Topic: The Best Pellet Smokers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 31 times)
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Topic: The Best Pellet Smokers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 31 times)
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Key Features
Test Results
Pros
Cons
Traeger is the pioneer in the pellet smoker game, and the Timberline 1300 has one of the best Wi-Fi features I tested. With Traeger’s WiFiRE technology, I monitored cooks and adjusted smoker temperature. Another easy-to-use feature on the Timberline 1300 is the reversible auger. It makes clearing pellet jams quick and easy.
The smoker has a fully insulated body, three levels of removable cooking racks, and a special low rack position close to the fire box for easy searing of steaks and burgers. I found it to be one of the slower smokers to heat up, but it held a consistent temperature. I found the courtesy light that co*es on when you open the pellet hopper and the low pellet indicator on both the smoker and the app to be nice touches.
This is actually one of my personal smokers that I’ve put through quite a bit of use already. I’ve cooked everything from side dishes to a whole 50-pound pig on the Timberline 1300 with excellent results, and it heats faster than other Traeger models I’ve used in the past.
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Test Results
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Cons
The Z Grills Cruiser 200A packs all the features of a full size smoker in a travel sized package. With an 8-pound pellet hopper, it’ll run up to 10 hours with it set, and forget its convenience. The 202 square inch cooking surface is large enough for a full rack of ribs, six burgers, or a couple of large steaks.
I really appreciate the small size and lockable case that makes transporting the smoker on camping or hunting trips a breeze. And the wide temperature range makes this a versatile smoker that’s perfect for hot and fast cooking like steaks and burgers or low-and-slow barbecue. Even though the Cruiser 200A has a smaller cooking area than the full-sized best pellet smokers, it’s still big enough for a couple large steaks or a full rack of ribs.
Key Features
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With the built in Wi-Fi and PID control unit, you can control the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 from anywhere. With a total of 811 square inches of cooking space split between two racks, the Woodwind 24 holds a lot of food. I’m a huge fan of the Slide and smoker feature that allows the user to cook over a direct flame by sliding a door to expose the pellet burning chamber. You can raise or lower the level of smoke that reaches the food without changing the temperature by using the Smoke Control feature.
Besides being an all around outstanding pellet smoker, the Woodwind 24’s accessories make this an option worth considering. For an additional cost, you can add the Sidekick gas burner to the smoker. It mounts directly to the side and allows you to slow smoke steaks with pellets, then sear the surface over a hot gas flame for a perfect exterior. The Sidekick system is also perfect for making side dishes while you smoke, and it even co*es with an available flat top griddle and pizza oven attachments.
Key Features
Test Results
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Designed to last with a stainless steel smoker chamber and firepot and a porcelain coated smoker rack, the Bullseye B380 reaches unheard of temperatures at 749 degrees. This makes it perfect for searing, which isn’t easy to do at the lower maximum temperatures on most other pellet smokers. Coupled with the ability to hold steady low and slow temperatures, this makes it one of the most versatile smokers on the market, and the round design takes up less patio or deck space than barrel shaped smokers.
For this review, I slow smoked ribeyes at 135 degrees on the Bullseye, then pulled them to rest while the smoker heated in Riot Mode. Once the smoker reached the perfect temperature, I quickly seared them for a minute or two per side for perfect smoker marks and a delicious crust. If you want one pellet smoker for every use–including a pizza oven–this is it.
Key Features
Test Results
Pros
Cons
Featuring two racks offering 811 square inches of cooking space, the Camp Chef SG 24 is a great family-sized smoker. With many of the same features as the co*pany’s Woodwind 24, in a more-affordable package, the SG 24 is a great value. It includes the Slide and Grill feature that allows you to grill directly over an open flame, an easy ash clean out, and an updated control system. The SG 24 is even Sidekick Burner co*patible if you want a burner for searing or cooking side dishes while you grill.
Key Features
Test Results
Pros
Cons