Updated October 9, 2026 · By CharredPicks editors
Best Pellet Grills Under $500
Best Pellet Grills Under $500
A pellet grill burns compressed hardwood pellets, fed from a hopper by an auger that a digital controller starts and stops to hold the temperature you set. Under $500 the main differences are cooking area, how the controller holds temperature, whether it can sear, and whether it travels. This guide compares five pellet grills that sell for less than $500, using manufacturer specs, Keepa price history and the ratings on each listing. Prices were checked when the page was last updated; Amazon's checkout price is the one that counts.
Quick Answer
- Most proven: Z Grills ZPG-450A (about $369). PID controller, 459 square inches, and close to 4,000 ratings at 4.3.
- Best for searing: Pit Boss 440 Mahogany (about $411). A Flame Broiler for direct-flame cooking and 1,700+ ratings at 4.4.
- Most space: Pit Boss 700 FB2 (about $467). 747 square inches and a 21 lb hopper for long cooks.
- Lowest price: Pit Boss 500 FB2 (about $357). 518 square inches with 5°F temperature steps and a meat probe.
- Portable: Traeger Tailgater (about $500). Folding legs, 300 square inches, and 840+ ratings at 4.5.
Comparison
| Pellet grill | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Z Grills ZPG-450A | Steady low-and-slow | $369 |
| Pit Boss 440 Mahogany | Smoke and sear | $411 |
| Pit Boss 700 FB2 | Big cooks | $467 |
| Pit Boss 500 FB2 | Lowest price | $357 |
| Traeger Tailgater | Camping and tailgates | $500 |
The Picks
1. Z Grills ZPG-450A
The Z Grills ZPG-450A uses a PID controller (Z Grills calls it V3.0), which adjusts pellet feed and airflow continuously rather than cycling on and off, the usual way a budget controller holds temperature. It has 459 square inches, an LCD screen, one meat probe, a folding front shelf and a side shelf, and a powder-coated steel body. With close to 4,000 ratings at 4.3, it has the largest owner record on this page.
At the last check it was sold by third-party sellers rather than Amazon itself, so the price and delivery terms vary by seller. It has no direct-flame searing option.
- Best for: ribs, pork shoulder and brisket where a steady temperature matters most.
- Who should skip it: anyone who wants to sear steaks hot on the same grill.
2. Pit Boss 440 Mahogany
The Pit Boss 440 Mahogany (model 72455) has 518 square inches on porcelain-coated steel grates, a dial-in digital control board with an LED readout, and a range of 180°F to 500°F. Pit Boss's Flame Broiler slides open over the fire pot so food can cook over direct flame, which closes the usual pellet-grill gap on searing. About 1,750 ratings average 4.4.
Its listing does not mention the 5°F settings or an included meat probe that the newer FB2 models list, so budget for a probe thermometer.
- Best for: cooks who split time between smoking and grilling burgers or steaks.
- Who should skip it: buyers who want an included probe and the finest temperature control.
3. Pit Boss 700 FB2
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 (model 11087) is the largest grill here: 747 square inches on two porcelain-coated racks. A digital controller sets 180°F to 500°F in 5°F steps, the Flame Broiler lever opens the fire pot for direct-flame searing, and the 21 lb hopper holds enough pellets for an overnight cook without refilling.
It sits near the top of the budget, and with about 180 ratings at 4.3 its owner record is shorter than the Z Grills' or the 440's.
- Best for: families and anyone smoking several racks of ribs or a whole packer brisket.
- Who should skip it: small patios, or buyers who rarely cook for more than four.
4. Pit Boss 500 FB2
The Pit Boss 500 FB2 (model 11086) gives the same 518 square inches as the 440 for less money, with the newer controller (5°F steps from 180°F to 500°F), the Flame Broiler, a two-tier cooking surface, two probe ports with one probe included, and a solid bottom shelf.
Like the 700 FB2 it is a newer listing (about 185 ratings at 4.3). The listing's hopper figure is far smaller than its siblings', so check the hopper size on the product page if you plan long unattended cooks.
- Best for: first pellet grill on a tight budget.
- Who should skip it: anyone who wants the longest owner track record.
5. Traeger Tailgater
The Traeger Tailgater (TFB30KLF) is a portable pellet grill with folding legs, 300 square inches (Traeger says 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs or 2 whole chickens), an 8 lb hopper and porcelain-coated grates. Its Digital Arc Controller runs from 180°F to 450°F and, per Traeger, holds within 15°F of the set point. About 840 ratings average 4.5, the highest on this page.
It needs a 120V outlet (or a generator or power station at the campsite), its top temperature is 50°F lower than the Pit Boss models, and at about $500 it is the most expensive pick.
- Best for: camping, tailgates and small households that want a pellet grill they can move.
- Who should skip it: anyone cooking for a crowd at home.
How to Choose
- Controller. A PID controller (Z Grills) adjusts continuously and tends to hold closer to the set point; simpler controllers cycle the auger and swing more. Both work for low-and-slow.
- Searing. Pellet grills sear poorly through closed grates. A Flame Broiler (Pit Boss) or a separate cast iron pan solves it.
- Hopper size. A larger hopper means fewer refills on overnight cooks.
- Power. Every pellet grill needs electricity for the auger, fan and igniter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bag of pellets last?
It depends on temperature and weather: low-and-slow cooks burn far fewer pellets per hour than high-heat grilling, and cold or wind raise use.
Can I use any brand of pellets?
Most makers recommend their own pellets, but food-grade hardwood pellets of the right diameter generally work. Avoid heating pellets, which are not made for food.
Do pellet grills give a strong smoke flavor?
Pellet smoke is cleaner and milder than charcoal and wood chunks. Running lower temperatures early in the cook, or adding a smoke tube, gives more smoke flavor.
Can a pellet grill sear a steak?
Through closed grates, most cannot get hot enough. The Pit Boss models here have a Flame Broiler for direct flame; with the others, finish steaks in a hot cast iron pan.
Do pellet grills work in cold weather?
Yes, but they burn more pellets and take longer to heat. An insulated blanket made for the model helps in winter.
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Products Mentioned
747 sq in, 21 lb hopper, Flame Broiler
518 sq in, 5F steps, Flame Broiler, probe included
Portable, 300 sq in, 180 to 450F