Pit boss Pellet Grill vs Traeger: Which One Is Better For You?

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Are you confused between buying Pit Boss pellet grill vs traeger pellet grills? Then you have clicked on the right place to come to. We are here to dissolve your confusion regarding both the brands and to help you pick one that will be the most suitable for you.

We have gone through countless reviews regarding Pit Boss VS Traeger pellet grills, and we weighed both the pros and cons of buying these for your amazing BBQ plans. If you look into it, you can see it really is a tough choice between these too.

Here, we have broken down the question to some simple and important parameters as to why a Pit Boss or a Traeger pellet grill would be better for you.

Pit Boss Pellet Grills

To infuse your food with an authentic smoky flavor, Pit Boss pellet grills are highly recommended. Pit Boss has a varied line of grillers including gas and charcoal grills. But their pellet grills stand out in the crowd the most.

Pellet grills are generally easy to use, but Pit Boss makes it easier. It is the highest ranking company to sell pellet grills among other of its products.

Traeger Pellet Grills

Traeger pellet grills give you the advantage of variety – with a series of great quality grills to provide you with your fix in the backyard with a Barbeque party. This pellet grills have an extensive array of cooking options for you including griller and smoker.

Mainly manufactured in the U.S., Traeger grills do have a standard of quality and an ample hoard of features.

What Makes Pit Boss and Traeger Pit Grills Different From Each Other?

slow cooking with pellet grill

Well, a lot of factors and features differ in these two brands. But each one stands out uniquely. To name a few differences, here are some important ones:

Pricing:

When purchasing any kind of equipment, the price does matter, especially when it is quality-based. While you must have decided your budget , it is important to look at all the different options available for you in your preferred price range.

If pricing is the only factor we bring into consideration, Pit Boss and Traeger both have pellet grills which can fit into budgets $500 to $700.

However, Pit Boss does make pellet grills with prices above $1000. These are top ones in the market and the most functional. For example, the Pit Boss 1000 Traditions 2 Wood Pellet Grill.

Traeger also makes some pellet grills above $1000 like their Select Elite Grill. It is one of the most sought after models of pellet grills if one is open to spend a thousand bucks.

It is appropriate to say that $1000 pellet grills are a good value for money when considering both the brands. But Pit Boss wins this one. Pit boss pellet grills can be vouched for regarding this particular factor as it provides you with more functions. For example, more Hopper Capacity, ShearZone (shear zone is for properly searing meat without being burnt), Tool hooks, and Removable side shelf.

Cooking Space 

To ensure that you can cook as many food items you can all at a time, a pellet grill with a good enough cooking space is a must for your barbecue party plans.

There are several pellet grills to choose from, but you must buy the one which has a good cooking space, which is highly recommended. If you buy a pellet grill with less cooking space, it might get congested for you to cook for a large company. Of course, one can never have too much space.

When it comes down to Pit Boss VS Traeger pellet grills regarding this feature, Pit Boss has the lead. Pit Boss pellet grills are known for having a wide and spacious cooking space for grilling, smoking, etc.

Pit Boss pellet grills provide you with more cooking space per dollar spent. For example, the Pit Boss 71820FB is one of the leading pellet grills on the sales chart. It provides you with a cooking space of 820 sq. in. You can purchase it at a price of around $1000 to $1500. When compared to a Traeger Select Elite Grill which can be bought at a price of around $1300, Pit Boss 71820FB becomes your saving grace as this Traeger model only provides you with a cooking space of 589 sq. in.

Temperature Range and Control

Now you wouldn’t have your food burnt or undercooked, would you? A perfect temperature range and good control over it is such an important aspect when cooking good food.

Pellet grills are very varied in case of temperature controls according to your own cooking style. If you are an experienced cook regarding cooking on a pellet grill you might be familiar with the importance of this particular feature. And if you’re an amateur, well, the crucial need for good temperature range and control for good cooking can’t be stressed more.

Both Pit Boss and Traeger pellet grills have an array of options for you to choose from. Pit Boss pellet grills generally provide you with a temperature range of 150˚F – 500˚F. However, Traeger pellet grills have a temperature range of 180˚F – 450˚F. In sort, Pit Boss facilitates you with an amazing range for temperature ranging from a good minimum temperature and a good rate of maximum heating for cooking difficult food products like meat, etc.

Although Pit Boss pellet grills have a good temperature range, one might find it too difficult to control the temperature of the grill while cooking. According to reviews from a number of users, Pit Boss pellet grills tend to heat up too much and it is hard to control the temperature quickly with so much heat.

In this case, Traeger pellet grills are an excellent option to go for when you wish to take temperature control seriously. These pellet grills are easy to tone down on heat and can avoid burning of food.

Hopper Capacity

 a pellet grills hopper capacity

For those of you who are new to this pellet grill trend, the hopper capacity of your pellet grill plays an important role when cooking on a grill. A hopper is the compartment of your pellet grill which holds the wood or sawdust pellets used as a fuel for your pellet grill.

Now, why is the hopper capacity important?

Imagine – you get a pellet grill with a small hopper compartment, but you need to use the pellet grill for a long period of time. What happens then? You will have to refill the hopper again and again as the pellet fuel will get consumed fast, which depends on your grill time. In such situations, it is better to be prepared for some extra space for fuel. This will reduce repeated and frantic refilling of the hopper with pellets.

When we look at both the brands in question, both have good options. Pit Boss provides you with more options with hopper capacity ranging anywhere from 5 pounds to 21 pounds. However, Traeger has a maximum hopper capacity of 18 pounds.

