The debate between Pit Boss vs Traeger Pellet Grill has been going on for quite some time, with each side claiming to have the superior product.
While both grills offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, it is important to compare them head-to-head in order to decide which one is best suited for your needs.
In this article, we will be looking at the features of both models in detail so you can make an informed decision when choosing a pellet grill.
We’ll also discuss how each model performs in terms of temperature control, convenience features, cooking space and other factors that are important when deciding which pellet grill to buy. So let’s get started!
About Pit Boss vs Traeger
Pit Boss Introduction:
The Pit Boss series is arguably one of the best on the market, and they are known for their high-quality construction. Their grills come as either a vertical smoker or as a horizontal smoker with an attached searing burner. Both Pit Boss grills look very similar to each other and share some of the same features.
Pit Boss grills come with a 5-year warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry. They are also one of the only companies that offers a lifetime warranty on the cooking grates.
Pit Boss grills are also very affordable, making them a great value for the price.
Pit Boss Features:
Both Pit Boss grills come with an enamel-coated cast-iron grate, which is easy to clean and provides good heat retention. You can also easily control the temperature on Pit Boss grills due to their electric ignition system.
The Pit Boss series is designed for convenience, so you will find several handy features including a front tray for tools, a wooden base for the fire pit, and a grease management system.
Traeger Introduction:
One of the biggest names in pellet grills, Traeger is known for their high-quality and ease of use. They produce a variety of grills that range from the elite to the more budget friendly.
Their Pit Boss series looks similar to Pit Boss and can be either a vertical or horizontal smoker with an attached searing burner.
Traeger grills are known for their convenient digital temperature control. Traeger is also the only pellet grill manufacturer to offer remote temperature monitoring on each Pit Boss model with Wi-Fi enabled technology.
Traeger Features:
The Traeger series comes with a digital thermostat, meaning you can easily control the temperature. You will also find an electronic ignition system and porcelain-coated grates. Like Pit Boss, Traeger grills are designed for convenience with features such as a front tray and wooden base.
Pit Boss vs Traeger Comparison:
Build Quality and Construction:
Pit Boss is known for their high-quality construction, and the Pit Boss grills have a 5-year warranty on the structure. Traeger offers a 3-year warranty on structural parts.
Both Pit Boss and Traeger have enameled cast iron cooking grates, which are easy to clean and provides good heat retention. The Pit Boss series comes with a lifetime warranty on the cooking grates.
Both Pit Boss and Traeger come with a front tray for tools, which can be very convenient during a cookout. Pit Boss grills also have a wooden base for the fire pit as well as a grease management system.
The Pit Boss series is designed for convenience, offering several handy features including an electric ignition system, wooden base for the pit, and a grease management system.
Temperature Range:
Pit Boss grills have a temperature range of 150-550 degrees Fahrenheit with an average temperature of 450 degrees. Traeger can reach temperatures as high as 650 degrees F, which is slightly better.
Ease of Use:
Pit Boss and Traeger both feature digital temperature control, which makes it easy to set the temperature on your grill. Pit Boss grills are also designed for convenience with features such as a front tray and wooden base.
Traeger is the only pellet grill manufacturer to offer remote temperature monitoring on each Pit Boss model with Wi-Fi enabled technology.
Temperature Control:
Pit Boss grills have an electric ignition system that allows you to control the temperature easily. Pit Boss also offers a pit probe that monitors the internal temperature of your pit. Traeger offers a digital programmable thermostat on all their Pit Boss grills, which is a convenient feature.
Pit Boss vs Traeger Features:
Pit Boss and Traeger grills are both designed for convenience with features such as a front tray and wooden base. Pit Boss also offers a 5-year warranty on all their grills, while Traeger offers a 3-year warranty on structural parts.
Pit Boss grills come with a lifetime warranty on the cooking grates, while Traeger offers a 3-year warranty on cooking grates. Pit Boss and Traeger also both come with an enamel-coated cast iron grate.
