Best 4 pellet smokers under $500
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Best 4 pellet smokers under $500. Hey there! Today, we’re going to talk about some awesome pellet grills and smokers that have been making waves in the market. These products are perfect for everyone, from camping enthusiasts to backyard barbecue champions. So, if you’re a grill master or just someone who enjoys delicious smoked food, sit back and let us guide you through the features of these incredible machines.
Wood pellet grills and smokers have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They offer the perfect combination of convenience, versatility, and flavor. These grills use wood pellets as fuel, which not only imparts a delightful smoky taste to your food but also ensures consistent heat distribution and temperature control. Long gone are the days when you had to sit by the grill, constantly adjusting the flames. With pellet grills, you can set your desired temperature and leave the grill to do its magic.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these models. We’ll start with the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill, a powerful grill that can reach temperatures up to a scorching 749°F in RIOT mode. It offers precise temperature control and a decent cooking surface to cater to your backyard feasts. Next, we have the KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. This multifunctional 8-in-1 BBQ grill is perfect for camping and outdoor adventures, with its automatic temperature control and foldable legs for easy transport.
Moving on, the ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill is a compact and convenient option, ideal for tailgating, RV cooking, or family gatherings. It boasts an impressive 256 sq. in of cooking space and provides you with 8 different cooking modes. Lastly, the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill offers a larger cooking surface of 501 sq. in, making it great for larger groups. Its sleek design, including a black and stainless color scheme, adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor cooking experience.
So, whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a novice griller, there’s a pellet grill and smoker here for everyone. We’re excited to delve into the details of each product and help you find the perfect addition to your grilling arsenal. Stick with us to discover which of these amazing pellet grills will suit your needs best!
recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill | Electric Pellet Grill | Reach Temperatures Up to 749°F via RIOT Mode

The recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill is a versatile grill that can be used for smoking, grilling, searing, baking, and braising food. It is perfect for those who love to experiment with different cooking techniques and flavors.
We absolutely love the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill for several reasons. Firstly, its ease of use is unbeatable. With just a push-button start, there’s no need for the hassle of lighting or burning down briquettes. This means that we can spend more time preparing our favorite dishes and less time getting the grill ready.
Secondly, the build quality of this grill is exceptional. Made of high-quality stainless steel, it not only looks sleek but is also durable and built to last. We appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating such a reliable cooking companion.
The recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill serves the purpose of providing a versatile cooking experience. Whether you want to smoke some ribs, grill a steak to perfection, or bake a delicious pizza, this grill can handle it all. It offers a generous cooking space of 380 square inches, allowing you to cook for small families or individuals.
One of the key features that sets this grill apart is its impressive temperature range. It can reach temperatures from as low as 225°F for slow smoking, all the way up to a scorching 749°F in RIOT mode for quick searing. This gives you complete control over your cooking and allows you to achieve the perfect results every time.
Another great feature is that the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill comes with a starter bundle. This bundle includes pellets, a grill cover, rubs, sauce, and gloves, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for those just starting out or looking to upgrade their current setup.
When it comes to overall quality, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill does not disappoint. The high-quality stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the thoughtful design and craftsmanship make it a joy to use.
Customers have praised the grill for its robust build and reliable performance. Many have mentioned that they have used it for years without any major issues. The attention to detail and commitment to quality make this grill a standout choice in its price range.
Like any product, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill has its pros and cons. Below, we outline them for you to make an informed decision:
- Easy to use with a push-button start, no need for lighting or burning down briquettes.
- Made of high-quality stainless steel for durability.
- Generous cooking space of 380 square inches.
- Impressive temperature range from 225°F to 749°F for versatile cooking.
- Comes with a starter bundle that includes pellets, a grill cover, rubs, sauce, and gloves.
- Excellent customer service for troubleshooting and assistance.
- Some users had difficulties assembling the grill, but found customer service helpful in resolving any issues.
- Recommended for small families or individuals, may not be suitable for larger gatherings without modifications.
- Some customers made modifications for better airflow and grease management.
The recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable grill. With its impressive temperature range, ease of use, and durable construction, this grill is sure to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.

KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Multifunctional 8-in-1 BBQ Grill with Automatic Temperature Control Foldable Leg for Backyard Camping Cooking Bake and Roast, 341 sq in Bronze

The KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile 8-in-1 BBQ grill that is perfect for backyard cooking, camping, and roasting. It is designed to provide wood-smoked flavor to your dishes with its D2 feeding technology and PID intelligent temperature control.
At its affordable price point, the KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker offers excellent value for money. We appreciate its portability, which makes it easy to take camping or to friends’ houses. The foldable legs and wheels add to its convenience, allowing for easy transportation and storage.
The purpose of the KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is to provide a convenient and efficient way of grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting your favorite dishes. It boasts an impressive 341 sq inches of grilling capacity, which can accommodate 12 burgers, 4 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens.
One of its key features is the PID intelligent temperature control technology, which ensures precise temperature control ranging from 180-450°F. This allows you to achieve consistent and optimal results every time you cook. The D2 feeding technology enhances the wood-smoked flavor, giving your dishes an authentic taste.
The overall quality of the KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is impressive, considering its affordable price. Customers have praised its performance and ease of use. The portable design, with foldable legs and wheels, adds to its convenience and versatility. The solid construction ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking.
- Affordable price
- Versatile 8-in-1 functions
- PID intelligent temperature control for precise cooking
- D2 feeding technology for enhanced wood-smoked flavor
- Portable design with foldable legs and wheels for easy transportation and storage
- Easy to clean with a removable oil drum
- Positive customer reviews praising its portability and ability to take it camping or to friends’ houses
- Impressive grilling capacity of 341 sq inches
- Some customers mention mild to medium smoke flavor, recommend using different pellets or adding wood chips for stronger flavor
- Suggestions for improvement include a pellet dump for changing flavors and a top rack
The KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a commendable choice for those seeking an affordable and versatile pellet smoker. Its 8-in-1 functions, PID intelligent temperature control, and D2 feeding technology ensure consistent and flavorful results. Its convenience features, such as foldable legs and wheels, make it easy to transport and store. While some customers have mentioned a mild to medium smoke flavor, this can be easily remedied by using different pellets or adding wood chips. Overall, customers are satisfied with the performance, ease of use, and value for money that this smoker offers.

ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill, Small Smoker Grill for BBQ, Camping, Tailgating, RV Cooking, 8 in 1 Tabletop Mini Outdoor Grills & Smokers, Wood Pellet Smoker 256 Sq. In ideal for Family of 4, AS300

The ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill is designed to be a versatile outdoor cooking tool that can be used for various purposes. It serves as a wood pellet grill and smoker, making it ideal for BBQ, camping, tailgating, and RV cooking. With its compact size and lightweight design, it is perfect for cooking on-the-go.
We praised the ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill for its exceptional performance and affordability compared to similar products. Its 8-in-1 functionality allows users to explore different cooking methods, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of customers. Whether you want to smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, sear, char-grill, or barbecue, this pellet grill has got you covered.
This portable pellet grill offers a cooking space of 256 square inches, making it suitable for a family of four. Its energy-saving patented technology and intelligent temperature control system enable faster cooking while saving on wood pellets. The precision tracking stainless steel meat probe ensures that your food is cooked to perfection.
The ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill is easy to assemble and clean, making it a convenient option for those who value time-saving features. The grill’s compact size allows for easy transportation and storage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
When it comes to the overall quality of the ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill, we have found it to be reliable and durable. The grill is made from high-quality materials that are built to last. It also comes with a 5-year warranty and excellent after-sales service, providing customers with peace of mind.
- Versatile 8-in-1 functionality
- Energy-saving technology
- Intelligent temperature control system
- Portable and lightweight design
- Easy assembly and cleaning
- Precision tracking stainless steel meat probe
- 5-year warranty and excellent after-sales service
- Some customers have mentioned difficulty in cleaning the grill
- Temperature readings may be inaccurate for some users
The ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill is highly recommended by customers for its performance and affordability. Whether you are a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or someone new to outdoor cooking, this grill offers the versatility and convenience you need. Its compact size, easy assembly, and cleaning process make it a top choice for those who value simplicity. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the overall quality and features of this grill make it a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor cooking experience.

Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill, PPG20, Black, Stainless, Total Rack Surface Area: 501 sq. in

The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill, PPG20, Black, Stainless is primarily designed for outdoor cooking and grilling. It is perfect for backyard barbecues, camping trips, tailgating parties, and other outdoor events. The camp chef pellet grill is one that I know a lot about. I have owned one for 5 or so years.It is my favorite for best pellet smoker in all four products.
At [our house], we love the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill because it brings convenience, versatility, and incredible flavor to every cooking experience. It offers a wide range of features that make it a standout product in the market for pellet smokers under $500.
The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill is specifically designed to provide a user-friendly and efficient grilling experience. With a total rack surface area of 501 sq. in, it offers ample space to cook a variety of foods for small to medium-sized gatherings.
One of the key features of this grill is its PID controller, which ensures consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. This means you can achieve perfectly cooked meats and vegetables every time. Additionally, the adjustable smoke settings from 1-10 allow you to customize the level of smokiness in your dishes.
With a temperature range from 160º F to 500º F, this pellet grill provides flexibility in cooking different types of food. Whether you want to slow smoke a brisket or sear a steak, the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill has got you covered.
The grill also includes 2 meat probes, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid. This feature is especially useful for ensuring optimal doneness and safety.
The menu dial and high-visibility digital display make it incredibly easy to set and adjust the temperature and smoke settings. No complicated controls or guesswork – just intuitive operation.
The Slide and Grill Technology is another standout feature of this pellet grill. It allows for direct flame grilling at temperatures up to 650º F. This means you can achieve those beautiful, flame-kissed grill marks on your steaks and burgers, adding even more flavor to your dishes.
Cleaning up after a cookout is hassle-free with the Ash Cleanout System. It simplifies the process by easily removing the ashes, leaving you with a clean grill ready for the next use.
The compact design of the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill makes it easy to store and transport. Whether you’re taking it on a camping trip or simply need to save space in your backyard, this grill is designed with convenience in mind.
To ensure secure transport and storage, the grill comes with a locking chamber and hopper lid. No need to worry about the lid coming off or the chamber opening during transportation.
For stability during use, the grill features folding legs and leg levelers. This ensures that the grill remains steady and secure, even on uneven surfaces.
We have found the overall quality of the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill to be exceptional. The construction is sturdy, and the materials used are of high quality, ensuring durability and longevity.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
- Consistent temperature control with the PID controller
- Adjustable smoke settings for customized flavor
- Wide temperature range for versatility in cooking
- Easy-to-use menu dial and digital display
- Slide and Grill Technology for direct flame grilling
- Ash Cleanout System for effortless cleaning
- Compact design for easy storage and transport
- Wheels rubbing on the frame may cause issues
- Legs may be unstable in some cases
- Grease bucket attachment may have problems
- However, it is worth noting that many users have reported positive experiences with Camp Chef’s customer service.
The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pellet smoker under $500. Its user-friendly features, durability, and exceptional cooking performance make it a standout product in its price range.

