BEST PELLET SMOKER UNDER 500 IN 2023 REVIEWS & BUYING GUIDE

Fact Checked By:Samuel Carter

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Wishing to grill your recipes or heat your rooms? If you answered either question in the affirmative, we are glad to let you know that you are just on the right page. Here, we shall let you know of the best pellet smoker under 500. These are the cooking appliances that enable the attainment of this end.

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Then, we shall offer explanations on the factors you might consider to make a suitable choice. We shall wrap it all up by providing answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the products.

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If you feel a pellet smoker under $500 is not for you, have a look at our guide and reviews of the best pellet grill under $300 or best gas and smoker grill combo or best bbq thermometer for smoker or best upright pellet smoker or best smoke tube for pellet smoker.

[dt_fancy_title title=”BUYING GUIDE: HOW TO FIND THE BEST PELLET SMOKER UNDER 500″ title_size=”h2″ title_color=”accent”]

Here now we look into how to find the best pellet smoker under $500:

best pellet smoker on the market
[dt_quote]√ Hopper capacity
[/dt_quote]

It is the hopper that accommodates the fuel that is subsequently burned. You need a hopper whose size is large enough to accommodate all the fuel that you may require at any given time. While at this bear in mind your space availability to minimize squeezing and strains.

[dt_quote]√ Power source
[/dt_quote]

These items derive their power from different sources. Some do so from mains electricity, some from propane, others from wood, and others from the liquefied petroleum gas. You have to ascertain the power source before attempting to make a purchase. Insist on only that whose power source you may comfortably provide.

[dt_quote]√ Dishes and recipes
[/dt_quote]

What kinds of dishes and recipes do you plan to prep? And how are they prepped? Do they require stewing, boiling, baking, frying, braising, grilling, or simmering? Not any smoker you pick may be capable of delivering the right end for you. That calls for carefulness on your part.

[dt_quote]√ Cooking surface
[/dt_quote]

Closely related to the above is the issue of the cooking surface. How much cooking surface you require depends on how much food you intend to prep and how many people you plan to feed. You really have to get your acts right before settling on a suitable one on the basis of this consideration.

[dt_quote]√ Controls
[/dt_quote]

These items are engaged via a set of controls. You want to find one whose controls are easier to master and engage. This calls for you to assess your own competence first and foremost before endeavoring to settle on one. Needless to say, the controls have to be capable of doing a great job, overall.

[dt_fancy_title title=”BEST PELLET SMOKER UNDER 500 – 2023 REVIEWED” title_size=”h2″ title_color=”accent”]

We start it out by a review of the best pellet smoker under $500 today:

1. Z GRILLS ZPG-700D Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

This cooking appliance is 6-in-1 in the sense of being able to amalgamate six cooking tasks in one comprehensive packaging. Among others, you may grill, barbecue, or heat your feeds. Opt for it if you want to cut down the time you would otherwise waste when tackling your cooking.

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√ Advanced wood fire technology

Standing taller among all the elegant features of this smoker is the Z Grills wood pellet technology. Though it does not use the real wood to prep recipes, it does give of similar flavors. That it uses gas or propane further simplifies the task of cooking even in adverse weather.

√ Stainless steel built

In its entirety, the makeup of the smoker bears the stainless steel materials. These are harder and more tolerant to the common agents of damages that may bedevil it. The steel makeup is also highly resistant to corrosion and hence contributes to the longevity of the gadget overall.

√ Electronic auto-start ignition

To power it, you will have to engage the electronic auto-start ignition. This is overall simpler to engage and also brings forth the desired end results within the shortest duration of time. Moreover, you may also feed the item with instructions it regurgitates automatically at a later time.

√ Digital auto temperature controls

A set of digital auto temperature controls crowns all that the item has to provide. You use them to vary the degree of hotness of the heat output of the appliance. Being digital means that they are effortless and hence less likely to subject you to too many strains as you move along.

Pros.

