10 Best Pellet Grills For Summer

Searching For The Best Pellet Grills

Summer provides different excitements depending on your age. For children, it’s a break from school, whereas for college students, it’s a chance to earn some extra cash. However, I don’t think there’s any demographic that’s more excited for summer than dads because they can finally bust out their pellet grills and live off of burgers and ribs for three full months. 

Pellet grills see regular use in the summer. The 2020 State of the Barbecue Industry address by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reported that nearly 60% of grill owners used their grills at least once a week. 

Most dads will have firm commitments to their pellet grill and an armada of reasons why it’s better than every other option on the market. We can’t take their word as law though, because there’s always an element of bias. To save you the trouble of calling your dad and speaking with him, I’ve assembled a list of the best pellet grills for summer.

Keep reading to find out the items I consider to be better than the rest by gauging their price, features, accessories, size, pellet capacity, and more. 

10 Best Pellet Grills for Summer

#1 Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker

The Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker is a highly-rated outdoor cooking appliance that offers a variety of features and capabilities to take your grilling experience to the next level. This product combines the convenience of a digital control panel with the traditional smoky flavor of wood pellets to offer a versatile cooking experience that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering.

This grill offers a wide temperature range of 180°F to 450°F, allowing you to cook anything from low and slow smoked meats to seared steaks. It can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and more, thanks to its smart smoke technology that evenly distributes the smoke throughout the cooking chamber. The grill has a large cooking area of 700 square inches and a second-tier rack that provides an additional 264 square inches of cooking space. It also features a waste oil collector and an ash-cleaning system for easy cleanup.

Overall, the Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker is a high-quality product that offers versatility, convenience, and excellent performance. Its price may be a bit higher than some other grills on the market, but its features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.

The Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker is priced at $557.00 on the QVC website.

Customers have been highly satisfied with this grill, with many praising its versatility, ease of use, and overall performance. 

Customers say: “I surprised my husband with the grill for his birthday. He totally loves the idea of no more charcoal or propane. He has been looking up all kinds of recipe ideas.”

Highlights

• Versatile: can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and more
• Large cooking area of 700 square inches and additional 264 square inches of second-tier rack
• Easy to use digital control board and smart smoke technology
• High-quality construction with heavy-duty steel and porcelain-coated grilling grate
• Easy to clean with waste oil collector and ash-cleaning system.

#2 Z Grills 697 sq in Wood-Fired 8-in-1 Pellet Grill & Smoker 

The Z Grills 697 sq. in. Wood-Fired 8-in-1 Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that offers a range of features to elevate your grilling game. This grill is fueled by wood pellets to provide a smoky flavor to your food while offering the convenience of a digital control panel.

This grill has a temperature range of 180°F to 450°F, allowing for precise cooking control. It can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and more. The grill has a large cooking area of 697 square inches with an additional 253 square inches of second-tier rack space. It features a waste oil collector and an ash-cleaning system for easy cleanup.

The Z Grills 697 sq. in. Wood-Fired 8-in-1 Pellet Grill & Smoker is priced at $479.00 on the QVC website.

Customers have been extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its versatility, ease of use, and overall performance. 

One customer said: “Works great! This is our replacement smoker and last one was a different brand… I would 100% recommended this Z Grill smoker! Excellent!.”

Highlights

• Versatility: This grill can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
• Easy to use: The digital control panel makes it easy to set the temperature and monitor cooking progress.
• High-quality construction: The heavy-duty steel construction and porcelain-coated grilling grate ensure durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Large cooking area: The 697 square inches of cooking area and additional 253 square inches of second-tier rack space provide ample space to cook for a large group of people.
• Easy to clean: The waste oil collector and ash-cleaning system make it easy to clean after use.

#3 Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS

The Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS is a high-end outdoor cooking appliance that offers a range of features for the serious griller. This grill is built with heavy-duty steel and is designed to withstand the test of time.

The YS640s Pellet Grill features an Automated Control System (ACS) that allows for precise temperature control. It has a temperature range of 150°F to 600°F, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. The grill has a large cooking area of 640 square inches with an additional 297 square inches of second-tier rack space. It also features a built-in counterweight system for easy lifting of the grill hood.

This grill can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, and more. It has a hopper capacity of 20 pounds and can run for up to 12 hours on a single load of pellets. The grill is also equipped with a grease drain system and an ash cleaning system for easy cleanup.

The Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS is priced at $2,399.00 on the ATBBQ website.

Customers have been extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its precision temperature control, durability, and overall performance. 

Customers say, “Everything works great, looks great, tastes great!!  Loving the high temp option for searing steaks and the Grill Grates make it that much better.

Thanks Yoder!!!” 

