We've checked out the top pellet grill smoker combos for 2024, and here are our favorites. The Traeger Tailgater offers portable flexibility with its EZ fold legs. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A provides consistent heat with its automated feed system. The Ninja OG701 stands out for its 7-in-1 functionality. Z GRILLS ZPG-550A impresses with its smart grill tech and spacious cooking area. To conclude, the Pit Boss PB550G combines durability and precision with a dial-in digital control board. If you're looking for versatility, convenience, and reliability, these models won't disappoint. Discover more about each option's unique features and benefits.
Traeger Tailgater Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Ultimate Wood-Fired Flavor, No Gas or Charcoal – The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a portable wood pellet grill that delivers authentic wood-fired flavor. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or cooking at home you can achieve perfection.
- Precision Temperature Control from 180-450°F – Equipped with a Digital Arc Controller, this pellet smoker offers precise temperature control, maintaining temperatures within 15°F of your set point, perfect for smoking, grilling, baking, and searing.
- Portable Design – Whether tailgating, camping, or at a picnic, the Tailgater's foldable legs make it easy to transport. With 300 sq. in. cooking space, you can prepare 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens anywhere.
- 6-in-1 Versatility for All Your Cooking Needs – This portable pellet grill offers 6 cooking functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, allowing you to cook anything from low-and-slow smoked brisket to perfectly seared steaks.
- Compact and Efficient with Easy Setup – The Tailgater has an 8 lbs. pellet hopper, porcelain-coated grill grates for easy cleaning, and quick heat-up using a 120V AC power source.
If you're looking for a versatile and portable grilling solution, the Traeger Tailgater Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is perfect for tailgating, RVing, and outdoor events.
This compact grill, weighing 60 pounds and featuring EZ fold legs, is easy to transport and set up. With a 300 sq inch cooking capacity, you can grill 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens.
The 6-in-1 versatility allows you to grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ. Its Digital Arc Controller guarantees precision with a temperature range of 180-450°F.
Customers rave about its ease of assembly, operation, and cleaning. The Keep Warm Mode and robust temperature control make it reliable in various weather conditions, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.
Best For: Those who enjoy outdoor cooking and need a versatile, portable grill for tailgating, RVing, camping, or small patio setups.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 versatility for grilling, smoking, braising, roasting, baking, and BBQing
- Precision temperature control with Digital Arc Controller and Keep Warm Mode
- Portable design with EZ fold legs for easy transport and setup
Cons:
- Weighs 60 pounds, which may be heavy for some users to transport
- Limited cooking capacity may not be adequate for larger gatherings
- Requires access to an electric power source for operation
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker (2024 Upgrade)
- ULTIMATE 8-IN-1-- Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq; bake; roast; braise; smoke; grill; sear; char-grill.
- PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY--There isn't an easier way to get wood-smoked flavors than with a pellet grill. Try it, and you'll taste the difference from a GAS or CARBON grill.
- COST-EFFECTIVE--20 lbs of pellets provide 20 hrs of cooking time. When you do the math, you'll find that pellets typically cost less than a comparably sized GAS or CARBON grill.
- EASIER THAN YOU THOUGHT-- Does all the work for you once you've set the temperature. No labor-intensive start-up or babysitting the grill. Enjoy the cooking!
- NEWLY UPGRADE--Upgraded with PID controller and added meat probe port, maintaining precise temperatures throughout the entire cooking process. And the landscape LCD digital control board allows you to set the cooking temperature from 180°F to 450°F.
The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker (2024 Upgrade) is perfect for backyard enthusiasts who want a versatile and easy-to-use grilling experience with its 6-in-1 functionality. You can barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, and grill all in one unit. It's equipped with fan-forced convection cooking, eliminating the need for a rotisserie.
The automated electric feed system maintains consistent heat and smoke, making it simple to use. With a large 450 square inch grilling area and a 15-pound hopper capacity, you'll have plenty of space for family meals. The grill's electronic auto-start ignition and digital temperature control add convenience, while the upgraded cart and locking caster wheels make it easy to move.
Overall, it's a reliable choice for any grilling enthusiast.
Best For: Backyard enthusiasts who want a versatile, easy-to-use grilling experience that offers 6-in-1 functionality for barbecuing, baking, roasting, braising, smoking, and grilling.
Pros:
- Automated electric feed system maintains consistent heat and smoke.
- Large 450 square inch grilling area with a 15-pound hopper capacity.
- Easy to move with upgraded cart and locking caster wheels.
Cons:
- Initial assembly instructions are challenging to follow.
- Minor QA control issues with some parts.
- Temperature discrepancies observed and needed adjustments.
Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
- UNMATCHED VERSATILITY: Whether for individuals, couples, or family get-togethers, enjoy grilling, air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and broiling, all in one appliance. Perfect for regular use or special occasions.
- CUSTOMIZED SMOKY FLAVORS: Tailor your cooking experience by using various wood pellets for smoking different foods, creating unique, rich flavors that please everyone's palate, from meat lovers to veggie enthusiasts.
