Even if the process of pellet grilling is not as famous as the process of charcoal grilling, this approach is really effective when it comes to making tender and mouth-watering barbecues! This method has several benefits, such as ease of use, versatility, and being able to give the finished product a specific taste. It offers the incidental advantages of easy starting, balanced heat output, and low risk of burns. In this piece, we will look at some of the best pellet grills that one can purchase at a cost of less than $500.
Based on the size, ease of use, price, and other features, we have selected the top models of pellet grills for your list of the best pellet grills under $500.
List of 8 Best Pellet Grills Under $500 Reviews
1. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with PID V2.1 Controller
- The Z Grills ZPG-450A is a highly rated pellet grill known for its versatility and ease of use. With a cooking area of 450 square inches, it offers ample space to grill, smoke, bake, and roast your favorite dishes.
- This grill features a digital temperature control system, allowing you to set the desired temperature and forget about it while the grill does the work. It uses a unique flame broiler, which gives you the option to directly grill over an open flame, adding that perfect char to your meats.
- The Z Grills ZPG-450A is the best overall option for those seeking a versatile and user-friendly pellet grill. With its spacious cooking area and digital controls, it’s perfect for grilling enthusiasts of all levels.
2. Traeger Pellet Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill
- The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a lightweight pellet smoker grill under $500 that weighs about 60 pounds. With dimensions of 37 x 18 x 36 inches, it is easy to store or move to another location.
- With this wood pellet grill’s electronic thermostat, you can measure cooking temperatures without any hassle. Therefore, you have control over your grilling at all times.
- However, it should be noted that this Traeger grill is more prone to temperature fluctuations, particularly during cold weather. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, the Traeger TFB29LZA is designed to withstand both external and internal elements.
3. Traeger Grills Pro 575 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- The Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 is a fantastic option for those new to pellet grilling. It comes with a generous 575 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to cook for a crowd.
- The innovative D2 drivetrain provides precise temperature control, and the WiFire technology allows you to monitor and control your grill from your smartphone. With a wide temperature range from 180°F to 450°F, you can easily smoke low and slow or sear at high heat.
- The Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 is the best choice for beginners, offering user-friendly features and high-quality construction. With remote control capabilities, it’s ideal for those looking to step into the world of pellet grilling without hassle.
4. Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker
- The Cuisinart CPG-4000 Pellet Grill and Smoker is highly versatile, providing various ways to smoke, grill, bake, barbecue, and slow cook.
- It automatically manages the heat for even cooking, regardless of what items are on the grill. This, along with its extensive collection of additional features, makes this grill an excellent purchase for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
- The flexibility and large cooking area make the Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker ideal for big families or individuals who enjoy entertaining regularly.
- It has been designed with ease of use, portability, and capacity in mind, making it a fantastic buy. This grill and smoker will empower anyone to create perfect meals for their family and guests.
5. Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill
- Founded in 2017, Z Grills has more than 30 years of experience in creating some of the most affordable yet high-tech pellet grills on the market. Their 7002E 2021 Upgrade is among the top-selling products.
- The grill features a stainless steel frame for durability and rust resistance and includes porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. This durable construction ensures that the grates don’t chip and retain heat evenly. Additionally, the grill comes with two heavy-duty wheels for portability.
- The ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill provides you with 8-in-1 versatility. It allows you to grill, roast, braise, BBQ, smoke, bake, char-grill, and sear on the same appliance. Furthermore, it features a primary cooking area of 504 square inches, along with a warming rack, giving you a total of 700 square inches of cooking space.
- A large 20-pound hopper feeds pellets into the fire through an automatic auger to maintain the set temperature. A convection fan distributes the heat evenly within the airtight chamber for flexible cooking and precise temperature control.
- This pellet grill under $500 includes several easy-to-use features, such as an electric ignition system for quicker startup, a side and bottom shelf for holding utensils, and a convenient waste oil collector for easy cleanup.
