A backyard setup that handles smoke sessions, weeknight cooks, and weekend crowds asks a lot of one appliance. Pellet grills pull that weight differently than gas or charcoal, with a hopper feeding real wood flavor into every cook. This lineup mixes full-size built-in pellet grills with portable pellet units, smart-connected smokers, and a few accessory picks that make ownership easier.
The Lineup, Simplified
Goldusk Magnetic Power Cord Organizer, All-Metal Cable Holder
Magnetic Pellet Cleanout Funnel for Smoker, Pellet Transfer Accessory
Traeger Woodridge Wi-Fi Pellet Grill & Smoker (860 Sq. In., 500°F)
Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 518 Sq. In.
Pit Boss 3-Series Propane Gas Vertical Smoker, 983 Sq. In., 4-Rack
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Smoker and Grill, 1031 Sq. In.
Pit Boss 4-Burner Deluxe Fold & Go Portable Griddle Grill, 753 Sq. In.
Pit Boss 1300 Navigator Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 1329 Sq. In.
Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 543 Sq. In.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill, 1060 Sq. In.
A Deeper Look At The Lineup
Cord chaos is the most overlooked annoyance of any outdoor kitchen, and the Goldusk Magnetic Power Cord Organizer tackles it without any mounting hardware. The all-metal body snaps onto a ferrous surface (any metal that’s magnetic, like steel) using twin N35 magnets. That dual N35 magnet base (N35 is a common neodymium magnet grade known for solid grip) is rated to support up to 6 lbs, which is plenty for a heavy outdoor-rated power cord draped off a pellet grill cart.
Where this beats plastic cable clips is long-term durability. The single-piece machined body resists the UV and heat punishment that kills plastic clips after one season. For backyard cooks tired of cords dragging through the grass, it’s a small upgrade that pays off every cook.
Practical Advantages
- Tool-free install snaps to any metal grill cart or cabinet in seconds.
- All-metal build holds up to sun, grease, and grill-side heat better than plastic.
- 6-lb load rating handles thick outdoor power cords without slipping.
- Compact footprint keeps the side shelf clean and trip-hazard free.
Things To Consider
- Not compatible with stainless steel grill surfaces, since stainless steel is non-magnetic.
- Shouldn’t be mounted near direct heat zones, where magnet strength may weaken over time.
Made For
Backyard cooks with metal grill carts who want a clean, cable-managed setup without drilling holes.
Look Elsewhere When
The Pit Boss 4-Burner Deluxe Fold & Go Portable Griddle Grill suits travelers more, since its fold-flat design already includes cord management built into the frame.
Swapping pellet flavors mid-cook usually ends with a small avalanche on the deck. The Magnetic Pellet Cleanout Funnel for Smoker solves that with a guided chute that funnels spent pellets from the hopper straight into a storage bucket. It attaches magnetically to the grill body, so you position it, pour, and catch every last bit without sweeping up afterward.
For owners of compatible Traeger and Pit Boss pellet units who rotate between hickory, mesquite, and fruitwood blends, this little slide is a real time saver. It also helps empty the hopper before a long break-in clean, which owners commonly find reduces auger clogs (the auger is the corkscrew mechanism that feeds pellets into the fire pot).
The Value In It
- Magnetic base keeps the chute in place while you pour from the hopper.
- Eliminates the dusty spill zone around the hopper lid.
- Speeds up flavor swaps for cooks who change wood blends often.
- Reduces leftover pellets going to waste during hopper empties.
Worth Noting
- Compatibility is limited to specific Traeger and Pit Boss models, so check fitment first.
- You still need a separate bucket or storage container for catching pellets.
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Flavor-experimenting pitmasters who switch between pellet blends weekly and want a cleaner swap process.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Traeger Woodridge Wi-Fi Pellet Grill & Smoker suits cooks who’d rather let the app schedule their cooks than manage flavor changes manually.
The Traeger Woodridge lands in the sweet spot of size, smarts, and surface area. With 860 square inches of cooking space and a 500°F ceiling, it handles a full brisket, three racks of ribs, or a tray of veggies with room to spare. The included Traeger App ties into Wi-Fi for temperature control from 180°F to 500°F, which is the working range that covers low-and-slow smoke sessions and high-heat sears alike.
This bundle includes an 18 lb bag of Signature Blend pellets (a mix of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods), so you can fire it up the day it arrives. Compared to the Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series earlier on this list, the Woodridge adds app-based monitoring and a larger cook chamber, making it a stronger match for hands-off cooks.
