Best Pellet Smoker Under 500 Dollars

Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill

Traeger grills need no introduction in the smoker sphere. It is the mother of all modern pellet grills. 

First off, the Tailgater 120 has a sleek black design and is packed with top features. The 6in1 functionality is our personal favorite as the smoker doubles as an oven, grill, and stove, among others. 

Plus, the combination of bronze and plastic makes this smoker sturdy but lightweight. However, the temperature control in this pellet smoker is a bit unstable. So, you might want to keep an eye on your meat, especially if the cooking temperature is above 300 degrees and above.

Nevertheless, the portable design and easy setup is something we appreciate about this smoker. Lastly, if you love cooking your meat on the go, the Tailgater 20 might just be the answer to your prayers.Get the Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill today.

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How to choose the best pellet smoker.

Choosing the best pellet smoker can be daunting for a first-timer. Therefore, we have you covered with these practical tips.

Type

Pellet smokers come in two different types.

• Freestanding pellet smokers – Best for camping or tailgating. 
• Built-in pellet smokers – Best for both outdoor and indoor use.

Hopper size

Professional cooks will require a smoker with no less than 40lbs. However, home cooks can get away with a much smaller hopper size.

Features

Modern pellet smokers come with different cooking options, meat probes, and Wi-Fi connectivity, among others.

What are the advantages/benefits of a pellet smoker?

Pellet smokers have several fantastic advantages:

• Versatility – You can grill, bake, broil, barbeque, sear, and smoke using a pellet smoker, making them one of the most versatile cookers.
• Effortless to use – Pellet smokers come with controllers for everything from ignition to cooking. In addition, the pre-programmed smoking cycles, with a touch of a button, takes care of everything.
• Consistent temperature and range – The temperature control features in pellet smokers are top-notch. In addition, you can monitor the smoker by adding the pellets according to the cooking requirements.
• Moreover, pellet smokers have a wide temperature range. Therefore, you can cook your meat at the perfect temperature.
• Flavor options – Pellet for smokers comes in a variety of flavors, including cherry, apple, and blended ones. The classic ones such as mesquite, hickory, and pecan are also popular.

What’s the best way to use a pellet smoker?

To get the most out of a pellet smoker, here are some ways to use the cooker.

Customize the cooking temperature.

Different types of meat and food items require different cooking temperatures. For instance, smoking a rib would require a higher temperature than baking a pizza. So make sure that you customize the cooking temperature instead of relying on the default settings.

Cook with quality pellets. 

When it comes to pellets, you get what you pay for. So invest in good quality pellets. Furthermore, you should also consider whether the pellet flavors complement the taste of the meat.

Clean the smoker.

The smell of charred pellets is very unappealing and takes away the authentic taste of the meat. So occasionally cleaning the smoker is non-negotiable if you want the best meat on your palate.

Precautions for using a pellet smoker.

• Correctly installing the pellet smoker is essential.
• Conducting a burn-off for about an hour before cooking is also vital.
• Regular cleaning and servicing are necessary.
• Prevent smoker overheating by loosening the top stack up.