Looking for the best-smoked food, but don’t want to break the bank? Here we are with the best pellet smokers under $500. These smokers are the best choice if you intend to barbecue in your backyard or on your rooftop.
Despite their durability and versatility, these smokers can be used easily by beginners.
Pellet Smokers act as an outdoor oven that cooks brisket in a smoky environment. Smoking pellets produce tender and moist meat that doesn’t require constant monitoring.
Other smokers do not utilize hoppers and fireboxes as in the pellet grill.
The automatic pellet replenishment system makes pellet grills easy to use. The only thing you have to do is stay home and let the meat cook to smoky perfection in the oven.
Technology upgrades like WiFi connections enable users to monitor temperature on a smartphone. By combining all these features, pellet grills have become even more useful.
Best Pellet Smokers Under $500
Let’s take a look at the Best Pellet Smokers under $500 in this article. This way you can get an affordable one.
But before going into deep analysis, let’s have a look at the comparison table for a quick overview.
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Top Pick
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Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
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PID Smoke Controller, 573sq inch cooking area, Attachment Compatibility | Check Price |
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PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill
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700Sq inch Cooking Space, Digitally Control Burn System, Cast Iron Grids | Check Price |
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Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
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Open Flame Technology, Large Wood Chip Tray, Sense-Mate Temperature Monitoring | Check Price |
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Traeger Pellet Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill
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Fueled By Natural Hardwood Pellets, Compact & Portable Design, Easy To Use | Check Price |
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Z GRILLS Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
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8-in-1 Versatility, Consistent & Precise, Rust Proof Cover & Racks | Check Price |
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Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
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Stainless Steel Body, Bottom Storage Cabinet to store accessories, Easy to Clean with Grease Management System | Check Price |
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Cuisinart Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill
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15 pound Hopper, Versatile & Durable, Front Table can be Folded | Check Price |
1. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef Pellet Smokers are specifically designed for outdoor and indoor use. One can smoke effortlessly whenever he desires with the DLX Pellet Smoker. The most amazing features of this product include smoke control and PID technologies which make it more convenient and safer.
Adjustable Smoke
Make your meal more smoke-free by adjusting your Smoke Number. The ability to adjust smoke is a top-notch feature that is hard to find in smokers. In addition to simplifying cleanup, Ash Cleanout also reduces dust. Say no to struggling with a suction hose. You can have more time for a beautiful day and delicious food.
Meat Probes and PID Controllers
This package includes two meat probes for easy and convenient cooking. Having the right cooking accessories can make your job more fun and enjoyable. Probes for meat allow you to monitor temperature and know at what point the food has been cooked.
Moreover, a digital display allows you to notice what’s going on inside the grill. Menu Dial is quite easy to use and PID controllers are introduced in this model to adjust smoke and temperature.
Capacity For Attachment
With the Sidekick from Camp Chef’s best pellet smoker, you can cook in multiple ways, including griddle, grill, oven, stockpot, and more. Searing is the domain of the Sear Box. Cast iron grill grates will enable the Sear Box to reach an astonishing 900 degrees Fahrenheit and make delicious sear marks.
Also Reviewed: 9 Best Grills for Outdoor Kitchens in 2024
2. PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill
You can get this product at an affordable price if you’re looking for something good. This is the best Pit Boss pellet smoker which uses only natural cooking-grade wood pellets as a fuel source. No propane, gas, or charcoal. Despite its enduring nature, this product shows immediate results. That’s why it is worth buying.
Dial-In Control
Dial-in control for Digital Control Center provides its user full control of temperature from 170 degrees to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This product is designed to facilitate customers in every possible manner. With electric ignition and fan-forced air, you can quickly light and maintain a clear flame for better-cooked delicious smoky food.
Innovative Design
Its creative design makes this product more reliable. Its presence will increase the glory of your backyard and rooftop. It’s time for you to learn how to make steaks and hamburgers at your favorite restaurants.
Simple Slide-Plate
With Flame Broiler’s simple slide plate, you can control the flame directly and achieve complete control on grilling meat. This pellet smoker has made cast iron cooking much easier. This smoker digitally controls the smoker’s heat and it only uses pure wood pellets to give a rich smoky flavor to the food.
Also Reviewed: 8 Best Charcoal Smokers of 2024
3. Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
As a beginner, it is really hard to invest money into expensive models. Why should we choose an expensive model? Whenever we can get the best pellet smoker at a reasonable price. Green Mountain smokers are among the best pellet smokers under $500 with the highest ratings on different platforms. It got the best features and it is worth spending money on.
Portable
The greatest quality of this pellet smoker is that it is relatively lightweight. It only weighs 69 pounds, and its legs can be folded and used as handles to help it be carried.
12-foot alligator clips are included in the package and a 12V connector that you can plug into the cigarette lighter of your car if necessary. These all features make this smoker portable.
