How we rank products

Every ranking on this site is calculated, not hand-picked. Here is the whole method.

1. Specs come from the manufacturer

We enter only figures the manufacturer publishes and link the page we used under every product. If a figure isn't published we show "Not listed" instead of guessing.

2. Each spec is scaled from 0 to 1

Each criterion has a fixed reference range, from a "weakest reasonable" value to a "best in class" value (for example 400 to 1,350 sq in of cooking area for pellet grills). A product's figure is placed on that range and clamped between 0 and 1, so scores stay meaningful as products are added. For specs where lower is better, such as weight, the range runs the other way. Yes/no features count as 1 or 0. The ranges are listed below.

3. Weights decide what matters most

Each category lists its criteria and weights on the page. The score is the weighted average, multiplied by 10:

score = 10 × Σ(weight × scaled value) ÷ Σ(weight)

4. Missing data is neutral

If a spec isn't published, the product gets the category median for that criterion, so it is neither rewarded nor punished. A few criteria that only apply to some products (like a cycle rating or surge figure some makers don't publish) are skipped instead, and their weight is removed for that product.

5. Prices and ratings switch on automatically

When our retailer feeds supply a current price or customer rating for at least 60% of products in a category, two more criteria join the formula: Price / value (20%) and Customer rating (15%, discounted when there are few reviews). Until then we show "Check price" and never estimate a price.

6. What the score can't tell you

Specs don't capture real-world temperature stability, smoke flavor, build quality, app quality or long-term reliability. Use the score to shortlist, then read the pros, cons and sources. When we add hands-on testing notes, we label them clearly.

7. Money never changes the order

We earn affiliate commissions from some retailers. Commission rates are not an input to the formula, and no brand can pay for placement. See our affiliate disclosure.

Criteria by category

Pellet Grills

• Total cooking area: 30% · range 400 → 1350 sq in
• Pellet hopper capacity: 15% · range 10 → 35 lb
• Max controller temperature: 15% · range 450 → 600 °F
• Wi-Fi / app control (listed): 15% · yes/no
• Direct-flame searing (listed): 10% · yes/no
• Warranty (main body): 15% · range 2 → 10 years · skipped when not published

Portable & Combo Pellet Grills

• Total cooking area: 30% · range 150 → 1300 sq in
• Pellet hopper capacity: 10% · range 5 → 25 lb · skipped when not published
• Weight: 15% · range 160 → 35 lb · skipped when not published
• Wi-Fi / app control (listed): 15% · yes/no
• Direct-flame searing (listed): 10% · yes/no
• Gas grill or griddle side: 10% · yes/no
• Warranty: 10% · range 1 → 5 years · skipped when not published

Outdoor Pizza Ovens

• Largest pizza: 35% · range 10 → 20 in
• Weight: 20% · range 165 → 25 lb · skipped when not published
• Max temperature: 10% · range 850 → 950 °F
• Multi-fuel capable (listed): 20% · yes/no
• Built-in digital temperature readout: 15% · yes/no

Electric Pizza Ovens

• Max temperature: 40% · range 650 → 850 °F
• Largest pizza: 20% · range 10 → 14 in
• Rated for indoor use: 20% · yes/no
• Weight: 5% · range 45 → 25 lb · skipped when not published
• Warranty: 15% · range 1 → 3 years · skipped when not published

Flat-Top Griddles

• Cooking area: 35% · range 400 → 760 sq in
• Total burner output: 20% · range 26000 → 48000 BTU
• Burners / heat zones: 15% · range 2 → 4
• Weight: 5% · range 190 → 90 lb · skipped when not published
• Warranty: 25% · range 1 → 5 years · skipped when not published

Kamado Grills

• Cooking area: 45% · range 130 → 460 sq in
• Max temperature: 20% · range 600 → 750 °F · skipped when not published
• App / Wi-Fi control (listed): 20% · yes/no
• Weight: 15% · range 410 → 70 lb · skipped when not published

Smokers

• Cooking area: 35% · range 450 → 1300 sq in
• Wi-Fi / app control (listed): 20% · yes/no
• Automatic fuel feed: 15% · yes/no
• Max temperature: 10% · range 275 → 700 °F · skipped when not published
• Warranty: 20% · range 1 → 10 years · skipped when not published