Pit Boss Vs Traeger

Pit Boss Vs Traeger

Pellet grills have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people have realized the benefits of cooking with them. There are many different brands and models of pellet grills on the market, but two of the most popular brands are Pitboss and Traeger. 

Both brands have their pros and cons, but which one is the best for you? In this article, we will compare Pitboss and Traeger grills so that you can decide which one is right for you.

Pellet grills – How do they work?

A pellet grill is a type of smoker that uses compressed wood pellets as fuel to cook and smoke food. It works by using convection cooking, which means it cooks food through hot air, similar to how an oven cooks. 

Pellet grills come in many different styles and sizes, but the most common ones are upright barrel-shaped smokers with a hopper on top where you put the pellets. This is attached to the bottom of the grill via a metal tube. The hopper feeds into a heating element at one end of the machine that heats up the wood pellets until they begin to smolder, then releases smoke from a small hole near the top of the machine. 

An auger inside the main body moves these wood pellets from the hopper to a heating tube where they are then burned, creating smoke that cooks your food. 

You can adjust the level of airflow and temperature that the grill uses to cook your food, but this is basically how a pellet smoker works. 

How many types of pellet grills are there?

There are three types of pellet smokers – upright barrel smokers, box smokers, and cabinet smokers. 

Upright barrel smokers are the most common type – they are basically a large metal barrel with a lid on top that you stand or sit in front of while cooking. 

Box smokers are similar to upright barrel smokers, but they are square instead of round and have a smaller cooking area. 

Cabinet smokers are the largest type of pellet smoker – they are like a large cabinet with a door on the front that you open to cook your food. They have the largest cooking area of all three types of pellet smokers. 

Brand Overview: Pit Boss vs Traeger

Pit Boss:

Pitboss is a brand of pellet grills that was founded in 2009. They make a wide variety of pellet smokers, including upright barrel smokers, box smokers, and cabinet smokers. 

They are known for their high-quality products and have a large number of positive reviews from customers. 

PROS:

Wide variety of smokers to choose from

High-quality products

Many positive customer reviews

CONS:

Maybe more expensive than other brands

Traeger:

Traeger is a brand of pellet grills that was founded in 1993. They make a wide variety of pellet smokers, including upright barrel smokers, box smokers, and cabinet smokers. 

They are known for their high-quality products and have a large number of positive reviews from customers. 

PROS:

High-quality products

Many positive customer reviews

Large cooking area on some models

CONS:

Maybe more expensive than other brands

Limited availability of parts for some models

In-depth comparison: Pit Boss vs Traeger

Now that we have a basic understanding of how pellet grills work, let’s compare two of the most popular brands

Pit Boss vs Traeger: An in-depth comparison

• Temperature Control – Both brands offer a range of temperature control, but Pit Boss offers a higher maximum temperature – 800 degrees Fahrenheit compared to Traeger’s maximum cooking temperature of 500 degrees.
• Heat Distribution – According to reviews, both Pit Boss and Traeger have great heat distribution.
• Temperature Stability – The temperature will fluctuate if you don’t properly calibrate it or there is a power outage, but this isn’t specific to any brand – it’s an issue that all pellet smokers suffer from.
• Grate Quality – Customers say that there are no issues with quality when using either brand’s grates. In fact, many people prefer using these grates over those that come with the grill.
• Hopper Capacity – The hoppers on both brands hold a similar amount of pellets, but Pit Boss has an advantage due to their positioning. With the traditional upright barrel design, the pellet hopper sits directly under the wood pellet auger for better feeding and more accurate temperature control.
• Engine Quality – Customers rave about how quiet the engines are on both brands and customers also agree that they start quickly and easily every time.
• Build Quality – Again, reviews for this category say there is no difference in either brand’s build quality – it seems like these companies take pride in producing high-quality machines. 
• Weight – With the traditional upright barrel design, the Pit Boss is lighter than most other brands – just 38 pounds compared to Traeger’s 48 or 52 pounds.
• Appearance – Customers say that you can tell that these are great machines just by looking at them. They’re attractive and fit in nicely with your outdoor décor.
• Hopper Size – Traeger’s hoppers are a bit larger than Pit Boss’ hoppers, with a 20-pound capacity compared to Pit Boss’ 15-pound capacity. 
• Ease of Use – The general consensus among customers is that both Pit Boss and Traeger are very easy to use.
• Ease of Assembly – Both brands are relatively easy to assemble, but Traeger offers more comprehensive instructions that make it a little easier for first-time assemblers. 
• Versatility – Both brands make upright barrel smokers, box smokers, and cabinet smokers. Some models from each brand come with side burners.
• Cooking Area – While both brands have exactly the same amount of grill space (600 sq), some Pitboss grills have larger cooking areas than Traeger because they use 3 racks instead of 2 in some cases. However, if you are looking for something that has an extra-large cooking area, then you should consider buying one of Traeger’s Timberline grills . 
• Reliability – Both brands are known for their high-quality products, but people who have owned Pit Boss grills for a long time say that they are more durable than Traeger grills. Many customers complain that the paint on the outside of their Traeger grill tends to flake off after several months of use. 
• Warranty – The warranty varies depending on the type of smoker you purchase and who you purchase it from, but both brands offer decent warranties for their grills.
• Price – The price for both brands ranges from around $400 to $800, but there are some differences. Pit Boss smokers are typically a little less expensive than Traeger smokers.
• Customer Service – Both brands have excellent customer service with many positive reviews from customers. However, some people complain that Pit Boss’ customer service representatives are hard to reach via phone and email, while Traeger has a much better track record of responding to their customers than Pit Boss.
• Availability of parts: Here too, we see a big difference between the two brands. Some parts for Pitboss models such as side shelves can be difficult to find because they sell out quickly. On the other hand, parts for Traeger models such as the E-Z Grills are much more easily available and tend to not sell out as quickly.

