Pellet grills have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a unique and flavorful way to cook food. These grills use wood pellets as fuel, which not only imparts a smoky flavor but also allows for precise temperature control. While pellet grills come in various sizes, small pellet grills have gained popularity due to their portability and convenience.
When it comes to purchasing a small pellet grill, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the size of the grill, as it should be small enough to be easily transportable but large enough to accommodate your cooking needs. The second is the quality of construction, as a well-built grill will last longer and perform better. Finally, the price is always a consideration, as you want to get the most value for your money.
We spent hours researching and testing several small pellet grills to identify the best ones on the market. Our focus was on finding grills that were compact yet efficient, durable, and offered excellent value for the price. After extensive testing, we have narrowed down the options to the top small pellet grills that are perfect for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Best Small Pellet Grills
We have scoured the market to bring you the best small pellet grills available. These grills are perfect for those who want to enjoy the smoky flavor of pellet grilling without taking up too much space. Our team has spent hours researching and testing these grills to ensure that they meet our high standards for quality and performance. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, these grills will provide you with delicious and perfectly cooked meals every time. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best small pellet grills.
Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
If you’re looking for a versatile and portable pellet grill, the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option. It offers 8-in-1 cooking capabilities, a wide temperature range, and a portable design, making it perfect for backyard dinners, camping, tailgating, and more.
Pros
- The integrated sear zone expands your cooking capabilities, allowing for direct or indirect grilling.
- The digital control automatically adds pellets as needed to regulate the temperature.
- The lightweight design and locking lid with handle make it easy to take anywhere.
Cons
- The unit may run hot and not hold a steady temperature, requiring some adjustments.
- The paint/coating on the lids may bubble after some use.
- The temperature range could be tighter in windy conditions.
In our experience, the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a reliable and versatile option, offering a range of cooking capabilities and a convenient design. The integrated sear zone is a great feature, allowing for more direct grilling options, and the digital control makes temperature regulation easy. However, it may run hot at times, and the paint/coating on the lids may not hold up well over time. Overall, we would recommend this product for those looking for a portable pellet grill with versatile cooking capabilities.
DAMNISS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
We recommend the DAMNISS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker for anyone looking for a versatile, fuel-efficient, and durable grill.
Pros
- The PID intelligent temperature control technology allows for precise temperature control, ensuring perfect results every time.
- The grill is built to last, with a main body made of stainless steel that resists corrosion.
- With 8-in-1 versatility, this grill can smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill food with healthy wood pellets.
Cons
- Assembly can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to attaching the legs.
- Some users have reported minor cosmetic damage to the grill upon arrival.
- The cooking grates may move more than expected, making it difficult to flip food.
We were impressed with the DAMNISS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker’s versatility and fuel efficiency. The 180-450℉ temperature range allowed us to smoke ribs, sear steak, bake pie, roast veggies, and everything in between. We also appreciated the high-quality lid, which retained heat to keep the grill at a precise temperature throughout the entire cook.
The grill is constructed with high-quality materials for long-lasting use and designed for easy cleaning to keep your smoker in top shape with minimal effort. Equipped with 2 rugged smooth wheels, you can push the portable smoker grill on any terrain, even grass, mud, snow, or sand, greatly improving portability.
Overall, we think the DAMNISS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a great investment for anyone looking for a versatile and durable grill that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.
Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black Small
If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that can deliver big wood-fired flavor, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker might be the perfect choice for you. With its Digital Arc Controller and Advanced Grilling Logic, you can expect precise temperature performance and consistent results every time. Plus, the Keep Warm Mode ensures that your food stays warm until you’re ready to eat.
Pros
- The Digital Arc Controller and Advanced Grilling Logic make it easy to achieve precise temperature control and consistent results.
- The porcelain-coated grill grates are easy to clean, and the separate cast iron griddle is a nice bonus.
- The Keep Warm Mode is a great feature that ensures your food stays warm until you’re ready to eat.
Cons
- The grilling area is relatively small, so it might not be the best choice for larger gatherings.
- The hopper only holds 8 pounds of pellets, so you’ll need to refill it fairly often.
- Some users have reported issues with the temperature control and pellet feeding mechanisms.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, and we were impressed with its performance. The Digital Arc Controller and Advanced Grilling Logic made it easy to achieve the perfect temperature for our food, and the porcelain-coated grill grates were a breeze to clean. We also appreciated the separate cast iron griddle, which allowed us to cook a wider variety of foods.
One feature that really stood out to us was the Keep Warm Mode. This is a great feature for those times when you’re not quite ready to eat, but you don’t want your food to get cold. We found that it worked really well, and our food stayed warm and ready to eat until we were ready.
One downside to the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is the relatively small grilling area. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you might find yourself having to cook in batches. Additionally, the hopper only holds 8 pounds of pellets, so you’ll need to refill it fairly often.
Overall, we think the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable pellet grill that delivers big wood-fired flavor. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and packed with features that make it a pleasure to cook on.
Traeger Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
If you want to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, Traeger Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The Traeger Pro Series 22 offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection.
