While there’s nothing wrong with charcoal or gas grills, pellet grills have so much more to offer by comparison. They can heat up as intensely as traditional barbecue grills, plus a knack for low-temp smoking. Compared to other combustible fuels, pellets produce less carbon footprint while delivering the equivalent heating efficiency.
So, it makes perfect sense when many people want to purchase the best pellet grills for the upcoming holidays. Using the right combos, these grills can enrich and intensify your food with an all-natural flavor and pinkish smoke rings.
If you’re having a hard time finding the appropriate grill, our buying guide and product reviews are here to help. And for good measure, we’ll also answer a few questions regarding pellet grills to the best of our knowledge.
How to Choose the the Best Pellet Grill
If you can’t come up with a straightforward reply, let’s break things down into smaller categories. The clearer your expectations are, the easier you can narrow down the option and make the right call. Below are some key factors you need to bear in mind when selecting a pellet grill.
Price
For starters, pellet grills aren’t small or quick items that you can purchase on a whim. In addition to that, they aren’t cheap either: a portable travel-size unit can cost you as much as $300. And the bigger the model, the more expensive it gets, which can rack over thousands of dollars or even more.
By incorporating a state-of-the-art controlling system and an intricate auger feeding mechanism, a pellet grill’s strongest point is convenience. And that convenience often comes in at around $500 if not more. After all, that’s the average price point for a typical mid-tier pellet grill designed for home use.
Once you’ve decided to refurbish the BBQ station with a pellet grill, make the effort worthwhile in the long term. Depending on the specs and features, a semi-premium unit may set you back $750 to $1,200. And this is as far as you should consider expending, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
Now assuming that money is no object, you might as well splurge on the extras. In addition to the core functionalities, those customizable grills also come equipped with all sorts of additional features. And the more you pay, the better the quality and performance in return.
But to be upfront: a high-end model can expect to cost well over $2,000, so think twice before purchasing. It would be a huge waste if you didn’t utilize these top-tier grills to the best of their capabilities.
Cooking Area
If possible, try to make an educated guess on what food and how many guests you’re planning to serve. Don’t limit yourself to just the all-time classic burgers and hot dogs: think thick items like ribs, briskets, and turkeys. After all, those are some of the specialties you’d come to expect from these grills.
On the whole, 500 square inches of cooking area should suffice for a family of four or five. This is the typical size that most people will choose when buying an entry-level pellet grill. That said, it’s up to your personal preferences to purchase something else that meets your grilling requirements better.
If the primary grilling grate isn’t broad enough, you’ll want to consider a double- or even a triple-decked cooking grate. Besides the main entree, you also need other side dishes like baked bean, corn on the cob, or green veggies. Grillers will appreciate that extra room in case more guests show up or when they need to reheat/warm food quickly.
Hopper Capacity
At first, the standard 18-pound hopper capacity may sound plenty adequate for multiple runs, but it’s quite the opposite. In several cases, you’re likely to use up all the pellets loaded inside the hopper in one cooking session. And many rookie grillers had to learn that the hard way.
Likewise, you don’t want to run out of fuel midway through cooking at night or during winters. So, it’s often a safe bet to keep a spare fuel pack nearby for your own convenience. Or, you can purchase a hopper extension from the official or third-party supplier.
Whether it’s a few hours or an entire day of nonstop cooking, make sure to have sufficient pellet at your disposal.
Overall Quality & Craftsmanship
Stainless steel and cast iron are two prime materials reserved for the cooking grates, and for good reasons. Both materials can conduct heat with high efficacy, though cast iron has an edge in terms of heat retention. But when cleaning hour strikes, stainless steel is less demanding.
On top of that, the double-walled construction creates an effective layer of insulation, resulting in better air circulation. Although a small portion of heat is sacrificed when you open the lid, at least your food won’t go cold. This is a major improvement over older models that struggled to build up enough firepower for cooking.
Given how pellet grills are exclusively meant for outdoor use, the exterior is protected with weatherproof and oxidation-resistant countermeasures. While stainless steel is impervious to common rusting, it’s expensive and prone to discoloration under extreme heat.
