7 Best Pellet Smokers for Beginners in 2024

Top Pick









Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker



  • Smart Smoke Technology
  • Automatic Feed System
  • Affordable

Runner Up









Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill



  • Large Capacity Pellet Hopper
  • 573 Square Inch Cooking Surface
  • Grease Management System

Budget Pick









PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker



  • Two Meat Probes to monitor the temperature of Meat
  • Unique Design
  • Hold upto 450 pounds of Pellets

Best Pellet Smoker For Beginners 2024

Undoubtedly, there are many kinds of best pellet smokers for beginners in the market. But how do you choose the best one? Do you have any idea about the pellet grill smokers? Have you tried them before?

If, not, then dive into this piece of info and start exploring the facts without wasting your time. Anyhow, you may find many companies introducing new models with amazing attributes to add comfort to your grilling needs. 

Although, it is quite difficult to pick the best one among thousands of the best pellet smokers. With time, the trends in cooking have changed altogether and brought forth a variety of advanced tools. 

Pellet smokers not only make the grilling easier but also allow you to have the desired flavor of smoke. It may appease your taste buds and let you float in the flavor of grilling in your backyard. 

7 Best Pellet Smokers for Beginners

After reviewing many pellet smokers and their specifications, we compiled a list of the best pellet smokers for beginners. Despite their variety of uses, pellet smokers offer all the essential features that one needs for easy cooking.

In a hurry? Check out the comparison table for a quick overview.

Image Product Feature Price
Top Pick
Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
Smart Smoke Technology, Automatic Feed System, 8-in-1 BBQ Wood Fire Pellet Grill Check Price
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Large Capacity Pellet Hopper, 573 Square Inch Cooking Surface, PID Controller For Consistent Temperature Check Price
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo
Convenient Metal Storage Shelf, Ultimate Versatility, Access Door To Firebox Check Price
Ozark Grills – the Bison Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Good Quality and Craftsmanship, Easy to Clean, Digital Temperature Control Check Price
Weber SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet Grill
Easy-to-use, Fully Automatic, Compatible with WIFI Check Price
PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker, Copper
Two Meat Probes to monitor the temperature of Meat, Unique Design, Hold up to 450 pounds of Pellets Check Price
Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker
Electronic Auto-Start Ignition System, 2-Piece Nickel-Plated Upper Rack, Slide And Grill Technology Check Price

Read on and select the one that suits your needs.

1. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker – Top Pick

Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker - The best pellet smoker for beginners in 2024

Z Pellet grill smoker got the highest ratings and it brings a convenient smoking experience. These smokers from the Best Z Grills have Smart Smoke Technology which sets the temperature automatically as per the need for food. It also uses an automatic feed system to feed the smoker with more wood automatically when the need arises. 

Electric Auto-Ignition System

This is the best pellet smoker for beginners who don’t use gas propane and charcoal. The pellet smoker is powered by electricity. It is easy for beginners to start. It has only one button to ignite the fire for grilling. 

Just plug it in and press the button your smoker will automatically fire up. The price of this smoker is about half of what other high-end models cost, but it offers the same features. You can smoke, grill, roast, bake, smoke, barbecue, braise, sear, and char-grill with this smoker.

Internal Temperature Sensors

Internal temperature sensors protect the food from overcooking. Once the temperature reaches an equilibrium point there is no need to worry about temperature. You can do your daily work after setting the temperature. 

Your food will be cooked evenly and thoroughly with this unit. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a BBQ party with your friends. Its temperature can reach from 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Primary Cooking Surface

This smoker has a large cooking area at an affordable price. It means this smoker is perfect for cooking food for a large party. The cooking area is 513 square inches, and the package contains a second rack of 187 square inches. 

Also Reviewed: 6 Best Traeger Grills in 2024

Pros
  • Smart Smoke Technology
  • Automatic Feed System
  • 8-in-1 BBQ Wood Fire Pellet Grill
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Package Don’t have accessories such as Meat Probes

2. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill 

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill - Best pellet smoker 2024

Several built-in features make cooking with the Best Camp Chef Grills convenient. Camp chef smoker is quite popular when it comes to buying a pellet grill to make this winter more exciting and delightful. 

As compared to other models in the market, this is the best pellet smoker for beginners because it is very easy to use. The SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill from Camping Chef is designed to help you bring your outdoor cooking skills to the next level.

Fully Automatic

A full-automatic system automatically removes ash from the grill from start to finish. It has been designed so you can easily access the firepot for easy cleaning.

Additionally, the trap door can easily be used for removing ash and grease. Any smoker grill user knows how difficult it can be to clean such a device. 

Only more expensive units come with a trap door, which makes cleaning more convenient. This type of automatic smoker is what you need. This product is unique because it has a relatively low cost.

Beginners and professionals alike can use it to simplify the cooking process. 

