5 Highest Rated Pellet Grills Under $500-Why Spend More

Are you looking to change your Barbecue? These highest rated Pellet grills are are a great option if you’re looking to get into smoking and adding great flavor profiles to your food. Some of the best pellet grill options are listed below. They are a simpler way to get into slow cooking and having all the elements of the cook controlled for you. With a pellet grill, the hardest part of the cook is waiting for the cook to be over so you can eat.

5 Highest Rated Pellet Grills Reviews

These are the pellet grills that I feel would best suit some. Who is just getting into slow cook barbecue or is looking to simplify it while trying to keep it on a budget? These pellet grills have made a name for themselves and for good reason. Each has a plus and minuses. A lot will just depend on what you value and are looking for.

1. Z Grill PIONEER 450B

Cooking Area	459 sq. in.
Controller	PID
Hopper Capacity	15 lb.
Temperature Range	180-450 °F
Pellet Clean Out	Yes
Grill Grate Material	Porcelain-coated steel
Warranty	3 Years

Z-Grills 450B is a great grill with some nice features. The 8-1 feature lets you Grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbeque, or char-grill. It lets you do a little of everything. The pellet clean-out makes it easy to change pellet types.

The Pid controller lets you keep a stable temperature while your cooking anywhere between 180°-450° F. It’s semi-portable. Its smaller size makes it easier to move around if needed. It’s perfect for small families and for getting into pellet smoking.

PROS	Cons
PID Controller	No Storage Shelves
8-1 Feature	No Easy Ash Cleanout
Descent Hopper Size
Easy To Move Around

2.PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill

Cooking Area	700 sq. in.
Controller	Digitally controlled burn system
Hopper Capacity	18 lb.
Temperature Range	180° to 500°F
Pellet Clean Out	Yes
Grill Grate Material	Porcelain-coated cast iron
Warranty	5 Years

At the time of this post, This grill has been on sale for over a month. At this price you just can’t beat it. Under $400 this unit is a must buy if looking for a low-priced unit.

PIT BOSS 700FB is another great grill with some nice features. The 8-1 feature lets you Grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbeque, or char-grill. It lets you do a little of everything. The pellet clean-out makes it easy to change pellet types.

The 700 sq. in. of cooking space makes it nice for when you want to cook multiple items. This makes it nice for medium to larger families.

This unit has the tried and true Digital control system. They may have a variance of 10°-20° degrees but this is still stable when you compare it to most other forms of grilling and smoking. This system has been around for a decent amount of time without too many complaints. This unit cooks anywhere between 180°-500° F.

PROS	Cons
700 sq. in Cooking Area	No Storage Shelves
8-1 Feature	No Easy Ash Cleanout
Descent Hopper Size
Easy To Move Around

3. Traeger Tailgater 20

Cooking Area	300 sq. In.
Controller	Digital Arc Controller
Hopper Capacity	8 lbs
Temperature Range	180-450 °F
Pellet Clean Out	No
Grill Grate Material	Porcelain-Coated Grill Grates
Warranty	3 Years

It’s a Traeger, Need I say more? For those who are interested Traeger was the first pellet grill and the only one until their patent wore out. Everyone has their opinions, but to some, it’s Traeger or nothing. They have a great name when it comes to pellet grills.

This unit is the do-it-all version. It folds up so you can take it anywhere. Take it camping, to the park for the picnic, or even the ball game and do some tailgating. It is a little small for a large family but if you want a Traeger this would work

The Digital arc controller lets you adjust the temperature in 5° increments. It has a nice 8lb hopper for a portable unit this size. Tailgater 20 6 in 1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, or BBQ just about anywhere.

PROS	Cons
Digital Arc Controller lets you adjust 5° increments	No Storage Shelves
portable go anywhere	No Easy Ash Cleanout
Descent Hopper Size for small unit	No Pellet Clean Out
Folds up	Plastic Handles

4. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX

Cooking Area	573 sq. in
Controller	PID
Hopper Capacity	18 lbs.
Temperature Range	160º F – 500ºF
Pellet Clean Out	Yes
Grill Grate Material	Porcelain-coated steel
Warranty	3 Years

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX has it all. If you are looking for a pellet grill with most of the bells and whistles, you found it.

This unit has a PID controller for precise temp control. PID-controlled pellet grills are becoming more popular. Since they offer the most precise control during your cook.

It has an easy ash clean-out system to help keep the firepot clean between cooks. This unit also has a hopper clean-out to make it easy to change pellets between cooks as well.

Also included are 2 meat probes to help monitor the meat’s internal temp while cooking.

For the price range if just looking for options this unit is tough to beat. This is a good unit for a med to large family

PROS	Cons
PID Controller	No Sear Function. Optional sear place has to be purchased separately
Easy Ash Cleanout System
Descent Hopper Size
Easy Pellet Cleanout System

5. Green Mountain Davy Crockett

Cooking Area	219 sq in.
Controller	PID
Hopper Capacity	9 lb
Temperature Range	150°-550°.F
Pellet Clean Out	No
Grill Grate Material	stainless steel
Warranty	2 Years

Green Mountain Davy Crockett Is a Great pellet smoker if you’re looking for something that is portable. This Pellet smoker is designed to be taken camping, to the ballpark, or just to the park for a family cookout. One of its features is the ability to use multiple power sources. It easily adapts to 110 plug-ins, 12v adapter, or vehicles battery.

Its PID controller gives you some controllability along with its wi-fi ability. Thanks to the included meat probe, the Wifi Ability allows you to monitor your cook indoors or from over in your camping chair without having to get up.

The legs fold up easily and make a carrying handle. This is a great unit for a small family if you’re looking for something that you can use anywhere

PROS	Cons
PID Controller	No Storage Shelves
Portable	No Easy Ash Cleanout
Wifi	Power cord can be touchy
Multiple power options included	Has been know to shut down during cook

Conclusion

Pellet Grills are a great option for anyone looking for a grill that is easy to use and to do slow cooks on, or fast cooks on. Just in case you are not aware, pellet grills do require some form of electrical power source to run their controllers. As well as a fuel source (wood pellets)

For my First choice. I like the PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill as my first choice. I like to have cooking space. This unit has it. At the time of this article (you can purchase it for under $400). It has all the features you need to do a great Barbecue.

My 2nd choice would be the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. IT has just about all the bells and whistles. It is a dependable unit and perfect for the backyard barbecue.

Coming in at 3rd is the Green Mountain Davy Crockett. It’s just what is needed for that tailgate barbecue. It’s easy to get hooked up and monitor. This unit will turn any tailgate party into one to remember.