There are many ways to cook a great BBQ. But you know what’s the best way? A pellet smoker! Pellet smokers have so many benefits over other types of cooking, like gas grills or charcoal grills. They’re much more efficient and clean. Plus they can be brought anywhere with ease because they’re portable. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 8 best portable pellet smokers on the market for your convenience!
In a rush? Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 is the overall best portable pellet smoker currently available on the market.
They also come at an affordable price, which is great if you’re on a budget. What’s more, they don’t require much energy so just plug it in and fire it up! Your next backyard cookout will be amazing as long as you get one of these babies out there.
8 Best Portable Pellet Smokers 2024
I have included 8 products in this guide after reviewing and analyzing lots of potential choices. Each one has its pros and cons, so it is important to keep in mind what features you want when making your decision. In my opinion, all 8 of these models are worth considering when searching for your next smoker.
Check out the comparison table for a quick overview.
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
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Traeger Grills Tailgater 20
| 300 sq inches grilling area, Innovative design, Foldable legs to facilitate easy transportation | Check Price |
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Traeger Grills Ranger Portable
| 8 lbs hopper capacity, Highly reliable heat probe, Heating capacity of 16000 BTU | Check Price |
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Green Mountain WiFi Control
| liable side shelves with built-in hooks for easy preparation of food, Easy management through wifi, Enhanced pellet capacity | Check Price |
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ASMOKE AS300
| Highly versatile, Total cooking space of 256 sq inches, A highly reliable ventilation mechanism | Check Price |
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Grilla Grills Chimp Smoker
| Hopper capacity of 15 pounds, Foldable legs and casters, Ergonomic handles for easy handling | Check Price |
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Traeger Grill Ironwood 650
| Easy management with the help of the Traeger app, Double-sided insulation enhances fuel efficiency, Original wood-fired taste | Check Price |
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Camp Chef 20
| Utilize high-end PID controller, Slide and grill technology for easy switching between direct and indirect cooking, Bush-button folding legs | Check Price |
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Traeger Grills Pro Series 575
| The keep-warm function keeps the food warm, A set of hooks is provided on the back to hang the grates when idle. | Check Price |
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down below and see which one is right for YOU!
1. Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Tailgater 20 from the list of the best Traeger Grills outperforms every other in terms of portability, operational efficiency, ease of use, and convenience for users. With its grilling surface of 300 sq inches, it is undoubtedly one of the best portable devices out there!
Its EZ-fold leg design enables users to easily transport from one location to the other without involving any hassles. The Digital Pro controller of the device is suitable for efficient management of the temperature throughout your smoking experience. All in all, it is the best choice to consider in terms of the best portable pellet smoker.
EZ Foldable Leg Design
The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 is a portable grill with an innovative design that makes it easier to transport. The EZ Fold leg design means you can set up in seconds, and then pack away without having to remove any parts. The folding legs make transporting and storing simple. Moreover, the innovative design ensures that folding legs give you incredible stability on uneven surfaces like grass or gravel.
The temperature control unit gives you the ability to cook your food just the way you like it, whether it’s at low or high heat. It also has versatility when it comes to cooking options: You can use wood pellets for smoking and grilling for convenience. The Tailgater 20 is compact enough to fit into small spaces yet highly effective at delivering quality results.
300 sq Inches Grilling Area
Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 is a great portable grill for tailgating, camping, and more. The 300-square-inch grilling surface provides enough room to cook for a small team or your family at outdoor parties. It’s a medium-size BBQ that folds down to fit in your trunk.
It also features a high-quality ignition mechanism for easy startups and enhanced convenience for users. Additionally, it comes with a built-in thermometer, so you’ll always know if your cooking is perfect!
Automated Auger
At only 60 pounds, this grill packs a lot of power and performance into a small package. The Tailgater’s Automated Auger Feed System delivers pellets as needed while cooking, so you can focus on what matters – the food!
The Tailgater 20 comes with a 6-pound pellet hopper capacity. As a result, you can grill continuously without having to frequently refill like other grills. However, this hopper capacity is only good for portable smokers. For traditional vertical pellet smokers, you should go for higher value hopper capacity.
