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Reviews of the Best Pellet Grill Under $500 [Best 2024]

Best Pellet Grill Under $500

There are numerous reasons why people choose pellet grills instead of traditional charcoal grills or gas ones. One of the primary advantages is that they allow precise temperature control and require little supervision, which is beneficial when, for example, you are planning to smoke food items for lengthy durations.

Pellet grills can also impart a fantastic smoky taste and can be used with various types of pellets to regulate the flavor of your food items.

Additionally, since pellet grills cook within indirect heating, they can prevent flare-ups and lead to even and consistent cooking.

We’ve examined the pellet grills available on the market today by comparing their dimensions, user-friendliness prices, and special features to offer you a complete selection of the top pellet grills that cost less than $500.

Reviews of the Best Pellet Grills Under $500 [2024]

1. Green Mountain Trek Prime WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill

This Green Mountain Davy Crockett Trek Prim WiFi Control Wood Pellet Grill is made to be the top pellet grill. The dimensions of the square inch are 219 square inches, making this grill ideal for tailgating, camping, or cooking out.

The grill can be heated up through the wifi control and a wireless remote control that can be adjusted to temperatures ranging from 150 to 500F.

The portable pellet grill is strong and compact. It can be folded down to nearly any size that you can imagine for simple storage in tight spaces such as the truck’s bed or bow.

The eco-friendly cooker has a smoke box that comes with three steaks for smoke flavor without dealing with hard-to-use smoking chips or wood parts that split into areas for food preparation.

Smoke easily fish, meat, or vegetables using this Davy Crockett. It’s simple to maintain and clean; wipe away the ash, grease, and food particles using a rag after every cooking session.

Going to the next stage, We’ll look at the Green Mountain’s Davy Crockett Stove is an ideal choice for those who travel or camp with a tight budget who want an inexpensive, compact model for less than $500.

2. Green Mountain Davy Crockett [Cheap Pellet Grills]

The Green Mountain Davy Crockett is a great product that provides every basic characteristic, with complete insulation and stylish components for a reasonable cost. It’s a light and mobile pellet grill that you can grill your meals at your outdoor patio.

The legs of the grill can fold to become handles so you can pull them or go on trips with your portable pellet grill. Anyone can set up this grill easily, and once it has been cooked, it is cleaned without any hassle.

In assessing the capabilities of any grill, you must consider its cooking range and temperature range.

This is because these two are the most significant aspects. The Davy Crockett offers a grilling space of 264 square feet, a decent average area ideal for cooking. Grills are heated within between 150 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature can be controlled by displaying it on a thermometer gauge. This makes it the most user-friendly grill for pellets under $500.

This cheaper pellet is made using an auto-ignition system since it has an auto-rotating auger that forces pellets into a firebox within the grill. The ignition system increases the temperature of rods which can be used for grilling.

3. PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill

The pellet grill can also double as a smoker, giving the choice of direct or indirect heating using an adjustable flame-broiler slide plate.

Cooking is simple, as it comes with digital controls and an LED display and can manage temperatures from 180-500 degrees for everything from low and slow cooking to grilling meats for a perfect crust.

The grids for cooking are porcelain-coated steel that provides 518 sq inches of space for cooking (in addition to a removable higher cooking rack) which means there’s plenty of room for families or entertaining up to four guests.

The pellet hopper can hold five pounds for hours of grilling. Our test participant said it worked great for cooking short-term, such as smoking chicken or fish.

However, more prolonged cooking, such as barbecued pork, wasn’t enough since she needed to add more pellets before the meat had finished cooking.

While there’s not an enormous amount of space to grill, it was enough to cook the thighs of two chickens simultaneously before finishing them off using indirect heating.

To free up space on a small deck, and when the grill must be stored away, the table can be taken off. The lower shelf can be used for a bag to store pellets or other items, and the mahogany-colored lid provides this grill with an elegant look that stands out from the rest of its competitors.

A pair of large-sized wheels make it easy to move it to the ideal location in the yard or even on the deck, while the side table can be perfect for storing tools or condiments.

