Welcome to the world of smart BBQ grills. Imagine controlling temperature, tracking your food’s progress, and getting alerts when your steak hits medium-rare, all from your smartphone.
In this guide, we’re sharing the top 10 smart BBQ grills that blend quality, innovation, and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie, these grills will revolutionize your BBQ experience.
Weber Genesis Smart SX-335 LP SS
When it comes to the Weber Genesis Smart SX-335 LP SS, you’ll find it’s loaded with smart features that can be accessed directly from the grill or through the connected app. This high-quality grill offers a plethora of features, including oversized side shelves and ample storage space. However, be prepared to spend some time on assembly as it can be a lengthy process.
During testing, this grill proved its efficiency with a simple start-up at the press of a button. One thing you’ll notice is that the heat is slightly more concentrated in the center compared to the outer edges. But, don’t worry, this doesn’t compromise the grilling process. You’ll still get thick grill marks on both steak and chicken without any flare-ups, resulting in juicy, perfectly cooked food.
The Weber Genesis Smart SX-335 LP SS is equipped with Weber Connect technology. This feature allows you to use the grill’s smart functions either from the control panel on the grill’s side shelf or by connecting it to your smart device through the Weber Connect app. The grill comes with one temperature probe, but it can accommodate two for monitoring the internal temperature of your food.
You can easily keep track of the grill’s temperature and gas tank level either from the control panel or your smart device when connected to Wi-Fi. With the Weber Genesis Smart SX-335 LP SS, you can grill with confidence, whether you’re standing by the grill or inside the house.
Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill
Surprisingly, you’ll find that the Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill offers many of the same high-end features as the pricier models, but at a more affordable price. This grill is an excellent choice for those who want the convenience and precision of smart grilling without breaking the bank.
Performing well in cooking tests, the Weber Spirit EX-325s scores highly for ease of use. However, be prepared to invest some time with assembly as it tends to take longer than average. Once assembled, you’ll appreciate the sturdy build of the EX-325, which includes porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, a warming tray, and solid side shelves.
Similar to Weber’s top-tier models, the Spirit EX-325 also connects to the Weber Connect App. This feature lets you operate the smart functions right from the grill or through the app. You’ll find this convenience invaluable when you want to monitor your grilling progress without being tied to the grill.
Adding to its user-friendly design, the control panel features a gas level indicator. No more guessing games about whether you’ll run out of gas halfway through your BBQ. With the Weber Spirit EX-325s, you’ll always know exactly where you stand.
Nexgrill Neevo 720 Plus
Moving on to the Nexgrill Neevo 720 Plus, you’ll find this smart grill to be a game-changer with its unique combination of grilling and air frying capabilities. This stunning combo delivers crisp, golden brown chicken wings and frozen fries in just 20 minutes, rivaling the performance of top-rated air fryer toaster ovens.
The Nexgrill Neevo 720 Plus operates differently than most gas grills. It uses a control panel instead of knobs to turn on the grill and set the temperature, which ranges from 250ºF to 600ºF. You might find it a bit tricky initially to gauge the heat distribution, but the selector knob is user-friendly, and you can also control the grill straight from your phone.
Interestingly, this grill self-regulates its temperature, a feature uncommon in gas grills. While this helps maintain a consistent temperature, it could be a tad confusing if you’re looking for uniform grill marks. In testing, it was discovered that the right burner turned off mid-cooking to maintain the ambient temperature, resulting in less crispy pieces of chicken on the right side.
Despite this, the Nexgrill Neevo excels in cooking delicious steak and chicken without flare-ups. You’ll appreciate the added features like a viewing window, ample storage space, and a condiment shelf. However, remember that both the grill and air fryer sections come with separate plugs. Also, the control panels might be somewhat hard to read. Yet, overall, this smart grill/air fryer combo is a fantastic addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal.
Traeger Timberline
As you delve into the features of the Traeger Timberline, you’ll realize that this smart pellet grill is in a league of its own, offering a multitude of quality features and thoughtful details. Notably, its smart features make it easy to monitor the cooking process, ensuring that your meals are cooked to perfection every time.
The Timberline stands out with its side induction burner, allowing you to beautifully sear reverse-cooked steaks or whip up eggs and pancakes alongside your smoked sausage or bacon. It comes equipped with one temperature probe that you can monitor on the control panel or the app, plus two additional Meater+ wireless probes. These track the grill’s air temperature and the internal temperature of your food, providing an estimated cooking time based on your desired doneness.
