Just because you are on a strict budget, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find the best pellet grill under $500. Our review of the best pellet grills under $500 below can help you find the ultimate choice for your home. Using a wood pellet grill allows you to grill your food more evenly and with less smoke.
Pellet grills also come with the versatility of functioning as a grill and smoker. So, using them allows you to make a wide range of foods. Their minimal smoke makes them better options for the environment and your home as well.
Still, the best thing about pellet grills is that you can find the best options for the lowest prices. Below we’ve shared our top options for the best pellet grills under $500 this year to help you find the right choice.
Top 5 Pellet Grills Under $500 Reviews
Here is the list of best pellet grills under $500
1. Camp Chef Smoke Pro PLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef Smoke Pro PLX Pellet Grill features a 2-in-1 design. You can use the pellet grill as a grill and smoker. With this design, you can enjoy a wider selection of food options – including meats and vegetables. Furthermore, the pellet grill features an automatic auger system. The system automatically dispenses pellets when need and shuts down when done.
The patented ash clean-out on the other end makes clean up quick and simple. The pellet smoker is built with a large capacity hopper as well. This means that you will be able to fill in more pellets for a longer smoke period.
Features:
- 19.5” x 22” grilling area
- 6” x 24” smoking/warming rack
- Steel frame
- 2-in-1 grill and smoker
- 160 to 500° F cooking temperature
Pros
- Comes with a stainless steel meat probe and camping chef accessories
- Built-in internal temperature sensor
- Efficient grease management system
- Side shelf for convenient prep
- An advanced digital temperature chip for a steady smoke and temperature
Cons
- A little difficult to remove the unused pellets out of the hopper for storage
2. Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Integrating 8-in-1 built-in temperature controls, the Z Grills Pellet Grill & Smoker offers versatility. The grill’s temperature range of 160°F to 450°F allows different cooking styles. You can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ your food. The grill features an auger system that adds pellets as needed for consistent temperature.
The mechanism helps to save the wood pellets as well. You will only use 20 lbs of pellets for 20 hours of cook time. The grill’s advanced wood fire technology allows you to achieve the best woody flavor on your food as well.
Features:
- 19.2” x 26” grilling area
- 6.9” x 27.5” smoking/warming rack
- Stainless steel frame
- 8-in-1 built-in temperature controls
- Heavy-duty all-terrain wheels
Pros
- Built with heavy-duty all-terrain wheels for easy mobility
- Fan-forced convection heat distribution technology cooks food evenly
- Convention heat distribution allows for the preparation of rotisserie-style chicken
- Long-lasting and corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame with a sleek and polished finish
- Upgraded digital control board automatically ignites the grill and easily sets the desired temperature
Cons
- Poor heat controller design
3. Traeger Pellet Grills TFB30KLF
Built with a digital arc control, the Traeger Pellet Grill delivers precise temperature. The arc controller allows you to set the temperature in 5-degree increments. Thanks to this mechanism, the grill maintains cooking and temperature accuracy. A built-in meat probe allows you to monitor the food’s internal temperature.
Using the probe, you will not have to lift the lid. The grill also features porcelain-coated plates which prevent food from sticking to the surface. The porcelain makes cleaning a breeze as well. A keep warm mode on the other end helps to keep the food warm until you are ready to eat. When you are done, the EZ-fold legs make storage easy to store and convenient to transport.
Features:
- 300 square inch total cooking area
- 5-degree temperature settings increments
- 2-in-1 wood pellet and electric grill
- Porcelain-coated plates
- Built-in meat probe
Pros
- EZ-fold legs and dual wheels for easy storage and transport
- Keep warm mode maintains arm food until you are ready to eat
- Porcelain-coated grates prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easy
- Built-in meat probe allows you to monitor the temperature without opening the lid
- The digital arc controller promotes precise cooking temperatures
Cons
- Some issues with the quality
4. PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill
If you have a large family or plan to host your friends and family over – the Pit Boss Pellet Grill is what you should go for. With over 700 square inches of cooking space, the grill accommodates enough food to feed a crowd. The large pellet grill is built with porcelain-coated cast iron grids. Thanks to this construction, the plates don’t only allow for even heat distribution. They ensure food is properly cooked on all sides.
Additionally, the porcelain coating prevents food from sticking to the plates. During washing, the coating makes the surface of the plates smooth to clean. To complement the heat distributing cast iron grids is the fan-forced air mechanism. The fan-forced air acceleration maintains clean and convection heat for consistent cooking temperature. A flame broiler facilitates indirect and direct cooking – adding flavor to the food and removing excess grease.
