Traeger Pro 575
This is the pellet grill I cook on most weekends. It hits 180 to 500 degrees, the WiFire app actually works after the latest firmware, and the D2 controller holds temp within about 10 degrees once it settles. I smoked a 14 pound brisket for 12 hours and the bark was textbook. Where it falls short is searing, the grates only get to around 450 on the surface and that is not enough for a proper steak crust. For ribs, pork shoulder, and whole chicken it is my first pick.
Pellet grills offer wood-fired flavor with auto temp control; gas grills sear fast. Compare real-world performance, costs, and which fits your patio.
Choosing between a pellet grill and a gas grill can be a tough decision, especially if you’re new to outdoor cooking. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your cooking style, budget, and how much time you want to spend tending the fire. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, compare real-world products, and help you decide which grill deserves a spot on your patio.
Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: Core Differences
| Feature | Pellet Grill | Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood pellets (compressed sawdust) | Propane or natural gas |
| Heat Source | Electric auger feeds pellets into a fire pot; heat and smoke rise | Gas burners under a metal grate; direct or indirect heat |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F (some up to 600°F) | 200°F to 700°F+ |
| Flavor | Smoky, wood-fired taste (e.g., hickory, mesquite) | Clean, neutral (unless using smoker boxes) |
| Ease of Use | Set temp and walk away; digital controller manages fuel | Instant ignition, quick heat, easy to adjust |
| Versatility | Great for smoking, slow-cooking, baking, roasting; can sear with mods | Excellent for high-heat searing, grilling burgers, steaks, veggies; can add smoke with accessories |
| Maintenance | Clean ash, empty pellet hopper, occasional deep clean | Clean grease tray, check gas lines, replace flavor bars |
| Cost (Grill) | ||
| Running Cost | Pellets cost about per 20-pound bag; average use ~1 lb per hour | Propane tank refill ~; lasts 15-20 hours on medium |
When to Choose a Pellet Grill
If you love the flavor of smoked meats but don’t want to babysit a charcoal fire, a pellet grill is your best friend. These grills use an electric auger to feed wood pellets into a fire pot, producing consistent heat and real wood smoke. You set the temperature, and the grill maintains it automatically. This makes them ideal for low-and-slow cooking like brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs, where you want that deep smoky flavor without constant attention. Many pellet grills can also reach temperatures high enough for grilling, but they typically don’t sear as well as gas grills unless you buy a model with a direct-flame option or add a sear kit. Pellet grills are also great for baking pizzas, bread, or even desserts, thanks to the even, indirect heat. However, they require electricity to run the controller and auger, so you can’t use them during a power outage or at a remote campsite. They also need more maintenance: you must empty the hopper if you don’t use all the pellets, and you have to clean out ash regularly.
When to Choose a Gas Grill
If you value convenience and speed, a gas grill is hard to beat. Turn the knob, push the igniter, and you’re ready to cook in 10 minutes. Gas grills excel at high-heat searing, giving you perfect grill marks on steaks, burgers, and chicken. They also offer precise temperature control, making it easy to cook different foods at different heat levels across the grates. Gas grills are generally less expensive upfront and cheaper to run than pellet grills, especially if you use natural gas. They’re also more portable; you can take a small propane grill to the park or beach. The downside? You don’t get that authentic smoky flavor unless you add wood chips in a smoker box or use a smoke tube. Gas grills also struggle with low-temperature smoking; you can’t easily maintain 225°F for hours without constant adjustment. And because they burn clean, you miss out on the complex flavors that come from wood smoke.
Real Product Comparisons
1. Traeger Ironwood 885 (Pellet Grill)
Price: Around
Why it stands out: Traeger is the king of pellet grills, and the Ironwood 885 offers a massive 885 square inches of cooking space, WiFIRE technology for remote control via app, and D2 controller that maintains temperature within 5°F. It has a super smoke mode for extra flavor and a porcelain grill grate. Best for serious smokers who want set-and-forget convenience and smart features.
2. Weber Spirit II E-310 (Gas Grill)
Price: Around
Why it stands out: Weber is synonymous with gas grills. The Spirit II E-310 has three burners, 529 square inches of cooking area, porcelain-enameled lid and body, and GS4 grilling system with infinity ignition. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates retain heat well. Best for everyday grilling of burgers, steaks, and chicken with no fuss.
3. Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 36 (Pellet Grill)
Price: Around
Why it stands out: This pellet grill features a Slide and Grill direct-flame searing system, allowing you to open a slide plate for direct flame grilling. It also has a PID controller for precise temps, a large hopper capacity (22 pounds), and four meat probes. Best for those who want both smoking and searing capabilities in one unit.
4. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner (Gas Grill)
Price: Around
Why it stands out: A budget-friendly gas grill with four main burners and a side burner, 480 square inches of cooking space, porcelain-coated grates, and a temperature gauge. It’s a solid choice for beginners or those on a tight budget who want a reliable gas grill for basic grilling.
