Pit Boss Vs Traeger

Pit Boss Vs Traeger

When it comes to pellet grills, there are two big names in the game: Traeger and Pit Boss. Both of these brands offer a range of pellet grills that vary in price, features, and size. So, which one should you buy?

To help you decide, we’ve compared the two brands below. Read on for a breakdown of their pros and cons, as well as our verdict on which one is the better buy.

What is a pellet grill?

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s first take a quick look at what a pellet grill is. A pellet grill is a type of barbecue that uses wood pellets as fuel. The pellets are made from sawdust or other wood waste products, and they are burned in a special chamber to create heat. This heat then cooks the food on the grill.

Pellet grills come in all shapes and sizes, and there are models to suit every budget. They can be used for grilling, smoking, and baking, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

How does a pellet grill work?

Now that you know what a pellet grill is, let’s take a closer look at how they work. Pellet grills have a heating chamber where the pellets are burned. This heat then cooks the food on the grill. Some grills also have an auger, which is used to feed pellets into the heating chamber.

Pellet grills can be adjusted to cook at different temperatures, so you can use them for everything from slow-cooking ribs to searing steaks. They also come with a variety of features, such as digital temperature controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and meat probes.

What are the types of pellet grills?

Pellet grills come in five main types: upright, cabinet, hibachi, offset, and infrared. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type.

Upright pellet grills are the most popular version. They consist of two metal grill plates with a hopper at one end for storing pellets. This means that they tend to be larger than other types of pellet grills, but they also have a greater capacity for large cuts of meat or whole turkeys.

Cabinet-style pellet grills are box-shaped and have an opening on the front where you load your food. They are typically small enough to fit under your countertop, so they’re good if space is limited.

Hibachi-style pellet grills are small and round and have a top and bottom grate that you cook food on. They are best for cooking smaller items like burgers or chicken breasts.

Offset pellet grills are similar to traditional charcoal smokers. They have a firebox on one side and a cooking chamber on the other, which allows you to smoke meat at low temperatures for long periods of time.

Infrared pellet grills use infrared radiation to cook food. This means that they heat up quickly and produce little smoke, making them ideal for people who want the convenience of a pellet grill but don’t want the smoky flavor.

Pit Boss vs Traeger: The history

Traeger

Traeger is a company based in Oregon that produces a range of smokers, grills, and accessories. It was founded in 1985 by Joe Traeger, who invented the first pellet grill after his daughter asked him to make her some smoked ribs for dinner.

The company offers a wide range of products, including barbecues, smokers, grills, and replacement parts. Its most popular model is the Texas Elite 34, which is a gas-powered offset smoker that can also be used as a grill. It also offers several accessories, including an ash tool designed especially for pellet smokers that make it easy to clean your grill between uses.

Pit Boss

Now that we’ve looked at the history and product range of Traeger, it’s time to take a closer look at Pit Boss.

Pit Boss is a company that was founded in 1999. It produces a range of smokers, grills, and accessories. Its most popular model is the Pit Boss 700FB, which is an electric smoker that can also be used as a grill. It also offers several accessories, including an ash tool designed especially for pellet smokers that make it easy to clean your grill between uses.

Traeger vs Pit Boss: The comparison

Now let’s take a look at some of their key differences.

Temperature Control

Both Traeger and Pit Boss offer several models of pellet grills with digital temperature controls. This makes them extremely easy to use: just set the temperature using the buttons on the control panel or mobile app, and the smoker will do the rest.

The problem with Traeger’s digital controls is that they don’t have a Fahrenheit option. In fact, they only offer their smokers in Celsius, which can be annoying for American users who aren’t familiar with the metric system. You can switch between these two scales using a button on the control panel or mobile app, but it would be nice if there was a more formal toggle for this feature so you didn’t have to remember how to change it every time you use the smoker.

Temperature Range

One area where Traeger grills really shine is their temperature range. They have models that can reach temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considerably higher than the maximum temperature offered by Pit Boss (450 degrees).

This makes them a better choice for smoking meats at higher temperatures, or for using as an oven rather than just a grill. However, it’s worth noting that the Pit Boss SGX model does offer a wide temperature range of 160-425 degrees, so it’s still suitable for most cooking tasks.

