7 Best Pellet Grill With Charcoal Tray of 2026 for Backyard Cooks

The Pit Boss PB150PPG is a tabletop wood pellet grill that brings the full versatility of a pellet smoker and a high-heat searing station to small spaces. It's designed for backyard cooks who want to experiment with smoking, but it really shines for campers, tailgaters, and RV owners who need a compact yet powerful grill that delivers real smoke flavor and impressive heat output. With a 256-square-inch cooking surface and a 7-pound hopper, it comfortably handles meals for 2 to 6 people.

Cooking performance is where this little grill punches above its weight. The digital controller maintains set temperatures with impressive accuracy, so you can set it and forget it for low-and-slow smoking of ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken. When you want a sear, the Flame Broiler feature opens a direct flame path to the grates, reaching up to 1000°F. That's hot enough for a perfect crust on steaks without needing a separate grill. The convection cooking system distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface, and the back-side vent exhaust helps manage airflow. Pellet efficiency is decent for the size, though high-heat searing does consume more fuel.

Build quality feels solid for a portable unit. The heavy-duty steel body with a powder coat finish is built to handle outdoor use, and the porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat well. The lock-tight latches secure the lid for transport, and the automatic startup and cool-down cycles add convenience. At 43.4 pounds, it's not the lightest tabletop grill, but it's manageable for car camping or tailgating. One realistic limitation is that this model doesn't have built-in carrying handles, so you may want a tote or a pair of oven mitts to move it after it cools.

Setting up the PB150PPG is straightforward. Assembly is minimal, and the initial burn-off and auger priming are simple with clear instructions. Cleaning is made easier by the simple-access grease tray, though you'll need to supply your own disposable foil liners. The porcelain-coated grates wipe clean with a brush, and the interior ash can be vacuumed out regularly. Storage is simple thanks to its compact dimensions; it fits easily in a camper storage compartment or a plastic tote between uses.

For the outdoor cook who values smoke flavor and portable versatility, this Pit Boss model delivers. It's a great match for campers who want to smoke brisket at the campsite, tailgaters who want to sear burgers before the game, or backyard cooks with limited space who still want the benefits of a pellet grill. The 5-year warranty adds peace of mind. Just be realistic about the cooking capacity and the lack of handles, and you'll love the performance this little grill offers.

The Pit Boss PB150PPG excels at both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat grilling. Its digital temperature controller holds a steady temp from 180°F upward, making it reliable for smoking ribs, chicken, or a small brisket. The Flame Broiler feature is a standout: it lets you sear directly over the firepot for a steakhouse-quality crust. The convection cooking system, aided by the back-side vent, ensures even heat distribution across the 256-square-inch cooking surface. Pellet efficiency is good for smoking, but searing at 1000°F will use pellets faster. Overall, it delivers consistent results for small-batch outdoor cooking.

Weighing 43.4 pounds and measuring 24.8 x 18.7 x 14.2 inches, the PB150PPG is compact enough for car camping, tailgating, or RV trips. Lock-tight latches keep the lid secure during transport, and the sturdy steel body handles bumps from travel. A notable drawback is the absence of built-in carrying handles. You'll want to pack it in a plastic tote or use heavy-duty gloves to move it. Once on a tabletop or tailgate, it's stable and ready to cook. The small footprint makes it easy to store in a camper compartment or garage shelf.

Cleaning the PB150PPG is manageable thanks to the simple-access grease tray. The tray slides out for easy disposal of drippings; you'll need to line it with foil liners (not included) for quicker cleanup. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist sticking and scrub clean with a grill brush or sponge. After several cooks, vacuum out the ash from the firepot and interior to maintain airflow. The exterior powder coat finish can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance includes checking the auger and cleaning the temperature probe. Overall, it's straightforward to keep in good shape for many seasons.

