If you’re someone who loves the mouthwatering aroma of slow-smoked ribs, juicy grilled burgers, or tender wood-fired chicken, a pellet smoker grill is your next backyard essential. These grills bring together convenience, versatility, and deep flavor, making them perfect for both BBQ beginners and seasoned pitmasters. What makes them even more practical is the addition of a side shelf, giving you that extra space for prepping sauces, organizing tools, or holding a cold drink while you grill. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting weekend cookouts, choosing the right pellet smoker with a side shelf can elevate your entire outdoor cooking experience.
List of the Best Pellet Smoker Grills with Side Shelf
Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
If you’re ready to take your backyard grilling game to a whole new level, the Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is here to deliver wood-fired flavor and effortless control. This all-in-one electric pellet smoker grill lets you smoke, grill, roast, bake, braise, and BBQ, all from one sturdy, user-friendly setup. With 572 square inches of cooking space, you can easily cook for a crowd. Whether you’re searing steaks or slow-smoking brisket, the advanced Digital Pro Controller ensures even heat across every inch of the grate. Thanks to its large side shelf, meat probe, and an 18-pound hopper, it’s designed for long sessions without the hassle of constant refilling. Built tough with powder-coated steel and large wheels, this grill is made to move when you need and stay put when you don’t. It’s an excellent choice for anyone craving bold flavor with total control.
Key Features
- 6-in-1 cooking: Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all in one machine
- Digital Pro Controller maintains temperatures between 180°F to 450°F
- 572 sq. in. of cooking space fits up to 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, or 4 whole chickens
- Built-in meat probe lets you check internal food temps without lifting the lid
- 18-lb hopper supports long smoke sessions with fewer pellet refills
- Durable powder-coated steel body and porcelain-coated grates for easy cleanup
- Rugged sawhorse chassis and large wheels for added stability and mobility
- Compatible with a wide range of Traeger accessories for customization
What We Like
- Excellent temperature stability for consistent cooking results
- Big enough for family feasts or weekend gatherings
- Easy to assemble with clear instructions
- Natural hardwood pellets give food an unmatched smoky taste
- Side shelf adds extra space for prepping or holding tools
- User-friendly controls make it approachable for beginners
What We Don’t Like
- Lid can get heavy for some users when opening frequently
Overall
The Traeger Pro Series 22 is a top-notch pellet smoker grill with a side shelf that brings rich, smoky flavor to any meal and does it with ease. Whether you’re new to outdoor smoking or a seasoned grill master, this grill offers simplicity, performance, and room to grow your BBQ skills. Its smart design and sturdy construction make it a reliable addition to any backyard, and the 6-in-1 cooking power means you’ll never run out of meal ideas. If you’re looking for a dependable grill that makes food taste amazing, this one’s worth firing up.
Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Smoker Grill is a backyard game-changer for anyone serious about smoky, wood-fired flavor. Designed for both convenience and capacity, this grill offers a spacious 970 sq. in. cooking surface that handles everything from family dinners to full-blown feasts. With built-in WiFIRE tech, a digital pellet sensor, and Super Smoke Mode, you get smarter, more flavorful cooking at the push of a button. Whether you’re roasting ribs, slow-smoking pork butts, or baking wood-fired pizza, this grill gives you reliable performance and easy control from your phone. The folding side shelf makes prep a breeze, while the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg simplifies cleanup. From weekend warriors to seasoned pitmasters, the Woodridge Pro is built to impress.
Key Features
- 6-in-1 functionality: Grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, and BBQ
- Extra-large 970 sq. in. cooking space fits 7 chickens or 9 racks of ribs
- Super Smoke Mode delivers richer, deeper wood-fired flavor
- WiFIRE technology connects to the Traeger app for remote control and monitoring
- Digital pellet sensor keeps track of fuel levels during long cooks
- Keep Warm Mode maintains food temp until serving
- Foldable side shelf adds extra prep space when you need it
- EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg makes maintenance quick and clean
- Compatible with P.A.L. Pop-And-Lock and ModiFIRE accessories for full customization
What We Like
- Huge cooking capacity perfect for entertaining or meal prep
- Smart features let you control the grill from anywhere
- Reliable temperature control with wide heat range from 180°F to 500°F
- Easy to clean with built-in ash and grease management
- Folding side shelf adds practical space for tools or platters
- Excellent smoke output, especially with Super Smoke Mode enabled
- Sleek design and solid build quality
What We Don’t Like
- Takes time to heat up before cooking
- Might have occasional button responsiveness issues
Overall
The Traeger Woodridge Pro is one of the most capable pellet smoker grills with a side shelf you can own. It’s packed with smart features that take the guesswork out of grilling and smoking while delivering mouthwatering results every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a hungry crowd, this grill is built to handle it with ease, flavor, and flexibility. If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup, this grill is worth your attention and your taste buds will thank you.