Versatility

Many people think that pellet smokers and grills are only good for smoking meats, but this isn’t the case. They can also grill, roast, braise, bake, and barbecue: in fact, some models offer a dual-fuel system that lets you switch between propane and charcoal.

The advantage of having such a broad range of cooking options is that it makes the smoker much more versatile. For example, if you want to make pizza on your Traeger, you simply remove the upper cooking grate and place it directly on top of the heat deflector plate underneath: then set the temperature to 230 degrees Fahrenheit and load up your pizza dough. This makes it easy to use your pellet grill as an oven or stovetop.

Pit Boss offers a few smokers with dual-fuel systems, but they’re not as common as those from Traeger. Additionally, their grills are mostly limited to charcoal and propane, so you can’t use them for baking or roasting.

Cooking Surface

Cooking surface area is another important consideration when choosing a pellet smoker. Models with larger cooking areas can accommodate more food at once, which makes them great for hosting parties or cooking for a large group of family and friends.

Traeger smokers and grills tend to be on the smaller side in this category: many models have less than 700 square inches of cooking space, while Pit Boss has several models that offer over 1,000 square inches.

The main benefit of having such a large cooking area is that it allows you to use your grill as an oven rather than just a grill: you can bake or broil food inside the smoker itself by adjusting the temperature accordingly. However, we should note that some Traeger models do offer up to 875 square inches of cooking space, so they’re not entirely lacking in this area.

If you plan on smoking food for a lot of people, this means that Pit Boss might be the better choice, since the larger cooking surfaces mean you won’t need to load up two or three shelves with meat every time you host a barbecue party. However, if your needs are more modest, you can go with Traeger and not worry about it.

Ease of Use

One area where Traeger really shines is the ease of use. This basically boils down to two things: their digital controllers, which are extremely easy to set up and use; and their mobile app, which makes checking the temperature or setting up your cooking schedule easier than ever before.

It’s worth pointing out that this applies mainly to their premium models (and particularly the ones with Bluetooth connectivity), so if you opt for something like a Tailgater or Lil’ Tex Elite, you might need some time to get used to using them.

With Pit Boss, most people tend to be more satisfied with how easy they are to use once they get the hang of them. That said, there are some complaints about how difficult it can be to navigate the control panel, so this is something you might want to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing a Pit Boss smoker.

Maintenance

One thing to consider is how much maintenance each smoker requires. Traeger smokers are notorious for requiring a lot of cleaning and upkeep, while Pit Boss smokers are a bit more low-maintenance in this regard.

For the most part, Traeger models require regular cleaning of the cooking grates, grease trap, and firepot in order to keep them performing at their best. This can be a bit of a pain if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, but it’s worth noting that their products do come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pit Boss smokers, on the other hand, only require you to clean the ash catcher every few uses – and even then, it’s not a difficult process. Overall, they’re much easier to take care of, which can be a big plus if you don’t have the time to spend on regular maintenance.

Hopper Capacity

Another consideration when choosing a smoker is how many pellets fuel the smoker’s hopper can hold. This will determine how long the smoker can run without needing to be refilled, so it’s an important factor to keep in mind if you don’t want to be constantly interrupted by having to refuel your smoker.

Traeger smokers have a relatively large hopper capacity, ranging from 18-22 pounds of pellets, while Pit Boss smokers offer a more modest 10-12 pound capacity. This means that Traeger smokers can run for longer periods of time without needing to be refilled, making them a better choice if you plan on cooking for extended periods of time.

Construction Quality

We come to construction quality: this is another area where Pit Boss and Traeger tend to differ. With both of these models, you can expect them to last several years even with heavy use, as long as they’re properly cared for.

However, the materials used in the construction and design of each smoker is what really makes a difference here:

This means that Pit Boss grills will generally be sturdier and more durable than those produced by Traeger – especially when it comes to things like body panels or handles. This might not seem like a big deal at first glance (and most Pit Boss grills are around the same price as their Traeger counterparts), until you realize how often you need to touch these parts with your hands.

Some materials used in the construction of Traeger smokers, like plastic handles, have been known to break or melt after extended use. So, if you’re looking for a smoker that will last you for years without any major issues, Pit Boss is the better option.