Highlights

• Precision temperature control: The ACS allows for precise temperature control, making it easy to cook a wide range of dishes.
• High-quality construction: The heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Large cooking area: The 640 square inches of cooking area and additional 297 square inches of second-tier rack space provide ample space to cook for a large group of people.
• Versatility: This grill can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
• Easy to clean: The grease drain system and ash cleaning system make it easy to clean after use.

#4 Weber SmokeFire EX6 Gen 2 36-Inch Wi-Fi Enabled Wood Fired Pellet Grill – 23510201

The Weber SmokeFire EX6 Gen 2 Wi-Fi Enabled 36-Inch Wood Fired Pellet Grill is a top-of-the-line outdoor cooking appliance that combines the convenience of a pellet grill with the power and performance of a traditional charcoal grill. With a range of advanced features and a sleek design, this grill is perfect for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.

The SmokeFire EX6 Gen 2 features a large cooking area of 1,008 square inches, making it perfect for cooking for large groups of people. It has a temperature range of 200°F to 600°F, allowing for a wide range of cooking methods. The grill also features a porcelain-enameled lid and stainless steel side tables for added convenience.

This grill is designed to be both a smoker and a grill, allowing for a range of cooking methods. It has a hopper capacity of 22 pounds and can run for up to 15 hours on a single load of pellets. The grill also features a grease management system for easy cleanup.

The Weber SmokeFire EX6 Gen 2 is priced at $1,299.00 on the BBQGuys website.

Customers have been extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its performance, ease of use, and overall quality. 

Customers Say: “I have this over a year now and am still surprised every time I use it that it is this good! The smoke ring on meats is great. The temperature control from the app while you do whatever else you have to do is great. No more running outside at 4:00 AM to check coals etc! If this was available years ago, I’m sorry to say Weber, I would only have one go to Weber product!.” 

Highlights

• Large cooking area: The 1,008 square inches of cooking area provide ample space to cook for a large group of people.
• Versatility: This grill can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
• Wi-Fi enabled: The grill can be controlled through the Weber Connect app, making it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature from anywhere.
• High-quality construction: The porcelain-enameled lid and stainless steel side tables ensure durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Grease management system: The grease management system makes it easy to clean after use.

#5 Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill is a versatile and efficient outdoor cooking appliance that combines the convenience of a pellet grill with the power and performance of a traditional charcoal grill. With a range of advanced features and a durable design, this grill is perfect for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.

The Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill has a large cooking area of 1,830 square inches, making it perfect for cooking for large groups of people. It has a temperature range of 180°F to 500°F, allowing for a wide range of cooking methods. The grill also features a digital control board and a flame broiler for added convenience.

This grill is designed to be both a smoker and a grill, allowing for a range of cooking methods. It has a hopper capacity of 55″ pounds and can run for up to 24 hours on a single load of pellets. The grill also features a grease management system for easy cleanup.

 The Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill is priced at $549.99 on the Wayfair website.

Customers have been extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its performance, ease of use, and overall quality.

One customer mentioned: “Excellent construction, Easy to set up because well marked and basically wheels and racks to install! If you’re thinking about a smoker, this is the one to get!.”

Highlights

• Large cooking area: The 1,830 square inches of cooking area provide ample space to cook for a large group of people.
• Versatility: This grill can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
• Digital control board: The digital control board makes it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature.
• Flame broiler: The flame broiler allows for direct flame grilling, adding extra versatility to the grill.
• Grease management system: The grease management system makes it easy to clean after use.

#6 Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill

The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill is a high-quality outdoor cooking appliance designed to make grilling and smoking meats and vegetables easy and convenient. This grill features a large cooking area of 1,200 square inches and is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital control system that allows you to set and maintain precise cooking temperatures.

The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill uses all-natural hardwood pellets to produce heat and smoke, providing a rich, smoky flavor to your food. The grill features a PID controller that ensures precise temperature control, as well as an automatic start-up and shut-down system for easy operation. Additionally, the grill has a variety of cooking modes, including smoke, roast, bake, and sear, making it versatile enough to cook a wide range of dishes.

The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill is priced at around $1,599, making it a high-end option for serious grillers.

Customers love the Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill for its large cooking surface and advanced features. Many reviewers praise the PID controller and automatic start-up system, as well as the grill’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. Some customers note that the grill is heavy and requires some assembly, but overall, they highly recommend it for serious grillers who want a top-of-the-line outdoor cooking appliance.

Highlights

• Large cooking area of 1,200 square inches
• State-of-the-art digital control system for precise temperature control
• Uses all-natural hardwood pellets for rich, smoky flavor
• Automatic start-up and shut-down system for easy operation
• Versatile cooking modes including smoke, roast, bake, and sear
• High-end option for serious grillers.

