You know you want the perfect smoked meat, and you're willing to pay for it. But where can you find the best pellet grill under $1000?
If you're in the pellet grill market, you've come to the right place! We've got a grill for you that will make your mouth water. With juicy flavor and crispy outside, your steak will taste like it came from a steak house.
Make your life complete with the perfect wood pellet smoker grill. You can get the grill of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Buy now and get grilling!
Our Selection Process
You're scouring the internet for a pellet grill, but you're on a budget of $500-$1000.
Agitate: With so many options out there, how do you know which pellet grill is the right one for you? And how do you know if you're getting the best bang for your buck?
Look no further! We've gone ahead and scoured the internet for wood pellet grills in your budget range. We've looked at a variety of factors, including star ratings and reviews, to compile a list of products that are sure to help you smoke so good!
Camp Chef Woodwind 24”
Best for Grill Features
Why This Grill is Great
The brand new Woodwind 24” grill from Camp Chef is the smartest, most versatile grill on the market. It’s fully equipped with an innovative PID controller and WiFi/Bluetooth enabled, so you can stay connected to your grill using the Camp Chef app. With the app, you can change the temperature, set timers, and receive notifications when your meat reaches your set temperature--all from the palm of your hand. This pellet grill features the Slide & Grill technology even allows for direct flame searing for that perfect steak. The Ash-Kickin’ Cleanout system is a great feature and one you're sure to appreciate after a few grills. The SideKick attachment capability makes it easy to upgrade your grill with add-ons like a Pizza Oven. So if you’re looking for a grill that can do it all, look no further than the Camp Chef Woodwind 24”.
Product Rundown
Barbecue like a boss with the Camp Chef Woodwind 24” pellet grill. This grill includes a PID controller for consistent temperatures (+/- 5ºF) up to 500°F, as well as a full color screen controller on the grill. The grill is both WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, and can be controlled via the companion Camp Chef app. The ability to set your preferred smoke level is something Traeger doesn’t offer yet. This grill also includes 4 meat ports for monitoring multiple simultaneous cooks. The direct flame searing ability with the Slide & Grill system is sure to get you those grill marks that everyone loves.
Quick Specs
- Cooking Area: 811 sq in
- Cooking Temperature: 160°F to 500°F; Slide ‘N Grill for direct flame broil up to 650°F;
- Hopper Capacity: 22lbs
- Extra Features: WiFI compatible, Camp Chef Sidekick Attachment compatible, Slide N’ Grill for direct flame broiling up to 650°F, Easy Ash Cleanout System, 4 Meat probes, Smoke Level Selector, Built in bottle opener
- Warranty: 3 Year
Traeger Pro Series 780
Best for App Features & Reliable Cooks
Why This Grill is Great
Traeger is the number one-selling wood pellet grill in the world. There’s a reason for this, they make a great grill with top notch quality control so that you can achieve consistent results every time you fire it up. The Pro Series 780 is the latest in cooking technology utilizing WiFIRE technology that allows you to monitor and adjust your grill anytime, anywhere from the Traeger app on your smartphone. Plus, with the brand new D2 drivetrain, the Pro Series WiFIRE-enabled pellet grills now start quicker, heat up faster, and put out better smoke quality. Combined with their TurboTemp technology, this grill not only heats up faster but recovers temperature faster when you need to open the grill lid. They’ve recently released an update so that it’s compatible with Alexa Smart devices so you can control your grill with your voice!
Product Rundown
Includes 780 sq in of cooking space with a max temperature up to 500°F so you’ll still be able to get those patented grill marks. WiFi capability makes this grill extremely convenient and recent integration with Alexa allows you to monitor and adjust your grill with your voice! Their TurboTemp technology combined with the D2 Drivetrain ensures the grill heats up fast and recovers quick for those times you have to open the grill lid. This grill also includes a meat probe for monitoring, all terrain wheels, hopper cleanout and porcelain coated grill grates.
Quick Specs
- Cooking Area: 780 sq in
- Cooking Temperature: 180°F to 500°F;
- Hopper Capacity: 18lbs
- Extra Features: WiFI compatible; All Terrain Wheels; Hopper Cleanout; TurboTemp (improve startup time and recovery time after opening grill); Meat Probe; Porcelain Coated Grill Grates;
- Warranty: 3 Year
Oklahoma Joe’s Rider DLX 900
Best for Searing
Why This Grill is Great
The Oklahoma Joe's Rider DLX 900 is a tough pellet grill that features the innovative Pit Control 2.0 system with category-first dual-sensor temperature control for incredible accuracy. Take advantage of the cooking grate and chamber-mounted temp sensors with “Fire Focus,” which optimizes temp control for your selected cooking style — whether it’s low-and-slow smoking or high-heat grilling. Go from 200°F for smoking to 650°F for red-hot direct heat using the built-in Sear Mode. Plus, the newly upgraded PowerFeed system boasts a high-torque auger motor that powers through pellets for incredible reliability and performance, and the 20lb. capacity QuickDraw Hopper provides easier storage, removal, and swaps.
