Best Pellet Grill for Searing and Cooking Meat

If you've been looking for the best pellet grill for searing that will make your meat look professionally done, you've come to the right place. Searing is an excellent culinary technique that enables you to get grilled meats that are crispy, brown, and with a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Thanks to the several brands that have dedicated themselves to giving you unique and durable products, we've curated a list of the best pellet grills in the market. It's tough for you to achieve this professional look without the help of one of these pellet grills.

What Is A Pellet Grill for Searing?

A pellet grill for searing has a temperature range that can go up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Because searing needs very high temperatures, the best pellet grill for searing should provide them.

Not all pellet grills you'll come across are suitable for searing. Searing requires very high temperatures, which most pellet grills don't offer. Therefore, you have to work with pellet grills that offer these high temperatures.

It can be hard to find the pellet grills for searing especially when you don't know what you're looking for. This is why we took the liberty to curate the list for you.

What Is the Best Pellet Grill for Searing?

1. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill

Z GRILLS ZPG-550B 2022 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 8 in 1 BBQ...
  • ULTIMATE 8-IN-1: Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill
  • Pellet Grill Technology: There just isn’t an easier way to get the flavor of wood smoked food than with a pellet grill. Try it, you’ll...
  • Set the Temperature, Relax, and Enjoy: Z Grills pellet grills will do all the work for you once you set the temperature. No labor-intensive...
  • 538 sq. in. Cooking Area: Two tiers of grill rack offer 538 sq. in. of total cooking area to feed 4 to 5 people. The removable upper rack...
  • 8-in-1 Versatility: A wide temperature range from 180 to 450 °F allows you to bake, grill, smoke, BBQ, roast, braise, barbeque, and...

Our first pick is this best pellet grill for searing if you are a beginner in the searing sector. The features on this pellet grill are easy to use and grasp. The cooking area is 538 square inches, and the pellet grill comes with a 10-pound hopper. Other cool features include corrosion-proof construction, rust-proof covers, stainless steel grates, and a warming rack.

You will love this best pellet grill is durable and sturdy. The temperature range of 180 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit makes this Z GRILLS pellet grill suitable for making your favorite meats. You can use this pellet grill for BBQs, bakes, roasts, braises, smokes, grills, sears, and char-grills. If you want to get wood-smoked food flavor for your food, this is the Z GRILLS pellet grill technology for yourself.

All you have to do is set the temperature you need, and you're all set. You won't have to do so much labor to get the perfect meat. The two tiers of grill rack allow you to cook for around five people with ease. Of course, you can remove the upper rack if you want to get more height.

You can make an unlimited number of recipes with these best pellet grills. This Z GRILLS pellet grill for searing has a high-temperature powder coat that makes it durable.

Pros
  • Great for beginners
  • Portable
  • Durable and strong
  • Great for making various recipes
  • Produces optimum temperatures for searing
  • Easy to clean up
Cons
  • Doesn't come with a sear box

2. Green Mountain Electric Pellet Grill

Sale
Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wi-Fi Control...
  • Features Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor which constantly monitors grill temperature
  • Includes a meat probe, peaked lid for rib racks, convenience tray
  • Weighs 68 lbs. and folds to fits in nearly any trunk, making it the ultimate Tailgating Grill
  • 110V or 12V with adapters for 3 power options

This best pellet grill for searing is one of the most portable ones you'll get. In addition, it comes complete with several features that will blow your mind. These include a meat probe, a convenience tray complete with utensils hooks, a peaked lid for making stand-up chicken, rib racks, large fowl, and a digital WiFi controller.

This WiFi controller allows monitoring what you're cooking through the app on your smartphone. You can use this app whether you're working with iOS or Android. You can use this pellet grill whether you are at home or out camping. This is because it can run on 12V or 120AC. This pellet grill also comes with foldable legs and weighs around 57 pounds.

