Pit Boss Pellet Grills: Complete Model Comparison Guide

Pit Boss makes six pellet grill models spanning 256-2,224 sq in of cooking space, from the portable PB150PPG tabletop to the Navigator 6-Series Vertical smoker with a 75 lb hopper. All horizontal models include the Flame Broiler Lever for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F. The core decision is horizontal (8-in-1 cooking, 180-1,000°F) versus vertical (dedicated smoking, 150-420°F, 24+ hour unattended capacity). In this guide, we evaluate six Pit Boss models to help you make an informed decision:

• PB150PPG Table Top – compact entry-level for beginners and portable cooks
• PB440FB1 – mid-size workhorse for regular family BBQs
• Navigator 850 PB850M – premium large-capacity with Wi-Fi
• Navigator 6-Series Vertical PBV6M – dedicated smoker with 24+ hour unattended capacity
• Pit Boss Tailgater – full-featured portable with folding legs for tailgating and camping
• Battery Powered Portable – the only off-grid pellet grill in the lineup

Understanding Pit Boss Pellet Grills: Key Concepts

A Pit Boss pellet grill uses compressed hardwood pellets as fuel. An auger feeds pellets from the hopper into a fire pot, where an igniter starts combustion. A fan controls airflow to maintain your target temperature. The digital controller handles startup, temperature regulation, and shutdown automatically – no manual fire management required.

What Makes Pit Boss Different: The Flame Broiler Lever

The Flame Broiler Lever is Pit Boss’s signature innovation – a slide-plate system beneath the cooking grates with two distinct modes:

• Closed (indirect): The plate deflects heat upward, creating convection cooking at 180-500°F – ideal for smoking, roasting, and baking
• Open (direct flame): A section of grate is exposed directly to the fire pot, enabling searing temperatures up to 1,000°F – perfect for steaks, burgers, and chops with restaurant-quality char marks

You can run both positions simultaneously – smoke ribs on the indirect side while searing steaks over direct flame. This is what 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 a different cooking style. Understanding the difference before you buy is the single most important decision in this guide.

How to Choose the Right Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Choose your Pit Boss based on group size and cooking style. For 1-2 people, 256-387 sq in handles everyday cooks. For 4-6 people, 518 sq in covers a full family meal. For 8 or more, 932+ sq in fits multiple proteins simultaneously. If your primary goal is large-batch low-and-slow smoking, the vertical smoker’s 2,224 sq in and 75 lb hopper is the purpose-built option.

Cooking Area by Group Size

What Wood Pellets Work With Pit Boss Grills

Pit Boss grills run on any food-grade 100% hardwood pellets. Wood choice controls the flavor profile of the finished cook. Pit Boss sells their own branded pellets, but any food-grade hardwood pellet without binding agents or fillers works. Avoid heating pellets – they are not food-safe and will produce off-flavors. For a deeper look at pellet options, see our guide to the best wood pellets.

Product Reviews

The six Pit Boss models below range from the 256 sq in PB150PPG tabletop to the 2,224 sq in Navigator 6-Series Vertical. Each review includes full specifications, best use cases, and verified buyer feedback.

Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top Wood Pellet Grill – Best for Beginners

The Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top Wood Pellet Grill is a compact tabletop pellet grill designed for beginners and portable cooks who want real pellet smoke without committing to a full patio setup. 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

Customer Reviews

1. “After burning through 2 Traeger tabletop grills camping, I figured I’d give the Pit Boss a shot — it works flawlessly, I’ve used it 2x a week for the past 2 months, from burgers to low-and-slow ribs.”
2. “Best purchase made in a long time — use it at home and with the motorhome. Value, quality, and size: love it.”
3. “A true tailgater smoker — gives a better smoke flavor than my larger home smoker.”

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Pit Boss PB440FB1 – Best for Families

The Pit Boss PB440FB1 delivers 518 square inches of cooking space, covering regular family cookouts and weekend BBQs with room for chicken, ribs, and vegetables simultaneously. This model includes a dial-in digital control board with 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 practical feature for busy households. The automatic start and cool down functions add convenience, while the 5-pound hopper provides 4-6 hours of unattended cooking time at moderate temperatures. Backed by a 5-year warranty.

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

Customer Reviews

1. “Continuing to update this review — this pit keeps delivering great results year after year.”
2. “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.”
3. “Perfect size (440) and quality for the price — takes less time to start than charcoal and is just as good.”

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M – Best Large Capacity

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M is the largest horizontal grill in this comparison, built around four core features: 932 square inches of cooking space, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Pit Boss app, a Flame Broiler Lever for direct-flame access up to 1,000°F, and a 30-pound hopper for extended low-and-slow cooks without babysitting. The M Line designation reflects a premium build step-up — heavier gauge steel, a tighter lid seal, and improved heat deflection for more consistent temperatures across the full grate. Remote monitoring via the app means you can track an overnight brisket from bed without leaving the house.

