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Best Pellet Grills: Traeger vs Pit Boss vs Weber vs Z Grills (2026)

Pellet grills feed hardwood pellets into a fire pot under digital control, so you can smoke low and slow or roast hot with set-and-forget ease. We compared 14 full-size pellet grills from Traeger, Weber, Pit Boss and Z Grills on the specs each maker publishes.

Updated 2026-11-1214 products compared6 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

Pit Boss Navigator 1300

Score 7.7/10 · Check price

Why it wins: The most cooking space here. 1,329 sq in. 30 lb hopper.

Also great: Pit Boss Navigator 850 (6.4) · Traeger Woodridge Pro (6.1)

7.7/10
Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product Score Total cooking areaPellet hopper capacityMax controller temperatureWi-Fi / app control (listed) Best for Price Buy
1Pit Boss Navigator 1300
7.7/10
1329 sq in30 lb500 °FYes The most cooking space here Check price View deal
2Pit Boss Navigator 850
6.4/10
932 sq in30 lb500 °FYes A lot of grill and a 1,000 °F Flame Broiler for the money Check price View deal
3Traeger Woodridge Pro
6.1/10
970 sq in24 lb500 °FYes Woodridge with more space and Super Smoke Check price View deal
4Weber Searwood 600
5.9/10
648 sq in20 lb600 °FYes Hottest controller here, with full-grate direct-flame searing Check price View deal
5Traeger Woodridge
5.8/10
860 sq in24 lb500 °FYes Lots of space and a 10-year warranty for the money Check price View deal
6Traeger Timberline
5.7/10
880 sq in22 lb500 °FYes Traeger's flagship with a built-in induction cooktop Check price View deal
7Pit Boss Sportsman 850
5.6/10
849 sq in21 lb500 °FYes A rugged Pit Boss with Wi-Fi and a Flame Broiler Check price View deal
8Z Grills 10502B WiFi XL
5.4/10
1080 sq in21 lb500 °FYes Over 1,000 sq in on three racks for a modest weight Check price View deal
9Traeger Ironwood
4.9/10
616 sq in22 lb500 °FYes Touchscreen, Super Smoke and solid build Check price View deal
10Z Grills 700D4E
4.6/10
697 sq in28 lb500 °FYes A Wi-Fi grill with cabinet storage and a big hopper Check price View deal
11Z Grills Multitasker 7052B Wi-Fi
4.2/10
709 sq in28 lb500 °FYes Sealed, gasketed build for cold-weather cooks Check price View deal
12Traeger Pro 780
3.9/10
780 sq in18 lb500 °FYes The Pro 575's bigger sibling for larger groups Check price View deal
13Traeger Pro 575
3.2/10
575 sq in18 lb500 °FYes The best-known Wi-Fi pellet grill for a family Check price View deal
14Z Grills Pioneer 450B
0.8/10
459 sq in18 lb450 °FNo A compact, simple starter pellet grill Check price View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every pellet grill, ranked

#1 · Top pick

Pit Boss Navigator 1300

Best for: The most cooking space here

7.7/10

What we like

  • 1,329 sq in
  • 30 lb hopper
  • Two probes included

Watch out for

  • Weight not listed by Pit Boss

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area1329 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity30 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)Yes
Warranty (main body)5 years
ModelPB1300M
Temperature range180–500 °F in 5° steps
Direct flameFlame Broiler lever, up to 1,000 °F
Cooking space1,329 sq in
Hopper30 lb
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth
Probes2 included
Warranty5 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#2

Pit Boss Navigator 850

Best for: A lot of grill and a 1,000 °F Flame Broiler for the money

6.4/10

What we like

  • 30 lb hopper
  • Flame Broiler direct searing
  • 5-year warranty

Watch out for

  • Pit Boss doesn't list the weight on the product page

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area932 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity30 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)Yes
Warranty (main body)5 years
ModelPB850M
Temperature range180–500 °F in 5° steps
Direct flameFlame Broiler lever, up to 1,000 °F
Cooking space932 sq in
Hopper30 lb
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth
Probes1 included
Warranty5 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#3

Traeger Woodridge Pro

Best for: Woodridge with more space and Super Smoke

6.1/10

What we like

  • 970 sq in
  • Super Smoke mode
  • 10-year warranty

Watch out for

  • Heavier than the base Woodridge (174 lb)

