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 $500. Previously a budget pellet grill meant missing out on features such a PID temperature control and WiFi functionality. However, that’s no longer the case as you will see below.
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Introduction To The Best Pellet Grill Under $500
So I’ve created a shortlist of 8 contenders for the best pellet grill under $500, including models from many of the leading brands such as Traeger, Camp Chef and Pit Boss, along with other smaller brands.
Now, to determine the best pellet grill under $500, I’ve been researching models that get as close to that price point as possible. Hence, all of the models below are between $400 and $500.
1st Contender – ASMOKE AS660
ASMOKE are a relatively new brand on the pellet grill scene. However, the manufacturer behind them has previously been a manufacturer for Danson LLC pellet grills (Pit Boss/Louisiana Grills).
You may be familiar with the ASMOKE AS300 tabletop pellet grill. However, ASMOKE also produces full-sized units, the best of which is the AS660 below.
The control panel fitted to the AS660 appears to be similar to that fitted to the previous generation Pit Boss Pro Series. The flame broiler fitted to the AS660 is also of a similar appearance.
Not a bad option to consider for under $500, however, these units are missing PID and WiFi functionality.
ASMOKE AS600 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 700 sq.in (484 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 26 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? =No
- Typical Price = $400 to $500
- Availability = ASMOKEGrills.com & HomeDepot.com
2nd Contender – Camp Chef SmokePro DLX
The Camp Chef SmokePro range has been around for quite a few years now. However, the SmokePro models have been updated with Gen 2 PID Controller to give them a temperature accuracy within 5 degrees of the set temperature.
Unfortunately, the SmokePro DLX is missing WiFi integration and support for Camp Chef Connect.
Another missing feature of the SmokePro DLX compared to higher-spec models and the Woodwind range is direct-flame access.
However, the SmokePro DLX can be fitted with the Camp Chef Sear Box or SideKick. On CampChef.com, the DLX is priced above $500. However, I’ve found a silver DLX at Walmart and a bronze DLX at HomeDepot for just under $500.
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 560 sq.in (429 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 18 lbs
- Temperature Range = 160 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? =No
- Typical Price = $500
- Availability = Walmart.com & HomeDepot.com
3rd Contender – Cuisinart Woodcreek
In my full-length article on the Cuisinart Woodcreek when it was originally launched, you can tell I was pretty impressed that such a large pellet grill was available for the price, which was originally between $600 to $700.
However, the Woodcreek, which is a Walmart exclusive, seems now to be consistently priced under $500.
The Woodcreek offers one of the largest cooking areas of all the contenders, along with the largest pellet hopper at a frankly bonkers 30lbs.
However, the Woodcreek is missing several features, there is no direct flame, PID or WiFi functionality. While it does feature Bluetooth connectivity that’s only suitable for short-range communication with your phone.
Cuisinart Woodcreek Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 862 sq.in (648 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 30 lbs
- Temperature Range = 200 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No (Bluetooth)
- Typical Price = $427 to $500
- Availability = Walmart.com
4th Contender – Lifesmart 760 & 760G
As I discuss in my article on Lifesmart pellet grills, the best feature of these pellet grills is their PID control panels offering +/- 5 degree temperature control.
The smallest Lifesmart pellet grill is the 760, offering 510 sq.in of cooking area. However, there is also a version (760G) with a side griddle that just sneaks in just under $500.
Its the Lifesmart 760G with the side griddle that is the most interesting option. As overall, the Lifesmart pellet grill, besides its PID control panel, has no stand-out features, as its missing direct-flame access and WiFi/App integration.
- Total Cooking Area = 510 sq.in (600 sq.in with side griddle)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 15 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $449 to $500
- Availability = HomeDepot.com (760) & Walmart.com (760G)
5th Contender – Pit Boss Platinum Laredo
When I originally wrote my article on the Pit Boss Platinum Series, the Laredo wasn’t available, and neither was WiFi/App connectivity. However, the entire Platinum Series has since been updated with WiFi to go along with its PID functionality and the smallest model, the Laredo, is now available too.
As you can see from the key specs below, for under $500, the Pit Boss Laredo is pretty hard to beat. Not only does the Laredo include the key features of direct-flame access, PID and WiFi functionality its also one of the largest pellet grills of the contenders.
Pit Boss Platinum Laredo Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 1,006 sq.in (527 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 26 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Typical Price = $500
- Availability = Walmart.com (exclusively)
6th Contender – Pit Boss Pro Series 850
The Pro Series of Pit Boss pellet grills is exclusive to Lowes, and there are important differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Pro Series. The Pro Series 850 is a second-generation model and comes with notable features such as PID and WiFi connectivity.
Reviewing the specs below, you should notice many similarities to the Pit Boss Laredo above, such as direct-flame access, PID and WiFi connectivity. However, the Pro Series 850 offers a smaller cooking area (though a slightly larger main grate), and the 850 also features a smaller pellet hopper.