Meanwhile, powder-coated steel is a budget-saving alternative option that holds up well against the elements and daily wear-and-tear. However, those weatherproof properties start wearing off when the protective coating chips or flakes after a few years.
Temperature Control
As a general rule of thumb, half a pound of pellet goes into smoking meat on low temperature per hour. The ideal temperature hovers around 160°F, which is the very sweet spot that creates the optimal amount of smoke. To eliminate irregular cold spots, fan-powered convection covers and ventilates the entire cooking chamber, similar to an oven.
But when you dial the temperature to the maximum setting, that burn rate will accelerate as well. Maintaining 400°F for searing steaks means the grill would gobble up to two and a half pounds for every hour. And that’s not accounting for other factors like the surrounding ambiance or general heat loss.
More often than not, there are occasions where you leave the grill to tend to other tasks. That’s when the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-controllable mobile app will come in handy. Even while you’re greeting guests or taking a quick break, you can always tell how the food is cooking from a distance.
For busy folks who can’t afford to watch the grill all day long, let the automatic set-and-forget feature take over. To keep everything in check, the dual probes will monitor the temperature and make timely adjustments based on your settings. Once the grill is up and running, you can step away worry-free.
Using a fine-tuning mechanism, pellet grills let grillers make small tweaks here and there with pinpoint accuracy. It also explains how pellet grills are less prone to uncontrollable flare-ups and grease splashes than other grills.
Portability
By the default configuration, a pellet grill seems and feels bulky due to the attaching hopper on its side. Nevertheless, the all-terrain wheel/swivelable casters can shoulder all the weight and move the entire assembly around with ease. But just to be safe, park the grill somewhere within the range of a power outlet and you’re all set.
On the other hand, campers often have difficulty finding a steady power supply to plug in their travel-size pellet grills. For the most part, campers should have access to a reliable power outlet at many campsites or RV parks. But when push comes to shove, a portable power generator or even the car battery could pass as makeshift alternatives.
Regardless of the destination, the tailgate party will keep going strong as long as you can secure a power source.
Cleaning Ease
When fat and juice drip off the grate, a slanted grease tray captures them all before they catch on fire. Mimicking a gargoyle, the tray guides these droplets out of the grill and into a bucket perching on the side. Also, you should use disposable aluminum liners to protect these parts from all the greasy mess.
Despite being densely compressed, wood pellets are nonetheless brittle and can crumble when exposed to moisture. Other than that, these clean-burning biofuels often leave behind a small amount of residue within the firebox and hopper. But you can collect any unused pellets by draining them through a hatch or using a workshop vacuum instead.
Extra Features
There’s no denying that bells and whistles can only add so much value if a grill underperforms. But don’t take the little things for granted: you never know when you’ll need these conveniences. If you want to put the finishing touches on the grill, some complementary extras can make the difference.
- Secondary burner
- Attaching side tables
- Bottom shelf/cabinet
- Tool hooks
- Bottle opener
- Grill light
Reviews of the Best Pellet Grills to Buy in 2021
Now that you’ve set your priorities straight, let’s examine some of the best pellet grills that the market has to offer.
- Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 Pellet Grill – Editor’s Best to Buy
- Z-Grills Premium 7002E Pellet Grill – Best Wood Pellet Grill
- GMG Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – Best Budget Pellet Grill
- Rec Tec RT-700 Pellet Grill – Best Smoker Pellet Grill Combo
- Camp Chef SG 24 Pellet Grill – Best Pellet Grill for Searing
- Z-Grills L6002E Pellet Grill – Best Portable Pellet Grill
Here are our top picks for the Best Pellet Grills.
1. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 Pellet Grill – Best to Buy in 2021
With the first pick of the batch, we select the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. It’s a sturdily-built pellet grill with a diverse temperature range and immense heating prowess. It can grill, smoke, bake, roast and braise with ease. Granted, its price tag might bring about second thoughts, its overall performance is warmly received by the grilling community. In fact, this grill is so well beloved by BBQ aficionados, it’s no surprise that this makes another feature in our picks for the top grills of 2021.
