 700 sq. inches of cooking surface with this bad boy, as well as a second-tier rack for added space.

This top-of-the-line grill comes equipped with porcelain-coated wire cooking grids, temperatures from 180°F to 500°F, and a meat probe to ensure perfectly cooked food every time.

The digital control board with LED read-out makes it easy to set the temperature exactly how you want it.

The innovative flame broiler also provides direct flame cooking for quick and delicious results. Plus, the large hopper capacity means you’ll be able to cook all your favourite meats for days on end.

Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is perfect for the grilling enthusiast who wants flexibility and quality in their outdoor cooking.

With eight functions, 700 sq inches of cooking space, and stainless-steel construction, this smoker gives you all you need to smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise and BBQ your favorite foods.

The temperature range is adjustable from 180°F to 450°F to accommodate any dish you want to create. And with auto temperature controls, it’s easy to maintain the perfect heat for whatever you’re cooking.

With just one button, you can start it up and get smoking your favorite meats in no time. Plus, the 20-pound pellet hopper means you can cook plenty at once. Plus, there’s even a three-year warranty, so you can rest assured your smoker will last for years to come.

GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker Review

Looking for a grill that’s small enough to take anywhere but still packs a punch? Look no further than the GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker.

Weighing in at 57 pounds with fold-able legs, it can easily be transported in the trunk of any car. Plus, its adjustable heat baffle helps you control the temperature and distribution of heat for perfect results every time.

And if that wasn’t enough, this grill also includes Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor that constantly monitors grill temperature to ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time.

With its single grease tray and digital WiFi controller, it’s easy to keep your grill clean and monitored, even from afar.

The peaked lid is perfect for stand-up chicken or large fowl, while the convenience tray comes with utensil hooks to make grilling a breeze.

And if that wasn’t enough, this smoker also includes Pellethead durable all-weather cover, so you can use it year-round, rain or shine.

Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker is the perfect grill for anyone who wants to connect to their grill via Bluetooth or WIFI and cook like a pro!

This grill comes with a PID controller that regulates the temperature so you can always count on consistent results.

The Smart Smoke Technology kicks in smoke when needed for succulent flavor, and the Camp Chef Connect App is compatible with your smartphone and tablet, so you can control your grill from anywhere.

With 811 sq in of cooking surface, cast iron grill grates, and four stainless steel meat probes, this smoker has plenty of room to feed a large crowd.

With temperatures adjustable from 160-650 degrees and smoke control settings from 1-10, this smoker gives you complete precision over your cooking.

The Slide & Grill technology heats to 650 degrees in seconds, letting you move seamlessly from grilling to smoking meats.

The ash clean-out system makes cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time relaxing by the fire pit and less time worrying about spilled ashes.

Made with durable stainless steel construction, this smoker is built to last through even the harshest of winters.

Benefits of Pellet Smokers

Pellet Smokers Are Easy to Use

There is no need to constantly monitor and adjust the smoker as you would with a traditional smoker. Pellet smokers come with preset temperature controls that make it easy to get great results every time.

Pellet Smokers Produce Less Smoke Than Traditional Smokers

This means that your food will not taste as smoky, and you won’t have to spend time trying to scrub the smoke off of your kitchen.

Pellet Smokers Are More Efficient Than Traditional Smokers

Pellet smokers use a fraction of the fuel that traditional smokers do, meaning you can save money on your fuel costs.

Pellet Smokers Are More Reliable Than Traditional Smokers

Pellet smokers use an automatic ignition system, which means that you won’t have to worry about lighting the charcoal or pellets yourself.

Pellet Smokers Can be Used to Smoke Any Type of Food

From pork ribs to salmon fillets, pellet smokers can handle just about anything you can throw at them.

Pellet Smokers Are Versatile

In addition to smoking food, pellet smokers can also be used to cook food in a variety of ways, including baking, roasting, and grilling.

Pellet Smokers Come in a Variety of Sizes

This means that you can find the perfect smoker for your needs, regardless of how much space you have available.

Pellet Smokers are Easy to Clean

All you need to do is remove the ash catcher and dump the ashes, and your smoker will be good as new.

Pellet Smokers Come With a Variety of Features

This means that you can find a smoker that has the exact features you are looking for.

