Portable pellet grills are a great way to cook delicious meals while away from home.
Not only are they great for cooking up delicious meals while camping, tailgating, at the beach, or even at vacation homes, but they can also be relatively inexpensive depending on what you go for.
We'll take a look at some of the best portable pellet grills in the market that cost less than $500, so you have all the information you need to work out which one is going to serve your needs best.
Read our review now to find the best portable pellet grill under $500!
How We Choose Our Selections
With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which portable unit is right for you.
Not all "portable" pellet grills are very portable at all, and some can be used at home as a standard backyard unit; and others, even smaller ones can also be too heavy to make them practical for some people.
It's important for you to understand how and where you will use your portable grill to ensure you get the right one for your needs, but don't worry – we're here to help.
I've personally researched and read hundreds of reviews on Amazon to find the top 5 under $500 against the following criteria:
- Size: how much space is required for storing and transporting your grill (some models are compact enough to fit in a car trunk, while others are larger and require a pickup or trailer).
- Weight: if you plan on taking your grill camping or hiking, the weight will be an important consideration.
- Features: the bells and whistles that come with the best portable pellet cooker.
- Price: while all units reviewed are under $500, I have included a variety of price points depending on the quality, size, and features of the units.
So, whether you're looking for something small and light (ish) weight or something with all the extras, we've got you covered.
Best Overall Quality Tailgater Under $500
Camp Chef 20" Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
Why We Love It
We believe the Camp Chef 20" Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill is the best overall tailgater on the market at the moment for under $500.
There's a lot to love about this big unit but some of my favorite features include the:
- PID controller for consistent temperatures that can range from 160º F - 500º F which means you can cook anything from delicate fish to juicy steaks.
- Adjustable 10-setting smoke control so you can adjust how smoky you want your food to be.
- Compact design with foldable legs for rolling transport.
What You Need to Know
The Camp Chef 20" Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill is one of the best pellet grills at this price point, and is a quality pellet grill that's good enough to be your backyard unit, with its massive (for portable) total cooking area of 501 square inches.
This portable unit has Camp Chef's Slide and Grill Technology which enables you to switch seamlessly between indirect heat and direct flame broil mode, and 2 meat probes come standard.
The unit has a locking chamber and pellet hopper lid and heavy-duty wheels on push-button folding legs with leg levelers which make it awesome not only when you're on the move, but also for setting up so you can quickly get grilling.
This unit has an easy-to-use menu dial, high-visibility, low-glare digital control board, and Camp Chef's patented ash cleanout system for effortless emptying.
When you're done cooking, the compact design and foldable legs make it easy to store away.
Summary of specs:
|
Item weight |
100 pounds (heavy!) |
|
Color |
Black, silver |
|
Materials |
Stainless outer, stainless-steel inner |
|
Hopper capacity |
10 lbs |
|
Fuel type |
Wood pellets, requires electricity (110-volt outlet) |
|
Main cooking surface |
501 square inches |
|
Item weight |
40" length x 22.5" width x 20" height |
Looking for a big game portable pellet cooker for under $500? Depending on what you're using it for, you won't be disappointed with the Camp Chef 20" Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill.
Best Overall Truly Portable Pellet Grill & Smoker Under $500
Traeger Grills Ranger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Why We Love It
Introducing the Traeger Grills Ranger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker!
Traeger continues to lead, being the world's #1 selling wood-fired grill, and their experience is reflected in this pellet grill - the Ranger!
This really is a portable grill yet is a quality unit and has a bunch of features.
- One of my favorites is this Traeger grill Digital Arc Controller which provides consistent temperatures, and also a Keep Warm Mode that makes sure your food is ready to eat whenever you need it to be.
- Another favorite feature is its cooking versatility - it's not just for grilling and can smoke, braise, bake, roast, and BBQ, from ribs to apple pie.
This is a well-apportioned pellet hopper grill that has quality build written all over it!
What You Need to Know
The Traeger Ranger is one of the more reliable pellet grills at this price point and reaches up to 450º F to create a big flavor for a cooking area of 184 square inches.
The unit comes with a cast iron griddle, a porcelain-coated grill grate that is easy to clean, and a meat probe.
You can set and forget this unit for perfect cooking and the cook timer lets you know when it’s time to sauce or check your food.
Built for the road, the Ranger features a baffled lid design as well as lid latches for durability and safe transportation.
As always, I recommend the bundle option which includes a Traeger cover, to help keep the unit protected and for longevity; and even so, you'll get some change from your $500!
Summary of specs:
|
Item weight |
60 pounds (one strong or ideally two-person lift) |
|
Color |
Black |
|
Materials |
Iron outer material |
|
Hopper capacity |
10 lbs |
|
Fuel type |
Wood pellets, requires electricity (120-volt outlet) |
|
Main cooking surface |
184 square inches |
|
Item weight |
20" length x 21" width x 13" height |
If true quality portable pellet grilling is what you're after, then put the Ranger, the ultimate portable wood pellet cooker from Traeger, on your shortlist of must-haves today!