- Excellent overall performance
- Portable
- Side sear box
- All-terrain wheels
- Ash catcher
- Large hopper
- Expensive
- Small warming rack
Size
The SmokePro DLX has a grilling surface of 429 square inches from the primary grate. Combined with an extra 141 square inches on the upper warming rack, you’ll receive a total of 570 square inches of cooking space. The grill measures 32.5 inches tall, with the cooking chamber measuring 3778 cubic inches. The hopper can house up to 18 pounds of pellets.
Construction
The SmokePro DLX is made of heavy-duty coated steel. While coated steel is not as rust-resistant and conductive as stainless steel, it comes pretty close.
In addition, the side sear box is stainless steel.
Portability
Despite an overall weight of 140 pounds, the grill is equipped with all-terrain wheels for mobility. However, we advise you to choose the spot to park the grill carefully— preferably on a flat surface— so that the grill won’t roll away.
Temperature Control
The built-in electronic automatic ignition lights up and preheats the grill effortlessly. Also, you don’t have to struggle with keeping up-to-date with the temperature changes, because all data is shown on the low-flare screen: you can monitor the temperature inside the grill as well as the meat temperature via the dual probes, eliminating the need for guesswork.
The temperature management system— dubbed the Smoke Control by Camp Chef— uses PID technology to keep your food flavorful and exactly the way you like it. The temperature selection system is easy to use: just dial the knob to your preferred temperature, and the grill will take care of the rest.
The heat is maintained as the automatic auger continually feeds pellets from the hopper into the burning firebox below. With the assistance of the convection fan, the hot air is spread evenly throughout the grill’s interior.
You can set the heat from 160°F to 500°F and anywhere in between, with an increment of five degrees. And that’s not all: you can also set the smoke level from one to ten.
For BBQ lovers who prefer clear and distinct sear marks, you can use the side sear box. This extra burner will also come in handy when you need to reheat something in a jiffy, like a pan of sauce or warming some sesame buns.
Cleaning Ease
The grate is reasonably easy to hand wash— it would be too oversized to fit in a dishwasher, anyway.
The hopper has a quick-access door that lets you drain out the pellets quickly. This will come in handy when you’re storing the grill for the winter or mixing different pellet types. Just remember to unplug the unit and place a container under the grill to house the pellet before emptying the hopper.
There’s also an ash cleanout system that collects the ash falling from the firebox. All you have to do is remove the cup at the bottom of the grill, dump the remains, wipe with a clean rag, and reattach to the grill.
If you’re cleaning the interior of the grill, you can pull a lever to empty the remaining ash from the grill bottom, and vacuum the rest.
Extra Features
The side table measures 16 inches by 12 inches, adding working space for spices, rubs, or tools.
Another thing worth mentioning is although the grill is under warranty for 3 years, the manual says only one year. However, this is quickly addressed by the support team on the manufacturer’s main website.
The only thing to nitpick here is that the warming rack above could have been bigger. On the whole, this is otherwise a well-made, well-performing and a popular choice among the grilling community.
If bronze isn’t to your liking, then you’d probably fancy a mysterious black grill, which is also from Camp Chef.
Verdict
A pellet grill that under-promises yet over-delivers like the SmokePro DLX 24 is not something you come across often.
2. Z-Grills Premium 7002E Pellet Grill – Best Wood Pellet Grill
The Z-Grills Premium 7002 is a combination of price and function. It can cook various dishes well enough— with a smoky aroma to boot— at a reasonable price tag.
- Affordable
- Two-tier grates
- Large hopper capacity
- Bottom shelf
- All-terrain wheels
- No cabinet storage
Size
The grill measures 22 inches deep by 48 inches wide by 51 inches tall. The primary grilling surface measures 504 square inches, while the warming rack provides another 190 square inches, totalling 694 square inches.
What we really like about the Z Grills 7002E is its enormous hopper size, which can house an amazing 20 pounds of pellets.
Construction
The 7002E has stainless steel lids for the body and the hopper, while the rest of the grill is powder-coated steel. It can withstand the weather, daily usage, and high heat fairly well.
