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 $2,000. At this price, you should expect features such as a PID control panel and WiFi/App functionality. However, you should also look for futures such as direct-flame access and, ideally, at least some stainless steel construction, maybe even full stainless steel construction.
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Introduction To The Best Pellet Grill Under $2,000
So I’ve created a shortlist of 8 contenders for the best pellet grill under $2,000, including models from leading brands such as Traeger, Camp Chef and Louisiana Grills, along with other smaller brands.
Now, to determine the best pellet grill under $2,000, I’ve been researching models that get as close to that price point as possible. Hence, all of the models below are between $1,500 and $2,000.
1st Contender – Camp Chef Woodwind Pro With SideKick
The Camp Chef Woodwind range has been a staple of mid to high-end pellet grills for several years. However, there is a new version, the Woodwind Pro, which features a Smoke Box.
Featuring a full-colour control panel working on a PID algorithm providing 5-degree temperature control/accuracy as well as independent smoke control. Along with WiFi/App functionality through Camp Chef Connect.
This Woodwind Pro 36 comes fitted with the Camp Chef SideKick, which is a propane attachment that can be fitted with various accessories to provide additional searing cooking space, or a small pizza oven, along with several other options.
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 SideKick Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,236 sq.in (663 sq.in at the main grate) + 231sq.in on SideKick
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 22lbs
- Temperature Range = 160 to 500 degrees (650+ SideKick)
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = Cooking chamber and internals
- Typical Price = $1,799
- Availability = CampChef.com & BBQGuys.com
2nd Contender – Broil King Regal 500
While you won’t find stainless steel construction on a Broil King pellet grill, what you will find is heavy-duty steel construction with the cooking chamber and lid made from 14 gauge steel.
Notable, the Broil King Regal 500 can match the highest temperature setting of all the contenders at 600 degrees. However, direct-flame access is missing.
Also, the Regal 500 is the only one of the contenders to offer an included rotisserie kit which, as I discuss in my linked article, is a feature not often found on pellet grills.
Therefore, the Regal 500 can provide very even and consistent results when chicken etc, are cooked on the rotisserie.
Broil King Regal 500 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 825 sq.in (625 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 22lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 600 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Unconfirmed
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = No, but 14 gauge steel
- Typical Price = $1,599
- Availability = BBQGuys.com
3rd Contender – Louisiana Grills Founders Premier 1200
The premium brand of Danson LLC (who also owns Pit Boss), the Louisiana Grills Founders Premier, is a relatively new addition to their range. Featuring their new PID/WiFi control panel, which connects to the SmokeIT App.
Offering one of the largest cooking areas of the contenders, along with a high maximum temperature setting of 600 degrees.
The Premier 1200 also features the Louisiana Grills’s staple of direct-flame access and cast-iron cooking grates providing surface temperatures for grilling in excess of 650 degrees.
Louisiana Grills Founders Premier 1200 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,205 sq.in (650 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 29lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 600 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = No
- Typical Price = $1,599
- Availability = Amazon.com
4th Contender – Louisiana Grills Founders Legacy 800
The Founders Legacy 800 is the smaller and more expensive of the Louisiana Grills included in this list of contenders. So what gives, why is the Legacy 800 providing less cooking space but a higher price than the Founders Premier 1200 above?
Well, the Legacy 800 features quite a lot of 304-grade stainless steel construction, not only on the grill and hopper lid but racks/grease tray are stainless steel, and the internal cooking chamber is stainless steel lined. As a result, the Legacy 800 is also a twin-wall insulated pellet grill.
Louisiana Grills Founders Legacy 800 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 846 sq.in (550 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 29lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 600 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = Grill and hopper lids plus internal cooking chamber
- Typical Price = $1,899
- Availability = Amazon.com
5th Contender – Memphis Grills Beale Street
The Beale Street from Memphis Grills is the only full-stainless steel pellet grill of all the contenders which is available as a freestanding or built-in unit.
While featuring full stainless steel construction, it is important to note, as I discuss below, the Beale Street is made of 430-grade stainless steel.
While the Beale Street does offer all the premium features of PID, WiFi and direct-flame access, its maximum temperature is a bit below the other contenders at 550 degrees.
