Top 8 Pellet Grills Under $2000: The Best Pellet Smokers for 2024

When it comes to outdoor cooking, pellet grills have become a go-to choice for both amateurs and seasoned pitmasters alike. They combine the convenience of a gas grill with the rich, smoky flavor of a traditional wood smoker. If you’re in the market for a new pellet grill and have a budget of $2000, you’re in luck. In 2024, manufacturers have stepped up their game, offering some fantastic options that won’t break the bank. This article will take you through the best pellet grills available under $2000, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your grilling needs.

Why Choose a Pellet Grill?

Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand why pellet grills are so popular. Unlike traditional grills that rely on charcoal or propane, pellet grills use wood pellets as their fuel source. These pellets are made from compressed hardwood, offering a consistent burn and imparting a rich, smoky flavor to your food.

Pellet grills are also incredibly versatile. They can smoke, grill, roast, bake, and even braise your food. This versatility means you can cook everything from slow-smoked briskets to high-temperature seared steaks, all on the same grill. Plus, with advanced technology like digital controllers and Wi-Fi connectivity, pellet grills make outdoor cooking easier than ever.

The Contenders: Eight Top Pellet Grills Under $2000

In this guide, we’ve rounded up eight of the best pellet grills under $2000 for 2024. These grills have been selected based on their performance, build quality, features, and overall value for money. Let’s introduce the contenders:

1. Traeger Ironwood XL – $1,999
2. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 – $1,499
3. Z Grills Multitasker 1100 2B – $1,649
4. Brisket Origin 940 – $1,399
5. Halo Prime 1500 – $1,299
6. Green Mountain Grill Peak Prime 2.0 – $1,199
7. Weber Searwood XL – $1,199 (Tested model: Weber Searwood 600 – $899)
8. Grilla Grill Silverback All-Terrain – $1,199

1. Traeger Ironwood XL – $1,999

The Traeger brand is synonymous with pellet grilling, and the Ironwood XL is their flagship model under $2000. Priced at $1,999, it sits right at the top of our budget but offers an array of features that justify the price tag.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: The Ironwood XL offers 885 square inches of cooking space, making it ideal for large gatherings.
• Temperature Range: With a temperature range of 165°F to 500°F, it’s versatile enough for low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature grilling.
• D2® Direct Drive: This drivetrain ensures more consistent heating and precision temperature control.
• WiFIRE® Technology: Control your grill remotely using the Traeger app. Monitor your cook, set timers, and adjust temperatures all from your smartphone.
• Super Smoke Mode: This feature boosts smoke output at lower temperatures, giving your food an intense smoky flavor.

Performance: The Ironwood XL excels in both grilling and smoking. The Super Smoke Mode is a standout feature, perfect for those who want a deep smoke flavor in their meats. The WiFIRE® technology adds a level of convenience that’s hard to beat, allowing you to control and monitor your grill from anywhere. The Ironwood XL’s build quality is also top-notch, with double-wall insulation that helps maintain consistent temperatures even in cold weather.

Drawbacks: The only downside is the price. At $1,999, it’s the most expensive grill on our list. However, if you’re serious about pellet grilling and want the best of the best, the Traeger Ironwood XL is worth every penny.

2. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 – $1,499

Camp Chef has built a reputation for offering high-quality grills at a reasonable price, and the Woodwind Pro 36 is no exception. Priced at $1,499, this grill offers an excellent balance of performance and value.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: With 811 square inches of cooking space, it’s large enough to handle a variety of cooking tasks.
• Temperature Range: The Woodwind Pro 36 can reach temperatures as low as 160°F and as high as 500°F.
• Smart Smoke Technology: This feature allows you to customize your smoke level from 1 to 10, giving you precise control over the flavor of your food.
• Sidekick Compatible: The grill is compatible with Camp Chef’s Sidekick attachments, including a sear box, griddle, and pizza oven.
• Ash Cleanout System: Cleaning the grill is a breeze thanks to the patented ash cleanout system.

Performance: The Woodwind Pro 36 is a versatile performer, capable of smoking, grilling, and even baking with ease. The Smart Smoke Technology is a game-changer, allowing you to dial in the exact amount of smoke you want. The ash cleanout system is another standout feature, making cleanup quick and easy. The build quality is solid, and the grill feels durable and well-constructed.