Read Also: How to clean a Traeger Grill?
2. Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
The next on our list is another beast from Traeger that is also famous for its consistent performance regarding portable grills and smokers. However, the total cooking area is smaller than the previous model at 184 square inches. A hopper capacity of 8 pounds is a little more than that of the previously discussed model.
The overall weight of the pellet smoker is nearly 60 pounds, meaning you will not have any issues transferring to your desired location. The porcelain-coated coated grates are convenient for users in many ways. Lastly, the temperature management and fuel efficiency of the grill also enable the device to outperform many of its competitors.
Reliable Heat Probe
Traeger Ranger is one of the ultimate tailgate grills and smokers. The built-in meat probe lets you know when your food reaches the perfect temperature, so you can pull it off the grill at just the right time.
It features a digital control panel that allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature. The Traeger Ranger makes it easy to cook everything from steak to sausage and bacon. Simply plug it in, set the temperature control, and you are ready to start grilling in minutes.
8 lbs Hopper Capacity
The Traeger Ranger is a portable wood pellet grill and smoker that allows you to cook like a pro, wherever you are. The Ranger’s high-capacity hopper holds up to 8 lbs of pellets, enough for over 2.5 hours of cooking at 225 °F (107 °C)! From full hickory smoke flavor to the versatility of indirect heat cooking, the Ranger has something for everyone.
The Ranger features an advanced digital temperature controller that maintains a constant temperature throughout the cooking process. All in all, the Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker from Traeger Grills is the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a wood pellet smoker, but have limited space.
Exceptional Heating Capacity
The Traeger Grills Ranger portable pellet grill is the perfect addition to any patio, deck, or tailgate party. This grill has a heating capacity of 16000 BTU. approximately 85 BTU per square inch of the device.
Ranger from Traeger Grills offers a maximum temperature of 450 degrees, meaning you will have plenty of cooking choices to consider. The porcelain cooking grate provides enough surface area for you to feed a small group of friends and family at an outdoor gathering.
Read Also: Pellet Smoker vs Charcoal Smoker: Which is Better?
3. Green Mountain WiFi Control Portable Smoker
Green Mountain pellet smoker is one of the most highly well-built portable pellet grills available on the market. The smoker offers nearly all the features of a high-end grill without compromising portability. It offers a total grilling capacity of 219 sq inches with an overall weight of 68 lbs.
In terms of hopper capacity, this model has a 9 lbs capacity, which is slightly more than its predecessors. However, the most significant feature is the availability of Wi-Fi support that enables users to control the smoker remotely. Finally, a meat probe and a grease tray made of 13-gauge steel allow for effective temperature control.
WiFi Controlled Pellet Smoker
Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi is a smoker that brings out the best flavors of your favorite foods. It’s an all-in-one grill smoker that lets you play with fire without getting burned.
Control from anywhere via wifi or smartphone. The grill features a WiFi connection for monitoring and controlling from afar, as well as an integrated meat probe to help monitor food temperature.
High-End Build
This grill has been engineered to withstand the elements and be a part of your outdoor adventures for years to come. The high-grade steel construction makes it perfect for long-term use and its unique design features allow it to be taken anywhere. Given the price tag, the product offers ultimate value in terms of sturdiness and reliability.
The Davy Crockett’s ergonomic side shelves with built-in hooks offer plenty of options for food prep, cooking utensils, or grilling accessories. It also comes with a peaked lid that allows you to cook whole turkeys and other biggies.
Read Also: Traeger Vs Green Mountain: Which is the best?
4. ASMOKE AS300 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The champ from Asmoke is among the most versatile portable smokers out there because of its highly efficient design. The smoker has a programmable meat probe that allows you to precisely control the temperature. Moreover, you will also admire a highly reliable ventilation system on the smoker that facilitates even distribution of heat throughout the device.
