Pit Boss Smoker Review
Table of Contents
About Pit Boss
There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill on a sunny day. Researches show that 70% of Americans have some type of grill in their residence.[1]
Pit Boss sells affordable premium griddles, barbecues, and smokers for your cooking needs. They have wood pellet, charcoal, and gas options, all with excellent and durable designs. With tons of options, it easy to find one that fit your outdoor space and budget.
Pit Boss Grills was established in Phoenix, Arizona, by grill lover Dan Thiessen and his sons, Jordan and Jeff. The clan had founded their company Dansons, Inc. together in 1999, and made Pit Boss a subsidiary of that existing business.
The brand is built around providing high-quality grills for an amazing price that beats out classic barbecues. As someone who’s shied away from buying a BBQ because of the price before, I really respect this.
What’s in store for this Pit Boss smoker review? Ahead, I’ll go over their bestselling product lineup, their materials, different ways to use them, customer reception, and their promotions. I’ll begin by covering their pros and cons.
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Pit Boss Pros and Cons
Pit Boss is a brand that offers a range of affordable and reliable pellet grills, smokers, and accessories for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a Pit Boss grill:
Pros
- Affordable: Pit Boss offers some of the most affordable pellet grills on the market, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of pellet grilling without breaking the bank.
- Large cooking area: Pit Boss grills come in a variety of sizes, with some models offering up to 1000 square inches of cooking space, which is ideal for cooking large amounts of food.
- Versatility: Pit Boss grills can be used for smoking, grilling, baking, roasting, and more, making it a versatile outdoor cooking appliance.
- User-friendly: Pit Boss grills are easy to use and come with digital controls that allow you to set the temperature, cooking time, and other parameters with ease.
Cons
- Limited temperature range: While Pit Boss grills are reliable and easy to use, they have a limited temperature range compared to some other high-end pellet grills. This means that they may not be able to achieve the same level of precision and consistency in cooking as some other models.
- Quality control issues: Some users have reported issues with quality control, such as the grill arriving with missing parts or defects. However, Pit Boss has a responsive customer service team that can help resolve these issues quickly.
- Pellet consumption: Pit Boss grills can be less efficient when it comes to pellet consumption compared to some other models. This means that you may need to purchase more pellets to achieve the same level of cooking as other grills.
Overall, Pit Boss is a great option for those who want an affordable and reliable pellet grill that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. While there may be some drawbacks, such as limited temperature range and pellet consumption, these can be outweighed by the many benefits that come with using a Pit Boss grill.
Features
Pit Boss grills come with a variety of features depending on the model, but some of the common features include:
- Digital control board: This allows you to set the temperature and cooking time with ease, and some models even come with WiFi connectivity that allows you to control the grill from your phone.
- Large cooking surface: Pit Boss grills are available in a range of sizes, with some models offering up to 1000 square inches of cooking space, which is ideal for cooking large amounts of food.
- Convection heating system: This helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking surface, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection.
- Pellet hopper and auger system: This feeds the pellets into the grill and ensures that they are burned efficiently, providing consistent heat and flavor.
- Temperature range: Pit Boss grills can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient for most grilling and smoking tasks.
Materials
Pit Boss grills are typically made with a combination of materials to ensure durability, heat retention, and ease of use. Here are some of the most common materials used in Pit Boss grills:
- Steel: The main body of the grill is often made of steel, which provides strength and durability. Stainless steel is commonly used in high-end models for increased resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Cast Iron: The grates on a Pit Boss grill are often made of cast iron, which retains heat well and creates excellent grill marks on your food.
- Ceramic: Some models of Pit Boss grills feature ceramic components, such as heat deflectors or cooking surfaces. Ceramic is excellent at retaining heat and can help to distribute it evenly throughout the cooking surface.
- Powder-coated finishes: The exterior of Pit Boss grills is often finished with a powder-coated layer, which provides protection against rust and corrosion, and makes it easier to clean.
- Pellet Hopper: The hopper that stores the pellets in a Pit Boss grill is often made of heavy-duty plastic or metal, which helps to ensure that it is durable and can withstand high temperatures.
How to Use Pit Boss Grills
Pit Boss offers a range of outdoor cooking items that are designed to be easy to use and accessible for all levels of outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here are some general steps on how to use Pit Boss items:
- Assembly: Most Pit Boss items require assembly before use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the item, ensuring that all parts are securely in place.
- Preheat: Before cooking, preheat your grill or smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves setting the temperature to the desired level and allowing it to heat up for a specified amount of time.
- Prepare your food: Season or marinate your food according to your preference. Ensure that it is at room temperature before placing it on the grill or smoker.
