Grill Reviews

The Timberline XL represents the pinnacle of pellet grill technology. This is Traeger's flagship model, completely redesigned with a stunning touchscreen display, built-in induction cooktop, and massive cooking capacity. The double-walled insulation maintains temperature even in cold weather, while the DownDraft Exhaust system ensures consistent smoke distribution. However, the premium price tag puts it out of reach for casual grillers, and the complexity may be overkill for simple weekend cooking. If money is no object and you want the absolute best, the Timberline delivers.

The Ironwood XL hits the sweet spot between premium features and reasonable pricing, earning our Best Overall pick. It shares many features with the Timberline, including Super Smoke mode for maximum smoke flavor and DownDraft Exhaust, but at a significantly lower price point. The 924 square inches of cooking space handles large gatherings easily, and the double-walled construction maintains consistent temperatures. The WiFIRE app integration is excellent, letting you monitor and adjust your cook from anywhere. The main tradeoffs versus the Timberline are no induction burner and a simpler (but still effective) D2 controller instead of a touchscreen.

Released in January 2025 for Traeger's 40th anniversary, the Woodridge Elite brings premium features to a more accessible price point. The standout feature is the side sear station, something missing from even higher-priced models, allowing you to get a proper crust on steaks without needing a separate grill. The insulated lid and Super Smoke mode are inherited from pricier siblings, while the EZ Clean Keg System makes ash removal a breeze. It's an excellent choice for grillers who want Traeger quality with added searing capability.

The Woodridge Pro is the middle child of the new Woodridge series, offering Super Smoke mode and generous cooking space without the sear station of the Elite. At $999, it competes directly with mid-range offerings from competitors while carrying the Traeger name and ecosystem. The Freeflow Fire Pot and DownDraft Exhaust ensure clean-burning performance, and the WiFIRE integration means you're never tied to your grill. It's the smart choice for those who want reliable Traeger performance without unnecessary extras.

The entry-level Woodridge is Traeger's most affordable full-size pellet grill, designed to bring new users into the Traeger ecosystem. At $799, it's still not cheap, but you get WiFIRE connectivity, 860 square inches of cooking space, and Traeger's signature flavor profile. The EZ Clean Keg System and dual-level grates are welcome features at this price point. However, the lack of Super Smoke mode means you won't get the same intense smoke flavor as pricier models, and the single-wall construction won't hold temps as well in cold weather.

The Ranger is Traeger's portable solution for tailgating, camping, and small-space living. Its suitcase-style design with a latching lid makes it genuinely portable, unlike some "portable" grills that are just smaller. The 184 square inches of cooking space is enough for 4-6 burgers, and it runs on standard 120V power. The digital controller maintains consistent temps, and it uses the same pellets as full-size Traegers. The downsides are obvious: limited capacity, no WiFi, and higher per-square-inch cost than full-size models.

The Sportsman 820 earns our Best Value pick for delivering exceptional pellet grill performance at a price that undercuts the competition significantly. With 819 square inches of cooking space - more than the Traeger Pro 780 - at nearly half the price, it's hard to argue with the value proposition. The Flame Broiler lever gives you something most pellet grills lack: direct flame access for searing. The 8-in-1 cooking versatility handles smoking, grilling, baking, roasting, and more. Build quality is solid, though not quite at Traeger's level, and the included meat probe and digital control board work reliably.

The Pro Series V4 represents Pit Boss's latest technology in their mid-range lineup. The V4 controller offers improved temperature accuracy and WiFi connectivity built-in, addressing one of the main complaints about budget Pit Boss models. With 1,150 square inches of cooking space across two levels, it can handle serious quantities of food. The heavy-duty construction and upgraded components justify the step up from the Sportsman series. The Flame Broiler is still present for direct grilling, and the 40+ lb hopper means fewer refills during long cooks.

The Navigator series targets serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want capacity and features without the premium price. The 1,150 square inches of cooking space handles large gatherings easily, and the standard Pit Boss features like Flame Broiler and 8-in-1 versatility are all present. The Navigator sits between the Sportsman and Pro Series in terms of features, offering a balanced option for those who've outgrown entry-level but don't need the latest V4 technology.

The Lockhart is unlike any other grill in this roundup - it's a combination pellet grill with a two-door smoking cabinet stacked on top. This gives you an incredible 2,136 square inches of total cooking space, enough to smoke multiple briskets, racks of ribs, and sides all at once. The WiFi connectivity via the Pit Boss app lets you monitor both chambers remotely. It's ideal for competition cooks or those who regularly feed large groups, though the unique design means a steeper learning curve for optimal use.

