# Best Pellet Grills for Backyard Cooks (2026) Source: https://grillsmokecraft.com/best/pellet-grills Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Grill Smoke Craft. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://grillsmokecraft.com/how-we-research#our-score Pellet grills blend wood-fired flavor with the ease of a thermostat. The heart of any pellet grill is its controller, so favor models with steady temperature holding and a large enough hopper to run long cooks without refills. Consider the temperature range, since a grill that reaches higher heat gives you searing options beyond low smoking. Look at build quality and insulation, because a well-sealed body keeps temperatures stable when the weather turns. Extras like meat probes, app connectivity, and easy ash cleanout can make a real difference over years of use. Pellet grills are ideal for cooks who want smoke flavor without standing watch over a fire. If you like the idea of setting a temperature, walking away, and coming back to ribs or a brisket that mostly cooked themselves, this is the category for you. It suits busy families, first-time smokers, and anyone who wants forgiving, repeatable results. ## Picks ### 1. Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 885 Sq In, WiFi | Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, WiFi app control, 500°F max - 6-in-1 grill, smoke, bake & BBQ Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) Traeger Ironwood 885 pellet grill and smoker with WiFIRE control, Super Smoke Mode and 885 sq in of two-tier cooking space for big cooks. Pros: - Super Smoke Mode and the D2 controller are listed for steady smoke flavor and consistent temperatures. - 885 sq in over two tiers is listed for up to 10 chickens, 7 rib racks or 9 pork butts. - Double-wall insulation and WiFIRE app control with timers and probe readings suit long cooks in cooler weather. Cons: - One of the most expensive grills in this guide, so it suits buyers who cook for crowds more than casual grillers. - The listing gives a 500 F maximum, so searing relies on the grill rather than a dedicated sear station. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0822BJSSJ ### 2. Traeger Woodridge Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 860 Sq In, WiFi | 500°F max temp, 6-in-1 versatility - grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise & BBQ with WiFIRE app control Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Traeger Woodridge pellet grill and smoker with 860 sq in of cooking area and WiFIRE app control, a step up in space from the Westwood it replaces. Pros: - 860 sq in of cooking space is listed for up to 6 chickens, 8 rib racks or 6 pork butts. - WiFIRE app control and a 180 to 500 F range cover grilling, smoking, baking, roasting and braising in one unit. - EZ-Clean grease and ash keg plus P.A.L. accessory compatibility are listed for easier upkeep and add-ons. Cons: - Costs more than the Westwood it replaces, so it sits in a higher price band. - Maximum temperature is 500 F, which is lower than some dedicated high-heat sear setups, and accessories are sold separately. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0DQTBRS3M ### 3. recteq Patio Legend 600 Pellet Smoker Grill with WiFi & App Connectivity, Outdoor Smokers Grills, Wood Pellet Grill, Temp Range 180° to 700+° Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) recteq Patio Legend 600: a WiFi pellet grill with a PID controller, 600 square inches of cooking space and a listed 180 to 700 F range, built with more stainless steel components than is usual in its class per the listing. Pros: - Listed temperature range of 180 to 700 F, wide enough to cover low smoking through high-heat grilling - PID controller for steady temperature control, with WiFi and an app that offers guided cooks and 500 plus recipes - Listing describes extra stainless steel components for rust resistance and ignition rated for over 100,000 cycles Cons: - 600 square inches is on the compact side next to the 900 plus square inch grills in this guide - The listing highlights do not give the hopper capacity or mention an included meat probe Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0H37L81VQ ### 4. Pit Boss 850 Navigator Series WiFi & Bluetooth Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, Flame Broiler and LCD Digital Controller, 932-Sq. In. Cook Space, 180°F to 500°F Temp Range, Meat Probe, 30 lb. Hopper Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Pit Boss 850 Navigator: a WiFi and Bluetooth pellet grill with 932 square inches of cooking surface, a 180 to 500 F range, a flame broiler, a 30 pound hopper with viewing window and two meat probes. Pros: - 932 square inches of total cooking surface, room for large cooks and party-size batches - 30 pound hopper with a built-in viewing window, so you can check the pellet level without lifting the hopper lid - WiFi and Bluetooth for reading and adjusting temperatures from a phone, and two meat probes come included Cons: - The 932 square inch figure is total surface, so the main grate is smaller than the headline number suggests - Controller range ends at 500 F, well short of the 700 F that the recteq in this guide lists Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0F8F4SVSX ### 5. Traeger Woodridge Pro Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 970 Sq In, WiFi Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Traeger Woodridge Pro: a 970 square inch WiFi pellet grill with Super Smoke mode, a digital pellet sensor, Keep Warm mode and a folding side shelf. A larger, pricier step up from the Traeger Pro grills in this guide. Pros: - 970 square inches of cooking area, which the listing says fits up to 7 chickens, 9 rib racks or 7 pork butts - Super Smoke mode adds extra smoke at the push of a button for low and slow cooks like brisket and pulled pork - WiFIRE app control with a digital pellet sensor to track fuel level, plus an EZ-Clean grease and ash keg for cleanup Cons: - Priced above the Traeger Pro models, so it only pays off if you will use the extra capacity - P.A.L. and ModiFIRE accessories are sold separately, and the listing highlights do not give the temperature range Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0DQTHGBVP ### 6. Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, Bronze Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Traeger's Pro 22 wood pellet grill and smoker in bronze, an established entry into set-and-forget pellet cooking. Pros: - Digital controller feeds pellets automatically to hold a set temperature - Wood pellets add real smoke flavor without managing charcoal or logs - Traeger is the category pioneer, so parts and recipes are easy to find Cons: - No WiFi mentioned, so you must check the grill in person during cooks - Needs a power outlet and dry pellet storage to run Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B07GLK1NC2 ### 7. Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with Flame Broiler and LCD Digital Controller, 518-Sq. In. Cooking Space, 180°F to 500°F Temperature Range, Meat Probe, 5 lb. Pellet Hopper, Black Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Pit Boss 500 FB2 pellet grill with 518 sq in of cooking space and a flame broiler for direct searing, a lower-priced pick than the Traeger it replaces. Pros: - Flame Broiler Lever opens direct flame searing, listed up to 1,000 F, on top of the 180 to 500 F pellet range. - Digital control board adjusts in 5 F increments, and the two-tier surface offers 518 sq in of space. - Priced well below the Traeger models in the guide, with a solid bottom shelf for tools and pellets. Cons: - The 5 lb hopper is small, so long smokes mean refilling pellets more often. - The listing has no WiFi or app control, and it is a lower price band than the Traeger it replaces. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0D7D9PJZ7 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.