√ Super easy to use even by starters
√ Tackles many cooking and allied applications at one go
√ Gets to the impressive 1,000℉ threshold
√ Makes use of the latest technologies to cook
√ Gives off the wood flavor despite using gas to cook

Cons.

× Has a tendency to waste some heat

2. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker

If your source of fuel is primarily wood, you similarly want to tap into a wood smoker. This is the one you would wish to get your hands on. Other than using wood, it also regulates the quantity of the heat output considerably by the use of the auto temperature controls that forms its making.

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√ 700 square-in 8-1 BBQ Grill

Its cooking area is pretty large by virtue of measuring 700 square inches. You may use this to prep whole family recipes. On the same note, it also handles many kinds of cooking practices and needs. You won’t have to look elsewhere for your cooking and allied needs.

√ PID controller

A PID controller exists to aid with the engagement of the smoker. The controller is truly accurate and hence well able to set the desired metrics with minimal effort on your part. With this trait at your fingertip, you are assured of effective engagements and less inclination to guesswork.

√ Digital control board

At its core is a digital control board that serves as the engine of the smoker. It is the board that ignites the grill automatically and independently of your personal input. With it, you may set the cooking temperature smoothly from 180°F to 450°F, all for your convenience.

√ Foldable working shelf

Its working shelf folds to allow for smoother transportation and storage thereof. That it folds makes it great for those areas that are crumped up and ought not to experience higher levels of traffic. You have it also for the taking if you happen to move about every now and then.

Pros.

√ Taps into an advanced wood fire technology to operate
√ Makes use of wood fuel, gas, and propane
√ Incorporates many kinds of cooking approaches
√ Confers a huge grilling area for you
√ Can also sear the recipes over and above merely cooking them

Cons.

× Has a shorter working cycle due to the use of wood

3. Z GRILLS ZPG-550B 2023 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Could it be that you operate a squeezed timeline? If at all you do, you require an automated smoker of this kind. It accepts inputs by way of commands that are subsequently executed at a later date. Then again it confers a whopping 550 square inches of cooking space.

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√ Heavy-duty handle

For easy mobility, you will tap into the smoker’s heavy-duty handle. This pairs alongside the set of 2-roller wheels. The mix of these twin elegant parts contributes to the smoother engagements of the item, more so with regards to its transportation to remote areas.

√ Pellet grill technology

Coming in next is its pellet grill technology that adds flavor to your foods. It hence guarantees you of the selfsame taste regardless of the kind of fuel you use for the job. You can never boast of prepping awesome recipes without incorporating this wonderful technology for the job.

√ High-temperature powder coat finish

At its exterior is a high-temperature powder coat finish whose role is to ensure the longevity of the item. It does this by way of preventing corrosion and the other agents of premature damages that ordinarily arise when the same is engaged for prepping recipes.

√ PID technology

Coming in last is the PID technology. Thanks to this technology, the gadget is capable of holding the tightest temperatures possible without necessarily compromising the quality of the final outcomes. It particularly guarantees exceptionally consistent cooking outcomes. Why would you trade these benefits for inferior appliances?

Pros.

√ Operates independently of your own input
√ May tackle two or more cooking escapades simultaneously
√ Requires limited effort to set up for eventual use
√ Its upper rack removes to allow for smoother storage and transportation
√ Shuffles between many cooking types seamlessly

Cons.

× Unsuitable for prolonged cooking engagements

4. Z Grills ZPG-7002B 2023 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Have you never attempted to use these smokers before? If you answered in the affirmative, we are glad to introduce to you this particular pellet smoker. It is by far the simplest as it is wholly designed and intended for the starters or those without any expertise at all.

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√ Automatic electric feed system

This stands out as the premier aspect of the smoker. Its purpose is to receive the temperature setting input and execute the commands later. This, it does, with extreme accuracy and sense of reliability. You may hence count on it for your professional cooking engagements.

√ Fan-forced convection cooking

In the course of its operations, the gadget makes do with the fan-forced convection cooking methodology. This negates the need for the rotisserie while also generating a versatile cooking area for all your cooking needs. You will find it handy for braising, smoking, and roasting, among others.

