11 Best Smokers Under 500 Dollars [Buying Guide and Reviews]

The smoker is a basic need of every kitchen regardless of your food choice & season. The market is flooded with countless options for smokers, and many of them might fit well in your list of best smokers under 500 dollars.

If you are confused about what and where to buy, we have the top 11 options to save your time and energy. We provide you with all the possible sizes, features, fuel types, and quality options. Please read our list of best smokers under 500 dollars and choose a product of your preference.

Let’s get straight into the reviews!

Top Rated Best Smokers Under 500 Dollars Product Reviews

1. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker & Grill ZPG-450A

 Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker & Grill ZPG-450A

Description

Z GRILLS 450A is one of the best pellet grills under 500 using the wood pellets’ cost-effective fuelled way. Now you don’t need to worry about the charcoal or gas, just plug in the smoker and let it work till your food is done.

With a temperature range of 180-450ºF, you can prepare different food items with slow, low, and fast, hot heat settings. The natural wood pellets will provide an unmatched and unforgettable food flavor.

You will get eight from this smoker, including the grilling, smoking, BBQ, baking, braising, searing, char-grilling, and roasting. These best smokers under 500 are surely a great deal with so many useful features described below.

Features

  • 450 Sq. inches cooking space
  • Hopper capacity: 15 lbs
  • Foldable working ledge
  • PID technology for consistent temperature
  • Durable metal construction
  • Powder-coated pellet grills
Pros
  • Easy to use because of the electric system
  • Automatic temperature control system
  • Durable terrain wheels for easy movement
  • Rust-resistant racks and covers
  • Easy to use
  • Easy installationn3-years warranty
Cons
  • Little cooking capacity, can’t be used for more than one family
  • Poor customer service

2. Masterbuilt Propane Best Smokers Under $500 (MB20051316)

Masterbuilt Propane Best Smokers Under 500 (MB20051316)

Description

Masterbuilt Propane smokers are one of the highly recommended products in this list of best smokers under 500. This 40 inches extra-large size of this smoker can fulfill your requirements and be a safe and & simple option for the commercial level.

MB20051316 is the best value for your money with the conventional fueled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) method. The durable stainless steel design can have enough space for eight pork butts/six turkeys/ 16 chickens/ 8 racks at a time.

You don’t need to worry about temperature regulation and maintenance with the thermostat controls. Other worthwhile features include four chrome-plated grills, safety valves, and gauges for fuel level monitoring.

Features

  • Large cooking space of 961 sq. inches
  • Four chrome-plated rust-resistant racks
  • Automatic burner shutter safety valves
  • Glassdoor design
  • Four wheels for movement
  • Thermostat temperature control
  • Dimensions: 22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches, weight: 92 Pounds
Pros
  • Heavy-duty metal construction is a highly recommended commercial option
  • Easy to move and clean
  • Reasonable price
  • Huge chip tray
  • Precise and accurate temperature controls
  • Consistent temperature flow
  • Large cooking space
Cons
  • Few construction issues; racks are difficult to remove
  • Assemblage takes time

3.  PIT BOSS Wood Pellet Best Smokers Under $500 (PB440D2)

PIT BOSS Wood Pellet Best Smokers Under 500 (PB440D2)

Description

Taking a spot in our list of best smokers under 500 dollars, Pit Boss 440D2 is introducing you to innovation, style, and ease of use. The durable stainless steel design is constructed to last long and offer you delicious food.

With a wide temperature range of 180° to 500°F, it’s one of the best smokers under 500 to complement your table in multiple ways. Four hundred sixty-five sq. inches cooking surface is here for you to do baking, smoking, grilling, BBQ-ing, roasting, and braising.

The durable design of the smoker with two large front wheels is so easy to transport that you can carry it anywhere from your house to the backyard. Don’t worry about the paint bubbling because Mahogany has a powder coat to resist the highest temperature with an amazing side tray.

Other features that you will get from these best smokers for under 500 dollars are LED digital control, bottle opener, serving tray, temperature regulator knob, with a convenient bottom shelf.

