Instead of choosing an inferior smoker that rusts or burns through its thin steel, consider one of the best pellet smokers made in the USA.

These pellet smokers are definitely NOT your typical grills you’ll find at your local big box store where they’re mass-produced with inferior materials. On the contrary, these high quality pellet grills will last forever when taken care of.

Best American Made Pellet Smokers and Grills

Less than a dozen years ago, if you wanted to smoke meats in your backyard, you would have to purchase a smoker that performed only that single function. If you also wanted to grill, you would need to do so on charcoal grills or gas grills.

Nowadays, you can choose a pellet smoker, also known as a pellet grill, that both grills and smokes meat and other foods. You need only one outdoor appliance to perform both functions.

So for the purposes of this article, I’m using the terms “pellet grill” and “pellet smoker” interchangeably, as the companies who make them in the USA provide both functions.

You’ll find a number of pellet grill brands that are made in the United States of America. If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ll be surprised by their ease of use. You might also be sadly shocked at the once-upon-a-time American manufacturers of pellet smokers and grills who no longer make their products stateside. What once was an American brand just might no longer be. Keep reading to learn more.

Related article: Made in the USA Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet, Ceramic, Smokers and More

What is a Pellet Smoker?

A pellet smoker, or pellet grill, combines grilling and smoking capabilities within a single outdoor unit. Made from strong stainless steel, it is fueled with hardwood sawdust that’s been compressed into wood pellets. These pellets are used in place of charcoal or propane.

Pour the pellets into a hopper. An electricity-fueled auger motor feeds the pellets from the hopper into a fire box and eventually into the cooking chamber. Then, with the combination of heat, air, and movement, the pellets burn at the temperature you set and monitor through the smoker’s digital controller.

Today’s wood pellet grills have the technological capability of being regulated through its Wi-Fi controllers. Using Wi-Fi connectivity, you can pair your pellet grill to phones or other mobile devices that allow for temperature control and other monitoring. You can also monitor the heat probes through your device.

Related article: Best Grilling Tools and BBQ Products, All American Made

Myron Mixon Smokers are American-made in Georgia.

What To Look for in A Pellet Grill

If you’re looking to buy a new grill, note there are different types of grills, so be sure you’re reviewing a wood pellet grill or wood pellet smoker (they’re pretty much one and the same these days). Several makers create products for commercial use, so you’ll want to consider the size you want or need. Smaller pellet smokers obviously come at a lower price point.

The build quality should reflect zero gaps between the grill and lid. Joints should be secure with strong welds and hardware. Seams shouldn’t have any holes or gaps for heat to escape.

The metal should come from high carbon fiber steel and high-gauge stainless steel, anywhere from 10 to 16-gauge steel. The fire pot and diffuser plate in particular should be made from stainless steel rather than an inferior metal.

The design should allow for good airflow, even temperature, and heat retention.

Heat control should be simple through the controller.

The bigger the temperature range, the more you can do on a pellet grill. Searing takes place at around 500-550 degrees, 700 degrees provides an opportunity for fire-baked pizza, and 225-250 degrees allow for perfect meat smoking conditions.

The controller needs to keep a consistent, accurate temperature inside your pellet smoker while running the fan, auger, and other components.

The warranty should cover the barrel and electrical components, at the very least.

Related article: Made in USA Fire Pits, Chimineas, and Outdoor Fireplaces: The Ultimate Source List

Enjoy this recipe that's made on an American-made Smokin' Brothers pellet smoker.

Why Buy A Pellet Grill Made in the USA

While mainstream markets outsource their production to other countries in order to increase profit margins, American companies invest in their communities by providing work to American workers. They cycle their profit back into the local and American economy. These same companies donate to local and national charities to help those in need. 

When you break down the production components, you have parts makers, steel workers, welders, powder coaters, machinists, finishers, designers, engineers, and other workers who reflect a family business or small business made up of real people. They love what they do while trying to make a livable wage, and together, they make an end product that’s unsurpassed in any other country. Finally, the companies that make pellet grills in the USA provide awesome customer service. As a matter of fact, each one highlights its customer service as one of its top-rung features.

That’s a quality that’s necessary for today’s global market when you need help with an issue.

Pellet Smokers No Longer American Made

Sadly, some popular brands in the pellet grill industry no longer make their smokers/grills in the USA. These well-known brands include:

  • Traeger Grills
  • Pit Boss Grills
  • Grilla Grills
  • Green Mountain Grills
  • Camp Chef Grills
  • Z Grills
  • Memphis Grills
  • Louisiana Grills.

Furthermore, someone from Cookshack pg (pellet grills), located in Ponca City, Oklahoma, told me the company plans on shifting its production overseas, as they can no longer make affordable products due to manufacturing costs. Apparently, this shift includes its best-selling Fast Eddy’s pellet grill made by Cookshack.

Check out our list below to see what brands truly are American-made products and offer the best heavy duty pellet grills on the market today.

Best Pellet Smokers Made in the USA

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Best Pellet Smokers and Grills made in USA via USA Love List
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