The Best Pellet Grill Under $1199 | Best Pellet Smokers for 2023

Thank you Grill Grate for sponsoring this video. Find your complete set of Grill Grate panels and bring your grill new life by clicking here! Use code "BBQLAB10" for an extra 10% off! www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=21...
In today's video, we put the best pellet grills we could get our hands on to the test under the $1,199 price point. It's a pellet grill throwdown you won't want to miss!
Some of the links below are affiliate links, and you'll support our family by allowing us to earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. We thank you for supporting us as we continue to bring you the best in outdoor cooking!
Featured Products
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► ZGrills Multitaster 11002B: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Traeger Pro 780: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Grilla Grills Silverbak AT: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Louisiana Grills BL1000: louisiana-grills.9u2rlz.net/B...
► Pit Boss Sportsman 1100: pitbossgrills.77jaha.net/qnKE4n
► Camp Chef Woodwind 36: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Oklahoma Joe's Rider DLX 1200: amzn.to/3PGSJSv
► Recteq RT590: amzn.to/3fO7dUi
► Smoked Bros Spices and Rubs: (Use Code "BBQLAB20" for 20% off) www.smokedbros.com/
► Grilling Pellets Premium Hardwood Pellets: grillingpellets.com
► Grill Rescue Cleaning Brush: amzn.to/3USD85f
► Thermoworks Signals 4 Channel Thermometer: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Shop our favorite products:
thebarbecuelab.com/shop/
Outdoor Cooking Appliances
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► Offset Smoker: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► XL Kamado: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Gas Grill: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Outdoor Griddle: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Pizza Oven: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
Accessories
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► Grill Cleaning Spray: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Grilling Gloves: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Nitrile Gloves: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Apron: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Grill Tools: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Large Spatula: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Vacuum Sealer: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Pork Racks: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► BBQ Sprayer: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Cooler: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
Thermometers
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► Instant Read Thermometer: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Infrared Thermometer: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Control Fan: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Probe Storage: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
Outdoor Kitchen
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► Doors & Drawers: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Refrigerator: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Ice Maker: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Sink: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Gas Grill: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Pro Burner: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Griddle: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Pellet Grill: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
Consumable Items
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► Mail Order meat: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Chicken Rub: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Steak Rub: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► BBQ Rub: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► All Purpose Rub: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Brisket Rub: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Beef Tallow: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
► Butcher Paper: thebarbecuelab.com/recommends...
2:07 Introduction of grills
2:40 Assembly
3:03 Build Quality
3:48 What is it made of?
4:27 Exhaust
4:55 Grates
6:19 Measurements
6:57 Storage/shelf space
7:34 wheels
8:25 Hopper capacity
9:02 Pellet changing
10:13 Probes
10:44 Controllers
12:16 App connectivity
14:40 Temperature Range
15:38 GrillGrate Ad
17:00 Temperature accuracy
20:03 Cooking Capacity
21:43 Biscuit test
23:58 Smoking test
26:06 Hot and fast test
27:13 Grilling test
30:12 Cleaning
31:39 Warranty
31:58 Current Prices
34:49 Closing thoughts
37:22 My top pick

[@TheBarbecueLab]

If you're being told you've won something in the comments, it's a scam, so please don't engage. We will not announce any winners in the comments for a giveaway, and our giveaways are always free, with no cost to you. So, if you've texted a number from an account that's stolen our logo, please don't engage with them. They're trying to set up a scam. They have been reported to KZbin, but in the meantime, please ignore the scammer.

[@mattjones1792]

Traeger super smoke on the ironwood 885

[@johnnycampbell3422]

You guys really did a great test and video. Thanks for the work

[@jamesrogers7618]

Thank you for all the information you provide, I just retired (early) and needed a hobby, bought the Z Grill 11002B and simply love it, I have done spare ribs, pork butts, and a host of other cooks, my 1st few cooks did not come out all that well but, after watching your channel and some other streams, I am no MASTER SMOKER, but, everything I now smoke turns out well, thanks!

