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SMOKERS

BEST PELLETSMOKERS

WiFi-enabled, set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Pellet smokers automate temperature control with wood pellet fuel for clean, consistent smoke.

SmokerCooking AreaFuelOur Pick
Weber Searwood 6001,008 sq in totalHardwood pelletsBest Overall
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24811 sq in totalHardwood pelletsBest Feature Set
Pit Boss 850 Pro Series850 sq inHardwood pelletsBest Value
Traeger Ironwood XL960 sq inHardwood pelletsBest Premium
Z Grills 7002C2E697 sq inHardwood pelletsBest Budget Pick
Best Overall

Weber Searwood 600

Weber Searwood 600
Cooking Area1,008 sq in total
Fuel TypeHardwood pellets
Temp Range200–600°F
WiFiYes — Weber Connect
Weight177 lbs
Warranty5 years

✓ Pros

  • Weber Connect app for remote monitoring
  • Flavorizer bars add signature sear flavor
  • Massive cooking space for big cooks
  • Porcelain-enamel lid retains heat efficiently

✗ Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Heavy — tough to move once placed
  • Pellet hopper smaller than some competitors

Our Take

Weber brought decades of grilling expertise to the pellet category and it shows. The Searwood 600 doesn't just smoke — it sears, grills, and bakes with a versatility most pellet grills can't match. The Flavorizer bar system is borrowed from their gas grill line and gives food a flavor profile closer to charcoal than typical pellet grills.

The Weber Connect system is intuitive and reliable, sending alerts to your phone when food hits target temp. Build quality is a step above most competitors — you can feel it in the heft of the lid and the precision of the dampers.

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Best Feature Set

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24
Cooking Area811 sq in total
Fuel TypeHardwood pellets
Temp Range160–500°F
WiFiYes — Camp Chef Connect
Weight150 lbs
Warranty3 years

✓ Pros

  • Sidekick burner attachment for searing and stir-frying
  • PID controller maintains temp within ±5°F
  • Ash cleanout system makes cleanup easy
  • Pellet dump lever for quick flavor switches

✗ Cons

  • Sidekick sold separately on some models
  • Paint can chip if bumped hard
  • App can be slow to connect initially

Our Take

Camp Chef has quietly built one of the best pellet grill ecosystems on the market. The Woodwind Pro's PID controller is genuinely impressive — holding temps within a few degrees even in cold weather. The real differentiator is the Sidekick-compatible side shelf that turns this into a full outdoor kitchen.

The ash cleanout system is a game-changer for anyone who's scraped out a pellet grill before. Pull a lever, empty the cup, done. Community feedback consistently highlights the excellent customer service if anything goes wrong.

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Best Value

Pit Boss 850 Pro Series

Pit Boss 850 Pro Series
Cooking Area850 sq in
Fuel TypeHardwood pellets
Temp Range180–500°F
WiFiYes — Pit Boss Connect
Weight135 lbs
Warranty5 years

✓ Pros

  • WiFi and Bluetooth at a budget-friendly price
  • Flame broiler for direct-heat searing
  • Large 21 lb hopper for long cooks
  • 5-year warranty is best in class at this price

✗ Cons

  • Temperature swings wider than premium models
  • Build quality is good, not great
  • WiFi connection can drop at range

Our Take

Pit Boss continues to deliver the most smoker for the money. The 850 Pro Series gives you WiFi connectivity, a flame broiler for searing, and a huge cooking area — features that competitors charge 2x for. It's not going to hold temps as tightly as a Weber or Camp Chef, but for the price difference, most backyard cooks won't notice.

The 5-year warranty at this price point is remarkable and shows Pit Boss stands behind the product. If you're buying your first pellet grill and don't want to overspend, this is the one.

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Best Premium

Traeger Ironwood XL

Traeger Ironwood XL
Cooking Area960 sq in
Fuel TypeHardwood pellets
Temp Range165–500°F
WiFiYes — Traeger WiFIRE
Weight185 lbs
Warranty3 years

✓ Pros

  • Traeger's best temp control with D2 drivetrain
  • Super Smoke mode for max flavor below 225°F
  • Downdraft exhaust for even cooking
  • Huge recipe library in the Traeger app

✗ Cons

  • Expensive — you're paying for the brand too
  • Hopper capacity could be larger
  • D2 controller not available on older models

Our Take

Traeger invented the pellet grill and the Ironwood XL shows they still know how to build one. The D2 drivetrain and Super Smoke mode deliver a level of smoke flavor that other pellet grills struggle to match — especially at the low-and-slow temps where it matters most.

The WiFIRE app is the best in the pellet grill space, with thousands of guided recipes and remote control from anywhere. Build quality is excellent, though the price premium over competitors like Camp Chef is significant. You're paying for the Traeger ecosystem as much as the hardware.

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Best Budget Pick

Z Grills 7002C2E

Z Grills 7002C2E
Cooking Area697 sq in
Fuel TypeHardwood pellets
Temp Range180–450°F
WiFiNo
Weight108 lbs
Warranty3 years

✓ Pros

  • Incredible price for a pellet grill
  • Simple PID controller works well
  • Compact size fits smaller patios
  • Good entry point for pellet smoking beginners

✗ Cons

  • No WiFi or Bluetooth
  • Temperature range maxes out at 450°F
  • Build materials are thinner gauge steel

Our Take

Z Grills has carved out a niche as the budget pellet grill brand, and the 7002C2E is their best value. You're not getting WiFi or app control, but the PID controller holds temps reliably and the cooking results are genuinely good for the price.

If you want to try pellet grilling without committing $800+, this is the way in. Plenty of owners report using these for years without issues. Just don't expect the build quality or temp precision of models costing 3x more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are pellet smokers good for beginners?
Absolutely. Pellet smokers are the easiest type to use — set your target temperature and the controller handles the rest. Most models hold temp within ±10-15°F without any intervention. If you can use an oven, you can use a pellet smoker.
How much do wood pellets cost?
A 20 lb bag of hardwood pellets costs $15-25 and lasts 10-20 hours of cooking depending on temperature. That's roughly $1-2 per cook — comparable to charcoal and much less than propane.
Do pellet smokers give enough smoke flavor?
They produce a milder, cleaner smoke than charcoal or offset smokers. Some pitmasters add a smoke tube for extra flavor at low temps. Models with a 'Super Smoke' or similar mode help maximize smoke output below 225°F.
Can you sear on a pellet grill?
Many modern pellet grills include a direct-flame sear feature. The Weber Searwood and Pit Boss models in our list can reach 500-600°F for searing. If your model doesn't sear well, finish steaks on a cast iron pan.