Which one should I go for?

Overall, both Pit Boss and Traeger are excellent brands of pellet smokers, and it really comes down to personal preference. If you want a grill that is easy to use and has great temperature control, then go with a Traeger. If you want a grill that is more durable and has a wider temperature range, then go with a Pit Boss. Whichever brand you decide on, be sure to research the different models to find one that best suits your needs.

How to use a pellet grill for beginners?

If you’re new to cooking with a pellet grill, we recommend starting off on high heat at first until you get used to how it works. Only use 1-2 pounds of pellets per hour as needed after that. As a rule of thumb, for each pound of meat you are cooking, you will need to add one full chimney of pre-heated pellets. You can tell when the pellets are ready by looking at the fire pot – if it is full of ash, the pellets need to be replaced. It is a good idea to clean the firepot while cooking with pellets while it’s still hot. 

You don’t need any previous cooking experience at all to get it! Though some people will need more time and practice before they get the hang of it than others do.

What are the benefits of a pellet grill?

There are many benefits to using a pellet grill, including:

• Uniform cooking temperatures – Pellet grills use convection heat to cook your food evenly and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the grill. This results in juicier and more evenly-cooked food.
• Juicier and more tender meat – Pellet grills use indirect heat, which cooks food slowly and evenly, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
• No flare-ups – Since the pellets are made of wood, there is no risk of your food being burned or having flare-ups. This means that you can leave your grill unattended while it cooks without having to worry about ruining your food.
• Easy temperature control – With a pellet grill, you can easily adjust the temperature by turning the knob on the front of the grill. This allows you to cook a wide variety of foods at different temperatures.
• Easy to clean – Pellets are easier to clean than briquettes because you don’t have to deal with ash residue. When the ash builds up, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try one! You won’t regret buying your first pellet grill. Why should I buy a pellet smoker? There are three main reasons why somebody would want

How do I care for my pellet grill?

Get a cover for it. It is unacceptable not to have a cover for your pellet smoker, so buy one at once! This way you will prevent dust from accumulating on the machine and keep it fresh and clean every time you use it.

Also, if you get a wood chip loader, get covers for them as well. Even when they are covered, they should be put away from direct weather conditions. They need to be protected from rain or snow just like the grill itself.

Do not wash the inside of your pellet smoker with water. Wipe it down with a damp cloth instead to remove all ash and other residues that might have gathered while cooking different kinds of meat in it. Also, make sure there’s no trace of grease in the smoker.

If you want to use something like vinegar or water, that’s okay, but make sure there are no traces of it leftover after cleaning with a dry cloth. If the grates in your pellet grill are detachable, wash them with warm water and soap before using them again. Also, clean both sides of the grates thoroughly so they will be able to cook food evenly when in use. Just like any other type of machine, give your pellet grill some TLC once in a while by doing all these things and it will last for years to come!

What are some tips for cooking on my Traeger or Pit Boss?

