8 Best Portable Pellet Grills for 2024

Portable pellet grills are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love to cook on the go. Whether you are camping, tailgating, or just spending a day at the park, there’s no reason why you can’t still smoke a delicious meal.

These grills use hardwood pellets as fuel, which imparts a unique smoky flavor to your food, making it taste like it was cooked over a wood fire. They’re all easy enough to lift into your truck to transport, and some even have folding legs!

» You might try these Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day.

When shopping for a portable pellet grill, there are several factors you should consider. One of the most critical things to pay attention to is the size and weight of the grill, as you want it to be easy to transport. You should also consider the cooking area, temperature range, and hopper capacity, as these factors will impact the amount of food you can cook and how long you can cook for.

We spent countless hours researching and testing different portable pellet grills to identify the best options on the market. In this article, we will share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best Portable Pellet Grills

If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, then you know how important it is to have the right equipment. Portable pellet grills are a great option for those who love the convenience of gas grills but also want the smoky flavor of charcoal grills.

These grills are easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect for tailgating, camping, or backyard barbecues. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best portable pellet grills on the market, so you can find the one that’s right for you.

PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Grill, Mahogany

If you want a portable pellet grill that delivers restaurant-quality meals, then the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Grill, Mahogany is definitely a great choice.

Pros

• With 256 square inches of cooking space, you can cook a variety of meals.
• The 5-pound hopper capacity means you don’t have to refill the pellets too often.
• The dial-in digital control board with LED readout makes it easy to control the temperature.

Cons

• The assembly can be a bit challenging.
• The hopper lid can be difficult to close.
• The temperature range may not be hot enough for some recipes.

This grill is perfect for those who love to grill outdoors, whether in the backyard or at a tailgate party. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grates ensure that your food is cooked to perfection. The slide-plate allows for direct or indirect flame grilling up to 1,000°F, giving you even more versatility in your cooking.

The high-temperature powder coat finish and heavy-duty steel construction make this grill durable and long-lasting. Plus, with the Pit Boss best-in-class 5-year warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting a quality product.

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Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that delivers big wood-fired flavor, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker might be just what you need. With a baffled lid design and lid latches, this grill is built for durability and safe transport. It also features the new Digital Arc Controller, which gives you precise, consistent temperatures and a Keep Warm Mode that ensures your food is ready to eat whenever you are.

Pros

• The Digital Arc Controller provides precise temperature performance.
• The porcelain-coated grill grates are easy to clean.
• The Keep Warm Mode helps your food stay warm until you’re ready to eat.

Cons

• The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is not recommended for beginners.
• It does not provide heavy smoke.
• It can be expensive.

When it comes to performance, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is hard to beat. The Digital Arc Controller ensures that you get precise, consistent temperatures every time, while the porcelain-coated grill grates are easy to clean. Additionally, the Keep Warm Mode ensures that your food stays warm until you’re ready to eat.

However, if you’re a beginner, this grill might not be the best choice for you. It can be difficult to use, and it doesn’t provide heavy smoke. Additionally, it can be expensive, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

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Z GRILLS ZPG-200A Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoke with Digital Control System

If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill that’s easy to use and perfect for on-the-go grilling, smoking, and more, the Z GRILLS ZPG-200A is a great choice.

Pros

• Portable design makes it easy to transport, set up, and clean for every occasion on the go
• Versatile temperature range of 180° to 375° F, allowing for 8-in-1 grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling
• Digital temperature control technology ensures even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface for perfect consistency every time

Cons

• Some users report difficulty with temperature control and pellet feeding
• Grill can be heavy and difficult to move around
• Limited cooking space may not be suitable for larger gatherings

The Z GRILLS ZPG-200A is a portable pellet grill that’s perfect for those who love to grill, smoke, and barbecue on the go. With its compact size and easy-to-use digital control system, this grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

One of the best things about the Z GRILLS ZPG-200A is its portable design. Measuring just 25”x 20”x 13”, this grill is easy to transport, set up, and clean, making it perfect for every occasion on the go.

