Pit Boss: The Complete Buyer's Guide
By Reed · Reviewed October 2026
The quick answer
Pit Boss is built its name on one idea — real wood-pellet flavor that doesn't cost like a Hestan . Catalog depth: 50+ grills, griddles & smokers.
Who is Pit Boss?
Pit Boss built its name on one idea — real wood-pellet flavor that doesn't cost like a Hestan. The Pro Series and Navigator lines sit in the $500-$1,500 range and give you the same pellet-fired, convection-cooked results the premium rigs are famous for, with Smart Combustion controls dialing in the temp as hard as any dealer-tier grill.
Our catalog covers the whole lineup: the entry-level Austin XL, the mid-tier Pro Series 850 / 1150 / 1600 Elite PSE, the top-end Navigator 1200 and KC Combo (pellet + propane in one cart), vertical smokers, and the Ultimate griddle series. If it's a competition-grade pellet grill under $2k, there's a Pit Boss built for it.
Pit Boss ships direct from a Dallas-area distribution center with Prime-tier lead times — most SKUs leave the dock in 48 hours and land in a week. Backed by a 5-year hopper + burn-pot warranty.
At a glance
What Pit Boss prioritizes
Real wood-pellet flavor
100% hardwood pellets fire the burn pot — same wood-fired taste the premium pellet rigs sell for 3x the price.
Smart Combustion control
PID + auger-controlled pellet feed holds the set temp within ~15°F across the whole cook. No babysitting.
Mass-market pricing
Pro Series under $1,000. Navigator with Wi-Fi app control under $1,500. Entry-level Austin XL under $600.
Direct-fire + convection modes
Slide-plate flame broiler lets you swap between low-and-slow smoke and 500°F direct-sear in seconds.
The current Pit Boss lineup
53 Pit Boss pieces in stock today across our catalog. Representative models below.
PB1000D3 Wood Pellet Grill, Black
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $549.99
Wood Pellet & Charcoal Kettle Combo Grill
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $699.99
5-Burner Ultimate Griddle
Grill Accessories
From $899.99
5-Burner Griddle
Grill Accessories
From $529
Wood Pellet & Charcoal Kettle Combo Bundle
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $699.99
1300 Connected Wood Pellet Bundle
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $929.99
850 Connected Wood Pellet Bundle
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $799.99
Sportsman Series 1100 Wood Pellet Grill
Smokers & Pellet Grills
From $849.99
When Pit Boss is the wrong choice
Pit Boss is engineered for buyers who prioritize build quality and longevity over upfront price. If you're buying a first grill under $1,500, or a fire feature for a rental property, or any use case where you expect to upgrade within three years, the premium Pit Boss commands over mass-market alternatives won't earn back. The brand is at its best when the ownership horizon is 10+ years, when the install is permanent, and when matched components (vent hood, refrigeration, side burners) are part of the plan.
Pit Boss — the questions buyers actually ask
Are Pit Boss pellet grills worth it compared to Traeger?
At the same price point, Pit Boss gives you more cooking area and a direct-flame searing option (slide-plate flame broiler) that Traeger doesn't. Traeger's app ecosystem is more polished; Pit Boss wins on hardware per dollar.
Which Pit Boss model is best for a first-time pellet-grill buyer?
The Pro Series 850 is the volume pick — 849 sq in of cook space, Wi-Fi via Smoke IT app, slide-plate flame broiler, under $700. The Austin XL is cheaper but drops the Wi-Fi; the Navigator 1200 is the step-up pick if you want double the capacity.
How often do Pit Boss grills need pellets refilled?
The hopper on a Pro Series 850 holds ~21 lbs — enough for a 12-14 hour low-and-slow cook at 225°F, or ~6 hours at 450°F sear temps. Larger Navigator models carry 32 lbs.
Can I use any brand of wood pellets in a Pit Boss?
Yes — Pit Boss works with any food-grade hardwood pellet. Pit Boss's own competition-blend pellets run $0.80/lb and are the most consistent, but Traeger, Lumber Jack, Camp Chef pellets all feed cleanly.
Does the Pit Boss Combo really do pellet AND propane?
Yes — the KC Combo (and the Navigator 1500 Combo) have a dedicated 3-burner gas chamber alongside the pellet smoker. Pellet side runs 180-500°F; gas side hits 650°F for searing. Two separate control systems in one cart.
More Pit Boss on BBQs.com
Last reviewed by the BBQs.com editorial team on October 2026.