The Copperhead vertical smoker is designed for those who prioritize smoking over grilling. The vertical design stacks five adjustable racks in a compact footprint, perfect for smoking multiple racks of ribs, sausages, or jerky simultaneously. The 40+ lb hopper enables 24+ hours of unattended smoking, and the double-walled construction with blanket insulation maintains temperature better than horizontal grills. It won't replace a grill for burgers and steaks, but for dedicated smokers, it's hard to beat.

The Austin XL is a Walmart exclusive that offers serious value for budget-conscious buyers. With 1,000 square inches of cooking space and Pit Boss's signature features, it punches well above its weight class. The Onyx Edition includes Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity - a rarity at this price point. The trade-offs are thinner steel and a simpler controller than the Pro series, but for casual smokers and those new to pellet grilling, it's an excellent entry point.

The Searwood is Weber's answer to Traeger, and it's a compelling option. What sets it apart is the impressive temperature range - from low-and-slow smoking at 200°F all the way up to 600°F for searing, something most pellet grills can't match. The RAPIDREACT PID controller maintains consistent temperatures and reaches target temp in about 15 minutes. Weber's build quality is evident throughout, and the Weber Connect app integration is solid. The main downside is Weber's late entry to the pellet market means a smaller accessory ecosystem.

New for 2025, the Smoque is Weber's entry-level pellet smoker designed for those who want low-and-slow cooking at an accessible price. It shares the RAPIDREACT PID controller with the Searwood, reaching target temperature in just 15 minutes. The SMOKEBOOST setting increases smoke production with a simple knob turn. The LCD controller displays all essential information clearly, and Weber Connect app compatibility means remote monitoring. It's focused on smoking rather than high-heat grilling, making it a dedicated smoker rather than an all-in-one solution.

The reimagined 2025 Spirit series earns our Best for the Price pick by delivering Weber's legendary quality at a mid-range price point. The new Boost Burner technology provides extra power when you need it, while the GS4 grilling system ensures even heat distribution and reliable ignition every time. The three burners offer excellent cooking flexibility, and the included side table folds down for compact storage. With Weber's 10-year warranty backing it up, this is the gas grill to beat at this price point.

The four-burner Spirit E-425s steps up the cooking capacity while maintaining the Spirit series' value proposition. The extra burner provides more flexibility for indirect cooking and handling larger meals. Like its three-burner sibling, it features Boost Burner technology and the GS4 grilling system. The additional cooking space makes it ideal for families or those who frequently entertain, while still fitting in spaces where a full Genesis would be too large.

The Genesis series is Weber's premium gas grill line, and the E-335 represents the entry point to this elevated experience. The three high-performance burners deliver exceptional heat, while the sear station provides restaurant-quality searing capability. Weber's legendary build quality is evident in every detail, from the heavy-gauge steel to the porcelain-enameled lid. The extra-large prep and serve table, expandable grate system, and Weber Connect compatibility make this a serious cooking station.

The Genesis SPX-435 is Weber's flagship gas grill, loaded with every feature you could want. Four burners plus a dedicated sear zone provide incredible cooking flexibility. The built-in Weber Connect smart grilling hub offers app-based temperature monitoring and notifications. The side burner handles sauces and sides, while the massive cooking area accommodates large gatherings. This is the ultimate Weber gas grill experience for those who demand the best.

The Weber Kettle is the grill that started it all, and it remains one of the best values in outdoor cooking. For under $200, you get a versatile charcoal grill that can smoke, sear, bake, and everything in between. The one-touch cleaning system makes ash removal easy, and the hinged cooking grate allows easy charcoal access. Generations of grillers have mastered their craft on the Weber Kettle, and the skills transfer to any other grill. If you're new to grilling or want a reliable backup, the Kettle is essential.

The Weber Q series has long been the gold standard for portable gas grilling, and the 2800N+ continues that tradition. It's perfect for balconies, tailgating, camping, or as a secondary grill. The cast aluminum body is durable yet lightweight, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention and searing. The push-button ignition is reliable, and the infinite control burner valve allows precise temperature adjustment. It's more expensive than basic portable grills but delivers Weber quality in a compact package.

The Lumin brings grilling to places where gas and charcoal aren't allowed - apartment balconies, condos, and anywhere with fire restrictions. Despite being electric, it produces genuine char-grilled flavor thanks to its high-heat capability and Weber's grate design. The digital smart controls allow precise temperature setting, and it heats up quickly. It won't replace a "real" grill for purists, but for those who can't use flame grills, the Lumin is the best electric option available.