What Works In Its Favor
- 860 sq. in. feeds a family dinner crowd or two small racks of ribs plus sides.
- Wi-Fi connectivity lets you adjust temps without stepping outside.
- 180°F to 500°F range covers smoke, bake, roast, braise, and grill modes.
- Bundle includes pellets, removing one extra purchase before your first cook.
Trade Offs
- Wi-Fi setup requires a stable home network and the Traeger app on your phone.
- Heavier footprint than compact pellet units, so plan placement carefully.
Best Suited To
Connected home cooks who want set-and-forget temperature control and a generous cook chamber for weeknight dinners.
Swap It Out When
The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker suits entertainers who need significantly more square inches for large-batch cooks.
The Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series is a tight, capable pellet unit that punches above its 518-square-inch class. The included Flame Broiler slide-plate lets you flip the cook from indirect smoke to direct-flame sear, which is a real bonus on a pellet grill. Combined with an LCD digital controller and a 5 lb hopper, it suits smaller patios and shorter cook days without giving up the wood-fired flavor.
The temperature range spans 180°F to 500°F, and the included meat probe keeps tabs on internal doneness without opening the lid. For anyone stepping up from a small portable grill to their first dedicated pellet smoker, the FB2 hits a comfortable middle ground between capacity and footprint.
Where It Delivers
- Flame Broiler slide adds direct-grill searing that pure pellet units can’t match.
- Compact 518 sq. in. fits on smaller decks without crowding outdoor furniture.
- LCD controller simplifies set-and-forget temperature management.
- Included meat probe removes guesswork on long cooks.
Points To Note
- 5 lb hopper means more frequent pellet refills on extended low-and-slow sessions.
- Two-tier cooking space is tighter than the Traeger Woodridge’s 860 sq. in.
Feature Snapshot
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Patio-based backyard cooks with limited space who still want a real wood-pellet smoke profile plus flame-grill versatility.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Smoker and Grill fits cookers who prefer charcoal flavor with propane convenience.
For sheer vertical cooking volume in a small footprint, the Pit Boss 3-Series Propane Gas Vertical Smoker is hard to argue with. Four adjustable racks spread across 983 sq. in. let you load up jerky, fish, cheese, and sausage at the same time. The HVR controller manages consistent chamber temps from 100°F to 300°F, which covers cold-smoke territory and standard hot-smoke holds.
It’s a different beast from the pellet entries above. Instead of wood pellets, the 2,500 BTU burner vaporizes wood chips for smoke, which owners commonly find produces a lighter smoke profile than dense hardwood pellets. Rear wheels make repositioning easier on a patio, and the removable grease cup simplifies cleanup.
What Makes Sense
- 983 sq. in. across four racks holds a large batch of cold-smoke items.
- 100°F to 300°F range covers jerky, sausage, fish, and traditional hot smokes.
- Wood chip tray adds real wood smoke without managing a pellet hopper.
- Rear wheels make it easier to roll for storage or relocation.
Honest Caveats
- Propane gas setup requires a separate tank you supply and refill.
- Smoke intensity is lighter than a pellet grill running hardwood pellets.
- Vertical format uses more wall clearance than horizontal cookers.
Who Should Grab It
Bulk cold-smoke enthusiasts who cure fish, make jerky, or run multi-rack sausage batches on a regular basis.
Consider Something Else When
The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker fits cooks who want a larger pellet-format chamber with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth monitoring.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo lives up to its dual-fuel name with a charcoal-and-hardwood side for low-and-slow smoking and a 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane grill on the other. Total cooking area lands at 1031 sq. in., split between a 750 sq. in. primary chamber and a separate grilling surface. It’s a true two-in-one that pulls double duty on a single footprint.
For pitmasters who want both the depth of charcoal smoke and the convenience of propane grilling, this combo sidesteps the need to own two separate units. Compared to the Traeger Woodridge earlier in this list, the Canyon trades pellet automation for hands-on charcoal control, which many traditionalists prefer for the bark on brisket and pork shoulder.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Two cooking formats in one body save patio space and budget.
- 750 sq. in. primary chamber fits two pork shoulders plus sides.
- 36,000 BTU propane side heats quickly for weeknight grilling.
- Charcoal side supports traditional wood-split smoking.
A Few Limitations
- Heavier than single-fuel units and harder to reposition.
- Propane tank is sold separately, adding to setup cost.
- Charcoal side requires more active management than a pellet feed.
Quick Technical Notes
Perfect Match For
Multi-style pitmasters who want charcoal smoke for weekends and propane convenience for weeknight burgers on one frame.
