Any One Can Put The Heat To The Meat But Only A Few Can Barbeque

5 Best Pellet Grills for Steaks: Sear, Smoke, and Savor

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When it comes to grilling steaks, few tools are as versatile and flavorful as a pellet grill. Whether you’re craving a sizzling ribeye, a juicy New York strip, or a buttery filet mignon, pellet grills offer a unique combination of smoky flavor and precision temperature control. Unlike traditional charcoal or gas grills, pellet grills allow you to infuse your steaks with wood-fired flavor while maintaining consistent heat crucial for achieving the perfect crust and a tender, juicy center.

Pellet grills aren’t just smokers they’re also incredible at searing, especially when they reach high temperatures of 500°F or more. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 5 best pellet grills for steaks that bring the heat, flavor, and performance you need for steakhouse-level results right in your backyard.

What to Look for in a Pellet Grill for Steaks

Before diving into the top picks, let’s cover the features that matter most when choosing a pellet grill specifically for steaks:

🔥 High Heat Capability

The ability to reach temperatures above 500°F is essential. This high heat ensures proper Maillard reaction for searing the surface of your steak, locking in juices and building bold flavor.

Best Pellet Grills for Steaks
Best Pellet Grills for Steaks

🍖 Searing Zone or Cast-Iron Grates

Dedicated searing zones or cast-iron grates are designed to retain and distribute heat evenly, producing professional-looking grill marks and a mouthwatering crust.

🌡️ Temperature Consistency

Even heat distribution across the cooking area is vital. Pellet grills that maintain a steady temp ensure your steak cooks evenly from edge to center.

🧱 Build Quality & Materials

Look for heavy-duty stainless steel construction or porcelain-coated grates. These materials retain heat better and last longer under intense grilling sessions.

🧼 Ease of Use & Cleaning

Features like grease trays, ash cleanout systems, and intuitive control panels can make a big difference in post-steak cleanup and overall grilling experience.


Comparison Table: Top 5 Pellet Grills for Steaks

GrillMax TempGrilling AreaSearing ZoneWiFi/AppPrice Range
Traeger Ironwood 885500°F+885 sq. inNoYes$$$$
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36650°F1236 sq. inYes (Sidekick)Yes$$$$
recteq RT-700700°F702 sq. inYesYes$$$
Z Grills 700D4E500°F697 sq. inNoNo$$
Pit Boss Sportsman 820500°F+849 sq. inYes (Open Flame)No$$

1. Traeger Ironwood 885

Sale
Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode,...
  • NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way...
  • CONNECTED HOME TECHNOLOGY: WiFIRE technology connects your grill to home WiFi and the Traeger app...
  • VERSATILE BARBECUE COOKING: The Ironwood 885 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke,...

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a premium pellet grill designed for serious grillers who want precision and wood-fired flavor. While it may not have a dedicated searing zone, this grill can still reach temps over 500°F enough to give your steak a satisfying sear when used with a cast-iron grate or Traeger’s optional sear plate.

Its standout feature is the WiFIRE® technology, allowing you to control temperature and monitor meat doneness from your smartphone. With 885 square inches of cooking space, you’ll have room to cook steaks for a crowd or reverse sear multiple cuts at once.

Why it’s great for steaks: Exceptional temperature control, smoke flavor, and digital monitoring make it ideal for reverse searing ribeyes or thick porterhouses.

Pros:

  • Advanced WiFi control
  • Super Smoke mode enhances flavor
  • Dual-position smoke/sear bottom grates
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • No built-in sear box
  • On the expensive side

2. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Sidekick

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 Grill with Sidekick Sear - Pellet Grill & Smoker for Outdoor Cooking -...
  • WIFI Smoker & Pellet Grill: This Camp Chef pellet grill lets you monitor and control cooking from...
  • Includes Sidekick Sear Box: This sear box is perfect for fast, even cooking; great for steaks, side...
  • Camp Chef Pellet Grill: Download the app to set timers, receive notifications and monitor your food...

If you’re looking for the ultimate steak-searing machine, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 delivers in every way. Its Sidekick attachment includes a gas-powered sear box that can reach up to 900°F, making it one of the best dual-fuel solutions for perfectly crusted steaks.

In addition to the searing power, it offers over 1,200 square inches of cooking space and Smart Smoke technology for precision smoking. Whether you want to reverse sear or go straight for the flame, this grill has you covered.

Why it’s great for steaks: The Sidekick sear box provides restaurant-quality searing without sacrificing smoke infusion.

Pros:

  • Dual-fuel searing (pellet + gas)
  • Massive cooking space
  • PID controller ensures heat precision
  • Easily swappable grates

Cons:

  • Bulky and heavy
  • Premium pricing

3. Weber SmokeFire EX4 (2nd Gen)

Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill, Black, 2nd Generation
  • Sears as well as it smokes with a 200-600°F temperature range.
  • Weber porcelain-enamel finish helps prevent rusting and cracking.
  • Large 672 square inches of dual grilling space.

