While 100% American-made pellet grills may cost a little more than brands manufactured abroad, there are plenty of compelling reasons to support local manufacturers.
In addition to supporting the local economy and increasing local job creation, you will be impressed with the overall quality of the home-grown pellet grills available.
Pellet grills manufactured in the USA:
- MAK Grills
- Blaz’n Grill Works
- Smokin Brothers Inc
- Pitts & Spitts Grills
- Yoder Smokers
- The Cookshack Pellet Grill Co
- Twin Eagles Pellet Grills
- Weber Smokefire Wood Pellet Grills – some components may be globally sourced.
Not all pellet grills are created equal.
So now that we have narrowed down the brands that support the local economy and create jobs, let’s find the one that is best suited for your cooking needs.
Which Pellet Grills Are Manufactured In The USA?
Pellet grills are the perfect combination of kitchen ovens, charcoal smokers, and gas grills.
To make things even better, they heat up quickly, and in no time, your meal can be sizzling without any long waits.
There are plenty of great companies offering affordable and well-designed pellet grill cookers.
If you want to buy locally made, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
To make things more confusing, several outdoor grill companies which originated in the USA have moved their manufacturing sections abroad to save costs.
So supporting local manufacturers sometimes requires a bit of research.
Fortunately, consumers who prefer to support local still have plenty of options as there are manufacturers all over the United States.
Shopping local may be closer than you think. Before we move into the specific brands and features of each one, let’s check out which state each manufacturer calls home.
| Brand Name | Where they are manufactured | Website |
| MAK Grills | Dallas, Oregon | View |
| Blaz’n Grill Works | Beatrice, Nebraska | View |
| Smokin Brothers Inc | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | View |
| Pitts & Spitts Grills | Houston, Texas | View |
| Yoder Smokers | Hutchinson, Kansas | View |
| The Cookshack Pellet Grill Co | Ponca City, Oklahoma | View |
| Twin Eagles Pellet Grills | Cerritos, California | View |
| Weber | Chicago, Illinois (sort of – maybe) | View |
It is important to note that pellet grills have multiple components.
Although the end product may be assembled in the USA, it is entirely possible that a few of the parts are manufactured elsewhere.
This technicality came to light in a case against the grilling giant Weber who used the ‘Made in the USA’ stamp, even though several of their parts are made abroad.
However, all of the companies in our review have factories that assemble pellet grills right here on US soil.
So even if one or two small parts are internationally sourced, it is more made in the USA than anywhere else.
By buying a locally made product, you will be doing your bit to support the local economy.
Eight companies are a lot to choose from, so let’s review each and check out some of the unique features of what they have to offer.
MAK Grills
The most amazing fact about MAK Grills is that they were the first pellet grill company to introduce Wi-Fi cloud-enabled technology to their systems.
When most believed it was impossible, this innovative team demonstrated that they could control their grills remotely with a touch of the button.
MAK Grills is one of those true-blue American companies that is both family and veteran-owned.
Although the metal fabrication part of the business in Dallas, Oregon, had been in operation for many years, they only started making pellet grills in 2008 as a measure to save jobs.
The result has been a triumph for the pellet grill industry.
MAK Grills has not only been able to produce a consistently excellent system; they continue to innovate and push the limits.
In addition to being first to introduce the Wi-Fi technology, they were also the first to use a ceramic lighter and roaming thermocouple.
Best Seller: MAK 2 Star Grill and Smoker
The Two-Star General Grills have been described as a ‘triumph of American industry.’
It comes with a heavy price tag when it comes to pellet grills and a four to five-week turnaround time from ordering.
This pellet grill certainly leads the way in regular-range outdoor cooking.
The unit can do everything from baking to roasting and grilling in addition to the smoker, all packed together in an attractive, easy to assemble system.
Summary of MAK 2 features:
| Cooking Space | 429 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | 170 – 600F |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Smoker | 170 – 190F |
| Direct Grilling Surface Option | Yes |
| Warmer / Smoker Box | Yes |
| Color | Classic black |
Blaz’n Grill Works
The team from Blaz’n Grill Works is incredibly proud of their ‘100% American Made’ brand.