Versatility
The ASMOKE AS300 is designed to meet all your BBQ needs with versatility and ease of use. You can smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, and broil using this device. It has an easy-to-use control panel with a digital display that shows you all the information you need about your cooking process.
The cooking chamber has an adjustable temperature control that ranges from 180 degrees F to 500 degrees F, so you can set it according to the type of food you’re cooking. All in all, it’s a fantastic product for a family gathering, especially when you are hosting out-of-town guests or planning to impress your boss with a gourmet barbecue lunch.
Excellent Air Duct System
The air duct system on this device is designed to ensure that heat is distributed evenly throughout the smoking chamber, allowing you to smoke your favorite meats with ease. It also comes with digital temperature control which allows you to set a precise temperature and monitor it at all times.
The unique smoke generator uses the original technology to generate smoke, which enhances safety for users and increases efficiency. With its easy-to-use features and high-performance capabilities, this product has gained popularity among both amateur and professional chefs alike.
Also Reviewed: 7 Best Reverse Flow Smokers 2024
5. Grilla Grills Chimp Smoker and BBQ Wood Pellet Grill
The next on our list is the Chimp from Grilla Grills which is the best portable pellet smoker offered by the company. The grill has a total cooking area of 580 square inches, which is quite large compared to its predecessor. It also features a highly efficient Alpha Smoke Controller mechanism that directly enables you to control the level of smoke.
The hopper capacity in this device is approximately 15 pounds, allowing you to get rid of frequent refills. Lastly, it also includes a double-wall insulated construction for top-notch reliability and operational efficiency.
AlphaSmoke Technology
The presence of AlphaSmoke technology on this device enables users to monitor and adjust the intensity of smoke that passes through the main grill chamber. As a result, it would help you enjoy real steakhouse flavors during your outdoor BBQ parties.
The internal construction mainly features stainless steel for enhanced protection against rust and corrosion. Additionally, ergonomic handles on each side make loading and unloading the food a breeze!
Dual-Mode PID Controller
Chimp Tailgater Smoker from Grilla Grills is a portable smoker that can be used to smoke food on the go. This product comes with a dual-mode PID controller to monitor and adjust the temperature inside the grill without involving any complexities. Moreover, it has an internal temperature gauge and a built-in thermometer for accurate readings.
Read Also: Electric Vs Propane Smoker: Which is best for you?
6. Traeger Grill Ironwood 650 Portable Smoker
The next on our list is another top-notch machine from Traeger Grills that is famous for delivering original wood-fired taste. With its 650 sq inches of total grilling space, this Ironwood 650 provides sufficient room to handle a variety of things at a time.
In terms of hopper capacity, it boasts 20 lbs of space for pellet storage. This hopper capacity is enough to use the device for 5-6 hours continuously without refilling the pellets. However, the overall weight of approximately 150 pounds makes it less portable than others discussed earlier. With that said, it features high-quality wheels for easy transportation.
Original Wood-Fired Taste
This grill also comes with an advanced meat probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperatures of your food without opening the lid. The removable cast iron grate and porcelain-enameled firebox make it easy to clean after each use.
D2 Drivetrain for a Quicker Start
Traeger Grill Ironwood 650 is a high-end grill that can cook food with ease and precision. The D2 Drivetrain allows for quicker start-ups, while Wi-Fi technology allows you to control your grill with the help of the Traeger app. With its large cooking area, this grill can accommodate up to 20 burgers at once!
Read Also: How To Use a Pellet Smoker?
In our opinion, the Traeger 650 Ironwood is the best portable pellet smoker for those who cannot compromise the original wood-fired taste. Thanks to its high-tech design and precise temperature control, you can prepare original wood-fired recipes at any time without involving any inconsistency of flavor.
7. Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
The next on our list is a high-end device from Camp Chef that outperforms many of its competitors in terms of operational efficiency and reliability of operations. It offers a total cooking surface of 501 sq inches, which is sufficient for meeting the BBQ needs of a big family at an outdoor gathering.
It offers a highly extensive temperature range of 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, like many others on the list. The inclusion of a couple of high-quality meat probes and a relentless ash cleanout system further enhances the desirability of the device.