#7 Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS

The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS is a top-of-the-line outdoor cooking appliance designed for serious grillers who demand the best. This grill features a large cooking area of 480 square inches and is equipped with a digital control system that allows you to set and maintain precise cooking temperatures.

The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill uses all-natural hardwood pellets to produce heat and smoke, providing a rich, smoky flavor to your food. The grill features an Adaptive Control System (ACS) that ensures precise temperature control, as well as an automatic start-up and shut-down system for easy operation. Additionally, the grill has a variety of cooking modes, including smoke, roast, bake, and sear, making it versatile enough to cook a wide range of dishes.

The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS is priced at around $2,139, making it a high-end option for serious grillers.

Customers rave about the Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS for its precise temperature control and rich, smoky flavor. Many reviewers note that the grill is built to last and can handle large cuts of meat with ease. Some customers mention that the grill is heavy and requires some assembly, but overall, they highly recommend it for serious grillers who want a top-of-the-line outdoor cooking appliance. 

One customer said: “I couldn’t be happier with my YS480s.  High-quality parts and build and one of the best investments I’ve made.  Worth every penny!”

Highlights

• Large cooking area of 480 square inches
• Digital control system for precise temperature control
• Uses all-natural hardwood pellets for rich, smoky flavor
• Adaptive Control System (ACS) for precise temperature control
• Automatic start-up and shut-down system for easy operation
• Versatile cooking modes including smoke, roast, bake, and sear
• High-end option for serious grillers.

#8 Pit Boss 24″ Wood Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill is a versatile and affordable option for those who want to try their hand at pellet grilling. This grill features 8-in-1 cooking versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, char-grill, and barbecue all in one machine. Its 24-inch size makes it a great option for those with limited space or who want a more portable grill.

The grill has a digital control board with a LED readout that makes it easy to set and monitor the temperature. It also comes with a meat probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid.

The Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill has a total cooking area of 440 square inches, providing plenty of space for cooking for small to medium-sized families. The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates are durable and easy to clean, and the hopper has a 9-pound capacity, giving you plenty of time to cook without having to refill the pellets.

Priced at around $290.00, the Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill is an affordable option for those who want to try out pellet grilling without breaking the bank.

Customers have praised the Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill for its ease of use and versatility, making it a great choice for beginners. They have also commented on its solid construction and value for the price.

One customer said: “Just what I needed! Amazing Grill and alll my food turned out Great. Pretty easy to put together as well. Just follow directions.”

Highlights

• 8-in-1 cooking versatility
• Digital control board with LED readout
• Meat probe included
• Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
• 440 square inch cooking area
• 9-pound hopper capacity
• Affordable price point for a pellet grill.

#9 Cuisinart 465-sq. in. Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that combines the flavors of wood-fired cooking with the convenience of a modern grill. With 465 square inches of cooking space, you can prepare a wide variety of dishes for family and friends.

The grill is easy to use, thanks to its electronic auto-start ignition and digital temperature control. You can choose from a range of temperatures, from 180°F to 450°F, depending on what you’re cooking. The grill also has a built-in thermometer that displays the internal temperature of your food.

The Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker has a hopper that can hold up to 15 pounds of pellets, allowing you to cook for hours without needing to refill. The grill’s ash collection system makes cleanup easy, while the side shelf provides space to keep your tools and ingredients handy.

At a price point of around $600, the Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an affordable option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of wood-fired cooking. Customers rave about the grill’s ease of use and the delicious flavors it imparts on food. Some also appreciate the grill’s compact size, which makes it ideal for those with limited outdoor space.

Overall, the Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the unique flavor of wood-fired cooking without the hassle of traditional grilling methods. Its affordability, ease of use, and compact size make it a popular choice among customers.

Customers Say: “I’m currently in love with everything about this grill! It was easy to set up, is easy to use, and most importantly it makes delicious food! So stoked to continue using it over the summer and to try out a bunch of new dishes! It’s been a huge hit with me and everyone that I’ve fed so far.”

Highlights

• Versatile temperature range of 180-450 degrees Fahrenheit
• Large hopper capacity of 15 pounds
• Digital control panel for easy temperature adjustments
• Removable ash tray for easy cleanup
• Meat probe for accurate temperature readings
• Affordable price point

#10 Z Grills 585 sq in Hardwood Pellet Smoker and Grill

The Z Grills 585 sq. in. Hardwood Pellet Smoker and Grill is a versatile cooking machine that can smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, sear, and char-grill your food to perfection. With a large cooking area of 585 sq. in., this smoker and grill is perfect for large gatherings and parties.