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a compact wood pellet grill and smoker packed with versatility and smart features that make outdoor cooking easier than ever. With its 8-in-1 cooking capability, this grill lets you smoke, grill, roast, bake, braise, sear, char-grill, and BBQ with precision. It’s designed with a reliable PID V2.1 controller that holds steady temperatures and eliminates the need for babysitting. The 459 sq. in. cooking space is ideal for small families or backyard gatherings, and the foldable front shelf gives you extra room for tools, trays, or spices. Whether you’re new to pellet grilling or a weekend pitmaster, the ZPG-450A delivers flavorful results with less effort and solid build quality that lasts.
Key Features
- 8-in-1 pellet grill: BBQ, smoke, roast, sear, bake, braise, grill, and char
- PID V2.1 controller for accurate temperature management
- 459 sq. in. of total cooking space for small to mid-size meals
- Foldable front and side shelf for prep and storage convenience
- Heavy-duty steel construction with powder-coated finish
- LCD display and built-in meat probe for easy temperature monitoring
- Pellet technology offers rich, wood-smoked flavor with push-button simplicity
- Portable design with two wheels for easy moving around the yard
What We Like
- User-friendly controls and auto temperature adjustments
- Compact size makes it great for patios or smaller spaces
- Foldable shelf adds valuable prep space
- Reliable performance for both low-and-slow and hot grilling
- Affordable way to enjoy real wood-fired cooking
- Sturdy build that feels durable out of the box
What We Don’t Like
- Slight temperature fluctuations during longer cooks
- Assembly instructions could be clearer for first-time users
Overall
The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a great entry-level pellet smoker grill with a side shelf, offering solid performance, reliable temperature control, and flexibility in a compact package. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to explore real wood-fired cooking without complicated setup or high maintenance. With its smart features and simple operation, this grill brings the joy of outdoor BBQ to any backyard.
KingChii Electric Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
KingChii Electric Pellet Grill and Smoker is a space-saving yet feature-rich option for backyard cooks who want real wood-smoked flavor without the bulk. With a 456 sq. in. cooking area and a PID intelligent controller, this grill holds steady heat from 180°F to 425°F, making it perfect for everything from smoking ribs to baking pizza. The compact body includes a handy side shelf for prep work, a digital controller, and an 11-lb hopper that feeds pellets efficiently with D2 tech. Easy to move and simple to clean with a removable oil drum, this grill is great for camping, tailgates, or small patio setups. Whether you’re new to smoking or just want a reliable, no-fuss option, this grill offers real versatility and flavor.
Key Features
- PID intelligent temperature control keeps heat steady within ±15°F
- 456 sq. in. cooking surface fits up to 12 burgers, 4 racks of ribs, or 2 chickens
- Supports grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, braising, and more
- D2 pellet feed system with 11-lb hopper for longer cook sessions
- Side shelf and front area offer extra space for tools and prep
- Alloy steel build with easy-rolling wheels for mobility
- Partitioned grease/oil storage with removable drum for quick cleaning
- Digital control panel and auto-ignition simplify startup and cooking
What We Like
- Holds a steady temperature for consistent cooking results
- Ideal size for small families or compact outdoor spaces
- User-friendly controls great for beginners
- Side shelf and front foldable rack add convenience during prep
- Clean-up is fast and hassle-free thanks to smart grease separation
What We Don’t Like
- Light might smoke output even on the smoke setting
- Assembly instructions could be clearer for first-time users
Overall
The KingChii pellet smoker grill with side shelf delivers solid performance in a sleek, compact design that’s perfect for casual backyard grilling or weekend getaways. With reliable temperature control, smart pellet feeding, and practical features like mobility and easy cleanup, it’s a great starter or secondary grill for those who value simplicity and flavor. It’s a smart choice if you’re looking to enjoy wood-fired cooking with less effort and more control.
