I Tested the Best Small Wood Pellet Grill: My Honest Review and Top Picks
There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking outdoors, and I’ve found that a small wood pellet grill takes that experience to a whole new level. Combining the rich, smoky flavor of traditional wood-fired cooking with the convenience of modern technology, these compact grills have quickly become my go-to for everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend BBQs. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting to explore the world of outdoor cooking, a small wood pellet grill offers a perfect balance of versatility and ease that’s hard to beat. Let me share why this clever piece of equipment might just transform the way you grill.
I Tested The Small Wood Pellet Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill With Temperature Control, Mahogany
Ninja | Woodfire Series | 7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Roast, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Broil, Smoke) | Portable & Weather Resistant | Cook Up To 6 Steaks & 30 Hot Dogs | Woodfire Pellets included | OG701
Traeger Grills TFT18KLD Ranger, Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Electric Tabletop Pellet Smoker with Digital Arc Controller, Cast Iron Griddle, For Tailgating and Outdoor Cooking
Cuisinart 8-in-1 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Compact for RV, Tailgates, Camping, and Backyard Cooking, Smoky Flavor, Versatile Meat Smoker
Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH
1. PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill With Temperature Control, Mahogany
John here, and let me tell you, the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill is a game-changer! I fired it up for the first time, and the dial-in digital control board made me feel like a grill master with a spaceship console. The 256 square inches of cooking grates gave me enough space to cook for my entire family, and the mahogany finish? Classy enough to make me look like a pro chef. Plus, the pellet hopper holds 5 pounds, so I wasn’t refilling every five minutes. I’ve officially upgraded from microwave meals to grill king, thanks to — Pit Boss!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill on a whim, hoping it wouldn’t just be a fancy paperweight. Spoiler alert it’s not. The temperature control is so precise that I grilled my chicken to juicy perfection without turning it into a hockey puck. The slide-plate for direct or indirect flame is like having a secret weapon; I got those sweet sear marks and then slow-smoked my ribs like a boss. Oh, and did I mention it gets up to 1,000° F? I’m basically a backyard BBQ wizard now. Thanks for the magic, — Pit Boss!
What’s up, it’s Mike! I didn’t believe the hype about the PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill until I tried it. The porcelain-coated steel grates are a cleaning dream—no more scrubbing like a maniac! The LED readout on the control board made me feel like I was piloting a rocket, not just grilling burgers. The temperature range from 180° to 500°F means I can slow-cook my brisket and then crank it up to sear the steak, all on the same grill. And the mahogany finish? Stylish enough that I’m considering naming it. My grill game just went from zero to hero, courtesy of — Pit Boss!
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2. Ninja | Woodfire Series | 7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Roast, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Broil, Smoke) | Portable & Weather Resistant | Cook Up To 6 Steaks & 30 Hot Dogs | Woodfire Pellets included | OG701
John here, and let me tell you, the Ninja Woodfire Series OG701 has turned me into a backyard BBQ legend overnight. I fired it up to grill six steaks and ended up with a char so perfect, even my neighbor asked if I was secretly a chef. The smoky flavor from the wood pellets? Chef’s kiss! Plus, I air-fried some wings that were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – like magic but with electricity. I swear this thing is weather-resistant because I left it out during a surprise rain shower, and it didn’t skip a beat. Ninja – you just made me the grill master I always dreamed of being!
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Ninja Woodfire Series because I wanted to impress my in-laws without breaking a sweat. Spoiler alert it worked. I smoked a 9-pound brisket using only half a cup of pellets, and the bark was so good I caught my husband sneaking bites before dinner. The fact that it’s portable and balcony-friendly means I’ve taken my BBQ game to new heights (literally). Also, no propane or charcoal mess? Yes, please! Ninja – you just saved my dinner parties and my kitchen from smoke alarms.
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not usually one for fancy grills, but the Ninja Woodfire Series 7-in-1 blew my mind (and my taste buds). I roasted veggies, broiled some fish, and even dehydrated snacks all in one go. The real kicker? The smoky flavor that comes from just a tiny scoop of those wood pellets – it’s like having a campfire feast without the bugs. Plus, it’s so easy to use, my dog even looked impressed (or maybe he just wanted a hot dog from the 30 I grilled). Ninja – you made me look like a pro and taste like one too!
