Imagine biting into a perfectly smoked brisket, the kind that melts in your mouth. Or perhaps you dream of juicy, grilled burgers with that irresistible smoky flavor. For many backyard chefs, achieving this deliciousness is a goal. But when it comes to pellet grills, especially the smaller ones, the choices can be overwhelming. It feels like you’re drowning in a sea of BTU ratings, hopper sizes, and digital controllers. You want that amazing flavor, but navigating the world of compact pellet grills can feel like a puzzle.
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the struggle of finding the perfect small pellet grill that fits your space and your budget. You want a grill that’s easy to use, delivers fantastic results, and won’t take up your entire patio. But how do you know which one is the best fit for you? We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great small pellet grill and how to pick the one that will transform your outdoor cooking.
Get ready to say goodbye to grilling guesswork and hello to smoky, flavorful perfection. Let’s dive into the exciting world of small pellet grills and find your next culinary adventure companion!
Our Top 5 Small Pellet Grill Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Pellet Grill Detailed Reviews
1. Pit Boss Table Top Pellet Grill
Rating: 9.1/10
The Pit Boss Table Top Pellet Grill in Matte Black is your new best friend for outdoor adventures. This grill is built tough and ready to go wherever you do. It’s perfect for cooking up delicious meals when you’re away from home.
What We Like:
- It’s great for tailgating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping.
- The grill is made from premium grade steel, so it’s strong and lasts a long time.
- It starts up and cools down all by itself.
- The digital control board with an LED screen makes it super easy to set the temperature.
- You get tasty grill marks thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates.
- The 5-pound hopper means you can cook for a while without refilling.
- You can cook at temperatures from 180°F to 500°F.
- The 256 square inches of cooking space is enough for a good amount of food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The hopper capacity could be larger for longer cooking sessions.
- A built-in thermometer would be a helpful addition.
This Pit Boss table top grill makes outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to grill on the go.
2. PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill With Temperature Control
Rating: 9.4/10
The PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill in Mahogany brings big grill flavor to a small package. This grill is ideal for anyone who loves the taste of wood-fired cooking but doesn’t have a lot of space. Its compact size makes it easy to take to tailgates, camping trips, or just use on a patio.
What We Like:
- It has 256 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated steel grates. That’s enough room for burgers, hot dogs, or even a few steaks.
- The 5-pound hopper holds enough wood pellets for a good amount of grilling time.
- You can easily set your cooking temperature with the digital control board and LED display.
- It offers a wide temperature range from 180°F for slow smoking to 500°F for searing.
- A special slide plate lets you switch between indirect heat and direct flame grilling, reaching up to a scorching 1,000°F for that perfect sear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for table-top use, some might wish for a slightly larger cooking surface for bigger gatherings.
- The pellet hopper capacity, while decent, might require a refill for very long cooking sessions.
This PIT BOSS grill delivers impressive wood-fired flavor and versatility in a portable design. It’s a fantastic option for adding smoky goodness to your meals wherever you go.
3. Ninja
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to transform your outdoor cooking with the Ninja | Woodfire Series | 7-in-1 Grill, BBQ Smoker, and Air Fryer. This versatile appliance lets you grill, BBQ, roast, air fry, dehydrate, broil, and smoke, all while adding a delicious, 100% real smoky flavor to your food. It’s perfect for any backyard or balcony, even small spaces, thanks to its portable and weather-resistant design.
What We Like:
- It’s a master grill that gives you the char and searing of a full-size propane grill.
- You can easily create authentic BBQ flavor with just half a cup of woodfire pellets.
- It’s an outdoor air fryer, so you can add smoky taste to your favorite air-fried foods.
- Ninja Woodfire Technology uses electricity and real wood pellets for amazing flavor.
- It comes with two blends of Ninja Woodfire Pellets to get you started.
- The grill is weather-resistant, meaning you can use it all year round, outside.
- It’s powered by electricity, so no charcoal, propane, or messy flare-ups are involved.
- It’s great for cooking for a crowd, handling up to 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs.
- The package includes a grill grate, crisper basket, pellet scoop, starter pellets, and a recipe guide.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s weather-resistant for storage, extreme weather might still affect its performance over time.
- The cooking surface size is 141-sq-in., which is great for smaller gatherings but might be a bit limited for very large parties.
The Ninja Woodfire Series OG701 is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy delicious, smoky-flavored food outdoors with ease and convenience. It brings a new level of flavor and versatility to your cooking.
4. KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with Foldable Legs
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. This grill is designed for convenience and delicious results, whether you’re in your backyard or on a camping trip. It offers a generous 456 square inches of grilling space, perfect for feeding a crowd or cooking up a feast for your family. The 18-pound hopper means you can smoke for longer without needing to refill.
What We Like:
- It has PID intelligent temperature control. This keeps the heat steady for perfect cooking every time. You can set the temperature anywhere from 180°F to 425°F.
- You can taste real wood-smoked flavor. The grill uses special feeding technology and a liftable hopper for longer burning times.
- It’s super versatile. You can grill, bake, roast, smoke, and more. It fits 12 burgers, 4 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens.
- Moving and storing this grill is easy. It has wheels and foldable legs. You can easily take it camping or on picnics.
- Cleaning is a breeze. There’s a special partition to keep grease away from the grill area. A removable oil drum makes cleanup simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions mention not opening the lid often, as it affects the temperature and cooking. This means you need to trust the grill and resist checking your food too much.
Overall, the KingChii Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a fantastic option for anyone who loves smoky, flavorful food and wants a user-friendly grilling experience. It’s built for both performance and portability.
