Content Summary
Some say summertime is the best time of year to gather with family and friends for some good old-fashioned backyard fun.
But how about the great weather days in spring and autumn? Has your BBQ-season already been extended to 3, like ours?
If you're looking for the best portable grill, look no further! In this blog post, we will review some of the best ones on the market. Including portable pellet smokers, tabletop pellet grills and other portable pellet grills.
We'll discuss features, benefits, and why a portable pellet grill is a must-have for any great outdoor gathering!
How We Spotlight The Best Portable Pellet Grills
It may be tough to find the best portable pellet grill or portable pellet smoker among all the brands and models of portable wood pellet grills in the outdoor cooking appliances category.
It might be difficult to choose which portable grill is best for you without spending hours researching.
We did all the research for you and spotlighted the six best portable pellet grills and portable pellet smokers based on their capacity (cooking space), versatility, quality (stainless steel components), design, simplicity of operation, and convenience of cleaning.
Two belong to the tabletop pellet grill category. Tip: don't go for a small pellet grill. Unless of course you prefer to enjoy grilling by yourself, with your buddy, or with your significant other.
Check out our catchy finds to pick the one portable grill that meets your outdoor cooking needs. Choose the one that's ideal for you.
Traeger Grills Tailgater Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Why We Spotlight It
If you're looking for the ultimate portable pellet grill, then you need the Traeger Grills Tailgater. This grill is designed for those who want to take their grilling game on the road, whether it's to the balcony or backyard, tailgate or campsite.
The Tailgater uses wood pellets to give your food that delicious wood-fired taste, and it's capable of grilling, smoking, and baking.
Whether you're cooking up steaks, burgers, or ribs, the Tailgater will make sure they're cooked to perfection. And with its easy-to-use digital controls, you can always get the perfect temperature for your food.
What Makes It Catchy
Traeger Grills Tailgater is the perfect device for pre-game parties or weekend getaways.
This compact, portable grill has EZ-Fold legs that make it easy to set up and take down, and inside its spacy cooking chamber its 300 square inch grilling surface lets you cook 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens at a time.
Plus, its 6-in-1 versatility allows you to grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ your favorite foods.
So whether you're tailgating at a football game or camping in the woods, the Traeger Grills Tailgater will help you enjoy delicious, wood-fired flavor anywhere.
Things You Should Know
This grill is perfect for anyone who loves to entertain, thanks to its consistent temperatures and easy-to-use design. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a grilling novice, the Traeger Grills Tailgater will help you achieve the perfect cook every time.
With its temperature range of 180-450 degrees Fahrenheit, you can grill up anything from a perfectly cooked steak to mouthwatering veggies.
It also features Traeger's Digital Arc controller, which ensures precise temperature control, as well as a Keep Warm Mode that keeps your meal warm until you are ready.
So don't wait any longer, get your hands on the Traeger Grills Tailgater Portable Wood Pellet Grill and start your next BBQ adventure today!
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Why We Spotlight It
This pellet grill has a temperature range from 180° to 450° F, so you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill to your heart's content. And with its 8-in-1 versatility, you'll be able to make all your favorite dishes with ease.
Try it out for yourself and taste the difference. The wood-smoked flavor is unlike anything you've ever tasted before.
What Makes It Catchy
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is the perfect choice for small families who love the big flavor. This pellet grill is perfectly sized for small households, yet infuses big flavors into your food.
The sturdy steel construction and high-temperature powder coating finish make the pellet grill long-lasting, bringing you years of ultimate wood-fired grilling experience.
Things You Should Know
This grill is unlike any other on the market, and it will take your grilling game to the next level.
The PID technology holds minimal and constant temperature throughout your cooking for consistent results.
The Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is perfect for those who want to enjoy longer cooking times without having to constantly refill the hopper.
With a 20-hour cook time per 20 lbs. of pellets, you'll be able to cook for hours on end without having to worry about running out of fuel. No need to babysit while grilling.
Ready to upgrade to something that will make your cooking experience more enjoyable? If so, you need the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. This one clearly belongs to the best portable grills available on the market today.