Portability
The grill is quite heavy, weighing up to 112 pounds. To make matters worse, the lack of casters makes it hard to go sideways or turn corners. That said, the dual all-terrain wheels are versatile enough to cross multiple surfaces.
You should set the grill on a flat and even surface, since the wheels don’t have locks, which means the grill can roll if parked on slanted ground.
Temperature Control
The automatic pellet feeding mechanism— controlled by a knob— lets you control the temperature, which goes from 180°F to 475°F. You can also select the smoking mode on low or grilling on high heat.
The built-in sensor reads the internal temperature and automatically adds the correct amount of pellets, maintaining the temperature and amount of smoke. When the preferred temperature is reached, the 110-volt fan circulates the air inside the cooking chamber evenly. No longer do you have to stay glued to the grill: just set the temperature however you like it, and the grill will keep it hot.
Also worth mentioning is the shutdown cycle, which runs the fan for a couple more minutes before completely turning off the device for cleaning. By this point, the 7002E is cool to the touch, ensuring that you won’t burn yourself when you’re wiping or vacuuming the grill.
Cleaning Ease
The grates are reasonably easy to clean by hand.
Like most pellet grills, the 7002E has a built-in drip tray that catches the dripping grease and fat and lets them slide out of the grill into the external grease bucket.
The pellet purge system lets you clean out the remaining pellets, or replace the current pellets with a different type, in case you want to mix-and-match or experiment with other wood flavors.
Extra Features
You can find extra storage room at the bottom of the grill.
A bottom shelf gives grillers additional space to place utensils, trays, spices, and dressings. Though a cabinet with doors would be nicer, the bottom shelf nonetheless should suffice and is a budget-reasonable design.
If you fancy a different color, Z-Grills offers the Master 700D, another model worth considering. It’s a larger model with a stylish bronze finish and has a built-in cabinet.
Verdict
The Z-Grill 7002E will infuse the all-natural hardwood aroma within your food, bringing you the irresistible smoky flavor that everyone loves.
3. Green Mountain Grills’ Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – Best Budget Pellet Grill
If you’re on a tight budget, why not consider the Green Mountain Grills (GMG) Davy Crockett? The mini smokehouse is the perfect companion when you go on a camping trip in the RV or you can set it in the back of a pickup truck to travel to a tailgate party. Not only compact, this grill packs quite a lot of heat, too.
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Compatible with various power outlets
- Wifi-controllable & user-friendly app
- Side rack
- Grease bucket
- Need strong connection to use Wi-Fi
- Small
Size
The grill measures 23 inches deep by 34 inches wide by 31.75 inches tall when the legs are open, and 17.5 inches deep by 27.75 inches wide by 20.5 inches tall when the legs are closed. Though its modest 219 square inches of grilling surface isn’t a lot, it is still enough for a picnic of four.
The pellet hopper is capable of holding nine pounds of pellets, with a sloped design to help the pellets fall easily into the feeding system.
Construction
The Davy Crockett is made of coated steel for durability and resistance to rust, and aluminum for the portability.
Portability
Weighing 68 pounds, this pellet grill is quite heavy to carry around, since there are no wheels or casters. Although the fold-up legs also function as a handle, it can be quite troublesome when unloading it on or off the vehicle and moving to other spots.
Temperature Control
Built into the Davy Crockett is a thermal sensor— dubbed Sense-Mate— that records and analyzes the temperature every second. It can seamlessly convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
The GMG Smart Control allows you to monitor and adjust the grill from afar through your mobile device, as long as there’s WiFi connection. However, you can also manually control it.
With a temperature range from 150°F to 550°F and a 5-degree increment control, you can set the heat to your heart’s content. The Davy Crockett is also equipped with a meat probe, so you can monitor your steaks without opening the lid.
What we particularly love about this Davy Crockett is its flexible power source. Most pellet grills can only plug into a wall socket. The Davy Crockett, however, can connect to a portable generator, an RV’s power outlet or your car’s lighter socket.
Its auger system— the motor that adds the pellets into the firebox— runs at 4.7 to 5.3 RPM (revolution per minute), which effortlessly feeds the fuel into the fire. Meanwhile, the 4100 RPM combustion fan motor maintains the inflow of oxygen, keeping the pellets aflame while circulating the temperature inside the grill.