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

Customer Reviews

1. “This thing is an absolute hog — way heavier than I expected, but the capacity is unreal. Two full briskets at once with room to spare.”
2. “Very constant temperature and simple to use — made a pork butt in 6 hours and it was tender and delicious.”
3. “Well worth the money — thick metal body, sturdy construction, wheels are a plus, cooks great.”

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Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker PBV6M – Best Vertical Smoker

The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker PBV6M is purpose-built for competition-prep cooks and backyard pitmasters who need maximum protein capacity in a compact vertical footprint. Five porcelain-coated steel racks — each measuring 25.7″ x 17.3″ and capable of holding two full-size foil pans — add up to 2,224 square inches of total cooking space. That translates to 6 full briskets, 20+ racks of ribs, or enough pulled pork to feed a neighborhood in a single cook. The 75-pound hopper with cleanout enables 24+ hours of unattended low-and-slow smoking at 150-420°F without opening the door to refuel. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via the Pit Boss app handle remote temperature monitoring. Three meat probe ports (one probe included) let you track multiple proteins simultaneously.

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)

Customer Reviews

1. “I just made pulled pork and everything worked as advertised — I definitely recommend this smoker.”
2. “My Pit Boss 3-Series gave up so I upgraded to the 6-Series — much larger, very easy Bluetooth setup, I also like the folding shelf on the side.”
3. “The capacity on this thing is insane — loaded up 4 briskets for a neighborhood cookout and had room left over. The app monitoring worked flawlessly throughout a 14-hour cook.”

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Pit Boss Tailgater Portable Pellet Grill – Best for Tailgating

The Pit Boss Tailgater delivers 465 square inches of cooking space on a portable frame with collapsing legs — set up in seconds at the tailgate, campsite, or back deck. The 5-pound hopper and Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F give it the same core capabilities as the stationary Pit Boss lineup in a form factor that fits in a truck bed. Fan-forced convection heat distributes evenly across the full grate, and the digital temperature controller manages the full 180-500°F range automatically. The collapsing legs and locking lid make it a genuine grab-and-go solution for anyone who wants real wood-fired pellet flavor on location.

Highlights

• 465 sq in cooking space — enough for ribs, a pork butt, or a full chicken
• Collapsing legs for fast setup and breakdown at any location
• Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
• 5 lb hopper for portable cooks without constant refilling
• Fan-forced convection for even heat across the full grate
• Digital temperature controller (180-500°F) with automatic startup and shutdown

Specifications

• Cooking Area: 465 square inches
• Temperature Range: 180-500°F (up to 1,000°F with Flame Broiler)
• Hopper Capacity: 5 lb
• Legs: Collapsing for transport and storage
• Heat System: Fan-forced convection + Flame Broiler Lever
• Controller: Digital with automatic start and shutdown

Customer Reviews

1. “Wonderful while camping or just to use at home — easy to start and stop with one button, and while it is small you can still fit a ton of food in it.”
2. “Football games, camping, backyard barbecues — the Pit Boss Tailgater can handle whatever your life throws at it. In a matter of seconds you are set up and ready to grill.”
3. “Far and away the best and easiest smoking we have ever done — once you get it put together, you can’t beat it.”

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Pit Boss Battery Powered Portable 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 only option for off-grid cooking where no power outlet is available. 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. 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, and the Flame Broiler Lever is included for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F.

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

Customer Reviews

1. “Cooked our entire Thanksgiving meal on it — from the cornbread to the turkey to the candied yams. Uses very few pellets.”
2. “Works great when away from home — love that you don’t need a cord but it’s there if you do.”
3. “Heavy sturdy build — huge success tailgating last weekend, lots of compliments, very easy to assemble.”

See at Amazon

Pit Boss Pellet Grill Comparison Table

How to Season a New Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Season a new Pit Boss by running it empty at 350°F for 45-60 minutes before the first cook. This burns off manufacturing residue, oils the interior steel, and coats the cooking surfaces with a protective layer of smoke. The process takes less than one hour and requires only a full hopper of hardwood pellets.

Initial Seasoning Steps

1. Fill the hopper with 100% hardwood pellets – hickory or competition blend recommended for the initial burn.
2. Set the digital controller to 350°F and close the lid. Do not add food.
3. Run at 350°F for 45-60 minutes. Smoke will appear initially as manufacturing residue burns off; this is normal and clears within 15-20 minutes.
4. After 45-60 minutes, increase temperature to 400°F for a final 15 minutes to fully season the grates and interior walls.
5. Initiate the cool-down cycle via the digital controller. Allow the grill to cool completely – typically 30-45 minutes – before the first cook.
6. Wipe grates lightly with a food-safe oil (canola or vegetable) before the first cook to prevent sticking.