Skip It When
The Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker suits cooks who prefer the set-and-forget pellet format over charcoal management.
Griddle fans who need to leave the backyard behind should look at the Pit Boss 4-Burner Deluxe Fold & Go. The 753 sq. in. cooking surface measures 37 inches long by 20 inches wide, which is enough to feed a tailgate crew pancakes, smash burgers, and eggs in one pass. Four separately controlled burners deliver a total of 62,000 BTU across the flat-top, giving you distinct heat zones for searing and warming.
The folding legs and hard cover collapse the unit into a transport-friendly footprint, and the propane-fueled design needs no pellets or charcoal to fire up. It’s not a pellet grill by any stretch, but it’s the right companion for travelers who already own a stationary pellet smoker at home.
Useful Strengths
- Fold-flat design fits in a truck bed or SUV for camping trips.
- Four independent burners create real heat zones on the griddle.
- 62,000 BTU total output handles cold-weather griddle sessions.
- Hard cover protects the cooktop during transport and storage.
Practical Considerations
- Propane tank and hose are not included with the unit.
- Griddle seasoning and cleaning require a different routine than grates.
Built With In Mind
Tailgaters, RVers, and campsite cooks who want full griddle capacity without leaving it bolted to the deck.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The Goldusk Magnetic Power Cord Organizer suits travelers who want to keep griddle power cords off the ground and away from foot traffic.
The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator is the roomiest pellet unit in this lineup, with 1,329 sq. in. of cook space and a 30 lb hopper that runs long smokes without a refill. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity pair with a touchscreen controller so you can adjust temperatures, monitor probes, and check the fire pot from your phone. The Flame Broiler slider still shows up here, opening up direct-flame cooking on a pellet grill.
Two included meat probes let you track different cuts at once, which is a real win when you’re managing a brisket and a couple of pork butts on the same chamber. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it sits at the premium end of this list and suits cooks who entertain in volume.
The Upside
- 1,329 sq. in. fits a full packer brisket plus multiple racks.
- 30 lb hopper supports overnight cooks without mid-cook refills.
- Dual meat probes track multiple cuts at once.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth expand monitoring options beyond the touchscreen.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Larger footprint demands a dedicated patio space.
- Premium feature set means a heavier upfront investment.
Who Will Love This
Big-batch entertainers who run multiple proteins on the same grill and want app-based monitoring plus long hopper runtime.
Not Your Match When
The Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series is a tighter fit for smaller patios where the 1300’s size would overpower the space.
The Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series keeps the pellet experience simple and approachable. It runs on 100% all-natural hardwood pellets for that signature smoke flavor, and the porcelain-coated steel grates smooth out heat distribution while making post-cook cleanup more forgiving. The 13.5 lb hopper and 543 sq. in. cook chamber hit a comfortable size for most family dinners without dominating the patio.
Automatic start-up and cool-down cycles take the awkward ignition and shutdown steps out of pellet cooking, which is exactly the friction beginners often hit. Compared to the Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series earlier on this list, the Carbon trims the Flame Broiler but keeps the LCD controller and meat probe, making it a cleaner entry-level pellet pick.
Where It Excels
- Automatic start and cool-down cycles simplify first-time pellet cooking.
- 13.5 lb hopper outlasts shorter sessions without refills.
- Porcelain-coated steel grates even out heat and clean easily.
- 180°F to 500°F range covers smoke, bake, roast, and grill modes.
Small Caveats
- No Flame Broiler slide for direct-flame searing.
- Smaller footprint than the 1300 Navigator, so large-party cooks may need staging.
Made For
Beginner-friendly smokers who want an easy-to-learn pellet setup without giving up a real hardwood smoke profile.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Smoker and Grill fits cooks who want charcoal smoke plus a propane grilling surface on one frame.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is a classic offset smoker with a 751 sq. in. primary chamber and a 309 sq. in. secondary rack, totaling 1,060 sq. in. of cooking area. The firebox sits beside the main chamber, so heat and smoke travel across the food before venting out the chimney. Hardwood splits and chunks feed the fire for that deep, traditional smoke profile that pellet units can’t quite replicate.
This is a hands-on cooker. Managing the firebox, watching airflow, and adjusting dampers is part of the experience. For traditionalists who want the bark and color of offset-cooked brisket, the Longhorn still earns its place even in a pellet-dominated world.
Well-Handled Touches
- 751 sq. in. primary chamber fits multiple large cuts at once.
- 309 sq. in. secondary rack adds warming and staging space.
- Direct-fire access supports both smoking and grilling.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Requires active fire management through long cooks.