So, the next time you're going for hunting, tail-gating, house-boating, or a music festival, you can carry this pellet grill with you. You can place it in the trunk of your car and have a great time with this pellet grill wherever you're going. These pellet grills also come with Sense-Mate. This is a thermal sensor that constantly monitors your grill temperature.

Pros
  • Has foldable legs for portability
  • Comes with a convenient tray, meat probe, peaked lid for rib racks, and other features for your convenience
  • It can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Comes with a thermal sensor to monitor grill temperature
  • Fits well in your trunk
  • Allows for remote-controlled operation
Cons
  • The foldable legs aren't so durable
  • Needs WiFi for remote control feature

3. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill w/New PID Gen 2 Digital Controller...
  • PID controller for consistent temperatures (+/- 5ºF ), Adjustable smoke settings from 1-10, 160º F - 500ºF temperature range, Easy to use...
  • Ash Cleanout System, Pellet Hopper Cleanout/Purge, Grease Management System
  • Large capacity pellet hopper means less filling, more smoking
  • Side attachment compatible (Sidekick or Sear Box)
  • Grilling Area Dimensions: 19.5" x 22", Total Rack Surface Area: 573 sq. in, Hopper Capacity: 18 lbs. of pellets, Overall weight: 140 lbs

This Camp Chef removes the guesswork from searing. These pellet grills for searing come complete with Smoke Control + PID technology that tailors the amount of smoke your food gets. The Gen 2 controller makes it easy to understand and use this feature. Get ready to get flawlessly cooked meat with these grills for searing.

You also won't have to worry about cleaning up after you're done searing. This Camp Chef searing grill comes with Ash Cleanout, which makes it so that you don't have to struggle with a hose after you're done searing. In addition, the PID controller allows you to get temperatures that range between 160º F - 500ºF. These are temperatures high enough to allow you to make your delicious meat.

If you pull out the cup on the underside of your searing grill and allow the ashes to drop from the burn cup between cooks, you'll have an easy time with cleanup. The Sear Box on this Camp Chef woodwind grill makes these pellet grills for searing the perfect choice. The cast-iron grates allow the Sear Box to reach temperatures as high as 900°F.

Pros
  • Comes with a convenient Sear Box for high temperatures
  • Has an ash cleanout system
  • Cast iron grates leave beautiful sear marks
  • Comes with two meat probes
  • Comes with adjustable smoke settings
  • Has an easy to use menu dial
  • Emits less smoke
Cons
  • Heavy

4. Traeger Portable Pellet Grills

Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black...
  • Your purchase includes 1 Traeger Ranger Grill with cast iron griddle to get that perfect sear on your steak, or cook an egg breakfast
  • Product dimensions – 20" D x 21" W x 13" H | Cooking area – 184 square inches. | Product weight – 60 lbs. | Pellet hopper capacity –...
  • Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates
  • Advanced Grilling Logic for precise temperature performance
  • Cook timer lets you know when it’s time to sauce or check on food

This wood pellet grill gives you reliable results thanks to the consistent temperature range. You will love everything about the big-wood-fired flavor that comes with this portable pellet grill. This Traeger pellet grill is great for the road. You'll be able to safely transport these wood pellets thanks to the lid design and the lid latches.

The Keep Warm Mode ensures your food doesn't get cold. You can comfortably pack up this Ranger to take it wherever you want. The consistent temperatures of this pellet grill allow you to have a consistent cooking experience. You'll be able to master your cooking skills and BBq very quickly. You can also bake, roast, smoke, and BBQ your food. Do you want to make ribs today and apple pie tomorrow? No problem, this pellet grill's got you covered.

These best pellet grills are fueled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets. The hardwood pellets in these grills infuse the great wood-fired flavor into your food. You can cook your food wherever you are with this pellet grill.

You also get a cast iron griddle that allows you to sear your meat beautifully. The dimensions of this pellet grill are 20" D x 21" W x 13" H. The cooking area is around 184 square inches, and the weight is 160 lbs.

