Wood pellet smokers are an amazing addition to any backyard barbecuing enthusiasts arsenal. They allow you to imbue your cooks with deep, smoky flavor and lots of moisture and succulence.
They also allow you to set and forget, as their auto feeding augers can get on with the job without much attention needed at all.
This is great for when you want to mingle with guests at your barbecue, but what about when you want to head further afield?
Portable pellet smokers open up a whole new world of outdoor cooking possibilities, as you can take them on vacation, camping trips, fishing trips, beach trips, picnics, tailgating and more.
Imagine being able to enjoy all the delicious benefits of smoked meat whilst camping under the stars!
There are a lot of different types of portable pellet smokers on the market today, and it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for you. We’ve done the research and we’re here to help you find the right grill for your needs.
Our reviews will give you all the information you need about each product so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect pellet smoker for you.
We also have a comprehensive buyers guide to help you feel clued up about the features and characteristics that you should look out for before purchasing. So, without further ado, let's get to it!
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
29.92 x 14.96 x 21.65 inches |
|
Item Weight |
67.6 Pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
150- 550 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
219 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
6 pounds |
First up, we have this very popular Davy Crockett pellet smoker by Green Mountain Grills. This smoker has been around since 2012 and it is still going strong. It comes in a nice wooden box which makes it easy to transport.
The box includes everything you need to get started including a manual, two bags of pellets, a cleaning brush and a bag of charcoal.
There is no digital display or temperature gauge included with the Davy Crockett, but there is an adjustable thermostat control knob located on top of the unit.
It does come with a removable drip tray, a stainless steel side shelf and three shelves inside. You will also receive a chimney cap if you choose to use it.
The hopper capacity is 6 lbs., which is enough for most people. However, if you plan on smoking large amounts of food, then you might want to consider upgrading to a larger hopper.
The Davy Crockett is made from heavy duty cast iron and steel. It weighs 67.6 pounds, making it fairly heavy. If you are looking for something lighter, then you might not like this model.
But if you don't mind the extra weight, then this is probably the best option for you.
You will need to assemble the unit yourself, but it shouldn't take long. Once assembled, you can start using it immediately.
The Davy Crockett pellet grill is a good choice for someone who wants a simple yet effective pellet smoker.
The folding legs mean that this unit packs up to a portable size, yet some customers have noted that the legs are a little flimsy and unbalanced.
If you are looking for a quality portable pellet grill at a reasonable price, then this is definitely worth considering. Green Mountain Grills is a really reliable brand who seriously know what they are doing when it comes to pellet smokers.
Pros
Cons
Also available at walmart.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
20 x 21 x 13 inches |
|
Item Weight |
60 pounds |
|
Peak Temperature |
450 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
184 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
8 pounds |
Next up we have Traeger Grills Ranger pellet grill. This is another great option for those looking for a durable and reliable pellet grill. This particular model was released back in 2014 and it is still going really well. It comes with a wood crate and a manual.
It also comes with a warranty card and a cleaning brush.
This model doesn’t include many extras as compared to other models. however it does come with a meat probe so you can monitor your cooking temperatures.
And we love that it also comes with a griddle, so you can achieve classic sears on your meat.
This unit is built from high grade 304 stainless steel and aluminum. It is designed to be sturdy and durable. It weighs 60 pounds making it quite heavy. If you are planning on carrying this unit around, then you should know that it won’t be easy.
It comes with a removable drip pan and a grease filter. However, some customers have noted that the grease tends to leak out the sides of the unit rather than filtering into the drip bucket.
This is only a small inconvenience, considering all the pros of this unit, however it will increase your clean up time after use.
Pros
Cons
Also available at traeger.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
24 x 32 x 16 inches |
|
Item Weight |
65 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
150 - 550 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
219 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
9 pounds |
Now, it's time for another offering from the barbecuing giants at Green Mountain Grills, and this time we have their Trek pellet smoker. We think that this unit is an improvement on the earlier Davy Crockett model for a number of reasons. First off, it has a digital controller which means that there is no need for an analog dial or knobs.
