Grilling is an extreme yet enjoyable cooking sport, and this means that if you are going to try to grill, you need the best equipment and recipes to ensure that you get it perfectly right. While we might not have the luxury of sharing amazing grill recipes with you now, we can guide you towards purchasing the best pellet grills under $500 in 2022.
There are a wide variety of pellet grills to choose from, but most of them are more expensive than several persons can afford.
But we’ve decided that being unable to afford an expensive pellet grill does not mean that you should miss out on all the amazing features and delicious meals you can get from a pellet grill and so we’ve brought you the bat inexpensive options.
Our Top 3 Favorite Budget Pellet Grills
- BBQ✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill.
- Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates.
- Thermal sensor that constantly monitors the grill temperature.
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The Best Pellet Grills Under $500
If you are looking to kickstart a grilling tradition at home or a small business and you have a tight budget, then you have definitely come to the right place.
We have reviewed the very best pellet grill under $500 and all you need to do is take your pick, and we are certain you will find a few favorites because why not?
1. Z Grills ZPG-450A Upgraded Wood Pellet Grill
The best smoke and grill pellet grill under a budget
Pellet grills are adored because of the grace with which they provide you perfectly smoked flavors in comparison to other grills that may taint the flavor. The Z grills ZPG – 450A wood pellet grill is particularly amazing because it focuses on ensuring the smoke flavors and grill technology is top-notch every time you use it.
Z Grills ZPG-450A Pellet Grill Top Specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 452 square inches
- Cooking grids: Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Fuel type: Electricity, liquified petroleum, gas, hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 15 lbs
- Model make: ZPG – 450A
- Temperature range: 180F to 450F
- Assembled dimensions: 45” x 28” x 49”
- Weight: 84 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why we like this grill:
- Made from top-notch materials that are guaranteed to last you through over 5 years of usage.
- A versatile grill with an 8 – in – 1 feature allows it to perform 8 functions which include; grilling, smoking, searing, braising, baking, roasting, barbecuing, and char-grilling.
- Made with a smart smoke technology that allows you to set the grill to a smoke level and leave it at that without worrying about it changing as it grills.
- It comes with a free waterproof grill cover.
- It has a foldable working shelf, a rust-proof cover, a sizable grilling area, and hopper capacity.
- You can replace pellets as a fueling material with gas which is more cost-effective and gives up to 20 cook hours.
What we’d change:
- Using direct flame to grill is great but not as good as a grill dedicated for just that purpose.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
This pellet grill covers a 452 sq inch cooking area and is perfect for small families or small businesses for such a great price. It also has PID technology to ensure that it maintains a tight temperature and gives you satisfying results each time it is used.
The Z grills ZPG – 450A wood pellet grill is also easy to use and does not require any labored process to start up and control while grilling.
2. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Wood Pellet Grill
The best Wi-Fi-activated pellet grill
While navigating to find the perfect pellet grill with a budget under $500, it is not easy to find a Wi-Fi-activated pellet grill that is also budget-friendly and effective for the job, but we’ve managed to find you this amazing Green Mountain electric WiFi control pellet grill that ticks all those boxes conveniently.
Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 219 square inches
- Cooking grids: Stainless steel
- Fuel type: Hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 9 lbs
- Model make: Davy Crockett
- Temperature range: 150F to 550F
- Assembled dimensions ( L x W x H): 29.92 x 14.96 x 21.65 inches
- Weight: 67.6 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years.
Why we like this grill:
- It is durable because of the stainless steel material used for the grill and grates as this protects it from harsh weather conditions.
- You can easily control the temperature of the grill using your phone due to the WiFi feature.
- It is versatile because of its high-temperature range that allows you to grill, roast, smoke, and bake.
- The legs can be folded to make it portable.
- It is budget-friendly and still value-packed.
What we’d change:
- The pellet capacity is low and would not last longer than 9 hours holding smoke.