• Use indirect heat. Do not put the meat directly over the heat source, but on the rack above it instead. This allows for even cooking on both sides of the food without burning it.
• Keep your Traeger lid closed as much as possible while cooking to maintain the desired temperature inside the grill. A good tip is just to open it when you turn around or check on something else for a second or two, then close it again immediately. If this happens more than once every couple of minutes, though, something may be wrong with your smoker so call customer service right away!
• Make sure there are no gaskets broken on your Traeger or Pit Boss by removing and checking them before using your machine again. Also, make sure that your food is not touching the gasket when you use it.
• If you have to add more pellets during cooking, wait until the fire has stopped billowing before opening up the grill and placing them in there. This ensures that the pellets will burn and not just smolder and leave a bad taste in your mouth.

What parts can I expect to break on my Traeger or Pit Boss?

There are usually only two kinds of parts that would be considered ‘consumable’ for both brands: gaskets and brushes. Gaskets need to be replaced every so often because they wear down after constant use. As for brushes, if they come into contact with grease or other solids while cleaning between grates, they will start to wear down and not be as effective.

Aside from those two things, the rest of the machine is made to last! So if something does go wrong, it is usually an easy fix. Just call customer service and they will walk you through whatever needs to be done.

FAQs

What should I look for when buying my first pellet grill?

There are two primary factors to consider when buying your first pellet grill. First, think about the type of foods you like to cook, and second, think about how much cooking space you need on your machine. Some grills will be easier to set up than others. A good quality smoker should include an ash-removal system which makes cleaning easy and direct flame grills for those who love steaks or burgers.

How much is a Traeger grill?

Traegers can range in price from $300 to $1,200.

How much is a Pit Boss grill?

Pit Boss smokers start at around $200 and go up to $1,000.

What is a pellet hopper?

A pellet hopper holds pellets in storage so that they can feed into your auger as needed throughout the course of cooking. It’s important to keep pellets fresh because stale, old pellets burn too hot and can even produce bad flavors in food! They come with both digital and analog models, which are controlled with a cut-off switch to maintain the desired temperature.

How do I know when my pellets are ready and how many should I use?

For beginners, we recommend starting off on high heat at first until you get used to how it works and only using 1-2 pounds per hour as needed after that. As a rule of thumb, for each pound of meat you are cooking, you will need to add one full chimney of pre-heated pellets. You can tell when the pellets are ready by looking at the fire pot – if it is full of ash, the pellets need to be replaced. It is a good idea to clean the firepot while cooking with pellets while it’s still hot.

Can I use other types of wood pellets in my smoker?

While it is not recommended to use anything but pure hardwood pellets in a pellet smoker, some people have had success with using fruitwood pellets or even charcoal. Be sure to experiment with different types of pellets to see what gives you the best results for the foods you like to cook!

What are the different types of wood pellets?

The different types of wood pellets include oak, hickory, cherry, apple, and pecan. Each type of wood has its own unique flavor that will enhance the taste of whatever you’re cooking. experiment with different types of pellets to find the ones that you like best!

What are some of the best foods to cook on a pellet smoker?

Pellet smokers are great for cooking all types of food, but some of the most popular things cook on them include ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, and chicken. You can also use a pellet smoker to cook pizzas, baked goods, and even desserts!

Do I have to be a meat expert to cook with a pellet grill?

One of the best things about a pellet grill is that it makes it easy for everyone, even beginners, to cook their favorite foods. You don’t need any previous cooking experience at all to get started! Though some people will need more time and practice before they get the hang of it than others do.

How do you clean a pellet grill?

Cleaning a pellet grill is very easy. Simply remove any dust or ash that has collected on the outside of the machine with a dry cloth, and for some models, you’ll be able to take apart the grill components more thoroughly for cleaning inside as well. Make sure to regularly check your machine’s grease levels, and when they get low add some oil or cooking spray so it can keep running smoothly! You should also clean out all of the diffuser plates within the hopper every time you use it because this will affect how efficiently it burns your pellets.

How long does it take to clean a Traeger or Pit Boss?

Cleaning a Traeger or Pit Boss grill usually takes around 10-15 minutes. 

As with any other appliance, it’s important to properly maintain your pellet smoker in order to ensure its longevity. This means regularly cleaning the grates and ash catcher, refilling the pellets, and keeping an eye on the grease levels. By following these simple tips, your pellet smoker will be running like new for years to come

How do I start my Traeger grill?

Turn on the grill, set it to smoke mode for cold smoking or fire mode for hot smoking, depending on your model of the smoker. Then open the hopper lid and put wood pellets in it about every five minutes until you’ve reached your desired amount of smoke. How do I adjust the temperature on my pellet smoker?

