If you’re serious about barbecue, a pellet grill can take your backyard cooking game to the next level. Whether you’re after perfect brisket, juicy ribs, or weeknight grilled chicken, these versatile machines offer the flavor of wood smoke with the convenience of modern tech. But with so many models on the market, which pellet grill is actually worth your money in 2025?
This guide will walk you through the best pellet grills and smokers available now, highlighting key features, real-world performance, and what type of cook each model suits best.
What Is a Pellet Grill and Why Should You Get One?
A pellet grill combines the best of a smoker, a grill, and a convection oven. It burns wood pellets made from compressed hardwood sawdust, offering rich smoky flavor without the hassle of managing fire or charcoal.
Key benefits of pellet grills include:
- Set-it-and-forget-it temperature control
- Consistent heat and smoke delivery
- Grill, smoke, bake, roast, or braise with one device
- Real wood-fired flavor with push-button convenience
Modern pellet grills also include Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, meat probes, and precision thermostats—making them ideal for both beginners and pros.
Top 7 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers in 2025
Below are the top-performing pellet grills and smokers this year, ranked for value, performance, and user satisfaction.
1. Traeger Timberline XL – Best Overall Pellet Grill
Price Range: Premium
- Cooking space: 1,320 sq. in.
- Smart Combustion™ tech with auto-adjust heat
- Includes induction side burner and WiFIRE control
The Timberline XL is Traeger’s most advanced grill yet. It’s designed for the pitmaster who wants both luxury and performance. It nails long, slow smokes and high-heat sears. Built-in meat probes, Wi-Fi control, and auto-cleaning ash and grease system make this a true all-in-one solution.
Best for: Backyard BBQ enthusiasts who want cutting-edge features and tons of space.
2. Pit Boss Pro Series 1600 – Best Value for the Money
Price Range: Mid-tier
- Cooking space: 1,598 sq. in.
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
The Pro Series 1600 delivers performance way above its price point. It supports searing up to 500°F and has heavy-duty construction built to last. It even features a flame broiler for direct heat grilling—something many pellet grills lack.
Best for: Budget-conscious grillers who don’t want to sacrifice size or tech.
3. Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) – Best for High-Heat Grilling
Price Range: Mid-to-premium
- Temperature range: 200°F–600°F
- Dual grilling zones
- Porcelain enamel finish resists rust and wear
Weber’s SmokeFire offers a broad temperature range, allowing true high-heat searing alongside low-and-slow cooking. The redesigned 2nd generation model fixed early software glitches and now performs smoothly with the Weber Connect app.
Best for: Grillers who want both smoking and serious searing in one machine.
4. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 – Most Versatile Pellet Grill
Price Range: Mid-tier
- Cooking space: 1,236 sq. in.
- Smoke box allows wood chunk or charcoal additions
- PID controller with four meat probes
The Woodwind Pro line lets you add wood chunks for extra smoke flavor—making it incredibly flexible. It’s also equipped with a removable ash cup, making cleanup easier than ever. The PID controller keeps temperatures rock steady.
Best for: Pitmasters who want more smoke control and flavor customization.
5. Z Grills 700D4E – Best for Beginners
Price Range: Budget-friendly
- Cooking space: 697 sq. in.
- 20 lb. hopper for long smokes
- Digital control board with LED display
Z Grills has become a go-to brand for affordable pellet cooking. The 700D4E is sturdy, easy to use, and ideal for entry-level grillers. It lacks Wi-Fi, but for this price, the cooking results speak for themselves.
Best for: Beginners looking for a solid pellet grill under $600.
6. Yoder YS640s – Best for Competition-Grade Smoking
Price Range: High-end/Professional
- Cooking space: 1,070 sq. in.
- Heavy-duty steel construction (315 lbs.)
- Variable displacement damper for heat control
Yoder smokers are built like tanks. The YS640s is a favorite among serious competitors. It features a direct flame grilling area and superior insulation for consistent heat—even in cold weather. It’s not light, not cheap, and not for hobbyists. But for pros? It’s a dream.
Best for: Competitive smokers or serious barbecue fans who want top-tier gear.
7. Green Mountain Grills Trek Prime – Best Portable Pellet Grill
Price Range: Budget/Mid-tier
- Cooking space: 219 sq. in.
- Wi-Fi and app control
- 12V and 110V options for travel or tailgating
The Trek Prime is built for portability without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or grilling on an apartment balcony, this compact model has full Wi-Fi control and solid build quality.
Best for: Campers, tailgaters, or those with limited space.
Pellet Grill vs Traditional Smoker: Key Differences
Not sure whether to buy a pellet grill or a traditional offset smoker? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Pellet Grill | Traditional Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Source | Electric auger-fed wood pellets | Charcoal or wood logs |
| Ease of Use | Set and forget, app-controlled | Manual tending and airflow control |
| Flavor Depth | Mild to moderate smoke | Deep, intense smoke flavor |
| Temperature Control | Highly precise (PID controllers) | Manual and variable |
| Versatility | Grill, bake, roast, smoke | Mostly smoking only |
If you’re looking for convenience, consistency, and tech-forward features, pellet grills are the clear winner. Traditional smokers still have their place for purists who enjoy fire management and stronger smoke profiles.
What to Look For in a Pellet Grill
When choosing a pellet grill, consider these key features:
- Temperature Range: Higher max temp means better searing ability
- Hopper Size: A larger hopper allows for longer cooks without refilling
- Cooking Surface: Match grill size to your usual party size
- Build Quality: Heavier materials hold heat better and last longer
- Wi-Fi/App Control: Remote monitoring and control is a major plus
- Warranty: Look for 3+ years of coverage on major components
Conclusion: Which Pellet Grill Should You Choose?
The best pellet grill for you depends on your budget, how often you cook, and what features matter most. If you want premium design and smart automation, the Traeger Timberline XL is unbeatable. Need value and high performance? Pit Boss Pro Series 1600 is a top contender. Want something portable? Green Mountain’s Trek Prime delivers in a small package.
Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading from a charcoal setup, one thing is clear—pellet grills have changed the BBQ game forever. Get the right one, and you’ll never look back.
Ready to fire up your outdoor cooking game? Compare models, read user reviews, and pick the one that fits your smoke-loving style.