- Heavier and harder to move than a pellet unit of similar capacity.
Key Product Details
Who It Suits Best
Traditionalist pitmasters who want hands-on offset cooking and the bark that only hardwood fires deliver.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator Series suits cooks who prefer pellet automation and Wi-Fi monitoring over active fire tending.
Picking The Right Pellet Setup For Your Backyard
Choosing among built-in pellet grills comes down to how you actually cook, not just surface area. The first thing worth nailing down is hopper size, since a 5 lb hopper on the Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series works fine for a few hours but gets old on overnight brisket cooks, where the Pit Boss 1300 Navigator’s 30 lb hopper shines. Temperature range matters next: 180°F to 500°F covers traditional smoke plus high-heat sears on units that include a Flame Broiler, while a 100°F to 300°F range like the Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker is built for cold-smoking jerky and sausage instead of searing.
Connectivity is a genuine split point. Traeger’s Woodridge leans hard into Wi-Fi control through its app, which helps if your grill sits far from the kitchen and you want to monitor without walking out. The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator adds Bluetooth on top of Wi-Fi, while the Pit Boss 500 Carbon keeps things screen-only for cooks who don’t want another app on their phone.
Lastly, footprint matters. The 518 sq. in. FB2 fits a small patio where the 1,329 sq. in. Navigator would dominate. For travelers, a stationary pellet grill at home plus a Pit Boss 4-Burner Deluxe Fold & Go Griddle for the road covers more ground than one oversized unit ever could.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The biggest trap in this category is chasing square inches without checking hopper size or temperature range. A large cook chamber with a tiny hopper means more refill trips during long smokes, and a grill without a high-temp sear option leaves steaks and burgers underwhelming. Buyers also tend to overlook Wi-Fi setup overhead: connected grills need a stable home network and a phone app you actually want to use.
Another common mistake is assuming stainless steel surfaces are magnet-friendly. The Goldusk Magnetic Power Cord Organizer, for example, won’t stick to stainless grill carts, and similar compatibility gaps trip up shoppers who buy accessories before checking their grill’s body material.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Spending up on premium pellet units like the Pit Boss 1300 Navigator typically buys a bigger hopper, larger cook chamber, dual meat probes, and richer connectivity. The Woodridge adds app control and a bundled pellet supply. On the charcoal side, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn’s heavier steel gauge and offset firebox design are what justify its higher tier over entry-level barrel smokers.
The upgrade payoff hits hardest for cooks who run long sessions, feed large groups, or want the precision of app-based temperature management. Casual weekend grillers often find a mid-tier pellet unit like the Pit Boss 500 Carbon delivers everything they actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hopper do I really need for built-in pellet grills?
A 5 lb hopper suits short cooks under four hours. For brisket, pork butt, or any overnight smoke, look for 13.5 lb or larger so you aren’t refilling mid-cook when the grill is least safe to open.
Can I use a pellet grill in cold weather?
Yes, though colder ambient temps can extend ignition time and slow recovery when you open the lid. Insulated blankets and a sheltered placement help in winter, and preheating a few minutes longer is a common workaround.
Do I need Wi-Fi on a pellet grill?
Wi-Fi is genuinely useful if your grill sits far from the kitchen or you run long cooks and want phone alerts. Connected models like the Traeger Woodridge and Pit Boss 1300 Navigator add convenience, but a screen-only unit like the Pit Boss 500 Carbon cooks just as well without it.
What’s the difference between a pellet grill and a vertical gas smoker?
A pellet grill burns hardwood pellets for both heat and smoke, with an auger feeding the fire automatically. A vertical gas smoker like the Pit Boss 3-Series uses a propane burner for heat and a wood chip tray for smoke, which produces a lighter smoke profile but requires manual tank refills.
How do I clean a pellet grill safely?
Let the grill run a short cool-down cycle to burn off residue, then empty the hopper and ash from the fire pot. Brushing the porcelain-coated grates while still warm and wiping the interior with a grill-safe cloth handles most routine cleanup. Owners commonly report that running the grill hot at the end of each cook cuts deep-cleaning sessions significantly.
Closing Remarks
The right built-in pellet grill comes down to how often you cook, how much you want to manage the fire, and how much patio space you’ve got. Smaller units like the Pit Boss 500 FB2 and 500 Carbon cover weeknight cooks comfortably, while the Traeger Woodridge and Pit Boss 1300 Navigator take over for entertaining. Round out your setup with a Goldusk cord holder and a pellet cleanout funnel, and the routine gets noticeably easier from the first smoke forward.