DAMNISS Electric Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
DAMNISS Electric Pellet Grill offers a smart blend of convenience and cooking power, perfect for backyard chefs who want flavorful results without overcomplicated setup. With 456 sq. in. of cooking space, this compact unit can handle up to 20 burgers or multiple racks of ribs at once. It features a digital LCD temperature controller that adjusts from 160°F to 500°F with high accuracy, making it ideal for everything from slow smoking to searing. The built-in meat probe ensures food is cooked to perfection, while the side shelf with hanging hooks adds handy prep and tool space. Built from stainless steel with a heavy-duty frame and smooth-rolling wheels, this grill is easy to move and built to last. Whether you’re new to pellet smoking or looking for a reliable, no-fuss cooker, this one’s ready to fire up flavor anytime.
Key Features
- 8-in-1 cooking: smoke, grill, roast, bake, braise, sear, char, and BBQ
- LCD digital controller allows precise temp adjustment from 160°F to 500°F
- 456 sq. in. cooking area fits 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs, or 20 burgers
- Built-in meat probe monitors internal food temperature in real-time
- Side shelf with hooks for tools, sauces, or prepping food
- Stainless steel build resists rust and holds up in the elements
- Heavy-duty wheels and locking casters for easy movement and stability
- Energy-efficient pellet system using 100% wood pellets for smoky flavor
What We Like
- Reliable heat control and wide temperature range
- Great size for families or small gatherings
- Side shelf and hooks make prep and grilling more organized
- Compact design fits well on patios or decks
- Easy to clean and low maintenance after each cook
What We Don’t Like
- May consume more pellets during colder weather
- Assembly may require extra care due to minor hardware issues
Overall
The DAMNISS pellet smoker grill with side shelf is a reliable and user-friendly choice for anyone ready to step into wood pellet BBQ. It offers real versatility, solid temperature control, and practical features like a side table and meat probe, all in a sturdy, well-built frame. From ribs to roasted veggies, this grill brings out rich, smoky flavor every time. It’s a smart pick for backyard cooks who want great taste without the guesswork.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pellet Smoker Grill with Side Shelf
Cooking Area Size
Think about how many people you usually cook for. Grills like the Traeger Woodridge Pro offer up to 970 square inches, perfect for large gatherings. Smaller models such as the KingChii or DAMNISS provide around 456 square inches, great for families or couples.
Temperature Range and Control
A wide temperature range lets you cook low and slow or hot and fast. Look for grills with digital PID controllers, like those in the Z GRILLS and DAMNISS models, to help maintain consistent heat. Some models even include Super Smoke Mode for extra flavor.
Smart Features
Wi-Fi connectivity can be a game changer. It allows you to monitor and adjust grill temps remotely using your phone. The Traeger Woodridge Pro includes this along with pellet sensors and a meat probe for full control.
Build Quality and Portability
You want something sturdy and weather-resistant. Stainless steel components and powder-coated finishes extend the grill’s lifespan. Models with large wheels or locking casters make moving them easy, especially if you need to store them after use.
Ease of Cleaning
Check if the grill has features like removable grease trays or ash collection systems. The EZ-Clean Keg in the Traeger Woodridge Pro and the grease collector in DAMNISS grills are practical for hassle-free maintenance.
Side Shelf Utility
A side shelf isn’t just an add-on. It’s extra space for prep work, organizing utensils, or holding a tray of food. Folding or hook-equipped shelves add even more value.
FAQs
A pellet smoker uses wood pellets and a motorized auger system to maintain consistent temperatures and create smoke. This allows for better flavor and low-maintenance cooking compared to traditional charcoal or gas grills.
While not essential, a side shelf adds valuable prep and storage space. It makes grilling more convenient and helps keep tools and sauces within reach.
Not really. Most just need occasional ash removal and pellet hopper cleaning. Choosing models with easy-clean systems helps cut down on maintenance time.
Yes, many are designed for multiple functions including baking, roasting, braising, and even searing. Look for 6-in-1 or 8-in-1 cooking capabilities.
If you usually cook for two to four people, around 450 to 500 square inches is plenty. For larger groups, grills offering 700 square inches or more will give you the flexibility to cook multiple items at once.
Conclusion
A pellet smoker grill with a side shelf gives you everything you need for flavorful, stress-free outdoor cooking. Whether you go for a compact model like the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A or a fully loaded powerhouse like the Traeger Woodridge Pro, you’re investing in more than just a grill. You’re adding versatility, smoky flavor, and convenience to every cookout. With the right features and a little know-how, your next backyard BBQ could be your best yet. Take your time, choose a model that fits your space and style, and get ready to enjoy real wood-fired goodness.
Leave a Reply