- It has a smaller cooking capacity than other grills and cannot be used to cook for a large audience.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
This pellet grill is one of the best you could possibly snag for the price it goes for, it gives a ton of value and is also versatile. It is durable due to the stainless steel material used to forge it, it also has a portable feature that allows you to fold the legs and pack it up conveniently in a car and be on the go.
The green mountain electric WiFi control pellet grill has a digital controller that can be connected to WiFi and controlled using the iOS or Android mobile applications. It also comes with a meat probe and a waterproof cover for rainy days.
With a max temperature of 550F, it grills at an amazing rate compared to other pellet grills.
3. The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill
The best Traeger pellet grill
Traeger grills are loved by many because of their ability to grill without direct heat hitting the beef, steak, or ribs. A standard stranger grill is big and takes on a lot of workload in comparison to what we can offer you while working with an under $500 budget.
This Traeger grill ranger portable pellet grill is a great performer with enviable features.
Traeger grills ranger portable wood pellet grill specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 184 square inches
- Cooking grids: Porcelain-coated
- Fuel type: Hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 8 lbs
- Model make: TFT18KLD
- Temperature range: 160F to 450F
- Assembled dimensions ( D x W x H): 20”D x 21”W x 13”H
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why we like this grill:
- It has a unique “keep warm” setting that is bound to come in handy several times
- There is an Arc controller that is programmed to keep track of the temperature.
- It is durable and is made with top-notch materials.
- Can be used to smoke, bake, grill and roast.
- It has foldable legs that make it portable
What we’d change:
- It has a limited cooking area which might discourage some people.
- It does not grill as well as it smokes.
- The remote control does not have WiFi connectivity.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
This Traeger pellet grill is smaller, lighter, and works great at home and for camping trips. The temperature of the grill will be controlled and kept stable by the Traeger’s arc controller. It is durable, reliable, and easy to operate at home and while being used for a small business or gathering.
We all love a grill that doesn’t wear you out while you try to clean it and this Traeger pellet grill has grates that are super easy to clean. It also has an excellent cooking timer that lets you know when to proceed with the next steps and when it’s perfectly done.
4. The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill 440 Series
The best versatile pellet grill
We all love a pellet grill that does more than merely function as a grill, the pit boss wood pellet grill is an outstanding example of a versatile pellet grill and the best part is that it is budget-friendly despite the value it offers.
If you’re looking for a versatile pellet grill then you should check out the pit boss wood pellet grill.
Pit boss wood pellet grill specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 465 square inches
- Cooking grids: Porcelain-coated steel
- Fuel type: Hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 5 lbs
- Model make: PB440D2
- Temperature range: 180F to 500F
- Assembled dimensions ( L x W x H): 50.2 x 24.02 x 39.8 inches
- Weight: 96 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years.
Why we like this grill:
- It has a digital controlled board with an LED readout that helps stabilize temperature
- It gives your meals an amazing and unique flavor.
- It is durable and long-lasting.
- It can be used for char-grilling, barbecuing, roasting, braising, searing, smoking, grilling, and baking.
- It has two large wheels meant for easy transportation.
- It has a steel bottle opener attached.
- It has direct and indirect heat options.
- It has a removable upper cooking rack.
What we’d change:
- It has a small hopper capacity.
- The searing area is small.
- Uneven heat.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
This pellet grill has all the right features and is durable, user-friendly, and cost-effective to say the least.
The pit boss wood pellet grill doubles as a great smoker aside from being a grill, it makes cooking enjoyable by providing digital controls to keep the temperature stable while in use, it can be used with direct or indirect heat, and it is great for short or long cooking hours, and it can be used for searing as well.
5. The Pit Boss Portable Tabletop Pellet Grill Cooper
The best portable tabletop pellet grill
Pellet grills are not always to move around or set up in small places because of their size, on some days you might want to go grilling in an open space or at a campsite with a few friends and you would desperately wish for a portable pellet grill.
That’s where the pit boss portable tabletop pellet grill comes in to save the day with its easy-to-operate features and portable construction to support being on the go.
