Smart Appliances

The FireBoard 2 earns the Top Pick for serious smokers: six-probe capacity, dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and cloud data logging that few competitors match during extended cooks. Weekend pitmasters who want wire-free convenience without sacrificing accuracy will find the MEATER Block 4 delivers a polished four-probe experience with the strongest app in the category. Budget-focused buyers who need dependable multi-zone coverage without the premium price tag will find the ThermoPro TP25 punches well above its price point.

Updated June 2026

The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Electric Smoker is the strongest starting point for most first-time buyers — WiFi remote monitoring, a side chip loader that adds smoke without breaking chamber temperature, and integrated meat probes combine to create genuinely low-intervention operation suited to weekend family cooks. Buyers who want authentic charcoal flavor with comparable automation should consider the Masterbuilt 800 Gravity Smoker as a compelling alternative, though it demands a larger budget and a slightly more involved first cook. For tighter budgets, the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker delivers the same core electric platform at a meaningfully lower price, with only modest feature trade-offs.

Updated June 2026

The Traeger Pro 575 is the strongest starting point for most first-time buyers — it delivers WiFi connectivity, a capable cook surface, and Traeger's core set-and-forget reliability at a price that doesn't demand justification for a first pellet grill. Buyers who need something compact and portable will find the Tailgater a more practical fit, while those hosting regular gatherings for 8–12 people and willing to stretch the budget will get meaningfully more from the Woodridge Pro. The Pro 575 wins the center of the beginner market by doing everything well without overcomplicating the ownership experience.

Updated June 2026

The Traeger Westwood earns the Top Pick for buyers who want genuine set-and-forget convenience under $700 — WiFIRE app connectivity, a 7-year warranty, and Traeger's established ecosystem make it the most complete entry-level package at this price point. The Z Grills 700 is the clear Budget Pick for buyers willing to trade brand polish and warranty depth for meaningful savings and a proven long-term ownership record. The Pit Boss Sportsman 850 stretches beyond the stated ceiling but brings direct-flame searing capability that neither competitor can match — a genuine justification for buyers who need it.

Updated June 2026