# Pellet grill vs charcoal smoker

Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/pellet-grill-vs-smoker
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Char and Smoke

**In short:** A pellet grill holds a set temperature on its own, using a controller and an auger, so you can start a long cook and largely leave it. It needs mains power and dry pellets, and gives a lighter smoke. A charcoal smoker, such as a bullet or offset, needs more tending through the vents and fuel, but works without electricity and gives a deeper, more traditional smoke flavour. Choose for convenience or for fire and flavour.

Both are built for low and slow cooking: ribs, pulled pork, brisket and whole chickens at around 110 to 135 °C for hours. The difference is who keeps the fire steady, you or a controller. This guide compares a pellet grill with charcoal bullet and offset smokers on effort, flavour, fuel, power and how each copes with British weather, using models from our guides as examples.

## 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.

| Spec | Traeger Pro Series 22 | Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5 in | Oklahoma Joe's Laredo 1100 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type | Pellet grill | Charcoal bullet smoker | Charcoal offset smoker |
| Cooking area | 3,690 cm² | 286 sq in total | 1,100 sq in incl. 358 sq in warming |
| Weight | 57.2 kg | 10.4 kg | 43.1 kg |
| Temperature control | Controller with built-in display | Vents (not detailed in listing) | Side damper and smokestack |
| Needs mains power | Yes | No | No |

From the product 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](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-pellet-grill-uk).

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](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers).

[Compare charcoal smokers](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-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](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/tools/core-temperature-table).

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-pellet-grill-uk
- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers