Pellet grill vs charcoal smoker

How each keeps the temperature

A pellet grill has a hopper, an auger that feeds wood pellets into a firepot, a hot rod igniter, a fan and a controller with a probe. You set the temperature, and the controller adds pellets and air to hold it. It is like an outdoor oven that burns wood.

A charcoal smoker relies on you. In a bullet smoker the fire sits at the bottom with a water pan and grates above; in an offset, the fire burns in a side firebox and smoke travels across the main chamber. You hold the temperature by setting the vents and adding fuel, which becomes second nature with practice but needs attention on a long cook.

Three examples compared

These models from our guides show the range. Figures come from their listings.

Effort, flavour and fuel

Pellet grills win on effort. Once lit, you check the hopper level and the food probe; the controller does the rest. That makes overnight or all-day cooks far less demanding. The smoke is clean and fairly mild; many cooks find it lighter than charcoal and wood, especially at higher temperatures.

Charcoal smokers give a stronger smoke and a more traditional bark, especially with wood chunks on the coals. Bullet smokers hold temperature well once set and are easy to learn; offsets need the most attention but offer a lot of space and a classic flavour. Fuel is charcoal and wood, which is widely sold and stores easily if kept dry. Pellets must be kept very dry, as damp pellets swell and jam the auger.

Power and British weather

A pellet grill needs a mains socket, ideally a weatherproof outdoor one, and its controller and hopper need protection from rain. In wind and cold it burns more pellets to hold temperature, but it does hold it. A power cut or tripped breaker stops the cook.

A charcoal smoker needs no power at all, so you can put it anywhere in the garden. Wind affects it more directly, making the fire run hotter or cooler, so shelter it from gusts and adjust the vents. A thick body and a good lid help both types on cold evenings.

Note:Use smokers and pellet grills outdoors only, away from fences, sheds and enclosed spaces, as all of them produce carbon monoxide. Keep a pellet grill's lead and socket dry, and follow the maker's shutdown routine so the firepot burns out properly.

Which suits you?

Choose a pellet grill if you want consistent results with little attention, have an outdoor socket and dry storage, and like the idea of grilling, roasting and smoking on one machine. Compare models in best pellet grills for UK gardens.

Choose a charcoal smoker if you enjoy managing a fire, want the deepest smoke flavour, or have no power near your cooking spot. A bullet smoker is the easiest start; an offset suits big cooks. See best charcoal smokers.

Compare charcoal smokers →

Frequently asked questions

Does a pellet grill taste as smoky as a charcoal smoker? Usually a little milder. Some pellet grills offer low smoke settings to increase it; adding a smoke tube is another common trick.

Which is easier for beginners? A pellet grill, because the controller holds the temperature. A bullet smoker is the easiest charcoal option.

Can a pellet grill run in the rain? In light rain with the controller protected and the hopper closed. Keep pellets dry at all times.

How do I know smoked meat is cooked? Use a probe. The Food Standards Agency advises pork and poultry should be steaming hot throughout with no pink meat; see our core temperature table.