Expect extras such as folding side-serving shelves, a wide storage shelf underneath, hooks for grilling tools, and removable grease buckets. Most flat-top grills also have locking castors and powder-coating to prevent rust—these ones can be stored outside. Some flat-top grills feature folding legs for storage or portability. Two-burner grills work for most small families, while four-burner grills are better for larger families or cookouts with friends.
Despite its travel-friendly size, the Tailgater holds 12 burgers, two chickens, or three racks of ribs. While it doesn’t need as much fuel as larger grills to maintain its temperature, its 8-pound hopper will need refilling during longer smokes simply due to its smaller capacity. Ahead, learn more about what you can expect at this price point and find out which models are the best pellet grills under $500. The 440 outperformed some more expensive models in heating time, retention, and temperature recovery. The grill does have some hard-to-avoid hot spots, with the firebox adjacent to the cooking space and a heat shield that doesn’t cover the entire grill. We also noted some temperature dips during our long smoke test, about 50°F below the preset temperature.
While you won’t win any points with old-fashioned pitmasters, the ability to produce excellent barbecue without fussing over a fire makes buying a pellet smoker very tempting. If you don’t need a large cooking area and can look past a few inconsistencies, the 440 delivers good results at an unbeatable price. While it lacks built-in connectivity, an add-on device is available for purchase.
If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use grill and smoker then you need to seriously consider a pellet smoker. This sleek and stylish grill from Royal Gourmet not only looks good but has dual gas and charcoal functionality. The combination grill has a 3-burn gas side and a charcoal side to give grillers the best of both worlds all in one appliance.
Featuring a robust 4-burner heating platform, the Ultimate Griddle is the perfect fit for whatever your needs may be. As practical as it is inventive, this line of griddles is our most versatile product to date. Backed by the best-in-class two-year warranty, the choice is simple. The Ultimate Griddle by Pit Boss Grills is the biggest, hottest, heaviest, pit boss pellets and smartest griddle on the market. This versatile pellet grill is a great option for those who love to grill just as much as they love to smoke. It features a digital controller that allows the chef to dial in temperatures ranging from as little as 180 degrees Fahrenheit for slow-and-low smoking up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for grilling.
Right now, you can score it for 38% off—a total of $300 in savings. Pellet grills at the sub $500 price point have digital controls that allow the user to dial in a specific temperature, making them very easy to use. The hopper on a pellet grill holds the pit boss electric smoker pellets the grill uses as fuel. Its capacity determines how long the grill can cook before you need to add more pellets. Hopper size significantly impacts ease of use, given that smoking certain types of food, such as brisket, can take 15 hours or more.