The Pit Boss series comes in either vertical or horizontal smoker styles and has an attached searing burner, whereas Traeger is only available as a vertical smoker. Pit Boss offers several pit probe options, whereas Traeger only has WiFi enabled Pit Bosses with remote temperature monitoring capabilities.
Cooking Space:
Pit Boss comes in two sizes: the Pit Boss 340 and Pit Boss 820. Traeger has 10 different models that range from the Pit Boss junior to the Pit Boss elite.
The Pit Boss 340 measures 17.5″ wide x 16″ deep x 26″ high and has a cooking space of 340 square inches, while the Pit Boss 820 measures 23.5″ wide x 19.5″ deep x 33.5″ high and has a cooking space of 820 square inches.
Traeger grills come in different sizes, with the Pit Boss junior measuring 15″ wide x 12″ deep x 20″ high and the Pit Boss elite measuring 30″ wide x 22″ deep x 48″ high. Pit Boss grills offer more cooking space than Traeger grills.
Hopper Size:
Pit Boss comes with a 1.5 pound capacity hopper, while Traeger has a 7-pound capacity hopper. Pit Boss offers more capacity as far as the amount of pellets it can hold.
Price:
Pit Boss grills are known for their high quality and Pit Bosses are very reasonably priced at about $700-$800. Traeger grills are also reasonably priced at about $1000-$1500. Pit Boss is more affordable than Traeger grills, but some Pit Bosses do not have WiFi enabled technology while most Traeger grills do feature this option.
Other Notes:
Pit Boss and Traeger owners can easily convert their Pit Boss to a fire pit with the wooden base accessory. Pit Boss owners have the option to convert their pit into a smoking pit with the removable fire pit accessory. Pit Boss is more versatile than Traeger grills.
So what’s better? Pit Boss vs Traeger?
Pit Boss grills are more affordable, come with a 5-year warranty, have an electric ignition system, and more cooking space. Traeger grills are designed with digital programmable thermostats and WiFi enabled capabilities.
Traeger also offers a 3-year warranty on structural parts. both Pit Boss and Traeger grills come with an enamel-coated cast iron grate. the Pit Boss series is available in vertical or horizontal smoker styles, while Traeger is only available as a vertical smoker. Pit Boss grills are more versatile than Traeger grills.
Top Pit Boss Grills & Smokers:
Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill Introduction:
Pit Boss grills are the best-in-class grilling experience, designed to deliver unrivaled, restaurant-quality flavor to your homecooked meals.
With advanced technology, premium craftsmanship and 100% all-natural hardwood pellet fuel, Pit Boss allows you to smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill and sear – all in one machine!
Achieve instant direct or indirect heat with our innovative Flame Broiler Lever™ in a temperature range of 180°.
The Pit Boss® 700FB Wood Pellet Grill gives you restaurant-quality flavor at home, making it the best value in grilling. With 8-in-1 cooking versatility, from smoking to searing, this machine lets you do it all. The Flame Broiler Lever™ provides instant direct or indirect heat for a temperature range of 180° – to give you more control over your grill.
Imagine the flavor of food that’s been grilled to perfection over an open flame. Now imagine never having to worry about tending a grill ever again. With the Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill, you can have the best of both worlds.
This top-of-the-line grill features a digital control board that lets you set and monitor temperatures without ever having to open the lid, so your food is cooked perfectly every time.
Plus, the automatic pellet feeder ensures that you’ll always have plenty of fuel to keep your grill going strong. Spend more time with family and friends and let your Pit Boss manage all the work for you.
