Latest news with #TraegerWoodridgePro
Business Insider
01-08-2025
- General
- Business Insider
The best grills
Grilling is a great way to make delicious food while spending time outdoors, but it can be tricky to sort through the hundreds of available models to find the best grill for your backyard. Whether you need a travel-friendly grill for camping or want to become the local pitmaster, we've tested top-rated grill options for every cook. From wood pellets to propane, we found that the best grills have a powerful heating element, useful design features, and can withstand outdoor wear and tear. For maximum flame-fired flavor, our reporters have used the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for years. The bottom charcoal basin, built-in cleaning system, and three available sizes make the Weber Kettle a simple and enduring classic. We also love the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet smoker that's great for just starting out: you can set the temperature with a dial and still get the wood-fired taste and texture. Our top picks for the best grills Best pellet grill: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Types of grills Pros Cons Good for Charcoal grills Flame-fired flavor and more budget-friendly Difficult to regulate temperature Experienced grillers Gas grills Beginner-friendly and easy to maintain Doesn't add a smoky, barbecue flavor Everyone Barbecue smokers Best way to cook low and slow Steep learning curve Experienced grillers Pellet smokers Hands-off smoking with easily managed heat Not as rich of a smoked flavor Everyone Portable grills Compact and easy to set up Smaller cooking area Travelers Flat-top grills Huge cook surface, great as an extension of your indoor kitchen A "grill" in fuel-type only, more like a large cooktop Everyone Best pellet grill The Traeger Woodridge Pro grill is a true do-it-all pellet grill. Its 970-square-inch cooking space is versatile enough to cook family meals during the week or invite a large crowd over on the weekends. It can hold a remarkable number of racks of ribs. Best of all, it has solid build quality and heat insulation, which makes it great at holding a steady temperature. All of the grills in the new Traeger Woodridge series perform well at their main task, but the Woodridge Pro stands out because it gets the bulk of the features at a reasonable, affordable cost. Specifically, we really like its 24-pound hopper capacity, wood pellet sensor, extended prep area, and four wheels for easy transport. Like most other newer Traeger grills, the Woodridge Pro features WiFi connectivity so you can monitor temperatures and timers remotely. The mobile app is sleek and easy to use. For those who need a little inspiration, the app's recipes are easy to browse and can be sent to the grill when you're ready to cook. As capable as wood pellet smokers are for making lots of different meals, the Woodridge Pro's super smoke mode is a powerful feature for really infusing meat with flavor. It's a perfect first grill, but it's advanced enough for the professionals. Best BBQ smoker Cooking with hardwood and charcoal requires a lot of time and attention. Smokers require a learning curve, but the Char-Griller Grand Slam has built-in features to make it easier. A smoker constructed from thick steel is imperative to keep heat in and withstand elements when left outside. The Char-Griller Grand Slam is a barrel-shaped smoker made from heavy-duty steel with a large cooking area. This smoker can be used for both grilling veggies and meat as well as low and slow-smoking sessions. It's the top pick in our barbecue smokers guide for a traditional offset smoke. The large charcoal basket and firebox allow you to load the smoker with enough fuel to last for hours, maintaining an even temperature throughout the cooking process. There are three thermometer ports to monitor temperatures. When it comes time for cleaning, there's a grease clean-up valve and ash pan that can be easily dumped. Best gas grill Gas grills are ideal for home cooks who want to grill without a steep learning curve. Weber is the gold standard in gas grills and earned four of the five top spots in our guide to the best gas grills. The new Spirit E-325 has a midsize cooktop and two folding side tables, making it great for families and small groups. The grill has three powerful burners under "Flavorizer Bars" that give you perfectly even char. Inside is a warming rack to keep food warm while the rest of your meal cooks, or toast buns for burgers and hot dogs. This grill also has a grease management system for easy clean-up, with a removable tray that catches drippings to avoid grill flare-ups. It's easy to hook the Spirit up to a propane tank, allowing for consistent temperature maintenance while still achieving that fired flavor. While gas grills come in a wide variety of sizes, this medium-sized option from Weber offers enough cooking surface for a variety of meals without taking up too much space in your yard. Check out more of our picks for