Furthermore, the relatively small 12lb pellet hopper is going to require more attention than the other contenders.
Memphis Grills Beale Street Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 817 sq.in (558 sq,in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 12lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 550 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = Full stainless steel construction
- Typical Price = $1,799 (Built-in) to $1,999 (Freestanding)
- Availability = BBQGuys.com
6th Contender – RECTEQ RT-1250
A brand well known for its stainless steel construction, the RT-1250 from RECTEQ (formally REC TEC) features a stainless steel cooking chamber as well as stainless steel internals and a front shelf.
While RECTEQ state the internal components and hardware are 304-grade stainless steel, it is not stated what grade is used for the cooking chamber and front shelf.
The RT-1250 features an above-average total cooking area of the contenders and by far the largest pellet hopper at a frankly bonkers 40lbs.
However, RECTEQ pellet grills do not provide direct flame access, and the precise capabilities of the maximum temperature on the FULL setting are unclear, to quote RECTEQ “possibly even 700ºF“.
RECTEQ RT-1250 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,250 sq.in (625 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 40lbs
- Temperature Range = 200 to 500 degrees (FULL Setting over 500 degrees)
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = Cooking chamber and internals
- Typical Price = $1,599
- Availability = Amazon.com
7th Contender – Traeger Ironwood 885
The original and most well-known brand in pellet grills is now focused on its premium product ranges. The Ironwood sits in the middle of the Traeger range and features its D2 Direct Drive system, which incorporates the D2 control panel featuring PID and WiFi (WiFire) technology.
While the Ironwood 885 does not feature stainless steel construction, it does feature twin-wall insulated construction on the sides of the cooking chamber to help keep heat in.
It also features the Traeger downdraught exhaust design, which is currently one of the best designs on the market for even heat/smoke distribution throughout the cooking chamber.
Traeger Ironwood 885 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 885 sq.in (570 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 20lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = No
- Typical Price = $1,599
- Availability = Traeger.com, HomeDepot.com & BBQGuys.com
8th Contender – Traeger Timberline 850
I should note, the 850 is a Gen 1 Timberline model. There are higher specification Gen 2 Timberline models. However, none of those models come in under $2,000.
Timberline models feature a twin-wall insulated cooking chamber that is fully lined with 304-grade stainless steel. Furthermore, the cooking racks, grease tray and front/side shelves are all stainless steel.
However, as you will note from the specifications below, the Timberline 850 is set up to be a better smoker than a grill as the cooking chamber is of a vertical design, including three racks.
As a result, the lower main grate is only 363 sq.in, significantly less than on the more affordable Ironwood 885 above.
Traeger Timberline 850 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 850 sq.in (363 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 24lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Stainless Steel? = Internal cooking chamber, racks and grease tray
- Typical Price = $1,999
- Availability = Traeger.com & BBQGuys.com
Round 1 – Temperature Control & Cooking Performance
Almost all of the contenders above are confirmed to be fitted with a PID control panel for the most accurate temperature control technology on pellet grills to date.
I’m still waiting on confirmation if the control panel fitted to the Broil King Regal 500 is running a PID algorithm, but its likely that it is.
The Broil King, along with both the Louisiana Grills options, the Premier 1200 and Legacy 800, offer the highest maximum temperature settings of 600 degrees.
The RECTEQ RT-1250 can potentially meet and exceed that temperature. However, its exact capabilities are more vague.
What the RECTEQ is missing is direct-flame access which can offer the highest temperatures at the centre of the grate for the hottest grilling/searing performance.
Of the contenders, both of the Louisiana Grills options offer direct flame access along with the Memphis Beale Street. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro doesn’t feature direct flame, but due to its propane SideKick it can grill at 650 degrees plus.
All of the contenders offer WiFi/App integration to monitor and control the grill through your phone. To date, Traeger with their Ironwood 885 and Timberline 850, offer the most comprehensive App with video recipes and downloadable cooking settings for their grills.
However, the Camp Chef does enable independent temperature, and smoke level controls through their App, which Traeger currently doesn’t. Furthermore, the Smoke Box on the Camp Chef means it can produce more smoke flavour than any of the contenders.
