10 Best Pellet Grills With Side Sear Box of 2026 for Searing, Smoking, and Backyard BBQ

A pellet grill with side sear box gives you the low-and-slow smoke you want plus the high heat you need for steaks, burgers, and finishing touches.

Below, we focus on practical picks that balance temperature control, cooking space, portability, and searing power for different kinds of outdoor cooks.

Best 10 Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box Picks for 2026

Camp Chef Sidekick Sear – 14" BBQ Box Accessory

If you want a pellet grill with side sear box capability, this Camp Chef Sidekick Sear is built to add a high-heat propane searing station to a compatible Camp Chef setup. It pairs with most Camp Chef pellet grills and lets you move from wood-fired cooking to a piercing-hot sear without changing your cook area.

Best For: Camp Chef owners who want a dedicated gas sear box for reverse searing and faster finishing.

Pros:

• Propane-powered single burner attachment designed to fasten to most Camp Chef pellet grills
• Includes a stainless steel BBQ box for searing after pellet-grill cooking
• Supports reverse sear cooking with high-heat finishing
• Stainless steel construction with a portable free-standing configuration

Cons:

• Only compatible with Camp Chef systems that accept the 14″ Sidekick accessory
• Requires gas fuel instead of using pellet fuel for the sear station

This is a focused add-on, not a full grill replacement, but it makes sense if your goal is to expand an existing Camp Chef pellet setup with reliable direct heat.

Pit Boss Portable Grill – Battery Pellet Grill with Flame Broiler

This compact pellet grill with side sear box-style direct-heat performance is aimed at travel cooks who still want real searing power. The Pit Boss 150 combines portable pellet grilling with a Flame Broiler that can reach direct flame searing up to 1,000°F, making it a strong pick for tailgating, camping, or quick outdoor meals.

Best For: Portable cooking when you want pellet flavor plus direct-flame searing on the go.

Pros:

• Battery-powered design with 12V DC power and easy transport latches
• Flame Broiler allows direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
• 256 sq. in. cooking area with two porcelain-coated cooking grates
• Includes a meat probe and custom-fit cover

Cons:

• Small 7 lb. hopper and 256 sq. in. surface limit batch size
• Designed for portability, so it is not a large backyard workhorse

For a compact grill, it offers unusually flexible heat control, but the limited cooking space keeps it firmly in the travel-friendly category.

Camp Chef BBQ Box – 14" Cast Iron Grill Box

If you’re looking for a pellet grill with side sear box-style flexibility, this Camp Chef BBQ Box is a straightforward way to add direct grilling power to a compatible 14″ Camp Chef system. It uses cast iron construction and a domed lid to help distribute heat evenly while giving you a dedicated grill surface for outdoor cooking.

Best For: Camp Chef stove owners who want a simple, durable grill box for direct grilling.

Pros:

• Fits one burner in 14″ Camp Chef Blue Flame systems
• Cast iron grate and dome lid help with even heat distribution
• 14″ x 16″ cooking space works for groups
• Portable, free-standing design for outdoor use

Cons:

• Requires a compatible Camp Chef stove rather than functioning on its own
• Heavier cast iron build at 21.9 pounds

This is less of a standalone grill and more of a modular cooking upgrade, which is exactly the appeal if you already use Camp Chef’s accessory system.

Z GRILLS 600D – 8-in-1 Pellet Grill with Searing

This pellet grill with side sear box appeal comes from its built-in direct searing function, letting you cook low and slow and then finish with a hotter crust on the same unit. The Z GRILLS 600D adds PID temperature control, a large 572 sq. in. cooking area, and convenient storage, making it a practical backyard option for families and frequent grillers.

Best For: Home cooks who want pellet smoking, searing, and plenty of cook space in one grill.

Pros:

• PID 3.0 technology helps maintain stable cooking temperatures
• 8-in-1 cooking modes include grill, smoke, BBQ, roast, and char-grill
• 572 sq. in. of grilling area suits larger outdoor meals
• Side shelf, tool hooks, and storage cabinet improve convenience

Cons:

• Direct flame searing requires the lid to be open
• Heavier alloy-steel build is less portable than compact grills

It stands out as the most complete all-around backyard option here, especially if you want searing built into a larger pellet grill instead of adding a separate side box.

Smart Backyard Performer – Oakford Pro Pellet Grill with 824 Sq. In. Cooking Area

If you want a pellet grill with side sear box-style versatility in a single setup, the Oakford Pro is built around smart control, a large cook area, and direct-heat capability through its 6-in-1 system. The Bluetooth connection, LCD controller, and meat probe make it easier to manage cooks without constantly opening the lid.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want a large-capacity pellet grill with app-based control and flexible cooking modes.

Pros:

• 824 sq. in. of cooking space for family meals and gatherings
• 32 lb hopper helps reduce refill frequency during longer cooks
• I-Site pellet view indicator makes fuel monitoring simple
• Bluetooth connectivity and digital control add convenience

Cons:

• Large footprint may be more grill than casual users need
• At 136.7 pounds, it is not a portable option
• Requires corded electric power for operation

This model stands out if you value room to cook, steady pellet management, and smart temperature control. It is a practical pick for homeowners who want one grill to handle a wide range of outdoor meals.

Portable Sear Zone Pick – Cuisinart 8-in-1 Portable Wood Pellet Grill

The Cuisinart 8-in-1 is a compact pellet grill with side sear box-style function built into its sear zone, giving you both direct and indirect cooking in a portable package. With 256 sq. in. of total space, a food probe, and digital temperature control, it suits quick setups where flexibility matters more than size.

Best For: RV trips, tailgates, and small outdoor spaces where portability and searing capability matter.

Pros:

• Integrated sear zone supports direct-heat cooking
• Portable 40 lb design with locking lid and carry handle
• 8-in-1 cooking options add plenty of versatility
• Digital controller and probe help with consistent results

Cons:

• 256 sq. in. cooking area is limited for larger crowds
• Temperature range tops out at 500°F
• Best suited to compact, not full-size, grilling needs

For campers and tailgaters, this grill delivers useful searing ability without the bulk of a bigger backyard unit. It is a practical option when you want pellet flavor, easy transport, and straightforward digital control.

Value Flame Broiler Choice – Pit Boss 440 Mahogany Series Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss 440 Mahogany Series is a straightforward pellet grill with side sear box-style performance thanks to its Flame Broiler Lever, which lets you switch between direct and indirect heat. It combines an 8-in-1 cooking system, 518 sq. in. of cooking space, and a digital controller for users who want easy temperature management without extra complexity.

Best For: Buyers who want an affordable pellet grill with direct-heat searing and a useful mid-size cooking area.

Pros:

• Flame Broiler Lever enables instant direct or indirect heat
• 8-in-1 versatility covers smoking through searing
• 518 sq. in. cooking space is practical for everyday use
• LED digital controller helps monitor temperature and fuel

Cons:

• 5 lb hopper is smaller than many larger pellet grills
• Not as spacious as full-size backyard models
• Best for moderate rather than marathon smoking sessions

This model is a smart fit if you want searing flexibility without stepping up to a bigger, more expensive pellet grill. It keeps the feature set focused and useful for cooks who value direct heat and dependable everyday performance.

Compact Wood-Fired All-Rounder – Jocoevol 456 Sq.In Pellet Grill

If you want a pellet grill with side sear box-style versatility in a compact package, this Jocoevol model is built for everyday backyard cooking. It covers smoking, grilling, baking, and roasting with wood pellets, while the PID controller helps hold temperatures steady from 180°F to 425°F for more consistent results.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want a simple, versatile pellet grill with steady temperature control and enough space for family meals.

Pros:

• 6-in-1 cooking functions for smoke, grill, bake, and roast
• PID temperature control for more stable heat management
• 456 sq. in. cooking area plus 20-lb pellet hopper
• Stainless steel body with cast iron grates and rain cover included

Cons:

• Temperature range tops out at 425°F, so it is less suited to high-heat searing
• Not a dedicated side-sear-box design
• Best fit for smaller gatherings rather than large crowds

This is a practical pick if you value easy pellet cooking and consistent low-to-mid heat performance over maximum searing power. The side shelf, hooks, wheels, and clean-out system add convenience for regular backyard use.

High-Heat Sear Performer – Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill

For shoppers comparing a pellet grill with side sear box alternatives, this Pit Boss stands out because its Flame Broiler lever delivers direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F. It still works as a full-size pellet grill and smoker, with a 180°F to 500°F range, digital control, and a large 747-square-inch cook area for flexible backyard cooking.

Best For: Cooks who want pellet-smoker convenience but also need strong direct-flame searing for steaks and burgers.

Pros:

• Flame Broiler lever enables direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
• Large 747 sq. in. cooking space with two tiers of porcelain-coated steel racks
• Digital controller adjusts in 5°F increments from 180°F to 500°F
• 21-lb hopper and included meat probe add long-cook convenience

Cons:

• Heavier freestanding unit at 119.1 pounds
• Requires more space than a portable pellet grill
• Direct searing is built in, but it is not a separate side box

This is a strong choice if you want the closest thing to searing power without moving to a separate side firebox setup. The roomy layout and broad temperature range make it well suited for mixed cooking styles.

Portable Sear-and-Go Option – Pit Boss 150 Tabletop Pellet Grill

If you need a pellet grill with side sear box-style flexibility in a travel-friendly size, this Pit Boss tabletop model brings direct-flame capability in a compact package. It offers 180°F to 500°F temperature control, automatic start-up and cool-down, and a Flame Broiler that reaches up to 1,000°F for quick searing on the go.

Best For: Tailgaters, campers, and travelers who want a portable pellet grill that can still handle high-heat searing.

Pros:

• Portable design with latch-lock lid and carry handles
• Flame Broiler provides direct heat searing up to 1,000°F
• Automatic start-up and cool-down simplify cooking and cleanup
• 256 sq. in. cooking surface and 7-lb hopper suit travel cooks

Cons:

• Much smaller cooking area than full-size pellet grills
• 7-lb hopper limits very long unattended cooks
• Best for smaller meals rather than large backyard gatherings

This model makes the most sense when portability matters as much as flavor. It gives you pellet-smoker convenience and real searing ability without the size or weight of a full freestanding grill.

How We Picked the Best Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box Options

We prioritized models and accessories that make it easier to smoke and sear on the same setup, with an emphasis on build quality, temperature range, usable cooking area, and overall value. We also looked for features that matter in real backyard use, like reliable controllers, quick heat response, and enough side-heat capability to finish food properly.

Because shoppers use a Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box differently, we also considered portability, hopper size, ease of cleanup, and whether the grill is better suited to weeknight meals, patio cooking, or larger gatherings.

Quick Comparison

If you want maximum flexibility, look for a full-size pellet grill with strong temperature control and a dedicated sear attachment or flame-broiler style system. If you cook smaller meals or travel often, a compact model can still deliver solid smoke flavor without taking up much space. For frequent steak nights, prioritize higher peak heat and responsive ignition over extra bells and whistles.

Key Buying Factors for a Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box

Searing Heat

The side sear area should get hot fast and stay hot enough for direct cooking. That matters most if you want a real crust on steaks, chops, chicken thighs, or vegetables.

Temperature Range and Control

For smoking, a stable low end is essential. For finishing, you want enough top-end heat to sear without overcooking the interior. PID or digital controllers can help maintain consistency.

Cooking Space

Match the grill size to your household. Smaller cookers work well for couples, campers, or tight patios, while larger units are better for meal prep, parties, and full brisket sessions.

Portability and Storage

If you tailgate or camp, weight, footprint, and fuel capacity matter. If the grill stays on the deck, cabinet storage, shelf space, and accessory compatibility may be more important.

Who Should Buy Which Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box?

Buy a compact model if you need something easy to move and simple to use for everyday meals. Choose a mid-size grill if you want the best balance of searing ability, smoke performance, and usable capacity. Go with a larger Pellet Grill with Side Sear Box potential if you cook for a crowd or want more flexibility for long smokes, multi-zone cooking, and entertaining.

If your priority is steakhouse-style finishing, focus on heat output and sear setup first. If your priority is versatility, choose the grill with the best temperature control and enough space to handle both smoking and direct heat cooking comfortably.