Pros and Cons of Pit Boss Pellet Grills

Let us take a look at the overall benefits and drawbacks of buying a Pit Boss pellet grill for your backyard.

Pros: 

  • Easy to use and clean: Easy to operate grill and cook. You won’t need any professional help to clean its cooking surface as well as the hopper compartment. It is quite easy to access.
  • Good Cooking Space: A very wide and spacious cooking grill space for extensive use. Provides up to 820 sq. in. of cooking space.
  • Vast Temperature Range: Temperature ranging from as low as 150˚F and as high as 500˚F.
  • 8 in 1 Grill: A variety of cooking options to choose from when grilling. Good smoky flavor to food as well.
  • Flame Broiler: Allows you to choose between indirect and direct cooking your food on the grill.
  • Extensive Hopper Capacity: More storage space for fuel wood pellets with a hopper capacity options ranging from 5 pounds to 21 pounds.
  • Excellent Value for Money: With a variety of features, Pit Boss pellet grills can be bought at reasonable rates, fitting anyone’s budget.

Cons: 

  • Poor Temperature Control: Controlling temperature can be really dangerous for cooking if you are not experienced enough.
  • Less Warranty: Pit Boss pellet grills come with a warranty period of just 3 years.

Pros and Cons of Traeger Pellet Grills 

Traeger pellet grills showcase the following advantages and disadvantages-

Pros:

  • Tasty Smoky Flavour: The grill induces great smoky flavor in the food. It doesn’t impart a complete burned or smoked flavor, but rather a delicious, delicate hint of smoke.
  • Consistent Temperature Range: You don’t need to worry much about your food getting burnt. The grill doesn’t heat up too much and is maintained at the same temperature for a long time.
  • Good Warranty Period: Traeger pellet grills when bought come with a good warranty period of 5 years. It is a huge advantage.
  • All in One: Gas grill, Charcoal grill, Electric Smoker – You name it, Trager’s got it.

Cons:

  • Less Hopper Capacity: Most of its models have quite less hopper capacity for the fuel wood pellets. The most hopper capacity provided by Traeger can be 18 pounds.
  • Needs an Electric Connection: Traeger pellet grills run on electricity. So wherever you go – camping, etc. you can just set it up and start grilling. You require an electric connection.
  • Less Cooking Space: Traeger pellet grills have very less cooking space. This can be hectic and can crowd up your grill station. The most cooking space Traeger provides can be 589 sq. in.

pellet grill barbecue cooking idea

Who Should Get A Pit Boss Pellet Grill? 

To say the least, Pit Boss pellet grills have great advantages. It has a good value for money.

Pit Boss pellet grills are suitable for you if you value functionality. If you are planning on buying a pellet grill with a budget range of $300 to $700, you can consider buying one of the following Pit Boss pellet grills:

Product Features Price
Pit Boss 340 Pellet Grill
  • 340 sq. in. cooking space
  • 10 pounds hopper capacity
  • Grease Bucket
$$$

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Pit Boss Tailgater Pellet Grill

  • Portable
  • Digital temperature controller
  • 340 sq. in. cooking space
  • Hopper capacity: 5 pounds
  • Foldable legs
  • Maximum temperature reached: 600˚F with Flame Broiler
$$$

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Pit Boss 440D
  • 465 sq. in. Cooking Space
  • Hopper Capacity: 10 pounds
  • Automatic start and cool down
$$$

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Pit Boss 700SC
  • 700 sq. in. cooking space
  • Hopper Capacity: 18 Pounds
  • Flame broiler
  • Lower Cabinet
$$$
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If your budget is above $1000 and wish to buy an expensive pellet grill, you can undoubtedly go for the Pit Boss 1000 Traditions 2 Pellet Grill. It comes with the following features:

  • Temperature range: 150˚F – 500˚F
  • 1000 sq. in. Cooking Surface with a 2 Tier rack
  • Porcelain coated Cooking Surface
  • Digitally control board with LED read out with meat probe
  • 4 Rolling Casters

Who Should Buy A Traeger Pellet Grill? 

Traeger pellet grills, even though much attractive, have a catch – they require electricity. So, if electrical connection for your pellet grill isn’t an issue for you, you can opt for Traeger pellet grills.

There are many models from Traeger pellet grills you can buy if you have a budget of around $300 to $700.

Product Features Price
Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill
  • Cooking Space: 184 sq. in
  • “Keep Warm” mode
  • 8 pounds hopper capacity
  • Included cast iron griddle
  • Latching Lid – Easy Transportation
$$$

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Traeger Tailgater 20 Black Pellet Grill
  • Portable
  • Digital temperature controller
  • 450 sq. in. cooking space
  • 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ
  • Hopper capacity: 8 pounds
  • Electric and Woodburning
  • Maximum temperature reached: 450˚F
$$$

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Traeger Junior Elite Pellet Gril
  • 300 sq. in. Cooking Space
  • Electric and Wood-burning
  • 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ
  • Digital temperature controller
  • Hopper Capacity: 8 pounds
  • Perfect for traveling and tailgating
$$$

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Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill
  • 884 sq. in. large cooking space
  • 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ
  • Wood pellet, Charcoal
  • Hopper Capacity: 18 Pounds
  • All-terrain wheels
$$$
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If you are ready to spend more out of your pocket, then you can consider buying the Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill.

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This model packs the following features at sub-thousand dollar:

  • Cooking Space: 575 sq. in
  • Hopper capacity: 18 lbs
  • Max. Temperature: 500˚F
  • 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ
  • Precise temperature control
  • WiFire Technology, Alexa Enabled
  • Meat Probe
  • All Terrain Wheels
  • Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
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