Best Pellet Grill Under $500

People who love to grill will definitely want to get their hands on a pellet grill. Pellet grills are a great way to cook food because they use real wood pellets as fuel, which gives food a delicious smoky flavour.

However, not all pellet grills are created equal. Some are more expensive than others, and some are of better quality than others. If you’re looking for the best pellet grill under $500, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the best pellet grills under $500. We’ll talk about the features that each grill has, as well as the pros and cons. So, if you’re in the market for a new pellet grill and you’re on a budget, then keep reading.

Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker was designed with your small family in mind. But don’t let its size deceive you – this grill is big on flavour.

With 452 sq. in. of cooking space, this ultimate 8-in-1 pellet grill gives you the flexibility to smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, or griddle all your favourite foods with ease.

The integrated digital temperature control ensures consistent results every time – so you can relax and enjoy your backyard BBQs without having to worry about a thing.

With a temperature range of 180° to 450° F, the ZPG-450A lets you smoke, grill, and everything in between.

Plus, the sturdy steel construction with a high-temperature powder coating finish ensures that your grill will last for years to come.

So go ahead and fill up the smoker box – with fewer pellets required, you’ll have more time to enjoy that delicious smoked flavour.

Z Grills ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is one of the most solidly-built grills on the market, made entirely from stainless steel.

This 8-in-1 grill is equipped with the latest technology, including an adjustable temperature range of 180° to 450° F. The 700 sq inches of cooking space is perfect for feeding a large crowd, and a one-button startup makes it easy to get started.

This grill also features a temperature sensor with digital control to ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time and a large-capacity pellet hopper that will keep you cooking all day long.

The included cover keeps your grill looking new, while the 3-year warranty guarantees your satisfaction.

GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker Review

The GMG 2020 Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker is the perfect option for people who don’t have a lot of space.

The small cooking surface of 219 sq inches means that it can easily be fit into any trunk, and at only 57 pounds, it’s easy to move around.

Plus, with its adjustable heat baffle and precision temperature control, you’ll be able to cook your food perfectly every time. And for an extra layer of safety, it includes the Sense-Mate thermal sensor, which constantly monitors grill temperature.

With a single grease tray, digital WiFi controller, and meat probe, this grill has everything you need to cook up your favourite meal.

The peaked lid also makes it perfect for cooking stand-up chicken or large fowl. And with the included Pellethead durable cover, you can be sure your grill will stay in good condition no matter what the weather throws at you.

Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill Review

The Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill is perfect for anyone who wants the best of both worlds: the convenience of gas grilling and the flavour and texture of wood-fired grilling.

This grill has a total cooking surface of 700 sq. in., so you can cook up to 24 burgers at once! The 8-in-1 cooking temperature range from 180°F to 500°F means that you can create succulent steaks, juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and more.

The porcelain-coated cast iron grids provide even heat distribution and help to prevent sticking, while the digital control board makes it easy to set your desired cooking temperature.

And when you’re not using the grill, the standard flame broiler lets you enjoy authentic barbecue flavour right on your kitchen stovetop.

Best of all, the Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill is fueled by 100% natural wood pellets, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re cooking with pure, wholesome goodness.

Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Review

The Tailgater 20 Portable Pellet Grill and Smoker from Traeger Grills give you 6-in-1 versatility for all of your outdoor cooking needs.

You can use it to smoke, roast, grill, bake, braise, or barbeque whatever you like – the temperature is easily adjustable between 180 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The compact size means it’s easy to take with you wherever you go, and the EZ-Fold legs make it a cinch to store away when not in use.

With a generous 300 sq inches of cooking space, this grill is perfect for feeding a small crowd.

And the Keep Warm Mode feature ensures that your food will stay hot until everyone’s ready to eat.

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill Review

The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is the perfect grill for the modern outdoor enthusiast.

The PID controller ensures consistent temperatures, while the large 570 sq. in. cooking surface provides plenty of space to cook up your favourite BBQ recipes.

With two meat probes included, you can easily keep track of your cooking progress. And with adjustable smoke settings from 1-10, you can customize your smoking experience to perfection.

The 160º F – 500º F temperature range offers plenty of flexibility for grilling or smoking whatever you like.

With a convenient, easy-to-use menu dial, dual-LED temperature readout, and an automatic ignition system, this grill is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy perfect smoked meats every time.

The large-capacity pellet hopper also means you’ll never have to refill your fuel again, so you can spend more time enjoying your grilled foods and less time tending to your grill.

