“Pellet smokers are expensive bro!”
We hear you!
They’re great and all with their wood-fired taste and consistent results for almost zero effort. But, most of the time, you’ve got to fork out some serious cash to get one in the first place.
That’s where this review comes in…
Thanks to more competition in the market, pellet smokers are becoming more affordable. And, for anyone who wants great value, there’s actually a few great options out there (some of them are even top rated pellet smokers too).
So, for anyone asking, what’s the best pellet smoker for the money, here’s our top picks. We’ve looked at a mix of features, price and real user feedback so you can buy confidently knowing that it’s money well spent.
Note that the smokers in this list aren’t necessarily cheap. They’re all good value for money.
If you want a pellet smoker that’s under the $500 mark and still great, follow this link.
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Table of Contents
Recteq RT-700 Bull
Let’s start by saying that unlike most of the pellet smokers on this list, the recteq RT-700 isn’t cheap. But, you simply will not find any smoker that’s more value packed than this one!
Every component of the RT-700 is premium. From the stainless steel body, to the stainless steel grates, firepot, smokestack cap and drip trays, the 300 year ceramic ignition system, PID temperature controller, WiFi, and, the list just goes on and on… Recteq have built this smoker to last long enough for you kids to hand down to their kids.
But, the price is super reasonable.
It smokes, it grills, it sears, it bakes and it even dehydrates too. And, with just over 700 square inches of cooking space (and the option to add a second grate), the RT-700 is literally ideal for any backyard chef.
The Amazon bundle even comes with a cover, 2 non-stick grill mats and a huge 200 pounds of pellets to not just get you going, but last a while too.
And, if the endless features this thing offers aren’t enough to convince you, there’s also a 6 year bumper to bumper warranty that’s simply not offered by anyone else on the market.
Seriously, you won’t find better value for money than this!
Read our full review of the recteq RT-700 here.
Specs for the recteq RT-700
Barbecue type: Wood pellet grill and smoker
Barbecue material: Stainless steel and powder-coated steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 702 sq. in., or 1,054 sq. in. with optional extra rack
Pellet hopper capacity: 40 lbs
Heat range: 200 – 500°F +
WiFi: Yes
Fuel type: Wood pellet
Model: RT-700
Dimensions: 54″(W) x 36″(D) x 50″(H)
Weight: 195 lbs
Warranty: 6 years
Pros of the recteq RT-700:
- High-quality build with premium materials
- REALLY great price for what you get
- Precise PID-style temperature controller lets you set in 5°F increments
- Suitable for smoking, grilling, searing, baking and dehydrating
- Huge 40 pound pellet hopper gives 40+ hours of unassisted smoke time
- WiFi connectivity allows you to control it remotely
- Includes dual meat probes
- Washable interior light
- Shutdown mode that’s self-cleaning to reduce the need to clean the firepot
- 6 year warranty on every single component
Cons of the recteq RT-700:
- There’s no door to empty unused pellets out of the hopper. But, you can keep them in the hopper for a few weeks because it doesn’t have the door, it naturally keeps more moisture out
Camp Chef 24" WiFi Woodwind
As a step down price-wise from the recteq, the Camp Chef 24″ Woodwind gives you a lot of the same features without the same ultra high quality build.
Don’t get us wrong, it’s still a solidly built grill. You’re just looking at a mainly powder-coated steel design with a stainless steel lid and enamel-coated grates instead of basically stainless steel everything.
You’ve still got WiFi, a PID-style controller and a large temperature range so you can smoke, grill, sear and bake.
But, what we really love about all of the Camp Chef’s is slide n’ grill. Instead of just having high indirect heat to grill on, you can actually push a lever to move the heat deflector aside to grill right over the pellet fire. It definitely gives you that next level of flavor and crispiness.
And, another awesome thing about the Camp Chef Woodwind 24, is that you’ve got the flexibility to choose the smoke level without changing the cooking temperature.
The Woodwind 24 has a roomy 800 square inches of cooking space split between 2 racks with a decent 22 pound pellet hopper.
Adding to the value of the Camp Chef Woodwind 24, it also comes with 4 meat probes, a sweet ash clean-out system and a full color screen controller. There’s even the option to add the gas-powered sidekick grill for not a lot extra.
Specs for the Camp Chef 24" WiFi Woodwind
Barbecue material: Stainless steel and powder-coated steel
Grate material: Enamel-coated steel lower rack, nickel plated upper rack, enamel-coated cast iron sear rack
Cooking capacity: 800 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 22 lbs
Heat Range: 160°F – 500°F for smoking, up to 650°F using slide n grill
WiFi: Yes
Fuel type: Electric and wood pellet
Model: PG24CL
Assembled size (in): 30(D) x 49(W) x 42(H)
Weight: 132 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Camp Chef WiFi Woodwind:
- PID-style temperature controller keeps the heat within +/-5°F for reliable results
- Wide temperature range lets you smoke, grill, sear, roast and bake
- Sturdy construction
- Separate smoke level controls for even more flexibility
- WiFi connectivity for remote control
- 4 meat probes give real-time data about how far along your cook is
- Ash clean-out is easy to use
- Decent 3 year warranty
Cons of the Camp Chef WiFi Woodwind:
- Some people have experienced smoke leaking around the door which you can just leave, or, fit some inexpensive self-sticking gasket tape
Camp Chef XXL WiFi Vertical Pellet Smoker
If you want good value + A LOT of space, the Camp Chef XXL WiFi Vertical is where it’s at.
