10 Best Pellet Grills For Beginners, According To Reviews

Grills come in a range of shapes and sizes. From compact portable grills to hefty outdoor units designed for feeding large families and groups, grills also offer a variety of fuel options including gas, electricity, charcoal, and, of course, wooden pellets. Whether you are preparing braised pork, grilled vegetables, or smoked brisket, most grills provide consistent heat and versatility that let you utilize different cooking techniques. However, what sets pellet grills apart is their ability to infuse food with a smoky flavor. These gadgets typically come with a built-in hopper that lets you experiment with different types of wood pellets, such as hickory, mesquite, and applewood.

While pellet grills can deliver flavorful dishes, they aren't always easy to assemble or operate. Specifically, some more advanced pellet grills may involve a steep learning curve to master their unique features and maintenance procedures. Luckily, there are plenty of user-friendly pellet grill options that don't require a degree to assemble and operate. With this in mind, we have searched high and low — and read countless shopper testimonials — to compile a list of the best pellet grills for beginners. If you would like to learn more about our selection process, check out the methodology section at the end of this article. Prices may vary.

When it comes to pellet grills, the Hello.Dr Portable Pellet Grill and Smoker is one of the cheaper options on the market, making it a great starter choice for beginners. Advertised as highly portable, it's designed specifically for tailgating and camping, although you could also easily set it up in your backyard. And with 256 square inches of cooking space, this unit is still large enough to whip up a feast, allowing you to make eight burger patties or 12 hot dogs at a time.

Despite its compact size, the Hello.Dr Portable Pellet Grill and Smoker offers the functionality of many of its larger counterparts, such as eight different cooking modes. Some of the other features of this versatile gadget include a control knob that lets you set the temperature between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 500 degrees Fahrenheit and an LCD screen.

Hello.Dr Portable Pellet Grill and Smoker has received 4.1 out of 5 stars from UBuy shoppers, some of whom have praised the unit for its ease of use, intelligent temperature control, and a clear LCD screen. Also satisfied with the product, one Amazon user calls it a "great grill kit," elaborating, "Worth the price, easy to carry and use, I can take this to a park with my family. It's exactly what I'm looking for!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Hello,Dr Portable Pellet Grill and Smoker from Amazon starting at $239.

Ideal for small gatherings or on-the-go grilling, the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill features a 256-square-inch cooking area with porcelain-coated steel grates. The portable gadget also comes with a hopper that can accommodate 5 pounds of pellets. The dial temperature control and LED temperature display make PIT BOSS 10697 a breeze to operate. Despite its simple operations, this unit supports eight different cooking techniques, including smoking, baking, and open flame searing up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The PIT BOSS 10697 has been widely praised by online shoppers. For example, one enthused Camping World reviewer appreciates the gadget's simplicity, saying, "This little guy is the bomb. Easy to set up, easy to use and easy to take wherever as long as there's power. Very pleased with my purchase." An Amazon customer shares this view, noting, "I used to dislike the thought of firing up a large pellet smoker for a few hamburgers. This size makes it easy! About 6 cooks in and no issues whatsoever. Holds temp to about +- 2 degrees. The grill grate inside is porcelain and super easy to clean in the kitchen sink."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill from Amazon starting at $266.99.

The DAMNISS Store Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker offers several different models, each with slightly different features to cater to various cooking needs. However, regardless of the model you choose, this easy-to-operate unit is bound to improve your grilling and smoking game. At the most basic level, this stainless steel pellet cooker offers 457 square inches of cooking space, letting you not just grill and smoke but also roast, sear, baste, barbecue, and char-grill. The unit's "PID intelligent temperature control technology" maintains precise temperatures ranging from 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Last but not least, the DAMNISS Store Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker comes with a meat temperature probe and legs with wheels for easy portability.

