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REAL FYREThe Ultimate Guide to Pellet Grills: Top Models from Coyote, Green Mountain & Memphis
Why Pellet Grills Are a Top Choice for Outdoor Cooks in 2025
If you’re shopping for pellet grills in 2025, you’re not alone. These versatile cookers continue to rank among the best pellet grills for backyard chefs who want flavor, precision, and ease of use. Whether you’re eyeing a built-in pellet grill for your outdoor kitchen or searching for the best pellet grill for the money, this guide will break down the top-rated models available — including standout picks from Coyote, Green Mountain, and Memphis.
What Is a Pellet Grill and How Does It Work?
A pellet grill combines the smoky flavor of traditional wood-fired cooking with the “set-it-and-forget-it” precision of modern thermostatic control. Hardwood pellets sit in a side hopper; an internal auger feeds those pellets into a fire pot where an igniter rod sparks them to life. A built-in fan then circulates heat and smoke, maintaining the exact temperature you dial in—whether that’s 180 °F for low-and-slow brisket or 500 °F for a fast sear. Because the controller adds fuel only as needed, pellet grills hold steadier temps than charcoal and produce cleaner smoke than most gas setups. The result is consistent, wood-kissed flavor with push-button ease, making pellet grills the go-to choice for backyard cooks who want convenience without sacrificing taste.
Top 2025 Pellet Grills: Green Mountain, Coyote & Memphis Compared
When it comes to premium pellet grills, the Coyote 36-Inch Built-In Pellet Grill (C2P36), the Green Mountain Grills Peak Prime 2.0, and the Memphis Elite Built-In Pellet Grill represent the flagship models for their respective brands. While all three offer advanced cooking performance and smart features, they cater to different needs, budgets, and outdoor cooking styles
- Coyote’s pellet grill is built entirely from 304 stainless steel and designed for permanent outdoor kitchens, boasting a heavy-duty build and an impressive 304-grade auger-fed fuel system.
- Green Mountain’s Peak Prime delivers high-tech convenience with WiFi and Bluetooth control, smart sensors, and portability — perfect for backyard cooks who want pro-grade results without the high-end price tag. If you’re looking for the best pellet grill for the money, the GMG Peak Prime 2.0 stands out with its smart tech features, large cooking area, and affordable price point.
- Meanwhile, Memphis takes it a step further with convection-style pellet cooking, industry-leading temperature precision, and full stainless steel construction made in the USA — ideal for serious grillers who demand luxury, durability, and control.
In this section, we’ll compare these three top-tier pellet grills head-to-head to help you decide which one delivers the best value, features, and long-term performance for your outdoor cooking lifestyle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,299.00 |
| Fuel Type | Electric / Pellets |
| Collection | Prime 2.0 |
| Configuration | Freestanding |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
| Exterior Material Grade | Powder Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 Pounds |
| Max Temperature | 550°F |
| Burner Type | Auger-Fed Pellet System |
| Main Burner Material | Not Specified |
| Flame Tamer Material | Not Specified |
| Cooking Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Grid Dimensions | 37 1/4 x 16 1/2″ |
| Main Grilling Area | 738 Sq. Inches |
| Warming Rack Area | Not Specified |
| Total Grilling Area | 738 Sq. Inches |
| Burger Count | 18 |
| Ignition Type | Digital Auto-Ignition |
| Grill Lights | Internal |
| Thermometer | SmartPhone App |
| Spring Assisted Hood | No |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $6,899.00 |
| Fuel Type | Pellets |
| Collection | Elite |
| Configuration | Built-In |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Exterior Material Grade | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 Pounds (Dual Hopper) |
| Max Temperature | 700°F |
| Burner Type | IntelliBurn™ Secondary Combustion |
| Main Burner Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Flame Tamer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Grid Dimensions | 37 x 17 1/2″ |
| Main Grilling Area | 644 Sq. Inches |
| Warming Rack Area | 204 Sq. Inches |
| Total Grilling Area | 848 Sq. Inches |
| Burger Count | 30 |
