Pellet grills have become the MVP of the modern backyard. Not only do they deliver real wood-smoked flavor, but they make it almost effortless to do so! They’ve evolved into a lifestyle centerpiece: the kind of all-in-one cooker that lets you host confidently, smoke a brisket low and slow on a Sunday, or turn out a weeknight dinner without hovering over the flames. Flavor, convenience, and versatility are the reason pellet grilling is the new trend for backyard BBQ chefs.
Size (and Space) Matters
If you’re shopping for a grill, the first consideration is space, both in your yard and on the cooking grates. Think about how you actually cook: Are you feeding two on most nights, or are you the default host for every family gathering? A grill with a larger primary cooking surface, and a secondary shelf can dramatically increase capacity without increasing the footprint. This is where the Weber Searwood XL 600 stands out, living up to its name with 600 square inches of primary cooking space – enough to handle large cooks like multiple briskets, full racks of ribs, or a spread of chicken pieces simultaneously. There’s also an upper rack that pushes total capacity even higher, which is ideal for batch cooking or entertaining.
Tech-Enabled
Smart features are where pellet grills have truly separated themselves from traditional charcoal, or gas, options. Check out the all-new Peak Prime 2.0 from Green Mountain Grill. The new GMG PRIME 2.0 App makes it even easier to control and monitor your grill from anywhere. The new rounded/peaked hybrid chamber provides for optimal heat distribution and smoke circulation creating a superior 360° of wood-fired greatness. The new 2.0 design changes the game of backyard versatility and customization. Enabled with GMG RACKT™ technology, this grill can be easily equipped with elevated racks, smoke shelves, cooking pans, griddles, you name it! When you’re ready to turn the heat up, the GMG SideBURN™ attachment can easily transform your side shelf into a high heat side burner.
Hopper Capacity
Hopper capacity is another detail that deserves more attention than it often gets. A larger hopper means longer, uninterrupted cooks, which is an essential feature if you plan to smoke pork shoulder or brisket overnight. Instead of refilling pellets mid-cook, you can maintain steady heat for hours. Twenty pounds is a standard for most pellet hoppers, but you can always look for larger capacities. Take the Pit Boss Navigator 850, for instance, which features a 30 lb. hopper. For anyone drawn to the “set it and forget it” promise of pellet cooking, this single specification can make the difference between a relaxing experience and one that requires constant checking.
Temperature Range & Control
Temperature range and control should be next on your checklist. Most pellet grills excel at low-and-slow cooking, but not all are equally capable when it comes to higher-heat searing. If you want one grill to handle everything from ribs to reverse-seared steaks, look for models with broader temperature ceilings, direct-flame access, or dedicated sear zones. Camp Chef has a strong reputation for precise and consistent temperature control, and the Woodwind Pro from Camp Chef covers a solid range from around 160°F on the low end up to 500°F at the top. Its PID controller keeps temperatures very stable with minimal fluctuation, typically within about +/- 5°F of your target under normal conditions.