Best Overall Bang for Buck Quality Portable Grill with Wi-Fi Under $500
GMG Trek (Previously Davy Crockett) Pellet Grill Package
Why We Love It
Davy Crockett has re-branded to GMG Trek, and this Trek Pellet Grill Package includes some updates.
- One of my favorite features of this portable pellet cooker is the package deal which is at a great price. It includes an exclusive cover (which you know I always recommend!), a collapsible cooking or warming rack for additional grilling space, and a small grill mat which is a nice touch.
- Another favorite feature is its ability to run from 150º-550º F, which does expand the range and styles of cooking open to you.
- A third favorite feature has to be the WiFi which is now standard with Trek pellet grills.
What You Need to Know
This Trek grill is a decent mid-sized unit with an ample cooking area of 219 square inches.
It has an updated heat adjustable heat shield, sturdier legs, and an updated thermal sensor from its extremely popular earlier Davy Crockett version. This is an upgrade!
The unit comes with a cast iron griddle, a porcelain-coated main cooking grate that is easy to clean, and a meat probe.
You can set and forget this unit for perfect cooking and the cook timer lets you know when it’s time to sauce or check your food.
Built for the road, the Ranger features a baffled lid design as well as lid latches for durability and safe transportation.
Summary of specs:
|
Item weight |
78 pounds |
|
Color |
Black and stainless |
|
Materials |
Stainless hood, stainless steel baffles |
|
Hopper capacity |
9 lbs |
|
Fuel type |
Wood pellets, 12v DC (comes with a 110v power converter) |
|
Main cooking surface |
219 square inches |
|
Dimensions |
30" length x 23" width x 16" height |
If a well-rounded portable unit well under the $500 mark is for you, then absolutely consider this Trek Package deal!
Best Pellet Grill with Wi Fi & Steam Under $500
ASMOKE Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, Superheated Steam, 8-In-1 Cooker
Why We Love It
Welcome to another affordable Asmoke unit, and this time it's their Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, Superheated Steam Technology, 8-In-1 Cooker!
If you're on a budget, then this is one of the most inexpensive pellet grills that has it all.
One of my favorite features of this affordable machine is the PID precise temperature controller.
Another is the moisture lock-in so you can enjoy your favorite foods without drying them out!
The combination of superheated steam and pellet grilling allows you to create wood-fired flavor roasts that are tender and juicy inside.
What You Need to Know
This Asmoke has a compact body yet 256 square inches of cooking area, built from stainless steel with a porcelain non-stick coating.
The design is Easy to carry and maintain.
The expansive 180°-500°F temperature range offers 8-in-1 versatility for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and char-grilling.
The unit has an LED readout, automatic ash cleaning, and good grease collection.
There is an exclusive "Prime" function for fast heating and a free Meat Probe included.
Summary of specs:
|
Item weight |
52.9 lbs |
|
Color |
Smart in navy blue |
|
Materials |
Stainless steel |
|
Hopper capacity |
4 lbs |
|
Fuel type |
Wood pellets, 110-120v AC, easily with portable bank, RV outlet, or
wall socket |
|
Main cooking surface |
256 square inches |
|
Dimensions |
24.4" length x 17.5" width x 16" height |
If it's portable pellet smokers you're after with a wide cooking temperature range and plenty of versatility, then consider giving this pellet grill work machine some of your attention.
Customers who buy it love it and we think you will too!
Best Entry-Level Portable Pellet Grill
Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Why We Love It
More than 8,500 happy customers have rated the Cuisinart Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5! While it's certainly not top of the range, that's reflected in the price, and it's a great bang-for-buck cooking machine, particularly when compared with other pellet grills at the same price point.
- One of my favorite features of the unit is the cooking space - 256" of it!
- Another is the expansive temperature range, from 180º-500º F, which enables versatile cooking (smoking, grilling, roasting, braising, baking), and the integrated sear zone means searing and char-grilling too.
- At 45 lbs this unit is comparatively lightweight, and the locking lid with handle makes it easy to take anywhere.
This is the least expensive unit on our shortlist, and it's also currently on sale at the time of my writing this review, so don't wait long if this is the portable pellet grill looking for!
What You Need to Know
This Cuisinart unit would be considered an entry-level portable pellet grill, but don't let those words dissuade you if you want a portable unit and you are cost conscious when it comes to grilling.
With the generous square inches of cooking space, there's plenty of room to cook up a feast with both direct and indirect grilling.
There is a removable second-level warming smoker rack.
This unit has an electronic auto-start ignition, digital auto temperature control, and real-time LED temperature display.
In terms of pellet feed systems, the digital control automatically adds pellets as needed to regulate the temperature of your grilling.
The unit comes with a meat probe to assist you to keep an eye on the food temperature, and there is a removable grease cup for easy clearing away.
At 4 lbs the hopper capacity is smaller than our other reviewed units, but still sufficient to smoke for hours without refilling.