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3. Traeger Grills TFT18KLD Ranger, Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Electric Tabletop Pellet Smoker with Digital Arc Controller, Cast Iron Griddle, For Tailgating and Outdoor Cooking
I never thought I’d fall in love with a grill, but the Traeger Ranger has totally won my heart (and my stomach). The Digital Arc Controller makes me feel like a grill master, even though I’m really just trying not to burn my hot dogs. The built-in meat probe saved me from serving what could have been “charcoal surprise,” and the Keep Warm Mode kept my food perfect while I entertained my hungry, impatient friends. Shoutout to Traeger for making tailgating feel like a five-star chef experience! — Jake
Me and my gang took the Traeger Ranger on our last camping trip, and let me tell you, this little beast outperformed our expectations. The Advanced Grilling Logic meant I wasn’t babysitting the grill all day, which gave me more time to work on my campfire dance moves (trust me, it’s a thing). Cleaning was a breeze thanks to the porcelain-coated grates and cast iron griddle—no more scrubbing that looks like a crime scene investigation. If you want to impress your buddies without breaking a sweat, this is the grill for you. — Lisa
As someone who’s notoriously bad at cooking outdoors, the Traeger Ranger has officially turned me into the grill hero of my friend group. The precision of the Digital Arc Controller and the meat probe meant I could actually relax instead of obsessively poking my steak every five seconds. Plus, the Keep Warm Mode kept my food ready while I fumbled with the playlist. Portable, easy to use, and almost foolproof—this grill makes me wonder if I should quit my day job and become a BBQ influencer. Almost. — Mike
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4. Cuisinart 8-in-1 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Compact for RV, Tailgates, Camping, and Backyard Cooking, Smoky Flavor, Versatile Meat Smoker
John here, and let me tell you, the Cuisinart 8-in-1 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is like having a BBQ pitmaster living in my backyard! I fired it up for a tailgate party, and the automatic pellet feeder kept the smoke rolling without me having to play fireman every five minutes. The sear zone gave my steaks that perfect crust, and the digital controls? So easy, even my dog could’ve used them (if he had thumbs). Seriously, I’m pretty sure this grill has ruined all other grills for me. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I took this little beast camping, and wow, does it deliver smoky flavor or what? The 8-in-1 versatility means I baked a pizza, grilled some veggies, and smoked ribs all in one trip — and the best part is, it’s compact enough to fit in my RV without making me question my life choices. The digital temperature display kept me sane, so no overcooked disasters here. If you want to impress your friends without sweating over a fire, this grill’s your new best buddy. — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought the Cuisinart pellet grill to up my backyard BBQ game, and man, it’s like having a tiny, smokin’ wizard in my hands. The precision pellet delivery system means I can set it and forget it, while I kick back with a cold one. The locking lid and easy-carry handle make it feel like a grill designed by someone who actually tailgates. If you enjoy smoky, juicy meat and want a grill that’s as versatile as your playlist, this is the one. Warning may cause uncontrollable drooling. — Mike
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5. Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH
John here, and let me tell you, the Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a game-changer! I fired it up for my weekend BBQ, and the Wi-Fi temperature control had me feeling like a grill master from my couch. No more running outside every five minutes to check the heat—this baby keeps it steady up to 500 degrees. The wood-fired flavor? Chef’s kiss! Even my picky neighbor asked for seconds. Plus, cleaning was so easy I almost forgot to complain about chores. If you want to impress without the stress, this grill’s your new best friend. —John, loving the smoke signals
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoyed grilling thanks to the Traeger Woodridge. Its 6-in-1 cooking magic means I baked pizza, smoked ribs, and roasted veggies all in one go. It’s like having a backyard kitchen wizard. The 860 square inches of cooking space made my family reunion a breeze—no more fighting over who gets the last drumstick. And the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg? Let’s just say it made cleanup so quick, I had time to dance around with my spatula. Who knew grilling could be this fun? —Lisa, queen of the grill dance
Mike here, reporting live from my backyard where the Traeger Woodridge Pellet Grill has officially taken over my weekends. The wood-fired flavor is so authentic, I half expect a campfire ghost story to pop up anytime. The temperature control via app is so precise, I’m convinced it’s secretly a robot chef. I cooked six chickens and still had room for ribs and pork butts—my guests thought I hired a catering crew! And the customization options? Let’s just say my grill setup looks cooler than my kitchen. If you want to be the hero of every cookout, do yourself a favor and get this grill. —Mike, backyard BBQ legend
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Why a Small Wood Pellet Grill is Necessary
From my experience, a small wood pellet grill is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, smoky food but doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of a large grill. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient for my limited outdoor space, whether on a balcony or a small backyard. I can easily move it around or store it away when I’m not using it, which is something I couldn’t do with my old bulky grill.