You can compare to this one: pit boss kc combo platinum series grill

4. Z Grills ZPG L6002E

On our following list of the best pellet smoker grill under 500 is Z Grills ZPG6002E. It’s impressive because it comes with a slide-plate flame broiler that lets you effectively grill or sear on the flame of the wood-fired open.

Do not expect it to be as effective as grilling on a separate grill. However, it will perform better than other pellet smokers that provide indirect high-temperature.

If you’re looking at all other aspects of everything else, the Z Grills 6002E is the most affordable and first model that isn’t portable on this list.

It provides a greater area of 573 sq. inches for the cooking area on an average-sized smoker. It’s primarily made of stainless steel for increased durability. Additionally, the PID-style temperature control provides better control for better results.

The 8-pound hopper isn’t much bigger than some more expensive pellet smokers. It should allow approximately 8 hours of non-assisted cooking time before adding fuel.

Overall it’s an excellent barbecue that works efficiently for a low price. There’s also a 30- day guarantee on the money back when you purchase it on Z Grills. Z Grills site gives you additional confidence when you are buying.

5. Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker

The top-rated and affordable pellet smoker, the Davy Crockett Portable, is the best cost for an impressively good barbecue.

It is made of stainless steel with a precise temperature controller with a peaked lid that allows for higher cut sizes and WiFi connectivity to control the temperature remotely. It’s a terrific value alternative that’s priced less than $500.

The problem? It’s small. Davy Crockett gives you 219 square inches of area, making it one of the most compact pellet smokers.

To give you a picture of the size of the smoker. It can hold six good meats, two chickens, or two reasonable racks of ribs simultaneously.

If there is enough room for you, it’s a good choice. Its temperature controls are stable enough even in cooler temperatures. Also, since it stops at 550 degrees, slightly higher than other grills, you can cook pretty well on it.

Keep in mind that it is a Davy Crockett is an easy smoker that can be carried around. It’s not full height. The legs also fold up to serve as handles.

It’s a nice feature for those who grill in the car. It’s sturdy and can be placed on a table in your home if the height makes you uncomfortable.

It includes a meat probe and a waterproof cover as well. It’s a great deal!

6. Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill, PPG20

Camp Chef is another well-known brand for its top-quality pellet grills and deserves to be on the list of Best Pellet Grill Under $500.

20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill from Camp Chef has been rated as one of the best models by numerous independent review websites.

I believe it is worthy of the top spot on this list due to its excellent features, the most well-known of which is the PID Temperature Control which allows for an even temperature throughout cooking to ensure uniform distribution of heat.

In addition, it comes with adjustable smoke settings that range from 1-10, with temperatures being in the range of 160-500 F.

In contrast to other available models at this price, the 20″‘ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill comes with two meat probes, making it easy for barbecue fans to grill or smoke their meat and keep an eye on it the temp of meat cooked.

I believe it’s important to note that this model a different Slide and Grill technological features, so it is easy to change the direction of indirect and indirect burning. Many prefer to cook your barbecue in this manner if you are one of them, you’ll find this model.

It has an easy-to-understand and navigates menu so that even beginners can guide it without difficulties.

The model offered by Camp Chef has a unique cleaning system for ash, making it easy and simple to clean up later.

Its design is compact and easy to transport and store around. It is easy to carry around in your yard or wherever you’d like.

7. The Razorback Wood Pellet Grill a Smoker

Ozark’s Razorback is a smaller grill with all the larger models’ features. It offers 309 square inches of cook area. The 11lbs. in hopper weight is an impressive figure considering that many grills can hold 5LB and feed ten burgers in one go!

The grill’s capability to slow-smoke or grill bake or roast and cook for a long time without refilling pellets help you save time and cost! You’ll get many benefits with the Razorback, such as being made of cast iron with a porcelain finish cooking grates to ensure your food will be perfect every time!

The Ozark Grills Razorback Pellet Grill is modern and sleek style. It is made of steel to ensure longevity, and its sturdy design has been enhanced by powder coating to protect against the elements.

