As shown by my A to Z list of pellet grill brands there are now over 30 brands to choose from, and many of those brands offer a huge range of models. Therefore, working out which will be the best pellet grill for you can be a significant challenge. Well, with this article, we are going to look at what is the best option under $600. Previously a budget pellet grill meant missing out on features such as PID temperature control and WiFi connectivity. However, that’s no longer the case, as you will see below.
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Introduction To The Best Pellet Grill Under $600
So I’ve created a shortlist of 8 contenders for the best pellet grill under $600, including models from many of the leading brands such as Traeger, Camp Chef and Z Grills, along with other smaller brands.
Now, to determine the best pellet grill under $600 I’ve been researching models that get as close to that price point as possible. Hence, all of the models below are between $500 and $600. However, prices change so keep that in mind when using the Check Price buttons.
Camp Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24
There are several Camp Chef SmokePro models you will find under $600, such as the SmokePro XT. However, the best model I’ve found for this price point is the SG WiFi 24 for two reasons. First, it obviously features WiFi to link up to Camp Chef Connect which isn’t available on the lower spec SmokePro models, but the SG models also feature direct-flame access.
Like all SmokePro models, the SG WiFi 24 features the excellent Gen 2 PID control panel which provides temperature adjustment and accuracy within 5 degrees of the set temperature. However, be aware, I only found the SG WiFi 24 for under $600 at HomeDepot, its priced quite a bit higher when purchased directly from CampChef.com.
Camp Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 811 sq.in (429 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 22lbs
- Temperature Range = 160 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes (around 650 degrees)
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Typical Price = $599
- Availability = HomeDepot.com
Cuisinart Clermont
When the Cuisinart Clermont first launched I was not convinced that it deserved a price point of just under $800. Well, that price point has been steadily falling and its now frequently priced under $600. As you can see below when it comes to the total cooking area due to the three racks the Clermont is offering the most of all the contenders.
However, when you compare the total cooking area to the main cooking grate its much less impressive, and significantly less than the main cooking grate on the Cuisinart Woodcreek which I covered in the best pellet grills under $500.
Cuisinart Clermont Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,400 sq.in (466 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 40lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes (around 650 degrees)
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No (Bluetooth)
- Typical Price = $597
- Availability = Walmart.com
Expert Grill Concord 3-In-1
A relatively new brand of pellet grills, Expert Grill is offering some of the largest cooking areas and features for their respective price points. For instance, the smaller Expert Grill Altas is one of the best pellet grills under $400.
To go along with the PID temperature control, direct-flame access and Bluetooth/App connectivity of the pellet grill portion of the Concord there is also a propane griddle that can be used for cooking smaller pieces of meat/vegetables as well as a high heat searing station.
Expert Grill Concord 3-In-1 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,001 sq.in (647.3 sq.in pellet grill, 353.9 sq.in gas griddle)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 24lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 450 degrees on pellets (650 degrees on the gas griddle)
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes (around 650 degrees)
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = No (Bluetooth)
- Typical Price = $588
- Availability = Walmart.com
Lifesmart 600 Dual Cook
The 600 Dual Cook from Lifesmart is the second pellet grill of the contenders to feature a propane griddle. The advantage being not only the additional cooking space but two cooking surfaces at different temperatures. For instance, smoke inside the pellet grill and sear on the gas griddle.
In my article on Lifesmart pellet grills, I discuss that their best feature is their PID control panel which is taking full advantage of the technology to offer temperature accuracy and control in 5-degree increments. Obviously, on the 600 Dual Cook, the side gas griddle adds some additional cooking functionality/flexibility.
Lifesmart 600 Dual Cook Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 650 sq.in (510 sq.in pellet grill, 140 sq.in gas griddle)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 15lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees (650 degrees on the gas griddle)
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $598
- Availability = HomeDepot.com
Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 900
The Oklahoma Joe’s brand was started in the 1980’s, in you guessed it, Oklahoma and was later purchased by Char-Broil in 1998. The Rider is Oklahoma Joe’s first range of pellet grills aimed at the budget market, and there are some nice features to be found.
As I discuss in my article on the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider pellet grills, they have the best hopper emptying system I’ve seen on any pellet grill to date. That may seem to be an odd thing to get excited about, but I always feel proper pellet care and protection from moisture is not acknowledged enough by other pellet grill brands.
Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 900 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 900 sq.in (578 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 20lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes (around 650 degrees)
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $549
- Availability = HomeDepot.com & Walmart.com
Traeger Pro 22
Yes, it is still possible to get a full-sized Traeger for under $600. However, you need to be aware that the Pro 22 is a Gen 1 Pro Series model and not a Gen 2 model with all their associated benefits (read here). Hence, this Pro 22 does not feature a PID temperature controller or WiFi/App connectivity.
The Pro 22 is an older generation Traeger and a product that helped to build the Traeger brand up to what it is today. However, on features, it does struggle to compete against its more modern competition. Also, be aware, most of the time to get a Pro 22 for under $600 it will be from Walmart and HomeDepot, not ordering directly from Traeger.com.
Traeger Pro 22 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 572 sq.in (418 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 18lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 450 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $599
- Availability = Walmart.com & HomeDepot.com
USSC USG350 The Hooch
As I discuss in my USSC pellet grills article, I think their current product range which includes the USG350 is a missed opportunity. I’ve been aware of USSC or to give them their full name the United States Stove Company for many years, they were actually started in 1869. Unfortunately, their current range of pellets grill struggles to compete against the competition.