The PID controller ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every single time. It can be controlled via wifi through the smartphone app, which means you can monitor your cooks even if you are far away enjoying a paddle in the sea.
Another reason why we like this unit more than the previous Davy Crockett is that it has a tabletop design with short, stable legs. With these legs, you don’t have to worry about tipping over when using this unit.
As the flimsy legs were an issue with the Davy Crockett, it is a relief that the designers at Green Mountain Grills made the Trek so squat and sturdy.
It has a peaked lid which means that you can fit whole turkeys inside this portable unit with no trouble, and it has room from racks of ribs as well. thumbs up!
Pros
Cons
Also available at greenmountaingrills.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
40 x 22.5 x 20 inches |
|
Item Weight |
100 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
160 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
501 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
10 pounds |
The Camp Chef Pursuit is one of the best pellet grills that you can get your hands on right now. It has a really big cooking capacity, offering 501 square inches of cooking space over three tiered racks, meaning you can keep the whole family well fed without any trouble.
The Camp Chef Pursuit features a stainless steel body, and it also has a digital controller.
This unit is very easy to operate because of the fact that it has a digital controller. You simply set the desired temperature and then press start. Once the cook begins, the digital controller automatically adjusts the heat level to maintain the desired cooking temperature.
This unit has a high quality auger system that will ensure that you never run out of pellets during a long cook session. And you really can cook for hours with this unit because the pellet hopper has a giant 10 lb capacity. There is also a drip tray that catches any grease drippings that fall into the hopper.
The Camp Chef Pursuit is a great choice for those who want to enjoy smoking meat outdoors without having to deal with messy charcoal briquettes. In relation to other portable models, the Camp Chef Pursuit is pretty heavy and large.
It is not the type of unit that you would want to push up a mountain, but its legs fold away, meaning it can fit in the back of a truck no problem.
Pros
Cons
Also available at campchef.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
37 x 18 x 36 inches |
|
Item Weight |
62 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
180 - 450 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
300 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
8 pounds |
The Traeger Tailgater is another excellent option when it comes to buying a pellet smoker. This model offers 300 square inches of cooking space, which is more than enough room for most families. The Tailgater has an indirect and direct fire feature, as well as a built-in thermometer.
It is important to note that this unit does not have a thermostat. Instead, it uses a PID control system, so you do not need to worry about setting the temperature yourself. All you have to do is choose the desired temperature from the menu screen and the unit will adjust itself accordingly.
The Traeger Tailgater is made entirely of cast aluminum, making it durable and extremely lightweight. It weighs only 62 pounds, which makes it easier to move around. The legs fold down, allowing you to easily store the unit in a vehicle or even carry it on your shoulder.
There are two different types of burners on the Tailgater: an indirect burner and a direct burner. Both burners work equally well, although the indirect burner tends to produce slightly better results. When using the indirect burner, there is a small gap between the grate and the heating element.
This means that some smoke may escape through the vent holes, but overall, it produces good results.
Pros
Cons
Also available at traeger.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
24 x 17.5 x 16 inches |
|
Item Weight |
55 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
457 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
256 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
4 pounds |
This next portable pellet grill is the AS350 by Asmoke. This is one of the best units we reviewed because it has a huge cooking area, an impressive 256 square inches. This gives you plenty of room to cook for multiple people at once.
However, with just a 4 pound hopper, this unit is best suited to shorter cooks as the hopper will need refilling every few hours.
As far as controls go, this unit has a digital display, which makes it easy to monitor the temperature. There are also three knobs located on top of the unit.
These allow you to regulate the heat, raise/lower the lid, and turn off the fan. In terms of durability, this unit features heavy duty construction. However, some customers have noted that the internal temperature can fluctuate at times.
It uses micro-particle vapor technology to smoke your meat till it is juicy and succulent. This technology actually speeds up the smoking process, making this a very efficient and economical portable pellet grill.
Pros
Cons
Also available at asmokegrill.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
38 x 20 x 41 inches |
|
Item Weight |
90 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
180 -500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
460 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
15 pounds |
This Grilla Grills Chimp portable pellet grill is a top choice if you want to experiment with long, slow cooks. It has a 15 lb hopper which means that this unit can be left for hours to cook away, without you needing to lift a finger.