The grilling experience is easy and enjoyable. It has precise temperature control and sensors and probes that provide feedback on the food you grill. Your meat remains juicy and tender, ideal for any food lover!

8. Z Grills ZPG-7002B 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Z Grills 450B contains more enhanced features. For instance, temperature control and pellet feed systems have improved, making it simpler for novices to get started.

The digital control board now instantly ignites the grill, delivering 180-450 degrees of temperature to cook using various techniques.

It can also fold down the front table, allowing more space to store food items and other kitchen utensils. Even though it’s small, it features a helpful side shelf.

A 15-pound pellet is huge in its class. You don’t need to refill for the majority of smoking. The smoker also has 450 square inch cooking space.

9. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Are you fed up with the mess created by grilling or barbeque? If so, then you should try this ZPG 450 grill from Z Grills.

The portable wheeler grill provides a simple setup and cleaning that is great, particularly for those new to grilling.

The best you can get out of your grill will be the highest quality cooking since that is what you’re paying for! It’s true! Z Grills wood pellet grill can cook your meals in various incredible ways.

In addition, it has an adjustable temperature control of up to 400 F, which helps maintain the temperature to ensure that your food won’t burn.

It’s a multi-purpose grill with 450 square inches of cooking area. You can cook nearly everything flawlessly due to its wood smoke and the flavor that enhances the taste of your food.

But, this Best Pellet Grill Under $500 is made to accommodate small gatherings or families. However, there is no loss in flavor.

It’s a wheeler grill which you can move around and enjoy a variety of food outside on your lawn. If you’re a novice, this pellet smoker 450A is highly recommended.

10. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with Digital Controls

We believe that this model offers a simple cooking experience, regardless of its eight-in-1 functions: grilling, roasting, searing, braising, barbecue-ing, char-grilling, and baking.

Z Grills 700 is one of the most adored and affordable pellet grills for under $500 due to its features, including an automatic set-it-and-forget-it feed system and unique convection forced by the fan cooking. The temperatures range from 180-450 deg F and are adjustable using a digital LCD screen.

This pellet grill has 700 sq inches of cook area and a huge hopper capacity of 20 pounds. It features a strong stainless steel structure and rust-proof, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that distribute heat uniformly and will not break.

Additional features include an electric auto-ignition mechanism, a side and bottom shelf that can be used to store tools, locking wheel casters, and a convenient waste oil collector.

11. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

In the charcoal grills made of pellets, Camp Chef is a brand with a strong appeal to the people who use them. Camp Chef is famous for its distinctive items and offers a high quality of service to its clients.

SmokePro DLX is their new premium grill made for wood pellet fuel. It’s a huge griller with ample cooking space.

The cooking area for the primary grill is 570 square inches, and another cooking rack can be added to the size of 140 square inches.

It can produce over 25,000 BTU/hr and rise to a cooking temperature at 500°, which will finish the roast in a short amount of time.

The grill is highly efficient in sustaining temperatures to an extremely high temperature. In summer, it is possible to maintain its temperature for between 15 to 20 minutes if the lid is shut.

The grill is simple to use, thanks to the electronic controls. Plug it into the outlet, feed it wood pellets and turn on your ignition.

The grill will reach the desired temperature within a half-hour unless you want to grill at a high temperature, over 400 degrees. The grill is ideal for storing smoke to cook food.

Typically, pellets don’t produce more smoke than charcoal, so food isn’t as rich in smokey taste. However, this grill has been specifically designed to ensure that the smoke stays shut within the lid, making your food as smokey as possible.

The main issue can be that this grill is heavy, and it isn’t easy to carry it on outdoor excursions. It comes with a two-wheel on the other side, making it easier to move around, and you should not have any trouble moving it around inside your home. It’s available to purchase on Amazon and retails for about $500.

12. Z Grills ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

I am confident that the Z Grills ZPG-7002E, 2020 Update Wood Pellet Grill is among the most sought-after models in the market today, which has received many positive user reviews.

In the end, it’s the response of customers that decides the quality of a product. If the consumer is content with what they get, then the product will sell like hotcakes, which is why this grill comes out as an undisputed winner.