[@chrisshawnthomas]

Just because I would have appreciated some time stamps and still might use them myself: 2:07 Introduction of grills Luisiana Grills Black Label 1000 Camp Chef Woodwind 36 Pitboss Sportsman 1100 ZGrills Multitasker 11002b Oaklahoma Joes Rider Delux 1200 Traeger Pro 780 Reqteq RT590 Grilla Grills Silver Bac AT 2:40 Assembly 3:03 Paper Test for Seal 4:02 Table of materials each is made of 4:27 Exhaust ports 4:55 Grates 6:19 Footprint of grills chart 7:20 Storage options chart 7:34 wheels 8:25 Hopper capacity 9:00 Table for smoke time on one hopper and hopper cleanout 10:15 Temp probe options and temp controllers 12:18 App connectivity 15:00 Min-Max temp chart 17:00 Temp accuracy table @ 19:37 20:19 Capacity w/ charts 21:43 Biscuit hot spot test 24:00 Rib and chicken cook tests 27:32 Burger grill test 30:13 cleaning process 31:55 warranty offerings chart 32:44 costs chart (at time of video) 34:10 Results w/ top three standouts at 36:42

[@lahvadoepin]

Thank you for the effort

[@Kenanhower]

Legend

[@VinnyDubs]

Videos like this is why I love KZbin, very informative, this must have taken alot of work and I thank you and your team!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Much appreciated!

[@pantera2382]

They did an outstanding job! We thank you again 👏

[@jimmyfumbanks6081]

Your in on the grift Pellet grills are sht . They are used where the city ordinance prohibits real smokers These people are grifters

[@jimmyfumbanks6081]

​@@pantera2382really you never cooked on a grill or you are in on the grift .

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Thanks for all the vids! U guys rock!!

[@siimplytwinss3248]

Thanks for such an informative and thorough video. My hats off to you and your crew. What you guys put together was nothing short of genius. Thanks so much !

[@Deighty181]

Hands down one of the best reviews I’ve seen on KZbin! I appreciate you and your helpers time! Thank you

[@stanmoffitt9297]

Very informative! Thanks for all your work!

[@user-ur8vm8ii4z]

Thank you gentlemen for your work

[@TheUltimateSyNN]

Amazing review. Ty so much!

[@davemusial5621]

WOW, what a great review. Thank you for all of your effort!!

[@Edward135i]

I feel like traeger has been coasting on it's name for far too long now days.

[@davidb1169]

Yep, they used to make good quality thick grills when made in US. Now they are super thin being made in China. Brother-in-law has both. You wouldn’t believe the difference. New is over priced junk.

[@AzTurboMini]

They're 🐕💩

[@jimphillis5994]

Just spend the money 1 time, most all of these only last a couple years at most. You want a very versatile pellet smoker that will last forever head over to LoneStar Grillz...

[@CFLDumpsters]

My Traeger is a lil Tex, it’s a hunk of 💩 unreliable being cleaned after every smoke

[@wolfgangklotz7820]

Impressive work! Thanks for all that effort.

[@howardgreenfield804]

This is a GREAT video. Just what I needed as I look as a new acquisition. Thank you.

[@songofyesterday]

That biscuit test is genius. I’ll definitely be doing that when buying a new model. Z grill I like due to small range of temperature variance. It stayed in the green.

[@empirion502]

(one year later) on the offhand chance you didn't know, this is exactly how you map out hot spots in your oven. lay a bunch of slices of something like wonderbread on a baking sheet, run the oven long enough to start to toast the bread, take out the tray and you can see exactly where it's hottest by the areas of bread that are the most scorched

[@UtubeEric12345]

I really enjoyed watching this. Not only is the information top notch, the presentation and editing is excellent! Very well done indeed!

[@richardalvanos7435]

Thanks for doing this video. I have never used a pellet grill and did not know how much is involved in setup and cleaning. I can see where the pellet dump and ash pot dump are a must have. I have a great gas grill for burgers and such so I just need low and slow with even cook and temp. Now I know thanks to your hard work and time. Thanks again Richard

[@StaceGraham]

That was one of the best and most comprehensive commentaries on the best pellet grills on the market! Excellent job for all involved!Thank you!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! All the best.

[@davidcalkins8087]

Thanks for the awesome summary

[@s.w.279]

thanks for the great work guys

[@metalmassacre84]

Thanks for all the research yall did.

[@genoortega4686]

Great video!!! Very informative like you I was impressed by the Grilla Grill.

[@UnicornMoto]

Nice work! Thank You!

[@JustTheConcerts]

Such a great video with tons of information. Thanks

[@rains4707]

Great vid guys. Thanks

[@h2tym]

Thank you so much for putting this video together. I’ve learned so much about the valuable features of smokers and I’m closer to buying my “forever” smoker this year

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eyeeye00]

The most independent and informative BBQ video I have ever watched. FANTASTIC !!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks for watching!

[@markmauer1219]

What a review video! Thanks for doing this.

[@roybaggett8565]

WOW awesome video thanks for the info

[@OKIEBBQ]

Another great video, thanks!

[@firelizard7]

Fantastic video, extremely helpful for me to make an informed decision. Thanks!