Some smokers come with an external knob that controls the temperature while others have an integrated digital control system that displays the current setting within a range of what’s being called “Smoke” (about 200 degrees) to “Burnt Ends” (about 550 degrees). Since the temperature inside the smoker can fluctuate, it’s best to use a food thermometer to test the temperature of whatever you’re cooking to ensure that it is cooked at the desired level.

How long does a Traeger or a Pit Boss pellet last?

A Traeger or Pit Boss grill should last for many years if properly maintained. This includes keeping an eye on the grease levels, regularly cleaning the grates and ash catcher, and refilling the pellets. As long as all of these things are done, your pellet smoker should be running like new for years to come!

Is it ok to leave my Traeger or Pit Boss grill outside?

Yes, Traeger and Pit Boss grills are very durable and can stand up to the outdoor elements. However, high humidity or direct exposure to sunlight can cause rust on the outside of the machine over time, so it’s best to keep it covered when not in use.

Can I put a cover on my Traeger or Pit Boss grill?

Some people choose to cover their Traeger or Pit Boss grills when they’re not in use, though it is not necessary. If you do choose to cover your grill, make sure the cover is made for that specific model and that it is weather resistant. 

Can I use a Traeger or a Pit Boss inside?

Traeger and Pit Boss grills are designed to be used outside, but some people do decide to use them indoors. If you plan on using your Traeger or Pit Boss inside, make sure it fits through the doors without touching any of the walls. Make sure that all of the components are properly installed; for example, make sure the auger is not too close to the wall so that it doesn’t cause a fire hazard.

How long can pellets last?

Wood pellets typically last for about 8-12 hours in a smoker depending on how much smoke flavor they give off over time. However, they can also last much longer than this if you keep adding more throughout the day as needed.

How do I know when my Traeger or Pit Boss grill is done?

The best way to know when your Traeger or Pit Boss grill is done is to use a food thermometer to test the internal temperature of whatever you’re cooking. The “Smoke” setting on most smokers is about 200 degrees, while the “Burnt Ends” setting is about 550 degrees. When the desired temperature has been reached, your food should be cooked to the desired level.

Do Traeger or Pit Boss grills rust?

Since Traeger and Pit Boss grills are made with a thick, steel casing, it’s possible that the exterior of the grill will rust over time if exposed to extreme weather or moisture. To keep your grill from rusting, make sure it is covered when not in use and try to find a cover that is specifically designed for your model.

Can I put wood pellets directly on the cooking grate of my Traeger or Pit Boss grill?

Not only would this cause huge flare-ups, but you may also damage or destroy your electronic controls as well as create a fire hazard. Wood pellets should always be placed in the hopper of a pellet smoker before being used to maintain freshness and prevent accidents.

Are Traeger and Pit Boss grills pre-assembled?

Traeger and Pit Boss grills come partially assembled, but there are a few things that you will need to do yourself. This includes attaching the legs, the smoke stack, and the side tables (if included). It’s also important to read through the owner’s manual before starting to use your grill to ensure that you are familiar with all of the safety features.

What are some problems that can occur with a Traeger or Pit Boss grill?

Since Traeger and Pit Boss grills are made with electronic controls, it’s possible that something could go wrong with them over time. If this occurs, you may need to send the grill in for repairs. Other problems that can occur include the auger becoming jammed, the grease tray overflowing, or the wood pellets not feeding properly. If you experience any of these problems, be sure to troubleshoot them before calling customer service.

What is the average Traeger smoker temperature?

Depending on the type of food being prepared, typical Traeger smoker temperature can range from around 175 degrees to about 500 degrees. The “Smoke” setting is typically at 200 degrees while the “Burnt Ends” setting for meat is usually around 550-650 degrees. Setting your Traeger or Pit Boss grill at a higher temperature will cause it to burn faster, so make sure you are monitoring it throughout the process if having something done quickly is important to you.

Can I put a Traeger or Pit Boss grill on my deck?

Since Traeger and Pit Boss grills produce smoke, it’s important to make sure that they are not used in an enclosed area. Placing them on a deck is okay as long as there is plenty of ventilation. Make sure that the grill is not too close to the house or any other flammable objects, and keep children and pets away from it at all times.

Conclusion

Both Traeger and Pit Boss grills are great options for anyone looking for a smoker that is easy to use and produces delicious food. However, there are a few key differences between the two brands that you should be aware of before making a decision.

Traegers are known for their consistent temperature control and high-quality construction, while Pit Boss grills are a bit more affordable. Traegers also come with a limited warranty, while Pit Boss grills do not.

Ultimately, the choice between Traeger or Pit Boss grills comes down to personal preference. Do some research online and read through customer reviews to see what others have had to say about both brands before making your final decision.