The upright design of this smoker gives you a whopping 2,408 square inches of cooking space, pretty much twice the more expensive smokers. And, it not only comes with 4 cooking grates, there’s also 3 jerky racks and 12 hanging hooks so you can smoke anything from jerky to salmon, sausages, brisket and even whole turkeys.
The temperature is precisely looked after by Camp Chef’s latest PID controller. It’ll reliably keep the heat within +/-5°F of your target consistently throughout your cook. But, Camp Chef also let you separately set the smoke level between 1 and 10 for even greater control. There’s also 2 meat probes included for precise feedback on when your meat is ready without having to open the door.
The Grease Management System coupled with the Ash Clean-Out feature make the worst job of clean-up really easy.
And, it also comes with a cover. And WiFi. It’s really great value and is why this smoker is so popular.
Just keep in mind that being a vertical design, the Camp Chef XXL WiFi is a dedicated smoker. The fire is too far away for grilling. But, low and slow it’ll do to perfection.
Read our full review of the Camp Chef XXL WiFi Pellet Smoker here.
Specs for the Camp Chef XXL Vertical Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Unspecified
Cooking capacity: 2,408 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 18lbs
Temperature range: 150-350°F
Fuel type: Pellets
Model: PGVXXLC
Dimensions: 55(H) x 24(W) x 15.5(D)
Weight: 145lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Camp Chef XXL WiFi Vertical Pellet Smoker:
- Huge cooking capacity but doesn’t take up a lot of space in your backyard
- Accurate temperature control thanks to PID temperature controller
- Separate setting for smoke levels give you more control over flavor
- Comes with regular racks, jerky racks and sausage hooks so you can smoke anything and everything
- WiFi enabled for remote control
- 2 meat probes included
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy build
- Price includes the cover
- Decent 3 year warranty
Cons of the Camp Chef XXL WiFi Vertical Pellet Smoker:
- Expect some smoke leakage. But, it shouldn’t affect the performance
- Dedicated smoker only – no grilling
Z Grills ZPG-10002E
Coming in at about half the cost of an equivalent Traeger, is the Z Grills ZPG-10002E.
These grills are solid, reliable and effective. In fact, they’ve quickly built a reputation as one of the best value for money pellet smokers on the market because they’re so darn good and, well, cheap.
On the ZPG-10002E you’ve got just over 1,000 square inches of stainless steel cooking grates set in a powder-coated stainless steel body.
There’s an Advanced Wood Fire Technology temperature controller which keeps the heat within about +/-10°F of your target, even if it’s not quite as good at the more expensive recteq RT-700 and Camp Chef Woodwind. It does have a convection fan though which evens out the heat inside just like a regular oven does.
The only real downside to this smoker is that it maxes out at about 450°F. And, while they claim that it’s great for grilling and searing, we find you’ve really got to get hotter than that for primo results.
But, if you’re primarily after a smoker and aren’t too fussed about grilling some burger patties then with a free cover and decent 3 year warranty, the Z Grills ZPG-10002E is incredible value.
Specs for the Z Grills ZPG-10002E Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Heavy-duty stainless steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 1,060 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Temperature Range: 160°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Electric / wood pellets
Model: ZPG-10002E
Dimensions: 51.2″ W x 48.5″ H x 22.5″ D
Weight: 134 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills ZPG-10002E Pellet Smoker:
- Powder-coated stainless steel body is durable and strong
- Large cooking capacity on stainless steel grates
- Temperature controller does a good job of keeping the heat steady for reliable results
- Fan forced convection creates an even temperature throughout giving equally as good results on the top racks
- 30 day refund/replacement
- Comes with free cover
- Decent 3 year warranty
Cons of the Z Grills ZPG-10002E Pellet Smoker:
- No WiFi
- Won’t give great grilling results at a max of 450°F
Pit Boss Classic 700
If basic but, does the job perfectly well, fits your needs, the Pit Boss Classic 700 comes in at a red hot price!
There’s no WiFi or stainless steel components. But, you do still get a sturdy powder-coated steel design, 1 meat probe, and, a wide temperature range with direct flame cooking as an option.
At this price point, expect the temperature to fluctuate a bit more than more expensive models. But, the Classic 700 really is capable of making some great meat. And, with open wood flame grilling as well, it’s a great all-round barbecue that can cook just about anything.
With 700 square inches of cooking space split over 2 racks and a sizeable 21 pound pellet hopper to keep it going for hours, turn it on, walk away and let this great value smoker do it’s thing.