The 60-watt Davy Crockett runs on a 12-volt current, while its igniter is 100 watts.
Cleaning Ease
The grate, drip tray, heat shield, and grease bucket are easy to hand wash, using a grill brush and regular detergents.
GMG also recommends routine deep-cleaning after using 2-3 pellet bags (80-100 pounds), during which you should service the firebox and igniter carefully.
Extra Features
The Davy Crockett has a side rack with multiple hooks for cooking utensils. Although the rack is small, the extra space and convenience are always welcomed.
What we particularly like is the user-friendly app. It’s available on both iOS and Android devices. You can start or turn off the grill, adjust the temperature and set alarms for the probes. Additional app functions include fan mode, timer, and stopwatch.
When the preset temperature is reached, the pellet hopper is running low on fuel, or one of the grill’s parts isn’t functioning normally, you’ll get an alert. You can also set personalized profiles for your separate dishes.
But what if you’re outside of your WiFi coverage? You can connect to server mode, so no matter where you are, you can always keep an eye on your favorite steaks on the go.
Verdict
For a pellet grill this affordable, yet with so many added features, the Davy Crockett is a rare gem among the budget-friendly models on the market.
4. Rec Tec RT-700 Pellet Grill – Best Smoker Pellet Grill Combo
Next on our list is the Rec Tec RT700, a unique-looking grill with an impressive smoking capability.
- Large interior
- Digital control & display
- Wheels & casters with locks
- Bottom shelf
- Grease bucket
- Expensive
Size
The primary grilling surface measures 702 square inches, spacious enough to fit whole a whole turkey or six large racks of ribs. However, with an additional grate— which can be purchased separately— you can further expand the interior to 1,054 square inches.
The RT-700’s dimensions are as follows, as detailed by the manufacturer:
Construction
Regarding the exterior, Rec Tec uses stainless steel for the cooking chamber, bull-horn handles, towel ring, controller shelf, hopper lid and its handles, hinges, lid stop, grease bucket hook, smoke stack cap, and pull handle. The lid, meanwhile, is powder-coated steel.
As for the interior, the grates, fire pot, heat deflector, smoke tray, and drip pan are 304 stainless steel. Meanwhile, the HotFlash ignition system is ceramic.
It’s not just the logo that bears the image of a bull, but the Rec Tec RT-700 itself resembles one as well, with the horns for the handes and the nose ring for the towel holder.
Portability
The all-terrain wheels can traverse different surface, while the casters make the grill swivel effortlessly. However, the RT-700 cannot go sideways.
Temperature Control
Utilizing Smart Control, the PID algorithm will maintain the temperature precisely: the RT-700 allows you to set the desired temperature— the setpoint— and monitor the real-time readings— the actual temperature inside the chamber. For more precise grilling on specific items, on the control panel, there are two more ports where you can connect the two meat probes that come with the grill.
With the temperature range from 200°F to 500°F, you can adjust it in 5-degree increments until you’re satisfied. But if you want a slow smoke, the LO setting operates under 200°F to achieve the maximum amount of smoke. The 110-volt pellet grill is easy to use, since the ignition and shutdown are completely automatic. The Rec Tec RT-700 has multiple cooking options: smoking, BBQ, grilling, baking, and roasting.
Cleaning Ease
The grease bucket, grate, and drip tray are reasonably easy to hand wash. A metal grill brush soaked in warm soapy water should suffice.
Extra Features
The Rec Tec Grills app, available for both Apple and Android devices, will allow you to monitor and control the RT-700 from afar. The app is user-friendly.
With a 40-pound capacity, the hopper can hold an impressive amount of pellets. Rec Tec claims you can cook over 40 hours non-stop with a full hopper.
The bottom shelf provides extra storage room, so you can place trays and spices on it. The tool hooks will keep the utensils and tools at an arm’s reach, adding convenience for the cooks. Also, the RT-700 has an interior light, which will come in handy at night.
Verdict
Although its price tag may raise some eyebrows, the Rec Tec RT-700 is a worthwhile investment for those who want to smoke large chunks of brisket or ribs. In the long run, it will prove to be not only a wise decision, but also the heart and soul of every grill fest you throw for the neighborhood.
