Portable pellet grills are a great option for those who love to cook outdoors, whether it’s in the backyard, at a campsite, or on a road trip. These grills, especially those designed for portability, are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and set up wherever you go. They use pellets made from compressed wood to provide heat and smoke, giving your food a delicious smoky flavor.
When choosing the best portable pellet grill, there are a few things to keep in mind. For those looking for a varied cooking surface, a flat-top grill could be beneficial. First, consider the size and weight of the grill, as well as its portability features such as handles or wheels. If you are camping, a portable campfire grill may suit your needs.
You’ll also want to think about the cooking area and temperature range, as well as any additional features like built-in thermometers or ash cleanout systems. For those seeking something cost-effective, exploring some budget-friendly options could prove beneficial.
After researching and testing several portable pellet grills, we’ve identified the top options for those who want to cook on the go. For those preferring a more traditional approach, a large charcoal grill may be more suitable. These grills offer a great balance of portability, performance, and features, making them ideal for camping, tailgating, or any other outdoor cooking adventure. For BBQ lovers, choosing the best portable BBQ could enhance their outdoor cooking experience, while an indoor portable grill can allow for a similar experience indoors.
Best Portable Pellet Grills
We know that finding the right portable pellet grill can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a grill that is easy to transport or one that has a large cooking surface, we’ve got you covered. Our team has tested and reviewed each of these grills to ensure that they meet our standards for quality and performance. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best portable pellet grills.
PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Grill, Mahogany
If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that delivers restaurant-quality meals, you should consider the Pit Boss® Mahogany Series 150PPS Table Top Wood Pellet Grill.
Pros
- The 256 square inches of porcelain-coated steel cooking grates provide ample space to cook for your friends and family.
- The 5-pound hopper capacity ensures you won’t have to refill the hopper frequently.
- The dial-in digital control board with LED readout allows you to set and maintain the temperature with ease.
Cons
- The assembly process can be time-consuming and requires some effort.
- The pellet cooking temperature range of 180° To 500°F may not be suitable for all types of cooking.
- The slide-plate for direct or indirect flame grilling up to 1,000° F may not be as durable as expected.
We’ve used the Pit Boss® Mahogany Series 150PPS Table Top Wood Pellet Grill and found it to be a great addition to our outdoor cooking arsenal. The grill is easy to carry, thanks to the locking lid and convenient handles. The high-temperature powder coat finish and heavy-duty steel construction ensure the grill can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking.
The 8-in-1 cooking versatility allows you to smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, grill, char-grill or barbecue, making it a versatile cooking companion. The 5-year warranty is a testament to the quality of the grill and provides peace of mind.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that delivers restaurant-quality meals, the Pit Boss® Mahogany Series 150PPS Table Top Wood Pellet Grill is an excellent choice.
Z GRILLS Portable Pellet Smoker
If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that is easy to transport, set up, and clean, then the Z GRILLS Portable Pellet Smoker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Upgrade PID control technology ensures even heat distribution across the cooking surface, keeping temps within +/- 20° F.
- The PRO version includes a meat probe, making it easier to smoke your food without having to babysit the grill.
- With its 180° to 450° F temps range, the 8-in-1 grill and smoker offers more versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill with incredible hardwood flavor.
Cons
- The temperature control mounting hardware is not very sturdy.
- The assembly process can take a few hours to complete.
- The unit is a bit heavy and bulky.
We’ve been using the Z GRILLS Portable Pellet Smoker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with how easy it is to use and how great the food tastes. The pellet grill technology makes it incredibly easy to get wood-smoked flavors, and the 8-in-1 functionality means you can use it for a variety of cooking methods.
One thing we really appreciate about this grill is the Upgrade PID control technology. It ensures that the heat is evenly distributed across the cooking surface, which means you won’t have any hot spots or cold spots. Plus, the temperature stays within +/- 20° F, so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting the heat.
The PRO version of the Z GRILLS Portable Pellet Smoker also includes a meat probe, which is a great feature. You can set it and forget it, and the grill will do all the work for you. This means you can spend more time enjoying your company and less time babysitting the grill.
Overall, we think the Z GRILLS Portable Pellet Smoker is a great option for anyone who wants a portable pellet grill that is easy to use and produces great-tasting food. The only downsides are the slightly flimsy temperature control mounting hardware, the time it takes to assemble, and the weight of the unit. But these are minor issues that don’t detract from the overall quality of the grill.
Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker,
Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
If you’re looking for a versatile, portable pellet grill and smoker, the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option.
Pros
- With 8-in-1 cooking capabilities, you can smoke, BBQ, grill, roast, sear, braise, bake, and char-grill all on one machine.
- Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to take anywhere.
- Digital controller allows for precise temperature control and real-time LED temperature display.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty with programming the temperature settings.
- The sear zone is a bit small, limiting the amount of food you can sear at once.
- The hopper capacity is only 4 lbs, which may require frequent refilling.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker and were impressed with its versatility and portability. The 256 sq.in. of cooking space and integrated sear zone allowed us to cook a wide variety of foods, from steaks to vegetables to baked goods. The wide temperature range from 180°F to 500°F allowed us to cook everything to our desired level of doneness, and the digital controller made it easy to adjust the temperature as needed.
One thing to note is that some users have reported difficulty with programming the temperature settings, so it may take some trial and error to get it just right. Additionally, the sear zone is a bit small, so if you’re looking to sear a lot of food at once, you may need to do it in batches. Finally, the hopper capacity is only 4 lbs, so if you plan on doing a lot of smoking, you may need to refill the hopper frequently.
Overall, we think the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile, portable pellet grill and smoker. Its 8-in-1 cooking capabilities, lightweight design, and digital controller make it a great choice for backyard dinners, camping, tailgating, and more.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best portable pellet grill, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Size
The size of the grill is an important consideration, especially if you plan to take it on the go. Look for a grill that is lightweight and compact, but still has enough cooking space to meet your needs.
Temperature Range
A wide temperature range is important for versatility in cooking. Look for a grill that can reach high temperatures for searing, as well as lower temperatures for smoking and slow cooking.
Fuel Source
Pellet grills can be fueled by either wood pellets or charcoal. Consider which fuel source you prefer and choose a grill that accommodates your preference.
Durability
Choose a grill made of high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and travel. Look for features such as sturdy legs, durable grates, and a durable exterior.
Additional Features
Many pellet grills come with additional features such as built-in thermometers, ash cleanout systems, and grease management systems. Consider which features are important to you and choose a grill that has those features.
In summary, when choosing the best portable pellet grill, consider the size, temperature range, fuel source, durability, and additional features. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a grill that meets your needs and provides a great cooking experience on the go.
Cameron Harrison is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for all things grilled. With years of experience exploring the world of portable grilling, he's become a seasoned expert in selecting the perfect grill for any adventure. When he's not testing and reviewing grills, you can find him out in the wild, savoring delicious barbecued creations and sharing his expertise through his writing. Cameron is dedicated to helping readers make the most of their outdoor cooking experiences.