Digital Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature is the most important thing to consider in any pellet smoker. The smoker from the camp chef is good at controlling temperature. This grill has a built-in thermostat and a digital thermometer, so you won’t have to guess how to cook. The device lets you know whether your food has been cooked. 

The burner inserts more firewood as the temperature drops, so the meat can be grilled while you relax. Dual electric ignition controls and the dual temperature LED display provide the user with one of the most important features. 

Cooking Area

It has a spacious cooking area which allows you to cook food for friends and family. It offers a cooking area of 560 square inches. A convenient rack will keep your smoked food hot while you’re waiting for your whole meal to be ready or that one couple who arrives late.

Read Also: How to store grilling tools? 6 DIY Methods

Pros
  • Large Capacity Pellet Hopper
  • 573 Square Inch Cooking Surface
  • PID Controller For Consistent Temperature
  • Grease Management System
Cons
  • Need Power to Star

3. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal /LPGas / Smoker Combo - Best beginner offset smoker 2024

Apart from the best pellet smokers for beginners, Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Smoker is a combination of pellet, charcoal, and gas grill. It is equipped with both a charcoal and gas grilling chamber, as well as an offset firebox, so it can accommodate you in every aspect. It lets you barbecue according to your own preferences and style. 

Separate Cooking Chambers

There are separate cooking chambers installed in this smoker. The cooking area is large enough for large gatherings. Everything from grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling can be done simultaneously. 

As there are two cooking chambers one is for smoking and the other is for gas grilling. In particular, there is also an offset burner and a gas side burner. The primary cooking area is 750 square inches and the secondary cooking area is 310 square inches. 

Durable 

With porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and heavy-gauge steel construction, this pellet smoker is built to last. You’ll enjoy delicious food every time you use it. 

Firewood can be easily stocked with the help of an open door in the firebox that makes user convenience possible. Cooking food evenly is made possible by maintaining heat and smoke within the smoker. 

Additional Features

It is worth spending money on due to its great features and it can be used for commercial purposes and home use. This smoker features multiple dampers that can be used to adjust the heat and smoke levels. 

Gradually, open the damp when needed and close it when you want to save smoke. Cool touch steel handles help you to move the smoker while protecting your hands from heat.

Read Also: How To Grill Mushrooms at Home?

Pros
  • Convenient Metal Storage Shelf
  • Ultimate Versatility
  • Access Door To Firebox
  • Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauges
Cons
  • Smoke Can leak through Doors
  • Need to Change wheels because attach wheels are not durable

4. Ozark Grills – the Bison Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

Ozark Grills - Best Pellet Smokers For Beginners in 2024

Names make a big difference. The Ozark grill is known for its durability, versatility, and ruggedness. Its 892 square inches of cooking area allows you to cook a large meal. Its cooking area can easily fit two large beef ribs, four whole chickens, or six racks of ribs. As for now, that’d be a fun backyard party. 

Digital Control Panel

Its digital control panel is very easy to understand, making this smoker the best pellet smoker for beginners. In this smoker, specific algorithms and sensors allow the user to add the right amount of wood according to the temperature settings. 

Powered By Electricity

This pellet grill is also powered by electricity, just like the usual pellet grill. It means there must be a power source in the backyard and on your rooftop. If you go on trips then we are sorry to tell you that this grill cannot be taken on picnics. 

Additionally, you can take it on a trip only if you can connect it with electricity there. As they are not designed to be frequently cleaned. 

Easy to Assemble

This pellet smoker is very easy to assemble and disassemble after use. It weighs only 154lbs. Easy assemblage makes your work a lot easier and don’t forget to read the manual thoroughly.

Pros
  • Good Quality and Craftsmanship
  • Easy to Clean
  • Digital Temperature Control
  • Large Cooking Area
Cons
  • It doesn’t come with accessories

5. Weber SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet Grill

Weber SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet Grill - Best high end pellet smoker for beginners in 2024

Weber is among the most trusted manufacturers of smokers. In spite of this pellet grills from Weber have also made their space in markets and won the trust of many buyers. It has many great features which make this product exceptional and worth buying.

Temperature Adjustments

Aside from its ease of use, it comes with two separate probes for testing the condition of food, whether it is cooked or not. The Weber Connect technology allows you to control the temperature remotely and it can reach a temperature of 200 to 600°F. A stainless steel flavorizer bar makes the meat even tastier.

Can Cook Meals for Large Families

Featuring a cooking surface of about 700 square inches, it’s large enough to handle large cuts of meat or a lot of burgers. The grease tray attached to cooking grates collects the grease which can be washed later. 

The LCD has made temperature adjustment much easier. Just set the temperature and leave the rest on the pellet smoker. 