The low weight (for portable grills) and locking lid with handles make it easy to take anywhere for backyard dinners, camping, tailgating, and more!
Summary of specs:
|
Item weight |
39.6 lbs |
|
Color |
Smart in navy blue |
|
Materials |
Black and stainless |
|
Hopper capacity |
4 lbs |
|
Fuel type |
Wood pellets, and plug in electricity |
|
Main cooking surface |
256 square inches |
|
Dimensions |
24.7" length x 18.9" width x 14.9" height |
If you want an affordable unit but still want a truly portable wood pellet smoker with heaps of cooking versatility, then this Cuisinart Pellet Grill & Smoker Could be the best one for you. Grab it while the special is still on!
Best Portable Pellet Grills Under $500 FAQs
Below includes a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best portable pellet grills under $500. This will help you make an informed decision about which grill is right for your needs before making a purchasing decision today.
What is a PID controller?
PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative.
But don't worry too much about that - basically, PID controllers are commonly seen in appliances needing temperature control, so with a pellet grill it keeps your chosen temperature level consistent.
What pellets should I use with my portable pellet smoker?
Not all smoker pellets are created equal!
Some inferior pellets are made with binders and glues, biomass and softwood, which can create performance and reliability problems.
Where the manufacturer recommends a certain pellet then that's what you should go with if you can.
Smoker pellets certainly are interchangeable across different brands and units but do consider that pellets are often developed with different compositions to pair with certain grills (e.g., Traeger pellets for Traeger grills), to maximize a cleaner burn and to reduce the chance of getting ash on your food.
What flavor pellets are best?
It depends on what you're cooking.
I've personally found you can use any flavor for any food, and it still tastes good, however, some match better if you want great!
Consider:
- Hickory, the mostly widely used pellet flavor (and my favorite), for beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
- Mesquite, for beef, chicken, and fish.
- Cherry for beef, chicken, pork, and bread.
- Pecan for beef, chicken, pork, bread, and vegetables.
- Apple, for chicken, pork, bread, and vegetables.
You can also mix them for your own signature pellet flavor, for instance, if you find hickory a little too strong, you can make it milder by mixing in oak or apple pellets.
How can I tell if my pellets have gone bad?
If you keep your pellets stored away and dry, they should last but sometimes things happen, and the following indicate if your pellets are past their best:
- There is a significant amount of sawdust in your pellet bag/container. There is naturally some, typically at the bottom of your storage, however, a lot of sawdust or sawdust clumps suggest your pellets are decomposing.
- If your pellets crumble easily if trying to break them.
- If there is moisture within your container/bag, then your pellets probably won't burn efficiently.
Can you leave pellets in a hopper?
You can, however if you leave them in for too long without using the grill or if they are exposed to the elements then they can rot and will be no good.
Ideally you would empty your hopper after each cook and put them into a dry, sealed container, although of course this won't always be practical.
What's the difference between a pellet grill and a smoker?
Many pellet grills have smoker settings but also other options such as roasting and baking. Some pellet grills designed for smoking can offer additional versatility too but typically are best for smoking food.
How can I power my portable pellet grill?
I will be writing an article on this in an upcoming post, as there are multiple ways to power your unit, but essentially you need electricity.
The simplest, where possible, is to plug directly into the mains (110v-120v in the United States) and using an extension cord is fine.
A relatively affordable alternative option is an inverter/deep cycle battery combo to power your grill, or an inverter with your car or RV battery. You should be able to grill all day, however, if you're grilling all day on your car battery you will need to charge it once in a while, so it doesn't go flat, or ensure you have a buddy with jumper leads to get you going after your cook-up!
Portable power stations can be good too, and there are plenty of reasonably priced options on the market.
A generator is an alternative method however for a small 2,000-watt unit you'll be looking at a bigger cost than the pellet grill, and they can be noisy.
What are the benefits of owning a pellet grill over a traditional charcoal grill?
An electric or gas-powered grill with wood pellets is more set-and-forget cooking, and provides consistent temperature throughout your cook, whereas a traditional charcoal grill requires monitoring and more effort to keep the temperature at the right level.
Don't discount owning a traditional charcoal grill, however, as they have their benefits, particularly at higher temperatures and there's something primal about standing around a charcoal or wood fire that awakens the senses.
Which features are most important when choosing a portable pellet grill?
This article covers the important features when considering portable pellet grills, and it starts with considering how and where you're going to use them.
Once you know that, you can consider the size and weight of the unit for you, the cooking surface, hopper capacity, and cooking methods.
Of course, general portability and price will be considerations too.
Best Portable Pellet Grills Under $500
So, now that we've covered what you need to think about when you're looking at getting the best portable pellet grill for less than $500, which one will suit you best?
Will it be one of the higher-end, heavier units that can be your main home unit too, or one of the more portable and inexpensive pellet grills reviewed?
Tap the "Check Price on Amazon" buttons of the units you're interested in above to look at which one of the portable and affordable pellet grills under $500 you think best suits your needs!
Thanks for reading and happy shopping!
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