Wood-fired flavor meets modern convenience in outdoor cooking with Pit Boss pellet grills. Whether you’re smoking a brisket low and slow or searing steaks at high heat, these versatile grills deliver authentic BBQ taste using 100% natural hardwood pellets. With options ranging from compact portable models to large-capacity vertical smokers, choosing the right Pit Boss grill requires understanding the key differences between horizontal pellet grills and vertical smokers. In this guide, we’ll evaluate six Pit Boss models to help you make an informed decision — from entry-level grills perfect for beginners to premium Navigator Series models with 24+ hour cook times and the signature Flame Broiler Lever that enables direct flame searing up to 1,000°F.
Quick Roundup List
- Best for Beginners: Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top
- Best for Families: Pit Boss PB440FB1
- Best Large Capacity: Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M
- Best Vertical Smoker: Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical PBV6M
- Best for Tailgating: Pit Boss Pit Stop Portable
- Best Portable: Pit Boss Battery Powered Portable
Understanding Pit Boss Pellet Grills: Key Concepts
Before diving into specific models, understanding what sets Pit Boss pellet grills apart helps frame your decision. These grills use 100% natural hardwood pellets as fuel, delivering authentic wood-fired flavor while maintaining precise temperature control through digital controllers. The pellets feed automatically from a hopper into a fire pot, where an igniter starts combustion and a fan regulates airflow to maintain your target temperature.
What Makes Pit Boss Different: The Flame Broiler Lever
The Flame Broiler Lever is Pit Boss’s signature innovation that separates their horizontal grills from competitors. This slide-plate system sits beneath the cooking grates and transforms how you cook. In the closed position, the plate acts as a heat deflector, circulating combustion heat to create indirect convection heat ideal for smoking, roasting, and baking at 180-500°F. Slide the lever open and you expose a section of cooking grate directly to the fire pot below, enabling direct flame cooking at temperatures up to 1,000°F — perfect for searing steaks, burgers, and chops with restaurant-quality crust and char marks. You can even use both positions simultaneously: smoke ribs on the indirect side while searing steaks over direct flame. This is the key feature that makes Pit Boss horizontal grills true 8-in-1 cooking machines.
Horizontal Grills vs. Vertical Smokers
Pit Boss offers two distinct pellet grill designs, each optimized for different outdoor cooking styles. Horizontal pellet grills feature the familiar side-to-side cooking chamber layout similar to traditional gas or charcoal grills. These models include the Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame access, operate across temperature ranges from 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F for searing), and deliver true 8-in-1 cooking versatility: grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, BBQ, and char-grill. They’re ideal for varied weekly outdoor cooking — steaks one night, smoked ribs the next, roasted chicken the weekend. Vertical pellet smokers stack cooking racks vertically in a compact footprint, maximizing food capacity per square foot. These dedicated smoking units operate at 150-420°F (no high-heat grilling), feature massive 40+ pound hoppers that enable 24+ hour unattended cooking, and include double-walled construction with blanket insulation for superior heat retention. They excel at low-and-slow smoking: brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and whole chickens.
Product Reviews
Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top Wood Pellet Grill – Best for Beginners
The Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top Wood Pellet Grill is the best beginner-friendly Pit Boss option when you want real pellet smoke without committing to a full patio grill. Its compact tabletop body keeps the footprint manageable, while the digital controller, porcelain-coated cast iron grates, and Flame Broiler give new pellet-grill owners the same core cooking experience found on larger Pit Boss models. The 256-square-inch cooking area is sized for small families, couples, camping trips, and apartment patios where a larger cart grill would be too much. A 7-pound hopper gives it more runtime than many compact pellet grills, and the lock-tight latches make it practical to move between the patio, RV, campsite, or tailgate.