And the impressive cooking surface area means that you can cook whole birds and briskets whilst you are at the campsite.
We love that this Grilla Grills Chimp pellet grill has double wall insulation because it helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the entire cooking space, even in extreme weather conditions.
It also comes with an automatic shutdown function, so you don't have to worry about overheating either. The grille is made from rugged steel, which means that it won't bend or break easily.
The backlit control panel allows you to see what temperature you are setting the grill at. You can adjust the temperature using 5 degree increments, meaning there is no guessing involved when you set the temperature.
You can use the Grilla Grills Chimps wifi remote to change the temperature remotely, but we would recommend doing this manually first before relying on the remote as some customers have found that the smartphone app is a little glitchy.
Pros
Cons
Also available at bbqvillecanada
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
39 x 14 x 20.5 inches |
|
Item Weight |
90 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
180 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
511 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
20 pounds |
Wow, the Recteq RT-340 has an enormous 511 square inches of cooking space, meaning it allows you to cook for all the campsites if you feel like it! Sure, it has a high price point, but also comes with a 2 year warranty, meaning your investment is safe and reliable.
The Recteq RT-340 has a powder-coated lid, which makes cleaning easy. There's also a retractable leg system, making it easier to transport. The dual exhausts mean that you can cook two meats at once, and the PID controller will ensure that both burn evenly.
If you're looking for a pellet smoker that can handle large quantities of food, then the Recteq RT- 340 is definitely worth considering.
This Pellet Grill is suitable for those who enjoy smoking meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. With its powerful heating element and large capacity, it’s perfect for big parties and family gatherings.
It features a removable drip tray and a front loading door, allowing you to load up the pellets easily. Its durable and sturdy construction ensures years of service.
Pros
Cons
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
24 x 18 x 15 inches |
|
Item Weight |
45 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
180 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
256 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
4 pounds |
This tabletop pellet grill by Cuisinart is a great option for those who don't want to break the bank in order to buy a pellet smoker. Despite its affordable price, it offers excellent cooking versatility and an 8-in-1 functionality.
It features a built-in sear zone, so you can sear steaks or chops on the grates before placing them directly onto the main cooking area.
The Cuisinart CPG 256 also includes a meat probe, which helps you keep track of how much you've cooked. This feature is especially helpful when using this model as a slow cooker, because it'll tell you exactly how long you need to cook your meal.
With its integrated sear zone, this pellet grill is ideal for searing steaks and chops right on top of the grates.
The digital temperature display means you won't have to guess whether the grill is too hot or not. Plus, the auto start function automatically turns on the burner after 10 minutes of nonuse.
You can use this pellet grill for everything from roasting veggies to baking pizza crust.
The only downside is that the hopper capacity is limited to 4 pounds. However, you can always add more pellets afterwards.
Pros
Cons
Also available at cuisinart.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
45 x 21 x 51 inches |
|
Item Weight |
127 Pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
160 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
573 square inches |
|
Hopper Capacity |
18 pounds |
Next up, we have the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, and it really is a deluxe unit. It boasts a whooping 573 square inches of cooking space, making it one of the largest pellet grills on our list. The large cooking surface makes it perfect for entertaining, but it's also great for home use.
The SmokePro DLX has two separate areas: a primary cooking chamber and a secondary chamber where you can set up the BBQ pit. The second chamber is perfect for smoking meats, while the primary chamber is best used for roasts and other foods that require direct heat.
The SmokePro DLX comes equipped with a dual meat probe, which allows you to monitor both sides of your food simultaneously. This is incredibly useful if you're trying to make sure that your steak is done evenly on all sides.
This pellet grill is pretty tricky to assemble and some customers have struggled, however, once it is up it has a seriously quality performance to offer. The unit weighs a hefty 127 pounds , so be prepared for it to not be as portable as other options (even with its wheels).
The Camp Chef SmokePro is compatible with most accessories, including a rotisserie kit, smoker box and side tables. This increases its versatility no end and allows you to try many different cooking methods.