At this price point, consumers now expect at least one or more of the following features of PID temperature control, direct-flame access or WiFi connectivity. Unfortunately, the USG350 doesn’t have any of these features and also has the smallest cooking area and hopper capacity of all the contenders.
USSC USG350 The Hooch Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 350 sq.in
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 10lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $508 to $563
- Availability = HomeDepot.com & Walmart.com
Z Grills 10002B
Z Grills is a very popular and widely available brand of budget pellet grills/smokers. For under $600 the largest Z Grill the 10002B is available. Unfortunately, its not the most advanced pellet grill they offer, as the 10002B is not currently part of the Z Grills PID range.
The 10002B is also not one of the Z Grill models fitted with direct-flame access, though it does feature an easy ash cleanout draw. Also be aware, ordering directly from ZGrills.com the 10002B may be priced above $600, I found the lowest prices from Home Depot and Lowes.
Z Grills 10002B Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,056 sq.in (428 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 20lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 450 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $529 to $579
- Availability = HomeDepot.com & Lowes.com
Round 1 – Temperature Control & Cooking Performance
When it comes to spending up to $600 on a pellet grill/smoker I think consumers should expect PID control panel technology for the most accurate temperature control. Of the contenders, those fitted with a PID control include the Camp Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24, Expert Grill Concord and Lifesmart 600 Dual Cook.
However, only the Camp Chef and Lifesmart take full advantage of their PID technology to enable +/- 5 degrees on the temperature control, the Expert Grill is less accurate with a 10-degree swing. The Camp Chef is also the only one of the contenders to feature WiFi integration via their Camp Chef Connect App. The Expert Grill and Cuisinart Clermont do feature an App and Bluetooth connectivity, however, Bluetooth is only suitable for short range communication within your own yard/home.
When it comes to the temperature range the Camp Chef can go the lowest at 160 degrees and maxes out at 500 degrees like most of the contenders. However, the Traeger Pro 22 and Z Grills 10002B only have a maximum temperature setting of 450 degrees.
When it comes to getting the highest temps you’ll get that from direct-flame access found on the Camp Chef, Cuisinart, and Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 900. Though the Expert Grill and Lifesmart also provide the functionality/flexibility of their propane gas griddles which should provide searing temperatures around 650 degrees.
Round 2 – Cooking Area & Hopper Capacity
The largest cooking areas when it comes to pellet smoking are provided by the Cuisinart Clermont and Z Grills 10002B at 1,400 sq.in and 1,056 sq.in respectively. The contender which offers the largest main cooking grate when it comes to purely using pellets for heat is the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 900 at 578 sq.in. However, when it comes to high temperature cooking the Expert Grill Concord and Lifesmart 600 Dual Cook have the edge with their attached propane griddles.
When it comes to choosing the best pellet grill/smoker for you its about really thinking about how you will use it most. Will you mainly be going ‘low and slow’ or would most of your time be spent high heat searing/grilling? Obviously, if you already own a propane grill, the griddle features on some of the contenders will be less appealing. Whereas to those who don’t already own a gas grill that extra functionality may meet their needs.
In regards to the hopper capacity of the contenders above the Cuisinart Clermont is clearly offering the largest capacity at 40 lbs. Personally, I would never leave a 40lb hopper full of pellets just in case of moisture/humidity damage, I think a hopper capacity of at least 20lbs is sufficient. Therefore that includes the Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24, Expert Grill Concord, Oklahoma Joes Rider 900 and Z Grill 10002B.
Round 3 – Pricing & Value
The USSC USG350 can potentially be found at the lowest price, however, its features/specifications do not compare well to the other contenders. Likewise, while it is possible to get a full-sized Traeger for under $600 in the form of the Traeger Pro 22 its specifications also do not compare well to the other contenders.
I think for under $600 the Cuisinart Clermont providing 1,400 sq.in for pellet smoking is not bad value. Likewise, the large total cooking area of 1,001 sq.in on the Expert Grill Concord with its mixture of pellet grill/smoker and gas griddle provides a lot of functionality/flexibility and hence value. As the Expert Grill does feature a PID control panel as well as Bluetooth/App connectivity, that is an advantage over the Cuisinart.
Though when it comes to the best control panel technology, that’s found on the Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24 providing the most accurate PID control panel and true WiFi connectivity/App support. The Camp Chef does also feature direct-flame access for good searing/grilling performance and a very reasonable total cooking area of 811 sq.in.
Conclusions On The Best Pellet Grill For Under $600
So what are my final thoughts on the contenders above? Well, I think the Chef SmokePro SG WiFi 24 is the best pellet grill/smoker option due to its superior control panel, direct-flame access and reasonable cooking area.
However, if you primarily wanted to focus on pellet smoking and can accept the 25-degree temperature swings of the control panel, the Cuisinart Clermont might be a better option. Alternatively, if a pellet grill/smoker with a propane griddle sounds appealing, then I think the best option is the Expert Grill Concord.
That’s it! Thanks for reading, I hope you found the information/analysis above useful. If you would like to learn more about your options at different price points please check out my Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker Guide. 🙂
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