Product Rundown
The Oklahoma Joe Rider DLX 900 is the perfect grill for the biggest backyard BBQs. With a huge 900 sq in cooking area, you'll have plenty of space to cook for a crowd. We love the ability to sear on this grill with the easy sear/smoke lever. Combined with the dual temperature sensors, this grill is a game changer. The support for 4 Meat Probes with 2 included is excellent, but we're even more impressed that they included storage for the meat probes on the grill so you can keep it all in one place. If you like to switch out your pellets to change your flavors up, then the Quick Draw hopper is super convenient. You just set the bucket directly underneath and the pellets will dump right into the storage bucket. Most other grills require more effort to get all the pellets out.
Quick Specs
- Cooking Area: 900 sq in
- Cooking Temperature: 200°F to 650°F;
- Hopper Capacity: 20lbs
- Extra Features: Category First Dual Temp Sensors for precision temp control for both smoking and searing; Support for 4 Meat Probes (2 included) with convenient grill storage; QuickDraw Hopper with Pellet Bucket; Removable Ash Cup; Dual Grease Buckets; Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grates;
- Warranty: 2 Year
Pit Boss 820D3
Best for Budgets
Why This Grill is Great
The Pit Boss 820D3 is the most budget-friendly grill in our review, and it's a great option for anyone who wants a heavy-duty grill without spending a lot of money. This grill can reach low and slow temperatures of 180°F, or hot and fast heat up to 500°F. With the easy-access flame broiler lever, you can cook with indirect heat, then quickly open the slide-plate flame broiler for 1000°F direct-flame searing.
Product Rundown
This grill offers a large cooking area at 849 sq in combined with a generous temperature range from 180°F to 500°F standard with up to 1000°F when using Direct-Flame searing. It includes sufficient hopper capacity for those long smokes. We love the convenient side shelf with the removable tray which keeps you from having to run back in the house for the plate you’ve inevitably forgotten every time you grill. The folding front shelf is a great feature too. It’s also compatible with 2 meat probes so you can monitor multiple cooks. This grill doesn’t offer WiFi connectivity but is still a great grill.
The Pit Boss 820D3 is a great grill for those who want a large cooking area and a generous temperature range. This grill is perfect for those long smokes, with a convenient side shelf and a removable tray. The folding front shelf is a great feature, and it's also compatible with 2 meat probes so you can keep an eye on multiple cooks at once. This grill doesn't offer WiFi connectivity, but it's still a great grill.
Quick Specs
- Cooking Area: 849 sq in
- Cooking Temperature: 180°F to 500°F standard; up to 1000°F with Direct-Flame Searing
- Hopper Capacity: 21lbs
- Extra Features: Porcelain-coated cooking grates, Convenient removable tray side shelf and folding front shelf, built in bottle-opener, utility hooks, direct-flame searing technology for temperature up to 1000°F; Meat Probes;
- Warranty: 5 Year
Weber SmokeFire EX4
Best for Splurgers
Why This Grill is Great
The Weber SmokeFire EX4 didn't quite make the cut for under $1000 but if you have a little wiggle room in your budget and are willing to spend over $1000, this is a great grill. It's got a bunch of features but the ash and grease drawer is a real time saver that you'll be glad you have.
Product Rundown
The Weber SmokeFire pellet grill is perfect for searing as well as smoking with a temperature range of 200-600°F. The Weber porcelain-enamel finish helps prevent rusting and cracking. This grill has 672 square inches of dual grilling space and is DC powered to prevent auger jams. The flavorizer bars were designed for direct, more consistent heat. The SmokeFire EX4 also has enhanced grilling performance and new Weber Connect smart features. It includes two meat probes (four probe capacity) and a low-maintenance ash and grease drawer. The large capacity hopper holds over an entire 20-pound bag of pellets.