Like MAK, this pellet grill company started out as a metal fabrication plant and evolved to find innovative ways to stay profitable in a changing market.
They launched their first pellet grill system in the summer of 2011, and they have been going strong ever since.
The overall design of the Blaz’n Grill Pellet Smoker is classic and familiar – they actually used a lot of elements from Traeger’s winning recipe when their patent expired.
However, they also added a few of their own tricks to create a unique pellet grill experience that has a following of loyal consumers.
Because the company is small, they are perfect for customers that need to customize any aspect of their grills.
The combination of an excellent track record and ability to see to the needs of individual clients has given them a niche in the local pellet grill market.
A couple of unique features offered by Blaz’n Grill pellet grills are the round rod augers that effectively transport pellets through the system.
Also, an easy-clean burn pot, which allows the user to slide the burn pot out without lifting the grates.
Best Seller: Blaz’n Grill Grand Slam
The double-lined lower body of the Grand Slam results in a solidly constructed grill that effectively holds heat inside the unit.
Another drawcard for consumers is the larger pellet hopper capacity and enormous cooking chamber.
The Grand Slam is an eye-catching pellet grill that comes in standard black or a selection of colors like red, blue fire, and copper vein.
Overall the appearance of the model is heavy, solidly constructed, and neat.
Summary Of Blaz’n Grill Grand Slam Features:
| Cooking Space | 468 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | 180 – 450 F |
| Hopper Capacity | 30 pounds |
| Smoker | Primary Function |
| Movable | Yes – Easy to roll casters |
| Temperature Gauge | Digital – can be set in 5-degree increments |
| Colors | Classic black, red, silver, copper, cherry, blue or customizable |
Smokin Brothers Inc
For a small company, Smokin Brothers have an impressive range of pellet grills, from the smallest backyard models to massive trailer-mounted units for huge events.
If the ‘made in the USA’ tag is important to you, this company strives to source every part of their pellet grills from local manufacturers.
If they can’t make it themselves, they find someone local that can.
The Smokin Brothers started out as a grill competition team in 2005, and they got so good at it that they rolled out their own design wood pellet grill in 2011.
If anyone knows pellet grilling, it’s these guys! The firebox on their units is 1-inch double insulated, so bad weather will never be a reason not to grill.
Grease buckets are also covered to prevent overflow if you are caught grilling in the rain.
The solid construction is top-notch, and Smokin Brothers pellet grills are made to last a lifetime.
The company stands behind its products, and customer service is excellent.
However, because they are a small business, you can expect a turnaround time of around two weeks from when you make your order.
Best Seller: Smokin Brothers 30 Premier Plus Grill
If you need a pellet grill with a large cooking surface and a manageable heating system that ensures that flare-ups are a thing of the past, the Smokin Brothers Premier Plus is a great option.
Convenient features of the Premier Plus are the built-in work surface and the front loading hopper design.
The Premier Plus is built to last, and the frame is solidly welded together. There is no chance of a Smokin Brother’s pellet grill falling apart anytime soon.
Summary of Smokin Brothers 30 Premier Plus Grill
| Cooking Space | 792 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | Maximum 600F |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Smoker | Primary function |
| Cooking Grate Material | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Movable | Yes |
| Thermometer | Yes – digital |
| Color | Classic black / they also have a fun farmhouse model available in a higher price range. |
Pitts & Spitts Grills
One of the most enduring made-in-America barbecue companies is Pitts & Spitts.
This business has been making outdoor cooking systems from its base in Houston, Texas, since 1983, so they know a thing or two regarding grills.
Pitts & Spitts is committed to building quality, handcrafted smokers, charcoal, and pellet grills built to last.
The emphasis is on producing high-quality outdoor cooking units using locally sourced components and providing local jobs.
The company has a range of pellet grills that are proudly American-made and pride themselves on being the only pellet grill manufacturer in Texas.
Their pellet grills come with a solid warranty on parts, and because it is a local company, customer service is outstanding.
Best Seller: Pitts & Spitts Maverick 850 Wood Pellet Grill
Pitts & Spitts pellet grills are definitely not the cheapest available, but they are solidly built, one-of-a-kind pieces backed by years of expertise in the business.
