Are you finding the best pellet smoker under 500? Well, you are lucky because finding a good quality, the reliable smoker doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve researched and tested all of the top-rated smokers on the market so that we can bring you our recommendations for the absolute best pellet smokers available today. This article will discuss our favorites in detail and help you decide which suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

What’s the Best Pellet Smoker Under 500 for a Beginner?

The Z GRILLS pellet grill smoker is an excellent choice for the beginner looking for the best pellet smoker under 500. This smoker has an easy-to-use LCD control panel, allowing you to set your desired temperature and smoke level precisely. It also boasts an impressive 6-in-1 cooking capability – allowing you to grill, smoke, barbecue, bake, roast, and braise all in one unit.

Moreover, its advanced wood-fired technology ensures that your food will be cooked evenly and consistently with amazing flavor every time! With features such as a stainless steel handlebar for easy transportability, this best pellet smoker under 500 will give you years of delicious meals. So if you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful pellet smoker, the Z GRILLS wood pellet grill smoker is an excellent choice.

Our Top Picks

Cuisinart CPG-465 Portable Pellet Grill

Cuisinart CPG-465 Portable pellet smoker

The Cuisinart CPG-465 portable pellet grill makes outdoor cooking easy. This 8-in-1 grill has an impressive 465 sq. in. of grilling space – perfect for smoking, BBQing, roasting, braising, searing, baking and char-grilling. All-terrain wheels and a lift handle make it convenient to move when not in use, and the 13 lb hopper capacity gives you plenty of fuel for long cooking sessions.

Plus, with its advanced wood fire technology and digital controller, the Cuisinart CPG-465 ensures that you have precise temperature control from 180°F to 500°F – even automatically adding pellets as needed to ensure consistent heating throughout your meal preparation. With the Cuisinart CPG-465 portable pellet grill, you can have delicious, smoky, and juicy barbequed meals anytime you want!

Specifications

Brand: Cuisinart

Color: Black

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 83.60 lbs

Item Dimensions: 45.5 x 23.3 x 39.2 inches

Material: Stainless steel

Pros

  • 8-in-1 capabilities
  • Easy to move
  • Electronic auto-start ignition
  • Digital auto temperature control
  • Real-time LED temperature display

Cons

  • Average smoking ability

Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

Enjoy delicious barbecued food with Z GRILLS wood pellet grill smoker and its PID Controller. This automated electric feed system maintains heat from 180°F to 450°F, making it perfect for slow-cooking or searing your favorite dishes. The cutting-edge PID controller keeps temps within limits throughout the cook to ensure that your meal is cooked each time perfectly. With a huge capacity of 700 sq in grilling space, you can easily host parties and tailgates with this powerful pellet grill. It also boasts a 24 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper for longer cooking time.

And with its sturdy steel construction and high-temperature powder coating finish, the Z GRILLS wood pellet grill smoker is built to last. To top it all off, the convenient view window allows you to monitor pellet supply without lifting the lid, so you can attend to your guests and enjoy smoky-flavored barbecues every time. Get Z GRILLS wood pellet grill smoker and start grilling today!

Specifications

Brand: Z GRILLS

Color: Natural Bronze

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 84.00 lbs

Item Dimensions: 48 x 26 x 51 inches

Material: Alloy steel

Pros

  • Automated electric feed system
  • Cutting-edge PID Controller
  • 700 sq in grilling space
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • The high-temperature powder coating finish
  • Large LCD screen

Cons

  • Average customer support

Z GRILLS ZPG-550B Wood Pellet

Z GRILLS ZPG-550B Wood pellet smoker

The Z GRILLS ZPG-550B wood pellet grill is perfect for any outdoor cooking experience. With its innovative pellet grill technology, you can easily get the flavor of wood-smoked food without the hassle and mess of a traditional gas or carbon grill. Just set your desired temperature, relax, and enjoy as Z Grills takes care of the rest! You won’t have to worry about labor-intensive start-ups or constantly babysitting the grill.

This Z Grills pellet grill also features 538 sq. in. of total cooking area that’s sure to easily feed 4 to 5 people, thanks to its two tiers of removable grilling racks. The upper rack gives you extra height on the main surface, making it perfect for grilling even the tallest burgers and steaks.

Specifications

Brand: Z GRILLS

Color: Black

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 84 Pounds

Item Dimensions: 47 x 20 x 45 inches

Material: Steel

Pros

  • Pellet grill technology
  • 538 sq. in. cooking area
  • 8-in-1 versatility
  • Cost-effective
  • Advanced Wood Fire Technology

Cons

  • Average quality

Monument Octagonal Wood Pellet Grill

Monument Octagonal Wood Pellet Grill

The Monument octagonal wood pellet grill is a great choice for outdoor grilling. Its CHIMNEYLESS DESIGN ensures the smoke circulates inside for even cooking. Its large 530 square-inch cooking area with two adjustable chrome-plated cooking racks allows you to maximize the amount of food you can cook.

Plus, precise temperature control and pellet feed control systems guarantee precision grilling. And with two additional food-grade stainless steel meat probes, you can monitor the temperatures of your BBQ and food to guarantee delicious results every time! Get grilling like a pro with Monument’s wood pellet grill.

Specifications

Brand: Monument Grills

Color: Black

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 81.35 Pounds

Item Dimensions: 39 x 22 x 42 inches

Material: Stainless steel

Pros

  • 530 square inches of total cooking area
  • Two adjustable chrome-plated cooking racks
  • Precise temperature control
  • Pellet feed control system
  • Food-grade stainless steel probe

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners

Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet

Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet

The Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet is the ultimate tailgating grill. It’s lightweight and small, weighing only 68 lbs., yet it still packs a punch with its powerful features. It includes Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor that constantly monitors grill temperature. There’s also a meat probe, a peaked lid for rib racks, and a convenience tray — all so you can get perfectly cooked food on the go. With the Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill, tailgating just got easier! Whether setting up shop in the backyard or hitting the road to your favorite campground, the Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill is a perfect choice for any outdoor cooking adventure.