Pros
Cons
Also available at campchef.com
Specs
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
38 x 25 x 37.5 inches |
|
Item Weight |
79.81 pounds |
|
Temperature Range |
180 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit |
|
Cooking Space |
387 pounds |
|
Hopper Capacity |
19 pounds |
How could we talk about wood pellet grills without mentioning the mighty Pit Boss? Though Pit Boss are not famous for portable grills per say, their Sportsman model is a portable option thanks to its large wheels and folding legs.
The Pit Boss Sportsman is a beast of a unit, boasting 387 square inches of cooking space. That's more than enough room for even the biggest cookouts.
The Pit Boss Sportsman features an easy to use digital control panel, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature from 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll find the controls located on the backside of the unit, right next to the door.
The Pit Boss sportsman includes a meat probe, which is a must in any pellet grill. The meat probe will allow you to check internal temperatures of your food, making sure it's cooked thoroughly.
The Pit Boss also includes a removable ash tray, which makes cleaning up after your cookout a breeze. It also includes a grease catcher, which catches drips and spills before they can drip onto your floor.
The Pit Boss comes with two cast iron cooking grates, one on each side of the grill. These grates are made of heavy duty material, ensuring years of reliable service. They are porcelain coated, which means they won't rust or peel over time.
An awesome choice for those who love to smoke meat both at home and away!
Pros
Cons
Also available at walmart.com
Now that you have seen our info-packed reviews of these top portable pellet smokers, have a look at our comprehensive buyer's guide. We talk through all the crucial things that you should look for and consider when choosing which pellet grill is best for you.
It may sound obvious, but one of the first things you should consider before selecting your portable pellet grill is how much space do you have to transport and store it? A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit it into your car trunk, then it's compact enough for camping trips and tailgating.
However, if you want to entertain multiple friends and family, and want a grill that can double as a backyard grill as well as a portable option, then you would do well to look for something more sizable.
Tabletop pellet grills are compact and squat. they generally have a smaller cooking surface area, but they are awesome for fitting in the truck of the car, and for carrying down onto the beach for picnics. Another advantage of the tabletop design is that there is no risk of the grill tipping over during use.
However, standing grills are better for your back as you don't have to hunch over them, and you don't have to bring a table to stand them on either. The best option for portable grills, is to find a standing grill with folding legs.
These units actually fold down into a manageable size so they don't take up too much space in the car or the garage.
It is crucial to consider how much surface area you need your pellet smoker to have. Large surface areas can be up to 550 square inches, whilst smaller ones are as low as 150 square inches. The amount of food that you can place on the grill or smoke at one time will be affected by this measurement.
If you know you love cooking large cuts and whole birds, or just that you love to have at least 50 wings on the go at once, then make sure you opt for a grill that can accommodate your preference.
This is another important factor to consider. Do you plan on carrying this around often? If so, you might want to opt for something lighter weight. The heavier the better.
Small portable pellet grills tend to weigh between 45 pounds and 65 pounds, while some larger models weigh upwards of 90 pounds. The weight will seriously affect the portability, so you might want to buy a travel cart for heavier units.
The hopper capacity refers to how many pellets the unit holds at any given time. It is usually measured in ounces, although some manufacturers also include a liters measure. This number will determine how long you can cook without having to refill the hopper.
Some people prefer to keep their hoppers full at all times, whereas others like to empty them out every few hours.
The capacity of the hopper is going to depend on what type of fuel you choose. Wood pellets come in different sizes, ranging from 2-3/4 oz to 5 1/2 oz. Pellets made from sawdust range from 4-5 oz. to 8 oz. Pellets made of compressed wood chips vary from 6-8 oz to 12 oz.
Pellet grills come with meat probes to help maintain an even temperature throughout the entire cooking process. Meat probes are inserted into the meat and used to monitor its internal temperature. They are available in two types; digital and analog.
Digital probes allow you to set the desired temperature and it will automatically adjust itself accordingly. Analog probes require you to manually turn the dials to achieve the same result.