Highlights
- 256 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Temperature range: 180-500°F, with direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- 7-pound hopper capacity for compact low-and-slow cooks
- Dial-in digital control board with automatic startup and shutdown
- Lock-tight latches and tabletop footprint for portable use
- Heavy-duty steel body with high-temperature powder coat finish
Specifications
- Total Cooking Area: 256 square inches
- Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with Flame Broiler)
- Hopper Capacity: 7 pounds
- Cooking Surface: Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Dimensions: 24.8″ L x 18.7″ W x 14.2″ H
- Weight: 43.4 pounds
- Warranty: 5 years
Best Use Cases
- Learning pellet grilling on a compact, approachable setup
- Cooking for couples or small households
- Camping, RV trips, and tailgate cooking
- Apartment patios or decks where a full-size cart grill is too large
Customer Reviews
- “Such a nice compact smoker. For two people it’s so easy! Temp has stayed steady, and it’s great paired with a nice wheeled stand.”
- “Bought this for our camping trips. This does it all, smokes and grills. Perfect combination for our needs. Great quality and very nice features.”
- “Great little compact smoker. I purchased mine a few months ago and I’ve used it quite a bit. No issues! It works great on the back of my side by side.”
Pit Boss PB440FB1 – Best for Families
The Pit Boss PB440FB1 delivers 518 square inches of cooking space, making it the best Pit Boss grill for regular family cookouts and weekend BBQs. This model elevates the entry-level experience with a dial-in digital control board featuring an easy-to-read LCD screen, giving you precise temperature management from 180-500°F plus direct flame searing capability up to 1,000°F. Porcelain coated steel cooking grids provide excellent heat retention and make cleanup effortless — a crucial feature for busy families. The automatic start and cool down functions add convenience, while the 5-pound hopper capacity provides 4-6 hours of unattended cooking time at moderate temperatures. Backed by a 5-year warranty, this model demonstrates Pit Boss’s confidence in build quality.
Highlights
- 518 square inches of cooking space
- Temperature range: 180-500°F (direct flame searing up to 1,000°F)
- Dial-in digital control with LCD screen
- Porcelain coated steel cooking grids
- Built-in flame broiler for searing
- Automatic start and cool down
Specifications
- Total Cooking Area: 518 square inches
- Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with flame broiler)
- Hopper Capacity: 5 pounds
- Construction: Heavy-gauge steel
- Cooking Surface: Porcelain coated steel grids
- Warranty: 5 years
- Fuel: 100% natural hardwood pellets
Best Use Cases
- Weekly family dinners for 6-8 people
- Weekend BBQs with neighbors
- Versatile outdoor cooking (steaks to ribs to pizza)
- Hosts who value easy cleanup
Customer Reviews
- “I’ve loved this pit since I got it. Continuing to update this review as I use it more — it keeps delivering great results.”
- “This is the first pellet smoker I’ve ever owned. Since I was a teenager I’ve always had friends who used traditional smokers, and as a result I built several. This is a completely different and very positive experience.”
- “Much to my surprise I opened the box to find everything perfectly intact despite the rough delivery packaging. The grill itself is solid and I’ve been very happy with the results.”
Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M – Best Large Capacity
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M delivers everything serious outdoor cooks need in a full-size horizontal pellet grill: 932 square inches of cooking space, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Pit Boss app, a Flame Broiler Lever that opens direct-flame access up to 1,000°F, and a 30-pound hopper that handles extended low-and-slow cooks without babysitting. The M Line designation reflects Pit Boss’s premium build quality — heavier gauge steel, tighter lid seal, and improved heat deflection for more consistent cooking chamber temperatures across the full grate. Remote temperature monitoring via the app means you can monitor an overnight brisket from bed. The heavy-duty rolling casters make repositioning easy despite the grill’s weight. If you regularly cook for large groups, compete in backyard BBQ circuits, or want to run multiple proteins simultaneously without running out of rack space, the Navigator 850 is the right tool.