In addition to its portability, the Z GRILLS ZPG-200A also offers a versatile temperature range of 180° to 375° F, allowing for 8-in-1 grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling. This means you can cook just about anything on this grill, from burgers and hot dogs to brisket and ribs.

To ensure perfect consistency every time, the Z GRILLS ZPG-200A also features digital temperature control technology, which ensures even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface. This means you can cook your food to perfection, no matter what you’re grilling or smoking.

While the Z GRILLS ZPG-200A is a great portable pellet grill, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users report difficulty with temperature control and pellet feeding, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the grill can be heavy and difficult to move around, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, the limited cooking space may not be suitable for larger gatherings, so keep that in mind when considering this grill.

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Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

If you’re looking for a versatile and portable pellet grill, the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option.

Pros

• The 8-in-1 cooking capabilities expand your cooking options, allowing you to smoke, BBQ, grill, roast, sear, braise, bake, and char-grill.
• The lightweight and portable design, along with the locking lid and handle, make it easy to take anywhere.
• The digital controller with electronic auto-start ignition, digital auto temperature control, and real-time LED temperature display makes it easy to set and monitor the temperature.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty maintaining low temperatures for smoking.
• The paint/coating on the lids may bubble after extended use.
• The unit may cook at higher temperatures than intended.

The Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile and portable pellet grill. With 256 sq.in. of cooking space and an integrated sear zone, this grill offers plenty of cooking options. The wide temperature range from 180°F to 500°F and the digital control that automatically adds pellets as needed make it easy to set and maintain the temperature. The 4 lb. hopper capacity allows for hours of smoking without refilling, and the included meat probe helps you keep an eye on the food temperature.

However, some users have reported difficulty maintaining low temperatures for smoking, so keep that in mind if smoking is your primary use for the grill. Additionally, the paint/coating on the lids may bubble after extended use, and the unit may cook at higher temperatures than intended.

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Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker (folding legs!)

If you’re looking for a portable pellet grill, the Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option.

Pros

• With 6-in-1 versatility, this grill allows you to grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ.
• The Digital Arc Controller maintains a plus/minus 15 degree F temperature control for precise grilling.
• The EZ fold legs and portable size make it easy to take on the go.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the legs are poorly designed.
• The temperature can be inconsistent, which may require the use of a separate thermometer.
• It may not be large enough for bigger groups or events.

The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a great option for those who want a portable pellet grill that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. With its 6-in-1 versatility and precise temperature control, you can easily grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ with ease. Its EZ fold legs and portable size make it easy to take on the go, whether you’re tailgating or camping.

However, some users have reported issues with the legs being poorly designed, which can make it unstable. Additionally, the temperature can be inconsistent, which may require the use of a separate thermometer to ensure your food is cooked properly. Finally, it may not be large enough for bigger groups or events, so keep that in mind when considering this grill.

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Buying Guide

When choosing the best portable pellet grills, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features that you should look for:

Size and Portability

One of the primary reasons for us deciding these best portable pellet grills is their compact size and portability. Look for a model that is easy to transport, lightweight, and has sturdy legs or wheels for stability. Consider the size of the cooking surface and the overall dimensions of the grill to ensure that it fits your needs.

Cooking Capacity

The cooking capacity of a portable pellet grill varies widely, with some models able to cook enough food for a large group, while others are better suited for small gatherings. Consider the size of your typical cookouts and choose a grill that can accommodate your needs.

Temperature Range and Control

The temperature range and control are crucial factors in achieving the perfect cook on your food. Look for a grill that can reach high temperatures for searing and has precise temperature control for low and slow cooking. Some models even have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control the grill from your smartphone.

Pellet Hopper Capacity

The pellet hopper capacity determines how long you can cook before needing to refill the pellets. Look for a hopper capacity that matches your needs, with larger hoppers being more convenient for longer cooks.

Durability and Build Quality

A portable pellet grill needs to be durable enough to withstand frequent transportation and outdoor use. Look for a model with a sturdy build quality, high-quality materials, and a solid warranty to ensure that your investment lasts for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions