Top 10 Best Rated Pit Boss Pellet Grills For 2025
The scent of wood smoke mingling with the sizzle of slow-cooked meat is no longer just for weekend warriors. Outdoor cooking has exploded, becoming a year-round passion for many. In this new era of backyard cuisine, pellet grills have emerged as the go-to appliance for their incredible versatility and ease of use. Among the top contenders, Pit Boss has carved out a serious reputation for building powerful, feature-rich grills that don’t empty your wallet.
But with a lineup that’s constantly growing, how do you choose the right one? That’s where we come in. We’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and smoking to bring you an honest, no-fluff guide. This isn’t just a list; it’s a curated selection of the best Pit Boss has to offer, designed to help you find the perfect partner for your grilling adventures.
What Makes Pit Boss Pellet Grills Popular?
Pit Boss didn’t become a household name by accident. The brand has built a loyal following by focusing on a simple but powerful philosophy: “Bigger. Hotter. Heavier.” This translates into grills that offer exceptional value. They consistently deliver more cooking space, higher temperature capabilities, and sturdier construction than many competitors in the same price range.
Their signature 8-in-1 cooking versatility (grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, char-grill, and BBQ) means you can cook just about anything. From low-and-slow brisket to high-heat seared steaks, a Pit Boss smoker is designed to do it all, making it an incredibly versatile piece of outdoor cooking equipment.
How We Selected the Top Models
Creating this list wasn’t a simple task. We combined hands-on testing with deep-dive research into user feedback to ensure our recommendations are both expert-driven and field-tested by real owners. Here are the core criteria we used for our evaluation:
- Performance: How well does it cook? We looked at its ability to smoke, sear, and maintain consistent heat across different cooking styles.
- Durability: A grill is an investment. We assessed the build quality, materials used (like steel gauge), and overall sturdiness.
- Temperature Consistency: We monitored how well each grill held its set temperature, especially during long cooks, and its ability to recover after opening the lid.
- Features: We evaluated modern features like WiFi connectivity, PID controllers for precise temperatures, and innovative additions like flame broilers.
- User Ratings: We analyzed hundreds of customer reviews to identify common praise and complaints, focusing on long-term reliability.
- Value for Money: It’s not about the cheapest grill; it’s about what you get for your dollar. We looked for the models that offered the best balance of features, size, and performance for their price.
Top 10 Best Rated Pit Boss Pellet Grills
Here is our breakdown of the best models for every type of backyard chef.
1. Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
Intro: A true workhorse, the Pro Series 1150 is often hailed as one of the best all-around models. It offers a massive cooking area and premium features without the premium price tag, making it perfect for large families and entertainers.
- Key Features:
- 1,150 square inches of cooking space
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Smoke IT app
- PID digital control board for precise temperatures
- 20 lb hopper capacity with easy-cleanout door
- Slide-and-sear flame broiler for direct heat up to 1,000°F
- Pros: Huge cooking area, excellent tech features, versatile flame broiler.
- Cons: Heavy and requires significant space.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: If you need to cook for a crowd and love the idea of controlling your cook from your phone, the 1150 offers unbeatable space and technology for its price point.
2. Pit Boss Navigator 850
Intro: The Navigator 850 strikes a perfect balance between size, features, and rugged build quality. It’s a versatile and reliable wood pellet BBQ grill that’s built to last, featuring thoughtful additions like a front folding shelf and tool hooks.
- Key Features:
- 879 square inches of cooking space
- Digital control board with LED read-out
- Slide-and-sear flame broiler
- Large 28 lb hopper capacity
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- Pros: Great mid-range size, durable construction, large pellet hopper.
- Cons: Lacks WiFi connectivity on the standard model.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: It’s a fantastic choice for the serious home cook who values durability and cooking space over smart-home tech. It’s built like a tank and delivers consistent results.
3. Pit Boss Sportsman 820
Intro: As the name suggests, the Sportsman 820 is built for the outdoors. It’s designed for durability and function, with a focus on core performance. Its rustic aesthetic is backed by solid cooking power, making it a favorite for those who want a reliable grill without unnecessary frills.
- Key Features:
- 829 square inches of cooking space
- Dial-in digital control with LED display
- Slide-and-sear flame broiler
- 21 lb hopper capacity
- Includes a built-in spice rack and bottle opener
- Pros: Sturdy build, practical features, consistent temperature control.
- Cons: More basic controller than Pro Series models.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: For the griller who prioritizes reliability and a straightforward cooking experience, the Sportsman 820 delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t.
4. Pit Boss Platinum Laredo 1000
Intro: The Laredo 1000 is part of the premium Platinum Series, and it shows. This grill is packed with smart features and user-friendly design elements, like an easy-access ash cleanout system and interior lighting for nighttime cooks.
- Key Features:
- 1,006 square inches of cooking space
- Full-color LCD screen with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- PID controller and Prime function for quick heat recovery
- 26 lb hopper with a view window
- Keyed flame broiler for easy switching between direct and indirect heat
- Pros: Advanced controller and display, thoughtful convenience features, excellent heat retention.
- Cons: Higher price point than other models of similar size.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: This is for the tech-savvy griller who wants the ultimate in control and convenience. The premium features make the entire cooking process smoother and more precise.
5. Pit Boss Austin XL 1000
Intro: The Austin XL is all about maximizing your cooking real estate. It’s one of the largest grills in the lineup, designed for those who believe that too much BBQ is never enough. It’s a simple, powerful machine for serious volume cooking.
- Key Features:
- 930 square inches of cooking space
- V2 digital control board
- Slide-and-sear flame broiler
- Massive 31 lb hopper capacity
- Includes a side shelf with removable tray
- Pros: Enormous cooking capacity, extra-large hopper for long smokes, great value for its size.
- Cons: Basic digital controller, very heavy.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: If your main priority is feeding a small army, the Austin XL provides an unmatched amount of grilling space for the money. It’s a beast built for big jobs.
6. Pit Boss Pro Series 850
Intro: The little brother to the 1150, the Pro Series 850 packs the same great technology into a more manageable footprint. It’s a perfect step-up model for those who want Wi-Fi control and a PID controller without needing a massive grill.
- Key Features:
- 850 square inches of cooking space
- Smoke IT app compatibility (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)
- PID digital control board
- 20 lb hopper capacity
- Crosshatch porcelain-coated cast iron grates for perfect sear marks
- Pros: Excellent tech in a practical size, easy to use, great value.
- Cons: The hopper could be larger for its cooking capacity.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: It hits the sweet spot for a modern backyard grill. You get all the high-end features of the larger Pro Series models in a size that fits most patios.
7. Pit Boss Classic 700
Intro: The Classic 700 is a perfect entry point into the world of pellet grilling. It offers a generous cooking area and reliable performance without overwhelming a new user. It’s a straightforward, effective machine that has started many on their smoking journey.
- Key Features:
- 700 square inches of cooking space
- Dial-in digital control
- Standard flame broiler
- 21 lb hopper capacity
- Porcelain-coated steel cooking grids
- Pros: Great beginner-friendly model, reliable performance, attractive price.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features and has a more basic build.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: This is arguably the best pellet grill for someone buying their first smoker. It’s easy to assemble, simple to operate, and produces fantastic results right out of the box.
8. Pit Boss 440 Deluxe
Intro: Proof that great things come in small packages, the 440 Deluxe is designed for smaller spaces like balconies or patios. While compact, it doesn’t skimp on the features that make Pit Boss popular, including 8-in-1 cooking versatility.
- Key Features:
- 465 square inches of cooking space
- Digital control board with LED screen
- Flame broiler included
- Relatively small 5 lb hopper
- Portable design with sturdy legs
- Pros: Compact footprint, affordable, surprisingly versatile for its size.
- Cons: Small hopper requires frequent refills during long cooks.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: It’s the ideal solution for apartment dwellers or couples who want the pellet grill experience without sacrificing their entire outdoor space.
9. Pit Boss Navigator 1230G
Intro: A combo grill that offers the best of both worlds. The Navigator 1230G combines a full-featured pellet smoker on one side with a three-burner gas grill on the other. It’s the ultimate tool for total outdoor cooking flexibility.
- Key Features:
- 1,262 total square inches of cooking space (pellet + gas)
- Separate cooking chambers for smoking and grilling
- Digital control for the pellet side, 30,000 BTU on the gas side
- 16 lb pellet hopper
- Front-facing grease management system
- Pros: Incredible versatility, allows you to smoke and grill simultaneously, great value for a combo unit.
- Cons: Very large and heavy, requires more maintenance.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: For the person who refuses to choose between the convenience of gas and the flavor of wood smoke. This single unit replaces multiple backyard grills.
10. Pit Boss PB440D2 Portable Tabletop Grill
Intro: For the griller on the go, this tabletop Pit Boss pellet grill delivers authentic wood-fired flavor anywhere. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or for anyone with extremely limited space.
