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The short answer
The best pellet smoker under $500 for most people is the Z Grills ZPG-7002B: about 700 square inches of cooking space, an automatic temperature controller and a big owner base, usually priced well under name-brand rivals (check current price). If you want to sear as well as smoke, the Pit Boss 700FB adds a flame broiler. For smaller households, the Z Grills ZPG-450A is cheaper and still holds temperature well.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Model | Cooking area (approx.) | Standout feature | Best for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Z Grills ZPG-7002B | ~700 sq in | Large capacity for the price | Families, briskets and ribs | Amazon |
| Best for searing | Pit Boss 700FB | ~700 sq in | Slide-plate flame broiler | Smoke and sear on one grill | Amazon |
| Best updated Pit Boss | Pit Boss 700FB2 | ~747 sq in | LCD controller, 21 lb hopper | Newer controller, more space | Amazon |
| Best compact | Z Grills ZPG-450A | ~459 sq in | PID controller, foldable front shelf | Couples, small patios | Amazon |
| Best name-brand portable | Traeger Tailgater 20 | ~300 sq in | Folding legs | Small patios, tailgates | Amazon |
| Best tabletop | Pit Boss 150 | Tabletop | Small, light, portable | Camping and RV | Amazon |
What you get (and give up) under $500
Under $500, pellet grills share the same core design as expensive models: hopper, auger, firepot, igniter, fan and a digital controller. What you usually give up is thicker steel, double-wall insulation, Wi-Fi on many models, premium finishes and the tightest temperature control. In practice, that means slightly bigger temperature swings and higher pellet use in cold or windy weather.
We compared specs, owner reviews and published reviews to pick budget pellet smokers that hold temperature reliably, have parts available and are well supported by their makers.
Z Grills ZPG-7002B: best overall
The ZPG-7002B is one of the most reviewed budget pellet grills on Amazon. It offers about 700 square inches across the main grate and warming rack, enough for a full brisket or several racks of ribs, with an automatic temperature controller that you set and leave. Z Grills sells it in several variants, including versions with PID control and a rain cover.
Who it’s for: families who want a full-size pellet smoker without paying name-brand prices.
Good to know: like most budget pellet grills, it is single-wall steel, so use an insulated blanket or windbreak in cold weather. Variants differ in controller and accessories; check which version a listing ships.
Check the Z Grills ZPG-7002B on Amazon
Pit Boss 700FB: best for searing
The Pit Boss 700FB has about 700 square inches of cooking space and a slide-plate flame broiler that exposes the firepot for direct-flame searing. That makes it easy to reverse-sear steaks or crisp chicken skin, which most pellet grills struggle with.
Who it’s for: buyers who want one grill for smoking and grilling.
Good to know: the area over the flame broiler runs hotter even when closed, so position long smokes to the sides. Pit Boss has updated this model; see the FB2 below.
Check the Pit Boss 700FB on Amazon
Pit Boss 700FB2: best updated Pit Boss
The 700FB2 is the newer version, listed with about 747 square inches of cooking space, an LCD digital controller, a meat probe, a 21-pound pellet hopper and a 180–500°F temperature range, plus the flame broiler. It often sells in a similar price tier to the original, so it is worth comparing current prices.
Who it’s for: buyers who want the Pit Boss flame broiler with a newer controller and a bit more space.
Good to know: availability and prices change often; confirm it is under $500 before you buy.
Check the Pit Boss 700FB2 on Amazon
Z Grills ZPG-450A: best compact
The ZPG-450A is a smaller pellet grill with a PID V3.0 controller, about 459 square inches of cooking area, a meat probe and foldable shelves. It costs less to buy and uses fewer pellets than full-size models while still fitting a pork shoulder or a couple of racks of ribs.
Who it’s for: couples, small families and small patios.
Good to know: a full packer brisket can be a tight fit. The hopper is smaller, so check pellets on long overnight cooks.
Check the Z Grills ZPG-450A on Amazon
Traeger Tailgater 20: best name-brand portable
The Tailgater 20 is one of Traeger’s lower-priced models, with about 300 square inches of cooking space and folding legs. It brings Traeger’s brand support and accessory ecosystem into a compact, portable package.
Who it’s for: buyers who want a Traeger for a small patio or tailgates.
Good to know: capacity is limited for groups. You pay a bit more per square inch for the brand.
Check the Traeger Tailgater 20 on Amazon
Pit Boss 150: best tabletop
The Pit Boss 150 is a small tabletop pellet grill for camping, RV trips and tiny patios. It smokes and grills like its bigger siblings but fits on a table or tailgate.
Who it’s for: campers and anyone with very limited space.
Good to know: it is best for 1–3 people. Long smokes need hopper refills.
Check the Pit Boss 150 on Amazon
How big a pellet smoker do you need?
| Household / use | Cooking area to look for | Picks |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 people, portable | 150–300 sq in | Pit Boss 150, Traeger Tailgater 20 |
| 2–4 people, home use | About 450 sq in | Z Grills ZPG-450A |
| 4–8 people, briskets and ribs | About 700 sq in | Z Grills ZPG-7002B, Pit Boss 700FB/FB2 |
Remember that advertised cooking area often includes the upper warming rack. The main grate is what matters for briskets and full racks.
Buying checklist
- Controller: PID controllers generally hold temperature more tightly than basic step controllers.
- Main grate size: check it fits a full brisket (roughly 16–18 inches long) if you plan to cook one.
- Hopper capacity: bigger hoppers mean fewer refills on overnight cooks.
- Cleanout: a hopper dump door and easy firepot access make maintenance simpler.
- Searing: a flame broiler or aftermarket searing grates help with steaks.
- Smoke flavor: budget pellet grills smoke cleanly but lightly; a pellet smoker tube adds more.
- Safety: use outdoors only, keep away from siding and overhangs, clean grease regularly and always run the shutdown cycle.
FAQ
What is the best pellet smoker under $500?
The Z Grills ZPG-7002B is a strong overall pick thanks to its roughly 700 square inches of space and automatic temperature control. The Pit Boss 700FB is best if you also want to sear.
Are cheap pellet grills any good?
Yes. Budget pellet grills use the same basic design as premium models and can make excellent barbecue. They usually have thinner steel, so they use more pellets and swing more in cold or windy weather.
Is Z Grills or Pit Boss better?
Both offer good value. Pit Boss models often include a flame broiler for searing, while Z Grills offers large cooking areas and PID controllers at low prices. Choose based on whether searing or capacity matters more.
Can you get a Traeger for under $500?
Some smaller Traeger models, such as the Tailgater 20, are often priced in this range. Larger Traegers usually cost more. Check current prices.
How long does a budget pellet grill last?
With a cover, dry pellet storage and regular cleaning, many owners get several years of use. Igniters and fans are the usual wear parts and are inexpensive to replace.