A pellet smoker burns small compressed wood pellets that an auger feeds into a fire pot, while a controller adjusts the feed to hold your chosen temperature. It is one of the easiest ways to cook with real wood smoke.
The six pellet smokers below cover a range of sizes and feature sets, from a straightforward grill to Wi-Fi connected models and a premium cooker. We point out the trade-offs, because pellet units vary in smoke flavor and searing ability. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm sizes, features and included parts on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pellet quality | Clean hardwood pellets burn evenly and leave less ash |
| Weather | A lid that seals well and a sturdy body help in wind and cold |
| Controller | Digital controllers hold temperature, and Wi-Fi versions allow remote checks |
| Hopper size | A bigger hopper means fewer refills on long cooks |
| Searing | Direct-flame access or a sear box adds steakhouse-style options |
| Build | Heavier steel keeps heat steady and resists rust |
| Cleanup | Ash cleanout systems and grease management reduce chores |
Specs at a Glance
| Smoker | Fuel and design | Size class |
|---|---|---|
| Z Grills 7002B | Wood pellets, electric | Mid-size grill |
| Rec Tec Bullseye | Wood pellets, Wi-Fi | Compact |
| Green Mountain Daniel Boone | Wood pellets, Wi-Fi | Mid-size grill |
| Traeger Timberline 850 | Wood pellets, Wi-Fi | Large grill |
| Traeger Pro 780 | Wood pellets, Wi-Fi | Large grill |
| Weber SmokeFire EX6 | Wood pellets, Wi-Fi | Extra large grill |
The 6 Best Pellet Smokers
1. Z Grills ZPG-7002B Pellet Grill
A straightforward pellet grill with a digital controller and a fairly large cooking area. It is a plain, easy way to get into pellet smoking.
Suits: newcomers to pellets. Strengths: simple setup and ample grate size. Weaknesses: fewer extras than premium models. Skip it if you want app control.
2. Rec Tec Bullseye Deluxe RT-B380
A compact pellet grill with a sturdy build and a Wi-Fi controller. It is small enough for a patio yet capable of handling a pork butt or a few racks of ribs.
Suits: patios and small yards. Strengths: solid construction and remote control. Weaknesses: smaller cooking area. Skip it if you cook for crowds.
View Rec Tec Bullseye on Amazon
3. Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone
A mid-size pellet grill with a Wi-Fi controller and a sear-friendly design. It is often chosen by buyers who want a mix of convenience and flexibility.
Suits: cooks who like app monitoring. Strengths: steady temperatures and app support. Weaknesses: pellet grills need power. Skip it if you want a power-free cooker.
View Green Mountain Daniel Boone on Amazon
4. Traeger Timberline 850
A premium pellet grill with a robust build, large capacity and a feature-rich controller. It is aimed at people who want to smoke often and for large groups.
Suits: serious pellet enthusiasts. Strengths: strong build and lots of space. Weaknesses: a premium-tier cooker. Skip it if you want a bare-bones unit.
View Traeger Timberline 850 on Amazon
5. Traeger Pro 780
A mid-range pellet grill with Wi-Fi control, a spacious grate and Traeger’s pellet system. It is a straightforward step up for those who want more room.
Suits: families wanting more grate space. Strengths: brand support and a good size. Weaknesses: not the best for high-heat searing. Skip it if you want a tiny grill.
View Traeger Pro 780 on Amazon
6. Weber SmokeFire EX6 Pellet Grill
A larger Weber pellet grill that can both smoke and sear, with a connected controller. It is built for people already comfortable with Weber’s grilling approach.
Suits: big batches and searing. Strengths: large cooking space and brand support. Weaknesses: relies on electronics. Skip it if you want a simpler design.
View Weber SmokeFire EX6 on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Empty the fire pot ash before each cook.
- Store pellets in an airtight container.
- Clean grease and drip trays regularly.
- Keep the hopper clear of dust and pellet debris.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting pellets sit in damp weather.
- Switching pellet flavors without clearing the auger.
- Skipping the startup and shutdown cycles.
- Overfilling the hopper before a short cook.
- Ignoring grease buildup near the fire pot.
Pellet Smoker FAQ
How long does a bag of pellets last?
It depends on the cooker, the weather and the temperature you cook at. Lower settings use fewer pellets per hour.
Can I use the pellet smoker in winter?
Yes, but expect to burn more pellets, and consider an insulated blanket if the maker offers one.
Do pellet smokers taste like real wood smoke?
Yes, they burn actual wood pellets, though the smoke can be milder than that of a stick burner.
What are the best pellets?
Look for 100 percent hardwood pellets without fillers. Hickory, oak and apple are common choices.
Can a pellet smoker sear?
Some can, using direct-flame plates. Others are best paired with a separate grill for searing.
Do pellet grills need power?
Yes, the auger, fan and controller all require electricity.
The Short Version
For a no-frills pellet grill, the Z Grills 7002B. For a compact, connected cooker, the Rec Tec Bullseye. For smart pellet smoking, the Green Mountain Daniel Boone. For a top-tier pellet cooker, the Traeger Timberline 850. For a roomy Traeger, the Traeger Pro 780. For a large smoking and searing grill, the Weber SmokeFire EX6.