Extra Features

This is another area where Traeger smokers tend to have the upper hand, as they come with a variety of features that Pit Boss smokers simply don’t have.

These features can include things like Wi-Fi connectivity, digital temperature gauges, meat probes, and Bluetooth controls – all of which make smoking food easier and more convenient than ever before.

Of course, not everyone needs these features (or even wants them), so it’s important to keep in mind what you’re looking for before making your purchase. If you know you want a smoker with Wi-Fi connectivity, for example, then Traeger is the obvious choice.

However, if you don’t care about having these extra features, then a Pit Boss smoker is a more affordable option that still offers good quality and performance.

Warranty

The warranty is another important consideration when choosing a grill, since it helps protect against potential manufacturing defects. With Pit Boss, you can expect to get your smoker replaced in case there are any issues with the construction or materials that make up the product.

Traeger’s warranty doesn’t cover problems that happen during normal use of the smoker (like if the paint chips), but they do offer protection in case anything happens during shipping or assembly. This isn’t ideal for most people, though – even if something goes wrong with your Traeger, you might have to pay extra to have it fixed or replaced under their warranty program.

Price

One of the most significant differences between a Pit Boss and a Traeger is the price.

As mentioned before, Pit Boss grills are usually more affordable than their Traeger counterparts – even though they tend to be slightly larger. If you’re looking for a mid-sized smoker with plenty of cooking space, then this can allow you to save some money without compromising on quality or features.

If you’re willing to splurge on your new grill, then there are even Pit Boss models that are cheaper than most entry-level Traeger grills. Just keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t always mean better when it comes to smokers – sometimes spending extra can get you more features and better performance out of your grill.

Which one should I go for?

Now we know all about Pit Boss and Traeger, it’s time to find out who comes out on top in this battle. Let’s take a look at some of their areas of strength:

Traeger has been producing pellet smokers since 1985, making it one of the oldest companies in this field. This experience means that they have developed a range of high-quality products that are popular among barbecue enthusiasts.

Pit Boss is a newer company, but it has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality products. Its gas-powered grills are especially impressive, and they come with a range of features that make them ideal for tailgating or camping.

In the end, it’s hard to say definitively which company is better. They both have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to personal preference.

 

FAQs

How much does a Traeger cost?

The average price for a Traeger smoker is around $400. 

How much does a Pit Boss cost?

Pit Boss smokers usually range from $175 to $300, depending on the model and features you want.

Is a Pit Boss smoker good for beginners?

If you’re just starting out with smoking meat, then you should probably go with a cheaper option like the Pit Boss. Remember that cheap doesn’t always mean bad when it comes to smokers, and while there are some entry-level Pit Boss models that underperform compared to Traeger grills, they tend to be more affordable.

How long will a Traeger or a Pit Boss pellet grill last?

Traeger grills come with a one-year warranty, while Pit Boss smokers usually have a 90-day warranty. Traeger smokers are designed for smoking meat, while the Pit Boss is good for both smoking and grilling. The best pellets for Traegers or Pit Boss smokers are hickory, mesquite, and applewood. Both Traeger and Pit Boss smokers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re taken care of.

What is the easiest way to clean a Pit Boss or a Traeger grill?

The easiest way to clean your Pit Boss or any other pellet grill is simply by removing ash from the fire pot after you finish cooking. The ash creates a barrier between the fire and food so that it doesn’t burn onto the grates directly. Simply let everything cool off completely before removing the ash from the grill grate, then clean as usual with soap and water and a scrub brush (if necessary). After that, follow these steps:

1) Drain the bottom ash tray by tilting it and pouring the ashes out into a trash can or other container.

2) Using a long-handled brush, sweep all the grates clean of any remaining ash.

3) Thoroughly rinse the entire grill with water, making sure to get inside all the nooks and crannies.

4) Let the grill dry completely before using or storing.

That’s it! Your grill is now ready for your next smoking adventure. Enjoy!

How long does it take to clean a Traeger or Pit Boss?

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to clean a Traeger or Pit Boss smoker, not including the time it takes for everything to cool down completely. Just be sure to follow the steps listed above for the best results.