the best gas grills. Best charcoal grill You won't find a better balance of durability and great cooking ability than the Weber Kettle Charcoal Grill — we've had this grill for years, and it still works as well as the day we first tested it. The design of Weber's original kettle grill has held strong for 70 years, making it one of the best grills year after year and the top pick in our guide to charcoal grills. The circular grill is simple yet efficient, with a bottom charcoal basin for even heating. The design features vents at the top and bottom, which allow for temperature adjustment. Pair it with one of the best charcoal chimney starters, and you're all set. We recommend the 22-inch Original Kettle Grill from Weber, but 18-inch and 26-inch models are also available. While the 22-inch isn't a large capacity grill, it still has a generous cooking area to grill multiple steaks or enough burgers for a small group. When it comes time to clean, you can use the built-in cleaning system to sweep ashes into the bottom catcher. Once you're ready to cook, stock up on the best charcoal for grilling. Our guide to the best charcoal grills has options for upgrades, barrel-style, and more. Best portable grill The Weber Traveler gas grill makes it easy to grill on the go. This portable grill has a folding design with two wheels that can maneuver through sand, gravel, and grass. It takes less than 10 minutes to break it down and set it up, allowing you to store it for backyard use, take it camping, or use it at a tailgating party. Although it only has one burner, it features a decent-sized cooking area and reaches high enough temperatures for roasting meat and veggies. The grill is designed to use small propane tanks for fuel, but you can switch to standard-sized propane tanks with an adapter. This is one of the best grills for beginners because of the low investment and easy learning curve. Best kamado Ceramic Kamado grills originated about 3,000 years ago, and the design is still used today. We test the best Kamado grills alongside other charcoal grills, and our top pick is the Kamado Joe Classic II. Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are the top brands we've tested in the category, with the Kamado Joe Classic II just edging out the BGE. The quality of the build is essential on any grill, and an exceptional level of craftsmanship goes into the Kamado Joe. It has a sturdy frame, multiple grate levels, an ash catchment system, and more. Beginners may find the Kamado grill easy to overheat — even experienced grillers should expect some trial and error to figure out the right amount of charcoal. That challenge is part of what makes this grill so special: once it gets hot, it stays hot longer than other types of grills. You can cook between 225 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining consistent heat. How we test grills This guide to the best grills is made up of our top recommendations from our individual grill guides. For more details on our tests with each grill, check out our full guides and read the "how we tested" section. Type of grill Cooking tests Other evaluation points Charcoal grill Zucchini, BBQ chicken, and steak for doneness and even cooking. Assembly, ease of use, cleaning, and quality of materials. Pellet smoker Pork shoulder, chicken drumsticks, and zucchini for even cooking, doneness, and flavor. Assembly, quality of materials, ease of use, ability to control temperature, production of smoke ring, and ease of cleaning. Gas grill Burgers, steak, zucchini, barbecue chicken, baked beans for even cooking and doneness. Assembly, ease of use, materials, and ease of cleaning. Barbecue smoker Pork shoulder, chicken drumsticks, and zucchini for even heating, doneness, flavor, and smoke ring. Assembly, quality of materials, ease of use, ability to control temperature, production of smoke ring, and ease of cleaning. Grill accessories We've found some essential grill accessories in our grill testing and personal barbecue experience. Of course, you won't need the best smoker pellets if you're using a gas grill, so focus on the type of grill you want and add the relevant extras to your cart. Grill FAQs How do you clean your grill? Cleaning your grill is essential for grilling safety and keeping your grill in great shape for years of use. One of the simplest ways to clean your grill is to use a grill brush that will do all of the hard work for you. Using the best grill brush constructed with quality bristles and an easy-to-hold handle will make quick work of cleaning your grill grates. For harder, stuck-on food, you can also use a grill scraper. How do you remove rust from a grill? Despite efforts to avoid it, rusting can happen on even the best grills. To clean it, start with a cool grill. Use a good-quality grill brush or a grill brick to scrub off rust. If you're trying to clean stubborn rust, you can make a paste by mixing water and baking soda. Apply the paste to your grill grates, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub.