√ Stainless steel build

Throughout its makeup is the stainless steel build. The build is not only strong but also resistant to corrosion and the associated damages that come along. On the strength of this arrangement, you are guaranteed higher performances for a very long length of time.

√ Wide temperature range

By and large, the gadget is capable of operating within a wider temperature range. This stretches from 180°F-450°F. You may hence use it to tackle all kinds of cooking needs and applications. These range from braising, roasting, smoking, grilling, and barbecuing, to name but a few!

Pros.

√ Retains the original flavors of the foods
√ Very accurate as it stays within the 10°F range
√ Costs a lot less than many grills of its size
√ Great for those with limited experience
√ Manages a more precise temperature control

Cons.

× Not for professional cooking applications

5. PIT BOSS PB440TGR1 Portable Folding Legs Pellet Smoker Grill, Black

Searching for a smoker for your outdoor events and sessions? Crane your neck on this. It is appropriately suited for block parties, backyard barbecues, camps, and games, to name but a few! All these are made possible by the fact that the item is portable and compact enough for seamless handling.

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√ Collapsible leg design

In all intents, the gadget comes about in a collapsible leg design. This pairs with the rolling wheel design to allow for smoother transportation to the designated locations of use. By virtue of the wheels collapsing, they enable smoother storage and engagements all the while.

√ Innovative flame broiler

At its core is the innovative flame broiler whose purpose is to enable direct flame cooking. It hence guarantees proper and more enduring cooking outcomes for you. That also negates the likelihood that the foods will be inappropriately cooked or have to wait for too long to have your way.

√ Rear exhaust

Also existing at its rear is an exhaust that vents out the stale air. In addition to that, the exhaust also confers to you the benefits of convection cooking that goes ahead to save you from possible energy losses. Any possibility of you sustaining untold dangers is hence prevented by it.

√ Porcelain-coated cooking grids

A set of porcelain-coated cooking grids wraps up the sum total benefits that the item has to provide. The grid combines with an upper warming rack to enable seamless preparations of foods. Indeed, the outcomes it brings along are thoroughly cooked and devoid of any raw patches.

Pros.

√ Provides a large cooking surface
√ Bears a 5-pound hopper capacity accessory
√ Accepts the temperature by means of simpler dialing
√ Has an auto-start and shut-off for automated controls
√ A lower storage rack exists for expedited storage of items

Cons.

× Reckless handling may damage it too soon!

6. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Outdoor

Rounding up the list of the many pellet smokers we have is this one that is formulated for outdoor areas. It is larger and tends to produce lots of smoke. By and large, the item is largely intended for outdoor parties and other engagements that transpire out in the open.

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√ Premium 100% hardwood pellets

Unlike many other like-minded gadgets under our consideration, this is wholly dependent on hardwood pellets for its fuel. Count it yours if you lack the means to purchase gas or other sophisticated sources of fuel that cost a lot more. You also have it if you are short on cash.

√ 10-pound hopper capacity

It does have a hopper whose carrying capacity is around 10 pounds. This is sufficiently large to accommodate all the foods you will typically require for your cooking needs. Hardly will you have to look elsewhere for your food preparation needs if you choose to work with this.

√ Heavy-duty all-terrain wheels

At its base is a set of heavy-duty all-terrain wheels that are used for seamless transportation out and about designated locations with ease. The wheels, being heavy-duty, ensure the longevity of use and also prevent the possibilities of tipping off even when the riding surfaces do not permit.

√ Convection heat distribution technology

The item makes use of the convection heat distribution technology to provide the heat that the food needs to cook thoroughly. This technology is not only efficient but also far-reaching to the extent of no leaving any stone unturned when tackling your cooking recipes. Its results have been noted to be overall uniform.

Pros.