The Maverick 850 is one of the smallest models available from this brand and yet still has a considerably larger cooking area than most comparable local brands.
The Maverick’s cooking chamber is made from 7 and 10-gauge carbon steel, so there is nothing flimsy about this pellet grill.
It comes with all the standard features you would expect from a pellet grill system, plus it has a massive hopper, so you won’t have to constantly be refilling.
Summary of Pitts & Spitts Maverick 850 Wood Pellet Grill
| Cooking Space | 850 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | Maximum 600F |
| Hopper Capacity | 35 pounds |
| Smoker | Primary function |
| Movable | Yes |
| Thermometer | Smart Probe Technology |
| Color | Classic silver stainless steel |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty on the barrel, 3 years on the controller, and 1 year on the electronic components |
Yoder Smokers
Yoder Smokers feature high on most reviewers’ lists of pellet grills made in the USA.
These high-quality outdoor cooking units are the first choice for many competitive barbeque chefs around the country – but don’t expect them to be lightweight.
Part of the company’s appeal is that they create solid units created from heavy steel.
Fortunately, most models come set on sturdy heavy-duty casters to make moving them less challenging.
A pellet grill from Yoder Smokers will still be turning out quality meals when other brands will long since have been recycled to become firepit liners.
The front and side shelves are constructed from chrome-plated round bar steel, and every model features a ceramic ignition system.
Best Seller: Yoder Smokers YS480S Pellet Grill
The YS480 Pellet Grill from Yoder Smokers gives you complete control of what is happening beneath the thick steel lid.
The grill features two integrated food probes and ACS control, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Connectivity.
This unit is definitely for people who take grilling seriously.
In addition, unlike most pellet grills, the YS480S can be set up for flame grilling – this is a useful feature for those who enjoy searing their food.
Whether you need to smoke a ham slowly or quickly create the perfect steak, you will be able to do it using the speed and convenience of pellets.
The YS480 is, therefore, one of the most versatile home-grown pellet grills available.
All Yoder Smoker products come with solid warranties, and the YS480S Pellet Grill is no exception.
If you need a serious pellet grill that will be the envy of your neighbors, this is the model for you.
Summary of Yoder YS480S Pellet Grill
| Cooking Space | 800 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | 150 – 600F |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Smoker | It also has a flame grill function |
| Movable | Yes – heavy-duty casters |
| Thermometer | Integrated food probes |
| Color | Classic black |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty on the cooking chamber, 3 years on the ACS controller, and 3 years on the ceramic igniter |
The Cookshack Pellet Grill Co
When deciding on a pellet grill that is made in the USA, you may come across the name Ed Maurin, who in barbecue circles is the grandmaster of pellet smokers.
While the Cookshack brand is more than 50 years old and was well known for making electric smokers, their collaboration with’ Fast Ed Maurin’ was the start of their range of pellet grills in the mid-1990s.
All Cookshack pellet grills carry the name ‘Fast Eddy,’ and they are a tribute to his expertise and experience in the field.
Unlike many similar competitor models, Cookshack pellet grills feature a warming draw that gives the user the option of cold smoking.
On the flip side, one can also sear or broil over pellet flames.
While Cookshack pellet grills offer solid, made in America quality, they lag slightly behind some of their competitors in high-tech controls.
While this may be off-putting to some consumers who cannot live without Wi-Fi connectivity, it might be a bonus to others who like the simplicity of the basic on-off switches and ease of use.
Best Seller: Cookshack Fast Eddy’s PG 500
The Cookshack Fast Eddy’s PG 500 is the most basic of the pellet grills offered by the company. It has a simple design.
Like some of the more expensive models, also offers a handy warming drawer that opens up an entirely different cooking experience as it can function as a cold smoker.
One exciting feature of this pellet grill is that, unlike almost all other types, it has a split door opening system.
That makes it an excellent option for people using wheelchairs as you won’t have to reach up high to pull down the lid.
Another clever design feature is the flat top of the barrel, which can be used as storage space to keep food warm.
The downside of this pellet grill design is that it is not insulated.