What sets this model apart from others is an 8-in-1 model that can be used for much more than just barbecue and smoker.

It’s not just suitable for barbecue but also an excellent choice to roast, bake, and braise. Based on your mood and preferences, you can utilize it in various ways, which is why it’s highly versatile.

The most significant benefit of this grill is the distinctive wood-smoked taste that cooks food with, which makes it two steps better than cooking using a gas or carbon grill.

I am a big fan of the smoky flavor, and if you’re like me, you’ll be able to see how cooking with wood pellets is different from cooking on carbon or gas grills.

The most appealing feature of this grill is that it can cook for around 20 hours for every 20 pounds of pellets. This makes it among the best pellet grills available.

This grill is an effortless task and is simple to operate. Electronic auto-start ignitions, digital temperature control, and LED temperature reading are just a few of the main features, making it easy for novices to use.

13. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

Based in Utah in the United States, Camp Chef was established in 1990 to create sturdy and durable outdoor cooking equipment.

Camp Chef ensures that it tests each of its products to ensure that they offer the highest quality grills and smokers for its customers.

With an all-steel body and a stainless steel body, the DLX Pellet Grill offers rust-resistance and long life. The 140 lbs grill is backed by two wheels that allow for flexibility, allowing the grill to be moved from the storage area to your backyard in a snap.

In addition, there is a huge capacity for cooking in the form of 570 square inches on this grill. The 3778 cubic inch chamber comprises a cooking area of 429 square inches and the upper rack for warming with a size of 141 square inches.

Additionally, the grill comes with dual-LED temperature control, a durable thermometer made of stainless steel, and an integrated sensor gauge to gauge the temperature inside. An automatic auger, for instance, ensures that the temperature is maintained with wood pellets regularly.

Overall the temperature control options offer an extensive range of 160-500deg F. Simply, you need to set the desired temperature and let the smoker take care of its work.

In addition to all the features mentioned above, the grill also has an 18-pound hopper. This reduces the need to refill and provides you with a long-lasting smoking experience.

Additionally, the intelligent Ash-Cleanout System simply turns a lever and cleans all ash and other debris from the pellets.

In addition, it also has an extra shelf to prepare food and an electric ignition mechanism that allows for quicker starts.

14. Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Traeger pellet grill weighs 62 lbs. It is a light pellet smoker grill.

With 37″ x 18″ x 36″ dimensions, This Traeger can be easily stored or moved to another area.

The digital thermostat allows you to alter the temperature of your cooking easily. It is possible to adjust the temperature precisely in increments of 5 degrees.

This Traeger Tailgater offers 300 square inches of cooking space and 8 lbs of hopper capacity.

However, be aware that this Traeger grill takes a while in getting it up to temperature in the winter months. If you use it during summer, it will attain its maximum temperature of 450oF in minutes.

The model in question is the Traeger Tailgater, and it has legs that fold. They also offer a more compact option that includes that of the Traeger Ranger. This Ranger can be placed into any trunk or put in any tailgate.

15. PIT BOSS 72440-PB440D Pellet Grill

Pit Boss Wooden Pellet Grill is an excellent alternative for those looking for a larger and more efficient pellet grill with a budget. The Pit Boss model is simple to set up and use.

It comes with an ignition start mechanism which makes lighting your grill a piece of cake. It also has an electronic control board that allows you to feed instructions for cooking and temperature control when grilling.

The temperature of cooking is between 180 and 500 degrees. It is equipped with a fan-forced air accelerator and a convection system that ensures a constant temperature throughout the cooking space.

The auger promptly delivers pellets to the fire pit, and you don’t have to worry about controlling the fuel. After grilling is completed, shut off the device. Its control center digital will handle a cooling time before turning out the gas grill.

The grill is a bit bigger and weighs more than others featuring similar features. It weighs 88 pounds, and its cooking area is just under 440 square inches. The cooking grid, which is covered in porcelain, is constructed of stainless steel that is removable for washing and cleaning.

The exterior is beautiful and has a black and dual-tone finish. The body is constructed of a strong metal frame.

