Pit Boss vs Traeger: A Pellet Grill Pro‘s Honest Guide
Hey there fellow grilling enthusiast! If you‘re fired up to upgrade your backyard barbecue game, you‘ve probably found yourself tempted by industry leaders Pit Boss and Traeger. As a self-proclaimed "pellet head" who has happily owned grills from both brands, I‘m here to help you choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
In this no-nonsense guide, we‘ll sear through the marketing hype and smoke out the key differences between these two pellet grill powerhouses. I‘ve slow-roasted the specs, features, and prices of their most popular models and grilled experts for their honest opinions. By the time we‘re done, you‘ll have all the juicy details to decide whether Pit Boss or Traeger deserves a place on your patio. Let‘s turn up the heat and dive in!
Pit Boss: Best Value Wood-Fired Flavor
Pit Boss burst onto the scene in 1999 with a mission to bring the wood-fired taste of pellet grilling to the masses at an affordable price point. Parent company Dansons recognized that pellet smokers were skyrocketing in popularity, but the high cost of early Traeger models put them out of reach for many backyard barbecuers.
Pit Boss found clever ways to scale back on expensive bells and whistles while still delivering delicious results. They use thicker, higher-grade steel and keep most production in-house to cut costs. This streamlined approach proved to be a recipe for success. Within a few short years, Pit Boss ranked as one of the fastest-growing and top-selling pellet grill brands.
After two decades in the business, Pit Boss now offers a robust line of grills and accessories designed to suit every taste and square footage. From portable models perfect for camping and tailgating to supersized 1000+ square inch smokers, there‘s a Pit Boss grill for every occasion. Pit Boss even offers an entry-level Copperhead model at a head-turning $200-$300 price point. (Take that, charcoal and propane!)
So how does Pit Boss stack up against the original pellet grill pioneer? I‘ve cooked up a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Traeger: The OG Wood Pellet Innovator
Traeger Grills is the grandaddy of this whole pellet party, having invented and patented the first pellet grill back in the 1980s. The origin story has become the stuff of backyard barbecue legend. Founder Joe Traeger was frustrated trying to achieve consistent results with his finicky gas grill, so he hacked an automatic pellet feeder from a wood stove to create a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Traeger‘s original design used an auger to move hardwood pellets from a side-mounted hopper into a firebox, where they were ignited by a hot rod to provide steady, adjustable heat and infuse food with delicious smoky flavor. This innovative fuel system paired with precise digital temperature control revolutionized the grilling game. Suddenly, pellet grilling made it possible to achieve competition-worthy low-and-slow cooking with a level of convenience previously unheard of.
Traeger has continued to set the pace of pellet grill innovation for the last 30+ years. Many newer models feature WiFi and the Trager App for remote monitoring, not to mention an ever-expanding line of accessories and add-ons. Traeger also prioritizes quality construction, with a majority of manufacturing based in the USA.
Of course, all these drool-worthy advancements impact Traeger‘s price point, with their higher-end models retailing for $1500+. Let‘s see how they match up against Pit Boss.
Pellet Grill Head-to-Head: Pit Boss vs Traeger
Time for the main event! Here‘s how some of the most popular Pit Boss and Traeger models compare:
| Model | Cooking Area | Hopper Capacity | Price | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss 700FB | 700 sq in | 21 lbs | $499 | Flame broiler, meat probe |
| Traeger Pro 780 | 780 sq in | 18 lbs | $999 | WiFire controller, dual meat probes |
| Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series | 1158 sq in | 32 lbs | $699 | Sliding plate flame broiler, meat probe |
| Traeger Ironwood 885 | 885 sq in | 20 lbs | $1399 | Pellet sensor, TurboTemp, 2 grill grates |
You‘ll notice that Pit Boss consistently offers more cooking real estate and larger hopper capacity at a lower price point. For example, the Pit Boss 1150 boasts nearly 300 extra square inches and space for a whopping 32 pounds of pellets at a cost of $699, while the smaller Traeger Ironwood 885 runs nearly double at $1399.
However, Traeger justifies their steeper price tags with patented cutting-edge tech. Their WiFire system enables you to control grill temperature, adjust smoke settings, and monitor food temps from your smartphone. "It‘s pretty incredible to roll out of bed, grab your phone, and start preheating your grill while you‘re still in your PJs," says BBQ Geeks pitmaster Darren Benson. "The smart tech makes Traeger a top choice for serious smoked food nerds who want to dial in their cooking."
While Pit Boss offers a standard digital control panel and port for a single meat probe on most models, they‘ve made a strategic choice to focus on fundamentals rather than fancy features. "Our customers tell us they‘d rather have a bigger, sturdier grill with a straightforward design than pay extra for high-tech bells and whistles," says Pit Boss brand manager Rachel Collins. "We‘ve made a commitment to never sacrifice quality or cut corners to hop on the latest trend."