- Cooking: Place your food on the grill or smoker and cook it according to the manufacturer’s instructions or your desired level of doneness. Be sure to monitor the temperature and adjust it as needed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
- Cleaning: After cooking, allow your grill or smoker to cool down and then clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves removing any food debris, wiping down the cooking surfaces, and emptying the grease tray.
It’s important to note that the specific steps for using Pit Boss items can vary depending on the specific model and type of item you are using.
6 Best-Selling Pit Boss Products
Get ready for a deep dive into some of the hottest Pit Boss products, including their wood pellet grills and smokers.
I’ll go over what makes them work so well, how they differ from each other, what they cost, and what you can expect when they arrive.
Pit Boss Classic Wood Pellet Grill Review
They call it “classic” for a reason. I think the Pit Boss Classic Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect family grill, ideal for groups of four to six.
The attractive two-toned design will make this a handsome addition to your backyard, but let’s be honest—if it can’t cook, then I don’t think prettiness is gonna help it.
Luckily, the Pit Boss Classic has you covered with a digital control board that allows you to select the cooking style you want: grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, roast, braise, BBQ, or char-grill. (True meat lovers will know the distinctions between all those.)
Get grilling today with the Pit Boss Classic Wood Pellet Grill, currently available exclusively through Walmart for $400. Walmart also offers an assembly service for an extra $60.
What customers are saying: “The pit boss classic is my first smoker and I should have purchased one a long time ago. The quality of the grill is really good. Assembly is easy. Cant wait to try many different meats and recipes.”
Pit Boss Lexington Wood Pellet Grill Review
A more compact version of the Classic, the Pit Boss Lexington Wood Pellet Grill is a trim, two-tiered grill that gives you 540 square inches of cooking space (about ¾ the size of the Classic’s grill surface).
I think it’s a great starter grill that can manage any number of delicious cooks, like the Pit Boss smoked tri tip.
Like its bigger brother, the Lexington allows you to select your cooking method on its digital control board.
The board is also hooked into the stainless steel meat probe that comes with the grill so you can make sure you’re not overcooking. (Of course, I know you never would—you’re a Grill Master.)
You can grab this beauty from Walmart for the sale price of $245, regular price $297.
What customers are saying: “I love this little guy! I broke it in baking chicken breasts. The following day slow smoked a whole beef brisket using the recipe from the online Pit Boss website. It turned out to be the best I’ve ever tasted!”
Pit Boss Austin XL Wood Pellet Grill Review
Life is starting to feel almost normal again and I’ve really missed summer BBQs with friends.
The perfect provider for your first post-pandemic backyard party, the long and low Pit Boss Austin XL Wood Pellet Grill gives you 930 square inches of cooking space, 31 pounds of wood-pellet hopper capacity, and a top-end temperature of 500°F.
If you’re looking for bells and whistles, the Austin XL can be automatically fired up and shut down via LED control. And like its fellow Pit Boss grills, the sliding plate lets you grill directly or indirectly as your heart desires.
The Pit Boss Austin XL Wood Pellet Grill goes for $450.
What customers are saying: “Amazing! So easy to use! Very easy assemble, very heavy duty!!!! I used it in a bbq competition the first day, had it running from 9 am until 6 pm with only one bag of pellets! Is worth every dollar! I seared meat, smoked ribs and smoked chicken!”
Pit Boss Pro Series II 4-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker Review
Smoke ’em if you got ’em—and man has this Pit Boss special got ’em.
With its four adjustable cooking racks and easily maneuverable wheels, the Pro Series II 4-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker gives you 1,077 square inches of cooking space in a compact and easily portable size.
Like their grills, this Pit Boss vertical pellet smoker has a digital control board that is accessible through the brand’s phone app and is wifi- and Bluetooth-compatible.
I think it’s pretty cool I could kick back on the deck and monitor my meats’ progress on my phone, or give them the eye test with the large view window.
The Pro Series II 4-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker is available for an impressively affordable price of $400.
What customers are saying: “We have had this smoker for just over a week and have used it already for Side bacon, Canadian Bacon, chicken wings, pork shoulder, pork and beans, meat loaf, pork tenderloin – it is amazing. It works with my Android phone so I can monitor it from anywhere in the house.”
Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker – Silver Hammertone Review
The 3-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker may look tall and lean, but it packs plenty of meat for those marathon smoking sessions.
With six adjustable racks, 721 square inches of cooking space, and a 39 lb hopper capacity, it can cook for up to 18 hours for those all-day (and -night) backyard bashes. I know a few guys who could keep it running the full 18.
Just like its squat 4-Series brother, the 3-Series is equipped with lockable wheels for convenient portability, the standard-issue Pit Boss digital control panel, and a large window so you can check on your cook without losing heat from those door-opening peeks.
You can buy this versatile Pit Boss vertical smoker from Menards for $440, and also save $48 by taking advantage of the mail-in rebate.