Pellet Smokers Offer Great Value

The low cost of using a pellet smoker allows you to cook your favorite foods whenever you want, for years to come.

Buying Guide for Best Pellet Smoker

When it comes to smoking food, there’s no better way to do it than with a pellet smoker. Pellet smokers combine the best features of both charcoal and gas smokers, giving you a delicious, smoky meal every time. But with so many different models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

Here’s a guide to help you choose the best pellet smoker for your needs.

Size

One of the first things you need to consider is size. How much space do you have in your backyard or patio? If you don’t have a lot of space, then you’ll want to choose a smaller smoker.

Conversely, if you have plenty of space, then you can choose a larger smoker.  Make sure the smoker is tall enough to fit a large turkey or multiple racks of ribs inside with plenty of room.

Temperature Range and Controls

What kind of food will you be cooking? When it comes to smoking meat, you’ll want to cook it at a low temperature for several hours. So with that in mind, make sure the smoker you choose has a low temperature range. The best smokers have a temperature range of 180-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, look for smokers that have digital controls instead of knobs. This will give you more precision when cooking your food.

Construction

Another important consideration is the construction of the smoker. Look for smokers that are made from high-quality materials like stainless steel. This will ensure that your smoker lasts for many years.

Ease of Use

Consider how easy the smoker is to use. Some smokers are a little more complicated to set up than others. Some smokers come assembled, but others may require some minor assembly. Some of them are made with one-touch controls that allow you to set the temperature and forget it until it’s time to check your food.

Features

Different smokers come with different features, so you’ll need to decide which ones are important to you. Do you want a smoker that has a digital temperature control? One with an automatic auger? Or one with a WiFi-enabled remote control?

Think about the types of foods you want to smoke and what features would make smoking them easier. For example, if you want to smoke ribs, then you’ll need a smoker with an automatic auger so that you don’t have to constantly refill the smoker with pellets.

Price

Another thing to consider is price. No matter what features it has, the best pellet smoker isn’t any good if you can’t afford it. This doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank on a top-of-the-line pellet smoker.

Instead, look for a smoker that has features you want but is still affordable. You can find good smokers for well under $500, while the pricier models will carry price tags of $1000 or more.

Don’t let the price scare you away from a particular pellet smoker, but do your best to stick to your budget. If you find a smoker that has all the features you want but is a bit out of your price range, then consider waiting for a sale or looking for a model that has fewer features. 

Fuel Type

Pellet smokers use pellets made from different materials. Some have a single fuel source, while some have multiple fuel sources. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of pellets:

– Hickory – The king of smoking wood, hickory gives your meat that classic smoky flavor that everyone loves.

– Maple – Adds a slightly sweet taste to your food. Great for pork.

– Cherry – Adds a mild fruity flavor perfect for beef and chicken.

– Mesquite – A heavy wood with a strong earthy flavor. Perfect for steaks and other meats that need bold flavors.

Hopper Size and Cooking Capacity

The hopper is the container that holds the pellets. Look for a smoker with a large hopper size, so you don’t have to refill it very often. The best smokers have a hopper size of 20-lbs or more.

Also, make sure the smoker has a good capacity. Some smokers only hold a few racks of ribs or a turkey, while others can hold up to 20-lbs.

Warranty

No one wants to buy a smoker that breaks after just a few uses. Look for smokers that come with a good warranty. The best pellet smokers come with a warranty of 5 years or more.

Some Important Tips to Note While Using a Pellet Smoker

There are some important tips while using a pellet smoker which you need to be aware of. You wouldn’t want your expensive equipment to break down in the middle of cooking, would you? So, let’s get on with it…

1. Always give attention to the feeding chute for pellets

Be vigilant while adding new pellets to the machine. We all know that it is an extremely hot spot inside the smoker; even a few seconds of exposure will let you get burnt pretty badly.

So, while adding food-grade pellets into the cooking chamber, make sure nothing gets in contact with the walls of the chute (pellet feeder).

2. Keep checking on your meat thermometer

Don’t use a meat thermometer that is not easily visible from outside the smoker. It’s all well and good to have your food prepped, but if you aren’t checking on the temperature of the grills every so often, you will soon get a rude shock when everything burns out.

