Memphis Grills don’t just make some of the best-looking pellet barbecues on the market! These commercial-quality, full stainless steel, WiFi-enabled units will smoke or grill anything you throw at them. And, they’ll do an exceptional job every single time. If you’re considering either the Pro or Elite model for your backyard, here’s our full Memphis Grill review with all the features, specs and details you need to make your decision.
And, before we get started, the main difference between the Pro and Elite models is the size. The majority of their features overlap; the larger Elite just has a larger pellet hopper as well as more cooking space.
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Table of Contents
Features
- Full stainless steel design
- 100% wood fired
- Wide temperature range
- Suitable for smoking and grilling
- Set and forget intelligent temperature control
- WiFi enabled
- Double walled insulation
- Dual convection fans
- Oven-grade gasket
- Available in two sizes, both with optional grate expanders
- Large pellet hopper
- Available in cart and built-in models
Specs for the Freestanding Memphis Grills Pro
Barbecue type: Pellet smoker and grill
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Barbecue material: Double walled stainless steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 562 sq. in. in basic, 834 sq. in. with optional grate expanders
Pellet hopper capacity: 18lbs
Heat Range: 180-650°F
Price guide: $$$
Model: VG0001S4 (#430 stainless steel) and VG000S2 (#304 stainless steel)
Assembled size (in): 47(H) x 57(W) x 29(D)
Weight: 213lbs
Warranty: 30 days on meat probe, 3 years on electronics, 7 years on remaining parts
Specs for the Freestanding Memphis Grills Elite
Barbecue type: Pellet smoker and grill
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Barbecue material: Double walled stainless steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 862 sq. in. in basic, 1,274 sq. in. with optional grate expanders
Pellet hopper capacity: 24lbs
Heat Range: 180-700°F
Price guide: $$$$$
Model: VG0002S
Assembled size (in): 47(H) x 69(L) x 29(D)
Weight: 283lbs
Warranty: 30 days on meat probe, 3 years on electronics, 7 years on remaining parts
Review of the Memphis Pro and Elite Pellet Barbecues
When it comes to combined smoking and grilling, the Memphis Pro and Elite Pellet Barbecues are truly top of the line. With all the necessary features to make barbecue simple and hands-down amazing, both of these units are perfection in every way.
In designing the Pro and Elite Pellet Grills, Memphis haven’t spared any expense.
Starting with the 100% double-layered, stainless steel construction, you can forget the common problems of flaking paint and premature rust. These units are built to last and will stay looking as good as they do on day one thanks to their quality craftsmanship.
In addition to the double-walled steel, there’s also an oven-grade gasket. This effectively seals the heat and smoke in, increasing burn efficiency while ensuring your meat gets the maximum flavor without losing that all important moisture.
In fact, the Memphis Pro and Memphis Elite are pretty much an outdoor oven in a ‘cue. Inside, heat is circulated for an even cook by dual convection fans. This makes these units totally set and forget. You won’t need to rotate meat or worry about optimal placement because the internal temperature is as steady throughout as you’d expect from a fan-baked oven.
To smoke on the Memphis Wood Fired Grills, simply fill the pellet hopper, set your temperature and load it up with the goods. The Pro model holds 18 pounds of pellets, giving you about 12 hours of uninterrupted cooking time at 350 degrees. While the larger Elite model offers a 24 hour capacity for around 16 hours of low and slow smoking.
Both the Pro and Elite Pellet Grills feature dual hoppers. This means that you can mix and match different wood flavors for a totally unique taste. Or, just load up both sides with the same for a more traditional tasting meal.
And, for when you’re doing those long cooks, there’s also built-in WiFi enabled control. This means you can check on your temperature and make adjustments without having to go outside. You can even cook dinner for the Mrs while you’re at work (how’s that for earning browning points?!?). And, if you’re a beginner or want an easy option, the Memphis app even comes with easy to follow recipes that tell you exactly how hot to cook what at.
Also included with a new Pro or Elite Pellet Grill is one meat probe. This allows you to see the internal temperature of your meat directly on your phone. Once it hits the target temperature, it’s time to eat and you’ll never have under or over-cooked meat again. You can also buy additional meat probes if you’re cooking more than one type of meat at a time.
But, one major selling point for the Memphis Pro and Elite Pellet Grills is that they do just that, they grill! While most pellet barbecues on the market can’t reach high enough temperatures to grill well (even if they claim to), the Memphis range really can sear. Both models come with a perforated insert that’s easy to add and opens up the heat so you can grill directly over the pellet fire. The Pro model maxes out at about 650 degrees while the Elite can reach 700. Either way, you’ve got enough power to quickly whip up some steaks with the convenience of gas cooking but on an open real wood fire.
To add even more to the versatility of this incredible barbecue, both the Memphis Pro and Elite are available in either a cart or built-in model. The cart offers plenty of storage and has doors so you don’t have to leave it tidy. And, the built-in version definitely has the quality and good looks that you want to be a permanent feature of your backyard.
But, regardless of which of the options you choose, if you want an easy to use, versatile wood-fired smoker and grill, the Memphis Pro or Elite Pellet Grills are hands-down worth the money because it’ll last so long and be the pride of your backyard.
Pros of the Memphis Grills Pro and Elite Pellet Smoker and Grill
- 100% wood fired barbecue without the hassle of having to source wood and closely monitor the fire
- Full stainless steel construction provides strength and rust-resistance while eliminating the need for paint which might flake
- Offers excellent insulation with double walled design
- Oven-grade gasket keeps all the heat and smoke in
- Dual convection fans circulate heat and smoke for an even cook without needing to rotate meat
- Precise digital temperature control
- Large pellet hopper allows for extended set and forget cook times
- Dual pellet hopper design gives flexibility of using one or both, even allows you to mix wood flavors easily
- Huge temperature range makes it suitable for cold smoking, low and slow barbecue and high heat grilling
- Also works as an outdoor oven to bake and roast
- Comes with perforated insert allowing you to grill directly over the wood fire
- WiFi connectivity for remote control
- Package includes one meat probe so you can also monitor internal meat temperature for total perfection
- Available in either a cart model or stand-alone to be built into an outdoor kitchen
- Great looking combined grill and smoker
- Easy to clean
- Long warranty for peace of mind
Cons of the Memphis Grills Pro and Elite Pellet Smoker and Grill
- Uses electricity so you’ll need access to power in your yard
FAQs About the Memphis Grills Pro and Elite Pellet Smokers
How many temperature probes can you use with the Memphis Grill? Both the Pro and Elite models come with 1 probe. But, they can take up to 3 probes at a time.
What’s the difference between the different types of stainless steel these are made in? Both the Pro and Elite models come in a choice of #304 stainless steel (standard) or the #430 stainless steel which is more rust resistant for coastal areas.
Our Verdict on the Memphis Grill Review: Pro and Elite Pellet Barbecues
If you’re looking for perfection and ease when it comes to backyard smoking and grilling, there’s no doubt that the Memphis Pro and Elite Wood Fired Grills will deliver. These units have been meticulously designed to turn out consistently excellent results in a very high-quality, set and forget package that looks professional and appealing.
While both the Pro and Elite models won’t be within everyone’s budget, they’re a solid investment that’s got the versatility to suit all your cooking needs for years to come.
You can also check out our article on the best pellet smokers for more reviews of similar smokers.