Can I use any type of wood in my Traeger or Pit Boss?

You can use any type of wood that you like in your Traeger or Pit Boss smoker, but some woods are better than others. The most popular types of wood for smoking include hickory, mesquite, apple, pecan, maple, and cherry. experiment with different types to see what you like best.

Do Traeger grills need to be plugged in?

No, Traeger grills do not need to be plugged in after they are initially set up. They run off of wood pellets which can be placed into the grill for cooking and then removed once your food is finished cooking.

Can I leave my Traeger or Pit Boss grill outside?

No, you should always store your grill inside a garage or shed in a safe place. Leaving it outside is not recommended because extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your smoker and even cause damage to the exterior. If you must leave it outside overnight for some reason, make sure that you cover it securely with a tarp to keep it from getting wet.

If I use my Traeger or Pit Boss inside, will smoke go everywhere?

Pellet smokers work best in an open environment where smoke can escape freely without being obstructed by walls or other objects. This ensures that heat and smoke have enough room to circulate so that food cooks evenly and doesn’t taste smoky when finished. Traeger grills are equipped with a pellet vent system that allows you to direct the flow of air around your grill, controlling how much smoke is released into your home.

Will Traeger or Pit Boss grills rust?

There is a very small chance that your Traeger or Pit Boss grill may rust if it is not stored or cleaned properly. Be sure to keep your grill in a dry place and clean it regularly with soap and water to prevent any problems. If rust does occur, you can remove it easily with a wire brush or steel wool.

Is there an attachment I can purchase to make my Traeger or Pit Boss portable?

Yes! Some owners like to purchase an attachable/detachable wagon with their smoker so they can move the grill around more easily. This is not a necessary purchase, but it can be helpful if you have a large yard or want to take your smoker on camping trips.

What are the dimensions of a Traeger or Pit Boss?

Traeger and Pit Boss grills have similar dimensions. The most common size for these smokers is about 34 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 44 inches tall. These sizes can vary slightly depending on where you purchase your grill from, but this is a good guideline to go off of. You can also look up the specific dimensions of your model from the owner’s manual that came with it.

Are Traeger and Pit Boss grills difficult to assemble?

Traeger and Pit Boss grills come 85-90% assembled. There are some parts that do require assembly, but this is usually very easy and should only take about 15 minutes with simple tools. The company includes detailed instructions in each box so you will know exactly what you need to do when putting your grill together for the first time.

Is it possible to cook a pizza on a Traeger or Pit Boss grill?

Yes! You can easily cook bread, pizzas, and other similar dishes with your Traeger or Pit Boss grill. One of the best things about pellet grills is that you can easily adjust how high you want your heat to be in order to get the perfect crispiness for any type of food. If you are cooking a pizza, just keep the heat around 400 degrees to ensure that it cooks evenly. You can even try out some of these tasty pizza recipes on your Traeger or Pit Boss!

What are some common problems with Traeger and Pit Boss grills?

The most common problems with Traeger and Pit Boss grills are that the pellets can jam in the auger, the igniter may not work, or the digital controller may not be functioning properly. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is best to contact customer service so they can help you troubleshoot the problem. Most of these problems are easily fixed, but it is helpful to have some knowledge of how your smoker works before you need to call for help.

How do I know when my Traeger or Pit Boss is preheated?

If you are using a pellet grill, there is no need to wait for it to preheat. Light the desired number of pellets in the hopper, set your desired temperature, and start cooking! You can use an oven thermometer to get an accurate reading of how hot your grill is getting while you are cooking.

What do I do if my Traeger or Pit Boss is smoking too much?

The most likely cause of your smoker smoking too much is that you are not using enough pellets. This can happen if the grill has just been assembled if it’s cold outside, or you have never used it before. Since this happens right after you assemble the grill, make sure that you have followed all instructions in the manual for assembly and use. If your smoker still smokes too much when it is hot outside, check to make sure there are no holes in the mesh on the bottom of the grill where ash falls through. Sometimes this happens during shipping and your smoker will smoke excessively until it warms up outside or until holes are worn into the mesh. Make sure you have filled your hopper with enough pellets to last the length of time you are cooking for, and always use a water pan when cooking.