Pit Boss 700FB Wood Pellet Grill Features:
- Pit Boss’s largest pit, measuring 38.5″ wide x 39.5″ deep x 57″ high
- Comes with electric ignition system
- Attached searing burner
- 1.5 pound hopper capacity
- Pit Boss’s removable fire pit accessory converts Pit Boss into a smoking pit
- Pit probe temperature monitoring capabilities
- Pit Boss’s all gas enclosure technology
- Outdoor wood flavor generator system
- 5-year warranty on cooking grates and parts
PIT BOSS 5-SERIES WOOD PELLET VERTICAL SMOKER:
The Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker is a great choice for those who want real wood flavor without the hassle.
This smoker is easy to maneuver thanks to four wheels, and it comes with five porcelain coated cooking racks that provide plenty of space to smoke, roast, or bake whatever you like. With a hefty 55-pound hopper, this smoker can provide up to 25 hours of smoking goodness.
The Pit Boss 5-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker is perfect for anyone who wants the convenience and ease of a pellet smoker with the unsurpassed flavor that comes from cooking with hardwood.
With its large view window, you can keep an eye on your food without having to open the smoker and lose heat. And with ribs slow smoking in the morning, you can trust that they’ll be cooked to perfection by dinner time.
If you’re looking for a smoker that will take your barbecue game to the next level, look no further than the Pit Boss 5-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker.
With its sleek design and large view window, this smoker is easy to use and lets you keep an eye on your food at all times. Plus, with its hardwood aroma feature, you can count on delicious, smoky flavor with every bite.
The Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker is the perfect tool for the smoke and barbecue enthusiast. This smoker has 1,657 square inches of cooking surface on five racks, with a dial-in digital control board that provides precise temperature control from 150 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. The smoker also offers five-in-one cooking versatility, so you can smoke, roast, bake, braise or BBQ your favorite meats.
Additionally, the included meat probe allows you to monitor your dish’s temperature without opening the smoker. The Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker is fueled by 100% hardwood pellets and has a 55-pound hopper capacity, providing ample smoking time between refills.
For added convenience,, this smoker also has an automatic pellet feeder that ensures a constant flow of pellets.
PIT BOSS 5-SERIES WOOD PELLET VERTICAL SMOKER features:
- Pit Boss 5 series built in temperature gauge
- Pit Boss wood pellet smoker Pit Boss can smoke up to 12 hours on a single refill
- Pit Boss’s all gas enclosure technology provides even heat throughout the cooking chamber for consistent smoking and grilling
- Easy to remove ash pan makes cleaning up quick and easy. Includes:: (1) pit probe, (2) Pit Boss 100% wood pellet grates and (3) removable drip pan
Pit Boss Austin XL:
Delicious barbecue doesn’t have to come at a premium price. The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Series offers the best value per square inch in the pellet grill industry. With two tiers of porcelain-coated grid construction and 1000 square inches of cooking surface, this grill is perfect for feeding large groups or BBQ entertainment.
The Austin XL model features a high-temp copper-finish on the embossed lid and a removable, stainless-steel side shelf for added convenience. Start up and shut down your Pit Boss with full-function LED control for ease of use.
The Pit Boss Austin XL is fueled by 100% natural hardwood pellets and operates with fan-forced convection cooking, reaching temperatures up to 500 °F.
This versatile grill can be used for direct or indirect grilling, and features a standard flame broiler for either method. With heavy-duty steel construction, the Austin XL is built to last.
Bring the intense, smoky flavor of wood-fired grilling to your home with the Pit Boss Austin XL. With over 1000 sq in of cooking surface, this powerful grill lets you cook up a storm. The innovative flame broiler directly heats the food, while the digital control board with LED read out keeps you informed of temperature and meat probe readings.
And thanks to the 31 lb hopper and purge system, you’ll never have to run out of fuel during a cookout. Four rolling casters make it easy to move the grill around your yard, and the stainless steel side table with removable serving tray provides a convenient place for prep work or storage.