Business Insider
28-07-2025
- General
- Business Insider
The best BBQ smokers
If you're looking for maximum barbecue flavor, the best smokers are the answer. Smoking is a great way to preserve food and impart a deep, fire-roasted taste. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart the ultimate flavor. We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal flavor, the Weber Original Kettle can be used as a smoker and grill, is budget-friendly, and doesn't take up too much space. Top picks for the best smokers Best pellet: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Best pellet Whether you're looking to upgrade an old, well-used smoker grill or are new to the space, the Traeger Woodridge Pro is a great choice for most people. Its heat retention is excellent, and it has advanced wireless connectivity, both of which mean less hands-on cooking is needed. Plus, it has a hearty 970 square inches of cooking real estate, a size that I've personally verified is enough for five full racks of ribs with room to spare. It's versatile as both a smoker and a grill. As is common in the smoker space, the Woodridge Pro can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has a super smoke mode that can be used when grilling under 200 degrees for even more intense smoky flavor. This is a true treat when paired with the right meats. The 24-pound pellet hopper pretty much ensures you'll never run out of fuel during a long cook, but a sensor inside the hopper can relay a notification to the app when it's time to add more — just in case. You can customize the grill. A few years ago, Traeger got serious about updating its line of grilling accessories with the P.A.L. Pop And Lock system. Now, nearly all of its current grills can use the same shelves, hooks, paper towel holder, and hanging storage. Your investment now won't be wasted in the future. Traeger makes three different Woodridge grills, but the Pro is best for most. While there are plenty of other fine smokers out there, the new line of Woodridge smokers offers a range of features to satisfy all, at a price that's easy to stomach. The entry-level model is a good choice for infrequent chefs, and the Elite model is a complete outdoor kitchen, but the Pro model is well-rounded and suitable for most people. If you're curious about other models, you can check out our guide to the best Traeger grills and best pellet grills Best for beginners We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price. Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most. Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun. I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead. Best charcoal To do barbecue right, you'll want the best offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks, says, "When it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood." Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. It's remarkably heat-stable. When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill maintained a near-constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns. Like with many offset smokers, there's a learning curve. Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error. Best electric Electric smokers are among the easiest to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours upon hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons. There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and effortless as smoking gets. Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a midsize barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat. You can only use it outdoors, and I wish this grill had handles because I've had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source. Best budget Good news: you can smoke just fine on a standard charcoal grill. There's a sizeable series of YouTube wormholes to help you navigate your way through converting Weber's Kettle grill into one of the best smokers. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon. Thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle, you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention. With the lid on properly, you'll have no trouble maintaining heat. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking. You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so. If you want even more versatility, the KettleBasic Pizza Oven Kit turns your charcoal grill into one of the best pizza ovens. Best indoor An indoor electric smoker shouldn't be your first choice when picking a grill to infuse meat with rich, smoky flavor. But if you're limited in space or by other circumstances, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a terrific option to keep you cooking and the meals flowing. It features a small wood pellet hopper to create the internal smoke, but its active filtration system keeps your house from being flooded with a haze. The countertop-size unit has 293 square inches of cooking space, which isn't enormous, but should be plenty of room to make dinner for the family. I'm constantly impressed by how many wings or the cut of ribs that I can fit onto the three grates. Even if that internal space isn't a limiting factor, you should be aware that the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker has a heating range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. It's perfect for the low-and-slow cooking method, but it won't be able to sear or really serve as a general-purpose countertop oven for other kinds of food. I've found myself using the indoor smoker the most during the winter when it wasn't convenient to cook outside. Making it even more user-friendly, I'm a fan of the built-in WiFi that pairs with the GE SmartHQ mobile app to let you monitor its timer, check the internal probe temperature, and adjust the timer all remotely. If you really want to get fancy, you can connect it with Alexa or Google Home to use certain voice commands. For its $699 retail price, you can get a good outdoor smoker, but if you don't have the outside space for a traditional smoker, then this one does a great job preparing juicy, flavorful cuts of meat. Then again, even if you already have a regular smoker you like, this one is always an option for a secondary one when it's too cold to be outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor What kind of smoker is best? Smokers are generally classified by the type of fuel used. A charcoal or wood-burning grill will give you the most smoke flavor, but you'll have to be more mindful about refilling throughout the BBQ process. Here's a breakdown of the different smoker types: What to look for in a BBQ smoker Smoker heat source: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off. Material quality: Most grills have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, even the best smokers are still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers. Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty. How we test the best smokers After assembling the best smokers, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests: Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound shoulders, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder. Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18.) We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills. Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly. We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen, to find out what makes a good smoker. Barbecue smoker FAQs Can you smoke on a gas grill? Yes and no. You can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill. However, Steven Raichlen told us that because gas grills aren't sealed well enough, you shouldn't expect BBQ-quality smoke from a gas grill. If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills. Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker? Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD, which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can withstand burning wood. How does smoking work? BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke food. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.
