8 Best Pellet Grills of 2026

The Oakford 715 hits a sweet spot for grilling enthusiasts who crave smart monitoring without sacrificing capacity, delivering a seamless blend of real-time pellet tracking and expansive cooking real estate. Its standout I-Site Pellet View Indicator eliminates the guesswork of fuel levels—a common pain point in long smokes—while the 22-pound hopper ensures uninterrupted 18-hour cooks, even at mid-range temps. With Bluetooth-enabled NEX-fi technology, you can adjust settings and receive alerts from your phone, making it a strong contender for tech-forward pitmasters who still value hands-on control.

In real-world testing, the grill maintains stable temps between 180°F and 450°F across varied weather, though recovery after lid lifts is slightly slower than premium models. The 715 sq. in. cooking surface effortlessly handles two full racks of ribs with room for sides, and the steel wire grates offer solid heat retention but show minor warping after repeated searing. It performs best in low-and-slow smoking and medium-heat grilling, though it lacks a true sear mode—limiting its versatility for steak lovers. Pellet efficiency is strong, averaging 1.2 lbs/hour at 225°F, but wind exposure increases consumption noticeably.

Compared to the Z GRILLS 700D6, the Oakford trades a bit of insulation and max temp control for superior pellet visibility and a larger hopper. It’s ideal for frequent entertainers and monitoring-focused cooks who prioritize fuel awareness over Wi-Fi cloud integration. While it doesn’t match Traeger’s app ecosystem, it delivers better pellet oversight than most in its class, offering a balanced mix of smart features, size, and reliability at a mid-tier price.

The Z GRILLS 700D6 is a capacity king wrapped in a value-packed build, engineered for those who demand serious grilling real estate without overspending. With 697 sq. in. of cooking space, dual-wall insulation, and an upgraded Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller, it delivers remarkable thermal consistency—holding within ±15°F even in 30 mph winds. The 8-in-1 functionality (smoke, bake, roast, sear, etc.) and 28-hour runtime on a full hopper make it a powerhouse for weekend warriors hosting large gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

During extended brisket tests, the grill maintained a rock-solid 225°F for 14 hours, with fast heat recovery after lid lifts thanks to its responsive auger and airflow system. The dual meat probes allow precise doneness tracking, and the large LCD screen is bright enough for direct sunlight. The hopper clean-out door is a game-changer for flavor swapping—no more scooping pellets by hand. However, the plastic control panel feels flimsy, and Bluetooth connectivity is limited to basic temp monitoring, not app-based control.

When stacked against the Traeger Pro 22, the Z GRILLS offers nearly 130 extra sq. in. of cooking space and better insulation at just a $110 premium. It’s the go-to for large families or BBQ hobbyists who want near-Traeger performance with more room and better cold-weather efficiency. While it lacks Wi-Fi and premium branding, it outperforms its price tag in raw capability and consistency, making it the smart pick for capacity and value.

The Traeger Pro 22 remains a benchmark in compact pellet grilling, offering trusted build quality and rock-solid performance in a space-conscious footprint. As the original pellet grill, it delivers 6-in-1 versatility—smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ—with consistent results from 180°F to 450°F, thanks to its Digital Pro Controller. The 572 sq. in. cooking area is ideal for small families or weeknight cooks, and the built-in meat probe lets you monitor doneness without losing heat, solving a major frustration for beginners.

In testing, the Pro 22 heats evenly across all racks, with minimal hot spots and solid flavor infusion, especially during pork shoulder smokes. The 18 lb hopper supports up to 18 hours of runtime, though heavy searing cuts that down significantly. The powder-coated steel body and porcelain grates resist rust and clean up easily, but the lack of insulation shows in colder climates—expect slower recovery and higher pellet use below 40°F. It’s best suited for moderate climates and urban patios, where space is tight but flavor matters.

Compared to the Pit Boss PB440FB1, the Traeger offers better temperature stability and brand reliability, though at a higher cost and smaller cooking surface. It’s the perfect starter pellet grill for apartment dwellers or casual grillers who want Trusted Traeger quality without the bulk. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi like newer models, it delivers unmatched simplicity and durability, offering better long-term value than budget brands despite a higher entry price.

The Pit Boss PB440FB1 is a budget-savvy performer that punches above its weight with serious searing power and solid build quality. With a 180–500°F range and direct flame sear mode hitting 1000°F, it’s a rare mid-tier grill that can crisp a steak’s crust like a gas grill, while still delivering authentic wood-smoke flavor. The 482 sq. in. cooking space is ample for small gatherings, and the porcelain-coated grids resist sticking and rust, surviving repeated high-heat cycles with minimal wear.

In real use, the digital controller is responsive, maintaining temps within ±20°F under normal conditions, though wind gusts cause minor fluctuations. The automatic start-up and cool-down cycle simplifies operation—just press start and walk away. It excels at hot-and-fast grilling and medium smokes, but struggles with ultra-low temps below 200°F, making it less ideal for delicate fish or 18-hour briskets. The 5 lb clean-out hopper is convenient for flavor swaps, but requires frequent refills during long cooks—about every 8 hours at 225°F.