Pit Boss PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill
Why We Spotlight It
Powered by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets, this grill offers one-of-a-kind flavor that your guests will love. Plus, the Mahogany finish and High Temp Powder Coat Finish give this grill a truly luxurious look.
Made from heavy gauge stainless steel, the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is built to last. With its complete structural strength and durability, this grill can handle anything you throw at it.
Whether you're cooking for a large group or just grilling for your family, the Pit Boss is up to the task.
What Makes It Catchy
The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect addition to any backyard. With a massive 465 square inches of cooking area in its spacy cooking chamber, this grill can accommodate even the largest gatherings.
This innovative grill uses fan-forced convection cooking to eliminate the need for a rotisserie, creating a versatile environment for searing, char-grilling, barbecuing, grilling, roasting, smoking, braising, and baking.
With its large cooking space and a removable upper cooking rack, there are endless possibilities for mouthwatering meals.
The grill features include a great-looking two-tone black and mahogany finish, a combination side shelf and serving tray, a solid bottom shelf, and a bottle opener. Yes - the Pit Boss is complete!
The hopper lid side shelf makes it easy to keep your food and accessories within reach. Whether you're hosting a cookout for your friends and family or just grilling for yourself, the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is sure to make your next BBQ a success.
Things You Should Know
The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect grill for those who want to dial in their grilling temperature with precision.
With its digital control and LED read-out, you can easily set the temperature to anything from 180° to 500°F.
And with its simple slide-plate, you can switch between direct and indirect flame grilling with ease. Whether you're grilling up steaks, chicken, or veggies, the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill will help you get juicy, flavorful results every time. This is a real contestant for the title "best portable pellet grill".
Delicious barbecue is now easier than ever with the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill. So fire up your grill and your taste buds and get ready for some serious grilling deliciousness.
ASMOKE AS350 Portable Tabletop Pellet Grill & Smoker
Why We Spotlight It
Tabletop pellet grills are in high demand for their size, quality and good looks. This tabletop pellet grill and smoker enables you to prepare delicious moist and juicy texture roasts by cooking them without drying them. Wood-fired flavor roasts can be made using superheated steam and pellet grilling, resulting in delectable moist and juicy texture roasts.
The Asmoke is a Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker that can reach up to 500F degrees and sear at 450F degrees. It features precise temperature control.
This pellet grill also offers a unique smoke setting that allows you to control the amount of wood pellets used for smoking, giving your food just the right flavor.
What Makes It Catchy
This portable barbecue has a slender design with a stainless steel frame and nonstick porcelain-coated steel for easy cleaning. The digital control panel is located at the front of the grill for ease of use.
It has a see-through lid so you can check on your food in its cooking space without opening the grill and letting the heat escape.
The Asmoke has two wheels for transportability and a fold-down side shelf that can be used as a preparation area or for temporary space to keep your grilling accessories at hand.
It's small enough to take anywhere yet big enough to grill plenty of food at the same time, thanks to its 256 square inches of cooking space.
We like the Asmoke so much because it stands out among quality pellet grills as a low-cost smoker that comes with a ton of features.
It's easy to use and easy to clean, making it a great option for anyone looking for a portable pellet grill that can add that special smoky flavor to grilled foods.
Things You Should Know
It has an 8-in-1 functionality: grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, BBQ, and char-grill. Compared to other pellet grills, this functionality is a true asset.
With a 180-degree Fahrenheit minimum temperature, 500-degree maximum temperature range, and direct heat capability, this device fullfills all your grilling needs with just one tabletop pellet grill.
The Asmoke pellet grill may operate on 110 to 120V AC, which is within the scope of a portable power bank, RV outlet, and wall socket; Whether you're in the backyard or on the tailgate, the Asmoke is a flexible companion for cooking.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, before using your pellet grill for the first time, clean it and preheat it. You will not regret obtaining this great little portable pellet smoker.
Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill
Best Choice For Its Mobility
Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill
Why We Spotlight It
This portable pellet grill smoker with its spacy cooking chamber and surface is ideal for small families, campers, tailgaters, RV'ers, or anybody who wants to cook two racks of ribs or four to six excellent steaks or a stack of burgers.
The Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Smoker & Grill is a great choice because of its cooking space, but also its easy operation, its compact size and its portability.
What Makes It Catchy
This one belongs to the elite category of best portable pellet grills.
Green Mountain Grills' TREK model is the pinnacle of portability when it comes to pellet grills. It includes a digital WiFi controller: control and monitor with iOS or Android mobile app, a meat probe, a peaked lid for rib racks, and sense-mite.
Additionally, it has a thermal sensor that measures grill temperature all while remaining small enough to fit in your car's cup holder.
Things You Should Know
Grill smarter and eat healthier with GMG Smart Control! You may control and monitor your grill from anywhere with this feature.
If you are only familiar with a gas or charcoal fueled grill, you will soon discover the advantages of using an electric pellet grill with smart monitoring.
Using the GMG Smart Control app on your phone you can adjust the smoke and cooking temperature in 5° increments of 150°F to 550°F. The grill is powered by either 12V or 120AC, making it ideal for home or outdoor use.
Tailgating, hunting, house-boating, music festivals, and other events where you can bring it are all possible with this open flame, yet safe technology. Grease trays are available as an option; we recommend getting one or two, as this makes the operation more convenient.
The auger, powered by a gasoline engine, feeds pellets into the fire pot. The pellets are ignited automatically by a hot rod and kept burning by a combustion fan located below. A simple yet highly workable and safe technology.
Vents on the interior of the fire pot create an ideal wood-burning fire that circulates clean hardwood smoke causing the delightful wood smoke taste.
Pit Boss 10697 Mahogany Table Top Grill
Why We Spotlight It
The Pit Boss Mahogany Table Top Grill is the perfect addition to your backyard oasis. Made with 100% all-natural hardwood pellet fuel, this grill is sure to give your food a delicious smoky flavor.
Using advanced technology and premium craftsmanship, this grill is perfect for smoking, baking, roasting, braising, searing, grilling, or barbecuing. The Pit Boss Mahogany Table Top Grill can handle it with ease and convenience.
Whether you're cooking for a large group or just a few people, the Pit Boss Mahogany Table Top Grill is the perfect choice for any occasion.
What Makes It Catchy
The Pit Boss Mahogany Table Top Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect way to get restaurant-quality meals on the go.
This grill is easy to carry and features a locking lid and convenient handles, making it the ideal cooking companion for your next backyard BBQ or tailgate party.
With 256 square inches of grilling space, you’ll have plenty of room to cook up your favorite dishes.
And thanks to the unbeatable hardwood flavor, you’ll be able to enjoy succulent, mouthwatering meals that will delight your guests. It is your perfect cooking companion.
Things You Should Know
This incredible grill features porcelain-coated steel cooking grates, a dial-in digital control board with LED readout, and a pellet cooking temperature range of 180° To 500°F.
Plus, it also comes with an open flame searing up to 1,000° F. So no matter what you're looking to cook, whether it's a simple burger or steak, this grill will help you get the perfect sear every time. And best of all, it comes with a 5-pound pellet hopper capacity, so you can cook for hours without having to worry about running out of pellets.
So if you're looking for a powerful and convenient pellet grill, the Pit Boss Mahogany Table Top Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect choice for you.
Pellet Grill FAQs
Portable pellet grills, from tabletop pellet grills (a truly compact grill, so easy to store) to portable pellet smokers, have fast become a vastly popular outdoor cooking appliance. Portable grills enable you cooking delicious dishes.
Meanwhile, with so many different brands and models now available, it has become difficult to choose which portable pellet grill meets your needs.
To assist you in making an informed purchase among the best portable wood pellet grills, for your convenience we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about how a pellet grill works, what kind of meals you can cook with it, what capacity is required and what you need to do keep it working properly and safely.
This list of questions and answers will help you make a quick yet well-informed purchasing decision today.
What is a pellet grill?
A pellet grill is a type of outdoor cooking appliance with a cooking chamber, using pellets made from various types of wood to smoke, flavor, and cook food.