The Kaluns Universal Stainless Steel Smoker Box is a straightforward, no-fuss accessory for anyone who loves the taste of smoked meat but does not want to invest in a dedicated smoker. This little box turns your existing gas or charcoal grill into a smoke machine, letting you add that authentic BBQ flavor to ribs, chicken, brisket, burgers, and even vegetables. It is designed for backyard grillers, campers, tailgaters, and anyone who cooks outdoors—whether you are hosting a weekend party or grilling at the campsite.

In terms of real-world cooking performance, the smoker box delivers consistent smoke within about 10 minutes of being placed on the grill. The evenly spaced holes on the lid and sides release a billowing cloud of flavorful smoke that wraps around your food. It works best when positioned directly on the grates near the heat source. With gas grills, you get a steady smolder; on charcoal, you can control the intensity by how you arrange the coals. It handles both low-and-slow cooking (like smoking a pork shoulder) and fast grilling (like burgers with a hint of smoke). One user reported that it even improved their propane smoker by preventing chips from catching fire—just a controlled smolder instead.

Build quality is a strong point. The stainless steel construction is thick enough to resist warping under high heat, and it shows no signs of rust after repeated use. The hinged lid is a practical touch—it stays open when you lift it, so you can add or swap wood chips without needing a separate tool or lifting the box off the grill. The compact dimensions (8.75 by 3.75 by 1.63 inches) mean it fits neatly on most grill grates, and it weighs only 10.5 ounces, so it is easy to carry to a tailgate or campsite. Cleanup is simple: most users just rinse it or run it through the dishwasher.

There are a couple of realistic limitations. The smoker box has no holes in the bottom, which some users feel slows down the smoking process unless you either pre-soak your wood chips or place the box upside down. This is a minor workaround, but worth noting. Also, in pellet grills where airflow is minimal, the box may struggle to stay lit—it truly shines on gas or charcoal setups where there is more oxygen flow. Additionally, at 6.35-ounce chip capacity, it is not huge, so for very long cooks you will need to refill it once or twice.

Overall, the Kaluns Smoker Box is a practical, budget-friendly way to bring smoky flavor to your outdoor cooking. It suits anyone from casual grillers wanting to impress guests to dedicated BBQ enthusiasts who want more smoke without a big investment. For tailgaters and campers, it is easy to pack and use on portable grills. If you are looking for an affordable upgrade to your gas or charcoal grill, this is a solid choice. Just be aware of the bottom-hole design and check your grill space for fit before buying.

If you already own a grill and want to experiment with smoking without spending hundreds on another appliance, give this box a try. It delivers real smoked flavor, holds up well outdoors, and does not take up much space in your gear. For the price, it is hard to beat.

The KU-koruo Pellet Smoker Tube is a straightforward accessory that turns any grill into a smoker. It's a 12-inch stainless steel tube designed to hold wood pellets and produce thick, flavorful smoke for up to 5 hours. Whether you own a gas grill, charcoal kettle, electric smoker, or even a pellet grill, this tube adds that authentic smoke flavor without needing a dedicated smoker. It's perfect for backyard BBQ enthusiasts who want to experiment with cold smoking cheese or nuts, as well as campers and tailgaters looking to add smoky depth to burgers, ribs, or brisket at the campsite or parking lot.

In real-world use, the smoke output is impressive. After lighting one end with a torch or lighter and letting it burn for a few minutes, the tube produces a steady stream of smoke for hours. I've used it on a gas grill for a batch of pork ribs, and the smoke flavor penetrated beautifully, giving that low-and-slow taste without any babysitting. The locking lid is a smart touch - it keeps pellets from spilling out when you place the tube horizontally on the grates or vertically in a smoker box. No mess, no wasted pellets.

Build quality is solid for the price. The stainless steel feels durable, with smooth edges that won't snag your fingers. Included is a small stainless steel tray that sits under the tube to catch ash and embers. It's compatible with all standard 12-inch hexagonal smoker tubes, so you can swap it with other brands if needed. The tray helps keep your grill clean, though for longer cooks you might need to empty it halfway through. The tube itself is lightweight at 1.5 pounds and easy to store in a camping bin or garage drawer.

