Pit Boss Pellet Grills: Complete Model Comparison Guide

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 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 Stop Portable — full-featured portable for tailgating and camping
• Battery Powered Portable — the only off-grid pellet grill in the lineup

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 — 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.

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

1. “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.”
2. “Bought this for our camping trips. This does it all, smokes and grills. Perfect combination for our needs. Great quality and very nice features.”
3. “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.”

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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

1. “I’ve loved this pit since I got it. Continuing to update this review as I use it more — it keeps delivering great results.”
2. “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.”
3. “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.”

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M – Best Large Capacity

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 PB850M is Pit Boss’s flagship horizontal grill, built around four core features that set it above the mid-range models: 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. Heavy-duty rolling casters make repositioning manageable despite the grill’s weight.

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

1. “Easy to assemble, very solid grill, fantastic height. Very impressed with the build quality right out of the box.”
2. “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.”
3. “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.”

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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. M Line build quality delivers tighter door seals and better insulation for more consistent chamber temperatures across 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

1. “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.”

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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

1. “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.”
2. “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.”

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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. 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

1. “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.”
2. “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.”
3. “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.”

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Pit Boss Pellet Grill Comparison Table

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 flavor pairings:

• Hickory — beef and pork
• Apple or cherry — poultry and ribs
• Competition blend — all-purpose

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 depends on temperature setting and hopper size. Here’s how each model compares:

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 (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 models. The right choice depends entirely on how and where you cook:

• PB150PPG Table Top — best entry point for beginners and portable cooks who want real pellet flavor in a compact, moveable footprint
• PB440FB1 — best for families who want reliable weekly pellet grilling without premium complexity or price
• Navigator 850 PB850M — best for large gatherings and overnight briskets, with 932 sq in of space and Wi-Fi remote monitoring
• Navigator 6-Series Vertical PBV6M — best for competition-scale smoking, with 2,224 sq in and a 75 lb hopper that runs 24+ hours unattended
• Pit Stop Portable — best for tailgating and camping; includes cart stand and cover for a complete out-of-the-box setup
• Battery Powered Portable — the only model that runs 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, which is dedicated to low-and-slow. Authentic wood-fired flavor comes standard regardless of which Pit Boss you choose.

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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