Pit Boss vs Traeger: 2023 Pellet Grill Reviews

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Pellet grills are a relatively common choice nowadays, thanks to their versatility. They provide authentic wood smoke flavor, yet they do not require you to babysit by the stick burner. Choosing the right pellet grill is the first step toward the best cooking experience.

The most popular pellet grills are Pit Boss and Traeger. These brands have proven to be not only reliable and durable but also worth your money. Understanding what they bring to the table ensures you choose between these two. Here are a few insights to keep in mind.

Pit Boss vs Traeger Comparison

Pit Boss is a premium pellet grill whose sturdy construction ensures stability and durability. While it comes at a price, this grill provides you with the satisfaction and service you envision. These wood pellet grills provide you with a premium image too. With this brand, you are sure of the ultimate experience and value for money.

Traeger is another top-notch pellet grill with incredible stability and longevity thanks to its sturdy construction. Its wooden structure highlights elegance and style. This brand lost its patent in 2006, resulting in many new entrants in the market. While it was later renewed, its initial owner, Joe Traeger, works with its fiercest rival, Pit Boss.

Brand History

Pit Boss

The Pit Boss brand was founded in 1999 as a subsidiary of Dansons Inc. Its first entry into the market made it easier to attract a relatively significant fanbase. It also helped improve affordability while providing premium quality products.

Initially, they manufactured their products in the United States. However, they had to move to China to gain a competitive edge.

Pit Boss provides grills ranging from pellet smokers and propane smokers.

Traeger

Conversely, Joe Traeger started the Traeger brand in 1986. It provides multiple lines, allowing you to choose something that suits you best. This brand is suitable for those on a budget.

While at it, you will be sure of a premium feel, thanks to the top-notch materials used. It also comes with robust construction, guaranteeing enhanced stability and longevity.

Comparison

Pit Boss comes with various distinctive features, and so does Traeger. Understanding what each brand brings to the table helps form logical conclusions in the long run.

Here is a breakdown of what each option provides.

Price

If you are looking for an affordable option, the Pit Boss brand will be your ultimate choice. This brand focuses on consumers on a budget. Typically, their products range between $500 and $750, which is relatively affordable.

However, you could also opt for high-end Pit Boss pellet grills, which cost over $750.

Traeger is a little pricy, yet it provides value for money. This brand has multiple pellet grill models in the market, costing over $600. Some of their products could cost you up to over $2000.

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Construction

Undoubtedly, the construction of your chosen model will always determine its longevity and stability. It often depends on the materials used in the building process.

Notably, Traeger minimized labor costs and focused on using premium materials when moving their production process to China. For this reason, it assures you of more solid construction. You can quickly get something made from stainless steel.

While Pit Boss assures you of top-notch materials and enhanced longevity, its construction is relatively flimsy. However, that should not mean that its stability is questionable.

Temperature Control

Maintaining the desired temperature in your pellet grill ensures you get the best food in the long run. With excellent temperature control, you are confident of unrivaled food and grill performance. Focusing on a brand that provides excellent temperature control and insulation would be best.

Pit Boss offers you multiple models that feature excellent insulation and temperature control. Some of its models highlight double insulation, which helps maintain better heat levels in the grill.

On the other hand, Traeger allows you to choose between double insulation and single-layered steel. Double insulation comes in handy when using your grill on cold days.

Its digital controls will enable you to alternate temperatures whenever necessary. Choosing a device that allows you to access the power knobs without too much struggle would be best.

Temperature Range

There is no denying that you need the maximum temperature range whenever you handle your food. The best temperature range would be beyond 400 degrees Fahrenheit as you grill. A brand that maxes its temperature range at this level will offer incredible grilling experiences.

Notably, Pit Boss assures you a maximum temperature range of 170 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is hot enough to grill your food within the shortest time possible. However, if you are looking for a steady operation, 500 Fahrenheit will be ideal.

This temperature range allows Pit Boss models to grill over an open flame. Its role in enhancing moisture retention implies that you get crispy food in the long run.

On the other hand, Traeger burns to about 450 degrees. This figure is relatively common among the Pro series models. However, some Traeger models can burn up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, assuring you of the best grilling experience.

Most experts suggest that you maintain a 500-degree Fahrenheit temperature range at this time. This temperature is ideal for delicate food.

Pellet Hopper Size

The pellet hopper size helps determine how long your grill will last on one full hopper. These pellet hoppers are usually measured in pounds, depending on how many pellets they can carry at once. These pellet hoppers vary in dimensions and density; choosing the biggest will be the right thing to do.

Pit Boss models seem to be much bigger than what Traeger offers. You will also be free to choose from a relatively wide variety of options. Since the sizes vary, it becomes easier for you to choose something within your budget. This brand assures you of 40-pound pellet hoppers. The pellets can burn for 24 hours.

On the other hand, Traeger comes with much smaller pellet hopper sizes. This aspect implies that it will burn much shorter in the long run. Depending on the model, these sizes often vary between 10 and 18 pounds.

Cooking Space

Unless you choose a sizable pellet grill, you will end up disappointed. Usually, the sizes will range between 450 and 500 square inches, depending on the brand or model. Here are a few insights into these two competing brands.

