If you’re in the market for a pellet grill, you may find yourself wondering what size would be the best fit for your needs.
I’m going to talk about the obvious and less-known aspects of the size, I’ve put together a bunch of pellet grills and reviewed many other the years. Including all the major brands like Z Grill, Traeger, GMG, etc.
Size does matter, or it doesn’t? I guess it’s up to who you’re serving your meat.
I smoked and cooked on smaller Traeger Pro 22, up to Traeger Timberline, and different types of Green Mountain Grills as well. Since I have a passion for pellet smokers, I’ve had long chats with commercial food trucks and retailers selling pellet grills.
What Size Pellet Grill Should I Buy
Small, Medium, and Large Pellet Grills
Keep in mind that these dimensions and cooking areas are approximate and can vary between different brands and models. It’s always a good idea to double-check the specifications provided by the manufacturer before making a final decision.
To make this easier to digest, here is a table to give an approximate guide, I’ll also talk about some other sizes and heights that are relevant.
| Grill Size | Dimensions (inches) | Cooking Area (square inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 30W x 20D x 40H | 300-500 |
| Medium | 40W x 25D x 45H | 500-800 |
| Large | 50W x 30D x 50H | 800-1,200 |
Here’s a summarized table of information for some popular pellet grill models:
| Model | Main Grilling Area (inches) | Total Grilling Area (inches) | Number of Racks |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMG Trek | 219 sq in | 364 sq in | 1 |
| GMG Ledge | 458 sq in | 634 sq in | 1 |
| GMG Peak | 658 sq in | 920 sq in | 1 |
| GMG DB WiFi | 458 sq in | 634 sq in | 1 |
| Traeger Pro 22 | 418 sq in | 575 sq in | 1 |
| Traeger Ranger | 176 sq in | 176 sq in | 2 |
| Traeger Pro 575 | 418 sq in | 572 sq in | 2 |
| Traeger Pro 780 | 570 sq in | 780 sq in | 2 |
| Traeger Ironwood 650 | 418 sq in | 650 sq in | 2 |
| Traeger Ironwood 885 | 570 sq in | 885 sq in | 3 |
| Traeger Timberline 850 | 352 sq in | 850 sq in | 3 |
| Traeger Timberline 1300 | 544 sq in | 1300 sq in | 2 |
| Weber SmokeFire EX4 GBS | 425 sq in | 662 sq in | 2 |
| Weber SmokeFire EX6 GBS | 648 sq in | 987 sq in | 3 |
| Z Grills 7002B | 504 sq in | 504 sq in | 1 |
How Much Cooking Area Per Person
A general rule of thumb is 72 square inches of cooking area per person. This allows for ample space for an average-sized household.
One of the key factors to consider when choosing a pellet grill size is the cooking area it provides.
The cooking area is typically measured in square inches and determines how much food you can cook at once.
Note that you can often also get an add-in rack for 2 levels of baking, roasting or low and slow-style smoking/cooking.
Pellet Hopper Size and How Long It Lasts
When it comes to pellet grills, the size of the pellet hopper plays a crucial role in determining how long you can cook without needing to refill the pellets.
The hopper is where the wood pellets are stored and automatically fed into the grill’s firepot to provide heat and smoky flavor to your food.
The hopper size can vary significantly between different pellet grill models, typically ranging from 10 pounds to 30 pounds. A larger hopper can hold more pellets, allowing for longer cooking sessions without interruption.
The burn rate of pellets can vary depending on factors such as the temperature setting, weather conditions, and the efficiency of the grill.
To provide a general guideline, here’s an overview of average burning times per hour based on pellet hopper sizes:
| Pellet Hopper Size (in pounds) | Approximate Burning Time (per hour) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1-2 |
| 15 | 2-3 |
| 20 | 3-4 |
| 30 | 4-6 |
Please note that these burning times are estimates and can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
I’ve also noticed the type of wood for the wood pellet will change the burning time, harder woods will more likely last a bit longer than softer fruit wood pellets.
It’s important to consider your cooking needs and habits when choosing a pellet hopper size. If you enjoy long, slow cooks or frequently host gatherings where extended cooking times are required, a larger hopper size would be beneficial.
I’m talking about 12-15 hours plus brisket cooks.
Remember to check the specifications provided by the manufacturer for the specific pellet grill model you are interested in, as hopper sizes and burning times can vary across different brands and models.
Standing Height of the Pellet Grill is Important
When thinking about the size of a pellet grill, it’s essential to consider the standing height as well.
The standing height refers to the distance from the ground to the top of the grill’s surface.
This measurement matters because you want to ensure that the grill is at a comfortable height for you to work with.
Nobody wants to strain their back while flipping burgers or checking the internal temperature of their perfectly cooked steak.
Internal Height of the Pellet Grill Hood
The internal height of the pellet grill hood is also worth paying attention to.
This measurement determines the amount of vertical space available for larger cuts of meat or dishes that require extra height clearance, mainly for turkeys. If you plan on cooking larger items, be sure to choose a pellet grill with a sufficient internal hood height.
Is a Larger Pellet Grill Better?
While a larger pellet grill may offer more cooking area and storage space, it’s not necessarily better for everyone. Consider your typical cooking needs and the number of people you usually cook for.
Also, you need to burn more pellets to maintain a set temperature, so a larger grill will obviously burn through more pellets also.
If you regularly entertain large groups or have a big family, a larger grill might be a good investment. However, if you primarily cook for yourself or a small family, a smaller or medium-sized grill might be more practical and economical.
In conclusion, selecting the right size pellet grill involves considering factors such as cooking area per person, pellet hopper size, standing height, and internal hood height.
By assessing your cooking needs and available space, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect pellet grill that will bring joy and delicious flavors to your backyard barbecues. Happy smoking & grilling!
Some Resources I Used:
- “How to Choose the Right Size Pellet Grill for Your Needs” – Link to Article
- “What Size Pellet Grill do I Need” – Link to Article
- “What Size Pellet Grill do I Need Z Grills” – Link to Article