Pellet grills are growing in popularity because they provide a unique flavor profile that can't be replicated with other types of grilling methods. Charcoal in a pellet grill adds a smoky flavor to foods, while the pellets themselves provide a light, woodsy taste.
The combination of these two flavors creates an unparalleled depth of flavor that you just can't get from using gas or electric grills.
Why are pellet grills so popular?
A pellet grill can maintain a low, steady temperature for hours without needing adjustments. In other words, they have a limited temperature range.
But: that's exactly what you want when it comes to slow-cooking, slow-smoking, smoke-infused-tasting steaks, ribs, brisket, or pulled pork without burning or drying out the food.
How long do pellet grills last?
With proper care, cleaning and maintenance a pellet grill will last, depending on the frequency of use, at least five to fifteen years. Good maintenance includes timely replacement of damaged components. This will be easier when you own a grill of a well-known brand.
What is the difference between a pellet grill and a charcoal grill?
There are a few key differences between pellet grills and charcoal grills. For one, pellet grills use compressed pellets of wood or other biomass materials for fuel, whereas charcoal grills use, well, charcoal.
A pellet grill also has ignitors that make it easier to get started, and it typically offers more control over the cooking temperature than a charcoal grill. Perhaps most importantly, a pellet grill tends to produce less smoke than its charcoal counterpart.
Horizontal pellet smokers cook fast; vertical pellet smokers cook slow. Many steak gourmets prefer the slow-cooked variety. They may insist on temperature control, and being able to adjust cooking temperatures.
So which type of vertical smoker grill is right for you? If you're looking for an easy-to-use grill with plenty of temperature range control options, a vertical pellet smoker may be the way to go. On the other hand, if the smell of pure charcoal is just irresistible, just go for a charcoal grill.
What is the difference of pellet grill and pellet smoker?
While both pellet grills and pellet smokers use wood pellets as fuel, there is a distinct difference between the two. Pellet grills are designed for cooking food directly on the grill, whereas pellet smokers are designed for smoking food indirectly.
With a pellet grill, you simply load the pellets into the hopper, set your desired temperature, and let the grill do its work. The great thing about pellet grills is that they’re very easy to use – even a beginner can achieve professional level quality results.
A pellet smoker on the other hand, is designed for smoking food indirectly. This means that you’ll need to set up a water pan and heat diffuser to use one.
While pellet smokers take a bit more effort to set up, they can be great for those who want to smoke food without having to watch it constantly.
Unsurprisingly, the best pellet smokers have become bestsellers. Is it word-of-mouth? Or have we all learned how to find our way to "the best"?
So, there you have it! A pellet grill is perfect for those who want an easy-to-use grill with plenty of temperature control options. A pellet smoker is ideal for those who want to smoke food without having to watch it constantly.
Yes there are "other grills". Of course, grill technology improves all the time. But both pellet grills and pellet smokers are here to stay.
Do large pellet grills use more pellets?
Yes. The larger the grill, the more pellets it needs to heat it. If you plan cook for 2 or 3 people on a regular basis, you might be wasting money on pellets trying to heat up a larger grill. In other words, consider buying a smaller size pellet grill.
What causes pellet grills to explode?
Short answer: Too much fuel at once is basically what leads to pellet grills exploding. So if there are too many pellets in the burner (more than about an inch of pellets burning at once or packed too tight), you use too much fuel at one time.
Longer answer: There are a few different things that can cause pellet grills to explode. One of the most common causes is using too many pellets in the fire pot. These can start to smolder and produce flames, causing the grill to malfunction and ultimately explode.
Another common cause of pellet grill explosions is grease and fat accumulating in the fire pot. This can cause a build-up of pressure inside the grill. If this pressure gets too high, it can eventually cause an explosion.
To avoid these potential problems, it's important to make sure you're using the right amount of pellets in your fire pot, always clean the grill after use, and make sure all its parts are functioning and in good shape.
Are pellets better than charcoal?
A pellet grill is designed to be more like a smoker than a traditional charcoal grill. They work wonderful when you want to cook meat at constant lower temperatures.
With pellets, higher temperatures are usually a bit harder to reach and maintain. But compared to charcoal, pellets burn quicker.
