Pellet grills have become increasingly popular in the last several years. Once preferred by those who did not want to tend a fire all night, these grills are replacing their gas grills and even charcoal units. The question still remains: can you find a good-quality, budget-friendly pellet grill? Let’s explore this by looking at the best pellet grills under $1,000.
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If you’re looking for the Best Pellet Grills under $1000, you’ve come to the right place. I have been testing pellet grills since Traeger was the sole player in the game. We have come a long way since then. Pellet grills are becoming increasingly advanced, affordable, and competitive among various brands. Wood pellet grills have improved in quality. The innovations seem limitless
More: Best Pellet Grills
I must point out that there have been some spectacular failures, as the market continues to be flooded with cheap knockoffs and poorly made grills. Don’t worry. I have experience cutting through the hype and figuring out what really works! In putting the Best Pellet Grills under $1000 list together, I have balanced technology with performance. and the pellet grills on this list keep it simple, but reliable
Best Pellet Grills under $1000 for 2024
1. Green Mountain Grills Ledge
Read the Full Review of the Green Mountain Grills Ledge
Comparatively small but with great cooking chamber height, the Green Mountain Grills Ledge Pellet Grill has some great features. This grill is fully Wi-Fi enabled and has windows in the hopper and cooking chamber. This pellet grill is large enough for most people’s needs, and you can get some excellent accessory options as well. The construction of this pellet grill is solid. It is much better than the discount brands and cheap units offered by many of the big names. You certainly want to take a look at this as one of the best pellet grills under $1000.
Specifications
- 458 square inches of total cooking area
- 180 to 550 F temperature range
- 18-pound capacity side-mounted pellet hopper
- Window in hopper and lid
- Stainless steel cooking grates
- Five-degree increment control setting
- Steel powder-coated construction
- Wi-Fi enabled with a proprietary app
- Two ports for temperature probes
- Fold down front shelf
- 184 pounds total weight
- Made in China for Green Mountain Grills
2. Grilla Silverbac Alpha
Read the Full Review Here
When Fahrenheit Technologies, a wood pellet furnace company, introduced the Grilla Pellet Grill, it was unlike anything else on the market. Efficient, easy to use, and with a very small footprint. The problem (if you want to call it that) was that it didn’t have the cooking capacity that most people were looking for. To provide for that need, Grilla introduced the Silverbac Pellet Grill. This is a much more traditional pellet grill, but still efficient and easy to use. For the price (around $900), it is one of the best-built pellet grills on the market and one you should be looking at in this price range.
The Original Grilla Pellet Grill is the pellet grill to look for if you don’t need the capacity and want a very small footprint.
Specifications
- 507 square inches of primary cooking area (expandable)
- 180 to 500 degree F temperature range
- Temperature controlled in 5-degree increments
- 20-pound capacity side-mounted pellet hopper
- Single meat temperature probe
- Wi-Fi-enabled controller with proprietary App
- Quick change pellet hopper
- Stainless steel cooking grates
- Powder-coated steel and stainless steel construction
- Total weight 170 pounds
- Made in China by Grilla Grills
3. Broil King Crown 400
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From one of the biggest companies in outdoor cooking, the Broil King Crown is specifically designed to hit 600°F in the middle of a Canadian winter (Broil King is Canadian based). This pellet smoker grill has a number of convenience features like a firepot cleanout/ash catcher and an easy-to-clean design.
The 400 is the smallest that Broil King has to offer, but it is built to last and can outperform many of the pellet grills on this list.
Specifications
- 445 square inches of primary cooking space divided between two levels
- Total weight 135 pounds
- 200 to 600 degree F temperature range
- 18-pound hopper capacity
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- Full Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with a proprietary app
- 5-degree increment PID control settings
- Two meat temperature probes
- Powder coated construction
- Fire Pot ash cleanout
- Bottom mounted grease tray
- Made in China by Broil King a division of Onward Manufacturing Company
4. Recteq Deck Boss 590
Read the Full Review Here
When the recteq Pellet Grill (formerly known as REC-TEC Grills) hit the market a few years back, it was an instant hit. This was partly due to a great marketing job but also the fact that they build a heavy, solid pellet grill. With their distinctive bullhorn handles and a reputation for durability, recteq quickly became a fan favorite. In many ways, this pellet grill has gone in the opposite direction of industry leader Traeger. recteq has heavy steel parts instead of the lighter (flimsier) parts from Traeger. But this grill stands up to the competition in terms of features. You get WiFi connectivity and the ability to control the grill remotely. What I don’t like here are the back vents that can expose the cooking chamber to direct wind and make it less efficient and reliable when it comes to temperature.
