Best Pellet Grill For Searing – Reviews, FAQs and Buying Guide
Who doesn’t love having the flavor of seared steaks every once in a while? And nothing beats the pleasure of making it right in the backyard by own. Yes, with the best pellet grill for searing, you can make this happen every time.
But most of the time it is quite hard to the right grill when you are certainly into searing. The best pellet grill for searing is different from ordinary pellet grills. The main reason is the temperature range. But not to worry as we here provide the ten best pellet grills that can cook various items as well as sear.
Choosing these products we considered the following factors-
- Have high enough temperature limit and consistency
- Offer essential accessories like a sear box or compatible for these parts
- Provide excellent value for money
Best Pellet Grill for Searing Steak Comparison Table – Our Top 3 Picks
| Model | Camp Chef PG24MZG Pellet Grill | Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro | PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill |
| Why do we choose them? | Overall best for searing | Best for premium quality | Most effective performance and more space |
| Total cooking surface | 811 sq. | 780 sq. | 820 sq. |
| Weight | 144.7 pounds | 173 pounds | 141.1 pounds |
| Our rating | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
1. Best Overall:Camp Chef PG24MZG Pellet Grill
When searing is your thing, and you don’t want to pay extra bucks, you might be into this Camp Chef pellet grill. This grill pellet has versatile options to prepare food. It allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue at ease.
The unit cooks steaks with the direct flame mode. The sear panel of this smoker lets you change from smoke to sear with by pulling a knob. With a dual temperature probe, one can cook more items and view their internal temperatures independently.
The grill is easy to assemble. By following the clear instructions, you won’t take you more than an hour to put everything together. Plus, it is easy-breezy to operate. The ash cleanout system makes sure you don’t have to vacuum out the grill too often. All you need to do is pull the lever and the ash drop will go down into the cup.
It includes a meat probe unlike most others that lets you check the internal temperature and control it with a push of a button. With this model, all you need to do is set the temperature, place the meat on the grill and relax!
Pros
- Easy to clean with ash and Grease catcher features
- The temperature is quite steady
- direct flame feature
- three-year warranty
- cooks evenly and ensures better taste
Cons
- Could include some hook for cleaning accessories
- The heat tends to fluctuate sometimes
2. Best for Professionals: Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro
Well, the Traeger series do not have a big reputation as the best pellet grill that can sear, but this model is surely different. Not only it has superior quality than most of the pellet grills out there, but it also performs as one of the best pellet grills for searing.
Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro is the one for people who love searing and don’t compromise on the quality. Other than just searing, you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ (well, pretty much everything) on this versatile model.
This grill includes advanced technology like Built-in WiFIRE. This function lets you control and monitor your pellet grill from anywhere using the app and Wi-Fi. The Traeger app also lets change temperature, set timers and makes searing simpler than ever.
In short, if you are all about quality, and can afford it, this one is the best option you can get. The ample space is ideal for large families and any parties.
Pros
- React to temperature fast and evenly
- Extensive cooking area of 780 sq. inches
- Versatile functions
- Premium build quality makes it look superior to any others
- Easy to sear or cook anything
- Wi-Fi compatibility and app included
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best Pick Large Families:PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill
When it comes to searing, PIT BOSS never seems to disappoint you. This PB820FB model is another best option as the best pellet grill for searing steaks and enjoying the great flavour. It is not the cheapest one in the market, but you sure will get what you pay for.
The unit includes a flame broiler for open flame searing. This function is also great for putting perfect grill marks on anything.
About product details, this is one spacious pellet grill for searing considering the price. It has a total of 820 sq. cooking surface that allows you to cook a larger amount of food. Moreover, this model cooks your meats and fishes real fast. This function is helpful, especially when you are throwing a big party and need to cook more batches.
It has 180-500 degree Fahrenheit cooking temperature. We know how high heat is essential for searing.
For your ease, it maintains the temperature automatically. And from meat to fish to veggies, everything turns out to be cooked evenly with this machine.
Pros
- Sears meat properly with perfection
- Fast and easy cooking
- Much more spacious than other pellet grills
- Compact design
- Perfectly holds temperature
Cons
- Requires more pellets
- Does not include the cleaning hopper
4. Best Budget: Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill
The Z Grills ZPG-7002E pellet grill is one sturdy unit to sear your steaks. This 8 in 1 grill can do anything you can possibly need to. From Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Sear, Braise, and Barbeque – this one will be your best friend all season.
This compact and thoughtful design of this smoker makes it very portable. So, it comes handy anytime and anywhere you need it. The wheels make it easy to place at near distances like backyards.
The unit has an automated electric feed system. This controls the temperature according to the ambient temperature and ensures optimum smoke. So, searing with this piece is breeze. Instead of keeping an eye on it for every other second, you can just set the grill and come back right when the time is up. Your delicious meal will be prepared by then.
The fan-forced cooking creates a versatile environment for grilling, roasting, smoking, braising and baking as well as searing. So, besides searing steaks, you can grill some sausage or slow smoke a rib roast with this grill.