Quick Specs
- Cooking Area: 672sq in
- Cooking Temperature: 200°F to 600°F
- Hopper Capacity: 20lbs
- Extra Features: Weber porcelain-enamel finish helps prevent rusting and cracking; DC powered engine, specially designed to prevent auger jams; Flavorizer bars were designed for direct, more consistent heat; Enhanced grilling performance and new Weber Connect smart features; Includes two meat probes (four probe capacity); Low Maintenance Ash and Grease Drawer; The large capacity hopper holds over an entire 20-pound bag of pellets;
- Add an extra kick of smoky taste to your food with SmokeBoost
- Warranty: 5 Year
Best Pellet Grill Under $1000 FAQs
What are the most frequently asked questions about pellet grills under $1000?
Are pellet grills worth the investment? How do pellet grills compare to other types of grills? What are the benefits of pellet grilling?
Pellet grills are a great investment for any grill master. They offer even cooking and consistent results, and are very easy to use. Pellet grills also offer many features that other grills don’t, like the ability to set and maintain a consistent temperature. If you’re looking for a top-quality grill that will make your cooking easier and more enjoyable, a pellet grill is the way to go. Check out some of the frequently asked questions below.
Are pellet grills worth the investment?
Absolutely. The best steak, chicken, and pork chop you'll ever eat will come off of a pellet grill. The consistent precise temperature control and the smokey flavors you get from the wood pellets cannot be matched.
Can I use a WiFi grill without being connected to the internet?
Yes, you can use a WiFi-enabled grill without being connected to the internet. However, unless the grill also offers Bluetooth connectivity, you won't be able to control the grill via the app when there's no internet connection.
Why not get a cheaper pellet grill?
There are some pellet grills under $500 which are good buys. Check out our other review for recommendations. However, when you go for a cheaper pellet grill, you will lose features that are mostly standard in grills in this price range. For one, WiFi compatibility is typically not found in grills that are under $500. As a pellet grill owner, I can honestly say that the WiFi feature has been a welcome addition and one that I use more than I ever expected.
Should I get a more expensive pellet grill?
We think you'll be happy with any grill that is in this price range. The Camp Chef Woodwind, the Traeger Pro Series 780, and Oklahoma Joes Rider DLX 900 are all phenomenal grills. They do not lack features. Ultimately, you need to get the right grill for you though. If you want more grilling space or there's a feature that these grills don't have that you need and it's in your budget then go for it. When you purchase a pellet grill in this price range, you're making an investment that is sure to bring your family happiness for many years.
What features should I look for in a pellet grill?
If you're looking for a quality pellet grill, there are a few key features to look for:
-First, make sure the grill is made from high-quality materials. The body should be made from sturdy metal, and the grilling area should be coated with a non-stick material to make cleanup easy.
-Second, look for a grill with adjustable temperature control. This will allow you to customize the cooking temperature to your liking. You want to get a grill that has a max temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
-Finally, be sure to choose a grill with ample cooking space. This will allow you to cook larger meals at once.
Are you able to sear meat smoked on a pellet grill?
A common misconception with pellet grills is that they can’t sear meat as well. We’ve personally seared many steaks without issue. With a pellet grill, you should master the reverse sear! To reverse sear, you pull your meat off about 20°F away from your target meat temperature and crank the smoker up to 450°F or higher. Once the grill heats up, put your meat back on with some slices of butter on top for 2-3 minutes, flip the meat and add more slices of butter and cook to desired doneness.
Does pellet hopper capacity matter?
It depends on the top of grilling you're going to be doing. If you're wanting to do longer smoked processes like a boston butt for pulled pork then a bigger hopper is helpful. However, you can do anything with a smaller hopper too, you may just need to refill during long smokes.
Best Pellet Grill Under $1000 For You
So what’s the best pellet grill under $1000? We’ve spent hours researching products, reading reviews, and thousands of star ratings to bring you a list of the best pellet grills that meet our criteria. Be sure to pick a grill that has the features you value and you’re sure to be happy with any of these selections.
No matter what your needs, these grills are sure to have your neighbor yelling over the fence, “What are you grilling? Smells great!”
All you have to do now is tap the button by each product to check the price of the best pellet grill for you and then keep it grill!! Thanks for stopping by!
Need help choosing? Here you go!
Best for Grill Features - Camp Chef Woodwind 24”
Best for App Features & Reliable Cooks - Traeger Pro Series 780
Best for Searing - Oklahoma Joe’s Rider DLX 900
Best for Budgets - Pit Boss 820D3
Best for Splurgers - Weber SmokeFire EX4
We hope this article has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy your new pellet grill!
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