It is therefore not the best choice for cold regions if you enjoy year-round cooking.
Summary of Cookshack Fast Eddy’s PG 500
| Cooking Space | 784 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | Maximum 600F |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 pounds |
| Four-zone technology | The unit allows searing over a grate, indirect cooking/smoking, warming inside a drawer, or cold smoking. |
| Movable | Yes – 4 caster wheels |
| Thermometer | Electronically controlled digital reading |
| Color | Stainless steel |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty, including 90 days of full parts and labor. |
Twin Eagles Pellet Grills
Owning a Twin Eagles Pellet Grill sets you apart from the average backyard chef.
This American-made brand spells pure luxury, and everything from the appearance to the performance puts it in a league of its own.
A Twin Eagles Pellet grill is better suited to an entire luxury outdoor cooking set up than a standalone unit suitable for a back porch.
The founder, Dante Cantal, designed the pellet grill to encompass the very best of design and advanced grilling technology.
The price tag may be jaw-dropping, but it comes with a touch of magic that is hard to find on most pellet grills.
The company offers a range of outdoor kitchen equipment, but its impressive lineup includes two models of pellet grills.
The first thing that differentiates this brand from most others reviewed is that these cookers are entirely different in appearance.
While most pellet grills have huge side hoppers and bulky-looking, solid lids, Twin Eagle designed cookers look like high-tech indoor cookers rather than pellet grills.
Both models feature weatherproof touch screens, and you simply dial in your temperature and let it get to work.
If you are in love with the idea of owning one of these pellet grills, keep in mind that you need to purchase the base separately.
Best Seller: Dometic Twin Eagles Pellet Grill 36R
Twin Eagles’ pellet grills are so unique that they hardly seem to be pellet grills at all.
Forget the big, smoky backyard system and lugging large bags of pellets about; the Dometic 36R is pellet grilling in its most sophisticated form.
If the grill is loaded with pellets, all you have to do is manually set a temperature or select a preprogrammed food item and touch the control screen to get it started.
It operates more like a microwave than a messy pellet grill.
However, the taste is 100% wood pellet cooked, and from start to finish, the cooking process is designed to be hassle-free.
The front-loading hopper may not be the biggest, but this brand is definitely not the one you should choose if you are regularly cooking for large families.
These pellet grills are chic, luxury items intended for those who have convenience, opulent appearance, and luxury as top priorities.
Summary of Dometic Twin Eagles Pellet Grill 36R
| Cooking Space | 720 Square Inch |
| Cooking Temperature | 140F – 725F |
| Hopper Capacity | 13 pounds |
| Five zone technology | Sear, bake, grill, smoke, rotisserie |
| Movable | Only sold as a top unit – base sold separately |
| Thermometer | 3 Temperature probes and Wi-Fi enables |
| Color | Laser-cut, heli arc welded stainless steel |
| Cost | Around $7500 – it is pellet grilling at another level. |
Weber Smokefire Wood Pellet Grill
Weber has been included in this list of USA-made pellet grills so that it is comprehensive.
However, it may be up to individual consumers to decide precisely how important locally-made is to them when considering this brand.
The Weber company was founded in 1952, and it is certainly a steadfast and trusted name in the outdoor technology game.
Although Weber has been marketed as a local brand, they were taken to task in a lawsuit regarding how local they really are.
They remain steadfast in claims that their pellet grills are made in the USA.
Weber Smokefire Wood Pellet Grills are constructed in a factory in Huntley, Illinois, so it does support the local community and support local job creation.
However, unlike some of the other pellet grill brands, some of the components on their grills may be globally sourced.
Weber is certainly in a grey area if you are looking for a 100% American-made pellet grill.
Still, the price tag on a Weber pellet grill is much less frightening than on many other brands, and you are assured of an excellent product with a proven track record.
Conclusion
Consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to pellet grills made in the USA.
Brands range from the most basic Cookshack Fast Eddy’s PG 500 to the sheer luxury of Twin Eagles Dometic, which features touch screen technology.
In the end, pellet grills are all about the end results – the distinctive smoky flavor offered by pellet grills and the atmosphere of family and friends gathered around.