Both brands offer a sliding plate or "sear zone" option on their higher-end models. This allows you to switch from low-and-slow 225°F smoking to high-heat 500°F searing on demand, making the pellet grill even more versatile. "I was a little skeptical of searing on a pellet grill at first, but I‘ve been blown away by the results," says Darren. "I can cook an entire steak dinner on my Traeger Ironwood without ever firing up the gas grill."
Another important consideration is temperature consistency. The Traeger Ironwood and Timberline series feature TurboTemp technology and double-wall insulation, which helps maintain stable temps during long cooks in cold weather. I can attest that my Traeger Timberline holds temp like a champ, even during overnight pork butt smoking sessions in the dead of a Michigan winter. Pit Boss models feature more modest single-wall insulation, so you may notice more fluctuations.
Pit Boss vs Traeger: Value Pick
Winner: Pit Boss Classic 700 Wood Fired Pellet Grill
After weighing all the delicious data, I believe the Pit Boss 700 series delivers the best value in a pellet grill under $500. With 700 square inches of cooking space and a 21-pound pellet hopper, this sturdy, no-frills grill can handle anything from low-and-slow ribs to smoked sides and quick-cooking burgers. The updated digital control panel makes setting your desired temperature a snap.
I‘ve owned the 700FB model for two years and it has dramatically upped my backyard barbecue game. The indirect heat and wood smoke infuse food with incredible flavor that I simply can‘t get from charcoal or gas. I‘ve tested the built-in meat probe against my trusty Thermoworks Smoke and found it‘s accurate within a few degrees, a must for hitting target temps on expensive cuts.
If this grill has a chink in its armor, it‘s the lackluster spring handle and lower storage shelf. They‘re functional, but feel a bit flimsy compared to the tank-like construction of the rest of the grill. The cover Pit Boss sells for this model is also on the thin side, so I‘d suggest springing for a heavy-duty aftermarket option if you plan to keep your 700FB outdoors year-round.
Another potential pitfall: Several of my pellet-loving pals have complained about Pit Boss‘s hit-or-miss customer service. While I can only speak from my own experience, I thankfully haven‘t had to contact their support team yet. They do offer a 5-year limited warranty on their smokers, so save that sales receipt just in case.
Pit Boss vs Traeger: Most Advanced
Winner: Traeger Timberline 1300 WiFi Pellet Grill
If smart tech is your top priority and budget isn‘t a barrier, go with the groundbreaking Traeger Timberline 1300. This grill is a showpiece of innovation with more bells and whistles than a Tesla. Cue the nerd-out!
The Timberline‘s show-stopping feature is the Traeger smart phone app paired with its WiFIRE controller. This dynamic duo allows you to preheat and start the grill remotely, watch pellet levels, read food temps from the built-in meat probe, and tweak settings on the fly, all from your phone. One of my favorite hacks is to throw a pork butt on at midnight, monitor my cooking progress from bed, and wake up to perfectly smoked pulled pork.
The Timberline also boasts a massive 1300 square inches of grilling space spread across three tiers of stainless steel grates. Translation: You can smoke three giant briskets, two pork shoulders, and four racks of ribs at once with room to spare. With 30 pounds of pellet capacity, it can handle an entire day of cooking without a refill.
I splurged on the Timberline a few years back and I have zero regrets. The double-insulated stainless steel construction is second to none and it holds a rock solid temperature in rain, shine, or snow. The only caveat is the learning curve. With so many high-tech features to play with, it can take some trial and error to master your technique.
Traeger‘s white glove delivery and assembly service makes getting started a snap though. "Our crew will drive the grill directly to the customer‘s home, help them pick the perfect patio or deck placement, and handle complete setup," says Traeger sales manager Alexa Thompson. "With an investment like the Timberline, we want to ensure our customers have an incredible experience right out of the gate."
Final Verdict
No matter which brand or model you choose, both Pit Boss and Traeger open up a world of wood-fired flavor previously off limits to the average backyard chef. These pellet grills have been total game changers for my barbecue, allowing me to cook competition-quality cuts with a convenience that fits my busy lifestyle.
Bottom line: If you have champagne taste on a beer budget, go with Pit Boss. Models like the 700 series deliver the core benefits of pellet grilling with a wallet-friendly price tag. If you‘re a gadget guru ready to geek out on cutting edge technology (and have the bankroll to back it up), Traeger is your brand. Whichever one you select, a whole new world of grilling possibilities is about to open up.
Happy smoking!