- Key Features:
- 440 square inches of cooking area
- Dial-in digital temperature control
- 5 lb hopper capacity
- Lightweight and portable with locking lid
- Operates on a standard 120V outlet
- Pros: Truly portable, easy to transport and set up, surprisingly good performance.
- Cons: Limited cooking height for larger items like whole chickens.
Why This Grill Is Worth Buying: It brings the joy of pellet smoking to places it could never go before. If you want to take your BBQ on the road, this is the best way to do it.
Pit Boss vs Traeger vs Z Grills
- Pit Boss: The king of value. You typically get more cooking area, higher max temperatures, and features like the flame broiler for a lower price. They are the “more for less” option.
- Traeger: The pioneer and premium player. Traeger often leads in fit, finish, and app integration. Their grills are known for rock-solid reliability and an excellent user experience, but you pay a premium for the name and quality.
- Z Grills: The budget-friendly alternative. Often seen as a direct competitor to entry-level Traeger and Pit Boss models, Z Grills offers a solid pellet grilling experience at a very competitive price, though sometimes with a more basic feature set.
How to Choose the Right Pit Boss Pellet Grill (Buying Guide)
Consider these factors before you make your final decision:
- Budget: Pit Boss offers a wide range, from under $400 to over $1,000. Decide your budget first to narrow your options. Remember to account for accessories like pellets and a cover.
- Cooking Area: How many people do you usually cook for? A family of four can be happy with 500-700 sq. inches, while entertainers should look for 800 sq. inches or more.
- WiFi or Non-WiFi: Do you want the convenience of monitoring your cook from anywhere? If so, focus on the Pro or Platinum series. If you prefer a hands-on approach, a standard digital controller works just as well.
- Pellet Consumption: Larger grills naturally use more pellets. Also, consider the hopper size. A large hopper is crucial for overnight, low-and-slow cooks so you don’t have to refill it.
- Heat Range: All Pit Boss models can smoke, but if you love searing steaks, make sure you get a model with the slide-and-sear flame broiler, which provides direct flame access and temperatures up to 1,000°F.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Pellet Grill
- Clean the Grates: After every cook, turn the heat up high for 10-15 minutes to burn off residue, then scrape the grates clean.
- Empty the Ash: Regularly empty the fire pot. A buildup of ash can cause ignition issues and temperature swings.
- Shop-Vac Regularly: Every 3-5 cooks, vacuum out the entire grill barrel and fire pot to remove ash and dust.
- Protect from the Elements: Use a quality grill cover to protect your investment from rain, sun, and snow, which prevents rust and protects electronic components.
- Keep Pellets Dry: Store your wood pellets in a sealed, waterproof container. Damp pellets can clog the auger and ruin a cook.
Final Verdict
After extensive review, the Pit Boss Pro Series 850 stands out as the best choice for most people in 2025. It offers the perfect blend of modern technology with Wi-Fi control, a practical cooking size for families, and the signature Pit Boss power and versatility—all at an exceptional value.
For those on a tighter budget, the Pit Boss Classic 700 is a fantastic starting point that will produce incredible food without breaking the bank. And for the ultimate entertainer who needs maximum space, the Pro Series 1150 is an unbeatable workhorse.
Ultimately, the best Pit Boss pellet grill is the one that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking style. No matter which you choose from this list, you’re getting a powerful and versatile machine ready to elevate your backyard cooking game.
FAQs
Here are five frequently asked questions related to Pit Boss pellet grills:
What makes Pit Boss grills stand out compared to other brands?
Pit Boss grills are known for their affordability, durable construction, and versatility. They offer features like precise temperature control, large cooking capacities, and the ability to smoke, grill, bake, roast, and more—all in one unit.
How do I clean and maintain my Pit Boss pellet grill?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning out ash from the firepot after every few uses, wiping down the grates with a grill brush, and emptying the grease tray. It’s also recommended to clean the hopper and auger occasionally to ensure smooth pellet feeding.
Can I use any brand of pellets with a Pit Boss pellet grill?
Yes, you can use any brand of pellets, but high-quality hardwood pellets work best. Pit Boss pellets are designed for consistent heat, rich flavor, and longer burn times.
What is the warranty on Pit Boss pellet grills?
Most Pit Boss grills include a 5-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Make sure to register your grill and review the warranty guide for full details.
Can I grill at high temperatures on a Pit Boss pellet grill?
Absolutely. Pit Boss pellet grills can reach temperatures up to 500°F or higher. Many models also feature a flame broiler, allowing direct-flame searing for perfect high-heat grilling.