The "Big Frickin' Grill" lives up to its name with a massive 2,500 square inches of cooking space across three removable racks. This is the grill for competition cooks, caterers, or anyone who regularly feeds crowds. The 53-hour hopper capacity means you can run overnight cooks without worry, and the PID controller maintains rock-solid temperatures. The build quality is exceptional with heavy-gauge steel construction and 304 stainless components. If you need serious capacity without sacrificing quality, the BFG delivers.

The Flagship 1600 represents recteq's largest flagship model with 1,600 square inches of cooking space across three racks. It features the latest controller technology, improved grease management system, and the signature 304 stainless steel firepot with cast-iron heat deflector. The 180-700F temperature range handles everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. The 40-pound hopper provides up to 40 hours of cook time, and the HotFlash Ceramic Ignition ensures reliable starts every time.

The Flagship 1100 is recteq's most popular model and for good reason - it hits the sweet spot of size, features, and price. With 1,100 square inches of cooking space, you can smoke 60 burgers, 10 pork butts, or 138 chicken wings at once. The updated Wi-Fi controller, 304 stainless steel construction, and cast-iron heat deflector deliver competition-level results. This is the grill that earned recteq their loyal following, and it continues to be the benchmark against which other pellet grills are measured.

The DualFire 1200 is a game-changer with two individually controlled cooking chambers - 300 square inches of direct heat and 900 square inches of indirect heat, both fueled by pellets. This means you can smoke a brisket in one chamber while searing steaks in the other, all with wood-fired flavor. It's the first dual-chamber pellet grill where both sides run on pellets, giving you ultimate flexibility. For those who want true grilling capability alongside smoking, the DualFire delivers what other pellet grills can't.

Released in April 2025, the X-Fire Pro is recteq's answer for gas grill converts who want pellet flavor with extreme heat. With a temperature range of 225-1,250F, it's the hottest pellet grill on the market. The dual-mode design switches between Smoke Mode for low-and-slow and Grill Mode for restaurant-quality searing. At 825 square inches, it handles 28 pork chops or 26 burgers. An optional rotisserie attachment adds even more versatility. This is the pellet grill for those who refuse to compromise on searing capability.

The Backyard Beast 1200 offers flagship-level features at a more accessible price point. With 1,200 square inches of cooking space, dual-band Wi-Fi, and recteq's PID algorithm that maintains temps within 5 degrees, it punches above its weight class. The sliding second rack and two included meat probes add convenience, while the 30-pound hopper provides 30 hours of cook time. For families who want recteq quality without the flagship price, the Backyard Beast is the smart choice.

The Deck Boss 590 is recteq's best value proposition and our pick for best overall value in 2025. At $899, you get 590 square inches of cooking space (772 with the second shelf), the same PID controller as the flagship models, Wi-Fi app connectivity, and 304 stainless steel components where it matters. The 30-pound hopper provides 30 hours of cook time, and the 180-700F range handles everything from brisket to pizza. For those wanting recteq quality at an entry-level price, the Deck Boss is unbeatable.

The Bullseye Deluxe brings wood-fired flavor to a kettle-style form factor with a 22-inch stainless steel dome. What sets it apart is the 200-1,000F temperature range with direct flame capability - you can smoke low-and-slow or crank it up for Neapolitan-style pizza. The compact 380 square inch cooking area is perfect for smaller spaces, and the dual-band Wi-Fi keeps you connected. For those who want a versatile, high-heat capable pellet grill without the large footprint, the Bullseye delivers.

The Road Warrior 340 is recteq's answer for tailgating, camping, and RV life. The innovative "Collapse & Go" folding leg design makes it genuinely portable, while the 340 square inches of cooking space handles meals for 4-6 people. The 14-pound hopper provides 14 hours of cook time at 225F - enough for a full brisket on the road. You get the same 304 stainless steel firepot and quality construction as larger models. For those who want recteq quality wherever they go, the Road Warrior is the ticket.

The SmokeStone 600 is the world's first wood-fired pellet griddle, and it's the only Wi-Fi connected griddle on the market. With 600 square inches of flat-top cooking surface and a 300-600F temperature range, it brings wood-fired flavor to breakfast, smash burgers, hibachi-style cooking, and more. The 17-pound hopper provides 12+ hours of cook time, and the 304 stainless steel firepot ensures reliable performance. For griddle enthusiasts who want something beyond propane, the SmokeStone opens new possibilities.