Grilling your favorite steaks or briskets under the stars and in the middle of the woods maybe your most coveted dream, but you need the best pellet grill for camping to turn that into a reality. When planning to take your kitchen outdoors, there are a few things you will need to consider.
First, your grill should be quick to set up and use. Secondly, it should be compact enough to carry in your vehicle, and portable enough to take anywhere you like. With the right pellet grill, you can enjoy setting up a tent or playing with the kids, while the wood-smoked meat cooks to perfection.
With a plethora of pellet grills on the market, finding the right model that meets your needs shouldn’t be too difficult. However, with too many options, it’s easy to get confused. To ease your workload, our team has created a list of some of the best pellet grills on the market.
We have reviewed and compared over a dozen pellet grills available online to help you make an informed choice. Read on to find our unbiased reviews of each product. If you’re in a hurry to order, then we suggest you go with our editor’s choice – the GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill (see Amazon), which comes with improved features like precision temperature control and heat distribution.
Product Names | Dimensions | Weight | |
#1. GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker | 32 x 13.5 x 22 inches with legs folded | 65 pounds | See Price |
#2. Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill | 40 x 22.5 x 20 inches | 100 pounds | See Price |
#3. Traeger Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill | 37 x 18 x 36 inches | 62 pounds | See Price |
#4. PIT BOSS 10538 PB206PSP2 Wood Pellet Grill | 38.35 x 25.2 x 37.56 inches | 79 pounds | See Price |
#1. GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker
This Davy Crockett model is the kind of portable grill every camping enthusiast wants to own. It comes with folding legs that can double up as handles too, making it a perfect product for tailgating. The unit comes with a digital Wi-Fi controller accessible through the iOS or Android app.
This grill allows you to Server Mode Connect to the grill remotely. You can also use the GMG Server Mode to monitor and control the grill on the go. It comes with a Sense-Mate feature, a thermal sensor that constantly monitors the temperature of the grill.
The Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill also includes a meat probe, a peaked lid to check on the progress of your food, and a convenience tray with utensil hooks. With the ability to run on 12V or 120AC, it is the perfect unit for camping, tailgating, hunting, house-boating, or anywhere you wish to take it.
Product features and specifications
- Weighs 57 pounds
- Foldable legs
- Server Mode Connect
- 12V or 120AC
- Pellet-Head Durable All-Weather Cover
User/Customer reviews
Most users have said that this is a fantastic smoker that delivers perfect results every time, although you should make sure to follow the instructions properly. Some people have said that if you plan to transport the grill then you should make sure that it’s strapped up properly. A few customers have warned that temperature control can sometimes be a bit of problem.
Conclusion
The GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill (see Amazon) is an amazing and well-built smoker that is easy to use and performs very well. Even though the Wi-Fi App could use some improvements, we feel that the grill itself gives you good value at a decent price. Overall, this makes for a good purchase.
#2. Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
Whether it’s a tailgate, campsite, or block party, one name that stands tall is Camp Chef and its gorgeous 20-inch Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill (learn more). It comes with a PID controller for consistent temperatures and adjustable smoke settings to suit your preferences.
This portable pellet grill comes with two meat probes that can help your meat reach the perfect temperature each and every time. We love the compact design and light weight of the grill that make it so easy to transport to any outdoor location of your choice.
There is a low-glare but high-visibility digital display that lets you keep an eye on the temperature and control it perfectly. The direct flame grilling of the Slide and Grill Technology allows the grill to reach a maximum temperature of 650°F. It also has an ash cleanout system for easy cleaning.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 40 x 22.5 x 20 inches
- Weighs 100 pounds
- PID controller
- Hopper Capacity: 10 lbs. of pellets
- Locking chamber and hopper lid
- Requires 110-volt outlet
User/Customer reviews
Those who travel a lot in their RVs find this product extremely convenient to use and maintain on the move. People love the fact that the grill comes with wheels that make it easier to move the setup to different locations. A few customers have warned that the grease bucket attachment is not as stable as expected, however.
Conclusion
The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill (see Amazon) is an amazing product for serious grillers who like to enjoy good food even when they are on the move or amidst the woods. While there are a few things about the product that can be improved, we feel that Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill delivers good value for money.