Thanks to the ash cleanout system, cleaning up after a meal has never been easier – so you can focus on what’s really important: the food.

With a simple temperature selection and an automatic auger that dispenses pellets, this smoker is efficient and easy to use.

The Cord Management System ensures that your cords are wrangled away for a tidy cook space, and the Grease Management System makes clean-up a breeze.

This grill also comes with a side attachment compatibility giving you even more smoking options.

Features to Consider While Purchasing a Pellet Smoker

While purchasing a pellet smoker, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration. We have listed some of the most important factors below:

Grilling Performance

The primary function of a pellet smoker is to cook delectable pieces of meat. A good pellet smoker should be able to provide the user with accurate and precise temperature all throughout the process, from startup to shut down.

Just like an ordinary oven, the pellet grill should also be able to hold its heat and maintain a constant cooking temperature.

Design and Size  

The design and size of a pellet smoker is another important consideration. A good quality smoker should be designed with the user’s convenience in mind, which means it should have wheels or at least handles so it can easily be moved around without difficulty. The size of the smoker is also an important consideration, given some smokers are quite bulky and take up a lot of space.

Cooking Area

A good pellet smoker should have a sizable cooking area in order to cook food for a large gathering. Some smokers come with a secondary cooking rack, which greatly expands the cooking area. Pellet smokers with an extra-large cooking area are ideal for those who like to entertain guests or host backyard barbecues.

Temperature Range

The temperature range of a pellet smoker is the range of temperatures that the smoker can reach. A good quality smoker should have a wide temperature range, so you can cook food at different temperatures depending on your needs.

Some smokers have a temperature range of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for smoking briskets and ribs.

Ease of Use

Pellet smokers should be easy and simple to use, given their sophisticated technology and features. Some smokers come with digital controls and LCD display features that allow the user to easily monitor their cooking progress. There are also some modern models with WiFi capability so users can check up on their cooking status remotely.

Material

The material used to build a pellet smoker is also an important consideration. A good quality smoker should be made out of durable and sturdy materials so it can last for years and withstand frequent use and wear and tear.

Smoking Capacity

The smoking capacity of a pellet smoker is also an important consideration. Some smokers have the ability to smoke up to 100 pounds of food at a time, while others are limited to just 50 pounds. It is important to find a smoker that has the right smoking capacity for your needs.

Hopper Capacity

The hopper capacity of a pellet smoker is the amount of pellets that the smoker can hold at one time. The larger the hopper capacity, the less frequent you will need to refill it with pellets. Some smokers come with a hopper capacity of up to 40 pounds, which means you can smoke for hours without having to refill it.

Pellet Type

Not all smokers use the same type of pellet fuel. Some smokers require specific types of pellets in order to operate, so it is important to do your research and find a smoker that uses the type of pellet you prefer.

Pellet Consumption

The amount of pellets a smoker consumes also varies from model to model. Some smokers consume more pellets than others, so it is important to find one that doesn’t use up a lot of pellets.

Warranty

Most good-quality pellet smokers come with a warranty. It is important to find out what the warranty covers and for how long it is valid.

Price

The price of a pellet smoker varies from model to model, depending on the brand, features, capacity, and materials used. It is important to find a smoker that fits your budget without compromising on quality.

Extra Features 

There are some smokers that come with extra features such as a meat probe, which allows you to measure the internal temperature of your food, and a smoker box, which allows you to smoke food using charcoal. It is important to consider whether or not these extra features are important to you before making your purchase.

Advantages of Using Pellet Grills

Better Flavor Options

One of the best things about pellet grills is the number of different flavors you can use. Unlike propane or charcoal grills, you can use a variety of pellets to give your food a smoky flavor, a fruity flavor, or even a Texas-style flavor. This gives you more options when it comes to choosing flavors and can really help enhance your cookout.

Energy Efficiency

Pellet grills are one of the most efficient types of grills on the market because they give you more control over how much heat is generated inside of them. You can turn it all the way up for searing steaks or turn it down for slow cooking. This means that you can use less energy to get the same results as you would with a traditional grill.

Less Ash to Clean Up

Another big advantage of pellet grills is that there is very little ash to clean up after you’re done cooking. This is because the hotter you make it, and the longer you run it for, the more ash will be burned up. You’re also less likely to get grease fires on a pellet grill, which can leave more ash to clean up in a charcoal grill.

More Versatile

Pellet grills are more versatile than charcoal or gas grills because they use pellets instead of raw wood to generate heat. This means that it can be used for cold smoking, hot smoking, roasting, and grill cooking.