Drawbacks: While the Woodwind Pro 36 is a fantastic grill, it does have a few minor drawbacks. The Wi-Fi connectivity can be a bit finicky at times, and the Sidekick attachments, while useful, are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.

3. Z Grills Multitasker 1100 2B – $1,649

Z Grills may not have the same brand recognition as Traeger or Camp Chef, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves by offering feature-packed grills at competitive prices. The Multitasker 1100 2B is one of their top models, priced at $1,649.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: A whopping 1060 square inches of cooking space, making it the largest grill on our list.
• Temperature Range: The Multitasker 1100 2B can reach temperatures from 180°F to 450°F.
• PID Controller: This advanced controller ensures precise temperature control, minimizing fluctuations.
• 8-in-1 Cooking Versatility: Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, char-grill, and sear—all with one grill.
• Large Pellet Hopper: The 28 lb hopper means you can cook for extended periods without needing to refill.

Performance: The Z Grills Multitasker 1100 2B is a workhorse. Its large cooking space makes it perfect for big families or anyone who loves to entertain. The PID controller is highly effective, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your cook. The grill also excels in smoking, producing a beautiful smoke ring on meats.

Drawbacks: One downside of the Multitasker 1100 2B is that it doesn’t reach the same high temperatures as some of the other grills on this list. If you’re looking for a grill that can sear steaks at high heat, this might not be the best option. Additionally, the build quality, while decent, isn’t quite as robust as some of the higher-end models.

4. Brisket Origin 940 – $1,399

The Brisket Origin 940 is a mid-range pellet grill that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Priced at $1,399, it’s an excellent option for those who want a reliable grill without spending a fortune.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: 940 square inches of cooking space.
• Temperature Range: The Brisket Origin 940 can reach temperatures from 180°F to 500°F.
• AI-Powered App: The grill comes with an app that uses AI to help you cook your food perfectly every time.
• Easy Cleanup: The grill features an ash and grease management system that makes cleanup straightforward.
• Stainless Steel Construction: The grill is built with durable stainless steel, ensuring it will last for years.

Performance: The Brisket Origin 940 offers solid performance across the board. The AI-powered app is a unique feature that helps even novice grillers achieve great results. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cook. The stainless steel construction gives it a premium feel, and the ash and grease management system makes cleaning up a breeze.

Drawbacks: While the AI-powered app is a nice touch, it can sometimes be more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful tool. Some users may find it unnecessary, especially if they’re already experienced grillers. Additionally, the grill’s hopper capacity is on the smaller side, meaning you’ll need to refill it more often during long cooks.

5. Halo Prime 1500 – $1,299

The Halo Prime 1500 is a versatile pellet grill that offers a lot of features at a relatively low price point. Priced at $1,299, it’s a great option for those who want a high-quality grill without spending too much.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: 760 square inches of cooking space.
• Temperature Range: The Halo Prime 1500 can reach temperatures from 160°F to 500°F.
• Dual Pellet Hopper: The grill features a divided hopper that allows you to use two different types of pellets simultaneously.
• Rechargeable Battery: The grill can be powered by a rechargeable battery, making it perfect for tailgating or camping.
• Folding Side Shelves: The grill features two folding side shelves, providing extra workspace when needed.

Performance: The Halo Prime 1500 is a solid performer in both grilling and smoking. The dual pellet hopper is a unique feature that allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations. The rechargeable battery is another standout feature, making it one of the most portable grills on this list. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cook.

Drawbacks: One downside of the Halo Prime 1500 is that it doesn’t offer the same level of cooking space as some of the other grills on this list. Additionally, while the rechargeable battery is a nice feature, it does add to the overall cost if you choose to purchase it separately.

6. Green Mountain Grill Peak Prime 2.0 – $1,199

Green Mountain Grills has built a reputation for offering high-quality grills at a reasonable price, and the Peak Prime 2.0 is no exception. Priced at $1,199, it’s one of the more affordable grills on our list.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: 658 square inches of cooking space.
• Temperature Range: The Peak Prime 2.0 can reach temperatures from 150°F to 500°F.
• Smart Control: The grill features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely using the Green Mountain Grills app.
• Venturi-Style Firebox: This feature helps to create more efficient combustion, resulting in better heat distribution.
• Ash Cleanout System: The grill features an easy-to-use ash cleanout system.