What customers are saying: “We have smoked a roast and [an] Organic 13 pound Turkey and they were both absolutely delicious! I will never put them in the oven again!”
Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill Bundle with Cover Review
A beautifully made backyard grill is a thing of beauty and joy forever, but environmental wear and tear can really take its toll. I’ve seen a few grills get totally ruined from rain, so I know the importance of buying a cover.
With the Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill Bundle with Cover, you can give your grill the protection it deserves with a durable cover that will keep it in perfect condition no matter the season.
If that sounds like the tail wagging the dog, rest assured that the grill lives up to the cover. A perfect family-sized grill, the 700FB has 700 square inches of cooking space (ideal for groups of four to six).
There is also a 500°F temperature capacity and sturdy, high-quality construction that makes it built to last.
There is currently a great deal available on this bundle at the Pit Boss website: regularly priced at $510, the 700FB has now been marked down to $350.
What customers are saying: “Everything about this grill was done right! Temperature control was as well as could be expected. Well made with good weight. Sure there are better grills out there, but at what price? This grill beats all the completion for cost and quality! Don’t hesitate go get it now!”
Who Is Pit Boss Good For?
Pit Boss grills can be a great option for a wide range of outdoor cooking enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced grill masters. Here are some examples of who Pit Boss grills might be particularly well-suited for:
- Home cooks: Pit Boss grills are user-friendly and offer a range of features and cooking options, making them a great choice for home cooks who want to experiment with outdoor cooking.
- BBQ enthusiasts: Pit Boss is known for its high-quality pellet grills and smokers, which are designed to provide a classic BBQ taste and flavor. These grills are ideal for BBQ enthusiasts who want to smoke meats and other foods for hours at a time.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Pit Boss grills are designed for outdoor use and can be a great option for camping, tailgating, or other outdoor activities where you want to cook food on the go.
- Professional chefs: Some Pit Boss grills are designed for commercial use and can be a great choice for professional chefs who want to cook large quantities of food at once or experiment with new cooking techniques.
Pit Boss Alternatives
If you liked what you read in this Pit Boss review but want grills that are a bit different then check out these brands:
Traeger: The most popular grilling brand on the planet with plenty of customization options for their grills.
BBQ Guys: A collection of simple, ease-to-use, and effective grills.
All Things BBQ: Online distributor of major grill brands like Napoleon and Weber.
Pit Boss Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
For this Pit Boss smoker review, I went through comments and ratings at pitboss-grills.com, Lowe’s, and Walmart to see what the grilling community had to say about these high-tech cooking rigs.
On the brand website, the Pit Boss Classic pulls in an average rating of 4/5 stars from 41 reviews as of April 2023.
One 5-star reviewer who took advantage of the product’s warranty was grateful for Pit Boss’ full-spectrum customer service and how they support grill culture rather than just supplying the tools.
“The replacement parts came fast and free and were replaced easily…I must say that your whole customer service, emailed parts replacement and troubleshooting guide, along with your YouTube videos are great, makes life easy. I am a Pit Boss fan for life,” they wrote.
The Pit Boss Pro Series | 820 Wood Pellet Grill also scores high on pitboss-grills.com, with a 4.4/5 star average based on more than 70 ratings as of April 2023.
A returning veteran who bought the Pit Boss 820 loved how the wood pellet technology gave a whole new range of flavors to his cook.
The customer writes, “I bought the 820 pro in August upon my return from deployment and it has been incredible… I’ve never owned a pellet grill before, but grilling/smoking/whatever on it is easy. I love swapping pellets for different flavors…Highly recommend.”
Jumping off of the brand’s website and onto Walmart, I saw that the Austin XL tallies an average rating of 4.1/5 stars based on over 495 reviews as of April 2023.
An impressed customer particularly praised the rig’s easy assembly and setup, and they had the professional bona fides to back it up.
“I am a research and development chef and it took me about 3 uses to get everything adjusted properly. P-set, auger feed/prime, cleaning temp probes, etc. Now I give it 5 stars. I use it to smoke or grill anything,” said the reviewer.
Over at Lowe’s, the 4-Series smoker also has an overall 4.1/5 star rating pulled from over 125 individual reviews.
I read that customers were impressed by this Pit Boss electric smoker’s long-term cooking performance and durable construction.
“On Easter Sunday I smoked ribs, on Monday a 10 lb brisket, and on Tuesday chicken wings. The results were amazing, the pit boss was flawless through 19 total hours of cooking. This unit is built to last, all of the features work exactly as expected, and the results are off the charts,” wrote one.
Was anyone less than impressed with what these grills had to offer? While digging around for this Pit Boss smoker review, I picked up a few grumbles here and there.
Some users said that the rigs take a good deal of time to set up to work exactly as you want and that cleaning the grilling racks is annoying (though others said it was easy).