Comparison of Specifications
recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
- Cooking Space: 380 sq in
- Temperature Range: 225°F to 749°F
- Material: Stainless steel
- Functions: Smoke, grill, sear, bake, and braise
- Starter Bundle: Includes pellets, grill cover, rubs, sauce, and gloves
- Customer Service: Helpful troubleshooting assistance
KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- Cooking Space: 341 sq in
- Temperature Range: 180°F to 450°F
- Material: N/A
- Functions: 8-in-1 versatility
- Portability: Equipped with wheels and foldable legs
ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill
- Cooking Space: 256 sq in
- Temperature Range: N/A
- Material: N/A
- Functions: 8-in-1 versatility
- Portability: Suitable for BBQ, camping, tailgating, and RV cooking
Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
- Rack Surface Area: 501 sq in
- Temperature Range: 160°F to 500°F
- Material: N/A
- Functions: PID controller, adjustable smoke settings, Slide and Grill Technology
- Portability: Compact design with folding legs
Comparison Table
Specification | recteq RT-B380 Bullseye | KingChii 2023 Upgrade | ASMOKE Portable | Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cooking Space (sq in) | 380 | 341 | 256 | 501 |
Temperature Range (°F) | 225-749 | 180-450 | N/A | 160-500 |
Material | Stainless steel | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Functions | 8-in-1 | 8-in-1 | 8-in-1 | PID controller, adjustable smoke settings, Slide and Grill Technology |
Portability | N/A | Wheels and foldable legs | Suitable for BBQ, camping, tailgating, and RV cooking | Compact design with folding legs |
Starter Bundle | Includes pellets, grill cover, rubs, sauce, and gloves | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Customer Service | Helpful troubleshooting assistance | N/A | 5-year warranty and excellent after-sales service | Positive experiences with customer service |
Positive Customer Reviews | Easy temperature control, easy cleaning, perfect smoke flavor | Portability, camping and travel-friendly | Ease of use, tasty food, performance and affordability | Ease of use, versatility |
Criticisms | Difficulty in assembly, modifications needed for airflow and grease management | Mild to medium smoke flavor, suggestions for pellet dump and top rack | Difficulty in cleaning, inaccurate temperature readings | Issues with wheels, leg instability, and grease bucket attachment |
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing all four products, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill, KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill, and Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill, we have come to the following conclusions:
recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
The recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill offers impressive temperature control capabilities, with the ability to reach temperatures up to 749°F in RIOT mode. The grill also comes with a durable construction and a spacious cooking area. However, the higher price point may be a drawback for some customers.
KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
The KingChii 2023 Upgrade Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a multifunctional 8-in-1 BBQ grill that offers automatic temperature control and a foldable leg for easy portability. It also comes with a decent cooking area of 341 sq in. Bronze. However, the quality of construction may not be as durable as other options.
ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill
The ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill is a small and compact smoker grill that is perfect for camping, tailgating, and RV cooking. With its 8-in-1 tabletop design and 256 sq. in of cooking space, it caters well to small families. The only drawback is that the cooking area may not be sufficient for larger gatherings.
Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill provides a large cooking area of 501 sq. in, making it suitable for larger families or gatherings. Its black and stainless design adds a sleek look to any outdoor cooking space. However, the overall portability may be compromised due to its larger size and weight.
Based on our review, we recommend the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Smoker Grill for those who prioritize temperature control and durability, even if it comes with a slightly higher price point. For those looking for a compact and portable option, the ASMOKE Portable Pellet Grill would be an excellent choice. However, if you require a larger cooking area, the Camp Chef 20″ Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill would be the ideal option.