Also, even if it does happen before that point, you need to keep checking the temperature every few hours; that is, if you want your barbecue to be a success.

3. Don’t use pellets with an oily smell

Fancy wood pellets may smell good and appetizing, but there’s no denying that they’ll do more harm than good when used in Pellet smokers. The best way to use these pellets is by crumbling them up before adding them into the grills.

4. Keep your smoker away from water

This may sound like an idiot-proof tip, but trust me when I say that there are idiots everywhere. Do not place the Pellet smoker near the sink or bathrooms or if it’s raining outside.

You wouldn’t want to take the risk of water dripping in through gaps or areas which are not properly sealed, would you? Even pressure washers can cause serious damage to your smoker.

5. Keep an eye on the hopper level when it is empty

If you’re using a Pellet grill where you have to manually load pellets into the feeder, then you need to be extra cautious when the hopper level runs low.

It is best to refill it before it runs completely empty. This way, you won’t have to worry about the grill not working or any other potential problems that may arise.

6. Use a foil pan for catching grease drippings

This is one of the most important tips that you need to remember. The juices and fats from meat tend to drip down, and if you’re not careful, they will start collecting near the heat source.

This can easily lead to a fire, and no one wants that, do they? Place a foil pan underneath the grills to catch all the grease drippings, and don’t ever forget to empty it regularly.

7. Have a fire extinguisher on standby at all times

You never know when a small blaze may break out if you’re not careful about how you’re going about your barbecue. So, having a fire extinguisher handy is always the best way to go about things. Also, you should know how to use the extinguisher correctly. If not, ask someone who knows!

8. Use proper ventilation when smoking

Don’t try to save money by using an outdoor grill to smoke your food indoors. Pellet smokers need proper ventilation in order to function properly, and not doing so can damage both the smoker and the food.

Make sure there is plenty of air circulation around the smoker, and keep an eye on the weather conditions before starting to cook.

9. Keep your smoker clean

This one is pretty self-explanatory. A clean smoker is a happy smoker, and it will also produce better-tasting food. Make sure you clean the grills and all other parts after each use; this will help to prolong the life of your smoker.

10. Use a pellet grill mat

Last but not least, using a pellet grill mat will help protect the internal parts of the smoker from getting damaged. The mat also helps to prevent any unwanted accidents from happening and should be used at all times when using a pellet smoker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Are pellet smokers worth the money?

A. Yes, pellet smokers are worth the money if you want a smoker producing high-quality smoked meats and other foods on a consistent basis without having to go through the hassle of starting up your outdoor gas or charcoal barbecue every time you want to grill something up.

Q. How do pellet smokers work?

A. Pellet smokers work by igniting pellets made of compressed sawdust that are fed into a firebox under the cooking grate. The heat and smoke from the burning pellets travel up through the cooking grate and impart flavor and smoked texture to whatever you’re cooking.

Q.  How hot does it get inside of a pellet smoker?

A. Pellet smokers are designed to maintain temperatures around 350 degrees F on the whole cook chamber, more than enough to smoke meats and vegetables. If you want any searing at all, you’ll either need to step up your “smoke” production by getting more smoking pellets or turn up the temperature by using a higher setting.

Q. How long does it take to smoke food in a pellet smoker?

A. This can vary depending on how hot you have your smoker set and how thick the meat is that you put inside, but in general, smoking for around 6 hours should give you good results.

Q. Can pellet smokers be used for cold smoking?

A. Yes, the pellet smoker is a great way to do cold smoking. It gives you complete control over the temperature of the cooking chamber, so you can smoke fish and cheese at very low temperatures, around 120 degrees F.

Conclusion

Pellet smokers are a great way to produce good smoked food without all the hassle that comes with using an outdoor barbecue grill. They are easy to use, clean, and maintain. If you follow the tips in this article, you will be able to produce some of the best smoked food that you’ve ever tasted!

We also hope that now you have a good idea of how pellet smokers work and what to look out for so that you can ensure you get the best smoker possible. You can also check our article on Best Vertical Pellet Smoker.

Just remember to always check the warranty before purchasing any pellet smoker because there are many models available on the market that just don’t meet certain standards no matter how low the price is. Thanks for reading!