- EFFORTLESS MONITORING: No more guesswork during your weekly meal prep or family BBQs. The smart built-in thermometer ensures everything from burgers to wings cooks to perfection.
- DURABLE & DEPENDABLE: Reliable for regular use, this robust, weather-resistant build suits outdoor spaces, small backyards, or balconies, ensuring year-round outdoor cooking, come rain or shine.
- SAFE FOR ALL SPACES: Ideal for apartment dwellers or homes with limited outdoor space, this grill's no open flame or flammable fuels design ensures safety and compliance with housing regulations.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker offers a 7-in-1 functionality that lets you air fry, grill, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil with ease. You can tailor your cooking with different wood pellets for unique flavors, and a built-in thermometer guarantees precise cooking.
Made from durable alloy steel, it's weather-resistant and safe with no open flames, making it perfect for limited spaces. Users appreciate its quick cooking, easy cleanup, and versatile design, though some have noted missing items and a lack of instructions for refurbished units.
Overall, it's a reliable option for outdoor and RV use, delivering excellent wood-smoked flavors in a convenient, compact package.
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and RV users looking for a versatile, easy-to-use grill and smoker with quick cooking times and wood-smoked flavor options.
Pros:
- 7-in-1 functionality for air frying, grilling, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and broiling
- Built-in thermometer ensures precise cooking
- Durable, weather-resistant, and safe design for limited spaces
Cons:
- Some users reported missing items in refurbished products
- Lack of instructions for some refurbished units
- Pricing concerns for renewed products
Z GRILLS ZPG-550A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- Smart Grill Technology --- Automated electric feed system maintains temperature from 180ºF to 450ºF; Smart Digital Controller keeps temps within +/- 20 degrees F and makes setting the grill temperature as easy as turning a dial.
- Large Grilling Area & Hopper Capacity --- Two tiers of grill rack offer 585 sq. in. of total cooking area to feed 4 to 5 people. The large hopper holds up to 16 lbs of pellets.
- 8-In-1 Versatility -- Smoke ribs, jerky, fish; bake biscuits, pizza; Grill burgers, vegetables anything you would like to cook, 8-in-1 versatility allows you to cook hot and fast or low and slow.
- Advanced Wood Fire Technology -- Z Grills wood pellet cooking technology infuses excellent wood-fired flavor. Just put enough pellets into the hopper, pick your desired temperature and let Z Grills do the rest.
- 3 Years Warranty -- Z GRILLS is a grill manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, provides 3-YEAR quality assurance for products.
Looking for a versatile grill that maintains precise temperatures and infuses your food with rich wood-fired flavor? The Z GRILLS ZPG-550A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a solid choice. With its smart grill technology, it automates the feed system, ensuring a consistent temperature range between 180°F and 450°F.
The smart digital controller keeps temperatures within +/- 20 degrees F, making your cooking experience hassle-free. Featuring a 585 sq. in. cooking area with two tiers of grill racks and a hopper capacity of 16 lbs, it's perfect for various cooking styles. Users love its performance and ease of use, though some assembly and minor maintenance issues like ash cleanout have been noted.
Overall, it's a reliable, user-friendly option for wood-fired grilling.
Best For: Those who seek a versatile and user-friendly wood pellet grill with advanced temperature control for a hassle-free cooking experience.
Pros:
- Automated electric feed system for consistent temperature control.
- Large grilling area with two tiers of grill racks.
- Infuses food with rich wood-fired flavor.
Cons:
- Some assembly required, which can be challenging due to heavy parts.
- Minor issues with ash and pellet cleanout doors.
- Occasional problems with temperature control and faulty parts.
Pit Boss PB550G Wood Pellet Grill with Cover and Folding Front Shelf
- Pit Boss 550G Navigator Series Grill
- 16-Pound Hopper Capacity
- More Than 542 Sq.Inches Of Cooking Surface
- Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron Cooking Grates
- Dial-In Digital Control Board With Led Read-Out
For grill enthusiasts who crave versatility and robust performance, the Pit Boss PB550G Wood Pellet Grill with Cover and Folding Front Shelf is an outstanding choice.
With a robust 16-pound hopper capacity and over 542 sq. inches of cooking surface, you can smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and sear with ease.
The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates guarantee even heat distribution, while the dial-in digital control board with LED read-out offers precise temperature control from 180°F to 500°F.
The Slide-Plate Flame Broiler lets you switch between direct and indirect heat. Users appreciate its cooking versatility and flavor output, though some mention concerns about temperature accuracy.
Despite its weight, assembly is straightforward and the grill's reinforced legs enhance its sturdiness.
Best For: Grill enthusiasts who seek versatile cooking options and robust performance in a wood pellet grill.
Pros:
- 8-in-1 cooking versatility for multiple cooking methods
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates for even heat distribution
- Reinforced legs and high-temperature powder coat finish for added durability
Cons:
- Some concerns about temperature accuracy
- Grill grates and support structure issues reported by users
- Heavy weight may require assistance during assembly and setup
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pellet Grill Smoker Combo
When choosing a pellet grill smoker combo, we need to think about several key factors.
We'll look at cooking versatility options, temperature control precision, and portability and size.