Pros
  • Great for the outdoors
  • Easy to clean grill grates
  • Has precise temperature performance
  • Comes with a cooking timer that allows you to check on your food when it's time
  • Highly portable
  • Has a keep-warm mode
  • Comes complete with a digital controller
Cons
  • Heavy despite its size

5. Z GRILLS ZPG-700D Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

These Z Grills have a protective grate in the hopper that ensures safety protection as you cook. It does this by keeping you away from the auger. Thanks to the large cabinet, you now have more than enough space to put your condiments, grilling tools, and anything else.

In addition to having all you need within reach, you'll also be able to move this cooking surface area wherever you please. The upgraded caster wheels and the handle on the left side ensure you can move this cooking surface to wherever you choose.

You can cook pizzas, grill burgers, smoked ribs, and anything else you want on this cooking surface area. You can either cook fast and hot or go slow and low. You can become a master of multiple trades with this right pellet grill. The wood flavor is perfect for whatever you're cooking. You can also use these wood pellets to spice up your meal.

The grilling area measures around 19.2 x 26 inches. The warming rack measures 6.9 x 27.5 inches. The 20 lb hopper capacity allows you to accommodate five chickens, 20 burgers, and five racks of ribs.

Pros
  • Large hopper capacity
  • Comes with an ample storage space
  • Has a dial that enables you to turn to any temperature mode you like
  • Has 8-in-1 cooking options
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a digital controller for convenience
  • Has a keep-warm mode
Cons
  • Heavy

What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Pellet Grill for Searing?

1. Grill Size

The grill size affects where and how you're using your best pellet grill for searing. Before you settle on the pellet grills you want, consider what you'll be doing with them. The size will affect how you use your grill and what you can cook.

The size of the grill refers to the size of the whole grill and the cooking area. The larger the cooking area, the more space you have to work with. However, when the pellet grill is large, you'll notice that it is less portable than when it's smaller. However, the larger the size of the pellet grill, the more stability it has.

The cooking size is also affected by the size of the overall grill. If you want a portable grill that you can take anywhere, better to go with one that is a bit smaller. Suppose you want a traditional grill, better to get a larger one that will remain in your home.

If you plan on cooking for many people, better get the larger size.

2. Temperature Range

Searing requires very high temperatures. Therefore, having a grill with a reliable and extensive temperature range will allow you to have the best experience. You want to light up your pellet grill and have it remain at one temperature for a long time.

Some gas and charcoal grills have drastically varying temperatures whenever they're used. This is why having one of these grills is a great idea. The pellets allow you to have a consistent temperature range on the cooking surface area.

If you can get a grill that can go up to 900 degrees, the better. This will enable you to sear your food correctly. A sear box can come in very handy in this regard. The importance of temperature control is that you want to control the heat to get the optimum temperature.

Get the grills that have PID controllers for the best experience.

3. Material

The material of the grill determines how durable it is. Cast iron is the best for the cooking area. However, if you are on a budget, you can always go for stainless steel. We advise that you go for the durable material when choosing a pellet smoker or grill because you want it to last you for a long.

Stainless steel does not have the same heat retention as iron, so it is the second choice. With a good cast iron material, you can be able to sear your food with ease. In addition, you won't have to worry about your food getting burned because the material has heated up too fast.

The outer material is also essential to consider. Steel is often used for the outside as it can retain heat better. It will also protect the inside of the grill. A cover that can withstand rainy days is also a good investment. You don't want your sear box getting ruined because it rained overnight.

4. Portability

If you want to use your cool grill at cookouts or camp, get yourself a pellet smoker that is smaller in size and easily portable. You should be able to fit the grill into your trunk without much effort. Although the cooking area might be smaller than for a grill that you use at home, you can still enjoy enough cooking space.

If you choose a heavy pellet grill, you won't be able to move it around or take it wherever you want. Even for the ones you intend to use at home, ensure you can still lift them if you want to move them around.