Business Insider
17-07-2025
- Business Insider
The best pellet smokers
As a numbers person who likes precise measurements, I've struggled with the arts of smoking and grilling. I've watched the masters at work. They seem to magically know when to flip the meat and take it off for the perfect doneness. I've left the grilling to my pitmaster wife until I recently started using the best pellet grills. Thanks to the precise temperatures and hands-off user-friendliness, I find myself spending more time at the butcher finding the best meats to pop on the grill and less time babysitting the smoker. We've smoked and grilled hundreds of pounds of meat and vegetables on countless models and talked to three experts to find the best pellet smokers for every need and budget. Our top overall pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro because it has impressive temperature control and heat retention. For under $500, consider our budget pick, the Z Grills Pioneer 450B. It has a smoke setting that worked great for slow cooking and regulates temperatures well. However, it lacks WiFi connectivity. Best overall When Traeger introduced its line of Woodridge pellet smokers in 2025, it prioritized value. With tweaks to its engineering and design, the Woodridge Pro, specifically, became a cooking powerhouse at a price that most interested chefs can afford. There are three different Woodridge pellet smokers, but the Pro model, priced between the entry one and Elite, hits a sweet spot — or smoky, if you will. It has a healthy 970 square inches of cooking space spread over two racks, so the overall physical size isn't too much for any backyard. After using several Traeger pellet smokers over the years, I found the new digital control on the Woodridge Pro to be a great compromise between responsiveness and visual information. Most people will probably find themselves using the Traeger mobile app, which connects to the grill over WiFi and allows remote monitoring of long, slow cooks. Probe temperatures and the remaining pellet level are also shown in the app. Though checking on the wood pellet level is less necessary with a larger 24-pound capacity hopper. The Woodridge Pro has a top temperature of 500 degrees. It's versatile for all kinds of food. It also features a neat grease and ash collection system that hides away the old hanging bucket so it's less likely to accidentally spill the waste. You won't get the side burner or enclosed cabinet that are present on the Elite model, so there are those considerations. But in terms of the most capable pellet smoker at the best price, it's hard to beat the Woodridge Pro. —Tyler Hayes, contributor If you want a hassle-free grill that can dazzle guests as much as yourself, the Traeger Pro 575 pellet grill is an appliance made for the ages. It's the heaviest-duty pellet grill we've found that could be called compact and costs under a thousand dollars. (Find our favorite fuel in our best smoker pellets guide, with Traeger landing another top spot.) Heat retention and moderation are the most important things when it comes to how the best pellet smokers function. While the Traeger doesn't have the quarter-inch steel we like to see on a grill, it's far thicker and seals much better than anything else we've tried in this price range. We've kept temperatures steady within five degrees of our target temps in all kinds of weather, something even an experienced griller would have a devil of a time doing with charcoal or wood. The Pro's temps range from 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just right for low-and-slow cooking, up to 500, which won't get a sear but will effectively braise. This is where the Traeger Pro series might fall short against more modular grills, but it still more than earned a spot in this guide. The Traeger Pro Series grills hold heat well and are built for the long haul, so if you're working with a moderate budget and don't want to take up your whole backyard, you needn't look further. Best budget We've been testing the best pellet grills for years, and while the shortcomings of budget options were quick to show, the Z Grill 450B didn't have the same trouble regulating temperature that we found elsewhere. This grill was also easier to assemble than other options within this price range and beyond. Temperatures range from 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, but the "smoke" setting lets you cheat temperatures down to 170, which we love for extra low-and-slow cooking. Some people might wish for the WiFi in Traeger and Camp Chef grills, but if you're keeping with a budget, you don't need the extra electronics on your pellet smoker. Careful positioning of the grill near enough to read an LCD screen or run a Bluetooth- or WiFi-enabled temperature probe can stand in for built-in electronics. The real downside of this grill is that it's not very well sealed, so smoke seeps out. The quick fix for that is to add your own gaskets (a good solution for most grills, frankly), and Lavalock is a great option. We checked with grilling experts who said that the smoke leak can happen, but the fire won't burn its way past the auger. If you're looking to barbecue for a small group and don't want to spend too much or fuss with gadgetry or accessories, the Z Grills 450B is a great, simple, and affordable solution. If you want the most flawless barbecue with the least amount of effort, the Traeger Timberline series (go for the XL if you need the best pellet grill for large groups) is as good as it gets. It goes without saying that you'll pay dearly for it, but purchasing a cover and taking cursory care will keep this grill going for many years to come. However, be forewarned that the Timberline is exceptionally heavy at over 250 pounds. This is a true outdoor cooking station, minus a sink — it's not something