One realistic limitation is that this tube isn't a standalone smoker - you need an existing grill or smoker to provide the heat. It's also wise to shake the tube gently every hour or so to keep the pellets burning evenly, especially on windy days. The ash tray is on the smaller side, so if you're doing a long overnight smoke, plan to check it. But for most weekend BBQs, tailgates, or camping trips, these are minor tradeoffs for the flavor boost you get.

Cleaning is straightforward: dump the ash from the tray, rinse the tube with water, and let it dry. The stainless steel resists rust well, even when left outside occasionally. I recommend storing it in a dry place to maximize longevity. The tube also comes in stylish, gift-ready packaging, making it a nice present for the grill lover in your life.

Overall, the KU-koruo Pellet Smoker Tube is a practical, affordable way to upgrade your outdoor cooking. It's ideal for anyone who wants to add real smoke flavor to their food without investing in a separate smoker. Backyard grillers, campers, RV owners, and tailgaters will all appreciate the versatility and ease of use. If you're looking to take your burgers, ribs, or even cold-smoked cheese to the next level, this tube is a solid choice.

The BUZZLETT 5x8 Pellet Smoker Tray is a simple but effective tool for adding genuine smoke flavor to your outdoor cooking. Designed as a flat maze tray, it holds wood pellets and smolders slowly from one end to the other, producing a steady stream of smoke for hours. Whether you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast who wants to turn a gas grill into a smoker, or a camper looking to cold smoke fish on a portable stove, this tray fits the bill.

Who is this for? Home cooks who already own a gas or charcoal grill and want to experiment with smoking without buying a separate smoker. Tailgaters can toss it in the trunk and set it up on a camping grill for smoked wings or burgers. RV owners appreciate the compact size and lightweight build — at just 12.8 ounces, it barely adds weight to your gear. Patio cooks will love using it for cold smoking cheese or salmon on a cool weekend.

In real-world use, the tray performs best when you follow a few simple steps. Popular tips from seasoned users include drying pellets in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to remove moisture, then lighting one end with a torch and letting it flame for a full 10 minutes before blowing it out. Once lit, the tray delivers a consistent, moderate smoke output for about 10 hours — slightly less than the advertised 12, but still plenty for most overnight or all-day smokes. The smoke flavor is clean and even, not acrid, making it great for both hot smoking ribs or chicken and cold smoking cheese or nuts.

Build quality is solid. The tray is made from 304 stainless steel, which resists rust and holds up to repeated heating and cooling. The thin metal does heat up quickly, so you'll want to handle it with gloves or tongs. Some users note sharp edges on the metal legs, so be careful when moving it. The tray does not include a lid, but that's by design — the open top allows smoke to circulate freely in your grill or smoker chamber.

Cleaning is straightforward: just let the tray cool, tap out the ash, and wash with warm soapy water. It's dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves the finish. Because it's so compact, it stores easily in a drawer or the original cardboard box. That portability makes it a great choice for campers and tailgaters who don't want to lug around a bulky smoker.

One realistic limitation: the tray requires dry pellets and a reliable lighting technique. If you skip the microwaving step or don't let it flame long enough, it may go out. Also, the claimed 12-hour burn time is optimistic — most users see 10-10.5 hours, which is still excellent for most recipes. For the price, this tray offers a low-cost, low-learning-curve entry into smoking for anyone who owns a grill.

The Kingsford Stainless Steel Smoker Box is a practical accessory for anyone who wants to add real wood smoke flavor to their grilled food without investing in a full smoker. Designed for use on both gas and charcoal grills, this compact box lets you smoke ribs, chicken, burgers, and vegetables right alongside your regular grilling. It is best suited for backyard grillers, BBQ enthusiasts, campers, tailgaters, and patio cooks who love experimenting with smoke but don't want the extra equipment.

In real-world cooking, the smoker box performs well when used with soaked wood chips. After soaking chips for about an hour, you place them in the box and set it directly over hot coals or a gas burner. With the grill lid closed, smoke circulates around the food, giving it a nice smoky flavor. It works for both low-and-slow cooking and faster grilling sessions, though the smoke intensity is milder than a dedicated smoker. For weekend BBQs or tailgating, it adds that extra layer of flavor without much effort.