Before you choose the best pellet grills you want, know where you'll be using them and if you'll be carrying them around. Find a space for your grill if you intend to have it in the house and set it up once it gets there. You can look out for functional and lightweight wheels, which can be an advantage.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Suppose you can get a pellet grill with an ash cleanout system, the better. For example, Camp Chef pellet grills for searing meat have this feature, making them very easy to clean. You don't want to struggle so hard with a hose and broom every time you use your grill.

You might enjoy the grill marks on your food, but don't let it be why you have to struggle to clean. You will eventually struggle with the grease. Therefore, let's look at how to clean the grease and the sh from your grill. You can use the drip method when cleaning the grease out. This will allow the grease to flow into the bucket on the side.

You can use the grease to make gravy or for other cooking duties. Removable grill components also make the cleaning process more manageable. The advantage of being able to clean your pellet grill is that you'll want to use it. If your grill is hard to clean, you won't want to use it again.

6. Dimensions and Weight

You can check the product details to get the dimensions and weight of the grills. Most pellet grill brands have this information in the product details. You can also check the reviews where we mentioned how heavy the weight of the grill is.

Check the available space you have first and then choose the right grill for it. If you want a cool portable pellet grill that you can carry as you camp or do other outdoor activities, choose a lighter one. You can also get the perfect pellet grill that'll fit into your trunk with ease.

The dimensions apply to the size factor. The portable you want your unit to be, the lighter it should be. Get a smaller grill if you intend to move it around or use it on different parts of your compound.

7. Ease of Use

Unlike the gas grill or charcoal grill, pellet grills are easier to use. This is because they are made to be convenient and functional at the same time. We've selected grills that are very easy to use. In addition to the cooking area, temperature control, and other cool features, you should be able to make the grill your own.

A large grill surface is good and will provide you with enough space to do what you need. Read the instruction manual before you start to ensure you know how everything works. The more features, the better. A sear box accessory is an excellent place to start. A good pellet grill lets you do so much more with the available features.

8. Hopper Capacity

What is the hopper? The hopper is a compartment that has pellets that make everything possible. This is before you put them into the auger for your cooking. Therefore, the bigger this compartment is, the longer your cooking session will last.

You can check the product details for this information before you settle on the product you want. A big hopper comes in very handy, mainly when using your grill as a party pellet grill.

9. Versatility

A versatile grill can handle more than just searing. You should be able to use it for several cooking experiences such as roasting, baking, smoking, BBQs, braising, and more. The advantage of getting a versatile grill is that you'll end up saving costs in the end.

You'll get great value for your money, and you can use it for decades without having to replace it. Ensure you get a pellet grill that offers you everything you need to have.

10. Warranty

Some grills come with excellent warranties, especially when they are the high-value kind. The thing is that a pellet grill comes with several parts and features that can break down with time. So having a warranty can protect you if anything happens.

10. Additional Features

Some other features that make the use of your grill better include the following. These include innovative features that allow you to have a more effortless cooking experience. They are called additional features because you can do without them.

a). Meat Probes

Some pellet grills come with a meat probe for your convenience. In addition to getting extra cooking space and high temperatures, you want these probes that will add to your experience. These extra grill features enable you to read the temperature of your meat while it cooks.

With these meat probes, you won't have to carry a thermometer every time you want to cook.

b). WiFi Connectivity

Our second pick is an excellent example of this feature. With this feature, you can comfortably check on and control your perfectly seared meat without having to be there physically. Other features like the ash control systems are also great to add to the convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pellet Grills

1. Can you sear your steak on a pellet grill?

Yes. Ensure you hear the sizzle that comes when you sear meat for the best experience. This happens when your steak makes contact with heat from your pellet grill. For best results, sear each side of your steak for about three minutes and then turn it.

You can let your steak cook until you feel that it's ready.

2. What temperature do you reverse sear a steak on your pellet grill?

About 225°F should do it. You can place your steak on the pellet grill and smoke it for about an hour. You can adjust the temperature of your pellet grill as you see fit.