Best Pellet Smoker Under $500
The best pellet smokers under $500: Z Grills, Pit Boss and Traeger picks compared by size, controller, searing ability and value.
Pick the pellet grill, smoker or pizza oven that fits how you actually cook.
Straight answers, side-by-side specs and the trade-offs that matter, so you can buy once and buy right.
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The best grill brushes and cleaning tools: bristle-free brushes, wire brushes, wooden scrapers and degreasers compared, plus a cleaning routine.
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The best smokers for small patios and balconies: compact electric, pellet and charcoal picks, plus what fire codes and leases usually allow.
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Is a Pellet Grill Worth It?
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Smokers
All 9 guides
Accessories
All 8 guides
Pellet Grills
All 7 guides
Gas Grills
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Buying Guides
All 5 guides
Pizza Ovens
All 5 guides
How we pick
We compare manufacturer specs, owner reviews and published reviews from established outlets, then write the answer first. We say when a number is a manufacturer rating, and we never claim to have tested something we haven’t.
Read about our research