Pit Boss Vs Traeger Reviews in 2022: Unequal Battle

Choosing the right smoker for you can be a daunting task. Do you want a gas or charcoal smoker? And if you choose charcoal, which type? Stick or offset? These are all critical questions to ask yourself before making your purchase. In this blog post, we will compare two of the most popular smokers on the market: the Pit Boss vs Traeger. We’ll break down each smoker’s features and benefits to help you decide which is best for you. So let’s get started!

Pit Boss vs. Traeger: Brand Overview

Traeger Grills

Joe Traeger created the first wood-fired pellet grill in 1985 and has been leading the industry ever since. Traeger grills are known for their ease of use and consistent results. Their grills use 100% pure hardwood pellets to create that perfect smoky flavor we all crave. Traeger grills are also some of the most versatile on the market, able to go from searing a steak to smoking a brisket with just a few simple steps.

Traeger Grills Advantages:

  • America’s original and most popular pellet grill brand.
  • Consistent results and create amazing wood-fired flavor.
  • The controls and effortless operation are simple.
  • Versatile cooking options.

Traeger Pellet Grills & Smokers Series:

  • Timberline Series: Timberline 850.
  • Ironwood Series: Ironwood 650.
  • Pro Series: Traeger Pro Series 34, Traeger Grills Pro Series 575, or Pro Series 780
  • Portable Grill Series: Traeger Tailgater 20.

Pit Boss Grills

In 1999, Dan Thiessen and sons Jeff and Jordan founded Dansons, the parent company of Pit Boss Grills. Pit Boss was created to provide the same quality grill as a high-end brand but at a fraction of the cost. And they have succeeded! Pit Boss grills are known for their affordability and great features, like their “set it and forget it” temperature control system.

Pit Boss Grills Advantages:

  • Durable construction
  • Versatile cooking options.
  • These pellet smokers are simple to operate because of a digital control board.
  • More competitive price than Traeger.

Top Pit Boss Pellet Grills & Smokers Series:

  • Wood Pellet: Pit Boss Austin XL, Pit Boss PB440D2, 700FB Wood Pellet Grill, PIT BOSS 10762 5 Burner Gas Griddle.
  • Vertical Smokers: PIT BOSS PB5000SP Wood Pellet Smoker.
  • Portables: Pit Boss Portable Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle.
  • Pellet/Gas Combo: Pit Boss Navigator Pellet/Gas Combo Grill.

Pit Boss and Traeger: The Similarities

Pit Boss and Traeger: The Similarities
Pit Boss and Traeger: The Similarities

Now that we’ve looked at each brand individually let’s compare some of the key features of the Pit Boss vs Traeger.

Both Smokers Use Wood Pellets for Fuel

One of the main similarities between these two smokers is that they use wood pellets for fuel. This means that they are both environmentally friendly and create very little ash. Wood pellets are also a very efficient fuel source, so you’ll get more bang for your buck with either of these smokers.

Digital Controls

Another similarity between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers is that they both have digital controls. This makes them very easy to operate and gives you greater control over the cooking process. With digital controls, you can set the temperature and forget about it, knowing that your food will be perfectly cooked.

These Smokers are Very Versatile

Another similarity between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers is that they are both very versatile. You can use them for smoking, grilling, baking, and even roasting. So no matter what your cooking needs are, neither of these smokers will be able to handle it.

Pit Boss vs Traeger: The Differences

We’ve looked at some similarities between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers; let’s take a look at some of the key differences.

Pit Boss Smokers Are More Affordable

One of the main differences between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers is the price. Pit Boss smokers are more affordable than Traeger smokers, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers.

Grill Construction

Pit Boss vs. Traeger: Grill Construction
Pit Boss vs. Traeger: Grill Construction

Another difference between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers is the product’s construction. Pit Boss grills are made with heavy-duty steel, while Traeger grills are made with full double-wall stainless steel.

Double-wall insulation and highest-level, even further insulation improve heat retention and temperature control in Traeger mid-range grills.

While Pitboss, with a lower price, cannot make a product with too good quality, Traeger has an advantage in this part. Only one of the Pit Boss grills Kihei Dynasty investigated, a vertical smoker, had double walls.