Pit Boss Austin XL features:
- Pit Boss austin xl digital temperature control
- Pit Boss wood pellet smoker Pit Boss can smoke up to 12 hours on a single refill
- Pit Boss’s all gas enclosure technology provides even heat throughout the cooking chamber for consistent smoking and grilling
- Easy to remove ash pan makes cleaning up quick and easy. Includes:: (1) pit probe, (2) Pit Boss 100% wood pellet grates and (3) removable drip pan
- Flame broiler directly heats the food for an intense smoky flavor
- Digital control board with led read out lets you keep track of temperature and meat probe readings
- 31 lb hopper capacity means you’ll never run out of fuel during a cookout
- Four rolling casters make it easy to move the grill around your yard
- Stainless steel side table with removable serving tray provides a convenient place for prep work or storage
Top Traeger Grills & Smokers:
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22:
You’ll love the Traeger Grills Pro Series 2 Pellet Grill and Smoker! This grill is perfect for those who want the ultimate wood-fired flavor in their food.
The all-terrain wheels make it easy to take this grill wherever you go, while the 418 sq. in. main cooking area and 154 sq. in. extra cooking rack provide plenty of space to cook up a feast. With a hopper capacity of 18 lbs., this grill lets you cook for a large crowd.
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 2 is the perfect addition to any backyard. This pellet grill and smoker comes with one main rack and one extra rack, accommodating up to 4 chickens or 5 racks of ribs at once.
With 18 lbs of hopper capacity, this grill lets you achieve that delicious, wood-fired taste for hours on end. The all-terrain wheels make it easy to transport your grill wherever you need it, while the professional tone of voice ensures that you’ll be proud to use this grill for years to come.
Looking to take your grilling skills to the next level? Look no further than the Traeger Pro Series 2 pellet grill! This high-quality grill offers precision temperature control, so you can create amazing barbecue dishes every time. Plus, the 6-in-1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to perfection.
So why wait? Add the Traeger Pro Series 22 to your backyard arsenal today!
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 features:
- Traeger grills pro series 22 is constructed of heavy-duty steel for an impressive strength that can withstand anything you throw at it.
- Main cooking rack measures 692 sq. in. and the extra rack adds 154 sq. in. of cooking space, so you have a total of 846 sq. in. to cook on
- Traeger pro series 22 offers 6-in-1 versatility, so you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to perfection
- 18 lb hopper capacity means you’ll be able to cook for a large crowd
- All-terrain wheels make it easy to transport your grill wherever you need it
- Digital control board with led read out lets you keep track of temperature and meat probe readings
- Automatic start up and shut down means you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to turn your grill on or off
Traeger Grills Ironwood 885:
Looking to ditch your gas or charcoal grill? The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the perfect alternative, offering superior wood-fired taste with precise temperature control.
Plus, WiFiRE technology allows you to control your grill from anywhere, while Alexa voice commands let you do it all hands-free. With 6-in-1 versatility, this pellet grill is perfect for any grilling occasion.
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the perfect pellet grill for busy families who love to cook outdoors. It has a large grilling area that can accommodate up to ten chickens, seven rib racks, or nine pork butts, so you can cook up a feast for the whole family. The built-in meat probe ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.
The Ironwood 885 is the perfect grill for anyone who wants the convenience and taste of a Traeger smoker, without having to sacrifice space. This grill has an impressive 53″ x 27″ cooking surface, giving you plenty of room to cook up a storm.
The black finish and sleek design will look great in any backyard. And unlike other smokers, the Ironwood 885 runs on wood pellets, so you can enjoy the natural flavor of your food.
Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 features:
- Traeger grills ironwood 885 is constructed of heavy-duty steel for an impressive strength that can withstand anything you throw at it
- Main cooking area measures 53″ x 27″, giving you plenty of space to cook up a storm
- Black finish and sleek design will look great in any backyard
- Runs on wood pellets, so you can enjoy the natural flavor of your food
- WifiRE technology allows you to control your grill from anywhere
- Alexa voice commands let you do it all hands-free
- 6-in-1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to perfection.
