We Compared the 7 Best Wood Pellet Grills in 2026

For ribs and brisket, steady low heat and usable rack space matter. For burgers after work, being able to sear on the same grill can matter more.

Quick verdict

The Weber SmokeFire EX4 reaches 600°F and gives a steak cook more heat headroom than the 500°F Traeger Ironwood. Traeger starts lower at 165°F for gentle smoke. For a tailgate, the 12V Green Mountain Trek Prime 2.0 trades cooking area for portability. For a crowd, the Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 offers 850 square inches and a direct-flame opening.

At a glance

What changes the choice?

Option	Cooking temperature settings	Cooking area for the model shown	What changes the choice for a real cook?
Traeger IronwoodTraeger Ironwood	165–500°F.	616 sq. in. across two racks, 396 on the main rack.	WiFIRE app control and a touchscreen for monitoring a long smoke.
Weber SmokeFire EX4Weber SmokeFire EX4	200–600°F.	672 sq. in. across two racks, 432 on the main rack.	Extra high-temperature headroom for finishing steaks after smoking.
Recteq RT-700	200–500°F in 5°F steps, plus LO and FUL settings.	702 sq. in. standard cooking area.	A 40 lb hopper for a long session without frequent pellet top-ups.
Pit Boss Pro Series II 850	180–500°F on the controller. A slide plate also exposes the flame.	850 sq. in. across the cooking grids.	A direct-flame opening for a localized sear over the fire.
Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24	160–500°F for the Woodwind WiFi 24.	811 sq. in. across the cooking racks.	Sidekick compatibility if you want to add a separate cooking surface.
Green Mountain Grills TrekGreen Mountain Grills Trek Prime 2.0	150–550°F for the Prime 2.0.	274 sq. in. on this portable model.	12V direct power and a 61.5 lb grill body for tailgates or camping.
Z Grills 7002C2E WiFi	The 7002C2E WiFi reaches 500°F; standard 700 models can top out at 450°F.	697 sq. in. total on the 7002C2E.	Family-size cooking area with WiFi on this specific 700-series variant.

Which option fits you?

Traeger Ironwood

View Traeger Ironwood on Amazon ↗

Choose the standard Ironwood for a 165°F start, app control and 396 square inches on the main rack. The similarly named 650 and XL have different dimensions.

Weber SmokeFire EX4

View Weber SmokeFire EX4 at Weber ↗

Choose the EX4 if steak finishing matters after a low cook. Its main grate is 36 square inches larger than the standard Ironwood’s.

Recteq RT-700

The RT-700’s 40 lb hopper and 702-square-inch cooking area favor long cooks for a group. Check the condition of an older unit before pricing it against a new one.

Pit Boss Pro Series II 850

The II 850 offers 850 square inches and a slide plate for flame access. Its 500°F controller ceiling describes chamber temperature, a different measure from heat at the flame.

Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24

The WiFi 24 suits someone who wants a pellet cooker now and the option to add a Sidekick cooking attachment later. Price the attachment separately.

Green Mountain Grills Trek Prime 2.0

View Green Mountain Grills Trek on Amazon ↗

The Prime 2.0 runs on 12V and weighs 61.5 lb. The 274-square-inch grate makes sense on a trip where a larger backyard grill would stay home.

Z Grills 7002C2E WiFi

The 7002C2E WiFi provides 697 square inches and a 500°F ceiling. Check the full model code when comparing a discounted 700-series grill.

Frequently asked questions

Which pellet grill fits both weeknight searing and long barbecue cooks?

We Tried It All recommends the Weber SmokeFire EX4 for a buyer who wants a 600°F finish on steaks and the Traeger Ironwood for cooks who want a lower 165°F start on a long smoke. The 12V Trek Prime 2.0 fits a different decision: taking the grill to a tailgate.

When does a 600°F upper range matter?

Weber lists a 200–600°F range for SmokeFire. A cook who wants to smoke first and sear on the same grill has a reason to compare it with Traeger Ironwood. Someone who mainly cooks low and slow may care more about steady control and cooking area. Compare the exact generation and check availability. A maximum set temperature is a manufacturer specification, not a measured grate temperature.

Are wood pellet grills worth it?

A pellet grill fits someone who wants an automated fuel feed and temperature control on a long cook. A buyer who mainly sears small portions should weigh the warming time and need for electricity against a simpler grill.

Can you sear steaks on a pellet grill?

The Weber SmokeFire EX4 has a 600°F maximum setting, while the Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 can expose the fire through a slide plate. The first number is a chamber setting; the second feature supplies a small area of direct heat.

How much do wood pellets cost to run a pellet grill?

Fuel cost varies with cook temperature, weather, pellets and time. At a hypothetical $20 per 20 lb bag, each pound costs $1. A session that consumes 4 lb would use $4 in pellets; the grill’s hopper capacity alone cannot establish that burn rate.

Do pellet grills need electricity?

Yes, pellet grills use electricity to power the auger, fan, and controller that automate the fire. This means you need an outlet or a portable power source, which is why portable models like the GMG Trek support battery or car power.

Does total square footage tell me how many burgers will sear together?

Use the main grate dimensions and shape for that question. Space on an upper warming rack cannot automatically be counted as equivalent searing space beside the fire.

How should I compare pellet costs for my usual cook?

Weigh pellets before and after a representative session, then multiply pounds consumed by your delivered price per pound. Include startup and shutdown. A single burn-rate estimate cannot capture every temperature or weather condition.

How do I check an older SmokeFire listing?

Ask for the exact model, generation and serial information, then locate the matching Weber parts diagram. Confirm the condition of grates, hopper and electrical components before valuing a used unit.

Which features matter if the grill lives away from the house?

Measure the footprint with the lid open, plan a manufacturer-approved electrical connection and check whether you rely on wireless controls there. A portable frame alone does not solve the need for power.

When does the upper rack change the buying decision?

It helps when your usual food can cook on separate levels. If you need several items on one high-heat surface at the same time, compare main-grate space first and treat upper-rack space separately.

Updated November 9, 2026.