[@tankbulldogge8639]

Great video. Myself I Have one of the original Grilla Grills Silverback. I added the front shelve & a couple other accessories along with the Grill Grates for steaks & burgers & more. My Silverback is before they went to wi-fi app. What Grilla did was offer all original Silverback owners a special price on purchasing the new wi-fi controller. Grilla has awesome customer service as well. My brother has a Pit Boss, some friends have Traeger's & another has a Camp Chef. We enjoy great cooks & meals on all of them. The reality is, If you have good recipe's take pride in your cook you will produce great BBQ with any of them. But I still tell them guys I am the Pitmaster due to my BBQ skills & GRILLA GRILLS SIVERBACK.

[@jonhoskins3795]

Great video! Helped me switch from potentially buying a Recteq (I have yet to see a video of one going over 500 degrees!) to a Grilla Silverbac! Your bisquit test and the burger grilling segment really sold me.

[@GYLTLLC]

Great video, thank you.

[@joshuathomas8529]

I bought my Pit boss 1150 Pro in the spring and could not be happier. I will have to admit I did the following modifications. I bought an aftermarket flame diffuser, a plate that closed the one ich gap between the plate under the grates the end closest to the hopper, put a gasket under the door, lastly bought a blanket to cover the top of the grill during winter. I have had zero mechanical issues with it and have used it three or four times a month including during the winter. I smoked a pork but for Christmas and it turned out wonderful.

[@barbru3598]

The "Biscuit Test" can be done with slices of white bread, also. And this is a great way to learn how your pellet grill cooks. This a good example of getting to Know your Grill. You done good

[@7stringjazz1]

Good review. Got the silverbac. Love it! I didn’t expect the temp fluctuations range when I first got it. Now I see it’s the norm. I’ve learned to rely on the temp one for my cooks. Still learning to smoke and have had some hit or miss results. Grilla grills customer service has been top notch. Very satisfied.

[@bisonriverartifacts188]

I have a Grilla silverback and love it. The heavy duty construction was the top selling point for me and I haven’t been disappointed. I’ve had it for 3 years and use it regularly.

[@jacksmith785]

Does the smaller cooking area limit you at all? It looks like it has one of the smallest cooking spaces in the lineup, but I might just be overestimating what I'm actually going to be cooking in there.

[@Proclaiming_Truth]

Thanks David! This was super-helpful. I have been considering the purchase of a large pellet smoker and this video really helped compare these smokers! Thanks again!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad to hear that it's helpful. All the best in deciding which one is the best for you!

[@beentheredonethat7572]

On the under $400 portable category I would recommend the Green Mountain Davey Crockett, I bought one after my friend had one for a year & we both love this grill. it's a little small but I can still cook a pizza in it!

[@waydeferguson9033]

I enjoyed this video, but just to let you know, I bought a Traeger 575 had nothing but problems. Temperature problems. took it back to Home Depot and they gave me another one. Same issue horrible temperature swings after six months of nothing but hell. Traeger sent me a Ironwood and picked up my 575. Had nothing but temperature swing issues with that. Also asked for my money back which took about four phone calls. They finally gave me my money back and picked up the Ironwood. the gentleman at customer service said they know about the temperature issues and still haven’t found a fix. After four years they still haven’t found the fix. I bought a Recteq. Love it. Temperature stays where I put it. Absolutely love the recteq.

[@annebaugh2835]

I have a friend that does competitive BBQ and he had exactly the same experience. Had to pull out of competition because his Traeger didn’t hold temp. Tested a bunch, ended up with Recteq and loves it.

[@tracireed5028]

Recteq is the best BBQ thanks for all you did in this video.🎉

[@Boogs5150]

Recteq is but wish they had a sear station.

[@annebaugh2835]

@@Boogs5150 we got the sear plates. They do a great job on steak!

[@13579roadrash]

Thank you for this video! Very in-depth! I ended up buying a Pit-Boss because of the 5 year warranty and cost here in Canada. I have not used it very much yet, but i find the heat on my grill only varies by 10 degrees either way off the set temperature and the time for the cook seems to be real close to what it is called for. I am pretty happy with this grill! Happy smoking, everyone!