Large Capacity Hopper

A 20-pound hopper is capable enough to allow you to cook without reloading your pellets for 10 to 12 hours. In addition to the convenient handles and the porcelain-enameled lid, the swivel wheels make this pellet smoker portable and you can move it freely in your backyard. This grill offers all the added features you’ll need.

Also Reviewed: Best Electric Smokers on the Market

Pros
  • Easy-to-use
  • Fully Automatic
  • Compatible with WIFI
  • Weather Resistant LCDToirect Consistent Heat for evenly cooked food
Cons
  • Android App cannot be customized
  • Bit Expensive but it got amazing features

6. PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker, Copper

PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker - Best smoker bbq for beginners 2024

Vertical pellet smokers offer a lot of space in comparison to other models because many cooking racks can be easily adjusted between them. Pellet smokers are best if you only want to concentrate on the rich smoky flavor of wood rather than high-heat cooking. Reviewers are impressed by how easy it is to use and assemble.

Rich Smoky Flavored Food

If you can’t wait for the rich smoky-flavored food then this is the best option among Pellet Smokers on the market. You can also look at the PIT BOSS series if you are looking for a larger smoker than the recommended one. 

The package contains two meat probes. A Digital LED screen makes temperature adjustment a piece of cake. 

Large Hopper

The large-capacity hopper allows you to use this smoker for 24+ hours. This pellet smoker is an excellent choice for those who like cooking their food at low and high temperatures. You can cook things slowly overnight without worrying about running out of wood pellets

Auto-ShutOff

Using this vertical pellet smoker, you can adjust the temperature from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this specific temperature smoking and roasting, temperatures can easily be met. 

An automatic shutdown feature provides great safety to the users as it ensures a slow, controlled cool down. In addition to their durability, the porcelain-coated cooking racks also offer even heat distribution for delicious yummy smoky-flavored food.

Check out the Best PIT Boss Smokers of 2024.

Pros
  • Two Meat Probes to monitor the temperature of Meat
  • Unique Design
  • Hold upto 450 pounds of Pellets
  • Porcelain Coated Cooking Racks
Cons
  • It doesn’t offer Grilling

7. Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker

Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker - Best Pellet Smokers For Beginners 2024

We got one more best pellet smoker for beginners from Camp Chef on the list. This pellet smoker is guaranteed to take your cooking experience to a higher level. 

It offers smoke, grilling, roasting, barbecuing, and many more as per the demand of the weather. The temperature range of this pellet smoker starts from 160 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Smart Smoke Technology

It uses smart smoke technology to ensure that food is cooked at an even temperature. With this technology, smokers are equally exposed to smoke. 

The Digital gauge allows you to set the temperature as per your desire and no need to monitor the temperature consistently. This smoker will complete the job on time and you can have a good time with your friends. 

Digital Temperature Control

The built-in digital temperature control system, large cooking area, and ash cleanout system make this smoker the best on the market. Its diverse features and ease of use make it accessible to professionals and beginners. People love the aesthetics and features of the grill.

Portable

The legs of this pellet smoker are thick and give the grill a solid foundation making it ideal for beginners. Also, you can move the grill around the backyard so you can find the perfect spot for grilling. Portability is ensured by caster wheels. 

To use the “Easy Ash Cleanout”, the grill does not have to be taken apart. It is simply a matter of twisting and dumping the container. 

Also Reviewed: 8 Best PIT Boss Pellet Smokers of 2024

Pros
  • Electronic Auto-Start Ignition System
  • 2-Piece Nickel-Plated Upper Rack
  • Slide And Grill Technology
  • Cord and Ash Management System
  • Grease Management System
Cons
  • No PID Controller

Buyer’s Guide of The Best Pellet Smokers For Beginners

1. Compatible with WIFI

As an example, if you need a Pellet Smoker, then you need to consider the latest technologies to make your work more convenient and durable.  Pellet smokers equipped with Wi-Fi technology allow you to control the cook virtually from anywhere. You can check what is happening inside a smoker simply using a mobile app. 

Furthermore, it is also possible to pair some smokers with Bluetooth devices. It is important to consider that Bluetooth smokers work only within a certain range, making pellet smokers a convenient option. Because of this, you will be alerted when you go outside of the defined range.

2. Meat Probes

In particular, if meat probes are included in the package, then the buyer has an easy time. If not, meat probes must be purchased separately. When you use a meat probe, you can determine whether the meat is cooked or not.

There is a specific temperature at which every type of meat is ready to be enjoyed. Additionally, meat probes are necessary kitchen appliances for killing harmful bacteria because the meat needs to be cooked properly. 

Meat probes let you cook food evenly without overcooking and burning. Furthermore, if you use it to preheat the meat then it will allow you to heat the meat at a constant required temperature. 

3. Temperature Control Feature

Pellet smokers offer great temperature control and there are three types of temperature control features. PID controllers, NON-PID controller, and 3-Position Temperature Control option. 