Round 2 – Cooking Area & Hopper Capacity
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 Sidekick offers the most cooking area overall at 1,236 sq.in and the largest main grate at 663 sq.in. The propane SideKick then provides an additional 231 sq.in of cooking space and importantly, more functionality.
The next largest is the RECTEQ RT-1250, with closely follows, with 1,250 sq.in overall and 625 sq.in at the main grate.
The three smallest cooking areas are found on the Traeger Timberline, Louisiana Grills Legacy 800 and the Memphis Beale Street.
However, two of these pellet grills feature 304-grade stainless steel lined cooking chambers and the Memphis is a full stainless steel pellet grill which I’ll discuss more below.
In terms of hopper capacity, none of the contenders come close to the huge hopper on the RECTEQ at 40lbs which could potentially smoke for 24 hours continuously on a full hopper.
Though I personally would not leave a hopper that full of pellets when not in use due to potential moisture damage. The next largest are the two Louisiana Grills options, both providing a hopper capacity of 29lbs.
Round 3 – Stainless Steel & Twin-Wall Insulation
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 SideKick features a stainless steel cooking chamber and internal components, the propane SideKick is also stainless steel.
There are then the two pellet grills with stainless steel lined internal cooking chambers/components, the Louisiana Grills Legacy 800 and the Traeger Timberline 850.
The RECTEQ RT-1250 features a stainless steel cooking chamber/components, and the Memphis Beale Street is a full-stainless steel pellet grill.
However, if you read my article on stainless steel pellet grills, you’ll learn that not all stainless steel is created equally. In short, 430-grade is ok but can get surface corrosion, whereas 304-grade is the best you will find on a pellet grill. While the Memphis is a full stainless steel grill, its 430-grade.
While RECTEQ states their internal components are 304-grade stainless steel, they do not state the grade of the cooking chamber. Therefore it could be 430-grade.
Whereas, both Louisiana Grills and Traeger state the lining of their pellet grills is 304-grade stainless steel, as well as the cooking racks and other internal components.
Finally, while the Louisiana Grills Legacy 800, Memphis Beale Street and Traeger Timberline are twin-wall insulated to hold onto their heat and reduce pellet consumption, the RECTEQ is not twin-wall insulated.
Now, if you live in a warm climate, not a big deal. However, without it cooking in a colder climate and cooking in winter can be more of a challenge.
Round 4 – Pricing & Value
At $1,799, I think the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 SideKick offers value from the largest cooking area of the contenders and the most flexibility with its SideKick propane attachment. The Smoke Box also means it can produce the most smoke of the contenders.
Spend a bit more, and you can get the RECTEQ RT-1250 which is providing good value from its stainless steel cooking chamber, though it doesn’t feature direct-flame access or a twin-wall insulated cooking chamber.
The full stainless steel Memphis Beale Street is impressive for under $2,000, even though it is made from 430-grade stainless steel that may need some care to keep it looking its best.
It also includes all of the key features of PID, WiFi, direct-flame access and twin-wall construction. Its weaknesses are a small cooking area and low hopper capacity.
The Traeger Timberline 850 and Louisiana Grills Legacy 800, while not full-stainless steel feature larger cooking areas and higher specification 304-grade stainless lined cooking chambers.
Where Louisiana Grills offers direct-flame access, which Traeger does not, the Traeger WiFire App is currently the better software.
Conclusions On The Pellet Grill Under $2,000
So what are my final thoughts on the above contenders? Well, I’m going to break this down into several scenarios.
If you need a large pellet grill and you are primarily going to use it in the summer months, I think you would get the best value from the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 SideKick or the RECTEQ RT-1250.
However, if you are more into smoking and want to use the pellet grill all year round, then either the Louisiana Grills Legacy 800 or Traeger Timberline 850 could be the better option.
Their twin wall-insulated cooking chambers will keep the heat in and the 304-grade stainless steel lined cooking chambers will be the easiest to keep clean.
The Memphis Beale Street, while small in size, is the only full-stainless steel option of all the contenders and the only one which is available as a built-in pellet grill for an outdoor kitchen.
Just remember, it is 430-grade stainless steel, so it will need some upkeep to stay looking its best, but its obviously not going to suffer from flaking paint.
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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