What tastes better, charcoal or pellets?
In the end it's all a matter of taste - absolutely. Although wood pellets cause a fine smoky taste, many people prefer charcoal over pellets. The smoke-infused flavor is richer.
It doesn’t matter what you're cooking, charcoal grills produce a taste that is hard to beat. But to many the mixture of pellet and charcoal smoke is simply unparalleled. And sure, some simply prefer pellet smoke. Did you say personal taste matters? Of course it does.
Are pellet smokers worth it?
Pellet grills are worth it if you want to bring grilling to the next level, by adding a smoky flavor to the meat. Regular grilling is fine when you want to cook a few steaks, pulled pork, brisket, ribs or burgers, but if you want to get the most out of a grill, and get even more delicious steaks and burgers, consider a pellet grill and smoker.
What is the difference between a horizontal and a vertical pellet smoker?
The key difference between a horizontal and a vertical pellet smoker: a vertical pellet smoker is purely for 'going low and slow', typically around 250 degrees.
A vertical pellet smoker cannot grill at temperatures of 450 degrees and above. Only some horizontal smokers can.
Can I put wood chips in my pellet smoker?
Yes, you can use wood chips in a pellet smoker to add a nice smoky flavor to the meat. To improve the burning efficiency, make sure you pack the wood chips tightly - just not too tightly.
Pellet tubes add extra smoky flavor to meat without damaging the parts of a pellet grill.
What is a pellet tube used for?
Similar to a smoker box or foil packet filled with chips, a smoke tube is designed for long-lasting smoke output so you don't have to keep refueling.
You can use a smoke tube to smoke on a gas grill, cold smoke, or in this case, to help you get more smoke flavor from your pellet grill.
Do you soak wood pellets before smoking?
Wood pellets have been processed from sawdust by pressure. This generates heat, and any contaminants inside the wood are eliminated. This results in a clean smoking wood product. So, no need to soak wood pellets before smoking.
What is cheaper, pellets or charcoal?
Wood pellets are usually more expensive than charcoal. Pellets come in large bags and many flavors. If the flavor is not to your liking, then you’re basically stuck with it. Charcoal on the other hand is cheap and widely available. If you know how, you can even make it yourself.
How long does a 20-pound bag of pellets last in a pellet grill?
The smoker burns 1 to 3 pounds of pellets per hour. Each 20-pound bag provides between 6 to 20 hours of cooking time, with 6 for high heat and 20 for low heat.
How do portable pellet grills work?
Portable pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular, due in large part to their versatility and ease of use. They work very similar to standard pellet grills. Both grills use compressed wood pellets as their fuel source, which makes them very easy to operate.
You simply load the pellets into the hopper, set the temperature you want the grill to cook at, and let it do its thing. The grill will automatically feed pellets into the fire as needed to maintain the temperature you've selected.
Pellet grills can be used for both direct and indirect cooking. Direct cooking is when you place your food directly over the heat source, just like with a traditional gas or charcoal grill. This is great for items like burgers or hot dogs that cook quickly.
How long do pellet grills last?
Pellet grills typically last between 10 and 20 years, though this depends on a number of factors. Proper maintenance is important to extend the life of your grill, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, consider investing in a grill cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.
The type of pellets you use can also affect how long your grill lasts. Some pellets are made from more durable materials than others, so it’s worth doing some research to find out which pellets will give you the most longevity. Ultimately, pellet grills are a great investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast!
Best Pellet Grill For You
Now that you know a little more about portable pellet grills and smokers, it's time to choose the best one for your needs.
We have spotlighted the best portable pellet grills and smokers on the market and provided links so that you may learn more about their pricing.
We hope this list has helped you narrow down your choices and that you find the best portable pellet grill for your next BBQ.
Haven't found enough product suggestions? Read on for 5 perfect portable pellet grills from Fadfindings. And if you need some tips for cleaning an outdoor portable grill, read on this article to clean up your grilling gadgets.
You may also read other posts on our site about various kinds, sizes and colors of different pellet grills, as well as other outdoor cooking equipment reviews.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article, and have a wonderful day!
Happy grilling!
Catchy Finds
