Are you in the market for a new grill? You want to buy a new grill, but you’re not sure if you should spend more than $500.
A pellet grill is a great option if you’re looking for something that can do it all. They’re perfect for grilling, smoking, and even baking. And the best part is that they come in a variety of price points, so there’s sure to be one that fits your budget.
If you’re in the market for a new grill, you may be wondering if a pellet grill is a suitable choice for you. Pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason – they offer many benefits that other types of grills don’t. But with so many different models available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve compiled seven of the best pellet grills under $500, so you can find the perfect one for your needs without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more about each grill, or click through the product page to see current prices and read customer reviews.
Contents
Best Pellet Grills under $500
- Pit Boss 440 Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Premium Gauge Stainless Steel Construction
- Removable Side Shelf/Serving Tray
- Two large Wheels
- Digital Control Board w/ LED Readout
- Fan Forced Convection Cooking
- Direct and Indirect Heat
- Porcelain Coated Cooking Grates
- Hopper capacity: 5 LBS
- Cooking surface: 465 square inches
If you’re in the market for a high-quality wood pellet grill, the Pit Boss PB440D2 is definitely worth considering. This grill offers premium gauge stainless steel construction, removable side shelf/serving tray, two large wheels, a digital control board with LED readout, fan-forced convection cooking, direct and indirect heat…plus is fueled by 100% hardwood pellets. With a 5-pound hopper capacity and 518 square inches of cooking surface, the Pit Boss PB440D2 can accommodate even the most demanding grilling enthusiast.
- ULTIMATE 8-IN-1 WOOD PELLET GRILL & SMOKER - bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill, you can do everything on here
- PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY - It’s the best and easiest way to get wood-smoked flavors. Anyone will instantly realize the taste is better than a gas or charcoal grill
- MAKES YOU A GOOD CHEF - One button starts up, this pellet grill will maintain the preset temperature within 10 degrees fluctuation and produce the optimal amount of smoke, easy and steady
- FOR FAMILIES AND PARTIES - Features 700 sq inches of wide cooking space that allows you to place all at once and cook efficiently, 180° to 450° F Adjustable temperature range gives you great flexibility for different food
- LESS PELLET FILLING, MORE SMOKING - The 20 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper offers a longer cooking time, eliminating the need to refill the hopper constantly
- STAINLESS STEEL BUILT - High resistance to corrosion, longer-lasting, with a sleek and polished finish
- Cover included, no need to purchase separately; US Based Brand, Manufacturer 3-year warranty
The Z Grills ZPG-7002B is an 8-in-1 wood pellet grill and smoker that allows you to barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, grill, sear, and char-grill. It’s made with pellet grill technology for wood-smoked flavors that anyone will instantly realize are better than those of gas or charcoal grills. With a one-button start-up, this pellet grill will maintain the preset temperature within 10 degrees fluctuation and produce the optimal amount of smoke. The 700 sq inches of cooking space is perfect for families or parties who want to cook efficiently all at once. The 20 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper offers a longer cooking time so you don’t have to refill the hopper constantly. The stainless steel built is high resistance to corrosion and has a sleek polished finish. A cover is included and the US-based brand offers a 3-year warranty.
- Digital Controls - Electronic auto-ignition, Easy temperature setting system
- Automatic auger dispenses pellets as needed for improved smoker efficiency
- Built-in temperature gauge controls internal cooking temperature, Grease management system
- Patented Ash Cleanout System, Roller wheels for convenience, Utility rack included
- Hopper capacity: 18lbs of pellets - Product weight: 106lbs
If you’re looking for the best pellet grill under $500, the Camp Chef SmokePro SE 24″ Pellet Grill is a great option. With digital controls, an automatic auger, and a built-in temperature gauge, this smoker is easy to use and efficient. The patented ash cleanout system makes it easy to keep your smoker clean, and roller wheels make it easy to move around. The hopper capacity of 18lbs means you can smoke for a while without having to refill the pellets.