Ease of Use

Both brands offer easy-to-use smokers that are great for beginners or experienced pit masters alike. Traegers use a simple igniter to get started, while Pit Boss smokers have an electronic auto-start ignition.

Temperature Control

Both brands offer excellent temperature control, but Traegers use a Pro Controller that allows for more precise temperature regulation. Pit Boss smokers have a set and forget-it feature that is great for those who don’t want to fiddle with the temperature too much.

The Pit Boss Copperhead pellet smokers have double-walled, cold-rolled steel smoking chambers that efficiently trap heat and smoke. At the same time, the Pro Series also offers double-wall insulation, which many of the lower-end Pro Series do not (most of the lower-end Pro Series doesn’t). However, according to experts, Traeger has a slight advantage in terms of better temperature control than Pit Boss.

Temperature Range

Pit Boss smokers have a temperature range of 180-500 degrees Fahrenheit, while Traegers have a temperature range of 165-500 degrees Fahrenheit.

This means that the lower temperature range of the Traegers are better for slow cooking and smoking.

In terms of controls, Pit Boss has a serious disadvantage. The easy-to-use temperature knob goes up in 25-degree increments but skips a few. It goes as follows: 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 475.

Portability

Both brands offer smokers that are easy to transport, but the Pit Boss smoker is the more portable of the two. It has wheels and a handle for easy moving, while the Traeger smoker is a bit bulkier.

Size

Both brands offer smokers in a range of sizes so that you can find one perfect for your needs. The Pit Boss smoker comes in with 721 – 1,851 sq. inches of cooking space, while the Traeger Smoker is available in 572 – 1,300 sq. inches.

So, in terms of cooking space, Pitboss will dominate in this part which is great for large gatherings or parties.

Pellet Hopper Capacity

The Pit Boss smoker has a 35 or 60-pound hopper capacity, while the Traeger smoker has an 18 – 24 pound hopper capacity.

This means that the Pit Boss smoker can hold more pellets than the Traeger, which is great if you’re smoking for an extended period of time.

Pellet Hopper Cleanout

The Traeger smoker has an easy-to-clean pellet hopper, while the Pit Boss smoker requires you to remove the pellets manually.

This means that the Traeger smoker is easier to clean than the Pit Boss, which is excellent if you want to spend less time cleaning your smoker.

Smoke Flavor

Both brands produce great smoke flavor, but Traegers use 100% pure hardwood pellets to create that perfect smoky flavor. Pit Boss smokers use a blend of hardwood and softwood pellets, so the smoke flavor is not as intense.

Warranty

The Pit Boss smoker has a 5-year warranty, while the Traeger smoker has a 3-year warranty. However, with Pit Boss, you give up several features that many enjoy as Excellent App and WiFi connectivity. Unlike Pit Boss, most Traeger grill models now come with WiFire technology.

Top Pit Boss Grills & Smokers

Pit Boss Austin XL

Pros and Cons of Pit Boss Austin XL 1000

The Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 is a top-of-the-line pellet grill that offers both direct flame grilling and smoking capability. With over 1000 square inches of porcelain-coated cooking surface, this grill is perfect for large gatherings or for those who like to cook a lot at once.

The digital control board with LED read-out and meat probe makes it easy to monitor your food, while the innovative flame broiler ensures even cooking. The 31 lb hopper with a purge system makes it easy to keep your grill going, and the four rolling casters make it easy to move around.

The stainless steel side table with a removable serving tray is a great feature, as it provides extra prep space and can be easily removed for cleaning.

Pit Boss PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill is made of premium gauge stainless steel and features a digital control board with LED readout, two large wheels, and a removable side shelf/serving tray.

It also has a fan-forced convection cooking system, direct and indirect heat, and porcelain-coated cooking grates. The hopper capacity is 5 LBS and the cooking surface is 465 square inches.

Pit Boss 72700S Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss 72700S Pellet Grill is the latest addition to the Pit Boss line of grills. It is a 700-square-inch grill that uses porcelain-coated cast iron grids and has a digitally controlled burn system.