- The Digital Pro Controller maintains a +/- 15 degree F temperature control to precision grilling.
- The porcelain grill grates are easy to clean and give your food better flavor.
Cons
- The Traeger Pro Series 22 is a bit heavy, weighing in at 125.4 pounds.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other small pellet grills on the market.
- The hopper cleanout can be a bit finicky to use.
We recently had the pleasure of using the Traeger Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker for a backyard BBQ, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. The porcelain grill grates are easy to clean and don’t leave old grease marks on your food.
We also appreciated the built-in, dual meat probes that allow you to check your food’s temperature without opening the lid. The Traeger Pro Series 22 offers plenty of cooking space with its 572 sq. In. cooking capacity, which can accommodate 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs or 24 burgers.
Overall, we highly recommend the Traeger Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor cooking experience. The versatility and precision temperature control make this grill a great investment for any home chef.
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker
If you’re looking for a small pellet grill that can do it all, the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker is a great option. With its 8-in-1 versatility, PID technology, and all-terrain wheels, this grill is perfect for outdoor cooking, barbecuing, and backyard parties.
Pros
- The PID intelligent temperature control technology ensures a stable temperature throughout the grilling process, making it easy to cook delicious meals even for beginners.
- The all-terrain wheels and lift handle make it easy to move the grill around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- With its 8-in-1 versatility, you can bake, grill, smoke, BBQ, roast, braise, barbeque, and char-grill, giving you the freedom to experiment with various cooking techniques.
Cons
- The assembly instructions could be more detailed, which might make it challenging for some users to put the grill together.
- The hopper capacity is only 10 lbs, which means you’ll need to refill it frequently if you’re cooking for a large group.
- The grill’s temperature range isn’t as wide as some other models, which might limit your ability to cook certain types of food.
We recently tried out the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker, and we were impressed with its performance. The grill heated up quickly and maintained a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, which made it easy to cook delicious meals without worrying about overcooking or undercooking. We also appreciated the grill’s portability, which made it easy to take with us to outdoor events.
One thing to keep in mind is that the grill’s assembly instructions could be more detailed, which might make it challenging for some users to put the grill together. Additionally, the hopper capacity is only 10 lbs, which means you’ll need to refill it frequently if you’re cooking for a large group. Finally, the grill’s temperature range isn’t as wide as some other models, which might limit your ability to cook certain types of food.
Overall, we would recommend the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker to anyone looking for a versatile, portable, and easy-to-use grill. With its 8-in-1 versatility, PID technology, and all-terrain wheels, this grill is perfect for outdoor cooking, barbecuing, and backyard parties.
Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a small pellet grill, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Capacity
Consider the size of the grill and its cooking capacity. Small pellet grills typically have a cooking surface area of around 200-300 square inches, which is suitable for small families or intimate gatherings. If you plan to cook for larger groups, you may want to consider a larger model.
Temperature Range
Check the temperature range of the grill to ensure it can cook at the temperatures you need. Look for a model that can reach high temperatures for searing, as well as lower temperatures for smoking and slow cooking.
Construction and Durability
Choose a grill made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and frequent use. Look for models with sturdy legs, a durable cooking grate, and a well-constructed firebox.
Pellet Hopper Capacity
The pellet hopper is where the pellets are stored and fed into the grill. Look for a model with a hopper capacity that meets your needs, as a larger capacity will allow for longer cooking times without the need for refilling.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Consider how easy the grill is to use and clean. Look for models with easy-to-use controls and simple cleaning procedures. Some models may have features such as ash removal systems, grease management systems, and easy-to-clean grates.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best small pellet grill for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pellet smoker for the money?
When it comes to the best pellet smoker for the money, we recommend the Traeger Pro 575. It is a mid-range pellet grill that offers great value for its price. It has a large cooking area, precise temperature control, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
What are the negatives of a pellet grill?
The main negative of a pellet grill is that it requires electricity to operate. Therefore, it may not be suitable for camping or outdoor activities where there is no power source. Additionally, pellet grills tend to be more expensive than other types of grills.
Are pellet grills worth the hassle?
Pellet grills are worth the hassle if you are looking for a convenient and versatile cooking experience. They offer precise temperature control, easy cleanup, and the ability to smoke, grill, and bake all in one appliance.
What are some small pellet smoker options for camping?
If you are looking for a small pellet smoker for camping, we recommend the Green Mountain Davy Crockett. It is compact, lightweight, and runs on 12V power, making it easy to transport and use in remote locations.
What are some high-end pellet smoker options?
For those who want the best of the best, we recommend the Traeger Timberline 1300 or the Yoder YS640s. These high-end pellet smokers offer advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple cooking zones, and precise temperature control.
What are some unbiased pellet grill reviews?
To find unbiased pellet grill reviews, we recommend checking out websites such as AmazingRibs.com, BBQGuys.com, and OutdoorGearLab.com. These websites provide in-depth reviews and comparisons of various pellet grills, helping you make an informed purchase decision.