Features

  • It can be used as both smoker & grill.
  • Smoker Dimensions: 50.2 x 24.02 x 39.8 inches, weight: 97.8 pounds
  • Sturdy stainless steel construction
  • Wood fuel type
  • Convection food preparation through airflow
  • 120V power source
  • Porcelain-covered steel grids
  • LED display with remote digital temperature control system
  • Flame Broiler
  • Drip tray
Pros
  • Automatic exhaust system
  • Easy transportation and stability due to two wheels
  • Coated steel grids that are rust-resistant
  • The huge range of temperatures makes it multifunctional
  • Front temperature gauge for quick detection
  • Warranty: 5-yearnEasy to use
  • Easy to maintain
Cons
  • Difficulty in assembly
  • Fluctuated temperature because the firepot is at the side, leaving the right side food a little uncooked
  • little hopper capacity

4.  Camp Chef Smoke Best Smokers Under $500

Camp Chef Smoke Best Smokers Under 500

Description

Are you looking for something powerful yet simple for your outdoor camping? If yes, Camp Chef’s best smokers under 500 are what you are looking for. One of the simplest & durable smokers to complement your outdoor cooking is here.

With a temperature range of 160-350° F, this smoker will let you cook almost every food & meat but in limited quantity. Ready the delicious food using liquid gas fuel with three damper valves, adjustable heat dials, and an exterior thermometer for monitoring.

Features

  • Two chrome-plated grills
  • Durable, lightweight construction
  • Outdoor thermostat
  • 903 sq. inches of cooking space
  • Three adaptable damper valves for unpredictable weather
  • Durable steel wood chip tray
  • Dimensions: 30.5 x 25 x 17 inches, weight: 33.84 Kilograms
Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to clean & maintain
  • Highly recommended for outdoor use
  • Stress-free operation
  • More than two racks can be placed
  • Warranty: 1-year
Cons
  • No wheels, difficult to move
  • It can’t be used for grilling and BBQ
  • Not fully airtight, cause smoke leakage

5.  Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D Charcoal Smoker

Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D  Charcoal Smoker

Description  

Taking a spot in our list of best smokers under 500 dollars, this Dyna-Glo vertical charcoal smoker is now providing you the versatility, performance, & amazing quality. You rarely find such a double door design among the best smokers under 500 dollars.

This smoker contains a unique ashes & charcoal management system consisting of a porcelain-coated chamber. This separate chamber keeps all the briquette stuck & wood tightly for improved efficiency. A chip box also adds the right amount of flavor to your food through chip pallets.

The detachable ash pan in the lower chamber minimizes the heat and smoke loss during the refilling. This smoker has four adjustable ranks that you can pull down or elevate to accommodate any kind and size of food item.

The sliding side dampers & adjustable smokestack are present to set the precise temperature values during the cooking process. Take your grilling & smoking to the next level using the Dyna-Glo vertical best smokers under 500.

Features

  • Four adjustable cooking grills
  • Stainless temperature gauge & smoke indicator
  • The cooking surface of 784 sq. Inches
  • Dimensions: 20.83 x 21.45 x 49.73 inches, weight: 56 Pounds
  • Dual chamber design
  • Smokestack & sliding dampers
  • Ash & wood chips boxes
Pros
  • Large cooking area
  • The smoke indicator will help you to achieve the ideal smoke amount
  • Lightweight design, easy to move
Cons
  • No water pot
  • Smoker box lid cause inconvenience

6. PIT BOSS Analog Best Smoker Under 500 dollars (77220 2.2)

PIT BOSS Analog Best Smoker Under 500 dollars (77220 2.2)

Description

If you are looking for something small and easy to use, the pit boss is with one of its smallest versions of smokers. This smoker is only 21″ high with amazing classy color & design.

This electric smoker will provide you with a 150-325° F temperature range with 1500-watt warming element.

Five hundred ninety-three sq. inches of cooking space consist of three modifiable porcelain-covered racks, an electric coil, and a water plate.

The smoker’s glass door contains a temperature gauge, and the backside of the smoker has two exhausts for the smoke & airflow.

Approximately six chicken/ 5 ribs/ 4 pork shoulders can fit into the smoker at a time. Use these best smokers under 500 daily for vegetables, pizzas, and meat.

Features

  • Dimensions: 21.5 x 23 x 41 inches, weight: 58 Pounds
  • Integrated analog smoker system
  • Three coated grids
  • Wood & water pan
Pros
  • Outer accessibility of wood pan minimizes the smoke lose
  • Lightweight, easy to move
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Classy design & sturdy construction
Cons
  • Optimum/set temperature takes time to reach
  • Poor customer service
  • Assembly takes time

7.  ASMOKE AS350: Best Portable Pellet Smoker

ASMOKE AS350: Best Portable Pellet Smoker

Description

You might look into many different smokers within 500 dollar range, but here is something unique and innovative that you surely did not get from elsewhere. Unlike many other best smokers under 500 dollars, ASMOKE offers you the top-notch smoker in the same price range.