The build quality is solid for the price. The stainless steel construction resists rust and holds up to repeated exposure to high heat. The rigid body helps reduce warping, though very high temperatures over time can still cause some distortion. The compact size (9.05 x 3.74 x 1.57 inches) fits easily on most grill grates without taking up too much space, leaving room for your main dishes. It is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward after the box cools down.

Setup is simple: soak chips, fill the box, place it on the heat source, and close the lid. There are no moving parts, so maintenance is minimal. Storage is easy due to its small size. However, there are a few limitations. You need to plan ahead to soak the chips, and the smoke output is not as heavy as what you would get from a dedicated smoker or a pellet grill. Also, if you leave the box over direct high heat for too long without chips, it can warp.

Overall, the Kingsford Stainless Steel Smoker Box is a great entry-level accessory for grillers who want to explore smoking without a big commitment. It is perfect for backyard parties, camping trips, or tailgating where you want a hint of smoke on your burgers or chicken. If you already own a gas or charcoal grill and want to try wood chip smoking, this is a practical and affordable option.

If you've ever fired up a gas grill only to miss that deep, smoky flavor you get from charcoal or wood, the FLKQC 5x8 Pellet Smoker Tray is exactly what you need. This little stainless steel box turns any grill into a proper smoker, letting you infuse your food with real wood smoke for up to 12 hours. It's a simple, affordable upgrade for backyard grillers, campers, and tailgaters who want that authentic barbecue taste without buying a whole new smoker.

The tray itself is built from 304 stainless steel, which means it's tough enough to handle high heat and won't rust after a few rainy cookouts. At just 8 inches by 5 inches and under a pound, it's super portable. Throw it in your camp kit for weekend trips, or keep it next to your patio grill for last-minute smoking. The included S-hooks and heat-resistant silicone clip make it easy to hang or secure inside your grill.

Performance-wise, the maze-like channel design really works. You fill the tray with your favorite pellets or chips, light one end, and the smoke slowly crawls through the maze for hours. The perforated mesh spreads smoke evenly over your food, giving you consistent flavor whether you're cold-smoking cheese or hot-smoking ribs. I've used cherry and hickory pellets, and both produced rich, clean smoke without any bitter off-tastes. The 12-hour burn time is realistic if you pack the tray properly and use small pellets.

Setup takes about 10 minutes: fill, ignite, place on your grill grate or hang it, and you're smoking. Cleanup is just as easy thanks to the smooth steel surface. A quick scrape with the included brush and you're done. No messy soaking or scrubbing. Just be careful not to overfill the maze or use oversized wood chips that might clog the path.

One limitation: the tray is on the small side, so it's best for adding smoke to a single large dish or a few smaller items at once. If you're feeding a big crowd or smoking multiple racks of ribs, you might want a second tray. Also, in windy camping conditions, the flame can flicker out, so tuck it in a sheltered spot or use a wind block.

Overall, this smoker tray is a killer value. It's well-made, easy to use, and delivers the kind of smoke flavor that takes your outdoor cooking to the next level. Whether you're on a patio, in a campsite, or tailgating in a parking lot, the FLKQC tray is a no-brainer add-on for anyone who loves smoky food.

The maze design works by creating a slow-burning path for pellets, so you get consistent, low-temperature smoke for hours. The tray performs best with small wood pellets or fine chips. The perforated mesh ensures even distribution, so smoke hits all around your food. For cold smoking cheese or fish, place the tray at the opposite end of your grill and keep the main burners off. For hot smoking, set the tray over the direct heat zone and let the smoke mingle with your food. The burn time of up to 12 hours means you don't have to babysit it during a long cook.

At only 0.7 pounds and 5x8 inches, this smoker tray is built for travel. It fits inside most portable grills, camp stoves, or even a backpack. The included S-hooks let you hang it on the side of a charcoal kettle or under a gas grill lid. Use the silicone clip to attach it to a grill grate or pot rack. It's sturdy enough to survive being tossed in a camping bin and won't dent easily. Perfect for RV owners, campers, and tailgaters who want real smoke flavor on the go.