#3. Traeger Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill
The Traeger Grills TFB30KLF features an arc controller that offers advanced grilling logic to help cook your food to perfection. What we like best about all Traeger grills is that they are not just good for grilling, but they also let you bake, smoke, roast, and braise food to your preference.
From apple pie to spare ribs and steak, this electric and wood burning grill offers a maximum temperature of 450°F. It also features a total cooking space of 300 sq. inches to accommodate a good amount of food for your party.
This Traeger grill can be fueled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that help to infuse your food with a wood-fired flavor. With the compact design and easy features of this grill, you can use it to cook food on your balcony, backyard, or camping site with ease.
Product features and specifications
- Arc Controller
- 5-degree temp setting increments
- Meat Probe
- Electric and wood-burning
- Total cooking space 300 sq. in.
- Pellet hopper capacity 8 lb.
User/Customer features
Many users have said that this tailgating grill worked just as they had expected and fits a good amount of food for the entire family. Some people have also said that it reaches the desired temperature pretty fast, making it quick and easy to use. A few customers have warned that they have faced set-up and assembly issues with this product, though.
Conclusion
As this is a Traeger grill, there’s no doubt about the quality that the brand offers, however you must ensure that it fits your needs perfectly. It may not be a good product for a large group or family, but could be very suitable for a small gathering. Overall, the Traeger Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill (see Amazon) is something you will love to own.
#4. PIT BOSS 10538 PB206PSP2 Wood Pellet Grill
The fourth product on our list is a wood pellet grill from Pit Boss (learn more), and it comes with a total 380 square inches of cast iron coated cooking space. You can prepare whatever your heart desires with this grill, from a wholesome meal for two to smoked briskets.
The compact design, foldable legs and rolling wheels of this grill make it easy to carry from one place to another. It is also extremely lightweight so you can carry it with ease. It comes with a matching hood to keep the top portion closed.
We love the sturdy premium gauge stainless steel construction that makes this grill extremely durable and capable of lasting several years. It also has a digital control board with an LED readout to control the temperature for different types of recipes.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 38.35 x 25.2 x 37.56 inches
- Weighs 79.8 pounds
- Stainless steel construction
- One meat probe
- Folding legs with rolling wheels
- Automatic start-up and cool down
- Digital control board
- Fan forced convection cooking
- Hopper capacity 19 lbs.
- Cooking Area: 387 sq. inches
User/Customer reviews
Several users have mentioned that this is a little smoker capable of cooking enough food for a family of four. Many customers appreciate the smart and thoughtful design that makes the grill easy to carry around in an RV or at a campsite. Some people have warned that the grill has no door or any method to empty the pellet hopper, so you will likely need to use a vacuum cleaner to clean them out.
Conclusion
The PIT BOSS 10538 PB206PSP2 Wood Pellet Grill has a durable construction and attractive exterior that make it stand out from the competition. With foldable legs, rolling wheels, and a digital display, this is one of the best pellet grills for camping that money can buy.
Tips For Camping With A Pellet Grill
When looking for a pellet grill to use for camping, you need to consider several features such as the portability of the product to be able to carry it from one place to another, as well as versatility and durability. Below, we have listed a few tips that you should also keep in mind to make the most of your investment.
- Always store the bagged wood pellets in a dry and weatherproof area.
- After you have placed the wood pellets in your smoker or grill, they can last for up to two months as long as they don’t get wet.
- Make sure you never use any abrasive tools or agents to clean a pellet smoker.
- Always remember to use a meat probe to check the temperature of pork or poultry.
- Different varieties of wood create different flavors, so choose the right one for specific dishes.
Related Questions
Is it okay to flip food on a pellet grill?
While it’s important to cook your food on both sides, you don’t have to worry as long as you use a temperature probe. Flipping food on a pellet grill or smoker is generally not advised.
Are pellet grills a good choice for barbecuing?
Yes, pellet grills are the best option if you prefer a smokey taste and don’t care much for searing. These grills are versatile enough to handle all types of food such as chops, fish, ribs, brisket, and pork.