you'll want to cart around your backyard, but rather leave in place on a solid surface. Where a heavy-duty offset smoker with wagon wheels is your rough-and-ready all-terrain utility Jeep, the Timberline is more like a Cadillac. Veteran grillers will find it hard to justify spending more than $3000 on a pellet grill, especially one with relatively thin metal. This grill isn't for them, but for anyone who wants as hands-off and foolproof an experience as possible. While the grill does a good job of keeping a steady temperature and cooking evenly, the metal on the firebox is surprisingly thin, especially compared with the quarter-inch-thick stuff you'll find on charcoal or stick-burning pit grills around the same price. Accessorizing, starting with the $200 purchase of a grill cover, is almost prohibitively expensive. Still, this is the best upgrade pellet grill of nearly a dozen that I've tried, and it's built to last better than any other, too. Best electric The market for pellet smokers to use indoors might be limited, but that doesn't mean there aren't any good choices. The GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a reliable workhorse, able to infuse meat with smoky flavor without clouding up the house, thanks to its active filtration system. I've been using the countertop appliance for over a year with no regrets. Ribs, chicken, and pork meals have all come out tender and exactly as expected. The unit has a temperature range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. You won't be able to sear with this smoker, and it lacks any char from an outdoor wood-fire grill. Still, it's perfect for slow cooking and comes with various presets for different types of meat. If there's a major downside, it's that the smoker only has a capacity of 293 square inches. Whenever I make a rack of ribs, I need to cut it in half so that it will fit. There are three removable trays to take advantage of the room that is available. The benefits this smoker offers, however, outweigh its limited size and hottest temperature capability. There's an integrated temperature probe included, which will relay that info to the GE SmartHQ mobile app. With the app, you can also change the temperature and adjust the timer remotely. If you're into the smart stuff, the smoker is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Since its debut, it's even come down in price to $699, which might feel like an even better value come wintertime, when you can smoke a meal without trekking outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor Best charcoal Tending a charcoal fire is much easier said than done, and in almost every case of disappointing or failed grilling attempts, it is the cause of the downfall. Masterbuilt's towering Gravity Series is an imposing appliance with a large hopper and feeder that, thanks to WiFi connectivity, works just like a pellet smoker, but for charcoal. Why go with charcoal over wood pellets? Many cooks argue that charcoal offers more flavor, but it's also a simple fact that charcoal burns much, much hotter than wood pellets. The Gravity Series ranges from about 150 degrees Fahrenheit (a great temperature for low-and-slow smoking) up to about 700 degrees, which is ideal for searing — something even the best pellet grills can't generally do. Ultimately, it's a grill, griddle, and a (higher-temp) smoker all in one, earning the title of the best charcoal pellet grill. It also has two-sided cast-iron grates, with one thinner side dedicated to smoking and the thicker one for searing. Monitoring the temperature with WiFi and Bluetooth was easy, and connectivity is about as steady as most grills we've tested — we couldn't go around the corner to the store, but we stayed connected around the house, adjusting temperature and even turning the grill off (though we recommend doing that in person). The Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill has a few downsides like any other. Firstly, it's made of relatively lightweight metal, which isn't good for heat retention or longevity, and secondly, it took more than two hours to build. Expectedly, temperatures tend to fluctuate more than they do in a wood-pellet smoker, but that's charcoal for you (briquettes will burn more evenly than hardwood lump). How to choose a pellet grill Controls: An increasing number of grills offer state-of-the-art WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to monitor your brisket anywhere from your deck to miles away. However, some use simpler controls and don't require you to add another application to your phone. Tech gadgetry doesn't always correspond to better performance, so it's about your preference and cooking style. Accessories: Many of the best pellet smokers we tested don't offer a ton of extras, or the brands require you to purchase them separately. If you are looking for a one-stop outdoor kitchen (minus the sink), be prepared to spend more for a side burner and extra shelves. The Traeger Timberline and the Camp Chef Woodwind series have the most extra features of the grills we tested. Size: Grills are best measured in cooking surface area, usually in square inches of space. Smaller models in the 450 to 575-square-inch range offer plenty of space for four to six people, and larger ones, above 800 square inches, can cook for roughly a dozen people or more. Look for the best pellet grill brands to show diagrams of their grill layouts, depicting how many pork shoulders, chicken wings, briskets, and/or hamburger patties a grill can hold. How we test pellet grills Molly Allen/Business Insider We spent more than two years building and testing pellet grills and smokers, speaking with experts like veteran TV host and author Steven Raichlen, Hey Grill Hey! founder Susie Bulloch, and Chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen to find out