Healthier

Along with being more efficient, food is also healthier when cooked on a pellet grill because it generates less smoke and grease than other grills. This means that you don’t have to worry about breathing in heavy smoke if you want to run the grill for an extended period of time.

Reduce Flare-ups

Pellet grills are designed to reduce flare-ups, which means that instead of burning the grease on your meat and making it taste bad, it will drip down into the grill for a juicier flavor. You’ll also have more control over how much heat is used because you’re using pellets instead of raw wood.

Portable

Unlike some of the larger grills on the market, pellet grills are very portable and easy to take with you when you go camping or tailgating.

Easy to Use and Maintain

Another advantage of pellet grills is that they are easy to use and maintain. There aren’t any extremely complicated systems to them, and most of the time, you can get away with using some light cleaning supplies like a grill brush, soap, water, and paper towels. The ease of use also makes it a good option for beginners.

Affordable

Pellet grills are also very affordable, which makes them a great option for those who are on a budget.

Convenience

Finally, one of the best things about pellet grills is how convenient they are to use. Once you get a fire going in it, there’s very little work that needs to be done other than flipping burgers or steaks when they’re ready. This makes them a great choice for people who want the convenience of a gas grill, with the flavor options of a charcoal grill.

Disadvantages of Using Pellet Grills

Susceptible to Wind

The pellets used in pellet grills are a big fire hazard if they get winded up, and if you’re using your grill in an open space, this is a very real possibility. The flames can easily jump up and spread, potentially causing a dangerous situation.

Prone to Ash Build-Up

As with all grills, pellet grills are prone to ash build-up, and if not cleaned on a regular basis, this can cause problems. The ashes can clog the grill’s vents and make it difficult to heat up or even start a fire.

Lack of Consistent Heat

Pellet grills don’t produce a consistent heat flow and can sometimes produce overly high or low heat, which is not good for cooking. This problem is caused by the way it uses its pellets, which burn up very quickly, leaving large amounts of ash that need to be cleared out regularly.

Unsafe for Indoor Use

Pellet grills should never be used indoors, as the smoke and fumes they produce are not only unpleasant but can also be dangerous. The high levels of carbon monoxide produced by these grills can quickly build up and cause health problems, so always use them outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q) What Are Pellet Grills?

A pellet grill is a type of barbecue grill that uses wood pellets as fuel. The grill ignites the pellets, and the heat from the burning pellets cooks the food.

Q) How Do I Use a Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills vary in the way they function, but most include a place to put the food and water pan. The grill is lit using an electric igniter, and once it reaches the desired temperature, it will start cooking your food. Most pellet grills have temperature control, so you can set it and forget it.

Q) Are Pellet Grills Expensive?

Pellet grills can range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. It all depends on the size of the grill, what’s included with it, and how many features are important to you.

Q) How Much Do Pellets Cost?

Pellets are available in various sizes. A 40lb bag of pellets might cost between $10-20 depending on where you buy them. If you use your grill three times a week, on average, you’ll need to buy one bag of pellets each month.

Q) How Much Do Pellet Grills Cost?

The price of pellet grills varies greatly depending on the size and features that are important to you. A good rule of thumb is that the more features that are included with the grill, the more you should expect to pay.

Q) What is the Difference Between a Gas and Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills have a heating element that is usually made from ceramic or metal as opposed to gas grills which heat up through propane. However, some manufacturers are starting to use electric heat instead of pellets.

Q) What Kinds of Foods Can I Cook on a Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills are great for all kinds of foods. You can cook everything from burgers and hot dogs to ribs, chicken, and fish. They’re also perfect for smoking meats and vegetables.

Q) How Do I Clean My Pellet Grill?

Cleaning a pellet grill is easy. The best way to clean it is to start with a wire brush and then use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining debris. Be sure to avoid getting water inside the electronic components.

Q) Who Makes the Best Pellet Grill?

There are many manufacturers of pellet grills. Some notable brands include Traeger, Z Grills, Camp Chef, Green Mountain Grills, and Pit Boss.

Conclusion

Pellet grills are a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use grill that produces delicious food. However, there are some things to be aware of before purchasing one, such as the fact that they can be prone to ash build-up and lack of consistent heat. If these are not issues for you, then pellet grills are an extremely viable option for your next barbecue. You can also check our article on Best Pellet Smoker Grill Combo.

We hope this article has been helpful in your search to find the best pellet grill under $500. Thanks for reading!