The Timberline excelled in our tests. Chicken thighs turned out crispy, golden brown, and juicy in just 30 minutes, while chicken breasts were tender with a slightly smoky flavor. The side burner proved capable of handling low temperatures, cooking eggs to perfection.
Navigating the Timberline’s features is a breeze. The large selector knob for the side burner is highly responsive, and the control panel offers helpful instructions for optimal grill performance. Thoughtful extras like the magnetic cutting board that attaches to the hopper box, extra shelving, and enclosed ash collector enhance the grilling experience. However, do note that firmware updates require a Wi-Fi connection, which could potentially limit grill access at times.
With the Traeger Timberline, you’re investing in a smart grill that prioritizes quality, functionality, and convenience.
Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 Pellet Grill
Where might you find a grill that offers easy-to-use technology and the option to cook over a direct flame, yet remains sturdy and durable? Look no further than the Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 24 Pellet Grill. This grill stands out for its unique capabilities and solid features, combining the convenience of modern technology with the traditional flair of open-flame grilling.
This compact grill comes with a user-friendly interface and a compatible app, making it a breeze to monitor your cooking process. Unlike most pellet grills, the Camp Chef Woodwind allows you to cook over a direct flame, offering a versatility that you’ll appreciate.
Let’s delve into some of the key features:
- Smart Capabilities
- Easy-to-use interface and app for convenient monitoring
- Comes with two probes for tracking different foods
- Cooking Features
- Allows direct flame cooking, a rarity in pellet grills
- Delivers tender and juicy results with a slightly smoky taste
- Design and Durability
- Compact yet sturdy construction
- Includes a window for checking pellet levels without opening the lid
While it may not be as solidly built as some competitors, the Camp Chef Woodwind proves to be sturdy and resilient. The grill’s performance in tests has been impressive, with steak, chicken, and ribs emerging tender, juicy, and slightly smoky. If you prefer a smokier flavor, there’s a high setting for smoke. The convenient bottle opener is an added bonus, rounding off this grill’s mix of smart functionality and traditional grilling.
Traeger Grills Ironwood 885
Although you might think it’s impossible to find a top-notch, voice-controlled smart grill, you’ll change your mind when you get to know the Traeger Grills Ironwood 885. This smart grill is a product of Traeger, a company known for their specialization in wood-fired cooking. The Ironwood 885 is one of four models in the Ironwood series, all of which share impressive features that set them apart in the world of smart grills.
The Ironwood 885 boasts the company’s signature Downdraft Exhaust system, ensuring optimal performance. It’s WiFire-enabled, meaning you can control it remotely using the Traeger app. You can adjust the temperature, set timers, or even check on your food from the comfort of your couch. Additionally, the grill comes with a pellet sensor, so you’ll always know when it’s time to top up the hopper.
What sets the Ironwood 885 apart is its compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. This feature brings an added level of convenience and modernity to your grilling experience. Moreover, double side-wall insulation keeps the temperature high, even in colder weather, ensuring perfectly cooked food every time.
The grill’s porcelain grates are incredibly durable, promising longevity. Available in four different sizes, there’s an Ironwood model for every grilling enthusiast, regardless of their space or needs.
Despite its higher price tag and relatively short warranty, the Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 is undeniably worth it. Its smart features and high performance will leave your neighbors green with envy.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560
Why wouldn’t you want to make your BBQ easier and more efficient with the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, a smart grill that’s perfect for those who love the traditional taste of charcoal? This grill brilliantly combines the age-old flavor of charcoal with modern digital technology, allowing you to create mouthwatering meals with ease.
With the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, you’ll get to enjoy the familiar process of using traditional charcoal briquettes, but with a tech-enhanced twist. The grill comes equipped with a temperature gauge and a meat probe, allowing you to monitor your food without constantly hovering over the grill. You can control the temperature via a digital panel on the grill itself, or from the comfort of your lounge chair using the company’s mobile app.
Here are some key features of this smart grill:
- Digital control panel and mobile app: These allow for seamless temperature control, whether you’re by the grill or elsewhere in your yard.
- Fast heat-up time: The grill can reach a whopping 700° in just 13 minutes.
- Gravity-fed hopper: This feature ensures your grill has a steady supply of charcoal for 12-15 hours of cooking.