Design-wise, this pellet grill is a high-end looking product. The top-notch finish gives it an eye catchy look that fits everywhere. The improved design includes a waste oil collector. This helps you clean the grill more safely and comfortably.
Pros
- Offers the whole package at an affordable cost
- Excellent warranty and customer service
- Elegant look considering the price
Cons
- no Pellet shoot to replace with some different type of pellets
- no cleanout for the ash
5. Best Seller: Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
The Green Mountain Davy Crockett is overall the best pellet grill with a sear box you can get for searing. Considering a reasonable price, it comes with useful features and functionality. Moreover, it has an outstanding build quality that ensures no rusting and longevity.
The unit is quite portable and weighs less than the others. This makes it ideal for carrying around for outdoor parties and travelling. Moreover, this “tailgate ready” pellet grill comes with legs that can fold into a carry handle.
The Davy Crockett has enhanced temperature control that lets you program temperatures to the greatest extent. You get to adjust the temperature up one-degree increment using their app. The control panel allows us to regulate temperatures 5 degrees at a time.
It also comes with the accessories to power it from a car battery or car electrical plug. If you are thinking about getting a wood pellet grill but don’t really know if you want to spend $1000 or more, then you can start with this one for $350.
It has the ability to direct sear that adds incredible flavor to your steaks. You taste it with the seared crust, you’ll understand the “Next level” experience. And the Wi-Fi and ability to control the temp from anywhere is another game-changer.
Pros
- Has a temperature range of 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with a searing box unlike some others that use it as upsells
- Easy clean out with the ash cleanout system
- A digital Wi-Fi controller included regulating the temperature through a smartphone app
- Has thermal sensors to monitor grill temperature
- Portable and lightweight
- Have multi power options and adapters
Cons
- Quite small for big parties and family gatherings
- The Wi-Fi seems only to stay connected as long as the APP is open.
6. Best Value: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef DLX is another best pellet grill for searing. This unit is a great solution when you are genuinely into seared meats and want to cook different types of meats at the same time. It comes with a sear box of $250 retail value. So it is the whole deal any sear lover can look for.
Design-wise, this pellet grill has a cooking surface of a total of 570 SQ. So it is big enough to serve for any family gatherings and small parties. The black finish looks stunning for both outdoor and indoor areas. Plus the improved build quality ensures it doesn’t get discolored or broken even after years of use.
We know the sufficient temperature for searing is from 300 to 500 degree Fahrenheit. And this model ensures the highest performance with its 160 to 500-degree cooking temperature. That is how it makes the desired seared meat for everyone.
Pros
- Up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit cooking temperature
- Stunning black look
- Sear box included
- Includes easy to follow instructions
Cons
- Hard to maintain a low smoke temperature
7. Best for Small Families: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill
Z Grills ZPG-450A is an attractive little pellet grill for small to medium-sized families. It has a grease collector that makes sure no grease gets built up during cooking. This high-tech smoker uses the ‘Wood fire’ technology to reach target temperature extremely fast and accurate.
The wheels make it easier to move the smoker around in my yard.
With the LED display, you can sear your steaks or meats at less effort. The large form of the screen makes it easy to see the temperature from a distance.
As for performance, you can try searing fish, steaks and anything according to the capacity. The meat will come out so tender and juicy every time and deep inside, and you will find a sweetish heavenly taste.
Unlike most other grills, the Z grills comes with a cover. So you don’t have to go through the extra hassle of buying a cover which you will require to keep your pellet grill clean and safe.
This model is quite easy to assemble. Even if you don’t have any assembly experience, you can set it up smoothly with the help of the instructions included. There are lots of pictures, and all the hardware is clearly labeled, and the grill came with all the tools needed to put it together.
Pros
- Three year warranty
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to move and clean
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Small for large families and huge parties
8. Most Elegant: PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill
PIT BOSS 700FB is the ultimate solution for all those sear lovers out there. This powerful and spacious pellet grill helps you cook for any party or different occasions with perfection.
It provides the ideal temperature so that you don’t get a hard time for your desired seared steaks.
Design-wise, this unit has a total of 700 sq. cooking surface. The cast iron grids are coated with porcelain that gives it extra longevity and makes it more attractive. It weighs 118 pounds and has a compact design with wheels that make it easier to move around for your backyard or garden.
As for performance, this pellet grill makes searing easier than ever. It has the open sear capability and thanks to the meat probe function, it doesn’t require checking internal steak temperature. With a long screwdriver, you can easily open the grill vent after smoking is done for searing.
From hamburgers to steaks, you can sear anything using this model. Its sliding “sear plate” helps you to create those typical BBQ sear lines even for fishes.
Pros
- A hotter temperature range that adds versatility for cooking and searing perfectly
- Decent cooking surface for searing
- Durable and sturdy
Cons
- The wheels tend to dent after some while
9. Best Minimalist: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Here is another good one from Camp Chef. It’s a stylish bronze pellet grill with flawless temperature control. Anyone can cook or sear like a pro using this model.