Traeger TIMBERLINE 850
The Traeger TIMBERLINE 850 is the perfect grill for anyone who wants the best of the best. With its three tiers of stainless steel grates, you can cook up a huge feast without having to worry about running out of space.
Plus, the included Traeger Pellet Sensor means you’ll never have to guess how much pellets you have left – just check the app and you’re good to go. Whether you’re grilling in calm weather or in a storm, this grill is fully insulated to maintain consistent temperatures.
The Traeger Timberline 850 is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to add a touch of professionalism to their smoking game. With 850 square inches of cooking space, you’ll be able to smoke anything and everything to perfection.
The pellet hopper capacity of 24 pounds also ensures that you won’t have to refill the hopper very often, letting you focus on the smoking process. Finally, with a max temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be able to smoke even the most difficult meats.
Traeger TIMBERLINE 850 features:
- Monitor your cooks and grill temperature.
- Access over 1,600 recipes through the Traeger App or select smart home device
- Timer with automatic shut off means you’ll never again forget to turn your grill off
- Digital LED control center and two LED work lights make it easy to use and monitor
- Included Traeger Pellet Sensor tracks the amount of pellets in the hopper, letting you know when it’s time to refill
- Stainless steel grates allow you to cook larger quantities of food in less time
- Dialed-in, nearly smokeless performance keeps the outdoor grilling experience fun and hassle free
- Two included meat probes allow for precise monitoring when smoking meats
FAQ on Pit Boss vs Traeger
Are Pit Boss pellets the same as Traeger?
Pit Boss and Traeger both use wood pellets to fuel their grills, so the flavor of food cooked on a Pit Boss grill will be very similar to food cooked on a Traeger grill.
However, there are some subtle differences in the types of pellets that each company uses. Traeger’s pellets are made from hardwood, while Pit Boss’ are made from compressed sawdust. This means that the flavors of food between the two Pit Bosses will vary slightly, but they’re equally tasty.
How do Pit Boss grills compare to Traeger?
Pit Boss grills are very similar to Traegers, with some slight differences in design and cooking ability. Both brands use wood pellets to fuel their grills, and both brands can cook up a mean BBQ.
However, Traeger’s pellet hopper is a little bit larger than Pit Boss’, meaning that you won’t have to refill the hopper as often.
Additionally, Traeger offers over 1,600 recipes through its app, while Pit Boss has a library of fewer than 200 recipes. So, if you’re looking to explore a variety of different flavors and cooking techniques, Traeger is the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for something that’s a little more simplistic between Pit Boss vs Traeger, Pit Boss is a great option as well.
What are Pit Boss grills made from?
Pit Boss grills are made out of heavy-duty steel, meaning that they can withstand anything you throw at them. Plus, the black finish and sleek design will look great in any backyard. Finally, Pit Boss grills run on wood pellets, so you can enjoy the natural flavor of your food.
Can I use Pit Boss pellets in a Traeger grill?
Yes! Pit Boss pellets are compatible with Traeger grills, so you can use wood pellets from Pit Boss to fuel your grill.
What kind of wood pellets do Pit Boss grills use?
Pit Boss grills use only 100% pure hardwood pellets to fuel their devices. This means that you can enjoy the natural, smoky flavor without any hassle or cleanup whatsoever. Plus, with 1 lb. and 2 lb. bags available for purchase, it’s easy to stock up on Pit Boss pellets no matter how often you grill!
Can Pit Boss smokers be used outside in the rain?
Yes! Pit Boss grills were designed with weather resistance in mind; they’re able to withstand even the most intense of storms without fear of damage. In addition, Pit Boss grills use hardwood pellets to fuel the grill, which means that they’re able to heat up quickly and evenly.
Are Pit Boss Grills worth the money?
I believe Pit Boss grills are well worth the money for any beginner pit master. Pit Boss Grills have a ton of value when compared to other brands, and there’s no need to pay someone else to make you food after investing in a Pit Boss grill.
How do Pit Boss perform?