[@BryanColliver]

I have 4 Pellet smokers all deferent brands. I just got a Weber smoke fire from a friend that is moving and man I love that thing, it has such a different flavor something with home the grease hits the flavor bars and with it getting over 600 its sear is amazing. it is a bit different to cook on then any other pellet grill i have with the all ways open fire pot but i love it now

[@user-wm7fc3mi2f]

Thank you for your video

[@modchipman67]

I had the Oklahoma Joes 1200 DLX, while it does grill, it doesn’t do the low and slow. I struggled with errors on the controller when changing temps, ignition issues, and the fact that the smoker consistently ran 40-70 degrees hot, ultimately resulted in me selling it. Replaced with “old reliable” Traeger 780 and couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the info

[@deancronkright7603]

Awesome video, great information. I have a silverback AT I am very happy with it

[@curtisrogers4190]

This is just the second video I have found reviewing the Grilla Grills against other grills. I ran the chimp for 3 years before stepping up to the Silaverbac. Amazing how many people have never heard of the company, but like you when they see it in action they are pleasantly surprised. I'm in Wisconsin and use mine in cold temperature like 0 on up to whatever winter gives me and it never fails and is a pellet miser at low and slow.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

I'm running the Silverbac right now in 29 degree weather, and it's acting like it doesn't even notice the cold and 30 mph wind. The longer I work with it, the more impressed I am.

[@curtisrogers4190]

@@TheBarbecueLab I think it is unfortunately one of the best kept secrets in the outdoor cooking world. Rarely do I talk with someone about outdoor cookers who have heard of the company. I do have to say my wifi is not real dependable. That is a hard thing to critisize because it could be my signal strength or speed of my router too.

[@awmo2005]

Great informative video with so much information provided. The only thing I would do differently is include specifics on auger type and/or comparison. As it is the main component that drives the smoker.

[@MrPaulygbme]

Mate ripper review. I am in Oz and we are a bit behind you guys in the availability of pellet smokers but great to see what’s out there and an awesome review of the various brands and models. We have Z grills here but not the particular model you reviewed so is certainly something I am going to follow up with them to see if they will get it here. Thanks for a huge amount of work. I have been barbecuing for many years with a Webber kettle I bought in the early 90s. As well as an offset etc. Have been considering pellets for some time and this has really helped me make up my mind.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Really great job on this video! I really appreciate your data driven approach and how much time and effort you put into these videos. Keep it up 🙂👍

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, and thanks for watching! Keep up the great work on your channel as well, and all the best this holiday season!

[@mikemcmanus858]

Love my Z grill very reliable and easy-to-use !!

[@bigtee4690]

Great video! I am brand new to Pellet Smokers. I ordered a Pit Boss Pro Series Elite that is scheduled to be delivered on 11/30 and I can't wait. I learned alot from this video and I am a new subscriber. Testing for hot spots with biscuits is a great idea . Thank You.

[@DrChili44]

Amazing review! Can't imagine how much work went into this! And, yes, Sullivan's is amazing!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Totally agree with you Andrew. We've got nothing but love for Sullivan's. Thanks for watching!

[@gkmandymoo]

Grilla is sooo under rated. I’ve had mine 7 years and it is a tank! I love it and would buy it again over anything out there.

[@nookbandit]

The Grilla is a tank, thicker grill walls, lid and in 4 years has never malfunctioned. I live outside Chicago and I use the Silverback with no issues most of the winter unless it’s stupid cold out. One neighbor has a RecTec and the other unfortunately has the Weber Smokefire, both seem to be built well but the Silverback just seems more premium. Also don’t discount the wheels, these grills are top heavy and it’s nice to be able to move the Grilla even on uneven rough ground

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

​@@nookbandit absolutely accurate account of this smoker, it is awesome. To be fair, this is the only smoker I've owned.

[@saulgonzalez6001]

Great video thank you

[@gyrene_asea4133]

Very nicely done. Even handed and quite informative. Thank you for your diligence.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danekay5504]

What a terrific video. Nice Job!!!!! I am in the market and appreciate so much the work and effort that went into making it for us. I am a pretty experienced pit master and have had many grills over the years and I still learned. So thank you so much!!!!!!! Great Job! Oh and you got a new sub my friend.

[@chrish8352]

Thank you, you made an amazing video.

[@tmygun1976]

I loved this video, it was so informative as I'm looking to get into the smokers world and have been a little overwhelmed as to which smoker to buy. Tha KS for the info. Also I loved this video even more when I realized at the end that you mentioned Indianapolis. Southeast side BORN AND RAISED HERE!!! Although I'm very familiar with Sullivan's. We do the polar expres/ meet Santa there every year. Great stuff!! 👍

[@JohnMcGee-ff5zu]

Very informational, just the information I was looking for. Thank You

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@djtoy]

Very very informative. The level of efforts, analysis and detailed comparison is top notch. I know what I will be getting now. Thank you.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Awesome. Glad it was helpful!

[@erokbrewmeister9231]

This is a great review, thanks for all your effort !

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thank you Erok! It was way more work than we expected, but we really hope it’s helpful for people making a decision on a new grill.

[@bearvonsteuben9675]

Thank you for your exhaustive research! For about 5 months now, I’ve been cooking on my Camp Chef 36” Woodwind Pro, my first pellet. Full door gasket, superb temp retention (I use their thermal blanket during the winter), all the good features of the regular Woodwind that you point out, no smokestack, and I’m having outstanding results with this smoker. The best feature of all is the pullout tray/box for adding wood chunks for added smoke. It works, and no tube is needed!👍 Thanks again for your hard work.

[@meals24u]

Love that Pro and the option to put those wood chunks in there! Great great stuff! I pray that in a year or two every Pro Pellet Smoker/Grill will have a similar feature as that really appears to give a great flavour 🙌🙌

[@TheGmkiller]

I would like to mention that I have one of the original Grilla Grills Silver-backs and have had it now for 8 years. I live in Chicago and the grill has been outside year-round with a cover since day 1. I have traveled to events with this grill, cooked in competitions, and hosted and cooked for parties of 150 and more and this grill has never let me down. I have cook pizza, fish, pork, brisket, hamburger, sausage, and much more. I have replaced my control board but I will give that to user error. Mark at Grilla has been outstanding with his customer support and even called me on a major holiday to walk me through an issue that ended up being my fault, not the grill. I have used this grill in extreme temperatures both ways of being cold and hot and it always cooked extremely well. I have a Pit-Boss also and the difference in cooks is night and day and the Grilla is so much more superior. I do like the Grilla pellets but I actually use Traeger pellets since they are very easy for me to obtain and are just as good as the Grilla brand. I highly recommend this pit to anyone who is looking for an outstanding all-around pit for every need.

[@Tjdiamond26]

Thank you for the info. I am a new sub. I just received my Traeger ironwood 885. I can’t wait to start cooking. I took notes even though u didn’t go through the same tests.

[@nomad8333]

I greatly appreciate the time, energy, and effort you guys put into this video. I'm currently in the market for my first pellet grill and this video has truly helped me with making a decision about where to spend my money. Thank you!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamezangel2482]

What did you end up purchasing and how do you like it?

[@dethklok06]

You just earned an easy like and subscribe. I wish I would’ve seen this video before pulling the plug on the Pit Boss Competition 1600. I sold my Traeger Pro 575 a couple weeks ago and settled on the Pit Boss for the sear feature. Should be picking it up this week. Great video!!

[@747driver3]

Hey sports fans. I’ll save you some time and money. Buy the RecTeq. I have the RT-700. Looks great . 40 lb hopper. 6 year warranty. Quality materials. Temp control is fantastic. Great smoker. Plug it in and let it roll.

[@LITTLEROCK2517]

Sold my 700 and got the 1250

[@747driver3]

Too big for me@@LITTLEROCK2517

[@shiversneak]

The ZGrill has been fabulous for over a year I've had it. Great video review of all.

[@MrSteviej893]

I’d pick the Silverbac as the best, but I’m a bit biased 😂 It’s a fantastic smoker. I’ve had the AT model for a little over two years and love it. This was a great comparison video

[@hotrod1582]

David @The Barbecue Lab, great job putting this all together... you knocked it out of the park! The details into the comparisons between the grills were thorough from assembly, dimensions, construction, temp variables & probes & any/all accessories each came with in addition to smoking Ribs & grilling burgers exceeded my expectations when your video started. I'm a 'stck-burner' guy and I've been looking at the purchase of a pellet smoker (3 of 8 mentioned in your grill comparison) and your video sealed it! For your viewers who like the Griila Grills Silverbac, the Grilla Co. had a "package 'sale' on the Silverbac that also included... 1. Grill cover 2. Top Shelf ext., 3. Tools for removing/cleaning the grate. The package price was $899 and the same cost as the price of the grill. That was over Black Friday weekend 'Sale'. I hope it comes back for post Christmas week! Appreciate your work, Super Job...

[@hotrod1582]

The 3 pellet smokers I was researching are the 'Z Grill', the Traeger & the Grilla Grill - Silverbac! The details you mentioned in your smoker assessment video I agree with 110% and why I'll purchase the Silverbac!

[@dukeledford4196]

I have t he ZGrills Multitasker 11002B and I love it. I got it at Sam's Club for $499 and have not found a better pellet grill in that price point anywhere. Thanks for the great comparison video!

[@srh8440]

⭐️Outstanding job thank you for your efforts 👍

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks for watching!

[@seanblomquist9126]

I've had the original Silverback for about 4.5 years and it is awesome. Still works like new and hasn't let me down. When they introduced the Wi-Fi option, it was an easy upgrade to get the new panel at a reduced price since I already had the grill. Worth every penny in my book.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

I used the wifi option to cook a pork butt today, and it was incredibly easy to use. Changed the grill temp and probe alert temp multiple times, and the grill was updated within a few seconds. I'm continually impressed.

[@javabear564]

Thank you for this very informative video, I am in the market to replace my PITA Green Mountain Grill that is constantly on the fritz. So this was a huge help.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daneasterly4063]

Great info, thank you for sharing! I just bought the pit boss and was surprised by the temp swing and how the digital temperature was different than the temp thermometer on top of the grill. I was also surprised not to see much smoke coming out the stack but nonetheless, the halibut and salmon came out with amazing smoke flavor. I'm looking forward to doing a brisket and researching good recipes. Thanks again!

[@user-lc6hc3zi8c]

Weak construction

[@matthirn7858]

I am in the school of thought of not using a pellet grill for searing. With that in mind, I am looking for consistent temperature and durability. I own a Rec teq and it has served me well for over 10 years. I agree that it tends to consistently temp low, but it has a small variation in temperature. I am impressed with the Grilla grill. It also seems to have a smaller temperature variation. I wonder if it is as durable as the Rec teq? I like the front shelf and all terrain wheels. I had to add the shelf and modify my Rec teq wheels.

[@bongowit]

This is one of the greatest reviews I've ever seen (not just smokers btw) and a TON of information for a 40 minute video. I love the way you went through build quality, temperature variation, square inches, hot spots, smoke ability and grilling. I am disappointed that the Weber smokefire wasn't included in this test and eager to know where you think it would stand. I am ultimately looking for a grill replacement smoker. Thank you!!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

I would have loved to have a Weber Smokefire in this roundup, but Weber didn't respond to my emails to see if they'd allow us to use a sample. I actually purchased a slightly used Smokefire 24" from someone locally on Marketplace, but when I got it back to the Lab, the auger wouldn't turn and the heating rod wouldn't light, so I took it back and taught them how to make a warranty claim. I couldn't do it since my name wasn't on the original bill of purchase, so we almost had a Weber in this roundup, but it didn't work out. I haven't cooked on a Smokefire, but I saw one at their roadshop when it came through town last year showing off the 2.0's. I'm not sure I can weigh in on how I think it would do since I just don't have any experience with it. I like the idea of it, but can't really speak to how they operate in real life. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@pantera2382]

Agreed

[@protofmaster]

This was indeed a superb review. As others have mentioned your analysis was extremely helpful, and is helping me to decide on what model to purchase. I'm very glad that you included the test to see how well these units could really sear. I currently have a Traeger Pro 22, and it cannot sear at all! I also want my next unit to be one which can hold temperature well. When I consider the searing capability of the Grilla Grills Silverback, the Pro vs. PID temperature control, and the 5° temperature increments, I think this will be the best choice for me. I can picture using the Pro control control feature to produce the most smoke at the beginning, and then turning it to PID mode to finish the remainder. The only feature I really wish it had was an additional meat temperature probe port..

[@SilatShooter]

Great Video! Appreciate the effort to put this together. I'm looking for something a bit larger with a second cooking rack for briskets on the second higher rack. What would you recommend at a higher price point say up to $2100? Don't need the pellet cooker to grill. Have that covered with charcoal grill.

[@franklatham9403]

I am in the market for a smoker myself, and your test pushes me to the Grilla grills and Oklahoma Joes for further study. Thank you for the great insight.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

You're welcome! Let us know which way you decide to go.

[@dpboy8]

Amazing video! I guess I'll be looking for a pit boss. Great bang for your bucks

[@Todd.T]

I don't need another pellet grill, but I'd like to acknowledge the great effort here. I'd also like to add that in my 14 years of pellet grill experience that fluctuating temps offer the best flavor. Hot burns taste sweet, cooler burns taste smoky. Fluctuating burns taste sweet and smoky. Offsets with a piece of wood in different stages of burning, lets say from the low end to the high end, produce different compounds that add to the complexity of the flavor. When it comes to cooking even, it's a good and a bad thing. If you can cook for eight and you pieces of meat have identical mass and bone percentage and shape, a perfectly even grill would be ideal. Since that rarely happens, if you have a hotter location, you put the big piece of meat there to get it to finish at the same time as the smaller pieces. Obviously you don't want a whole bunch of mismatched temperature zones you need to map out. I mention the temp swings and hot spots because those that don't own a grill and do nothing but YT research are adding too much weight to these parameters with no understanding how it may work for them or work against them. I'd say temp swings are more important to pellet grill flavor complexity than any other type of grill. You'd get more smoky and better flavor in the winter or on a cool windy day because the grill is losing heat fast and needs to stoke more often than on a hot summer's day where the pellet use is less.

