7 Best Wood Pellet Grills of 2026

The Traeger Woodridge steps into the mid-tier market with serious authentic wood-fired flavor and Wi-Fi-enabled precision, making it a standout for home cooks who want pro-level results without complexity. With a wide temperature range of 180–500°F and 860 sq. in. of cooking space, this pellet smoker delivers consistent heat distribution and enough room to feed a crowd—perfect for weekend warriors chasing that deep, smoky bark on brisket or ribs. Its 6-in-1 versatility (grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ) means you’re not just limited to barbecue; think wood-fired pizzas or roasted vegetables with subtle smoke essence.

In real-world testing, the digital controller shines, holding temperatures within a tight margin even during gusty backyard conditions. The EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg is a game-changer—no more scraping out ash piles after long cooks—and the P.A.L. accessory compatibility lets you expand functionality with add-ons like side shelves or tool hooks. However, while it handles indirect cooking masterfully, searing power is modest; you won’t get restaurant-style grill marks without preheating the grates aggressively. It excels on slow smokes and large roasts but isn’t built for steakhouse-level char.

Compared to the larger Woodridge Pro, this model trades some capacity and smart features for a more accessible price point, positioning itself as a refined step-up from entry-level grills. It’s ideal for intermediate users who want smart connectivity and spacious cooking, but don’t need the bleeding edge of Traeger’s flagship tech. It outperforms the Pro 22 in both size and app integration, delivering more premium experience with slightly less raw power than the top-tier models.

The Traeger Pro 22 is the quintessential entry point into wood pellet grilling, blending proven reliability with user-friendly design—a true gateway for beginners dipping their toes into low-and-slow barbecue. With 572 sq. in. of cooking space and a temperature range of 180–450°F, it confidently handles everything from smoked wings to whole chickens, while the built-in meat probe eliminates guesswork, letting you monitor doneness without breaking the smoke seal. Its powder-coated steel build and porcelain grates stand up to seasons of use, and the rugged sawhorse frame with large wheels makes repositioning painless—even on uneven patios.

During real-world use, the Digital Pro Controller keeps temps stable within ±15°F, a solid performance for its class, though it can lag slightly during sudden ambient shifts like cold wind gusts. The 18-pound hopper is a major advantage, supporting 18+ hour smoke sessions without refills—ideal for ribs or pork shoulder. Still, heat distribution isn’t perfectly even across the grate, with minor hot spots near the firepot, and cleaning the grease tray requires more disassembly than newer models. It’s dependable, but not flawless.

Against the Z Grills 450E, the Pro 22 offers better hopper capacity and brand trust, though it lacks advanced PID tuning or sear capabilities. It’s the go-to for newcomers who value simplicity and durability over tech-heavy features. When stacked against the Pit Boss 500FB2, it delivers smoother operation and superior flavor control, making it worth the extra investment for those serious about consistent, authentic smoke without complexity.

The Pit Boss 500FB2 is a budget-slaying powerhouse that punches far above its price with one jaw-dropping feature: the Flame Broiler Lever, which unleashes direct flame searing up to 1,000°F—a rarity in this range. For grillers who crave charred steaks and crispy skin, this is a game-changer, transforming it from a smoker into a true hybrid wood-fired grill. With 518 sq. in. of cooking space, a digital control board with 5°F increments, and a solid bottom shelf for storing pellets or tools, it’s built for practicality and performance on a budget. It’s the go-to for weekend warriors who want maximum versatility without maxing out their wallet.

In testing, the Flame Broiler system delivers real searing power, rivaling gas grills when preheated properly—just flip the lever and let the flames rise. The 2-tiered cooking surface adds flexibility for multi-level meals, though temperature recovery after opening the lid can be sluggish, and the 5 lb hopper limits long smokes unless you’re willing to refill mid-cook. While it reaches 500°F, maintaining low temps around 180°F can be inconsistent on colder days, making extended low-and-slow sessions a gamble. Still, for the price, it’s remarkably capable.

Next to the Traeger Pro 22, it trades brand polish and hopper size for raw searing capability and lower cost, making it ideal for value-focused buyers who prioritize sear over smart features. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi or meat probes, but what it does offer—direct flame cooking in a pellet grill—is unmatched in this segment. It delivers more cooking personality than pricier rivals, especially for those who hate choosing between smoking and searing.

The Traeger Woodridge Pro is the undisputed king of all-around performance, earning its title as the best overall pellet grill with a commanding 970 sq. in. cooking area, WiFIRE connectivity, and the crave-worthy Super Smoke Mode that floods food with dense, flavorful smoke at lower temps. This isn’t just a grill—it’s a backyard command center for feeding families, hosting game-day feasts, or mastering competition-style BBQ. With digital pellet sensors, Keep Warm Mode, and P.A.L. accessory compatibility, it blends high-end tech with real-world usability, making it the most complete package in Traeger’s lineup.