| Ignition Type | Clean Start™ Ignition |
| Grill Lights | Internal |
| Thermometer | Smartphone App (WiFi + Bluetooth) |
| Spring Assisted Hood | No |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,779.00 |
| Fuel Type | Pellets |
| Collection | Coyote Pellet Grill |
| Configuration | Built-In |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Exterior Material Grade | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 12 Pounds |
| Max Temperature | 700°F |
| Burner Type | Smart Drop™ Pellet Feed |
| Main Burner Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Flame Tamer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Grid Dimensions | 33 X 18″ |
| Main Grilling Area | 594 Sq. Inches |
| Warming Rack Area | 214 Sq. Inches |
| Total Grilling Area | 808 Sq. Inches |
| Burger Count | 21 |
| Ignition Type | Dual fan, auger ignition |
| Grill Lights | Internal |
| Thermometer | Digital |
| Spring Assisted Hood | Yes |
Built In Pellet Grill vs Freestanding Models: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a built-in and freestanding pellet grill depends on your outdoor kitchen setup, space, and lifestyle. Built-in pellet grills like the Coyote C2P36 are ideal for homeowners designing a permanent outdoor kitchen — offering a sleek, integrated look and heavy-duty construction meant to last. Freestanding models, like the Green Mountain Grills Peak Prime 2.0, provide mobility, affordability, and convenience — perfect for casual backyard grillers or renters who need flexibility. But what if you want both? That’s where Memphis Grills shines. The Memphis Elite ITC3 is available in both built-in and freestanding configurations, giving buyers the freedom to choose their ideal format without sacrificing performance.
Whether you’re planning a high-end island or want a standalone luxury unit on wheels, Memphis makes it easy to adapt to your space and grilling needs.
✔ Built-In Pellet Grills (e.g., Coyote C2P36, Memphis Elite Built-In):
Ideal for custom outdoor kitchen islands
Seamless, professional appearance
Permanent installation with high-end durability
Typically made with 304 stainless steel for long-term use
Adds resale value to your outdoor living space
✔ Freestanding Pellet Grills (e.g., GMG Peak Prime 2.0, Memphis Cart Model):
Easy to move and reposition
Lower initial cost compared to built-in units
Great for renters or smaller patios
Includes storage cabinets and locking wheels
Offers high-end features without construction requirements
✔ Memphis Grills: The Best of Both Worlds
Same top-tier performance in both formats
Choose built-in for full outdoor kitchens
Choose freestanding for mobility and flexibility
No compromise on tech, temperature range, or cooking area
Pellet Types & Flavors: Bear Mountain, Kingsford & GMG Compared
The type of wood pellets you use can make or break the flavor of your barbecue. In 2025, top brands like Bear Mountain, Kingsford, and Green Mountain Grills (GMG) are setting the standard with flavorful hardwood blends tailored for specific meats and cooking styles. Bear Mountain’s Gourmet Blend offers a balanced, sweet smokiness that works across everything from poultry to pork. Kingsford Chef’s Blend combines hickory, cherry, and oak for a deep, layered smoke that enhances bold cuts like beef and lamb.
Meanwhile, GMG’s Apple Blend delivers a light, fruity aroma — perfect for ribs, chicken, or even fish. High-quality pellets not only affect flavor but also burn efficiency, ash output, and overall performance. Choosing the right blend helps you get the most out of your pellet grill — whether you’re smoking low and slow or searing hot and fast!
Top Pellet Grill Features to Look For in 2025
With so many options on the market, knowing what separates a good pellet grill from a great one is key to making the right investment. In 2025, premium pellet grills are defined by both their build quality and their technology. Look for 304 stainless steel construction for long-term durability, especially in outdoor kitchens exposed to the elements. Smart WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity is now standard in top-tier models, allowing you to control grill temps, track internal meat probes, and monitor hopper levels straight from your phone. High-quality pellet grills also offer broad temperature ranges — ideally from 180°F to 700°F — to handle everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing.