5. Onlyfire BBQ Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with Meat Probe
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the Onlyfire BBQ Wood Pellet Grill Smoker! This portable tabletop grill lets you smoke, roast, and grill all your favorite foods with a delicious wood-fired flavor. It’s perfect for your backyard, camping trips, or even RV adventures.
What We Like:
- It uses wood pellets for a rich, smoky taste.
- You get 8 different cooking options: grill, broil, roast, braise, smoke, barbecue, sear, and char!
- It has a good amount of cooking space with a 252 square inch total cooking surface.
- The digital temperature control keeps your cooking temps just right, from 180°F to 500°F.
- It comes with a meat probe so you can easily check how your food is cooking.
- It’s pretty portable at only 47 lbs, making it easy to take with you.
- It’s a great gift idea for anyone who loves to grill!
What Could Be Improved:
- The hopper only holds 4 lbs of wood pellets, so you might need to refill it more often for long cooks.
- A grill cover is sold separately, which would be nice to have included.
This Onlyfire pellet grill is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic smoky flavors wherever you go. It’s a versatile and fun addition to any outdoor cooking setup.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Small Pellet Grill
Looking for a great way to grill delicious food without all the hassle? A small pellet grill might be just what you need! These grills are super popular because they’re easy to use and make your food taste amazing. Let’s dive into what makes a good small pellet grill.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small pellet grill, keep these important features in mind:
Temperature Control
Good pellet grills let you set a precise temperature. This is important for cooking different kinds of food perfectly. Some have digital controllers, which are very easy to use. You just set the temp, and the grill does the rest.
Grill Size and Cooking Area
Even though it’s a “small” grill, you still want enough space to cook for your family or a few friends. Look at the main cooking grate size. Think about how many burgers or steaks you usually cook at once.
Pellet Hopper Size
The hopper holds the wood pellets that fuel the grill. A bigger hopper means you don’t have to refill it as often. For a small grill, a hopper that holds 10-20 pounds of pellets is usually a good amount.
Portability
Some small pellet grills are designed to be moved around easily. They might have wheels or be lightweight. This is great if you like to take your grill tailgating or camping.
Ease of Cleaning
Grilling is fun, but cleaning up afterward can be a chore. Look for grills with features like removable ash catchers or easy-to-clean grates. This will save you time and effort.
Important Materials
The stuff your grill is made of really matters for how long it lasts and how well it cooks.
Stainless Steel
Many good pellet grills use stainless steel. It’s strong, doesn’t rust easily, and looks nice. The cooking grates and the body of the grill are often made from it.
Cast Iron
Some cooking grates are made of cast iron. Cast iron holds heat really well, which gives your food a nice sear. It needs a little more care to prevent rust, though.
Powder Coating
The outside of the grill is often coated with powder. A good powder coating helps protect the grill from the weather and keeps it looking good for a long time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how good your pellet grill is.
Build Quality
A well-built grill feels sturdy. The parts fit together nicely. Cheaper grills might feel flimsy and not last as long.
Temperature Fluctuations
The best grills keep the temperature steady. If the temperature swings up and down a lot, your food might not cook evenly. Good insulation and a reliable fan help keep the temperature stable.
Ease of Assembly
Some grills are easy to put together, while others can be tricky. Check reviews to see if people found the assembly process difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your grill to pick the right one.
Everyday Grilling
If you just want to grill burgers for your family on a weeknight, a simple, easy-to-use model is perfect. Look for quick startup times and simple temperature settings.
Smoking and Low-and-Slow Cooking
Pellet grills are fantastic for smoking meats like ribs or brisket. They maintain low temperatures for hours. If this is what you want, make sure the grill can hold a steady low temperature.
Outdoor Parties
For cooking for a crowd, you’ll want a grill with a decent-sized cooking area and a hopper that won’t run out quickly. Portability is also a plus if you often grill at different locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a small pellet grill?
A: Small pellet grills are very easy to use. They offer great flavor and allow you to control the temperature precisely, making it simple to cook many different foods.
Q: Do small pellet grills use a lot of electricity?
A: Pellet grills use electricity mainly to power the auger (which feeds pellets) and the fan. They use much less electricity than electric grills, and the amount is usually quite low.
Q: Can I grill burgers and steaks on a pellet grill?
A: Yes, you can! While pellet grills are often used for smoking, many can also get hot enough to sear burgers and steaks, giving them a nice crust.
Q: How do I maintain a small pellet grill?
A: Regular cleaning is important. This includes cleaning the cooking grates, emptying the ash catcher, and wiping down the exterior. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help your grill last longer.
Q: What kind of wood pellets should I use?
A: You can use different types of wood pellets for different flavors. Common ones include hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry. Many people like to mix them or use a blend.
Q: Are small pellet grills good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Their simple operation and precise temperature control make them very beginner-friendly. You’re less likely to burn your food compared to other types of grills.
Q: How long do wood pellets last in the hopper?
A: It depends on the grill and the temperature you’re cooking at. At lower temperatures for smoking, pellets can last for many hours. At higher grilling temperatures, they will be used up faster.
Q: Can I use a small pellet grill in the rain?
A: It’s best to avoid using your pellet grill in heavy rain. While they are designed for outdoor use, excessive moisture can affect the electronics and the pellets.
Q: What is the difference between a pellet grill and a regular charcoal grill?
A: Pellet grills use wood pellets and electricity to cook, offering easy temperature control and a smoky flavor. Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal and require more manual effort to manage heat and flavor.
Q: How hot can a small pellet grill get?
A: Most small pellet grills can reach temperatures between 400°F and 500°F. Some can even go higher, allowing for searing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.