Aside from being on the more affordable pellet grills, this unit has garnered positive feedback from online shoppers for its impressive performance as a starter grill and smoker. A case in point is one Amazon customer who says: "Easy to put together, screwdriver only. No brainer. [...] Also it is so easy to clean. You can wrap the drip pan/heat shield with heavy duty foil and wipe off when removed."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the DAMNISS Store Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker from Amazon starting at $278.99

With a capacity of 456 square inches, the KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill is large enough to prepare 12 burger patties or four racks of ribs. It also comes with a hopper that can hold up to 11 pounds of pellets. Despite its substantial size, this grill comes with foldable legs for convenient storage and wheels for easy portability. Lastly, the KingChii pellet grill boasts an intelligent temperature control system for easy set up and accurate temperature management, as well as a removable oil container for efficient cleaning.

The KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker has been a hit with users, many of whom have praised it for its easy assembly and simple operations. One example comes from a shopper who has shared the following review on Amazon: "I bought this smoker because I was looking to get a pellet smoker that I could use on a day to day basis at home. [...] Overall, I think this smoker is great value for home use. It is simple to assemble, simple to use, [and] simple to maintain." A Walmart customer agrees, saying, "Great grill for the money! [...] The packaging was nice with easy to follow assembly instructions. I was cooking a rib roast within 2 hours of opening the box. That includes the initial burn in."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker from Amazon starting at $369.99.

Fashioned out of heavy-duty alloy steel, the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker is ultra versatile, allowing you to utilize a variety of cooking methods. From searing burger patties and beef to smoking succulent ribs and briskets, the Z GRILLS has you covered. Grilling, barbecuing, and even braising are also easily achievable. Of course, none of this would be possible without precise temperature control, and the Z GRILLS delivers this, operating across a temperature range between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Z GRILLS is user-friendly, with an intuitive display, preset temperature, as well as auto-start ignition and temperature control. Aside from its substantial 572 inches of grilling space, the unit also features a handy side shelf, tool hooks, and a storage cabinet. Plus, the two wheels with brakes help you get the grill in position and keep it securely in place as you prepare your meal.

Reviewers have been pretty impressed with the Z GRILLS pellet grill, giving it top marks for functionality and easy set up. One Amazon shopper describes it as a "great, affordable smoker," adding, "Assembly was fairly simple. [...] Temperature is very constant as long as the lid is shut." Another Amazon reviewer agrees, noting, "I have made amazing steaks, brisket, chicken, and veggies with this smoker. It's so easy to use, and it does a great job."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker from Amazon starting at $399.

Ideal for uneven terrain, the Green Mountain Trek Prime 2.0 Wood Pellet Grill comes with sturdy legs that provide excellent stability and durability. In addition, the unit features 274 square inches of cooking space and an internal power adapter, making it versatile enough to run on either an AC or DC power source. Best of all, this Green Mountain pellet grill features digital WiFi controls that let you manage the cooking process via a dedicated app on your smartphone. The unit's other notable features include a keep warm function, a low pellet alarm, and a meat temperature probe. Grill enthusiasts can also purchase an optional trek cart with locking caster wheels to enhance the grill's portability and raise it to a comfortable cooking height.

Many online consumers have spoken positively about the grill, highlighting its hassle-free setup and functionality. One BBQ Guys reviewer exemplifies this saying, "Great pellet smoker that has been easy to maintain and incredibly reliable." Similarly, an Amazon shopper notes, "Bought this smoker for my significant other's Father's Day gift! He is loving it [and] has used it almost daily. Easy to set up and perfect size! Great value too because a lot of this type of smoker is way more expensive!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Green Mountain Trek Prime 2.0 Wood Pellet Grill from Amazon starting at $492.43.

The Camp Chef DLX Pellet Grill/Smoker with Gen 3 Wifi features two cooking areas — a 141-square-inch upper rack and a 429-square-inch lower rack. Meanwhile, the unit's hopper can accommodate up to 18 pounds. Once paired with the Camp Chef Connect App, this grill can be controlled remotely, allowing you to set up and monitor the cooking process from your couch. This includes a smoke control setting, which lets users select between 10 smoke intensities. Last but not least, once your meal is on the table, the unit can be cleaned with a single pull of a knob.