How to use a pellet grill for beginners?

Setting up your Pit Boss or Traeger grill. It’s easy. All you need is wood chips (hickory, mesquite, apple), cold meat, and some fire-lighter cubes or an electric smoker starter. Keep the lid closed until the charcoal in the basket turns greyish-white ash with thick smoke coming out of it. At this point, burn off the remaining fire-lighters and open the lid. Place 1/3 to 1/2 filled basket of lit coals into your smoker at no more than 2 inches from top – this will allow for steady air flow and good air circulation throughout the cooking process; fill the basket with smoking wood chips or chunks of your choice. You can also buy some electric fire-lighters, but they’re expensive and not recommended by most grilling experts.

Now, place the meat you want to smoke on the grill grates over unlit coals – that’s it! Close lid for 10 minutes or until temperature reaches 225 degrees F (107 degrees C). Adjust the temperature with air vents on top of the smoker by removing all coals from the cooking chamber completely if the temperature is too high. Re-install lit coals at about 4″ distance from the top once the temperature drops below 200F (93C) – this will allow hot air to circulate evenly inside your grill for the slower cooking process; re-fill the basket with a suitable amount of smoking wood chips/chunks. Smoke at 225-250 degrees F (110-121 degrees C) for 3 to 4 hours, using a meat thermometer probe to constantly check the internal temperature of your meat. 

When done, remove the food from the smoker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Now that you know how to clean a pellet grill, you can get started on those delicious smoked meats! Just make sure to keep the exterior of your smoker clean and free of any residue, and be sure to dry everything completely before putting it back together or using your grill again. Happy smoking!

How to maintain a smoker grill?

As with most grills, it’s important to regularly apply a light coat of oil or cooking spray to the inside of your smoker grill. This will help ensure that food doesn’t stick during the smoking process, and it will also prevent any rusting or corrosion of the metal parts. It’s also essential that you keep your smoker clean after each use – this means taking off any ash or residues that accumulate on its body. Once there is no longer any residue left on the interior walls, you can proceed to lightly wash them with some hot water. After rinsing the ash away, make sure everything is thoroughly dry before putting it back together (or using your grill).

Do I need to get a cover for my grill?

Yes, if you want your grill to last for years and protect it from the elements. You can use a regular tarp, but make sure you get one that is specifically made for a pellet grill. Regular tarps will eventually warp under high heat and expose your smoker to moisture which can rust the metals and even ruin the electronics over time if left untreated. Covering your grill with an official Traeger or Pit Boss cover will protect it against rain, snow, dust, and debris while also keeping it clean and giving it a more professional look when stored outdoors.

How often should I change pellets?

Traeger and Pit Boss recommend that you change your pellets every 2-3 months, or whenever the smoke becomes less flavorful. This will ensure that your food tastes as good as possible each time you cook. You can purchase pellet refills from most hardware stores or online retailers.

What do I do if my pellets are not igniting?

If you have been using the grill regularly without any problems and all of a sudden your pellets are not igniting, it is likely that the igniter has gone out. This can be easily fixed by purchasing a replacement igniter from the company. If you have never had any issues with your grill before and this only happens occasionally, there may be something blocking the auger from feeding the pellets to the burn pot. Check to make sure that the pellets are not jamming in the auger and that there is nothing obstructing their path.

What temperature should I smoke my meat at?

You should always maintain a temperature range of 225-250 degrees F (107-121 degrees C) while using a pellet smoker like a Traeger or Pit Boss. This will allow you to slowly cook your meats through and make them nice and tender. If you find that the heat is too high, simply open vents on top of your smoker or adjust the bottom vent to release some hot air. It is recommended that you regularly check the temperature inside your grill with an oven-safe meat thermometer probe to ensure that your food is cooked evenly and safely.

 

Conclusion

In the end, the decision of which pellet grills to buy comes down to personal preference. Both Traeger and Pit Boss offer good quality grills that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding backyard chefs, so it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a grill. Do you need extra features? Is hopper capacity important to you? How important is construction quality?

Think about these things before making your purchase, and you’re sure to find the perfect pellet grill for your needs.

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