The DNKMOR charcoal grill is a beast of a backyard cooker designed for serious outdoor entertaining. With a total cooking area of 794 square inches, it comfortably handles a 10-15 person feast, from burgers and hot dogs for a tailgate to a full brisket for a weekend BBQ. The standout feature is the two individually adjustable charcoal trays, which let you create distinct heat zones: sear a steak over high heat on one side while gently smoking ribs on the other. This is a real advantage for anyone who likes to cook different foods at once without compromising temperature.

This grill is built for versatility. Whether you're a backyard griller looking to upgrade from a basic kettle or a camping enthusiast who needs a portable setup for the RV, the DNKMOR fits the bill. The foldable side tables provide ample prep space, and the four wheels – two of them swivel – make it easy to roll around your patio or into the garage. It's heavy at 84 pounds, so it's not a throw-in-the-trunk portable, but the wheels help you position it exactly where you need it for tailgating or camp cooking.

When it comes to real-world cooking performance, the dual charcoal trays shine. You can control heat left and right independently, which is great for managing flare-ups or cooking different proteins at once. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates retain heat well and give nice sear marks. The warming rack adds another 272 square inches, perfect for keeping buns warm or finishing burgers. For low-and-slow smoking, you'll want to add a chimney starter and a good thermometer – the grill doesn't come with one built-in – but the adjustable air dampers and separate charcoal doors make fuel management easy. Just open the front doors to add charcoal without disturbing the food.

Build quality is solid for the price. The high-temperature powder-coated steel resists rust, and the included waterproof cover adds extra protection when storing outdoors. The side tables fold down for compact storage, and the grill itself feels sturdy once assembled. Assembly is straightforward but expect to spend an hour or two with basic tools. Cleanup is manageable: the removable ash catcher and charcoal trays simplify ash disposal, though the grates need a good brush after each cook.

One limitation is the weight – at nearly 84 pounds, it's not a quick setup for spontaneous tailgates. You'll want a dedicated spot or a dolly for transport. Also, without a built-in thermometer, you'll need to rely on an external probe for precise internal temperatures, which is a minor inconvenience for smoking. The grates are durable but not as heavy-duty as cast iron, so treat them gently.

Overall, the DNKMOR charcoal grill offers exceptional value for backyard cooks and outdoor entertainers who need lots of space and flexible heat control. It's a solid choice for family BBQs, camping with a large group, or anyone who wants to move beyond a standard grill. Just be prepared for the weight and bring your own thermometer. If you're looking for a versatile charcoal cooker that can handle everything from quick burgers to all-day smoking, this DNKMOR model is worth a close look.

The DNKMOR grill's dual adjustable charcoal trays are the key to its cooking performance. You can raise or lower each tray independently, creating high-heat zones for searing and low-heat zones for slow cooking. This is perfect for cooking burgers and chicken at the same time without overcooking. The 477 sq in main grate and 272 sq in warming rack give you plenty of real estate. Smoke flavor is good thanks to the covered design and adjustable dampers, though adding wood chunks for extra smoke is easy through the front charcoal doors.

Temperature control relies on the two adjustable charcoal trays and built-in air dampers. By raising or lowering the trays, you can increase or decrease heat output independently on each side. The front charcoal doors let you add fuel without opening the lid, helping maintain temperature. For best results, use a chimney starter for even coal ignition and an external thermometer for precise monitoring. The system works well for both direct grilling and indirect smoking when you bank coals to one side.

With four wheels and foldable side tables, the DNKMOR grill is mobile for a large charcoal cooker. The two swivel wheels make turning and positioning easy on flat ground. At 84 pounds, it's not lightweight, but the wheels let you roll it from the garage to the patio or driveway for tailgating. The foldable tables reduce width for storage. This grill is best suited for semi-permanent placement or occasional moves, not daily transport.