Wifi Compatibility
With the increasing technology, new trends have been introduced in pellet grills. It is surprising that it is compatible with WiFi. It allows you to control temperature via a smartphone app. You can check how much time has been left for your delicious food to be ready. You don’t have to open the grill every time to check the food condition.
Thermal Sensor System
The newly introduced thermal sensor system in this model by Green Mountain. Sense-Mate technology automatically reads and monitors the temperature as soon as you set the temperature on the LCD display. No matter what temperature you cook at, whether 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 550 degrees Fahrenheit, it maintains even cooking.
Read Also: Traeger vs. Green Mountain: 8 Important Points To Consider!
4. Traeger Pellet Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20 Grill
Trager is very popular worldwide in introducing the best smokers with the latest technologies. Traeger Pellet Grills are the best pellet smoker under $500. The Traeger grill takes longer to heat up in the winter months.
It reaches a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. You can master your BBQ using our recommended affordable pellet grills.
Compact & Reliable
A small, yet useful, 300-square-inch cooking area is set on porcelain-coated grates. These cooking grates are very easy to clean. The amount is enough to make 2 chickens, 12 hamburgers, or 3 racks of ribs.
Furthermore, Traeger grills are easy to clean.
Digital Thermostat
The cooking temperatures of this pellet smoker can easily be adjusted using the digital thermostat. It allows you to adjust the temperature by 5 degrees at a time. Traeger has a 300-square-inch cooking area and it has an 8-pound hopper.
Foldable Legs
You can enjoy wood-fired flavor wherever you go. A compact, portable design makes it perfect for balcony use, or anywhere you want versatility and exceptional taste. Thanks to the consistent temperatures that this smoker provides, you’ll always get reliable results.
Read Also: How To Smoke Cheese on a Pellet Grill?
5. Z GRILLS Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Z Grills are very popular on the market. They are famous for designing the best pellet smokers for under $500 which are very consistent and sturdily built. This is the best pellet smoker that focuses exclusively on low-cost and affordable pellet grills. Z Grills wood pellet grills cannot reach temperatures higher than 450 degrees.
Advanced Wood Fire Technology
In addition to adding a rich smoky flavor to food, it also enhances its appearance. With its advanced wood fire technology, you can enjoy the wood fire flavor of the Z Grill using propane or gas.
It means that you can enjoy smoky-flavored food only using natural gas or propane. These amazing features make this smoker the best pellet smoker under $500. The cooking time per 20 pounds is around 20 hours.
Large Cooking Area
It is enough to cook a large amount of food for a large family with 450 square inches of cooking space. The hopper capacity of this smoker is 15 pounds. Foldable working shelves allow us to cook a large amount of food with ease. If you are looking for something great for your indoor grilling, you can select from this article.
Better Searing
This pellet smoker is designed to enhance the performance of searing. Food cooked in a pellet smoker is healthy and nutritious. Pellet grills do not ignite as quickly as gas grills do. The use of direct flame capability on some pellet grills must therefore be handled with caution.
Check out the list of the best Z Grills on the market. We have reviewed them for you.
6. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
This is the best pellet smoker under $500 which can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. To reach the maximum temperature you just have to open the air door to the seat and set the temperature control to maximum. Z Grills promises the taste of the difference between a gas or charcoal grill. So it is worth spending money.
Auto Temperature Control
With the best features, this smoker has set its place among the best smokers. With a single button, you can start the engine, and control its temperature. Featuring electronic ignition, digital auto heating, and a temperature readout using LEDs. The LED screen has really made the job much easier making the cooking process super easy, even for beginners and professionals.
Large Cooking Space
It has a large cooking space and can cook food for 10 to 15 people. A regular-sized smoker, it offers 573 square inches of cooking space. Stainless steel is partially used in its construction to increase durability.
PID Temperature Control
The Built-In PID controller in this smoker provides temperature control accurately. It allows you to set the cooking temperature from 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smokers with pellets provide the best wood-smoked flavor because they are easier to use and provide the flavor more easily than any other type of smoker.
Read Also: How To Clean an Electric Smoker?
7. Cuisinart Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill
Cuisinart is one of the most trusted brands as far as smokers are concerned. Their smokers are quite famous among consumers and they got the highest ratings. Cuisinart wood BBQ Grill and smoker pellet grill is the best model.
Easy To Use
This model manages the fuel with its automatic temperature control system, so there is no need to worry about flare-ups. You just have to place the pellets inside the smoker, and your device is ready to go. Using a low temperature will allow your pellets to smolder and it will create more blue smoke.
Unique Design
Cuisinart’s pellet smoker has a unique design, as well as 450 square inches of cooking space. Terrain wheels make it portable and add more versatility to other grills. Food can be cooked using three settings of temperature medium to low and high. It is ideal for cooking all types of food.