Performance: The Peak Prime 2.0 is a versatile performer, capable of smoking, grilling, and baking with ease. The Venturi-style firebox helps to create more even heat distribution, ensuring that your food cooks evenly. The smart control system is another standout feature, allowing you to monitor and control your grill from anywhere. The grill also features a robust build quality, with durable construction that will last for years.

Drawbacks: The main downside of the Peak Prime 2.0 is its relatively small cooking space. While it’s still large enough to handle most cooking tasks, it may not be the best option for those who frequently cook for large groups. Additionally, the ash cleanout system, while useful, isn’t as effective as some of the other systems on this list, meaning you may need to clean the grill more frequently.

7. Weber Searwood 600 – $899

Weber is a household name when it comes to grilling, and their entry into the pellet grill market has been met with high expectations. The Weber Searwood 600, priced at $899, offers a lot of features for its price point.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: 672 square inches of cooking space.
• Temperature Range: The Searwood 600 can reach temperatures from 200°F to 600°F, making it one of the hottest grills on this list.
• Flavorizer Bars: Weber’s patented Flavorizer Bars help to add a rich, smoky flavor to your food.
• Porcelain-Enameled Lid: The lid is designed to retain heat and ensure even cooking.
• Built-In Meat Probe: The grill comes with a built-in meat probe, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food.

Performance: The Weber Searwood 600 excels in high-heat grilling, making it perfect for searing steaks and burgers. The Flavorizer Bars are a standout feature, adding a rich, smoky flavor to your food that’s hard to beat. The porcelain-enameled lid helps to retain heat, ensuring that your food cooks evenly. The built-in meat probe is another useful feature, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without opening the lid.

Drawbacks: One downside of the Searwood 600 is that it doesn’t offer the same level of versatility as some of the other grills on this list. While it excels at high-heat grilling, it doesn’t perform as well at lower temperatures, making it less ideal for smoking. Additionally, the build quality, while decent, isn’t quite as robust as some of the higher-end models.

8. Grilla Grill Silverback All-Terrain – $1,199

The Grilla Grill Silverback All-Terrain is a versatile pellet grill that offers a lot of features at a relatively low price point. Priced at $1,199, it’s a great option for those who want a high-quality grill without spending too much.

Key Features:

• Grill Space: 692 square inches of cooking space.
• Temperature Range: The Silverback All-Terrain can reach temperatures from 180°F to 500°F.
• All-Terrain Cart: The grill features an all-terrain cart, making it easy to move around your yard or patio.
• Dual Mode Controller: The grill features a dual-mode controller that allows you to switch between PID and standard mode for more precise temperature control.
• Stainless Steel Construction: The grill is built with durable stainless steel, ensuring it will last for years.

Performance: The Silverback All-Terrain is a solid performer in both grilling and smoking. The dual-mode controller is a standout feature, allowing you to switch between PID and standard mode for more precise temperature control. The all-terrain cart is another useful feature, making it easy to move the grill around your yard or patio. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cook.

Drawbacks: One downside of the Silverback All-Terrain is that it doesn’t offer the same level of cooking space as some of the other grills on this list. Additionally, while the all-terrain cart is a nice feature, it does add to the overall cost if you choose to purchase it separately.

Conclusion: Which Pellet Grill is Right for You?

Choosing the right pellet grill depends on your cooking style, needs, and budget. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Best Overall: The Traeger Ironwood XL is the best choice for those who want a premium grill with excellent build quality, versatility, and smart technology. It’s perfect for serious grillers who want top-of-the-line features.
• Best Value: The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 offers a fantastic combination of features, performance, and value. It’s versatile, easy to use, and perfect for anyone who wants a great all-around pellet grill.
• Best for Smoking: The Weber Searwood 600 excels in high-heat grilling and smoking, making it ideal for those who want intense smoke flavor and perfect sear marks.
• Best for Large Families: The Z Grills Multitasker 1100 2B offers the most cooking space, making it the best choice for those who need to cook for large groups or entertain often.
• Best for Portability: The Halo Prime 1500 is the most portable option, with a rechargeable battery and compact design, making it perfect for tailgating or camping.

No matter which grill you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality product that will make outdoor cooking more enjoyable and delicious. Happy grilling!