Not everyone has had a rosy experience with these grills, but problems really do seem to be few and far between.
Most complaints are very minor, and the majority of them say that once they got their grill going, they couldn’t be happier with the results.
Is Pit Boss Worth It?
Looking at all the evidence, I have no doubt that Pit Boss is worth it.
As I showed in this Pit Boss smoker review, the brand’s product lineup has excellent pricing and results that have customers leaving great reviews and buying out their grills, griddles, and smokers.
The wood pellet cooking technology is an affordable and high-quality fuel option for casual cooks and serious grillers alike.
Tech-wise, I think Pit Boss should invest more in tweaking their app, but it’s still a great feature that adds a new level of convenience to your grilling experience.
My verdict in this Pit Boss smoker review? I have no hesitation in recommending this versatile and high-quality brand for your outdoor cooking needs.
Pit Boss Promotions & Discounts
Pit Boss has a page dedicated to discounts all year round. On top of all that, I’m happy to say that the brand offers a monthly payment option for almost all their products through the Affirm service, bringing down hundreds of dollars in upfront cost to double digits.
Where To Buy Pit Boss
Ready to get cooking? You can purchase any of the items in my Pit Boss review from the official Pitboss-Grills.com website, Wayfair, or from a range of retailers, including Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Home Hardware, and many more.
FAQ
Is Pit Boss made by Traeger?
While doing the research for this Pit Boss smoker review, I did not find any evidence that Pit Boss is made by Trager. The two brands are competitors, and both use wooden pellets to fuel their grills.
Can you leave pellets in Pit Boss?
Yes, you can leave pellets in Pit Boss.
But for the sake of being thorough in this Pit Boss smoker review, I recommend taking them out after cooking is done and storing them in a dry airtight container. That way the pellets will stay fresh for as long as possible.
Can Pit Boss pellet grill get wet?
A Pit Boss pellet grill can work safely in light rain, but only if you can be sure the outlet connection stays dry.
Keep in mind that Pit Boss products are electrical, and they have some limitations as a result.
Why does my Pit Boss not smoke?
Your Pit Boss is smoking, but the natural wooden pellets it uses for fuel are such a clean energy source that the smoke is thin and more blue than black, making it difficult to see.
White smoke will become more common as the grill becomes seasoned from drippings.
How long does Pit Boss fan stay on?
Expect the Pit Boss fan to stay on for up to 10 minutes after your cook. It helps the burn-off, keeping your Pit Boss grill in optimal condition.
How do I turn off a Pit Boss?
You can use the electronic display on your Pit Boss to turn it off with one tap of your finger. Alternatively, if your purchase allows it, you can install the Pit Boss app and control all the fine details from a distance.
How long will a Pit Boss Pellet Grill last?
A Pit Boss Pellet Grill will last decades if you treat it properly. The warranty on a Pit Boss smoker grill combo is five years, but if you buy a cover and take the time to clean it, I see no reason why the steel and ceramic material won’t last longer.
What is the warranty on a Pit Boss?
Pit Boss has a warranty of five years for the steel, wooden, electrical, and ceramic components of its pellet grills and vertical smokers, and two years for their gas grills.
In any case, rust damage is covered by the warranty only in the case of structural damage.
How long does Pit Boss take to ship?
It’s impossible for me in this Pit Boss smoker review to give a specific overall shipping time.
Each individual retailer takes care of shipping, and each has its own unique policies in place for getting your order shipped as soon as possible.
Does Pit Boss offer free shipping?
Pit Boss does not offer free shipping on every product. Because many of their products are only available from select retailers, like Walmart and Lowe’s, the shipping cost is variable.
How do I return to Pit Boss?
Unused Pit Boss items can be returned up to 60 days after your purchase. If you’re not happy with your Pit Boss grill smoker combo or any other order, follow the steps below to make a successful return.
- Make sure your purchase was made through the Pit Boss website
- If you ordered from a different retailer, you must contact them for a return
- Your product must be in unused condition and in its original packaging
- You cannot return “pellets, spices, sauces, or electrical service parts”
- Call Pit Boss customer support at 480-923-9630, available 6 am to 8 pm PST
- You must pay for return shipping
How To Contact Pit Boss
If you need any other information that wasn’t included in this Pit Boss smoker review, the brand recommends you log into your Pit Boss account at pitboss-grills.com, register your product, and then click “Start a Case.”
From there, make your query and include pictures if applicable. Pit Boss will respond as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can call 480-923-9630.
Here are some more ways to grill and smoke your favorite foods just in time for summer:
Article Sources
- Johnson, E. and Gafford, A. USA Carbon Footprints of Grills, by Fuel & Grill Type, 2022–27 MDPI Fuels, [online] 3(3), pp.475–485
Do not buy this….nothing but trouble