5. Camp Chef Woodwind SG 24 Pellet Grill – Best Pellet Grill for Searing
Although pellet grills are versatile, there is one particular cooking method that they don’t handle very well due to their maximum temperature: searing. And that’s why we picked the Woodwind SG 24, the go-to solution for those looking for the grill marks on their steaks.
- Sizeable interior
- Wheels and casters
- Grease bucket
- Sear box
- Bottom shelf
- Expensive
Size
A combination of 382 square inches from the upper warming rack and 429 square inches on the lower grate provides a total 811 square inches of cooking surface. The SG 24 is 42 inches tall, with the cooking chamber measuring 4850 cubic inches. The side sear box measures at 11.5 inches by 16 inches, providing an additional cooking area of 184 square inches.
Regarding the hopper capacity, while the older Woodwind grills could hold 18 pounds of pellets, the SG 24 can hold 22 pounds.
Construction
Camp Chef uses a variety of materials for the components: enamel steel for the lower grate, nickel-plated steel for the upper grate, and stainless steel for the sear box.
Portability
Despite weighing 150 pounds, the Woodwind SG 24 comes with all-terrain wheels and casters, so it’s easy to move the grill across different surfaces. The casters have locks to prevent the grill from rolling away.
Temperature Control
Like other pellet grills, the SG 24 can smoke, BBQ, grill, bake, and roast. However, what sets this pellet grill apart from the others is its searing ability. The sear box can reach up to 900°F, giving your food a crisp and caramelized surface. The stainless steel burner can dole out 16000 BTUs of heating capacity.
Much like other pellet grills, the Woodwind SG 24 has an automatic ignition system. All of the temperature readings are displayed on the LED screen, including that of the temperature inside the grill as well as the probe temperature.
The SG 24 has a digital control, and an automatic auger feeds the pellets into the burning heat source to maintain the temperature.
Speaking of temperature, a knob lets you dial the setting from 160°F to 500°F, and the two meat probes will let you know how well your food cooks.
Cleaning Ease
The grate, bucket and drip tray can be easily hand washed. You should use warm, soapy water and a grill brush to scrub the gunk and charred pieces off.
The ash cleanout system will collect the falling ash gathering at the bottom of the grill, and the hopper door lets you easily empty the remaining pellets.
Extra Features
The Woodwind SG 24 also comes with a bottom shelf for extra storage room and a built-in bottle opener, to boot.
If silver isn’t to your liking, then maybe the black version or the bronze version can will pique your interest.
Verdict
When it comes to searing on a pellet grill, the Camp Chef Woodwind SG 24 is second to none. It offers a diverse range of cooking methods that can satisfy the palates of different diners.
6. Z Grill L6002E Pellet Grill – Best Portable Pellet Grill
Pellet grills are meant to deal with huge slabs of briskets and whole birds. But wouldn’t that mean all pellet grills are humongous? Not necessarily. You can still find a high-power unit with space-saving design and versatility like the Z Grills L6002E.
- Inexpensive
- Medium-sized interior
- Medium-sized hopper
- Large all-terrain wheels
- Side shelf & front shelf
- No included grease bucket
- No bottom shelf
Size
The total grilling surface— measuring 573 square inches— comprises the main cooking area and warming rack, 333 square inches and 240 square inches, respectively. Z Grills claims the interior fits 24 burgers, five ribs racks, or four birds.
As for the hopper, it can load up to eight pounds of pellets. Considering how the L6002E is more streamlined than conventional pellet grills, we think it’s fair enough.
For other measurements of the L6002E, check out the illustration below.
Construction
The body is heavy-duty steel with a layer of high-temperature fine powder coating. This finish keeps the grill rust-proof against the daily wear-and-tear and weather— until its effectiveness wears off, that is.
For reasons unclear, the lid is stainless steel. Odd choice, but who are we to judge? Meanwhile, the cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron.