Pit boss portable tabletop pellet grill cooper specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 256 square inches
- Cooking grids: Porcelain-coated steel
- Fuel type: Hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 7 lbs
- Model make: PB150PPG
- Temperature range: 180F to 500F
- Assembled dimensions ( L x W x H): 25 x 18 x 14 inches
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years.
Why we like this grill:
- It can be used to smoke, grill, or sear meat.
- It is durable and portable for trips.
- It has a locking lid that keeps it secure on the move.
- It has a slide plate to regulate direct and indirect heat.
What we’d change:
- It has a small hopper capacity.
- The switch between direct heat and indirect heat is tricky to manage.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
The pit boss portable tabletop pellet grill has a dial-in digital control with LED readout, it comes packed with a meat probe, it is made out of quality stainless steel material and it has options of using direct or indirect heat as you may please.
This portable pellet grill is also very easy to assemble as you move it around, it has a high-temperature range that it controls perfectly, and it is also made to retain the natural smokey flavor of the grilled meat.
6. Asmoke 8 in 1 Portable Wood Pellet Grill AS300
Top pellet grill pick
It’s one thing to get your hands on a portable pellet grill, and it’s another thing to get your hands on a portable pellet grill that is versatile and performs up to 8 functions.
The Asmoke 8 in 1 portable wood pellet grill AS300 is the perfect grill for you because it is versatile, efficient, and reliable and a ton of positive reviews prove its worth.
Asmoke 8 in 1 portable wood pellet grill specs:
- Pellet grill material: Stainless steel
- Total cooking area: 256 square inches
- Cooking grids: Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Fuel type: Hardwood pellets
- Pellet hopper capacity: 5 lbs
- Model make: AS300
- Temperature range: 180F to 500F
- Assembled dimensions ( Hx W x D): 26 x 16 x 18 inches
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Warranty: 5 years.
Why we like this grill:
- It has a nonstick BBQ setup.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is easy to clean.
- It has a power-saving feature that lets you save wood pellets up to 20%.
- It has an impressive 5-year warranty.
- It is portable.
- It gives food a rich, healthy, and smokey flavor.
- It allows for direct heat or indirect heat for grilling.
- It has a one-button reliable temperature control setup.
- It is versatile and can perform 8 cooking options.
- It comes with a free precision tracking stainless steel meat probe.
What we’d change:
- It has a small pellet hopper capacity.
- It may experience temperature fluctuations sometimes.
Why we recommend this pellet grill:
The Asmoke 8-in-1 portable wood pellet grill ticks all the boxes for a pellet grill under $500 especially if you are on the lookout for a portable pellet grill that allows you to explore different cooking options on a pellet grill.
You can trust this pellet grill to come through for you as you barbecue, grill, roast, bake, sear, braise, char grill and broil. It also allows you to apply direct or indirect heat to your food whenever you need to, it has energy-saving technology, and an amazing intelligent temperature control system as well.
This pellet grill has a 256-square-inch cooking area and it is portable so that you carry it around as you please. It is also easy to operate and assemble as you take it from place to place and need to rearrange the parts as you set it up.
Choosing A Pellet Grill Under $500 – Buying Guide
When buying a pellet grill, even for a lesser price that is usually the norm, there are certain things that you still have to look out for to make sure that you are getting the value for your money and the best out of your grilled meals;
1. High-quality construction materials
The construction materials used to make pellet grills have to be the best quality, for them to be durable and have a guaranteed long-lasting ability, they need to be made with high quality materials such as stainless steel. You should look out for pellet grills that are made with stainless steel as they are sure to last you for five years and more with little maintenance.
2. Proper working temperature control system
One of the most important things to take into consideration when buying a pellet grill is the condition of the temperature control system. Different pellet grills have various temperature control systems to ensure that the heat remains even while you grill, especially when you can not sit by the grill during the entire process.
This means that once you snag a pellet grill that has a perfectly working temperature system, you have gotten the very best type of pellet grill.