Specifications

Brand: Pelleted

Color: Black

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 57.32 lbs

Item Dimensions: 29 x 14.96 x 21.65 inches

Material: Wood

Pros

  • Thermal sensor
  • Monitors grill temperature
  • It comes with a convenience tray
  • 110V or 12V with adapters
  • Three power options

Cons

  • Average heat control

ASMOKE Portable Wood Pellet Grill

ASMOKE Portable Wood Pellet Grill

The ASMOKE portable wood pellet grill is perfect for outdoor cooking and grilling. Its compact body has a whopping 256 square inches of grilling space yet still fits easily into any small space, making it the ultimate portable grill. Built from durable stainless steel with a porcelain non-stick coating, this grill can withstand the elements and keep your food perfectly cooked every time.

With an impressive temperature range from 180°F to 500°F and direct heatable features, ASMOKE portable wood pellet grill offers true 8-in-1 versatility for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling. Whether a professional chef or an amateur at the grill, ASMOKE portable wood pellet grill will always give you great results. Enjoy premium features that make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable!

Specifications

Brand: ASMOKE

Color: Vibrant Orange

Power Source: AC

Item Weight: 46.9 Pounds

Item Dimensions: 24.4 x 17.5 x 16 inches

Material: Stainless steel

Pros

  • Portable
  • Easy to carry and maintain
  • Lock in moisture
  • 180° to 500°F temperature range
  • Precise PID temperature controller

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners

PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill

PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill

The PIT BOSS PB440D2 wood pellet grill is an excellent choice for backyard barbecuing. It features a premium gauge stainless steel construction, a removable side shelf/serving tray, two large wheels, and a digital control board with LED readout, making this a great unit for food enthusiasts. The PIT BOSS PB440D2 has fan-forced convection cooking, giving you direct and indirect heat to ensure your foods are cooked evenly and to perfection. Whether grilling burgers or slow-smoking ribs, the PIT BOSS PB440D2 will provide restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Plus, the PIT BOSS PB440D2 offers dual temperature probes that allow precision monitoring of internal food temperatures while grilling or smoking, which helps ensure great results every time. With its intuitive digital control board and adjustable smoke and temperature settings, the PIT BOSS PB440D2 delivers on all fronts, from grilling to slow.

Specifications

Brand:

Color: Black

Power Source: Wood Pellet

Item Weight: 83.60 lbs

Item Dimensions: 45.5 x 23.3 x 39.2 inches

Material: Stainless steel

Pros

  • Premium gauge
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Removable side shelf
  • Two large wheels
  • Digital control board

Cons

  • The grill is not up to the mark.

Best Pellet Smoker Under 500-Buying Guide

When buying a pellet smoker, there are many factors to consider. If you’re finding the best pellet smoker under 500 dollars, you need to know what features and capabilities you should be looking for. This Best Pellet Smoker Under 500 Buying Guide provides an overview of the important aspects that will help you find the right pellet smoker for your needs.

Size

First and foremost, when selecting a pellet smoker, look at the size and portability of the unit. You want something big enough to fit your needs but not so large that it takes up too much space in your home or yard. Also, ensure it has wheels or handles so it’s easy to move around.

Types of Fuels

Next, consider the different types of fuel that a pellet smoker can use. Some smokers use electricity, while others use propane or charcoal as their fuel source. An electric model may be the most cost-effective option if you’re using your smoker frequently since it doesn’t require purchasing additional fuel sources.

Temperature Range

It is also essential to look at the temperature range of the pellet smoker. Different models have different ranges, so if you plan on cooking various types of food, then make sure that you select a unit with enough cooking power and temperature range for your needs.

Conclusion

When purchasing the best pellet smoker under 500 dollars, there are many things to consider. Consider the size, fuel type, temperature range, and any other features that may be important to you. Make sure you research before purchasing to get the best out of your new pellet smoker. With the right model, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious smoked meals in no time. Enjoy premium features such as precise temperature control and easy clean-up, allowing you to enjoy your meal more and less time cooking it!

FAQs 

Are pellet smokers better than wood?

It depends on your needs. While pellet smokers are often simpler to use than wood-fired smokers, wood-fired smokers can impart a distinct flavor that many people prefer for certain types of food.

Ultimately, the choice between pellet and wood-fired smokers depends heavily on what you’re looking for in terms of flavor, convenience, and budget. For some, the smoky flavor produced by wood is preferred; thus, a wood-fired smoker may be better for them. For others, pellet smokers’ ease of use and cost-effectiveness make them more attractive options.

Are charcoal or wood pellets better?

The answer to the question of whether charcoal or wood pellets are better depends on your preferences and needs. Charcoal is great for getting that smoky flavor, while wood pellets can provide more consistent heat. Both have their benefits and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them carefully when making your decision.

Charcoal may be the way to go if you’re looking for an economical option. However, wood pellets are the better choice if you want something that requires less tending and produces more consistent heat. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual needs and preferences when deciding which fuel is best for you.

Is a pellet smoker worth it?

Yes, a pellet smoker is worth it. With its ability to cook food with precision and consistent heat, the pellet smoker allows you to create delicious smoked BBQ recipes quickly and easily. Plus, the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it controls makes it easy to maintain your desired temperature without constantly monitoring and adjusting the settings.

A pellet smoker is an excellent investment for anyone who loves cooking and entertaining. Investing in a pellet smoker is worth it if you’re finding for a reliable way to produce amazing BBQ dishes.