Features:
- 700 square inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grids
- Dual racks
- Digitally controlled burn system
- Temperature range of 170F to 600F
Pros
- Frame broiler allows for both direct and indirect cooking, adds flavor, and removes excess grease
- Fan forced air accelerates and clear burning flame for convention and clean heat
- Digital control center dial-in control for easy temperature monitoring
- Cast iron grids promote even heat distribution and cooking
- Porcelain coating prevents food from sticking to the grids
Cons
- No side shelf
5. Masterbuilt Pellet Grill SH19260119
Using an auto auger system, the Masterbuilt Grill allows you to regulate the pellet feed rate. This, in turn, allows for constant temperature control and even cooking. The large pellet grill is also built with a pellet hopper cleaner for easy and quick clean up.
The large hopper capacity itself allows you to go for hours without having to add more pellets to the grill. The porcelain-coated grilling grates and warming racks accommodate any type of food. You can prepare light vegetables, soft fish, or steaks without them sticking to the surface. The porcelain coating gives the grill a sleek and quality look whilst making it easy to clean as well.
Features:
- 390 square inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-coated grates and warming rack
- Digital temperature readout
- Flavor enhancing smoke hollow
- Automatic auger and pellet reloading system
Pros
- Digital LED lit readout for easy temperature reading even in low light conditions
- Porcelain-coated grates and warming racks prevent foods from sticking to them
- Automatic auger system regulates the amount of pellets needing for consistent cooking
- Large hopper cleanout for easy cleanup
- Large hopper capacity means you don’t have to add pellets every few hours
Cons
- The LED digital temperature readout is difficult to read through under bright light
Check out our reviews of gas grills for more choices: gas grills under $200, gas grills under $300, gas grills under $1000, 2 burner gas grills
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Pellet Grill Under $500
When you are choosing the best pellet grill under $500 to invest in, you want to pay attention to the key features. You can still find some of the best grills even on a tight budget as long as you pay attention to the right features. In the guide below, we’ve outlined the important features to look out for.
Temperature Controller
The temperature controller plays a significant role in gauging a pellet grill’s functions. Typically, the temperature controller will determine how you can control the temperature. It also determines the temperature range scope.
Generally, you want to opt for a pellet that offers a range of at least 175 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. It depends on your preference, however, you can look for extra details as well. These include an LCD/LED temperature screen for easy temperature reading. You can even opt for a single touch control for convenience.
Cooking Area
Similarly, the cooking area will determine how effective the pellet grill is. If you have a large family or group to feed, you want a large grill. If you have a smaller family or home, then, a smaller pellet grill is fine. As a general rule of thumb, a cooking space of at least 300 to 700 square inches is ideal for a large group.
You can look out for extra features such as a warming rack to keep your food warm till serving time. Other components you can look out for include a side shelf for easy prep. Unlike other types of grills, a pellet grill is also built with a hopper. The hopper is where you put in the wood pellets. So, depending on the size of your grill, you want to have a generous hopper capacity too.
You don’t want to be continuously stuffing the grill with pellets as you go. Make sure the cooking area matches the hopper capacity. For example, a 400 square grill should have at least a 10 lb hopper capacity. On average, a10 lb hopper allows you to go for up to 5 hours on full capacity before having to add more pellets to the grill.
Construction
Like other types of grills, the pellet grills must feature quality metal fabrication. Opt for a frame that is made from material such as stainless steel. Stainless steel is not only corrosion-resistant. It is also lightweight enough to make the pellet easy to handle.
The cooking grates and racks on the other end can be made from cast iron or steel and coated with porcelain. Cast iron and steel facilitate even heat distribution to ensure even cooking. The porcelain coating prevents food from sticking to the grates and makes cleaning a breeze.
FAQs
How Long Does A Bag Of Wood Pellets Last In A Pellet Grill?
It depends on the settings and the design of the pellet grill. A pound of wood pellets can produce heat energy of up to 8,000 BTU. So, in general, on low settings, using the energy of up to 12,000 BTU, a pound bag of wood pellets will last up to 24 hours. On high heat settings, using the energy of up to 40,000BTU, the pellets will burn for up to 8 hours.
Can I Leave My Pellet Grill Outside?
Yes, you can leave your pellet grill outside during a mild climate. But, during mild climates, make sure you cover the pellet grill with a protective tarp when you leave it outside. During cold winters and heavy rains, store the grill inside the house or garage. Leaving it outside can risk damaging it.
Are Pellet Grills The Same As Pellet Smokers?
Yes, pellet grills and pellet smokers are the same things. Pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers, come with versatility. These tools are built to function as both a grill and smoker. This means that investing in one allows you to prepare a wide selection of meals.
Conclusion
The review of the best pellet grills under $500 proves that you can still find the best quality models on a tight budget. As if this is not enough, these tools also bring versatility.
Since they work as a grill and a smoker, you can use them to make a wider range of foods. You can smoke meat, grill veggies, and even sear fish. Our recommendation for the top best pellet grill under $500 is the Camp Chef Pellet Grill. If you have a larger crowd to feed, we recommend the Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