5. Pit Boss Pro Series 1100 (Pellet Grill)
Price: Around
Why it stands out: This pellet grill offers 1100 square inches of cooking space, a digital control board with a meat probe, and a flame broiler lever for direct-flame searing. It also has a porcelain-coated cooking surface and a large hopper. Best for value-conscious buyers who want a large cooking area and searing capability.
Final Verdict
If you prioritize smoky flavor and low-and-slow cooking, go with a pellet grill like the Traeger Ironwood or Camp Chef Woodwind. If you want speed, high heat, and simplicity, a gas grill like the Weber Spirit II or Char-Broil Performance is your best bet. If you can’t decide, consider a hybrid like the Pit Boss Pro Series that offers both smoking and searing. Ultimately, the best grill is the one that matches your cooking habits. Happy grilling!
Top picks (where to buy)
Traeger Ironwood 885
WiFIRE connectivity, precise temperature control, and super smoke mode make it ideal for low-and-slow cooking with authentic wood-fired taste.
Weber Spirit II E-310
Reliable ignition, even heat distribution, and durable build make it perfect for quick, high-heat grilling of burgers and steaks.
Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 36
Unique Slide and Grill system allows direct-flame searing, plus PID controller and large hopper for smoking.
How we picked
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Pro 575 | Pellet | Check price | |
| Weber Spirit II E-310 | Gas | Check price | |
| Pit Boss Pro Series 850 | Pellet | Check price | |
| Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner | Gas | Check price | |
| Weber SmokeFire EX4 | Pellet | Check price |
Our picks up close
Traeger Pro 575
This is the pellet grill I cook on most weekends. It hits 180 to 500 degrees, the WiFire app actually works after the latest firmware, and the D2 controller holds temp within about 10 degrees once it settles. I smoked a 14 pound brisket for 12 hours and the bark was textbook. Where it falls short is searing, the grates only get to around 450 on the surface and that is not enough for a proper steak crust. For ribs, pork shoulder, and whole chicken it is my first pick.
Weber Spirit II E-310
When my wife asks for burgers in 20 minutes, I light this grill. Three stainless burners, full preheat in about 10 minutes, and the porcelain enameled cast iron grates leave clean sear marks. I have had no flameouts in two years and the igniter still fires first click. The trade off is flavor, you get grill marks and char but no real wood smoke. For weeknight cooking it is hard to beat at this size and price.
Pit Boss Pro Series 850
If you want pellet flavor with more real estate, this is the one I recommend. 849 square inches let me fit two pork butts and a rack of ribs at the same time. The hopper holds 32 pounds of pellets so I can do an overnight cook without refilling. Temperature swing is wider than the Traeger, I saw 25 degree dips when the auger cycled, but the food does not care at 225 degrees. Build quality is solid for the price.
Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner
I bought this as a loaner grill for my brother and ended up borrowing it back to test. Four burners, side burner, and a decent sized warming rack for. The lid is thin and heat distribution is uneven on the outer burners, but for hot dogs, burgers, and chicken breasts on a Tuesday it gets the job done. Replacement parts are cheap and widely available.
Weber SmokeFire EX4
Weber tried to solve the pellet sear problem with this one, and it mostly works. I hit 600 degrees at the grate surface and got a real crust on a ribeye. The flavor is lighter than the Traeger at low temps, which some people prefer and some do not. Cleanup is more work because grease drips straight onto the heat deflector. If you only want one grill and refuse to compromise, this is the closest single answer.
Before you buy
What to consider
Buy a gas grill if you cook two or three times a week, want food on plates in 30 minutes, and do not care about smoke flavor. Buy a pellet grill if you love brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, and you do not mind a 30 minute startup. If you have the space and budget, owning both is the honest answer, gas for weeknights and pellet for weekends.
Quick answers
Standard pellet grills don't sear as well because they rely on indirect heat. However, some models like the Camp Chef Woodwind have a direct-flame slide plate for searing, and you can also add a sear kit or use a cast-iron griddle to improve results.
Gas grills are generally cheaper to run. A 20-pound propane tank costs about $20 and lasts 15-20 hours on medium heat. Pellet grills use about 1 pound of pellets per hour at 350°F, with a 20-pound bag costing $15-$20, so running costs are similar but pellets can be more expensive for long cooks.
Yes, pellet grills require electricity to power the digital controller, auger motor, and fan. You cannot use them during a power outage or in a location without an outlet unless you have a battery backup or generator.
Yes, but it's not as effective as a pellet grill. You can add wood chips in a smoker box or use a smoke tube to generate smoke. However, maintaining low temperatures (225°F) for hours is difficult on most gas grills, and you won't get the same depth of smoky flavor.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
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