The Best Pellet Grills for Smoking, Grilling, and Everything In Between

Wed Jun 25 2025

Grills

Pellet grills have transformed the way we cook outdoors. Combining the ease of gas grills with the flavor of traditional charcoal smokers, pellet grills provide unbeatable versatility. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started, here’s your guide to choosing the best pellet grill for your backyard.

What Is A Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets as fuel, combining the convenience of gas grills with the rich, smoky flavor traditionally associated with charcoal grills. The pellets feed into the grill automatically, maintaining precise and consistent cooking temperatures, making them perfect for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and even braising.

Why Choose a Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills offer precise temperature control, convenience, and rich, smoky flavor all with the simple touch of a button. They use wood pellets as fuel, giving food that delicious, smoky taste without the constant attention required by charcoal grills.

What to Look for When Buying a Pellet Grill

When choosing a pellet grill, consider these important features to ensure you get the best grill for your cooking style.

Temperature Control: Look for models with precise digital temperature controls for consistent cooking results.
Cooking Area: Evaluate how much cooking space you'll need based on the size of your gatherings.
Construction Quality: Durable materials like stainless steel ensure longevity and resistance to weather.
Ease of Cleaning: Select grills with easy-to-clean grates, grease management systems, and removable ash collectors.
Versatility: Opt for grills that offer multiple cooking methods such as smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking.

The Best Pellet Grills

Here are some top choices to get you grilling, smoking, and more.

recteq X-Fire Pro 825

The recteq X-Fire Pro 825 is ideal for grill enthusiasts who desire superior temperature control and cooking space. With its robust construction and advanced features, it delivers impressive results every time.

Why We Love It:

Versatile enough to handle smoking, roasting, baking, and even grilling with ease.
Precise temperature management with a digital controller that maintains consistent heat throughout cooking.
Durable stainless-steel construction is designed for long-lasting performance and resistance to outdoor elements.
Large cooking area ideal for handling everything from family dinners to larger gatherings.

Recteq Backyard Beast 1200

The recteq RT-1200 Pellet Grill is the ultimate choice for true smoking enthusiasts. Engineered specifically for authentic low-and-slow smoking, it delivers unmatched flavor and precision, making every meal unforgettable.

Why We Love It:

Robust construction and premium build quality are designed to withstand frequent use.
An advanced digital control system ensures precise temperature management for perfect smoking results every time.
Large pellet hopper with automatic feed for long, uninterrupted smoking sessions.

Weber Searwood® XL 600 Pellet Grill

The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill is perfect for large gatherings, delivering powerful performance and ample cooking space. With superior heat distribution and searing capabilities, it's a must-have for serious grillers.

Why We Love It:

Spacious cooking area accommodates multiple dishes at once, making it ideal for entertaining.
Excellent searing and heat distribution for professional-quality results every time.
Easy-to-use digital temperature controls for precise heat management and perfect grilling outcomes.

Don’t Forget the Extras & A Grill Cover

Protecting your investment is crucial. Grill covers shield your pellet grill from the elements, extending its lifespan and maintaining its performance. Look for durable, weather-resistant covers designed specifically for your pellet grill model.

In addition to grill covers, consider these useful accessories:

Pellet Storage Containers: Keep your wood pellets dry and organized, ensuring consistent cooking results.
Grilling Tools: Invest in high-quality spatulas, tongs, grill brushes, and forks designed specifically for grilling.
Meat Thermometers: Ensure your meats are cooked to perfection with reliable instant-read or digital meat thermometers.
Grill Mats: Protect your patio or deck and simplify cleanup with grill mats that catch drips and spills.
Smoking Racks: Expand your cooking surface and enhance versatility with additional racks for smoking various foods simultaneously.
Cooking Gloves: Protect your hands from heat with insulated grilling gloves, perfect for handling hot grates and food safely.

Purchase Your New Grill at Standard TV & Appliance

Whether you’re planning weekend barbecues or aiming to master the art of smoking, the right grill makes all the difference. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit one of our appliance store locations in Portland, OR, or contact us today.

For additional tips on selecting the right grill, refer to our comprehensive Outdoor Grill Buying Guide.

FAQs About Pellet Grills

1. How often should I clean my pellet grill?

It's recommended to clean your pellet grill after every few uses to prevent the buildup of ash and grease.

2. Do pellet grills require electricity?

Yes, pellet grills require electricity to power the digital controls and pellet feeder.

3. Can you grill quickly on a pellet grill?

Yes, pellet grills can achieve high temperatures quickly, making them suitable for both fast grilling and slow smoking.

4. Are pellet grills suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Pellet grills are user-friendly and provide excellent temperature control, making them ideal for beginners.