3. The expanse of the cooking area
Most of the pellet grills under $500 do not have a large cooking area, but it all depends on whether you need the pellet grill for family time or a small business. Either way, you should look out for a pellet grill with a cooking area expanse that matches your grilling needs, and we are certain that you will find one amongst the list of pellet grills we have pulled together.
4. The hopper capacity
The hopper in a pellet grill is a part of the grill that is used to store the pellets (hardwood) and feed them to the fire through an auger to fuel the grill while it is working. It is important that your hopper capacity is impressive in size, this means that you would not have to refill the pellets often.
The exhaustion of your pellets also depends on the size of cooking you plan to do on your pellet grill, if you do not cook often on your grill or cook for crowds then you’re safe with any of the pellet grills we have reviewed above.
5. The temperature range
Just as the temperature control system of a pellet grill is important, the temperature range of a pellet grill is equally crucial for its performance, especially if you plan to use it for searing often.
The temperature range of a pellet grill is between 180F to 500F and they work great for grilling, searing, smoking, baking, roasting, char-grilling, barbecuing, and roasting.
Which Is the Best Under $500 Pellet Grill?
While we are certain that we have put together the absolute best options of pellet girls under $500 for you, we can still help you narrow down your choice to ensure that your pick is the absolute best.
So if it’s up to us, the pellet grill that ticks all the boxes according to the buying guide above is the Z Grills ZPG – 450A upgraded wood pellet grill & smoke 8 – in – 1 BBQ grill.
- ★ ULTIMATE 8-IN-1 (Cover included): Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill
- ★ Pellet Grill Technology: There isnt an easier way to get wood-smoked flavors than with a pellet grill. Try it, and youll taste the difference from a GAS or CHARCOAL grill
- ★ Consistent Results Every Time: The PID technology holds the tightest temperature possible throughout your cooking for consistent results.
- ★Smoke, Grill, and Everything in Between: With its 180° to 450° F temperature range, this pellet grill has 8-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill with incredible hardwood flav
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This pellet grill is made out of high-quality stainless steel to ensure that is durable for as long as five years, it has a perfectly working temperature control system which is the PID technology system that keeps the heat levels in check, it also has an impressive 452 Square inch cooking area for its inexpensive cost, it also has a sustainable pellet hopper capacity of 15 lbs, and an amazing temperature range of 180F – 450F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a pellet grill in the winter?
Yes, it is pretty amazing to find out that you can use a pellet grill all year long, even during the winter. During the winter, hot barbecued meals will be best appreciated because it helps you to feel warmth.
Do pellet brands matter?
No, the brand of your pellet grill does not matter, especially when you’re in search of an inexpensive quality pellet grill because you will come across new brands with amazing features for a low price, and after giving them a try you would realize that they are worth the try.
Is it OK to leave pellets in your pellet grill?
No, it is important to clean out your pellets from the hopper when you are done cooking because leaving them in the hopped after cooking can lead to them rotting due to the weather and other elements they will be exposed to while they are outdoor.
Does a pellet grill need electricity?
Yes, pellet grills need electricity to function unlike gas or charcoal grills. This is because they have temperature control systems, fans, and augers that need to be connected to electricity to function.
Summary
A pellet grill will serve as an amazing choice for whosoever is just getting started on their grilling journey, it is easy to put together, it is easy to operate, and it always has a quality temperature control system so the cooking process is amazingly easy and smooth to get through.
Pellet grills are fueled by wood so it does not require you to purchase gas or any other fuel material, this makes it a cost-efficient cooking choice that does a great job at getting you a perfectly grilled meal.
Having your own pellet grill might seem impossible if you choose to stay focused on advertisements for pellet grills where the pellet grills cost thousands of dollars.
But if you strategize and put together a budget that’s as low as “under $500”, you would be surprised at the amazing options that are available. We have reviewed six of the best pellet grills under $500 and we are sure that you will find a match for your budget and grilling needs, so take your pick!
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