Pit Boss comes with a compact design, meaning it will take much less space yet provide enough cooking space. Its vertical design allows you to use it anywhere, including in small backyards. Besides, you can choose from the various portable pellet grills at your disposal. You will fall in love with its impressive footprint ratio.

On the other hand, Traeger allows you to maximize your expansive space. While they occupy a little more space, they do not compromise your overall experience in the long run. Its impressive footprint ratio makes it an excellent choice.

Warranty

A warranty often gives insights into how much you will spend maintaining your pellet grills. Choosing a pellet grill with an extended warranty will always be invaluable, as it means you are not likely to spend money on maintenance soon.

Traeger provides you with a comprehensive warranty that lasts up to three years. Comparatively, Pit Boss boasts a 5-year warranty duration. For that reason, you might want to consider Pit Boss if you want lower maintenance costs and enhanced longevity.

The Best From Each Brand

Choosing the right pellet grill can be a challenge for most people. Usually, it would be best to understand your options from each brand, as it helps save you many loops. Here are some of the top choices you could consider.


Pit Boss 1150G Navigator Series Pellet Grill

Specs:

  • Unit Dimensions (LxWxH): 64 x 37 x 47 in
  • Grill Size (HxWxD): 47 x 54 x 27 in
  • Weight: 185 lb
  • Grilling Area: 1,158 sq in
  • Hopper Capacity: 32 lb
  • Power Source: Wood
  • Color: Black
  • Warranty: 5 years

Pit Boss1159G Navigator Series Pellet Grill is a gem you cannot overlook, from its solid structure to its impressive temperature range. This model comes with four rolling casters, ensuring you have a relatively easy time grilling your food.

This pellet grill provides you with an excellent temperature range. You will control the level between 180 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is good enough to assure you of the best results. Moreover, its 1,158 square-inch cooking space allows you to move freely during the cooking experience.

It also comes with a flame broiler. This element allows you to directly flame-grill your food. Moreover, its digitally-controlled board implies you can keep the temperature level in check without too much struggle.

Its robust construction plays a significant role in boosting its longevity. Thanks to the premium materials used to make it, this pellet grill provides stability and reliability, regardless of the weather condition.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Ease of use
  • The robust structure guarantees you unrivaled longevity
  • Gives your food an authentic flavor
Cons
  • Its thermometer might not last for long

Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill


Specs:

  • Unit Dimensions (LxWxH): 53 x 27 x 47 in
  • Grill Size (HxWxD): 47 x 54 x 27 in
  • Weight: 175 lb
  • Grilling Area: 885 sq in
  • Hopper Capacity: 20 lb
  • Power Source: Wood
  • Color: Black
  • Warranty: 3 years

If you are a fan of Traeger, this model will directly compare to the Pit Boss Austin XL. Its advanced features and technology will assure you of an incredible cooking experience.

This product comes with robust construction, assuring you of reliability and durability. Its stainless steel construction can withstand severe weather conditions and constant abuse. Typically, this device comes with a relatively exquisite design, highlighting style, and elegance.

It comes with double insulation, allowing you to grill from wherever you are and under whatever temperature. This double insulation ensures enhanced consistency and pellet efficiency as you grill your food.

You will appreciate its WiFIRE technology, which helps control your grill at all times. This technology implies you can rely on the Traeger app to control your grill. Moreover, the app gives you access to thousands of recipes to try.

It also comes with a digital meat probe, a technology that allows you to monitor your food’s internal temperature. That means you do not have to lift the lid whenever you want to check the temperature.

Pros
  • Provides you access to advanced technology
  • Allows you to grill from wherever you are, and regardless of the weather
  • Its impressive sensor ensures that your food does not get compromised during the cooking process
  • It comes with grill tool hooks
Cons
  • It is less affordable

What is the Best Option?

There is no denying that you should focus on something that gives you value for the money. A good pellet grill must provide you with the durability, reliability, and affordability you deserve. Comparing the two brands, Pit Boss stands out.

The Pit Boss brand is relatively affordable. Its durability is thanks to the premium materials used to construct it. As if that is not enough, this brand provides an excellent warranty, ensuring that you can easily maintain your pellet grill. With affordability and durability, you will surely have enhanced value for money.

Yet, if you are looking for stability and reliability, Traeger will come in handy. This option is less affordable. However, it will provide you with the satisfaction you desire. You will also be sure of more advanced features in the long run.

Conclusion

Pit Boss and Traeger are some top brands that make pellet grills. Their fierce rivalry has helped improve the quality of services you get from their products. Most of their products are relatively comparative, yet the price difference is incredible.

While Pit Boss is suitable for anyone on a budget, Traeger always provides unmatched technology. Choosing between these two is hard. However, Pit Boss will readily provide you with value for money anytime. You could make it your top choice today!

Bobby Johnson

When he's not writing about barbecue, you can find Bobby smoking meat for friends and family. He's been a backyard pitmaster for roughly half his life, and has worked with nearly every cut of meat. Not everyone has a hands-on guide to teach them BBQ, but that's what Bobby hopes to do with Electric Smoker HQ. He wants to help people create amazing food that they can be proud of.