Best Pellet Smokers Under $500 (2026)
The Z Grills 450A pairs an 8 lb hopper with a 180 to 450 degree range and the Pit Boss 500FB2 expands total cooking area above 500 square inches, both in the sub-the entry-level class class.
Side by side
| Model | Fuel | Capacity (sq in) | Temp range | Hopper | Standout spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z Grills 450A | Pellet | 180+ | 180 to 450 F | 8 lb | Direct-flame sear |
| Pit Boss 500FB2 | Pellet | 562 | 180 to 500 F | 7 lb | Dial-in flame broiler |
| Pit Boss Tailgater | Pellet | TBD | 180 to 500 F | TBD lb | Compact folding legs |
| Pit Boss Pro Series II 150 | Pellet | TBD | 180 to 500 F | TBD lb | Flame broiler grate |
| Pit Boss Lexington Onyx | Pellet | TBD | 180 to 500 F | TBD lb | Hardwood pellet fuel |
The picks
Z Grills 450A
Best value pick
The 450A covers 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and ships with a 180 square inch top rack plus a 8 pound hopper that runs an overnight smoke without a refill. The built-in PID controller holds steady temperature across cooks, and the direct-flame sear option handles high-heat work without a separate grill.
180 to 450 F temperature range8 lb hopper capacityPellet fuel typeBuilt-in PID controllerDirect-flame sear option
Pit Boss 500FB2
Best cooking-area pick
The 500FB2 covers 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and runs a 562 square inch main rack that fits two full briskets and a rack of ribs at once. The 7 pound hopper plus the dial-in flame broiler make the 500FB2 the most versatile smallest cooking-area pellet grill in the roundup.
180 to 500 F temperature range562 sq in main cooking area7 lb hopper capacityPellet fuel typeDial-in flame broiler
FAQ
Is the Z Grills 450A worth it?
The 450A's 8 lb hopper covers overnight low-and-slow without a refill and the 180 to 450 F range handles both smoke and high-heat work. The built-in PID controller holds steady temperature across cooks.
Z Grills 450A vs Pit Boss 500FB2: which is better?
The 450A's 180 to 450 F range tops out 50 degrees lower than the 500FB2's 180 to 500 F range. The 500FB2 also has a larger main cooking area at 562 sq in versus the 450A's 180 sq in top rack. For maximum cooking area the 500FB2 wins; for a smaller hopper footprint the 450A is the value pick.
What size pellet grill do I need?
A 7 to 8 lb hopper covers an overnight brisket cook without a refill. A 562 sq in main rack fits two whole briskets and a side rack simultaneously, while a 180 sq in top rack handles a single-protein cook for a small group.
Does the Pit Boss 500FB2 work in cold weather?
The 500FB2's temperature range of 180 to 500 F and dial-in flame broiler are designed for year-round outdoor cooking. The pellet fuel type handles cold-weather ignition reliably across the documented range.
How long does a Pit Boss pellet grill last?
Pit Boss pellet grills in this roundup share a standard warranty from the manufacturer; the 500FB2, Tailgater, Pro Series II 150, and Lexington Onyx all use hardwood pellet fuel with steel cooking surfaces and porcelain-coated grates for durability across the roundup.