ASMOKE AS350 portable smokers will provide you with an attractive design and performance, and reliability. Working with a wood pallet fuel source, this model can be used as a grill or smoker.

The cooking area of this smoker is 256 sq inches with a compact body structure. You can set the grids based on your requirement. The main goal of introducing this smoker is to provide you with 100% original flavored food.

The latest SHST (superheated steam technology) will keep the smoker evenly heated & makes it three times faster. Use this multipurpose model with precise temperature settings.

Features

  • Stainless steel lightweight structure
  • Microparticle vapor technology
  • Ceramic protected coating
  • 200-475 F temperature variation
  • PID temperature controllers for minor heat variations controls
  • Dimensions: 24.4 x 17.5 x 16 inches, weight: 55 pounds
Pros
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Easy cleaning because of the auto-ashes collecting system
  • Maintain the required temperature range
  • Compact body design, easy to store
  • The great value of money for one of the best smokers under 500 dollars
  • Easily portable
Cons
  • Large size is not available yet

8. Bradley Electric Greater Good BBQ Smoker

Bradley Electric Greater Good BBQ Smoker

Description

If you are a BBQ lover, this is something you have never seen before. Bradley presents vertical multiple-rack smokers that will meet your entire requirement to provide the best food. The smoker is made from superior dual-barrier carbon steel with an attractive exterior design.

Worry not about the rusting and maintenance of this durable smoker; plugin and start making your food. This oven will provide you with approximately 572 sq. inches of space that can accommodate multiple racks. You can prepare a large amount of food at a time.

Add it to your list of best smokers under 500 price ranges for simplicity, versatility, consistency, and quality. Below we have some amazing features of this product.

Features

  • Robust metal construction
  • Smoker Dimensions: 34 x 20 x 18 inches, weight: 55 pounds
  • Corded electric power source
  • Analog smoker generator
  • Water tray
  • Multiple racks
Pros
  • 9 hours wood filling capacity
  • Appropriate for dehydrating, cold and hot smoking
  • Pure smoke flow without ashes due to bisquettes
  • No rusting due to stainless steel inside
  • Easy maintenance and cleaning
Cons
  • No wheels, difficult to move
  • Quality needs some improvements
  • Poor customer service

9. Broil King Vertical Best Smoker Under $500 (923614)

Broil King Vertical Best Smoker Under 500 (923614)

Description

The Broil King vertical smoker creates original and natural flavored foods. The smoker is worth being on the list of best smokers under 500 dollars.

You can create low & slow classical food like BBQ, pork, and other mouthwatering items. This smoker is constructed by keeping all the precise details to give you an exceptional, stylish, and durable product.

This smoker has a dual-chamber style with double-wall steel construction. This design will provide you with a highly insulated construction. The whole structure is made for easy maintenance, cleaning & to last long regardless of the weather conditions.

The ultra-sturdy stand will keep the height maintained, but the attached wheels also provide greater mobility. Other features include exhaust & intake dampers, bottle opener, door latch, outdoor thermometer, adjustable racks, & hocks.

If you are interested in these features, place your order now to get the best.

Features

  • 5cm adjustable four steel grids
  • LPG fuel source
  • Stainless steel hocks
  • Accurate temperature thermometer
  • Water and chip box
  • Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 48.5 inches, weight: 73 Pounds
  • Meat hooks, stainless steel: 16
Pros
  • Simple design
  • Easy cleaning/maintenance
  • Amazing quality
  • A dual-chamber system for minimal smoke lose
  • Easy to carry anywhere with the sturdy wheels
  • Holds the heat for the longer period
Cons
  • A bit expensive than other brand products

10. Cuisinart CPG-465 Smoker & Grill

Cuisinart CPG-465 Smoker & Gril

Description

While preparing a list of best smokers under 500 dollars, how can we miss Cuisinart vertical smoker with multiple features? Here it is.

Cuisinart CPG-465 model can be used both as a smoker & grill. Now you can get all 8 in one with this amazing product. Enjoy your smoking, grilling, baking, braising, BBQ, char-grill, and roasting by having one of the best smokers under 500.

This portable smoker for camping is designed based on functionality, style, durability, and long life. Have an amazing camping day, dinner, late-night party, and friend’s get-together with the Cuisinart in your backyard.