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area970 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity24 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)10 years
Cooking space970 sq in (585 + 385)
Hopper24 lb
Max temperature500 °F
FeaturesSuper Smoke mode, WiFIRE
Weight174 lb
Warranty10-year limited
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#4

Weber Searwood 600

Best for: Hottest controller here, with full-grate direct-flame searing

5.9/10

What we like

  • 600 °F max with DirectFlame searing
  • Heats up in 15 minutes or less (Weber lab figure)
  • Two meat probes

Watch out for

  • Smaller hopper than Pit Boss and Z Grills large models

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area648 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity20 lb
Max controller temperature600 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)Yes
Warranty (main body)5 years
Temperature range180–600 °F
Cooking area648 sq in (420 bottom + 228 top)
Hopper20 lb
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth (Weber Connect)
SearingDirectFlame, full-grate sear zone
Weight125.4 lb
WarrantyCook box 5 years; electrical, grates and burn pot 3 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#5

Traeger Woodridge

Best for: Lots of space and a 10-year warranty for the money

5.8/10

What we like

  • 10-year limited warranty
  • 24 lb hopper
  • EZ-Clean grease and ash keg

Watch out for

  • No direct-flame searing

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area860 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity24 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)10 years
Cooking space860 sq in (520 + 340)
Hopper24 lb
Max temperature500 °F
ConnectivityWiFIRE
Weight138 lb
Warranty10-year limited
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#6

Traeger Timberline

Best for: Traeger's flagship with a built-in induction cooktop

5.7/10

What we like

  • Induction cooktop for searing and sauces
  • Stainless grates
  • Super Smoke and WiFIRE

Watch out for

  • Heaviest grill here (238 lb)
  • Induction cooktop isn't direct flame over pellets

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area880 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity22 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)10 years
Temperature range165–500 °F
Cooking space880 sq in on 3 stainless tiers
Hopper22 lb
Side burnerTraeger Induction cooktop
Weight238 lb
Warranty10-year limited
XL version1,320 sq in (Timberline XL)
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#7

Pit Boss Sportsman 850

Best for: A rugged Pit Boss with Wi-Fi and a Flame Broiler

5.6/10

What we like

  • Flame Broiler searing
  • Wi-Fi
  • 5-year warranty

Watch out for

  • Smaller hopper than the Navigator 850

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area849 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity21 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)Yes
Warranty (main body)5 years
ModelPB850SPW2
Temperature range180–500 °F
Direct flameFlame Broiler, up to 1,000 °F
Cooking space849 sq in
Hopper21 lb
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth
Warranty5 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#8

Z Grills 10502B WiFi XL

Best for: Over 1,000 sq in on three racks for a modest weight

5.4/10

What we like

  • 1,080 sq in
  • Lightest full-size grill here (106 lb)

Watch out for

  • Much of the area is on upper racks
  • No direct-flame searing

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area1080 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity21 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)5 years
Temperature range160–500 °F
Cooking area1,080 sq in (443 + 384 + 253)
Hopper21 lb
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight106 lb
Warranty5-year limited
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#9

Traeger Ironwood

Best for: Touchscreen, Super Smoke and solid build

4.9/10

What we like

  • Full-color touchscreen
  • Super Smoke mode
  • 10-year warranty

Watch out for

  • Less space than the cheaper Woodridge
  • No direct-flame searing

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area616 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity22 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)10 years
Temperature range165–500 °F
Cooking space616 sq in (396 + 220)
Hopper22 lb
FeaturesTouchscreen, Super Smoke, P.A.L. accessory rail
Weight199 lb
Warranty10-year limited
XL version924 sq in (Ironwood XL)
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#10

Z Grills 700D4E

Best for: A Wi-Fi grill with cabinet storage and a big hopper

4.6/10

What we like

  • 28 lb hopper
  • Two meat probes
  • Storage cabinet

Watch out for

  • No direct-flame searing

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area697 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity28 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)5 years
Temperature range160–500 °F
Cooking area697 sq in (504 + 193)
Hopper28 lb
ControllerPID 3.1, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight134 lb
Warranty5-year limited
ExtrasEnclosed cabinet, 2 meat probes, dual-wall insulated bottom
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#11

Z Grills Multitasker 7052B Wi-Fi

Best for: Sealed, gasketed build for cold-weather cooks

4.2/10

What we like

  • Full-length lid gasket
  • 28 lb hopper
  • 12 in of grate-to-lid clearance

Watch out for

  • Heavy for its size (176 lb)
  • 3-year warranty

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area709 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity28 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)3 years
Temperature range160–500 °F
Cooking area709 sq in (461 + 248)
Hopper28 lb
LidStainless steel, full-length gasket
Weight176 lb
Warranty3 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#12