[@ErrorInvalidName]

Nice information thanks! So in your 14yrs of exp where are you at in terms of current grille?

[@Todd.T]

@@ErrorInvalidName Today I used a Broil King XLS 90 gas grill to grill vegetables on. At the same time I used a Traeger Timberline 850 to roast some garlic and rosemary potato wedges on. (I did breakfast sausages this morning). I also cooked sausages on my offset. The Broil King is a huge grill where I grill direct for searing or a bit of char. I can also BBQ by putting the meat on one side and turning the heat on the burner on the far side. You can run a pellet tube smoke generator. You can also fill the pellet tube full of wood chips and put that under the meat or near the fire. Rotate the meat around and keep the temps at 225 and you will get a great set of ribs or whatever you are cooking. This is the gateway to true BBQ. The water vapor from burning gas or wet wood chips makes the smoke stick to the meat very well. You can't wet wood pellets, they will turn back into sawdust. It also has a rotisserie and you can run a smoke tube while the turkey/chicken/roast is turning. The Traeger is good at appetizers (atomic buffalo turds, shotgun shells), chicken/turkey wings drums and thighs, sausages, small to medium roasts, holding meats cooked either in them or not, bacon, ribs. med thickness pork chops, pizza, candied bacon. The offset dominates for ribs, sausages, medium to large roast pork, med to large roast beef, pulled pork, brisket, large double bone pork chops, tomahawk steaks and pork chops, prime rib, steaks, pizza, pulled pork, beef ribs. The offset can be run with wood sticks that are slightly too big which will impart a lot of smoke and need care to maintain heat or you can run it with small hot fire that has the pure sweetness of a hot burn, but you need to close the chimney flue to almost closed and open the firebox door to backdraft some of the heat out. Fully open flue and small stick will put the chamber up to 580 degrees. This is when you put in a pizza or this is when you open the door to the cook chamber and the flames will enter at a 45 degree angle and hit the meat, but you can't ever get flare ups because the fire is in the firebox and you have the meat in the cook chamber off to the side. I'm using GMG Gold blend pellets with some GMG Texas blend on the way. I have some Lumberjack Supreme Blend/Competition Blend/Hickory Blend pellets. I also have some Knotty Wood almond pellets. I use cheaper wood heating pellets that taste like oak but when I am doing a long cook, I use them to cut costs. The meat doesn't take on smoke after 120 degrees internal or if I wrap it, so why waste the tasty pellets? Also going to try the Kirkland brand soon. Pellets make a difference. Don't just buy the ones that are the same brand as the pellet grill. Some of the older style Traegers have a different flavor profile than the new ones with the direct drive motors and the rear vent. They cook differently and need to be used differently if you try to get the same type of flavor. Tomorrow is roast pork loin with rosemary tied to it done on the rotisserie of the gas BBQ with a smoke tube full of wood chips.

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

Thank you - amazing job! so you have a new subscriber, watched the entire video like wow - learned a lot - briefly I love cooking but as a new-ish American from Ireland I obviously and unfortunately did not grow up in a bbq culture. I LOVE this American food culture - one of my big plans is to visit the states with bbq associated with the name including but not limited to "Missoura", Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee....just for starters. I have a lot of delicious learning to do. So thank you for an amazing video! G

[@matthewschulz9592]

I’m in the market for a pellet grill/smoker. I really like the info presented, regarding ability to make good burgers, and control the smoke temps. The Grilla Grill is definitely a contender, and I’ve never heard I’d it. Pit Boss and Camp Chef have a lot to offer to, especially with the searing plates, and that sweet side add-on. One thing I’d be interested in is, can you adjust the offset of the cooking temp to bring it closer to the “set temp”? If so, that’s a big plus. Thanks for the content!

[@JD-sl1qs]

Thank you for this video!! I can over analyze my purchases and this has caused me to be without a pellet grill for over a year. After watching your video I’ve settled on a Z grill! Thank you for showing me that it has the best temperature control, least hot spots and ease of use.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CookingwithManualFocus]

Awesome informative vid!

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks so much!

[@davidhall1779]

fantastic reviews. I went with camp chef with side searbox. been using it 3 years have replaced the grill amd reflector of the sear box 2x that high heat on a small cast iron grill grate really eats them up.