Highlights
- 932 sq in cooking space — fits 7 racks of ribs or 2 full briskets simultaneously
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity with Pit Boss app for remote monitoring
- Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- 30 lb hopper capacity for extended cooks without refills
- M Line premium construction: heavier gauge steel, improved heat retention
- Full 180-500°F range for smoke, roast, bake, grill, and sear
Specifications
- Total Cooking Area: 932 square inches
- Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with Flame Broiler)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Pit Boss app)
- Hopper Capacity: 30 lb
- Build: M Line premium construction
- Fuel: 100% natural hardwood pellets
Best Use Cases
- Hosting large backyard gatherings and competition-style BBQ
- Cooks who want Wi-Fi remote monitoring for overnight briskets
- Anyone running multiple proteins at different temperatures simultaneously
- Grillers who need both smoking and high-heat searing capability
Customer Reviews
- “Easy to assemble, very solid grill, fantastic height. Very impressed with the build quality right out of the box.”
- “Now, on to the grill — this thing is impressive. The Wi-Fi connectivity works great and the app makes monitoring overnight cooks genuinely stress-free.”
- “I bought this to replace my old Walmart brand smoker after 5 years of use. This thing is an absolute hog but the capacity is unreal. Two full briskets at once with room to spare.”
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker PBV6M – Best Vertical Smoker
The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker PBV6M is purpose-built for the serious competition-prep cook or the backyard pitmaster who needs maximum protein capacity in a vertical footprint. With 2,224 square inches spread across five porcelain-coated steel racks — each measuring 25.7″ x 17.3″ and capable of holding two full-size foil pans — this smoker can run 6 full briskets, 20+ racks of ribs, or enough pulled pork to feed a neighborhood simultaneously. The 75-pound pellet hopper with cleanout enables 24+ hours of unattended low-and-slow smoking at 150-420°F without ever opening the door to refuel. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Pit Boss app lets you monitor temps remotely. Three meat probe ports (1 probe included) allow simultaneous multi-protein monitoring. The M Line build quality means tighter door seals, better insulation, and more consistent cooking chamber temperatures throughout extended cooks.
Highlights
- 2,224 sq in across 5 removable porcelain-coated steel racks
- Each rack holds 2 full-size foil pans — maximum batch cooking capacity
- 75 lb hopper with cleanout — 24+ hours of unattended smoking
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity for remote temperature monitoring
- 3 meat probe ports (1 probe included) for multi-protein sessions
- 130-420°F range optimized for low-and-slow smoking precision
Specifications
- Total Cooking Area: 2,224 square inches (5 racks)
- Rack Dimensions: 25.7″ x 17.3″ each
- Temperature Range: 130-420°F
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Pit Boss app)
- Hopper Capacity: 75 lb with cleanout
- Meat Probe Ports: 3 (1 probe included)
Best Use Cases
- Competition BBQ teams prepping large protein batches
- Caterers and backyard hosts who cook for 20-50+ people
- Overnight brisket, pork shoulder, or whole hog cooks without refueling
- Anyone who wants dedicated smoking capacity without giving up grill space
Customer Reviews
- “My Pit Boss 3-Series gave up so I upgraded to the 6-Series. It is much larger than my previous unit. I prefer the vertical smokers for ease of use — no chopping wood. This is the first Bluetooth-connected unit for me and it was very easy to set up. I also like the folding shelf on the side.”
Pit Boss Pit Stop Portable Pellet Grill – Best for Tailgating
The Pit Boss Pit Stop Portable Pellet Grill brings the full Pit Boss feature set to tailgates, campsites, and patio setups where space is a constraint but cooking quality isn’t. With 387 square inches of cooking space — enough for 16 burgers, 4 racks of ribs, or a pork butt — this is a genuine full-featured pellet grill that happens to be portable. The included cart stand converts it from a tabletop grill to a standing-height cooking station, and the custom-fit cover protects your investment in transit. The 19-pound hopper is unusually large for a portable unit, delivering enough fuel for even long, slow cooks at camp. The Flame Broiler Lever enables direct flame searing up to 1,000°F — a feature most portable grills omit entirely. The dial-in digital control board with LED readout handles the full 180-500°F range precisely.