what makes a good pellet grill and for whom they're made. We evaluated grills by cooking chicken drumsticks and pork shoulders "low and slow" and grilling zucchini at a higher heat. Build quality: We considered the quality of materials as we built each grill, noting when metal was flimsier or more prone to denting. We also left each model out in the elements — some for more than two years on end. None of the grills or the electronics we've tested have failed. Installing quality gaskets on your own is a cheap and easy way to upgrade any grill. Ease of use: From building and connectivity to operating and cleaning, we looked at the process of owning and maintaining these grills. We considered if it was easy for a beginner to operate the grill, if the controls were intuitive, and if the setup process was unnecessarily difficult. Value: Many of the grills we tested came with limited accessories, some of them essential. While the budget-friendly pick on our list does come with a cover (that's survived two years outside), every other grill we tested required a cover be purchased separately. Add on shelves, hooks, and/or brackets that really should be included, and it gets expensive quickly. Still, build quality and warranty balanced out these pricier picks. Pellet grill FAQs What is the best pellet grill brand? We hesitate to say one brand completely surpasses the rest, but Traeger grills and smokers routinely make the top of our lists. After testing grills from the Timberline, Ironwood, and Pro lines, we can confidently recommend almost any Traeger model. What are the negatives of pellet grills? Do pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers, compare with the best barbecue smokers favored by pitmasters or even the best charcoal grills? We asked Steven Raichlen, one of our favorite grillmasters, and he came back with a resounding "No." However, he did say that pellet smokers are great for the layperson who wants wood-smoke flavor without the associated sweat equity. Is a charcoal or wood pellet smoker better? Charcoal gives a stronger flavor, but pellet smokers are far easier to use. It comes down to time and labor investment. Backyard grillers can excel with a pellet grill, while pit masters aren't likely to swap out their charcoal. If you do buy a pellet smoker, don't expect the same smokiness in your food that you would if you delicately fed furniture-grade, kiln-dried cooking wood to an immaculately glowing bed of coals for 12 hours. That's the kind of art that can only and will only ever be done by hand. How do pellet grills work? Pellet grills have a hopper that feeds an auger, which grinds compressed hardwood pellets into smaller chunks that fall into and ignite in a firebox, creating smoke. Pellet grill and pellet smoker can be used interchangeably. Grills tend to work with direct heat, while smokers often use indirect heat. Modern pellet grills strike a balance between grills and smokers because they range between low-and-slow cooking temperatures (160-225 degrees Fahrenheit or so) and about 500 degrees, which is your average gas grill's highest heat. What are the best pellets for smokers? The pellet grill brand you buy will likely direct you to its own line of pellets, but the most important thing to consider is the term "additive-free" pellets. Lower-grade pellets, especially those without this distinction, can encompass a lot of impurities (down to even plastics and industrial scraps) because pellets are often forged from sawdust in commercial spaces. The type of wood you buy is highly subjective. Brands tend to recommend different blends or species of wood for different foods, though. Check out our full guide to the best smoker pellets for more recommendations.
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge Best Buy weekend sale is live — 25 deals I'd shop from $19 on Father's Day gifts, OLED TVs, appliances and more
The weekend is finally here, so now's the time to shop! Right now Best Buy's sale section is packed with discounts on everything from OLED TVs to appliances. Plus, don't forget Father's Day — if you need a gift in a hurry, you can opt for in-store pickup. Right now you can save up to $300 on select Traeger grills. This includes one of the best grills we've tested, the Traeger Woodridge Pro on sale for $999 at Best Buy ($150 off.) Or, if you'd like to keep an eye on your activity this summer, Best Buy is taking up to $200 off select Garmin watches. And there's up to $100 off select Apple Watch models too. Keep scrolling to see all my favorite Best Buy deals. For more savings, see our Best Buy promo codes, and check out the Adidas deals I'd buy from $8 at Amazon. Switch games: deals from $19 @ Best BuyFrom Luigi's Mansion 3 to EA FC24, Best Buy is taking from $10 to $20 off a small selection of games. (Most games are $20 off). The sale also includes Zelda, Assassin's Creed and more. Appliance sale: deals from $59 @ Best BuyBest Buy is taking up to 40% off select small and large appliances. After discount, prices start as low as $59. The sale includes brands such as Ninja, Instant Pot, Samsung, LG and more. TV sale: deals from $69 @ Best BuyBest Buy has smart TVs on sale for as low as $69. Keep in mind, the cheap TVs tend to be smaller, 1080p models (which are more suitable for a children's room or guest room). However, the sale also includes larger sets. These are among the cheapest TVs we've seen from Best Buy. By comparison, Amazon is offering a similar sale with prices from $ check: from $79 @ Amazon | from $74 @ Walmart Traeger grill sale: up to $300 off @ Best BuyBest Buy is taking up to $300 off select Traeger grills. After discount, prices start from $389. This is an awesome opportunity to shop some of the best grills we've reviewed. Garmin watches: up to $200 off @ Best BuySome of the best Garmin watches are on sale