The Z Grills Pellet Smoker and Grill uses 100% natural hardwood pellets to generate heat and smoke, giving your food an authentic smoky flavor. The temperature can be set to anywhere between 180°F to 450°F, allowing you to cook low and slow or hot and fast. The electronic auto-start ignition makes it easy to start the grill, while the digital temperature control ensures that the temperature remains constant throughout the cooking process.

The Z Grills 585 sq. in. Hardwood Pellet Smoker and Grill is priced at $499.99 on the QVC website.

Customers love the Z Grills Pellet Smoker and Grill for its versatility, ease of use, and great taste of the food. They also appreciate the large cooking area, which allows them to cook multiple dishes at once. Some customers have mentioned that the smoker may require frequent cleaning to prevent buildup of ash.

One customer said: “I’m a first time owner of a pellet grill. This grill is very high quality and easy to use. The assembly was manageable for one person and the grill was up and running in no time. I’ve used it multiple time and have loved the results each time. Very consistent and quality results!”

Highlights

• Versatile cooking machine that can smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, sear, and char-grill
• Large cooking area of 585 sq. in. perfect for large gatherings and parties
• Uses 100% natural hardwood pellets to generate heat and smoke, giving your food an authentic smoky flavor
• Temperature can be set to anywhere between 180°F to 450°F, allowing you to cook low and slow or hot and fast
• Electronic auto-start ignition makes it easy to start the grill
• Digital temperature control ensures that the temperature remains constant throughout the cooking process
• Customers love its versatility, ease of use, and great taste of the food

How To Shop For The Best Pellet Grills for Summer

Since you’re all caught up with the pellet grill marketplace and you can recognize the good from the bad, it’s time to make your own decision. However, before exiting my list of the best pellet grills for summer, check out which features elevate a grill above its competition. Ideally, you’ll want to buy one that balances all six factors, but knowing which factor you value the most will help you come to an informed conclusion. 

Size and Capacity

This matters not just for the amount of food you like to cook, but for your living space as well. If you like to host parties or cook a ton of burgers at once, you may want to consider picking up a larger pellet grill. However, don’t buy one too big for your backyard or back patio. 

Durability

The number one threat to your pellet grill is the weather. Rain, wind, and other turgid conditions can damage a grill if it’s not built with quality materials. As such, you’ll want to either look for grills made from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron, or with protections in place like covers. 

Temperature Range

The wider a grill’s temperature range, the more you can cook with it. While pellet grills are renowned for their ability to hold consistent temperatures, you should pick one that can maintain a variety of temperatures so that you can cook a variety of foods. 

Accessories

Some of the best pellet grills for summer come outfitted with a number of toys and add-ons like thermometers, side shelves, and meat probes. These may not mean much to you upon first purchase, but they increase a grill’s longevity by simplifying the cooking process. 

Brand Reputation

If you’ve made it this deep into my list of the best pellet grills for summer, then I don’t have to tell you to do your homework. Clearly, you’re already doing it. Some digging into the customer reviews sections can go a long way to help you figure out if a brand is worth shopping from, or if you should skip them.

Price

Pellet grills can vary significantly in price, so consider your budget and what features are most important to you. Don’t compromise on quality for a lower price, but also don’t overspend on features you don’t need.

FAQ

What is the downside of wood pellet grills?

Some of the downsides that come with wood pellet grills include their lower maximum temperature compared to charcoal grills (most can only reach 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s harder to make food crispy), their weight and reliance on electricity means they’re not portable, and they have a high initial price tag. 

What pellet smoker has the best flavor?

This is a matter of personal preference, as all questions about flavor are, but you’ll likely find any of the best pellet grills for summer I wrote about here provide out-of-this-world flavors. 

Is cooking on a pellet smoker healthy?

Generally, pellet smokers are healthier than traditional barbeques because there’s a lower risk of producing carcinogenic fumes. You can also avoid much of the fat that’s necessary to cook meat on a traditional grill with a smoker by using rubs, marinades, and smoke pellets. 

Which end of a pellet grill is the hottest?

The bottom end of a pellet grill is the hottest part. Oftentimes, it’s hotter than the thermometer indicates, if that thermometer is attached to the top of the grill. The thermometer reads the temperature of the air inside the grill, not the grill itself. As such, if you want to cook your food quickly, place it at the end (or the bottom) of your pellet grill. 

Final Thoughts

With summer right around the corner, you should start sharpening your grilling skills as soon as possible. The first step is to pick the right pellet grill, which hopefully my list has helped you find. After making your purchase, get comfortable with it, because you’ll likely spend plenty of summer nights in the backyard cooking for that’ll make the entire neighborhood hungry.

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