√ Optimized for making the task of grilling a lot easier
√ Equipped with a smart smoke technology for exceptional performances
√ Automated to negate the input of excess strains and effort on your part
√ Enables more accurate controls of the cooking temperatures
√ Confers a higher grilling area for you

Cons.

× May not be relied on longer due to the use of wood for cooking

[dt_fancy_title title=”FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)” title_size=”h2″ title_color=”accent”]

We round it all up by answering some of the questions that are persistently asked about the best pellet smoker under 500:

[dt_quote]Q1. Is a pellet smoker worth it?[/dt_quote]

A. YES, it is! These appliances may be used outdoors, generate lots of heat, and tackle many cooking and allied tasks ‘under one roof.’ They have the added advantage of blending the interior décor of the rooms they are set up well.

[dt_quote]Q2. Is Pit Boss owned by Traeger?[/dt_quote]

A. NO! Rather, it is a subsidiary of Dansons Incorporated. The company is a competitor of Traeger in that it produces more or less similar products and targets much the same kind of market segmentation. It is also more affordable.

[dt_quote]Q3. What size pellet smoker should I get?[/dt_quote]

A. It all depends on your cooking needs. For the average family size, we recommend the one whose cook area measures 450-500 square inches. Take the time to ascertain your cooking needs first and foremost before proceeding to hunt for a suitable one.

[dt_quote]Q4. Are vertical pellet smokers any good?[/dt_quote]

A. YES, they are! They are generally more compact and hence capable of optimizing a small space. This is not to mention that they are overall able to provide you with the selfsame benefits that their standard horizontal counterparts generally give off.

[dt_quote]Q5. What is the difference between a pellet smoker and a pellet grill?[/dt_quote]

A. The difference is the same. A pellet smoker is the same as a pellet grill. This is an appliance that comprises many electronic upgrades that let it attain many feats that its traditional counterparts are incapable of achieving.

[dt_quote]Q6. Can you leave pellets in the hopper?[/dt_quote]

A. NO, it is not advisable that you do that. Leaving the pellets in the hopper will only make them rot and imperil the health of your environment as a whole. Thus, you have to empty the pellet after each spate of the use thereof.

[dt_quote]Q7. Do you get a smoke ring with a pellet smoker?[/dt_quote]

A. YES, you do! The smoke rings form when the smoke subsides after a spate of burning has come to an end. You have to cleanse your utensils every now and then to prevent them same from hardening.

[dt_quote]Q8. Do pellet smokers make enough smoke?[/dt_quote]

A. YES! They do lots of smoke in the initial stages of burning. However, after some time, the smoke subsides to give off clear flames that are truly breathtaking to the eyes. Keep fanning the flames to generate cleaner heat output.

[dt_quote]Q9. Do pellet smokers require electricity?[/dt_quote]

A. Some do, some don’t. Those that require electricity are designed to draw their power from the mains electricity and are operable via a set of electronics. However, those that do not, are designed to draw the heating power from gas or wood fuel.

[dt_quote]Q10. Are pellet smokers good for grilling?[/dt_quote]

A. YES, they are! They provide sufficiently high levels of heat that they subsequently spread out in the exiting cooktop. Their heat output is also higher and hence able to bring about enduring impacts. This is besides possessing grills that distribute the heat output uniformly.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Final verdict” title_size=”h2″ title_color=”accent”]

Now that you know all about the best pellet smoker under 500, how about moving ahead with utmost confidence and making great use of one? Finding one ought not to be a hassle now. Not with the kinds of in-depth reviews we have displayed in our writings above.

As a bonus for sticking with us till the end, we now urge you to take good care of these pellets. They are potentially hazardous in that improper handling may spark fires and possibly burn the whole house. Then, you should also ventilate your home well to avoid suffocation.

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Samuel Carter

This is Samuel Carter. I have been online product reviewing for the last 7 years and owns many product samples from different companies. I love online product reviewing and reviewing is my hobby. I know, choosing a product is very difficult for newbies and that is why I have created this blog to help the newbies. I think might be useful for you. Thanks - Carter

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