Portability
Weighing just under 100 pounds even when fully pellet-loaded, this grill poses little to no difficulty moving around. Though the absence of swivelable casters is noticeable, the all-terrain wheels are fine enough on their own. Do be careful, though, when making turns around corners: you’d have to pivot the whole unit on the hind legs and the wheels, making things all the more awkward and difficult than it already is.
Temperature Control
Like many of its Z-Grills brothers, the L6002E boasts an impressive arsenal of cooking prowess. You can expect a wide range of options and methods, including:
- Grilling & barbecuing,
- Smoking,
- Baking,
- Roasting,
- Braising,
- Charring & Searing.
Speaking of searing, there’s a slidable plate flame broiler that lets you grill directly above the open flame. Direct grilling isn’t exactly a pellet grill’s strong suit, but the L6002E proves otherwise with such an unconventional design.
Control-wise, the L6002E is rather standard. Featuring one-button start-up and a PID tracking system, the grill keeps the set temperature constant— not fluctuating too much and too often. The temperature range goes from 180°F to 450°F, to boot.
Cleaning Ease
Unlike conventional pellet grills, the L6002E doesn’t have a trap door that unloads the remaining pellets quickly. Instead, you’d need to scoop or vacuum the old pellets if you need to purge the hopper or replace with a fresh batch.
Other detachable components— the porcelain grates, grease bucket, and drip tray— shouldn’t pose too many cleaning hassles. A warm bubble bath with dish soap and a soft-bristle grill brush should suffice.
The grease bucket collects most of the fat and juice dripping from the food. To lessen any cleaning effort, we advise placing a tinfoil cup inside the bucket before you start your grilling session. That way, you can dispose of the greasy messes in one go.
Extra Features
Like the 7002E, the L6002E features a bottom shelf. This extra space is handy when you need a surface to place all sorts of grilling tools, spices, and dishes. You’d also be pleased to know that the bottom shelf does come with the grill.
The side table offers extra working space, albeit not much. You can also find a bottle opener and a number of hooks on the side table to keep utensils within arm’s reach.
If you prefer the all-black look, the Z Grills 550B model may be worth considering instead.
Verdict
The Z Grills L6002E retains all qualities of a well-rounded pellet grill, and it packs all that heating prowess neatly inside a streamlined body. This grill should make a nice addition for any garden or backyard with limited space.
Top-Rated Pellet Grills Comparison Table
| Model | Cooking Area (sq in) | Extras | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 | 570 |
| 3 years |
| Z-Grills Premium 7002E | 694 |
| 3 years limited |
| Green Mountains Grills’ Davy Crockett | 219 |
| 3 years limited |
| Rec Tec RT-700 | 1054 |
| 6 years limited |
| Camp Chef Woodwind SG 24 | 811 |
| 3 years |
| Z Grill L6002E | 573 |
| 3 years |
Pellet Grills FAQs
Let’s tackle some of the burning questions about pellet grills.
What Are the Best Pellets for Pellet Grills?
Wood pellets are biomasses that come from all sources of organic matters, including pulverized wood chips, sawdust, or tree bark. The raw materials are dehumidified, tightly compressed, and processed into small cylindrical pieces. With no moisture, wood-based pellets have a better heating efficiency compared to those made with food waste or agricultural byproducts.
On top of that, different woods produce different scents and flavors. Some of the most popular choices are oak, maple, mesquite, hickory, cherry, and pecan, just to name a few. And you get to experiment with them all until you find the best pairing for your taste buds. But if you can’t choose, sticking with a signature blend is the way to go.
How Does a Pellet Grill Work?
After you set the temperature, an auger conveyor extracts just the right amount of pellets from the hopper. The conveyor then delivers the pellets to a fire box below the grate, where the pellets are converted to heat. And as the temperature starts rising, a built-in convection fan circulates the air and smoke within the cooking chamber.
You can find the diagram below that demonstrates the entire process from start to finish.
Final Words
Whether you’re slow-roasting chickens or sizzling steaks, the best pellet grills can handle just about anything with ease. As the versatile hybrid of a smoker and grill, these all-encompassing cooking appliances inherit potent heating prowesses. Thanks to their natural flair for barbecue, you get to enjoy different cooking methods to diversify your menu.