Specs for the Pit Boss Classic 700
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 700 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 21 lbs
Heat Range: 180-500°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: PB700FBW2
Assembled size (in): 43.9”H x 40.75”W x 25.59”D
Weight: 120 lbs
Warranty: 5 years
Pros of the Pit Boss Classic 700:
- Wide temperature range means you can smoke, grill, sear, roast and bake
- Open flame grilling option
- Large pellet hopper gives you a long unassisted cook time
- Sturdy powder-coated steel design
- Comes with 1 meat probe for accurate feedback on when your meat is ready
- Low price
- Long warranty
Cons of the Pit Boss Classic 700:
- No WiFi
- Expect a larger temperature fluctuation than more expensive options
Z Grills 450B
Last, but not least, the cheapest on this list is the Z Grills 450B.
Now, it’s pretty crazy to even think that they can make a good pellet smoker this cheap. But, they have. And, it’s really great.
With 459 square inches of cooking space shared between 2 grates, it’s smaller than most. But, still enough to cook 18 burger patties or 3 chickens. And, thanks to the upgraded PID temperature controller, it’s easy to get consistently impressive results every single cook.
The 15 pound pellet hopper will give you around about 15 hours of low and slow smoking time. There’s a hopper window so you can see how many pellets are left. Plus, a hopper cleanout door for easy emptying.
If you’re wanting to grill as well, it’s doable on the 450B. But, maxing out at about 450°F, it’s kind of like grilling in a really hot oven. Burgers turn out surprisingly well. Just keep in mind that because it’s got 2 grates, you can only use the bottom rack for grilling. The top grate is awesome for keeping things warm if you do need to cook in batches.
Just like the rest of the Z Grills line, the 450B comes with a 30 day money day guarantee, a 3 year warranty and a free cover. So, why not give it a whirl for yourself?
Specs for the Z Grills ZPG-450B Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated iron
Cooking capacity: 459 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 15 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 450B
Assembled size (in): 49”H x 45”W x 28”D
Weight: 84 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 450B
- Strong and sturdy build
- PID-style temperature controller reliably keeps the unit close to your set target
- Good size for smaller families while still giving space to cook for guests
- Pellet hopper window makes it easy to see when you need to top up
- Hopper cleanout door lets you change and empty pellets easily
- Easy-drain grease system makes cleaning up faster
- Comes with a free waterproof cover
- 30 day money back guarantee
- 3 year warranty
Cons of the Z Grills 450B
- No WiFi
- Smaller capacity than more expensive pellet smokers
Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Pellet Grill
If you’re after a good value pellet smoker, but, you want something that’s also portable, the Pellethead GMG Davy Crockett ticks both of those boxes.
This thing is smaller than most pellet smokers, and lighter too, weighing just 68 pounds. The legs fold up into handles and you’ve got 3 options for power (all included): regular, a 12 volt plug or hook it up to your car battery.
It’s got a enough wide temperature range for you to do all the things, smoking, grilling, searing and baking. Plus, there’s even WiFi (amazing in this price bracket!), and a meat probe included.
Because it’s smaller than most non-portable grills, you’ve only got 219 square inches of cooking space. It’s enough to cook about 6 steaks at a time, or, 2 racks of ribs.
The pellet hopper also has a more modest 9 pound capacity. This means you’ll have to add more fuel for really long cooks. But, for portable pellet smoking, you’re probably going to be around at a game, playing with the kids or having a beer with your mates anyway, so, doing so shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.
With stunning reviews, two magnetic grill lights, a collapsible rack for more grilling space and a bonus cover, this Amazon bundle is amazing value!
Stats for the Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Pellet Grill
Barbecue material: Stainless steel and powder-coated steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 219 sq in
Pellet hopper capacity: 9 lbs
Heat range: 150°F – 550°F
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: Davy Crockett
Assembled size (in): 31.75 (H) x 34 (W) x 23 (D)
Weight: 68 lbs
Warranty: 2 years
Pros of the Green Mountain Davy Crockett Portable Pellet Smoker:
- Powder-coated steel body with stainless steel body for better weather resistance
- Small and lightweight with folding legs to make it easy to transport
- Wide temperature range makes it suitable for grilling and smoking
- WiFi connectivity for remote control
- Includes 1 meat probe so you’ll know exactly when your meat’s perfectly cooked
- This Amazon bundle comes with lots of extras so it’s even better value
Cons of the Green Mountain Davy Crockett Portable Pellet Smoker:
- Thinner steel than non-portable options so it will use more fuel in colder climates
- Holds less food
- Smaller pellet hopper means you might need to add more fuel on longer cooks
Kate Brown, the founder and voice behind Burning Brisket, is not your typical pitmaster or restaurateur. Her expertise in barbecue grew from a humble desire to cook exceptional meals for her family. From overcoming burnt brisket mishaps to establishing her boutique cattle ranch, Kate shares her passion to help 'ordinary' individuals cook extraordinary barbecue, believing that simplicity often yields the best flavors. Kate is commited to making great barbecue accessible to all with the right resources and some tasty practice.