Other features include an adjustable temperature control that operates from 180 ° to 500° according to your cooking needs.

It’s an all-purpose grill that can be used for grilling, baking, smoking, searing, and even making dinner. The grill is great for those who wish to cook for a long time with a pellet grill but don’t have to worry about maintenance and cleaning.

How To Look For Best Pellet Grills Under $500 [Buyer’s Guide]

Design and Size

Are you also interested in using your grill as a smoker for pellets? Your grill’s best style and size can be determined mainly by the amount of space you’ve got for the grill you choose to use and the individuals you’ll be catering to.

Design variations are contingent on features that best suit your preferences, lifestyle, and cooking objectives. The size of the hopper will depend on your desired capacity for cooking, the number of racks, and the dimensions that the container is.

Material

When you’re deciding on an outdoor grill designed to be outside, it is essential to choose a robust and weatherproof grill.

The grills mentioned are made from stainless steel and come with rust-proof technology, which means that they’ll cook a variety of meals for you for the years to come.

Grilling Performance

The pellet grill can be used as an appliance. It improves performance when compared to the regular grill.

It’s more than just grilling at various temperatures. These settings can also be used in barbecue-ing, smoking, roasting, braising, etc.

Ease of Use

What’s the purpose of an expansive cooking surface if it cannot handle all of the food items at once?

You are grilling outdoors as if it’s a breeze. Suppose you are looking for the right pellet grill. You can pick one with various automated functions to ease of use  Choose an appliance that is simple to set up, assemble and maintain.

Non-stick grills can be helpful to quickly remove your food off the grill rack or possibly an ash pan to ensure an easier clean-up. It is also possible to consider grill mats.

Temperature Range

High-precision temperature control ensures perfect cooked food how you like it.

What temperature do you prefer your meat to cook? There are various choices to pick from, which let you take control of the grill’s temperature regardless of whether you want a low flame or high flame.

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Pellet Consumption

Pellet smokers utilize wood pellets to create an even heat that evenly cooks your food via an air convection system to create the perfect flavor.

Pellet grills use less energy when compared to gas-powered grills. The lit pellets remain hot after a while, and after grilling, the wood pellets are then an easy clean-up following the grilling.

Portability

Some pellet grills have wheels that allow for easy mobility and continuous shifting. Specific models also come with the advantage of folding legs that can be converted into handles for carrying, which makes them very to transport for trips.

Extra Features

Additional pop-up tables for food preparation meat probes to monitor the meat, additional sensors, automatic pellet feeding, and clean-up are just a few of the extra options that will make the most enjoyable grilling experience.

Price and Warranty

A product that you will frequently use for different occasions, such as a grill and a barbecue, must have a reasonable price-performance ratio and make sense as an investment.

No, what the cost of any product, having an insurance policy in your pocket is beneficial.

A guarantee assures you the pellet grill that you purchase with your hard-earned cash is of top quality and is free from any defects.

What is the process by which pellet grills function?

Pellet grills work slightly differently from charcoal or gas-powered grill. These grills come with a “hopper” that you fill with wood pellets. The pellets are delivered into a cooking chamber through an auger when you turn on the grill.

The pellets are then burned in the cooking chamber while smoke and heat are distributed across the grill, cooking food using indirect heat rather than open flames.

One of the primary distinctions between pellet grills and the other fuel types is that they hold their temperature.

Like an oven, you can set the temperature you’d like to cook by using your grill’s controls, and the grill will maintain the temperature itself by adding pellets as necessary. This means you don’t have to monitor the grill constantly.

Why Should You Choose A Best Pellet Grill Under $500 Over A Gas Or Charcoal Grill?

The Three Types of Grills

gas, pellet, and charcoal grills, are available in dimensions and price ranges. Although they all have advantages and drawbacks, pellet grills are superior to the other two types in certain areas.

Temperature Management

Perfect temperature control is the most important reason to choose a pellet grill instead of charcoal or gas. Set the temperature on the digital controller as an oven, and then leave. Make sure you have the perfect temperature control on charcoal or gas grills.