While it may not be the largest or ‘smartest’ grill on the market, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is a fantastic option for charcoal enthusiasts who want to integrate some smart technology into their grilling routine. Plus, it’s a great value for its price, and it even has a range of low-tech accessories available, including a pizza oven and rotisserie kit.
Z Grills ZPG-7052Pro
You’ll find plenty of value in the Z Grills ZPG-7052Pro, a high-tech smart grill that’s both budget-friendly and packed with features. This wood pellet smart grill isn’t only cost-effective but also ensures perfect grilling every time. It can hold 30 hamburgers at a time, making it a great choice for large gatherings.
The ZPG-7052Pro comes with a high-capacity hopper that holds 28 pounds of pellets. So, you can set it, forget it, and enjoy your party without worrying about refilling the hopper. The grill’s smart technology allows you to monitor your food from your smartphone, thanks to meat probes and the user-friendly Z Grills app. Whether you’re cooking five chickens or six rib racks, you’ll always have a perfect meal.
With a vast cooking space of 709 square inches, this grill provides ample room for all your culinary experimentations. Want to amp up the flavor? The Super Smoke Mode lets you do just that. The grill’s display and control panel allow you to set timers, pause cooking, or keep food warm. Finding the perfect temperature is easy – you can adjust it from 160-500°. And when you’re done, cleanup is a breeze with a removable grease tray and a pellet cleanout system.
Despite not having the brand recognition of Traeger or Weber, the ZPG-7052Pro offers a better price point and equally impressive features. The only shortcoming is it’s not as strong a griller as other options on our list due to its focus on smoking.
Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill
Often, you’re looking for a smart grill that’s versatile and efficient, and the Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill fits that bill perfectly. This three-in-one machine adjusts the temperature for optimal heat control automatically, making it a reliable partner in your cooking endeavors. While it does produce a little more smoke than some other models, the benefits it offers far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
The Breville BGR820XL offers three settings: an open grill, a flat griddle, and a closed panini press. This adaptability allows you to expand your culinary skills, and the unit’s quick heating and consistent temperature control enable you to achieve beautifully browned and caramelized foods.
Features of the Breville BGR820XL include:
- Versatility:
- Open grill for traditional grilling
- Flat griddle for breakfast items and more
- Closed panini press for delicious sandwiches
- Efficient Performance:
- Quick heating for timely cooking
- Consistent temperature for even results
- Easy Cleanup:
- Nonstick grates that are dishwasher-safe
- Less time spent on cleanup
This grill-griddle combo is made of cast aluminum and can reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. With smart heating technology, it recognizes temperature and adjusts power accordingly. Despite its impressive functionality, it’s compact enough not to take up too much space on your countertop.
PIT BOSS PRO SERIES II 1150 WOOD PELLET GRILL
Equipped with a digital PID control board and advanced technology, the Pit Boss Pro Series II 1150 Wood Pellet Grill offers more all-natural hardwood smoke and even temperatures. This grill is designed to deliver perfectly cooked meals with unbeatable flavor. You can use the Pit Boss Grills app in conjunction with the Grill Connect™ Technology to control temperature settings and monitor your grill’s meat probes.
This massive grilling machine offers a whopping 1150 square inches of cooking area, making it ideal for serving crowd-sized gatherings. It offers a temperature range of 180° – 500°F and a Simple Slide-Plate Flame Broiler™, allowing you to switch between indirect heat and direct flame searing up to 1000°F with ease. Whether you’re looking to sear, smoke, BBQ, roast, char-grill, braise, bake, or grill, this grill has got you covered.
The Pit Boss Pro Series II 1150 features a 32 lb. hopper capacity with an easy-pellet-cleanout door and removable ash management. The crosshatch porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates ensure perfect sear marks, while the folding front shelf and solid side shelf with built-in tool hooks provide ample workspace. The grill also includes two meat probe ports for optimal temperature monitoring, with one meat probe included with your purchase.
You’ll appreciate the ease of the grease management system, which uses a simple drop steel bucket. Just replace the foil liner for clean up, although foil liners aren’t included. With the Pit Boss’s best-in-class 5-year warranty, you’re investing in a grill designed to last.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are the top 10 best smart BBQ grills that promise to revolutionize your grilling experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these grills offer incredible convenience and precision.
From the Weber Genesis to the Pit Boss Pro Series, each model brings its unique blend of features and innovation.
So gear up, fire up the grill, and embrace the future of BBQ with these amazing smart grills.