The capacity of this pellet grill for cooking is decent. It’s big enough to serve your family and thanksgivings. Yet, it’s compact enough to fit in a small space. Therefore, its portability makes it easy to move around from place to place.
This pellet grill has dual LED temperature readout. So you can conveniently watch both internal cooking temps and food temperatures.
This smoker is also quite easy to use. It has an ash cleanout system that lets you pull a lever to empty the ash from the fire box. So no more vacuuming out your grill after each use thanks to Camp Chef. This saves both your time and energy and lets you enjoy your delicious seared meats.
Pros
- The hardwood flavor adds better taste
- Built-in digital meat probe
- Temperature control is efficient
- Large cooking surface
- Dual LED temperature readout makes it simpler to use
- Power failure restart
- Very durable and robust construction
Cons
- you have to vacuum ash out of it from time to time
10. Most User-friendly: Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Holiday 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker with PID Controller
This Z GRILLS wood pellet grill is an excellent option as your first smoker. By using this smoker, you can sear meat, fish and veggies fast and without any difficulties. It also cooks juicy meats with even heat and without hot spots like many other grills out there.
Gives excellent smoke flavor like charcoal but without the hassle. Moreover, Temperature control is good enough.
Design-wise, this pellet grill has a total of 550 sq. cooking area. 399 sq. in the main rack, 139 sq. in the warm rack, and 10LB Hopper Capacity. So it can smoothly cook up to 10 burgers, three whole chickens, or three racks of ribs at a time.
This unit is user friendly, especially for starters. It is easy to assemble and light off. Easy to monitor. In short, a great entry-level smoker if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Overall, this the best deal you can start with. It has a superior build quality comparing others at this price range. For a perfect searing at every home and tailgating party, this one is a great option. Most importantly, it offers a lifetime guarantee to provide the highest surety to your purchase.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and light off
- Simple temperature control
- A versatile unit, has eight different cooking options
- Grease holder makes it easy to clean
- Decent cooking area
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- A little short for tall people
- temperature control gets erratic sometimes
Buying Guide
Temperature range
Temperature is a crucial part for searing steaks or ribs. The reason you need specific pellet grills for searing is because of the high temperature it requires to get seared.
The searing process starts at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the effective range is about 350 degrees to 500 degrees. So you need to buy a smoker that can sear at least up to 450-500 degrees.
Portability
Pellet grills are not some appliances that you keep in one place for all over the year. You need to move it around from time to time. Sometimes it’s your backyard or garden, or sometimes you want to take it out to lerong distances for family vacations.
Whatever the reasons are, your smoker should be easy to move around. Like it should contain handles and wheels so that it’s not difficult to move. Plus it should be compact and travel friendly in case you are willing to take it to longer distances for a family picnic or something.
Cooking capacity
Why are you buying a grill? Is it only for your family, or do you like to throw big parties every once in a while? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before deciding which one to buy.
If you want for personal or small families, something around 400 sq. inches would be good enough. We recommend 500-600 sq. inches ones for relatively big families with five to six members. Also some pellet grills listed here can cook more than 800 sq. inches per batch.
Reactiveness to temperature
You want your pellet grill to react faster to the temperature. This ensures the most effective cooking and results in most delicious meals.
Plus, the control over the temperature also determines the quality of your unit. Better smokers let you have more control over the heat.
Ease of use
This term applies to everyone, especially the newbies and busy people. Firstly, right out of the box, it should be easy to assemble and put all things together.
Secondly, it should be easy to adjust and take out the racks and other parts whenever needed. When you place the meat and set the temperature up, the grill should automatically do the job. Good pellet grills have LED displays to show the inner condition.
Lastly, it should be easy to clean and maintain. Some models include a grease and ash catcher that makes the whole process much effortless.
Warranty
When you invest hundreds of bucks on a product, you want assurance and relief that you are making the right decision. Most of the good ones come with an extended warranty. Some offer refunds in case you are not fully satisfied with your product after use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you sear on a pellet grill?
Well, yes. But remember not all the pellet grills out there are able to sear. And most of the time it is hard to find the right pellet grill that can sear proper. For this, you have to check out the features, especially the temperature range of the smoker to confirm if it can really sear.
What temperature do you need to sear steak on a pellet grill?
For searing steaks on a pellet grill, you need 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. This range is crucial if you want a real seared taste from your steaks or meats.
What kind of Wood do you use for a Pellet Grill?
Well, finding the right wood pellet is not tricky. They are available at most grocery or super shops. Plus, you can create your own pellets and save some money. Whatever, you pick, make sure they are dried out properly.
Final Thoughts
After going through this whole review, you should be able to decide for yourself which one to buy. However, if you want our recommendation, then here it is.
The Camp Chef PG24MZG Pellet Grill is the best pellet grill for searing considering all the terms and features a pellet grill requires for searing. Also PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill is an effective option if you are willing to pay some extra bucks.
We offer Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro for those who take grilling very seriously and does not compromise on quality. If you can afford it, then look for further.
For beginners and those who are looking for some affordable solution to searing, Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Holiday 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker with PID Controller is a good deal.