Pit Boss grills were made with backyard enthusiasts in mind; they’re easy to assemble and even easier to use. Plus, all Pit Boss appliances run on hardwood pellets, meaning that there’s no need for charcoal or propane. This means that you start cooking immediately after your grill is set up – no waiting required!
Can you use any brand of pellets in a Pit Boss?
No, you cannot use any brand of pellets in a Pit Boss. Pit Boss only uses their own pellets, which have been specifically designed for use with Pit Boss grills and smokers. In addition, Pit Boss pellets are made in the United States, so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.
How long do Pit Boss grills last?
Pit Boss grills are made out of durable materials and come with a 90-day warranty, meaning that they’re likely to last much longer than that. Plus, Pit Boss grills are easy to maintain and operate, so you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Is Pit Boss owned by Traeger?
No, Pit Boss is a separate company from Traeger. Pit Boss offers similar products as Traeger, but they have their own line of Pit Boss grills and smokers that are different from those offered by Traeger.
What kind of pellets does Pit Boss use?
Pit Boss uses only 100% pure hardwood pellets to fuel their Pit Boss grills and Pit Boss smokers. This means that you’ll never have to worry about additives or chemicals ruining the flavor of your food. Plus, with 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags available for purchase, stocking up on Pit Boss pellet couldn’t be easier!
What time of year do Traeger grills go on sale?
Traeger offers their grills and smokers year round, so there’s no specific time of year to look for a sale. However, Pit Boss burn through their inventory quickly, so after Pit Boss grills have been on the market for a few months, you can expect Pit Boss grill prices to drop – sometimes by as much as 25%.
Why are wood pellet grills so expensive?
In general, wood pellet grills are more expensive than propane or charcoal grills because they’re simply a better product. Pit Boss grills and Pit Boss smokers use only the highest quality components to ensure that you can enjoy delicious food for years to come, which is why Pit Boss grills last so long even with heavy usage.
Can you bake on a Traeger grill?
Yes, Pit Boss and Traeger grills are large enough to bake on, so there’s no need to purchase a separate rack. Pit Boss pellet grills have an easy start-up system that allows Pit Boss smokers to heat up in just 10 minutes or less, meaning that you can get cooking right away – no waiting required!
Who makes Pit Boss pellets?
Pit Boss prides itself on being able to provide 100% pure hardwood pellets with their product line of Pit Boss pellet grill and smoker. No additives or chemicals are used when producing Pit Boss pellets, which means that you’re only getting the best possible flavor from your time spent cooking outside.
In addition, Pit Boss has been around since 2010, so you can be sure that their products are of the highest quality.
Pit Boss vs Traeger – Which One Should You Choose?
In Pit Boss vs Traeger, Pit Boss comes with some good features but lacks the quality that Traeger offers. Traeger is a better investment and will provide you with years of satisfactory service.
With Pit Boss, you may find that the temperature control isn’t as accurate as it should be, or that the grill itself doesn’t seem to be made as well as it should be.
In this comparison, Pit Boss just can’t quite compare to the quality and reliability of a Traeger. Traeger is the clear winner in this matchup, thanks to its superior construction, temperature control, and 6-in-1 versatility.
Pit Boss just can’t quite compare to the quality and reliability of a Traeger. If you’re looking for a grill that comes with all the bells and whistles, Pit Boss is simply not an option you want to consider when choosing your next grill.
The Pit Boss is a cheaper alternative to the Traeger. If you are on a budget, it might be worth considering this option. However, if your goal is getting more smoky flavor out of your meat without using charcoal or gas then the Traeger may be better suited for you.
It also has an easier time holding temperature at different cooking stages which can make that process less frustrating and take longer to cook some foods like brisket than with other grills.
Ultimately, what grill will work best for you depends on how much money you have to spend but we hope our comparison between Pit Boss vs Traeger has helped narrow down the field so that finding the right one becomes clearer!
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