Some pellet grills offer wifi control. You can connect your phone to the grill via bluetooth and remotely start and stop the cooking process. Others let you view the status of the grill through your smartphone app.
In general, we recommend looking for pellet smokers that are made from stainless steel and aluminum. They are both strong materials that won't rust easily, and they're also easy to clean.
Look out for any welds that could potentially crack or break, as these are weak points in the construction. You'll also want to check the quality of the burners and heat exchangers, as these are what transfer the heat to the meat.
The last thing to think about is how portable the unit is. Some people like to carry their grills wherever they go, but others prefer to keep them close to home. This really depends on where you live, and whether you like to cook outside or not.
Most portable grills come with wheels, which makes moving them easier. However, check the reviews online before buying, because the wheels on pellet grills are notoriously cheap and ineffective.
The temperature range on your portable pellet grill should be anywhere from 150°F to 550°F. The higher the number, the hotter it gets.
A good rule of thumb is to look for an outdoor model that has a maximum temperature of 450°F. Anything above that is going to get pretty hot, and may cause damage to the food.
Pellet grills that claim to let you sear your meat as well should be able to reach peak temperatures of 650 degrees Fahrenheit. Most will need a separate sear function or sear zone, as searing and smoking are fairly incompatible cooking methods.
PID control refers to the ability to adjust the temperature based on the type of meat being cooked. It's especially useful if you're cooking different types of foods at the same time.
For example, if you're making chicken and ribs, you'd probably want to set the chicken to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the ribs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pellet grills with PID systems are generally more expensive than those without, but they do offer more versatility.
You'll find that most pellet grills have two settings - high and low. High is usually somewhere around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit, and low is around 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit. These settings are very basic, and don't account for all the variables involved when cooking.
Look for pellet grills that have 1-10 temperature settings that are set at 5-degree increments. These allow you to fine tune the temperature depending on the type of food you're cooking.
Most pellet grills use hardwood pellets, although there are some charcoal grills available. Hardwood pellets are made from sawdust and other wood byproducts, while briquettes are made from compressed coal dust. Both can be used interchangeably, but hardwoods tend to give off less smoke and smell.
If you plan to cook outdoors often, consider purchasing a pellet grill that uses natural gas instead of propane. Propane tanks can leak, and they're harder to store safely. Natural gas grills also run cooler than propane models, so they're better suited to colder weather.
Smoke output is measured in "smoke points." The higher the number, generally speaking, the more intense the flavor. Look for grills that have at least three smoke points. You can always add another one later, but having too many isn't ideal.
Grill grates are important because they help distribute heat evenly across the surface of the food. They also make cleanup much easier. Be sure to choose a grate that fits over the entire cooking area.
Some grills come with removable grates, which makes them easy to clean. Others have flat grates that slide out like drawer slides. Flat grates are great for smaller grills, but not recommended for larger ones.
The last thing you want is to buy a cheap model only to have it break after a few months. You should always check out the warranty period of any unit you're considering buying.
Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, others offer a 3 year warranty, and still others offer a 1 year warranty. Make sure you understand what exactly is covered under the warranty, because you could end up spending a lot of money replacing parts that aren't covered.
Portable pellet grills are perfect for camping trips, tailgating parties, backyard barbecues, and any other outdoor event where you might otherwise be limited by the size of your oven.
They're compact enough to fit into almost any vehicle or RV, and light enough to carry easily. Most of them weigh under 70 pounds, so you won't need to worry about dragging it through mud or sand.
What are the benefits of smoking meat?
Smoking meats adds an extra layer of flavor and tenderness. It also helps break down connective tissue, allowing the meat to become more tender. Smoking also imparts a smoky aroma that people love.
How long does it take to cook a whole turkey on a pellet grill?
It depends on how big the turkey is, and what kind of smoker you've got. A small turkey will take anywhere from 2-4 hours, while large turkeys may take up to 8 hours.
Pellet grills are versatile, convenient, and affordable. They're great for entertaining, and provide a unique way to enjoy smoked foods. As with anything new, however, you should do plenty of research before buying. Make sure you know exactly what you want before you invest in a pellet grill.
Happy grilling!
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