smokers grills
Best Pellet Grills Compared: Traeger, Pit Boss, and Camp Chef
Mike Ross · How we research · Updated 2026-08-30 · 3 min read
The picks
Operating range
Best for cold-weather insulation and smart WiFIRE app control
Traeger Ironwood
The current Ironwood. Less grate than the 885 it replaced, and the one Traeger still sells.
- Temperature range
- 165-500°F
- Cooking area
- 616 sq in — 396 on rack one, 220 on rack two
- Hopper capacity
- 22 lb
Operating range
Best overall for direct flame searing and quick ash cleanup
Camp Chef Woodwind 24
Full-color WiFi PID controller, direct-flame Slide and Grill sear mode, and a patented ash cleanout cup.
- Controller
- Full-color WiFi PID controller with Camp Chef Connect App
- Direct flame mode
- Slide and Grill direct flame feature (up to 650°F flame direct)
- Cleanout
- Patented Ash Cleanout system with removable ash cup
Best value for large cooking capacity on a budget
Pit Boss Carbon Series 700
More grate than a Traeger Ironwood for a fraction of the money. The hopper is where it pays for that.
- Temperature range
- 180-500°F
- Cooking area
- 718 sq in
- Hopper capacity
- 13.5 lb, with cleanout
Compared
| Spec | TraegerIronwood | Camp ChefWoodwind 24 | Pit BossCarbon Series 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | |||
| Temperature range | 165-500°F | — | 180-500°F |
| Cooking area | 616 sq in — 396 on rack one, 220 on rack two | — | 718 sq in |
| Hopper capacity | 22 lb | — | 13.5 lb, with cleanout |
| Weight | 199 lb | — | — |
| Warranty | 10 years, limited | — | 3 years |
| Controller | — | Full-color WiFi PID controller with Camp Chef Connect App | — |
| Direct flame mode | — | Slide and Grill direct flame feature (up to 650°F flame direct) | — |
| Cleanout | — | Patented Ash Cleanout system with removable ash cup | — |
| Cooking grate | — | — | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Where to buy | Find Traeger Ironwood on Amazon | Find Camp Chef Woodwind 24 on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Pellet grills combine the wood-smoke profile of traditional barbecue with the set-and-forget automation of an indoor kitchen oven. An electric auger delivers hardwood pellets into an internal firepot, where an induction fan and digital PID algorithm regulate temperature within tight tolerances.
Choosing the right pellet grill involves weighing hopper size, thermal insulation, direct flame sear options, and post-cook maintenance.
1. Traeger Ironwood: Best Smart Ecosystem & Insulation
The Traeger Ironwood is engineered for precision control and cold-weather thermal retention.
- Double-Wall Insulation: Side-wall insulation maintains internal cooking temperatures during windy or freezing conditions without excessive pellet consumption.
- WiFIRE Connectivity: Traeger's mobile app provides reliable real-time temperature tracking, custom multi-stage cook timers, and meat probe monitoring.
- Drawback: Lacks a direct-flame opening, meaning high-heat steak searing relies on convection and pre-heated cast iron accessories rather than open flame.
2. Camp Chef Woodwind 24: Best Versatility & Quick Cleanup
The Camp Chef Woodwind 24 stands out for addressing two common complaints about pellet smokers: weak searing and tedious ash vacuuming.
- Slide & Grill Direct Flame: Pulling an external knob slides the flame deflector plate away from the firepot, exposing food to open hardwood flames reaching up to 650°F for authentic steak searing.
- Patented Ash Cleanout: Rather than disassembling greasy grates and drip pans to vacuum the firepot before every cook, a bottom trap door empties accumulated ash directly into a removable cup beneath the chamber.
- PID WiFi Controller: Features four meat probe inputs and adjustable smoke density settings from 1 to 10.
3. Pit Boss Carbon Series 700: Best Budget Capacity
The Pit Boss Carbon 700 delivers substantial cooking grate area at an economical entry point.
- Substantial Grate Space: With 718 square inches of porcelain-coated steel grates, it accommodates multiple pork shoulders or full rib racks simultaneously.
- Direct Sear Slider: Features a perforated slide-plate over the firepot for flame-broiled burgers and chops.
- Tradeoff to Consider: The 13.5-pound hopper requires refilling during extended 12-hour brisket cooks, unlike the 22-pound hoppers on premium competitors.
Buying Advice
- Choose the Traeger Ironwood if: You want premium build quality, seamless mobile app control, and superior cold-weather insulation for year-round low-and-slow smoking.
- Choose the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 if: You want a versatile hybrid that excels at both slow smoking and direct-flame reverse searing, paired with the easiest ash cleaning system on the market.
- Choose the Pit Boss Carbon 700 if: You want maximum square inches per dollar and simple, robust mechanical operation on an accessible budget.
Common questions
- Can you sear a steak on a pellet grill?
- Standard pellet grills cook by indirect convection, but hybrid models like the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 feature a slide mechanism that exposes the food directly to open firepot flames reaching up to 650°F.
- How often do you need to clean ash out of a pellet grill?
- Pellet firepots should be emptied every 2 to 3 long cooks. The Camp Chef Woodwind features a drop-down ash cup, whereas most other brands require removing internal grates to vacuum the firepot.
Sources
Every figure on this page came from one of these. We have not tested these products ourselves — how we research.