A three-position temperature controller controls temperature from low to medium and high. Usually, in Pellet smokers, the lowest temperature is about 225°F, the medium temperature is 325°F and the highest temperature varies via model. Hence, their temperature is 425°F. 

PID Controllers are designed using special algorithms to maintain the temperature in the smoker. Highly recommended are pellet smokers with PID controllers. In the same way, it also feeds wood pellets to the smoker when needed automatically. 

Non-PID Controllers are designed specifically to increase the temperature by 5 or 10 degrees. This type of smoker has an LED Pane, meat probes, and a one-touch button to ignite the smoker. 

4. Hopper Size 

Hardwood pellets are stored in the hopper of a pellet smoker during cooking. In addition, the size of the hopper determines how long you can use it before it runs out of fuel. In order to make sure the hoppers last the entire cooking process, fill them often. 

Set the temperature of the pellet smoker and let the smoker do the work. In particular, using a 40-pound hopper will last for about 40 hours of cooking, which is enough time for several barbecues.

So, a good-sized hopper will determine the working of the pellet smoker and whether it will last for long or not. 

5. Pellet Consumption

According to experts, a pellet smoker uses a pound of pellets per hour while cooking food. In the latest models, companies are trying to reduce this amount for ease of users. Even so, you must check before buying a pellet smoker how much pellet the smoker consumes. How many pellets a smoker consumes depends on the smoker’s settings.  

Moreover, it is better to buy a thicker pellet cooker rather than a thin one. A thin metal loses heat through the cooker’s body, whereas a thick metal acts as a heat sink.

6. Affordability

If you want a product, you must determine whether or not it is within your budget. Additionally, everyone sets their own budget based on their income and plans accordingly. Consequently, we have reviewed both inexpensive and expensive products in this article. 

The good news is that there are some excellent affordable pellet smokers on the market. Apart from this, we wrote another article for our readers called “Best Pellet Smokers Under $500” if you are looking for a cheap one. In this article, we have reviewed many smokers that are under $500 with great features as found in inexpensive models. 

Summing Up

There are many reasons to consider purchasing a pellet grill due to its unique features.  If you are interested in buying a pellet smoker then you should not hesitate. Pellet smokers are fast, versatile, durable, and have a large cooking capacity.

All around the world, BBQ is almost a favorite food. The smoky and rich taste of BBQ meat is unforgettable among non-vegetarians. 

Customers are seeking cooking equipment that is both convenient and convenient to use, which is why pellet grills and smokers are designed to fulfill these needs. Additionally, to apple, maple, and hickory, these pellets come in other flavors.

Out of all the smokers that we have reviewed in this article Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker is our Top pick. It has many features which make this product exceptional. 

It has a 700-square-inch cooking surface which makes this product essential for family gatherings. Additionally, it offers a great digital control panel, perfect temperature control, as well as three years of warranty.

FAQs

Which pellet smokers are best for beginners?

The pellet smokers that we have reviewed in this article are all the best. They all have some great features that a customer desires. On the other hand, if we have to select the top 5 recommendations then they are the following:
1. Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker 
2. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill 
3. PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker
4. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
5. Weber SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet Grill

What is the best way to make my pellet smoker produce more smoke?

If you want your pellet smoker to produce more smoke then you have to follow these steps:
1. The first and most important step is to choose the right amount of meat to grill and smoke. Besides, If there is a thick fat layer on the piece of meat then trim it properly. 
Actually, grilling meat must be colder but not frozen actually. The reason to add cold meat to
the smoker is that it will take some time to adjust itself inside the smoker and like this, it will absorb more smoke. 
2. There are various kinds of pellets that you can use with a smoker. Your choice of pellet flavor depends on your personal preference. 
3. Stop opening the lid and let the smoker reach its peak temperature. 

How to clean a pellet smoker?

In order to become a master of the BBQ, you must keep your pellet smoker clean after each use. In particular, if you don’t clean the smoker on time, you will find the dirt is hardly difficult to remove. Following a few tips will help you clean your smoker thoroughly and have it look brand new.
1. Use a grill brush to scrub the grate. 
2. Moreover, when it comes to the body, wash with a sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water. 
3. Make sure you don’t wet the electrical parts of the pellet smoker 

Which type of wood pellets should be used in pellet smokers?

Pellet grill primarily uses food-grade wood pellets. There are a lot of benefits to using food-grade wood pellets. Additionally, food-grade pellets have fewer fillers, less moisture, and more ash than pellets used for heating. Food Grade Wood Pellets come in different flavors.
Mesquite: With a stronger woody taste, it pairs well with both duck and lamb.
Fruitwood: Veal, poultry, and seafood pair well with this seasoning.
Alder: There is a slight sweetness to the pellet.
Apple: It has a mild, smoky, and fruity flavor and it pairs well with chicken.

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