- Your purchase includes 1 Traeger Ranger Grill with cast iron griddle to get that perfect sear on your steak, or cook an egg breakfast
- Product dimensions – 20" D x 21" W x 13" H | Cooking area – 184 square inches. | Product weight – 60 lbs. | Pellet hopper capacity – 8 lbs. | Max temperature – 450ᵒ | Voltage – 120V
- Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates
- Advanced Grilling Logic for precise temperature performance
- Cook timer lets you know when it’s time to sauce or check on food
The Traeger Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great option for those who want the convenience of a portable grill with the features and performance of a smoker. This portable pellet grill has a cast iron griddle for searing steaks or cooking eggs and comes with an easy-to-clean porcelain coating. With Advanced Grilling Logic, you can achieve precise temperature control for perfect results every time. The cooking timer also lets you know when it’s time to sauce or check on your food. This is a great affordable option for a Traeger pellet grill.
- Adjustable direct heat damper
- Matte enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- 20 lbs. pellet hopper
- Rear hopper chute
- Includes 2 meat probes with integrated probe jacks
- 2 large steel wheels and 2 red swivel casters for easy mobility
- Up to 30-hours cook time
- 150° to 500° temperature range
No matter what kind of food you like to cook, the Dyna-Glo DGSS7002BPW-D Signature Series 706 will help you do it. This smoker comes with a variety of features that make it easy to get great results every time. For example, the adjustable direct heat damper ensures that your food is cooked evenly at all times. The matte enameled cast iron cooking grates also help to keep your food from sticking, while the 20-pound pellet hopper means that you won’t have to refill the smoker often. And if you’re in a hurry, the rear hopper chute lets you quickly dump unused pellets into the trash can.
- 🔥【8-IN-1 Versatility】：Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, char-grill, barbecue. Using fan-forced convection cooking and 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that infuse with wood-fired flavor.
- 🔥【Huge Grilling Area】：572 sq. in cooking area provides more than enough space for any home grill fans, suitable for family and friends to BBQ in the courtyard or outdoors, easy to assemble and move.
- 🔥【Precise Temp Control】：PID temperature controller maintains accurate temperatures from 180 to 450 ºF with advanced PID technology. The convenient fire access door allows for 750 ºF of direct flame searing.
- 🔥【Advanced Wood Fire Technology】：Z Grills wood pellet technology gets you wood fire flavor at the convenience of propane or gas. Just put enough pellets into the hopper, pick your desired temperature and let Z Grills do the rest. (10 lbs pellets can be used for 8 hours while stay at smoke dial.)
- 🔥【3 Years Warranty】：Z GRILLS is a grill manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, provides 3-YEAR quality assurance for products. We also have telephone and online support team, if you have any questions in the use, please feel free to contact us.
The Z Grills ZPG-600D is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable wood pellet grill that still offers plenty of features and cooking space. With its PID temperature controller, direct flame searing feature, and convection cooking capabilities, the ZPG-600D can handle any grilling task you throw at it. Plus, its simple assembly and portability make it a great choice for outdoor BBQing with family and friends.
- PID controller for consistent temperatures, Adjustable smoke settings from 1-10, 160º F - 500ºF temperature range
- Includes 2 meat probes
- Easy to use menu dial, High-visibility, low-glare digital display, Slide and Grill Technology's direct flame grilling reaches 650°F
- Ash Cleanout System
- Compact design, stores, and transports easily
- Locking chamber & hopper lid for easy transport/storage, Folding legs and leg levelers, Dual position rolling transport
The Camp Chef PPG20 is a high-quality pellet grill that comes with many features that make it perfect for grilling meat, fish, vegetables, and more. The PID controller ensures consistent temperatures, while the adjustable smoke settings let you customize your grilled food to perfection. And with a temperature range of 160º F – 500ºF, this grill can accommodate whatever you’re in the mood for. The Ash Cleanout System makes it easy to keep your grill clean, and the compact design means it’s easy to store and transport. Plus, the locking chamber and hopper lid make it safe and convenient to take with you wherever you go. So if you’re looking for an excellent pellet grill that won’t break the bank, Camp Chef PPG20 is definitely worth considering.