If you want to go bigger, take a look at the recteq RT-700 Pellet Grill.
Specifications
- 592 square inches of total cooking area
- 180 to 500 F/82 to 260 C temperature range
- 30-pound capacity rear-mounted pellet hopper
- Stainless steel rod grill grates
- Five-degree increment control setting
- Steel powder-coated construction
- Wi-Fi Compatible
- Made in China for recteq Grills
5. Traeger Pro 575
Read the Full Review Here
The Traeger Pro Series 575 is the direct replacement for the world’s most popular pellet grill, the Traeger Lil’ Tex. Now equipped with a Wi-Fi-enabled controller, this little pellet grill has all the technology to compete with many higher-end units. While still limited to a relatively narrow temperature range (between 180 and 450 degrees F), this Traeger grill is perfect for those new to pellet grills. Also, those who want an inexpensive unit for the occasional cookout. With the exception of its Wi-Fi connectivity, this is a basic pellet grill with a comparatively low maximum temperature. Good for smoking and making barbecue, but limited in its grilling capabilities. This is the cheapest Traeger Pellet Grill.
Specifications
- 575 square inches of total cooking space divided between two levels
- 180 to 450 degree F temperature range
- 18-pound hopper capacity with pellet cleanout
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Porcelain-coated steel wire cooking grates
- Full Wi-Fi capabilities with a proprietary app
- 5-degree increment PID control settings
- One meat temperature probe
- Total weight 128 pounds
- Model number TFB57GLE
- Made in China by Traeger
6. Louisiana Grills Black Label LG800
Read the Full Review Here
The Pit Boss pellet grills come from Danson, the largest maker of pellet grills in the world. This model is an inexpensive pellet grill but loaded with features. While you do get what you pay for, at $999USD, this pellet grill comes with full WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Much of the rest of the grill is typical of this price range, but this unit is certainly worth looking at.
Specifications
- 500 square inches of primary cooking space for a total of 809 square inches
- 180 to 600 degree F. temperature range
- 18-pound pellet hopper
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- Powered coated steel construction
- Direct sear cooking area with sliding baffle
- Electronic temperature control system with display
- Non-insulated body with a single-layer lid
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with a proprietary app that provides remote control
- Two temperature probe ports (probes included)
- Pellet dump
- Grease drains into a bottom-mounted bucket
- Total weight of 162 pounds
- Made in China by Dansons
7. Z Grills 700
Read the Full Review Here
Z Grills is the leading maker of ‘budget’ pellet grills. These are among the least expensive pellet grills you can buy. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice a lot, especially with their 700 Series grills. I like the combination of features that can be found in the Z Grills 700D4E. Starting under $500USD, these are affordable pellet grills, but you do get what you pay for.
Specifications
- 697 square inches of cooking space
- 504 square inches of primary cooking area
- 193 square inch warming rack
- 20 to 24-pound hopper capacity
- Total product weight between 112 to 132 pounds
8. Camp Chef Woodwind 24-Inch
Camp Chef’s Woodwind pellet smoker is simple looking but loaded with everything you expect from a pellet grill these days. There is a window in the hopper so you can see how many pellets you have left. A lever shifts the grill into direct flame grilling for searing. And this unit has Wi-Fi connectivity through Camp Chef’s App. This is a competent grill and it certainly has its fans. It is, however, lightweight and not exactly an exercise in great engineering.
9. Oklahoma Joe’s Rider 600
Made entirely from solid steel, the Rider 600 is a basic pellet grill for a very reasonable price. While pellet grill prices have been steadily rising, you can still find this small unit from Oklahoma Joe’s for under $600USD. There is a good-sized piece of ‘you get what you pay for’ with this pellet grill. The temperature control isn’t great. It swings erratically at times. The construction quality is light even though this is a heavy grill. It does look impressive though.
10. Pit Boss Austin XL
The Pit Boss pellet grills come from Danson, the largest maker of pellet grills in the world. This model, exclusive to Walmart, is another of their classic, inexpensive pellet grills. This model is huge. You get 1,000 square inches of cooking space, direct flame grilling, and a 31-pound hopper. The impressive part is that you can get this pellet grill for under $500USD, a price too good to be true. If you choose to buy this grill, inspect the box very closely before you take it home. This pellet grill is fragile and prone to being damaged right out of the box.
More Grills
Find all the Best Pellet Grills in every price range. Do your research before you shop to get the best Pellet Grill for you.
About Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling since the ate 90s. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and is reliable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow BBQ for the next generation. I want you to make memories that you and your children will cherish.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on use sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.
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