In rigorous testing, Super Smoke Mode proved transformative, delivering richer smoke flavor on pork shoulder and ribs without extending cook times. The WiFIRE app allows remote monitoring and adjustments, a major win for multitaskers, while the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg keeps maintenance simple—no more clogged drip trays. However, the grill’s sheer size demands serious patio real estate, and startup time is slightly longer than compact models. It’s built for volume and precision, not speed or portability.

Compared to the standard Woodridge, it offers 110 extra square inches of cooking space and smarter tech, justifying its place as the premium choice for serious backyard chefs. It outclasses the Z Grills 450E in capacity and connectivity, while lacking the AI smarts of the Brisk Zelos-450—but what it delivers is proven, reliable excellence. For those who want the most balanced blend of power, tech, and flavor, this model is the gold standard.

The Traeger Tailgater 20 redefines portable wood-fired cooking, packing 300 sq. in. of cooking space and 6-in-1 versatility into a foldable, go-anywhere design that’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or small-space patios. With precise digital control from 180–450°F, it maintains consistent heat for smoking ribs or grilling burgers, all while running on standard 120V power—no propane or charcoal needed. The 8 lb hopper supports multi-hour cooks, and the porcelain-coated grates make cleanup a breeze, even after messy BBQ sessions in the field. It’s the ultimate freedom machine for flavor lovers on the move.

In real use, the compact size doesn’t sacrifice performance—it handles low-and-slow smokes surprisingly well, though wind exposure can cause minor temp swings without a windscreen. The cooking area fits 12 burgers or 2 whole chickens, ideal for small crews, but not for large gatherings. It heats up quickly and cools down fast, but the lack of a meat probe means you’ll need your own thermometer. Still, for a portable unit, its flavor delivery is impressively authentic, rivaling full-sized smokers.

Against the Brisk Zelos-450, it trades smart features for true mobility and rugged portability, making it the better pick for outdoor adventurers. While the Pit Boss 500FB2 offers more space and sear, it’s stationary. The Tailgater wins where it matters most: it brings real wood-fired flavor anywhere, delivering unmatched convenience without sacrificing Traeger’s signature taste.

The Z Grills 450E is a value titan, offering PID 3.0 temperature control, 459 sq. in. of cooking space, and 8-in-1 functionality—including sear and char modes—at a price that undercuts most competitors. Its advanced controller maintains temps within ±20°F, delivering remarkable consistency for smoking brisket or roasting whole chickens, while the visual pellet window lets you check fuel without breaking the seal. With two included meat probes, a rain cover, and rugged wheels, it’s built for real-world durability in all seasons, making it a top contender for serious grillers on a budget.

In testing, the PID 3.0 system responded quickly to temp changes, recovering faster than many entry-level Traegers, though it struggled slightly in sub-40°F weather. The stainless steel lid (2.0mm thick) improved heat retention over standard models, and the hopper cleanout door simplified flavor swaps. However, grease management feels basic, and the controller interface is less intuitive than Traeger’s app-driven systems. It’s powerful, but not polished.

Stacked against the Traeger Pro 22, it offers better temp control and more cooking functions for less money, though it lacks the brand’s ecosystem and app support. Compared to the Brisk Zelos-450, it misses AI smarts but delivers more proven reliability. For those who want maximum features per dollar, the 450E is the smart buy—a workhorse that outperforms its price tag with solid engineering and thoughtful design.

The Brisk Zelos-450 is the future of pellet grilling, powered by VERA A.I., a generative cooking assistant that interprets natural language to create custom recipes on demand—just say ‘smoked honey garlic ribs’ and it sets the entire cook cycle. With adaptive PID control from 180–500°F, 7-in-1 cooking modes, and hands-free auto-adjustments, it’s the most technologically advanced grill in its class, ideal for busy users and beginners who want perfect results without learning curves. The 450 sq. in. cooking area fits 15 burgers or 2 rib racks, and the weather-resistant steel body ensures longevity, even in harsh climates.

In real use, VERA A.I. shines—it adapts to ambient changes, prompts you when to flip, and even compensates if you miss a step. The meat probe integration is seamless, and the controller delivers precise heat, rivaling more expensive models. However, AI dependency can feel limiting for seasoned grillers who prefer manual control, and software glitches have been reported during early firmware versions. It’s brilliant, but not bulletproof.

Next to the Z Grills 450E, it trades raw value for cutting-edge automation, making it the best pick for tech lovers and novice BBQers. While the Traeger Woodridge Pro offers more space, the Zelos wins with true smart cooking autonomy. For those who want a grill that thinks for itself, this is the most innovative option—a leap forward in convenience and intelligence.