The Camp Chef DLX Pellet Grill/Smoker with Gen 3 Wifi has received the green light from barbecue lovers for its features, easy set up, and intuitive use. One notable example is an Amazon reviewer who says they were impressed with the unit from the get-go, explaining, "[The] assembly was straightforward and simple. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The included parts and hardware were well made, quality components." Another Amazon shopper also comments on how simple they found the grill to operate, saying, "I started with something simple — chicken drumsticks. [I] turned the temperature to 300, turned them over once after about 25 minutes and removed them when done — about 45 minutes. They were PERFECTION!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Camp Chef DLX Pellet Grill/Smoker with Gen 3 Wifi from Amazon starting at $749.99.

Despite its many features, the Traeger Grill Pro 575 is surprisingly easy to both assemble and use. Simply fill the hopper with wood pellets, set the grill to the desired temperature, and watch as the in-built fan stokes the fire. Some of the other features of this 575-square-inch unit include porcelain grates for easy clean up and a built-in meat temperature probe. This pellet smoker can also be connected to the Traeger app, letting you control the cooking process from your smartphone or tablet.

Both beginner and seasoned backyard chefs have given the Traeger Grill Pro 575 the thumbs up, with one Best Buy reviewer saying that the unit was so simple to set up, most of it was done by their 13-year-old son. Another Best Buy customer also praises the grill, saying, "The very first grill that does all!! Have done a lot of cooking with this grill and the smokey taste is great on the meat! Safe, no messy coal clean up, easy to clean, easy to use, easy app functions, great cooking instructions on the app."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Traeger Grill Pro 575 from Amazon starting at $799.

While it may not be as affordable as some other pellet grills, the Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill more than makes up for its price with style and ease-of-operation. The unit can be set between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and heats up in just 15 minutes to get you cooking in no time. The Weber Searwood 600 is also very easy to navigate with a digital LCD controller. In addition, the backlit display keeps you informed about the grill temperature, probe temperature — did we mention that the unit comes with a cooking probe — connectivity statues, and cooking times. These stats can also be monitored and controlled through an integrated app.

Online shoppers have given the Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill their seal of approval, with many emphasizing its easy operation. For instance, one Weber reviewer describes the product as an "amazing purchase," elaborating, "Very easy to operate and great for beginners or advanced smokers." Another Weber user shares a similar sentiment, stating, "This grill does it all: smoke, sear, roast.. and you can monitor everything through an app. The app comes with recipes already, step by step and even tells you when you need to flip your steak! [...] If I had to say something bad it is that I have to get my lazy butt up and turn on the grill before I can go back to my couch and control the grill with the app. [...] It's easy to clean and get ready for the next use."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill from Amazon starting at $899.

Although the Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker is on the pricier side, it's still remarkably user-friendly, making it perfect for grilling novices looking for a large pellet grill. Featuring 742 square inches of cooking space and a hopper with a 20-pound capacity, this device is also one of the only grills on the market that offers both pellet and gas grilling. Plus, it comes with an LCD display, three temperature probes, under grill storage space, and a convenient cleaning system for both grease and ash. Those who value hassle-free operations will be pleased to know that the Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker can be controlled remotely via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker has received mostly positive reviews from outdoor cooking fans. One Amazon shopper has described the appliance as awesome, elaborating, "Assembly was easy and everything fit perfectly, instructions were very good. [...] Smoking is super easy, the display is the best I've ever seen. [...] The grease management system worked flawlessly, easy to pull out by sliding 2 levers, with just the grease tray out. You can vacuum ash from the fire box easily as well."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker from Amazon starting at $949.99.

From grilling and smoking to braising and roasting, pellet grills offer a wide range of cooking options. Plus, they infuse food with rich, smoky flavors, adding a delicious touch to your favorite dishes.

To compile a list of the best pellet grills that are accessible to both seasoned pit-masters and grilling novices, we looked at a number of factors. We started by analyzing each product's features to ensure that they are easy to operate. Next, we examined customer reviews to assess how easy each unit is to assemble, operate, and clean.