The 72700S is fueled by 100% natural wood pellets and has a flame broiler that facilitates direct and indirect cooking. The cooking temperature on the 72700S ranges from 180-500°F making it a great grill for BBQ, baking, braising, grilling, roasting, smoking, char-grilling, and searing.

Top Traeger Grills

Traeger Pro Series 575

What Can You Make in the Traeger Grills Pro Series 575
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 is the best-selling pellet grill on the market. It is also the most versatile, with 6-in-1 capabilities to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on the same grill.

The Pro 575 takes it to the next level with precise temperature control, WiFIRE technology that connects your grill to home WiFi, and Alexa voice control.

The Porcelain grill grates make clean-up a breeze, and the 575 sq in of grilling space can accommodate twenty-four burgers, five-rib racks, or four chickens effortlessly. With the built-in meat probe, you can cook to perfection every time.

IronWood 650 Pellet Grill

The IronWood 650 Pellet Grill by Traeger brings wood-fired taste to your backyard. With the ability to hit 500 degrees Fahrenheit, this grill can do it all–from grilling and smoking to baking and roasting. And with WiFiRE technology, you can control the grill from anywhere using the Traeger app or your voice with Alexa. The Porcelain grill grates make clean-up a breeze.

The Ironwood 650 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on the same grill.

Timberline Series 850

The Timberline 850 Wifi Pellet Grill and Smoker is the ultimate cooking machine. With three tiers of stainless-steel grates, fully insulated construction, and WiFIRE technology, this grill is capable of anything.

The D2 Grill Controller maintains consistent temperatures, while the Pellet Sensor ensures there are always enough pellets in the hopper. The Traeger Downdraft system circulates air evenly throughout the cooking chamber, making sure every meal is cooked to perfection.

FAQs

Q. Which Smoker is More Portable, Pit Boss Or Traeger?

A. The Pit Boss smoker is more portable than the Traeger smoker. It has wheels and a handle for easy moving, while the Traeger smoker is a bit bulkier.

Q. Which Smoker is Easier to Clean, Pit Boss or Traeger?

A. The Traeger smoker has an easy-to-clean pellet hopper, while the Pit Boss smoker requires you to remove the pellets manually. The Traeger smoker is easier to clean than the Pit Boss.

Q. Which Smoker Has a Better Warranty, Traeger Or Pit Boss?

A. The Pit Boss smoker has a 5-year warranty, while the Traeger smoker has a 3-year warranty.

Q. Is Pit Boss Owned by Traeger?

No, Pit Boss is not owned by Traeger. They are two separate companies.

Q. Are Pit Boss Made in China?

A. Yes, Pit Boss Grills are made in China and then imported to the United States. Pit Boss, on the other hand, offers high-quality grills at reasonable pricing.

Q. Is Traeger Made in USA?

A. No, Traeger is not made in the USA. Today all Traeger pellet grills are made in China. However, the company does have offices and warehouses in Sale Lake City, Utah, US.

Q. Where Can I Download App Traeger?

A. The Traeger app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/traeger/id1094569463

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.traegergrills.app

Q. What is the Difference Between a Smoker And a Grill?

A. A smoker is a type of grill that uses wood pellets or charcoal to create smoke, which flavor the food. On the other hand, a grill uses direct heat to cook the food.

Q. Can You Use a Traeger in the Rain?

A. You can use your Traeger grill in most weather conditions, including rain and snow. You may encounter some variances, but none will significantly impact your grilling experience.

Q. Can You Use a Pitboss in the Rain?

A. Contrary to Traeger, you should not use PitBoss in rainy conditions, even if the rain is light.

Pit Boss vs. Traeger: Which Smoker is Right for You?

Traeger Vs. Pit Boss
Traeger Vs. Pit Boss

Now that we’ve looked at the key similarities and differences between the Pit Boss and Traeger smokers, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking for an affordable smoker with great features and versatile cooking options, then the Pit Boss is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a smoker with more precise temperature control and intense smoke flavor, the Traeger is the better option.

Here are our top picks for the top pellet grills, along with some of the best options available. Traeger and Pit Boss are both good choices, but our selection winner is Traeger.

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