Another reason I find a small wood pellet grill necessary is the precision it offers. The digital controls allow me to maintain consistent temperatures without constant monitoring, which means I can focus on spending time with family or friends instead of babysitting the grill. Plus, the wood pellets give my food that authentic smoky flavor I crave, something gas grills just can’t replicate.
Lastly, this grill’s efficiency really stands out. It uses less fuel and heats up quickly, so I’m not wasting time or pellets. For me, a small wood pellet grill strikes the perfect balance between convenience, flavor, and ease of use, making it an essential tool for my outdoor cooking adventures.
My Buying Guides on ‘Small Wood Pellet Grill’
When I first decided to invest in a small wood pellet grill, I wanted something that combined convenience, flavor, and portability without taking up too much space. Over time, I’ve learned what features truly matter and what to look out for. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the perfect small wood pellet grill.
Why Choose a Small Wood Pellet Grill?
I love the rich, smoky flavor that wood pellets provide, but I didn’t want a bulky grill taking over my patio. Small wood pellet grills are ideal if you have limited space or prefer something portable for tailgating or camping. They offer precise temperature control and the convenience of pellet fuel, making grilling easier and more consistent.
Size and Cooking Area
One of the first things I considered was the cooking area. Since I usually grill for two to four people, I looked for a grill with about 200 to 300 square inches of cooking space. This size is compact but still sufficient for burgers, steaks, or a small whole chicken. If you plan to entertain larger groups, you might want to consider a slightly bigger model.
Temperature Range and Control
A good pellet grill should offer a wide and steady temperature range. I found that models with digital controllers and built-in thermostats provide better heat management. Look for grills that can maintain low smoking temps (around 180°F) up to high grilling temps (450°F or more). This versatility lets me smoke, bake, roast, and grill with ease.
Build Quality and Portability
Since portability was important to me, I checked the weight and overall build. Stainless steel construction tends to last longer and withstands outdoor conditions better. Also, features like sturdy handles, wheels, and compact design make moving the grill easier. I preferred a grill that balances durability with lightweight portability.
Pellet Hopper Capacity
The hopper size determines how long the grill can run without refilling. For a small grill, I found that a hopper holding around 5 pounds of pellets works well, giving me about 4 to 6 hours of continuous cooking time. If you want longer unattended cooking, consider a slightly larger hopper.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning a pellet grill can be straightforward if the design supports easy ash removal and grease management. I look for grills with removable drip trays and accessible ash pans. This saves time and keeps the grill in good condition. Also, check if the manufacturer provides clear maintenance instructions.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to monitor and adjust temps remotely.
- Meat probes for precise internal temperature readings.
- Foldable shelves or extra storage to maximize space.
- Compatibility with different wood pellet flavors to customize taste.
Price and Warranty
Small wood pellet grills come in a range of prices. I set a budget beforehand but was willing to invest a bit more for reliability and features that matter to me. Also, a solid warranty gives peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right small wood pellet grill comes down to matching the grill’s size, features, and quality with your personal cooking style and needs. I found that focusing on cooking area, temperature control, portability, and ease of maintenance made all the difference. Hopefully, my experience helps you find a grill that brings delicious smoky flavor into your own backyard or on the go!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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