Additionally, assembly and maintenance, as well as fuel hopper capacity, play pivotal roles in making the right choice.
Cooking Versatility Options
A great pellet grill smoker combo should offer a wide array of cooking functions like grilling, smoking, baking, and more to cater to our diverse culinary needs. We need to take into account the number of cooking functions available, such as roasting, braising, and barbecuing, which enable us to prepare versatile meals.
Essential features like a flame broiler allow for both direct and indirect heat cooking, enhancing the grill's versatility.
Let's also assess the temperature range to make sure it meets our cooking requirements, from low and slow smoking to high-temperature grilling. A wide temperature range is essential for achieving perfect results with different dishes.
Additional features such as searing capabilities, air frying, or even a rotisserie can greatly expand our cooking techniques, making the grill smoker combo a true multipurpose tool.
Moreover, the size and layout of the cooking surface play a key role. Multiple tiers or racks can accommodate various types of food and cooking styles simultaneously, making it easier to manage large gatherings or diverse meals.
Temperature Control Precision
Achieving precise temperature control is vital for a pellet grill smoker combo to deliver consistent and perfect cooking results. With a temperature range typically between 180-500 degrees Fahrenheit, these units offer versatile cooking options, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat grilling.
Advanced digital controllers in some models can maintain temperatures within a narrow range of +/- 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, guaranteeing consistent results every time.
Accurate temperature regulation is essential for achieving desired cooking outcomes like smoking, grilling, roasting, or baking. Some pellet grills feature programmable temperature settings and real-time monitoring, making it easier for us to make sure our food is cooked to perfection.
This level of control means we can confidently set our grill to the exact temperature needed for any recipe, ensuring that our meats are tender and our baked goods are flawless.
The ability to adjust and control temperatures with precision allows us to customize our cooking styles and achieve optimal flavor profiles. Whether we're searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs, having a pellet grill smoker combo with precise temperature control makes all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results in our own backyard.
Portability and Size
Selecting a pellet grill smoker combo necessitates us to meticulously consider its portability and size to guarantee it fits our lifestyle and cooking needs. First and foremost, we should evaluate the weight and dimensions of the unit. A grill that's too bulky or heavy can be a hassle to transport and store, especially if we love tailgating or camping.
Next, portability features like foldable legs or wheels are game-changers. These additions make it much easier to move the grill around, whether we're setting up in the backyard or packing it into the car for a weekend getaway. It's also important to check the cooking area size. We want enough space to cook for our family and friends, but it should still be manageable for travel and storage.
The overall design should strike a balance between compactness and convenience. A well-designed grill will be easier to use in various locations without sacrificing performance.
Finally, we must make sure that the grill's portability doesn't come at the expense of its cooking capabilities. A portable grill that can't deliver consistent, high-quality results isn't worth the investment.
Assembly and Maintenance
After ensuring our pellet grill smoker combo is the right size and portable enough for our needs, we must also focus on its assembly and maintenance for best use and longevity.
Proper assembly is key to peak performance, so we should look for models that come with clear instructions and all the necessary tools. This not only makes the setup process smoother but also guarantees that everything functions as it should right from the start.
Maintenance is another vital factor. Regular cleaning and inspecting parts play a vital role in the grill's longevity and safety. Features like easy access to the firepot and an ash cleanout system make this task much more manageable. Additionally, designs with removable grates and drip trays simplify the cleaning process, saving us time and effort.
Some pellet grill smoker combos may have additional maintenance requirements. For instance, lubricating hinges or checking electrical components might be necessary to keep the unit running smoothly.
Fuel Hopper Capacity
When selecting a pellet grill smoker combo, we must carefully consider the fuel hopper capacity to guarantee it meets our cooking needs. The fuel hopper capacity dictates how many wood pellets can be stored at once, directly impacting the duration of uninterrupted cooking sessions.
For those of us who enjoy long, slow smoking sessions or frequently host large gatherings, opting for a larger fuel hopper capacity—around 15-20 pounds—can be a game-changer. This capacity sustains longer cooking times without the hassle of frequent refills, providing both convenience and efficiency.
On the other hand, smaller fuel hopper capacities, typically around 8-10 pounds, may necessitate more frequent pellet refills during extended cooking periods. If we often find ourselves grilling or smoking for shorter durations, a smaller hopper might suffice.
However, for those marathon cooking sessions, a larger hopper ensures we won't have to constantly monitor and replenish the pellets, allowing us to focus more on perfecting our culinary creations.
Ultimately, considering our cooking frequency and duration is important in determining the ideal fuel hopper capacity for our grilling needs. By choosing the right capacity, we can enhance our grilling experience and make sure that our pellet grill smoker combo fits seamlessly into our lifestyle.
Conclusion
As we've explored the world of pellet grill smoker combos, one thing's clear—each of these models has something unique to offer.
But which one will transform your backyard cookouts into culinary masterpieces? You'll need to assess the features, consider your needs, and perhaps even envision that first bite of perfectly smoked brisket.
The ultimate grilling companion awaits; the choice is yours to make.
Will you seize the flavor revolution?