Things to look for in a Pellet Grill
Pellet hopper capacity
The size of the pellet hopper will determine how long you can cook without having to refill the pellets. A larger hopper capacity means you won’t have to stop cooking to refuel as often.
Digital controls
Digital controls make it easy to set and monitor the temperature of your pellet grill. Look for a model with an LCD display that shows both the current and target temperatures.
Automatic auger
An automatic auger ensures that pellets are fed into the fire pot at a consistent rate, which helps to produce evenly cooked food.
Built-in temperature gauge
A built-in temperature gauge lets you keep an eye on the internal temperature of your pellet grill so you can adjust as needed.
Patented ash cleanout system
A patented ash cleanout system makes it easy to clean out the fire pot and keep your pellet grill in good working condition.
Portability
If you plan on taking your pellet grill with you on camping trips or to tailgating parties, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to transport.
Pellet grill space
The size of the pellet grill will determine how much food you can cook at one time. If you plan on cooking for large groups, look for a grill with a spacious cooking area.
Grill grate material
The material of the grill grate will determine how easy it is to clean and how long it will last. Stainless steel or porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and are more durable than other materials.
Fold-down side shelves
Fold-down side shelves provide additional prep space when you need it and can be folded away when you don’t.
Tool hooks
Tool hooks keep your grilling tools within easy reach so you can quickly grab them when you need them.
Meat probe
A meat probe lets you monitor the internal temperature of your food so you can cook it to perfection.
Warming rack
A warming rack keeps food warm until it is ready to serve.
Grease management system
A grease management system helps to collect and dispose of grease drippings, keeping your grill clean and tidy.
Warranty
A good warranty is always a plus, especially when it comes to grills. Look for a pellet grill that comes with a 2-year or longer warranty.
Pellet Grills vs Gas or Charcoal Grill
When it comes to grilling, there are three main fuel types to choose from – gas, charcoal, or pellets. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
Gas grills are the most popular type of grill on the market and for good reason. They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and they can be used for both cooking and smoking. However, gas grills can be expensive to operate, and they don’t provide the same flavor as a charcoal or pellet grill.
Charcoal grills are a great option for those who want that classic grilled flavor. However, they can be difficult to use and messy to clean. They also require more attention than a gas or pellet grill, and they can be difficult to control the temperature on.
Pellet grills are a great option for those who want the convenience of a gas grill with the flavor of a charcoal grill. Pellet grills are easy to use and easy to clean, and they provide consistent results. However, pellet grills can be expensive, and they require electricity to operate.
So, which is the best type of grill for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want an easy-to-use grill that provides consistent results, a gas grill is probably your best bet. If you want a classic grilled flavor
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a high-quality pellet grill that won’t break the bank, any of the grills on our list would be a great option. With features like PID temperature controllers, direct flame searing, and convection cooking capabilities, these smokers can handle any grilling task you throw at them. Plus, their simple assembly and portability make them perfect for outdoor BBQing with family and friends. So don’t wait any longer – get yourself one of the best inexpensive pellet grills under $500 today!
FAQ
What pellet brand is the best?
There is no one “best” brand of pellets. Different brands will suit different needs and tastes. However, some of the more popular brands include Camp Chef, Traeger, Z Grills, and Dyna-Glo.
What’s the difference between a pellet grill and a regular grill?
Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, whereas regular grills use charcoal or gas. Pellet grills are also equipped with features that make them easier to use, such as PID temperature controllers and direct flame searing.
How much does a pellet grill cost?
Pellet grills can range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. The price will depend on the features and size of the grill.
What are the benefits of using a pellet grill?
Pellet grills are convenient to use and produce consistent results. They are also easier to clean than regular grills, and their compact size makes them easy to transport.