Slide and Grill Technology
Featuring Camp Chef’s patented slide and grill technology, this grill allows you to sear on one side while grilling on the other for perfect results every time!
The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit is a grill that will deliver great taste every time. With over 500 square inches of primary cooking area, you can easily feed the whole family. It comes with an adjustable temperature control that ranges from 160-500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can cook just about anything on it.
Commendable Ash Cleanout System
Cleanout is a snap using the ash cleanout system. The 20″ Pursuit features heavy-duty wheels coupled with locking lids, and the entire unit folds up easily for convenient storage and ease of transportation.
The device is designed to provide you with a portable and versatile cooking experience.
Also Reviewed: 7 Best Blackstone Grills of 2024
In our opinion, Camp Chef Pursuit makes the best portable pellet smoker for people looking for an excellent combination of portability and operational efficiency.
8. Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Portable Pellet Grill
Last on our list is another top-notch grill from the Traeger Pro series. The machine features a total grilling surface of 575 sq inches with an overall weight of 124 pounds. This one is famous for excellent-quality heat and a quicker heat build-up.
The total hopper capacity of the machine is 18 pounds, which is satisfactory given the overall dimensions and grilling surface of the grill.
Cooking Capacity
The Traeger Pro Series 575 is the ultimate grill for your outdoor cooking needs. This high-performance grill features a total cooking area of 575 square inches, which allows you to prepare delicious meals for large groups of people. The grill can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking. It comes with four racks that let you prepare up to 20 burgers and four rib racks at a time.
Alexa Supported
The grill comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows it to connect to your home network. This allows you to control it using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can set up the timer or check the temperature of the grill through voice commands. You can also monitor its temperature and adjust settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet device.
Read Also: How to clean a pellet grill properly?
In our opinion, Pro series 575 Ironwood makes the best portable pellet smoker for people who want a machine with quicker heat buildup and innovative features. With the help of Wifi technology and Alexa support, you can use voice commands to set up the grill’s timer or to check its temperature.
Wrapping Up
We have reviewed and compared the best portable pellet smokers available on the market in this comprehensive guide. Still not sure which product is right for you? You can check the following conclusive remarks about our top pick for further clarification.
Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Wood and Smoker is the overall best portable pellet smoker on the market. The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 is an excellent choice for people who want to take their barbecue grills on picnics with them. It has lots of great features that make it stand out from the competition.
The first thing you notice when looking at this product is all the many cooking options available to you with this model! You can smoke, grill, and bake with it. Plus, you can also create your own custom smoking experience with the adjustable temperature control! This is a great feature that I love about this Pellet Smoker.
The most important part is how easy it is- because as soon as you plug it in and turn on the switch, you are ready to start cooking! No need for hours or even days beforehand like other appliances out there today. It’s perfect for a quick cookout or even something you want to whip up for the family!
FAQs
What is the best portable wood pellet grill?
We believe Traeger Grill’s Tailgater to be the best portable pellet smoker available on the market today because of the portability and efficiency it offers. It has lots of great features that make it stand out from the competition.
The device’s folding design makes it easy to transport and store. Finally, the automated Auger delivers pellets to the cooking area as required, so you do not have to worry about pellet refilling every time.
Does cold weather affect pellet smokers?
Pellet smokers work best in moderate temperatures. The slower the cooking process, the higher your chances of success. You should not use a pellet smoker if you live in an area with freezing winters.
If you have access to electricity and can keep it plugged in outside then that would be great! But many people do not have this luxury, so I would recommend getting a gas grill instead for those occasional colder months when using a pellet smoker will be difficult because they need electricity to function properly.
Can you leave pellets in the hopper?
You can leave some pellets in the bottom of your pellet smoker’s hopper, but make sure they are not touching any part of the auger. It is best to store them outside or inside a bag with holes for airflow if possible. These can slowly turn to ash and clog up your auger or catch fire when you try to start it again if left too long.
Happy Grilling!