Highlights
- 387 sq in cooking space — holds 16 burgers or a full pork butt
- Includes cart stand and custom-fit cover — complete setup in one purchase
- 19 lb hopper for extended cooking sessions away from home
- Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- Fan-forced convection for even heat distribution across the full grate
- Dial-in digital control board with LED readout (180-500°F)
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 387 square inches (~16 burgers)
- Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with Flame Broiler)
- Hopper Capacity: 19 lb
- Included: Cart stand, custom-fit cover
- Heat System: Fan-forced convection + Flame Broiler Lever
- Controller: Dial-in digital with LED readout
Best Use Cases
- Tailgating and stadium parking lot BBQ
- Camping trips where you want real pellet grill flavor
- Apartment patios or small spaces that need a compact footprint
- Secondary grill for overflow capacity during large backyard events
Customer Reviews
- “We bought this to take along with us in our motorcoach. This portable pellet grill does an awesome job. It’s easy to set up, heats up very hot and fast, the temperature probes work great, and it cleans up very easy. It smokes great giving a great flavor.”
- “Easy to move around. Easy to start and stop with one button. Wonderful while camping or just to use at home. While it is small you can still fit a ton of food in it.”
Pit Boss Portable Battery Powered Pellet Grill – Best Portable
The Pit Boss Portable Battery Powered Wood Pellet Grill is the only pellet grill in this lineup that runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, making it the most versatile portable option for off-grid cooking. With 256 square inches of cooking space across two porcelain-coated steel grates, it handles up to 10 burgers, a full rack of ribs, or a small pork shoulder. The battery powers the auger, fan, and igniter for approximately 6-8 hours on a single charge at smoking temperatures, and you can recharge via a standard wall outlet or 12V vehicle adapter between cooks. The 7-pound hopper holds enough pellets for extended sessions without refilling. The Flame Broiler Lever is included for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F — a feature most portable grills omit entirely. At just under 60 pounds, it’s heavier than tabletop propane grills but delivers genuine wood-fired pellet flavor that no propane portable can match.
Highlights
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery — no outlet needed at cook site
- 256 sq in across 2 porcelain-coated steel grates
- 7 lb hopper capacity for extended portable sessions
- Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- Automatic start and cool down for easy operation
- Charges via wall outlet or 12V vehicle adapter
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 256 square inches (2 grates)
- Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (6-8 hrs at smoking temps)
- Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with Flame Broiler)
- Hopper Capacity: 7 lb
- Weight: ~57 lbs
- Charging: Wall outlet or 12V vehicle adapter
Best Use Cases
- Camping and RV trips where no power outlet is available
- Boat and marina cookouts with genuine wood-fired flavor
- Tailgating where you want pellet grill results without a generator
- Backup grill for overflow capacity at home cookouts
Customer Reviews
- “We got this because sometimes we just want to get away. We’ve had no issues with it working. When cooking a steak, I like the fire to actually touch the meat — and this delivers.”
- “Heavy sturdy build. We had a blast last weekend during football — huge success, lots of compliments. Very easy to assemble. Great value for how much cooking we do at random places.”
- “Love it, love it, love it! Ordered to put on our houseboat but tried it out at home first. We cooked our entire Thanksgiving meal on it, from cornbread to turkey to candied yams. Uses very few pellets.”