Temperature Control
It provides total temperature control to the user. The user can control it from low to medium and high temperatures as per food demand. The LED display allows the user to look at the level of smoke and temperature. It sets the temperature automatically and automatically adds more wood pellets to the firewood.
Check out these best commercial smokers for high-quality BBQs!
What To Consider Before Buying Pellet Smokers?
Pellet smokers are indeed the best smokers in terms of their size, portability, versatility, and durability.
Easy To Use
Convenience is the most important factor to consider before purchasing. As long as it is easy to use, even as a beginner, you would have no trouble using it.
In a pellet smoker, you can roast, bake, grill, sear, barbecue, and smoke food. They leave very little mess, which reduces the time it takes to clean. With an adjustable cooking temperature, you can cook evenly according to your preferences.
The introduction of a Wi-Fi automatic controller has made it much easier for beginners and professionals. Pellet smokers regulate the temperature much more easily than other types of smokers.
Furthermore, it needs to be easy to light up and allow for cooking better, more delicious food. When not in use, the device must be easy to assemble, disassemble, and store.
Additional Features
With the advancement in technology, new technologies have been introduced to pellet smokers for the ease of customers.
By adding more features, we are becoming more familiar with technology and making our work easier.
It is much easier to repair pellet grills once you have the right parts. No matter what brand you have, you should be able to find replacement parts for the fan and the auger fairly easily.
Additional features include Wi-Fi compatibility, Built-In lighting, foldable shelves, a Sear Box, and Meat Probes to know about the temperature of cooked meat. Pellet hoppers have the ability to extend the hopper, direct Grill Grates will protect the smoker from dust, and Auger motors are a must-have accessory if you want your smoker to run properly.
Read Also: Why are built-in grills so expensive? Top 6 Reasons
Cooking Surface Area
You must consider the cooking area and how much cooking surface you need. If you are looking for pellet smokers with a large cooking surface area then kindly read the recommended products. Pellet smokers usually have a large cooking area which differentiates them from other types of smokers.
The pellet smokers with a cooking area of 300 to 1300sq inches are considered to be the best pellet smokers. If you are considering a smaller smoker, then 540 square inches is a good size. A large kitchen is essential if you want to cook for a large group.
Temperature Control Options
Looking at temperature control options is important if it is convenient for you to use or not. There are three types of options for pellet smokers to control temperature. Several options exist for controlling temperature, including PID controllers, non-PID controllers, and 3-position controllers.
- PID Controllers
PID Controllers are considered to be the best technology as far as temperature control in pellet smokers is concerned. Auto-smoking controllers use PID technology. In order to maintain a specific temperature, complex algorithms are used.
- Non-PID Controllers & 3-Position Controller
Non-PID controllers come with meat probes, LED displays, and an added one-touch button. Usually, these pellet grills are equipped with five or ten-degree increments to control the temperature. 3-position controllers allow users to control the temperature in 3 positions from low to medium and high.
If you are also looking for a gas smoker, check out these best propane smokers under the same price range of $500.
Summing Up
Grills and smokers come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. In my opinion, pellet smokers are one of the best tobacco products available. Pellet smokers are the only source of rich smoky flavors in food. You can vary the flavor by choosing different types of wood pellets, and you can even mix and match different types of wood pellets to get the desired flavor in food.
All the smokers we have mentioned in this article are highly recommended by us. We will select the best one for our readers to pick one of the best pellet smokers under $500 as per tradition. Our top pick from the above-mentioned pellet smokers is the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill. Your kitchen will be the envy of the neighborhood with these durable, versatile pellet smokers.
FAQs
What are the best pellet smokers under $500?
The mild, smoky flavor of pellet grills makes them more popular than other types of grills. The following are our top 5 recommendations if you are looking for the best one. You can choose from these products:
1. Cuisinart Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill
2. Z GRILLS Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
3. Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
4. Traeger Pellet Grills
5. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
What is the working of a pellet grill?
Pellet grills cook food slower than direct heat, which reduces the possibility of carcinogens forming, and makes them safe for health. You can read about the pellet smoker’s work by following the steps we share. By following these steps, you will help your smoker live a long time:
1. Make Sure to clean your smoker all the time to ensure its longevity and for healthy food.
2. If you are planning on smoking in the backyard, check the weather before doing so to avoid safety hazards. The smoker can rust in contact with rain.
3. Components like Gaskets need to be replaced on time to improve your smoker’s working.
4. When cooking, don’t open the lid to preserve the sweet, juicy flavor of the food.
5. Cover your pellet smoker with the grill cover for the safety of smokers.
Are pellet grills powered by electricity?
The only difference between pellet smokers and charcoal or gas grills is that pellet smokers are powered by electricity. Therefore, place the smoker in a space where there is access to sockets easily or use an extension cord to do so. It is all powered by electricity, including the grills, the control panel, and the thermometer. Thus, it should be plugged in before use.