[@kcogz1]

Had a pit boss pro- smoker/ pro pain combo. Had it for 2 years and nothing but trouble with it. Pit Boss wouldn’t warranty and Lowes didn’t want to either. After a nightmare of a time with it, replacing pieces, etc. I got the Camp Chef Pro 36, with side options. It’s the best. 0 issues. 0 replacement. Super easy. Can’t praise it enough. Excited to see how your top 3 turn out over time. Hopefully some friend buy those so I have some 1st hand experience. My best friend has a trigger and he loves it.

[@clsanders98]

I bought the Pit Boss 1600 grill for $999 three days ago. It has all the bells and whistles plus a 32 lb hopper. A beast of a grill, its first cook was a Thanksgiving turkey. The results were outstanding and it was finished in one hour less than expected. It’s my second Pit Boss and a massive step up from the basic version It also has an app and two probes. Definitely worth a look.

[@Kenanhower]

Just found same pitboss on clearance for 240$. I haven't gotten the app to work but did my first cook yesterday and this thing is a beaaaast

[@shr00m7]

Excellent review.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thank you kindly!

[@dennisg.7498]

It's not so important how long the warranty is, but how easy the process is if you have a problem. My grill has had several problems in 3 years ( I use it 3 times a week ) and each time a support person asked questions and sent me the part that fixed it the first time. Because of how great the support is, I will most likely buy another Camp Chef as my upgrade this year. ( Because pellet grills all have certain parts that will fail )

[@javierrodriguez7129]

Thank You!

[@cduemig1]

Wow. I’m an engineer and I really don’t have any negative notes for the testing. Very thorough and fair. My brother is a big Recteq fan and I’ve been leaning toward the Grilla. Little smaller but plenty of great features.

[@savchuktaras]

Cool review

[@turbine_doctor]

Incredible amount of info, nicely condensed. One question...Have any manufacturers addressed the fire potential when the electricity goes out?

[@ronjon5386]

I have this Recteq and it’s a nice grill and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a pellet grill.

[@joshbatts1]

After watching this def have to go with the Gorilla grill although for the techy side the Z grill Was where I was leaning originally the gorilla grill checks off every box that matters to me for a cooking versatile stand point it’s a true all in one grill, cooks evenly on every part, low temps are a lil above the actual temp but not crazy high and, it also sears food well, not too mention the mobility aspect

[@hectorquintero2870]

Woah! First time viewer and spent 80 mins with you. Extremely well done and informative.

[@TheBarbecueLab]

Thanks for watching Hector! All the best in your bbq journey.

[@deadtoe77]

i have a had a pitboss for like 4 years but , i gotta be honest im glad i watched because im thinking of switching it up to gorilla grills...the construction looks really good.

[@88rushrocks]

I’ve had my Z grill over 5 years and never no issues and it’s the most reliable pellet smoker that always works perfectly every time throughout all weather in the Pacific Northwest and the price I paid was the selling point that got my attention

[@jerrygundrum1]

There is no need to spend $1000 on a smoker

[@klausAZ]

@@jerrygundrum1 You've clicked on the wrong video LOL

[@thedjinn13]

If you're going to do the silverback I'd much rather have the standard vs the all terrain, my smoker sits on the back porch and doesn't move so not only is it cheaper but it also has a cabinet underneath for storage of pellets and such. I currently have the tailgater called the chimp and that thing is amazing!

[@smurphy3981]

I own a Louisiana Grill Founders series 1200 and I cannot stress that you are spot on about your information. The heavy swings in temp are an issue, the way in which it vents straight out the back with no ability to choke it off (meaning it literally has a wide open venting system across the entire back) and an outdated control that now does not even use the app you were able to use in the video. They do have a nice warranty and well constructed in girth, but these are not meant for smoking at all. I agree, you can get a nice sear, but in terms of smoking any meats, not the grill I would ever purchase again. I spent $2000.00 on a "grill" which had I known, I would have just used the Weber I have on my deck already mostly because the smoke flavor goes right out the vents never seeing the meat. Literally not one smoke ring on any meat, ever! The grill had a ton of problems and quality control issues when receiving and I had someone shipping me part after part and expecting me to replace things like controls (which is a big job only to still not work), swapping out the skirt, and other problems with controlling temperature which frankly, still cannot be fixed. The fact that I do not have Bluetooth or Wifi on my controls is a giant issue for me on cooks like brisket or ribs. I loved the effort here, and was surprised to see that Traeger didn't pass the paper test, because as you mention, it's a reliable grill. I will be looking into the Z Grill based on my completely poor experience with Louisiana Grills. I would offer that Pit Boss and Louisiana Grill are owned by the same company, and it explains the hot spots being very similar. Thanks again for your work here, it's helped me greatly in deciding on a new true pellet grill smoker.