Versus the Traeger Pro 22, the Pit Boss trades some precision and brand prestige for lower cost and superior searing capability. It’s the best pick for grillers who want steakhouse results on a budget, especially those who prioritize high-heat versatility over low-and-slow perfection. While it lacks smart features and has a smaller hopper, it delivers unmatched value in raw power and cooking range, making it a top-tier choice for budget-focused foodies.

The Traeger Woodridge Pro is the undisputed flagship of pellet grills, engineered for those who want maximum space, elite smokiness, and full smart integration in one rugged package. With a massive 970 sq. in. cooking area, it can feed a crowd of 20+—perfect for tailgates, holidays, or serious meal prep. The Super Smoke Mode floods the chamber with 100% hardwood smoke at 165–225°F, delivering deep, restaurant-grade flavor on ribs, brisket, and pork butts that rivals competition smokers.

In performance tests, the WiFIRE technology shines, allowing full remote control via the Traeger app—even adjusting temps while at work. The digital pellet sensor sends low-fuel alerts to your phone, and Keep Warm Mode holds food at 175°F for up to an hour. Heat distribution is even across all racks, and recovery after lid lifts is fast, thanks to robust insulation and airflow design. However, its size demands serious patio space, and assembly takes over 90 minutes—not for the faint-hearted.

Next to the Z GRILLS 700D6, the Woodridge Pro offers nearly 300 extra sq. in. of space, smarter tech, and stronger smoke output, but at nearly double the price. It’s the ultimate choice for serious entertainers and tech lovers who want the most capable, connected pellet grill available. While overkill for couples or small families, it justifies its premium with unmatched capacity, flavor, and smart performance, making it the best overall pellet grill despite its size and cost.

The Brisk It Zelos-450 redefines smart grilling with VERA, its generative A.I. cooking assistant that turns vague requests like ‘smoked honey garlic chicken’ into fully automated cook programs—a game-changer for beginners and time-crunched users. Powered by an industrial-grade PID controller, it maintains temps from 180°F to 500°F with laser precision, while the 7-in-1 functionality enables everything from char-grilling to braising. The 450 sq. in. cooking space fits two rib racks or six burgers, making it ideal for small families who still want versatility.

In real use, VERA A.I. adapts to ambient conditions, adjusting cook times and smoke levels when temps drop, delivering consistent results even in changing weather. The Wi-Fi app offers full remote control, and the meat probe syncs with VERA to auto-adjust for doneness. However, the grill lacks a true sear box, so high-heat charring isn’t as crisp as on the Pit Boss. The hopper holds only 12 lbs, limiting long cooks to about 10 hours at 225°F, requiring a mid-cycle refill for brisket.

Compared to the recteq Patio Legend 400, the Brisk It offers far more intelligent automation and broader cooking modes, though slightly less max heat. It’s the best fit for tech lovers and novice grillers who want a hands-off, AI-guided BBQ experience. While not the largest or hottest, it delivers the most futuristic, user-friendly interface, offering smarter automation than any other model at any price.

This entry-level pellet grill delivers remarkable features for under $310, making it the most accessible gateway into smart wood-fired cooking. With 456 sq. in. of cooking space, an 8-in-1 function range, and a built-in meat probe, it offers core capabilities usually found in pricier models. The PID controller maintains temps within ±10°F, a standout for this price, and the stainless steel body resists rust and retains heat better than painted steel rivals.

In testing, it handles ribs, whole chickens, and burgers with ease, and the side table with hooks keeps tools and pellets within reach—no more running inside mid-cook. The auto-feed system ignites reliably, though startup takes 8–10 minutes in cold weather. It performs well for smoking and roasting, but struggles to hold 180°F consistently below 50°F ambient, and the wheels are small and prone to grass snagging. Still, for beginners, it’s a no-fuss, durable starter grill that doesn’t skimp on essentials.

Against the Pit Boss PB440FB1, it trades searing power for better low-temp stability and a meat probe at a lower price. It’s perfect for first-time buyers or casual cooks who want a simple, no-nonsense pellet experience. While not built for competition BBQ, it offers exceptional bang for the buck, delivering 90% of the core experience of premium models at half the cost.

The recteq Patio Legend 400 is a high-heat powerhouse built for those who crave searing intensity and smart control in a compact form. With a temperature range up to 700+°F, it outpaces nearly every pellet grill on the market, enabling true reverse searing, wok cooking, and flame-kissed char that mimics gas grills. The PID controller ensures ±5°F accuracy, even at extreme temps, and Wi-Fi app integration offers guided recipes, leaderboards, and remote monitoring—making it as fun as it is functional.

In real-world use, it sears steaks in 90 seconds and holds 225°F for 12-hour smokes with minimal fluctuation. The 410 sq. in. cooking space is optimized for efficiency, not volume, making it ideal for urban patios or small decks. The stainless steel construction resists rust, and the app’s guided cooking programs walk beginners through perfect ribs or turkey. However, the hopper is small (12 lbs), requiring refills during long cooks, and pellet consumption spikes at high temps—up to 3 lbs/hour at 600°F.

Compared to the Brisk It Zelos-450, the recteq offers higher max heat and more durable build, but less AI-driven automation. It’s the best pick for space-limited users who want competition-level heat and smart features, especially those who value precision and durability over sheer size. While not the largest, it delivers the most intense performance in a compact footprint, making it the top choice for high-temp versatility and app-powered grilling.