Pit Boss Pellet Grill Comparison Table
| Model | Cooking Area | Temp Range | Hopper | Connectivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PB150PPG Table Top | 256 sq in | 180-500°F | 7 lb | No | Beginners |
| PB440FB1 | 518 sq in | 180-500°F | 5 lb | No | Families |
| Navigator 850 PB850M | 932 sq in | 180-500°F | 30 lb | Wi-Fi + BT | Large Capacity |
| Nav 6-Series Vertical PBV6M | 2,224 sq in | 130-420°F | 75 lb | Wi-Fi + BT | Vertical Smoker |
| Pit Stop Portable | 387 sq in | 180-500°F | 19 lb | No | Tailgating |
| Battery Portable | 256 sq in | 180-500°F | 7 lb | No | Off-Grid Portable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What pellets should I use with a Pit Boss grill?
Pit Boss grills are designed for 100% natural hardwood pellets. Pit Boss sells their own brand, but any food-grade hardwood pellet works. Popular flavors include hickory for beef and pork, apple or cherry for poultry and ribs, and competition blend for all-purpose cooking. Avoid heating pellets or pellets with binding agents — they are not food-safe.
How does the Flame Broiler Lever work?
The Flame Broiler Lever is a slide plate between the fire pot and cooking grates on Pit Boss horizontal grills. In the closed position, it deflects heat for indirect convection cooking (180-500°F). Slide it open and the grate is exposed directly to the fire pot, enabling direct flame searing up to 1,000°F. You can use both positions simultaneously — smoke on one side while searing on the other.
What is the difference between Pit Boss horizontal grills and vertical smokers?
Horizontal pellet grills offer 8-in-1 cooking versatility (grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, BBQ, char-grill) with the Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame access. They’re ideal for varied weekly cooking across a wide temperature range. Vertical smokers are dedicated low-and-slow units that stack racks vertically for maximum protein capacity in a compact footprint, with larger hoppers for 24+ hour unattended cooks. Choose horizontal for versatility, vertical for maximum smoking volume.
How long can a Pit Boss pellet grill cook without refilling the hopper?
Cook time per hopper load depends on temperature and hopper size. The 7 lb hopper on the Table Top model suits compact sessions, while the 5 lb hopper on the PB440FB1 lasts 4-6 hours at moderate temps. The 19 lb Pit Stop and 30 lb Navigator 850 hoppers handle longer cooks. The 75 lb hopper (Navigator 6-Series Vertical) can sustain 24+ hours of continuous low-and-slow smoking.
Can I use a Pit Boss pellet grill in cold weather?
Yes, but performance varies. Horizontal grills may use more pellets and take longer to reach temperature in cold or windy conditions. Vertical smokers with double-walled construction and blanket insulation (like the Navigator 6-Series) retain heat more efficiently in cold weather. An insulated blanket accessory is also available for most Pit Boss horizontal models.
Do Pit Boss grills have Wi-Fi?
Only the Navigator M Line models (Navigator 850 PB850M and Navigator 6-Series Vertical PBV6M) include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Pit Boss app for remote temperature monitoring. The compact and mid-range models (PB150PPG Table Top, PB440FB1, Pit Stop Portable, and Battery Powered Portable) use digital controllers without wireless connectivity.
Conclusion
Pit Boss covers every outdoor cooking scenario with these six pellet grill models, and the right choice depends entirely on how you cook. The PB150PPG Table Top is the most approachable entry point for beginners and portable cooks who want real pellet-grill flavor in a compact footprint. The PB440FB1 remains the best pick for families who want reliable pellet grilling without premium complexity. For serious capacity, the Navigator 850 PB850M delivers 932 square inches of cooking space with Wi-Fi remote monitoring — the right tool for large gatherings and overnight briskets. The Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker PBV6M is purpose-built for competition-scale smoking sessions with 2,224 square inches and a 75-pound hopper that runs 24+ hours unattended. On the portable side, the Pit Stop Portable brings full-featured pellet grilling to tailgates and campsites with its included cart stand and cover, while the Battery Powered Portable is the only option that operates completely off-grid on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Every model uses 100% natural hardwood pellets and includes the Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing (except the vertical smoker), so you get authentic wood-fired flavor regardless of which Pit Boss you choose.
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