Versatility

Another great feature of pellet grills is versatility. Please use it as a smoker that can hold a temperature between 165-235F or grill the steak to 500F. It is possible to do both to a certain extent.

When contrasted with charcoal grills and gas grills, pellet grills can be more costly. But the expense of running these grills is significantly lower than the other two.

It’s worth investing a bit more upfront can be a good thing for those who want to have an easy healthy, and nutritious cooking method for a long time.

Conclusion [Best Pellet Grill Under 500]

A top-quality pellet grill will transform your BBQ experience by adding that sought-after wood-fire flavor to your food. If you’re in a pinch, choose one of the top pellet smokers for less than $500 to ease your life.

As one of our top five review choices, Green Mountains Grills is among our top five reviews. Davy Crockett Grill offers some of the most creative and innovative features on the grill.

But, it’s one of the smallest portable grills available and provides a lesser cooking capacity. If you’re looking for a bigger grill, choose one of the PIT BOSS 72440-PB440D Pellet Grill to satisfy your requirements.

FAQs about Best Pellet Grill Under $500

Are pellet grills appropriate for smoking?

Pellet grills are built with heavy metal and are equipped with regulators. The pellet grills are made for skilled grilling.

Does Pit Boss as good as Traeger?

There is no doubt that Traeger is a well-known brand that has been in existence for quite a while and is a trusted brand by millions. But, Pit Boss also offers excellent pellet grills for sale at a fair cost.

In actuality, Pit Boss pellet grills are a perfect choice, and specific models have been incredibly popular among those looking for an affordable pellet grill for less than 500 dollars.

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Are pellet grills more efficient than gas?

The pellet grills are superior because of their distinct characteristics as it has a natural flavor and function both as a smoker and as a grill.

Which is the better, Pit Boss or Z Grill?

In terms of the best pellet grills for less than $500, Z Grill is far superior to Pit Boss. It has a handful of appealing characteristics that make it the top pellet grill available in the price range of $500.

Which grill with the longest guarantee?

Different grilling companies have different warranties for their grills. However, CampChef SmokePro is the best pellet grill under 500 and has a three-year warranty. GMG Davy Crockett has two years of warranty.

Are you able to use wood chips inside the pellet smoker?

You can incorporate wood chips into the pellet smoker but using charcoal. It will bring excellent burning and flavor to your meals.

Do I need to upgrade my pellet grill?

For the highest quality results is recommended to choose an excellent pellet smoker with a minimum 3 to 5-year guarantee. It is unnecessary to spend more cost to upgrade your grill if your current one is still working.

The grill requires a bit of maintenance. Clean it thoroughly, replace the parts regularly, and cover the grill properly when you store it.

Do pellet grills require power?

Unlike a charcoal or gas grill, pellets require electricity to operate. In general, the pellet grill’s thermostat, control panel, auger, and fans are all electrical, which means that the grill has to be connected before you begin grilling.

What is the top pellet grill at the cost of $500?

Numerous brands, the top ones are Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E 2020 and Camp Chef 20″‘ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill.

I would recommend Z Grills ZPG-7002E 2020 since it’s an 8-in-1 unit that grills and smokes and works for roasting, braising, baking, and more. It is an excellent value for price and has received fantastic reviews from users.

What is the best time to look for an updated wood pellet smoker?

There is no set date. The response to that question is based on your needs and the changes you would like to see for new models.

If your existing pellet grill is faulty, you need to upgrade it to a fresh charcoal smoker made of wood as fast as is possible.

If the issue is fixable, then you can save cash by fixing the issue by replacing the part instead of purchasing a brand new grill for your pellets.

How long do the pellets in a 20lb bag last?

The length of time a 20lb pellet bag will last is dependent on whether you’ll cook on your pellet grill at all times of the hour. Cooking with pellets can be addictive, just like the smoked Bourbon BBQ chicken wings.

It’s also dependent on the method you cook with and whether you prefer to cook hot or like slow and low. But, you can anticipate using approximately one and a quarter pounds of pellets every hour. Smaller pellet grills are useless, whereas the larger ones will require more.

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