Additional features like built-in grill lights, programmable cooking cycles, large hopper capacity, and direct vs. indirect flame settings make a big difference in convenience and performance. Whether you’re grilling for a family or a full backyard party, choosing a feature-rich pellet grill ensures better results and more flexibility with every cook.
🔧 Key Pellet Grill Features to Look For:
304 Stainless Steel Construction – Resists rust, corrosion, and extreme heat
WiFi & Bluetooth Control – Adjust temps, monitor meat, and control smoke from your phone
Wide Temperature Range (180°F – 700°F) – Allows smoking, roasting, baking, and searing
Large Hopper Capacity – 20+ pounds supports long, uninterrupted cooks
Direct & Indirect Flame Options – Customize heat for steaks, ribs, brisket, or delicate foods
Built-In Interior Lights – Grill confidently after dark
Meat Probes with App Integration – Get alerts when your food hits target temps
Programmable Cooking Cycles – Automate your cooks for precision and convenience
Dual-Pellet Hoppers (on select models) – Mix flavors and switch profiles mid-cook
Easy-Clean Ash Management Systems – Less mess, more cooking
Pellet Grills vs Gas Grills: Which One’s Right for You?
Pellet grills excel at wood-fired flavor and digital precision, burning hardwood pellets for everything from low-and-slow smoking to 700 °F searing on tech-forward models like the Coyote C2P36 and Memphis Elite. Gas grills—think Blaze Premium LTE or similar—heat up in minutes and clean up fast, perfect for quick weeknight cooks but without the deep smoke profile. Choose gas for speed and simplicity; choose pellet for restaurant-quality smoke and app-driven control.
🔍 Pellet Grills vs Gas Grills — Quick-Hit Comparison
Flavor
Pellet: Real hardwood smoke; easily swap pellet flavors.
Gas: Clean, mild taste; smoke requires chips or a box.
Heat-Up Time
Pellet: ~10-15 min to 350 °F.
Gas: ~5-7 min to grilling temps.
Temperature Range & Control
Pellet: 180 °F–700 °F with digital ±5 °F accuracy.
Gas: 300 °F–700 °F; stellar searing, less precise lows.
Tech & Connectivity
Pellet: WiFi/Bluetooth apps, programmable cooks, probe alerts.
Gas: Manual knobs; smart upgrades cost extra.
Fuel Cost & Availability
Pellet: Bags (~$15–$20 per 20 lb); burns 1–3 lb/hr.
Gas: Propane refills or natural-gas line; lower cost per hour.
Maintenance
Pellet: Ash clean-out, hopper care.
Gas: Burner cleaning, grease tray checks; no ash.
Versatility
Pellet: Smoke, bake, roast, grill, sear—true multitasker.
Gas: Fast searing & direct grilling; smoking needs accessories.
Best For
Pellet: BBQ lovers chasing smoky flavor and smart control.
Gas: Grillers who value speed, simplicity, and easy cleanup.
Find the Best Pellet Grill for Your Backyard
Choosing the best pellet grill ultimately comes down to how you cook, the flavors you love, and the features you need. From flagship models like the Coyote C2P36, Green Mountain Grills Peak Prime 2.0, and Memphis Elite ITC3 to deciding between a built-in pellet grill for a seamless outdoor kitchen or a freestanding unit for maximum flexibility, today’s options deliver restaurant-quality results with WiFi precision and hardwood-smoke flavor. Add in premium fuel blends from Bear Mountain, Kingsford, and GMG, and you can dial in the perfect taste every time—without sacrificing convenience.
If you’re ready to invest in the best pellet grills of 2025—or you’re seeking the best pellet grill for the money—our team at Best of Backyard is here to help.
Visit us online or stop by our Riverside showroom (9901 Indiana Ave, Unit 109, Riverside, CA 92503) to compare top brands side by side, chat with our grill experts, and explore custom outdoor-kitchen solutions.
Have questions before you buy? Call us at (951) 977-8222 or browse our latest deals and guides at https://bestofbackyard.com.
Your perfect pellet grill—and your next unforgettable backyard feast—are just a click or visit away!