Pitmaster Tip: For the initial seasoning burn, use hickory or competition blend pellets. These produce the richest smoke coating for the interior walls and establish a strong baseline seasoning that protects the steel through future cooks.

Re-seasoning After Deep Cleaning

After any deep clean that removes built-up seasoning, run a shorter re-seasoning cycle: 30 minutes at 300°F with the lid closed. This restores the protective smoke coating before the next cook.

Common Pit Boss Pellet Grill Problems and Fixes

The most common Pit Boss issues are temperature fluctuations, auger jams, and pellet bridging in the hopper. Temperature swings of ±25°F are normal during pellet combustion cycles. Swings beyond 50°F usually indicate a dirty fire pot, low-quality pellets, or a failing temperature probe. Most problems are solved with routine cleaning and dry pellet storage.

Temperature Fluctuations

A swing of ±25°F around your set temperature is normal. If swings exceed 50°F:

• Clean the fire pot of accumulated ash – a blocked fire pot restricts airflow and causes temperature spikes
• Switch to a higher-quality 100% hardwood pellet – pellets with fillers or moisture burn unevenly
• Check the RTD temperature probe for grease buildup and wipe clean with a dry cloth
• Ensure the lid seal is intact – a damaged gasket allows heat to escape

Auger Jams

An auger jam occurs when the auger motor stops turning and pellets stop feeding to the fire pot. Causes and fixes:

• Wet or swollen pellets: Empty the hopper completely, remove stuck pellets, and refill with fresh dry pellets.
• Running the hopper empty: Always refill before the hopper runs completely dry.
• Foreign object in hopper: Inspect the hopper for debris before each use.

To clear a jam: power off the grill, remove all pellets from the hopper, and manually clear the auger opening before restarting.

Pellet Bridging in the Hopper

Pellet bridging happens when pellets compact together above the auger opening and stop feeding, even though pellets remain in the hopper.

• Stir the pellets in the hopper with a long spoon or rod to break up the bridge
• Store pellets in an airtight container away from humidity – avoid leaving pellets in the hopper for more than 1-2 weeks in humid climates

Grill Won’t Ignite

• Check for excess ash in the fire pot – empty and clean before restarting
• Verify the igniter rod is functioning – no glow after 5 minutes indicates a failed igniter
• Confirm pellets are actually reaching the fire pot

Low Smoke Output

• Use the “S” (Smoke) or lowest temperature setting – smoke output is highest at low temperatures
• Check for ash buildup on the heat deflector plate
• Switch to a more aromatic pellet variety – hickory and competition blends produce more visible smoke than lighter woods

Frequently Asked Questions

What pellets should I use with a Pit Boss grill?

Pit Boss grills are designed for 100% natural hardwood pellets. Popular flavor pairings: hickory for beef and pork, apple or cherry for poultry and ribs, and competition blend for an all-purpose option. 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.

What is the difference between Pit Boss horizontal grills and vertical smokers?

Horizontal pellet grills offer 8-in-1 cooking versatility 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 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?

Actual burn rate varies with ambient temperature and grill setting – use these as planning estimates.

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 retain heat more efficiently in cold weather.

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. The compact and mid-range models (PB150PPG Table Top, PB440FB1, Tailgater, and Battery Powered Portable) use digital controllers without wireless connectivity.

Conclusion

Pit Boss covers every outdoor cooking scenario with these six models. The right choice depends entirely on how and where you cook:

• PB150PPG Table Top – 256 sq in tabletop grill for beginners and portable cooks who want real pellet flavor in a compact, moveable footprint
• PB440FB1 – 518 sq in for families who want reliable weekly pellet grilling without premium complexity
• Navigator 850 PB850M – 932 sq in with a 30 lb hopper and Wi-Fi for large gatherings and overnight briskets
• Navigator 6-Series Vertical PBV6M – 2,224 sq in across 5 racks with a 75 lb hopper that runs 24+ hours unattended
• Pit Boss Tailgater – 465 sq in portable grill with collapsing legs for tailgating, camping, and on-the-go cooking
• Battery Powered Portable – 256 sq in, the only model that runs completely off-grid on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Still weighing your options? Our Pit Boss vs Traeger comparison breaks down how the two brands stack up on price, features, and performance. Every model uses 100% natural hardwood pellets and includes the Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing – except the vertical smoker, which is dedicated to low-and-slow. All horizontal models operate from 180-500°F with Flame Broiler searing up to 1,000°F.

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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