with up to $200 off at Best Buy. Theragun's travel-sized massage gun comes with three foam attachments, so you can tailor the device based on your aches and pains. Therabody makes high-tech wellness feel luxurious, so Mom will definitely be blown away. The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple's latest M4 chipset. The new Mac upgrades the camera from 1080p to 12MP with Center Stage support. The M4 chipset also supports dual external monitors, even when you have the laptop's lid open. It packs a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M4 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M4 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop is irresistible thanks to its speedy performance, sharper camera, and lower starting price. This Traeger Woodridge Pro pellet grill delivers a rich, natural wood-fired taste without gas or charcoal. It boasts 970 sq in of cooking space to fit up to 7 chickens, 9 rib racks or 7 pork butts, providing plenty of space to cook full meals for family gatherings and larger events. Inject added flavor with the Super Smoke Mode and manage your cook using the Traeger app. The TCL Q7 is an awesome mid-range QLED TV that uses full array local dimming for good contrast and quantum dots for superior color vibrancy. For sports fans, it comes with a 120Hz native refresh rate and the powerful AiPQ Gen 3 Engine for better upscaling and motion interpolation. There's also Google TV built-in for Chromecast support, which allows you to send videos from your phone to the screen when connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Our TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV review called this "a great Mini-LED TV at a bargain price." Now that it's on sale for this discount, it's a steal. It looks slick both in picture quality and design, and has plenty of useful features on board. On the downside, we found some issues with sound performance and glare, but those flaws are easier to forgive now that the TV's price has dropped. The S90D is one of Samsung's 2024 OLED TVs. The OLED TV features Samsung's new NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, HDR10+/HLG support, 120Hz refresh rate, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and built-in Alexa. It also offers 4K AI Upscaling to ensure all programs are crisp and sharp. On the audio front, you get Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite for 3D surround sound. Our Samsung S90D review said "it offers the best bang for your buck."Price check: $1,497 @ Amazon The C4 is LG's flagship OLED TV. It's powered by LG's A9 processor and features a 120Hz panel, Dolby Vision/ HDR10/HLG support, built-in Amazon Alexa, four HDMI 2.1 ports and Apple AirPlay 2 support. It's also one of the few OLED TVs that can natively accept a 144Hz input from a PC. In our LG C4 OLED TV review, we said the content looked colorful and dazzlingly bright on the new C4 check: $1,996 @ Amazon The Garmin Forerunner 165 is now on sale. This sporty mid-range watch is a great training companion with a bright AMOLED display, onboard GPS, advanced heart health monitoring, sleep tracking and tons of tools for training. It also has a SpO2 sensor, 11-day battery life and water resistance up to 50 meters. Check out our Garmin Forerunner 165 hands-on review for the full lowdown. If you're in the market for an incredible smartwatch, getting the Apple Watch Series 10 with a $100 discount is a great deal. This is the lowest price we've ever seen this watch listed for, so it's a great time to take one home. In our Apple Watch Series 10 review, we said that "overall, the Series 10 is the sweet spot for a flagship." The latest Forerunner is our new top pick for the best Garmin watch. In our Garmin Forerunner 265 review, we called it "a huge improvement" over the previous model. This iteration of the watch brings a gorgeous AMOLED display with a higher resolution, plus Garmin's Training Readiness Score feature. You also get accurate GPS and lots of advanced training metrics at a glance. The 2025 iPad features a larger 11-inch (2360 x 1640) screen, A16 CPU, 12MP rear/front cameras, USB-C connectivity, and Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) support. The base model features 128GB of storage, which double the capacity of its predecessor. It's available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities. The 2025 iPad Air packs Apple's M3 processor, an 11-inch LED (2360 x 1640) display, 128GB of storage, 12MP rear camera and 12MP front camera. The tablet packs a more powerful 8-core CPU, which makes the M3 up to 35% faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than the iPad Air M1. There's also a 9-core GPU on board with 40% faster graphics performance than the M1. In our iPad Air M3 review we said its fun Apple Intelligence features, reliable battery life (9 hours w/ 41 minutes), and overall thin design make it a winning Apple slate. Fancy a Chromebook with an OLED screen for under $400? The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 gives you exactly that. This 2-in-1 laptop has a 13.3-inch 1920x1080 OLED display runs rings around most Chromebooks, and it offers up to 12 hours of battery life and a comfortably sized detachable keyboard. The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple's latest M4 chipset. The new Mac upgrades the camera from 1080p to 12MP with Center Stage support. The M4 chipset also supports dual external monitors, even when you have the laptop's lid open. It packs a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M4 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M4 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop is irresistible thanks to its speedy performance, sharper camera, and lower starting price. The Asus ROG Strix G16 is a fantastic laptop packing a Core i9-14900HX CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. You also get an RTX 4070 GPU and a 16-inch QHD panel with a 240Hz refresh rate. We also like that it has Thermal Grizzly's Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions. When we got our hands on the Ninja Prestige Smart XL Oven, we were super impressed by its capacity, range of cooking functions and intuitive, easy-to-use controls. It's a great alternative for anyone not wanting a full-size oven or an XL air fryer in their kitchen. And right now the best toaster oven is an impressive $130 off. As one of Dyson's entry-level air purifiers, prices won't get much cheaper than this. The TP10 features 10 fan speeds, 0-350° oscillation, a night mode and an auto mode, which adjusts the power based on the conditions of the room. There's even the option to receive pollution details via the display and see the remaining filter life. There's no smart connectivity, but the remote is magnetized and can fit to the top of the appliance for easy storage. If you want to get a thorough cleaning experience, the Detect head uses Dyson 'illumination technology' to reveal dust particles on hardwood floors. This makes it easier to see dirt and grime, and ensure a spotless surface. It also comes with the standard, motorbar head for deep-cleaning carpets and other crevice tools. With a battery time of 60 minutes, this will give you a decent clean. The AirPods 4 boast a new design, which Apple has refined with "50 million data points" to create the most comfortable AirPods yet. They also feature Apple's H2 chip, which delivers clearer calls with Voice Isolation, and a new, hands-free way to interact with Siri. The AirPods 4 also have USB-C charging and include up to 30 hours of listening time. In our AirPods 4 review, we said the Editor's Choice earbuds bring Apple's wireless earbuds lineup into the modern day with Pro-level features for less. This deal brings a long-awaited discount to the Beats Pill. We had a Beats Pill hands-on, and found a speaker that has (as you might expect) some massive bass and a slick look. Battery life is respectable at 24 hours, and its waterproofing makes it perfect for pool parties and outdoor use. Beats' new workout earbuds are an all-around upgrade from the previous version. In our Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review, we loved their stylish design, strong bassy sound and stable fit. You also get 10 hours of listening time on a charge, or up to 45 hours with the included charging case. They also have some unique features on board, like handy physical button controls and a heart rate monitor. We rank them as the best wireless earbuds for fitness on the market. The XM5s are a pair of premium Sony noise-canceling headphones. Don't let the recent release of the XM6s trouble you; these are still a great buy. The large, over-ear cushions are incredibly comfortable and the active noise cancelation is excellent. Plus, despite active noise canceling being a drain on battery life, these amazing headphones still give you up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. You can push that up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned off.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge sale on Traeger grills — 5 top deals I'd buy right now up to $250 off
As we prepare for a summer season of outdoor eating, now is the best time to swipe up a grill deal. And right now, Traeger has discounted 5 of the best grills that will level up your BBQ savings up to 22% there's no better reason to invest in one of the best grills out there, and purchase a grill from a company with an excellent reputation. And with Get Grillin' week here at Tom's Guide, we have a wealth of expert advice so you can make the most of your grill this season. Take a look at my top 5 finds to save big right now. This Traeger Woodridge Pro pellet grill delivers a rich, natural wood-fired taste without gas or charcoal. It boasts 970 sq in of cooking space to fit up to 7 chickens, 9 rib racks or 7 pork butts, providing plenty of space to cook full meals for family gatherings and larger events. Inject added flavor with the Super Smoke Mode and manage your cook using the Traeger app. Experience an authentic wood-fired flavor with Traeger's Woodridge pellet smoker grill, without the need for gas or charcoal. The grill offers 6 cook options — grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ. You also get a generous 860 sq in of cooking area, providing plenty of space for 6 chickens, 8 rib racks or 6 pork butts. And, if can all be controlled via Traeger's App. Right now you can save 20% on this versatile grill and smoker, which features a super smoke mode and WiFIRE App control, allowing you to control your grill from anywhere. It offers versatile 6-in-1 cooking power, with grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ on one electric wood pellet grill. Activate Super Smoke mode to infuse our food with an extra wood-fired flavor. With a spacious 885 sq. in. cooking area, this wood pellet smoker is perfect for hosting large gatherings, cooking up to 10 whole chickens or 7 racks of ribs at once. The 6-in-1 electric smoker allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ — all with the natural flavor of hardwood pellets. And you can up the intensity with Super Smoke Mode, and connect the the Traeger App to manage temperature, timers and probe readings remotely. That's ideal for long smokes. If you're planning on feeding a crowd, and then some, Traeger's IronWood XL Wood Pellet Smoker Grill is a perfect choice. With 924 sq of cooking area, it can handle 12 chickens, or 9 racks or ribs. Featuring a Super Smoke Mode, it pushes out real hardwood smoke at the touch of a button, and delivers bold flavor without gas or charcoal. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