The Weber SmokeFire EX4 (2nd Gen) stands out as a versatile pellet grill that excels in both smoking and high-temperature searing. With a maximum temperature of 600°F, it delivers the intense heat necessary for achieving a perfect steak sear. The grill’s porcelain-enamel finish ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while its large cooking area accommodates multiple steaks simultaneously. The digital control panel and Wi-Fi connectivity allow for precise temperature management and remote monitoring, enhancing the grilling experience.

Why it’s great for steaks: The SmokeFire EX4’s high heat capacity and even heat distribution make it ideal for searing steaks to perfection, providing a flavorful crust and juicy interior.​

Pros:

  • Reaches up to 600°F for excellent searing
  • Even heat distribution across the cooking surface
  • Durable porcelain-enamel construction
  • Wi-Fi enabled for remote control and monitoring​

Cons:

  • Initial setup can be time-consuming
  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent pellet jams

4. Z Grills 700D4E

Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with PID Controller, 700 Cooking Area, LCD Screen with 2 Meat...
  • ADVANCED PID TECHNOLOGY - Maintain an incredibly steady temperature throughout your cook. Included 2...
  • HUGE CAPACITY - 700 sq.in of cooking area that can accommodate 29 burgers, 6 rib racks, or 5...
  • PELLET CLEANOUT SYSTEM - To empty unused pellets or swap pellet flavor, simply twist open the door...

The Z Grills 700D4E offers exceptional value for steak enthusiasts on a budget. While it caps out at 500°F, it does a solid job when combined with accessories like a cast-iron skillet or searing plate. It features a PID temperature controller for consistent heat, an upgraded cabinet for storage, and a large 700+ square inch grilling area.

It’s not the most advanced in terms of tech—there’s no WiFi—but it’s reliable, straightforward, and gets the job done if you’re willing to use a few tricks for that perfect sear.

Why it’s great for steaks: Budget-friendly grill with reliable heat and enough space to reverse sear multiple steaks.

Pros:

  • Great value
  • Accurate temp control
  • Large cooking space
  • Sturdy construction

Cons:

  • No sear box or flame broiler
  • Lacks tech features like app control

5. Pit Boss Sportsman 820

Pit Boss 10537 PB0820SP Wood Pellet Grill, 820 Square Inches, Black
  • Sportsman 820SP Wood Pellet Grill
  • Hardwood Pellet Fuel
  • 180°F to 500°F temperature range

If open-flame searing is your style, the Pit Boss Sportsman 820 is your grill. This model includes flame broiler technology, allowing you to slide open the plate and sear directly over flame a rare feature in the pellet grill market.

With 849 square inches of cooking space and a rugged, outdoorsman-inspired design, it’s perfect for cooking steaks, burgers, and more. Though it lacks WiFi, the Sportsman’s combination of direct flame access and pellet convenience makes it ideal for backyard steak nights.

Why it’s great for steaks: Flame broiler system gives you the char and crust you want without needing gas or accessories.

Pros:

  • Direct flame searing
  • Large cooking area
  • Built-in meat probe
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No app connectivity
  • Slightly less accurate temp control

Tips for Grilling the Perfect Steak on a Pellet Grill

1. Use the Reverse Sear Method

Start your steak at a low temperature (225°F) to smoke and bring it to within 10-15°F of your target doneness. Then crank up the heat and sear it hot for a crispy crust.

2. Preheat Properly

Let your pellet grill come fully to temperature before placing the steak down—especially when searing. This ensures even browning.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

Don’t guess! Internal temperature accuracy is critical. Aim for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.

4. Let It Rest

After cooking, rest your steak for at least 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and enhances tenderness.

5. Season Liberally

Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite rubs generously before cooking. For a classic steakhouse flavor, brush with butter and herbs during the final minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

If you’re a steak lover, investing in a pellet grill designed for high heat and searing is a game-changer. From the dual-fuel Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 to the powerful recteq RT-700, there’s a pellet grill on this list to suit every grilling style and budget.

For those wanting high-end features with app control, Traeger Ironwood 885 is an excellent pick. Budget-minded grillers can’t go wrong with the Z Grills 700D4E, while flame-searing fans will appreciate the Pit Boss Sportsman 820.

No matter which one you choose, these grills will help you take your steak game to the next level.

FAQs

1. Can you sear steaks on a pellet grill?

Yes! Many pellet grills now reach high enough temperatures (500°F or more) for proper searing. Some models include dedicated sear boxes or open-flame options for added heat.

2. What temperature should you grill steak on a pellet grill?

For searing, aim for at least 500°F. For reverse searing, start at 225°F to smoke and then finish with a 500°F+ sear for the crust.

3. Is reverse searing better for pellet grills?

Absolutely. Pellet grills excel at maintaining low, steady temps for smoking, and then transitioning to high heat for searing. Reverse searing gives you a perfectly even cook with a crispy exterior.

4. Do pellet grills give steaks a smoky flavor?

Yes, but it’s subtle compared to traditional smokers. Using pellets like hickory, mesquite, or oak can enhance the smokiness, especially at lower temps before searing.

5. What’s the best cut of steak to grill on a pellet grill?

Ribeye, strip steak, filet mignon, and sirloin are all excellent choices. Thicker cuts work especially well for reverse searing on a pellet grill.