Pit Boss Pro Series 850 Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 850 sq.in (593 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 20 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 500 degrees
- Direct-Flame Access? = Yes
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = Yes
- Typical Price = $500
- Availability = Lowes.com (exclusively)
7th Contender ā Traeger Tailgater
As it is indeed possible to purchase a Traeger for under $500 and Traeger is the most well-known brand, I had to include the Tailgater into this list.
However, as you can see from its current specifications, it cannot really compete with the other contenders in this article.
Now, the Tailgater is, first and foremost, a portable pellet grill. Therefore it will obviously struggle to compete on cooking area etc with the other contenders.
However, the Tailgater does not feature WiFire compatibility and its not utilizing the Traeger D2 Direct Drive platform, which uses PID technology. Hence, there is no feature of the Tailgater that can really compete with any of the other contenders.
Traeger Tailgater Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 300 sq.in
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 8 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 450 degrees
- Direct Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = No
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $470
- Availability = Traeger.com, Amazon.com, BBQGuys.com, Walmart.com & HomeDepot.com
8th Contender: Z Grills Pioneer 450B
As I discuss in my Z Grills article, they are probably one of the most well know brands when it comes to affordable budget pellet grills. So what’s the best Z Grill you can currently get for under $500?
Well, there is now a range of Z Grills with PID control panels, hence that’s where I would focus my attention and, as a result, the Z Grills 450B.
What I should note about the Z Grills 450B is while it does feature a PID control panel that can control the temperature more accurately than previous models, the temperature settings are still in 25 to 50-degree increments. And unfortunately, the maximum temperature setting is still just 450 degrees.
Z Grills 450B Key Features
- Total Cooking Area = 459 sq.in (331 sq.in at the main grate)
- Pellet Hopper Capacity = 15 lbs
- Temperature Range = 180 to 450 degrees
- Direct Flame Access? = No
- PID Temperature Control? = Yes
- WiFi/App Control? = No
- Typical Price = $429 to $499
- Availability = ZGrills.com
Round 1 – Temperature Control & Cooking Performance
PID control panels provide the most accurate temperature control, as a result, those contenders that offer the technology are the most advanced.
Therefore, that includes the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, Lifesmart 760, Pit Boss Platinum Laredo, Pit Boss Pro Series 850 and the Z Grills 450B.
Of those contenders, they all offer a maximum temperature setting of 500 degrees, except the Z Grill, which maxes out at 450 degrees.
In terms of direct-flame access, that feature is only found on the two Pit Boss models, the Laredo and Pro Series 850. Therefore, they have the potential to reach temperatures around 650 degrees plus in the centre of the grate.
So what about WiFi/App connectivity and control? Well, again, that’s a win for the two Pit Boss models, as they are the only contenders to offer this feature.
While you may not at first think WiFi/App functionality will give you much value, I think you would be surprised by the convenience it can provide as I discuss in my article, is WiFi worth it?
Round 2 – Cooking Area & Hopper Capacity
While I would never recommend that anyone prioritise the size of the cooking area above features such as PID temperature control, you want to get the best bang for your buck.
However, you also need to pay attention to the difference between the overall cooking area (including all racks) and the size of the main cooking grate.
For instance, while the Pit Boss Platinum Laredo provides the largest overall cooking area at 1,006 sq.in that’s over three racks, its main cooking grate is actually 527 sq.in.
While the Pit Boss Pro Series 850 offers a smaller overall cooking area at 850 sq.in it actually provides a larger main cooking grate at 593 sq.in. However, the Cuisinart Woodcreek comes in with a massive 682 sq.in at the main grate.
The Cuisinart also offers the largest pellet hopper at 30 lbs, but really I think that’s overkill, as I don’t recommend that pellets are left in the hopper over extended periods of time.
The ASMOKE AS660 comes in with a large 26lb hopper, and so does the Pit Boss Platinum Laredo, with the Pro Series 850 still offering a respectable 20 lb pellet hopper.
Round 3 – Pricing & Value
If you catch them at the right time of sale, you have models such as the ASMOKE AS660 and Cuisinart Woodcreek, which can come in at just over $400.
As discussed above, for that price, the Cuisinart, in particular, provides a very large cooking area at the main grate.
You may be able to pick up a Z Grills 450B for around $430, which for a full-sized pellet grill with PID temperature control, is not a position I thought we would be in just a few years ago.
There is then the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX which can be purchased for under $500 and then potentially upgraded in the future to provide even more functionality with the Camp Chef Searbox or SideKick.
However, the reality is, for under $500, the best deals above are from the Pit Boss Laredo and the Pro Series 850. Both providing PID, WiFi, and Direct-flame access along with some of the largest cooking areas/hoppers of all the contenders above puts them out in front.
Conclusions On The Best Pellet Grill For Under $500
If I had to choose one of the pellet grills above based on their specifications, it would be the Pit Boss Laredo.
It offers the largest overall cooking area, one of the largest pellet hoppers and all of the key features of PID temperature control, WiFi/App functionality along with Direct-Flame access to provide the best value for $500.
It is also worth noting that the Pit Boss warranty is five years which is one of the longest in the industry. Though its important to understand that doesn’t cover the paint finish/corrosion. Therefore, I would suggest not storing the pellet grill outside if it can be avoided.
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. š
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