Features

  • Removable grease basket
  • Pull handle & 2 wheels for portability
  • Integrated sear zone
  • Cord storage space
  • Pellet clean-out system
  • LED temperature display
  • Bottle opener & 3 tool hocks
  • Automatic digital temperature control system
  • 180-500F flexible temperature range
  • Hopper capacity: 3 pound
  • Cooking capacity: 465 sq. inches
  • Dimensions: 45.5 x 23.3 x 39.2 inches, weight: 83.6 pounds
  • Automatic electronic ignition
Pros
  • Easy portability
  • Innovative features
  • Superior automatic system
  • Huge temperature range
Cons
  • Need to cover when placed outside
  • Assembly takes time

11.  Dyna-Glo Charcoal Best Smokers Under $500 (DGO1890BDC-D)

Dyna-Glo Charcoal Best Smokers Under 500 (DGO1890BDC-D)

Description

Taking a spot in our list of best smokers under 500 dollars, this Dyna-Glo stands out for its versatility, performance, and quality.

This smoker’s simple and elegant design has so many convenient features that will take your cooking to the next level. With the highest available cooking capacity of 1890 sq. inches in the list, this product is worth being among the best smokers under 500.

The adjustable grills are fair enough to put up a huge amount of food at a time, making it the most favorable commercial smoker. Each grill has almost 25 pounds of capacity.

Many other features are also available to take your cooking expertise to the next level.

Features

  • Dimensions: 21 × 43.3 × 50.2 inches, weight: 83 Pounds
  • Ash & charcoal management system
  • Porcelain-coated steel chamber interior
  • Removable ashtray
Pros
  • Door latches for security
  • Keep the smoke maintained with sliding dampers & chimney
  • Amazing performance
  • Durable construction
  • Separate charcoal chamber to minimize the smoke lose
Cons
  • Assembly takes time
  • No wheels for portability of this heavy smoker

Buying Guide For The Best Smokers Under 500 Dollars

Fuel Supply

The best smokers under 500 dollars use multiple options of fuels for working. The most common them are electricity, charcoal, wood pellets, wood chips, gas, or maybe a smoker has more than one option. The flavor of your food depends on the type of fuel. The list mentioned above of best smokers under 500 dollars has various fuel options. Grab one of your preferences.

Size/Capacity

Usually, the best smokers under 500 dollars have enough size/capacity that you can use them as a best commercial smoker as well. The size greatly depends on the price and quality of the smoker. Before buying a smoker, make certain of your requirements to select the most appropriate size.

Temperature Control System

The temperature system is a minor yet very important factor that you must focus on while selecting the best smokers under 500 dollars. This system comes up in both manual and automatic control. The automatic system is better for the precise settings, but the manual one is also popular because of its ease of use.

Innovative Features

Many brands are introducing advanced and useful features for the best smokers under 500 dollars. These features include remote control, LED display, GMP app, and detection systems. When you want to spend so much of your money, you must purchase a smoker that will provide you with many convenient features.

Warranty

Most buyers ignore how much the warranty is important while purchasing the best smokers under 500. If you don’t want to waste your whole money in case of any defect or malfunctioning, ensure to buy a product with some warranty period. The best smokers under 500 dollars provide almost 1-3 years warranty.

Portability

The best smokers under 500 dollars are usually much heavier to move around, even within the home. But for the miner mobility of movement, wheels are the best option. If you are about to buy a heavy smoker, check if the smoker has wheels or other movement facilities.

Material

The best smokers under 500 dollars are usually made up of durable materials like wood, aluminum, or steel. Stainless steel is generally the most affordable option, but you need to select a high-quality material like wood for commercial use. The above-mentioned best smokers under the 500 dollar range contain almost all the options. Grab the one you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.     How to get the rust off of grill grates?

To avoid the rusting of grills, you need to properly clean them every time after use or select the grills with chrome-plating. But in case the grills become rusted, you can use many different remedies for that, like vinegar, salt, baking soda, and many others.

2.     How to use wood pellets in a smoker?

The best way to add wood pellets is when the coal starts burning up. Spread an even layer of wood pellets on the burning coal so they all start burning simultaneously. After the pellets start burning, it’s time for you to start cooking.

3.     What are the best wood pellet brands in the market?

The majority of well-known brands manufacture wood pellets. These brands include Pit Boss, Louisiana Grills, Camp Chef, Cooking Pellets, Traeger, Jack Daniels, Bear Mountain, etc.

Conclusion

The list mentioned above of best smokers under 500 dollars consists of many great options, from the conventional method to the electric one. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Charcoal & Masterbuilt MB20051316 is our highly recommended product in this list of best smokers under 500.

ASMOKE AS350 is worth recommended for outdoor use. The choice of any product depends on your preference. Read the complete list of the best smokers under 500 to find the best of your choice.

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