- In addition, the electronic control on the grill allows you to set the temperature between 180°F and 450°F, maintaining the variations within 10 degrees. You also receive a smart LED display to read the internal temperature.
6. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill w/New PID Gen 2 Digital Controller
- From smoking to grilling, this is the best outdoor cooking companion. It eliminates the guesswork and simplifies operations, making it easier to prepare a mouthwatering feast for loved ones and friends. You’ll have plenty of space with this best pellet grill under $500.
- The lower cooking area is 429 square inches, while the top cooking rack adds 141 square inches. This means you get a total cooking surface of 570 square inches.
It’s also worth noting that it provides exceptional versatility for various applications. There are ten smoke configurations available. You can adjust the temperature range from 160°F to 500°F. - There’s also a handy dial for setting the desired program. Finally, cleanup is a breeze, so you don’t need to dread working with the pellet grill. It features an Ash Cleanout system, which includes an ash container that you can quickly pull and empty.
7. Smoke Hollow PS2415 Pellet Grill and Smoker
- The Smoke Hollow PS2415 Pellet Smoker features 440 square inches of grilling surface, making it a fairly large grill. With this size, you’ll have plenty of room to prepare meals if you’re entertaining. This model is electronic and includes a digital LED thermostat and internal gauge, allowing you to easily monitor and manage your smoking and grilling temperatures.
- This grill has a thick socket structure on a tube cart frame. The grates are porcelain-coated as well, making them easy to clean. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to a simple drain cleaning system, which helps make maintenance a breeze.
- People appreciate the value of this pellet smoker. You receive a lot of grill for the price. Its solid construction and the quality of food that you can prepare with it are significant selling points. These are just a few of the best pellet grills under $500; there are many more available that are worth checking out.
8. Masterbuilt SH19260119 WG400B, 20″ Pellet Grill
- This grill meets the criteria, indeed. Easy to set up; it took us just a couple of hours at most. It provides excellent guidance on startup and assembly procedures. One feature I appreciate about this grill is the ability to turn the knob down all the way without damaging the venting fan motor. This ensures that the pellets left in the crucible burn completely.
- The biggest issue I found with this smoker is that the temperature gauge can fluctuate by 15 degrees or drop by 15 degrees, so it’s recommended to use a temperature probe or an oven thermometer to ensure accurate readings. There will be times when the temperatures stabilize, but it isn’t entirely reliable overall.
Buying Guide for the Best Pellet Grill Under $500
There are many models of pellet grills available on the market, making it hard to choose the right product under $500. Unless you are familiar with all the brands and models available, it can be challenging to purchase the best pellet grill.
If you want to choose the best pellet grill from the many options, consider the following features: In this section, I have shortlisted attributes you should think about before buying the best pellet grill under $500.
Temperature Controller
Pellet grills that are digital are advantageous because they make grilling and temperature control simpler. Therefore, you need to choose a pellet grill that comes with temperature controllers. This may be either manual with a knob or electronic with a display interface.
Controller Type
The type of controller can help determine the model’s advantages. Most basic models come with a three-position control, allowing you to select low, medium, or high heat settings. In contrast, multi-position controls enable you to adjust the temperature based on predetermined settings.
Cooking Surface Area
The cooking area you select should depend on the size of your gatherings and family. A model with a smaller cooking surface area may be sufficient for small households or individual use, while larger models can accommodate larger groups.
Portability
The weight and size of the pellet grill are crucial if you plan to transport it or use it in various locations. You should opt for a model that is lightweight and has wheels for portability.
Construction
The materials and construction of a grill affect its longevity and durability. You should look for pellet grills made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, as they withstand heat and last longer.
Conclusion
Pellet grills are a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking and wants the convenience of grilling and smoking in one appliance. The market offers many affordable options under $500 that deliver excellent performance and durability.
The best pellet grill for you will depend on your specific cooking needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned griller, the right pellet grill can enhance your outdoor cooking experience and help you create delicious meals for family and friends.
