Best Pellet Grill of 2025

Introduction to Pellet Grill Testing

Pellet grills have become a popular choice for backyard cooks due to their versatility and ability to maintain consistent temperatures. However, not all pellet grills perform equally well, especially under various cooking scenarios. To determine the best pellet grills, CNET conducted a series of rigorous tests designed to evaluate their performance in different cooking conditions. These tests involve cooking different types of meat—such as pork ribs, chicken, burgers, pork chops, Boston pork butt, and brisket—using different heat settings and methods. The goal is to assess how efficiently and evenly each grill cooks, as well as how well it handles both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing.

The Rib Test: Low and Slow Smoking

The first test involves smoking pork ribs, a classic challenge for pellet grills. Ribs require a low temperature and a long cooking time to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results. For this test, CNET equipped each grill with a thermocouple thermometer at grate level, connected to a laptop running data-logging software to monitor temperature consistency. The grill was set to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and a rack of pork back ribs was seasoned with an all-purpose rub. The ribs were cooked for at least three hours with the lid closed, ensuring that the grill could maintain the desired temperature and produce evenly smoked meat. The results were evaluated based on juiciness, tenderness, and the depth of smoky flavor.

The Chicken Test: Midrange Cooking

Next, CNET tested the grills with a whole chicken to assess their performance at medium heat settings. The chicken was seasoned and placed on the grill at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, with two temperature probes inserted into the breasts to monitor internal temperatures. To ensure consistency, all chickens used in the test weighed approximately 5.5 pounds. Additionally, CNET experimented with beer can chicken, a method where the chicken is stood upright during cooking. This approach adds another layer of complexity, as it requires the grill to cook the meat evenly despite varying distances from the heat source. The results were tracked throughout the cook, and the chickens were judged on their juiciness and flavor.

The Burger Test: High Heat Searing

Burgers are a great way to evaluate a pellet grill’s ability to sear meat at high temperatures. For this test, uniform patties made from 80/20 ground beef were cooked on the grill at its highest temperature setting. Temperature probes were inserted into each patty at a 45-degree angle to monitor internal temperatures. The burgers were flipped after six minutes and cooked until they reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A good burger in this test should have a nice outside char and a slightly pink center. Additionally, this test helps identify any hot spots on the grill’s surface, as inconsistent cooking times for the burgers can indicate uneven heat distribution.

The Pork Chop Test: Even Cooking

To further assess the grills, CNET tested them with pork chops. By buying a whole pork loin and cutting it into 1-inch thick chops, the team ensured even thickness, which is crucial for consistent cooking results. The chops were seasoned and cooked on the grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, with their internal temperatures monitored throughout the cook. The results showed that the chops cooked evenly and relatively quickly, as there were no bones to contend with. This test highlighted the grills’ ability to handle leaner cuts of meat without drying them out.

The Boston Pork Butt Test: Long, Low-Temperature Cooking

A Boston pork butt, or pork shoulder, is an ideal cut of meat for pellet grills due to its ability to absorb smoke and remain tender. For this test, CNET used six-pound pork butts seasoned with a dry rub and mustard. The grills were set to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pork butts were monitored with two meat probes each. After reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat was wrapped in butcher’s paper and returned to the grill until it reached 195 degrees. This long cooking process allowed the team to evaluate how well the grills could maintain consistent low temperatures over an extended period. The final result was juicy, smoky, and tender meat perfect for pulling.

The Brisket Test: The Ultimate Challenge

The final test was the most demanding: cooking beef brisket, a cut of meat that requires precise temperature control and a long cooking time to break down its connective tissues. The briskets were seasoned with coarse kosher salt, yellow mustard, and a smoky rub, then placed on the grill at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Three temperature probes were used to monitor the internal temperature across the large cut of meat. After six hours, when the brisket reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it was wrapped in butcher’s paper and returned to the grill. Once it reached 195 degrees, it was wrapped in aluminum foil to retain moisture. The grills were evaluated on their ability to produce a brisket with a juicy texture, a beautiful smoke ring, and even slicing. This test underscored the importance of consistent heat maintenance for such a challenging cut of meat.

Conclusion: Evaluating Pellet Grill Performance

In conclusion, CNET’s comprehensive testing process provides valuable insights into the performance of pellet grills under various cooking conditions. From low-and-slow smoking of ribs to high-heat searing of burgers, each test revealed how well the grills could handle different scenarios. The results highlight the importance of consistent temperature control, even heat distribution, and the ability to adapt to different cooking techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, understanding how pellet grills perform in these tests can help you choose the right one for your cooking needs.