Traeger Pro 780

Best for: The Pro 575's bigger sibling for larger groups

3.9/10

What we like

  • 205 sq in more than the Pro 575
  • WiFIRE app control

Watch out for

  • Same 18 lb hopper as the 575
  • No direct-flame searing

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area780 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity18 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)3 years
Temperature range165–500 °F
Cooking space780 sq in total
Hopper18 lb
ConnectivityWiFIRE (Traeger app)
Weight150 lb
Warranty3 years
Capacity (Traeger)34 burgers or 6 rib racks or 6 chickens
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#13

Traeger Pro 575

Best for: The best-known Wi-Fi pellet grill for a family

3.2/10

What we like

  • WiFIRE app control
  • Hopper clean-out for quick flavor swaps
  • One meat probe included

Watch out for

  • No direct-flame sear option
  • 3-year warranty is shorter than Traeger's Woodridge and up

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 30%
Pellet hopper capacity 15%
Max controller temperature 15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 15%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 10%
Warranty (main body) 15%
Total cooking area575 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity18 lb
Max controller temperature500 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)3 years
Temperature range165–500 °F
Cooking space575 sq in total
Hopper18 lb
ConnectivityWiFIRE (Traeger app)
Power120 V AC
Weight124 lb
Warranty3 years
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#14

Z Grills Pioneer 450B

Best for: A compact, simple starter pellet grill

0.8/10

What we like

  • Compact footprint
  • Lightest grill here (77 lb)

Watch out for

  • No Wi-Fi listed
  • Lowest max temperature here

Score breakdown

Total cooking area 35%
Pellet hopper capacity 18%
Max controller temperature 18%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed) 18%
Direct-flame searing (listed) 12%
Total cooking area459 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity18 lb
Max controller temperature450 °F
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)No
Direct-flame searing (listed)No
Warranty (main body)Not listed
Temperature range160–450 °F
Cooking area459 sq in (331 + 128)
Hopper18 lb
ControllerPID 3.1
Weight77 lb
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:

Buying guide: how to choose the right pellet grill

Total area vs main grate

Makers add upper racks into the total. For searing and big briskets, the main grate area matters most, so check the split in each spec table.

Direct flame or not

Most pellet grills cook indirectly. Pit Boss's Flame Broiler and Weber's DirectFlame let you sear over the fire; on others, use a cast-iron griddle or a sear kit.

Hopper size and cold weather

A bigger hopper means fewer refills on 12-hour cooks, and insulated or gasketed bodies use fewer pellets in winter.

Warranty length varies widely

Traeger's Woodridge and up carry 10-year limited warranties; Weber covers the cook box for 5 years; Pit Boss and most Z Grills offer 5 years.

How this ranking is calculated

Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

Total cooking areaTotal grate area the maker lists, including upper racks. Upper racks are smaller and cooler, so compare main-grate figures in the spec table too. Scale: 400 → 1350 sq in.
30%
Pellet hopper capacityA bigger hopper runs longer overnight cooks without a refill. Scale: 10 → 35 lb.
15%
Max controller temperatureThe highest temperature the controller can hold for indirect cooking. Direct-flame sear zones are listed separately. Scale: 450 → 600 °F.
15%
Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Remote monitoring and temperature changes from your phone. Yes only when the maker lists it for this model.
15%
Direct-flame searing (listed)A slide plate, lever or open-flame design that lets you sear over the fire, such as Pit Boss Flame Broiler or Weber DirectFlame.
10%
Warranty (main body)Length of the maker's limited warranty on the main grill body. Components often have shorter coverage. Scale: 2 → 10 years.
15%

Frequently asked questions

Do pellet grills need electricity?

Yes. The auger, fan, igniter and controller run on 120 V AC; some portables also run on batteries.

How long does a hopper last?

It depends on temperature and weather. Z Grills says its 28 lb hopper on the 700D4E runs up to 28 hours of non-stop cooking.

Can I sear on a pellet grill?

Models with a direct-flame option (Pit Boss Flame Broiler, Weber DirectFlame) can sear over the fire; others top out around 450–500 °F indirect.

Top pick · 7.7/10Pit Boss Navigator 1300
Check price