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Are you seeking the best pellet grill to bring a distinctive taste to your meals and elevate your meetings? Then, to begin, Traeger and Pit Boss are the two popular brands on the market. In recent years, there has been a rivalry between Traeger and Pit Boss. Both brands are well-known for the high efficiency and durability of their grills, which exceed customers’ expectations. Without a question, both offer good characteristics, but they are significantly different and best suited to distinct grilling demands.
Aside from flavor, consumers choose pellet grills since they are easier to clean, have a wider temperature range, and retain more heat. However, it is difficult to find an apparent solution that will perform for you amid the competitors. Pit Boss is well-known for providing excellent value and a flexible grilling experience. Traeger, on the other hand, is recognized for offering more comfort and smart functions. To assist you, we have compared the differences between Traeger vs Pit Boss. Finally, in this list, we showcase some of the best pellet grills from each business. So, after these Traeger vs Pit Boss posts, you should have a better notion and be able to confidently choose the proper one.
Traeger Brand History And Overview
Traeger is the older of the brand names and has a more intriguing history than Pit Boss. Joe Traeger explored wood-burning stoves and over 30 years ago and invented the first pellet grill design in 1985. Later, in 1986, they began working on its style and workmanship, and the idea was patented. The first Traeger grill, as well as the first pellet grill, hit the market in 1988. Throughout time, he maintained his great path by inventing novel grills. Without a doubt, it has become the most reputable and the only firm supplying pellet grills in the industry for more than 20 years. However, after their project ended in 2006, other companies joined the contest. Considering the competition, Traeger remains one of the market’s most trusted companies for selling high-quality pellet grills.
Traeger now provides more advanced pellet grills with WiFire technology (built-in Wi-Fi connectivity) in its grill ranges. This function allows you to operate the grill from your sofa using the Traeger app icon. Any one of their items will not let you down because the business provides modern grills with all the bells and whistles to spice things up your grilling enjoyment. They provide some notable options for you to choose from according to your desires and culinary needs. Pitmasters and some other users know it for making the best BBQ barbecues. It is among the market’s leading pellet grill producers, selling more than $300 million in grills each year.
Pit Boss Brand History And Overview
Pit Boss is also another well-known grilling brand that was the first to contend with Traeger. Boss is a component of Dansons, Inc. and was formed in 1999 by Dan Thiessen and his two sons. To fight with Traeger’s quality, they provide cheaper pellet grills. Pit Boss emphasizes simplicity, which is difficult to overlook. While Pit Boss sells a variety of barbecues, including wooden grills, charcoal grills, gas grills, and cooking equipment, and vertical smokers, the company is best known for its pellet grills. Their wood pellet grills are well-known for their high quality, endurance, and craftsmanship, and hence provide the finest good value. Furthermore, it is an excellent pick for novices because it is basic, easy for using, and hygienic. Pit Boss, like Traeger, incorporates new technologies like Bluetooth connectivity in their latest barbecues to fulfill consumer expectations.
They created a variety of patterns and sizes to ensure that there is something for everyone. This forward-thinking startup seeks to provide more economical pellet grills for everyday customers without sacrificing quality. The same firm manufactures the Louisiana line of Pellet Smokers. Surprisingly, Joe Traeger joined forces with Dansons in 2018. As a result, they collaborated with the Louisiana and Pit Boss grill brands. This signifies that these two businesses collaborate.
Detailed Traeger vs Pit Boss Pellet Grill Comparison
To offer you a better picture, we compared the items from both manufacturers by taking into account several key qualities. By spending hours researching several of its goods and reading user reviews, we’ve come up with a list of important distinctions and similarities. It’s impossible to state one brand is superior to another. It is difficult to evaluate the grills properly. These grills have a lot of excellent feedback from purchasers, so keep reading to discover out how many of Traeger vs Pit Boss can fulfill your grilling needs.
Construction & Build Quality
Grill construction is a crucial consideration since the overall lifetime, efficiency, and endurance of your grill are all affected by the quality of the materials used in its design. You don’t want to have to replace your barbecue every season. Rather, you would like a unit that will endure for several seasons, if not a lifetime. Good design also enhances heat retention and makes cooking more pleasurable. It should also be simple to manage and sanitize.
Traeger manufactures more robust grills with better construction than any other competitive brand. Their grills are made of powder-coated steel and heavily loaded stainless steel. Furthermore, the cast-iron frying grates with a nonstick covering provide outstanding efficiency and are simple to clean. Pit boss, on the other hand, is adequate in terms of style and implementation. Their grills appear to be weaker than rivals’. Some parts may require to be replaced regularly. However, Pit Boss grills are still important to consider as a good value for money purchase. Traeger is the ultimate winner of this round.
Temperature Regulation
When purchasing a grill, temperature control is essential. Most clients have priorities for the preparation of their requested meals. The grill should maintain equal heat all across the grill, and the grill insulator is critical in this aspect. Traeger vs Pit Boss is well-known for its simple-to-use pellet grills. Both manufacturers say that you can program it and set about it. Traeger grills provide exceptional heat retention and accurate temperature control, allowing you to prepare a delicious dinner. To prevent heat loss, every one of their frying chambers has two stainless steel layers. As a result of their high quality, these grills can function effectively even in cold weather. They may be adjusted in 15-degree increments. This increase is adequate for hosting barbeque parties. But, if you want more precise temperature control, you may opt for their larger models, which operate in 5-degree increments.
Pit Boss, on the other hand, has a high heat retention capability. Their grills’ consistent heat helps in preparing excellent dishes that are also secure to serve. However, you will be dissatisfied with the temperature accuracy. These grills have a temperature dial with a 25-degree increment, which is inconvenient for professional grillers. People have a difficult time lowering the temperature when it becomes too hot due to significant heat generation. Pit Boss grills have several issues with temperature retention. Traeger, therefore, wins this round.
The Capacity Of The Hopper
Wood pellets are stored in a grill’s hopper. You contemplate a grill with a larger hopper capacity to accommodate a big quantity of pellets. This eliminates the need to replenish it repeatedly while cooking. Throughout an hour of cooking, a decent grill would usually consume half a pound to one including half pounds of food. This value varies depending on the model and the ambient temperature. Entire Traeger pellet grills typically have an 18 lb. hopper volume, that’s more than sufficient to prepare for an extended period. Pit Boss, on the other hand, has 20+ lb. hopper capacities in their newest pellet grills. As a result, you may cook for the entire night without having to replace its pellets. Pit Boss outperforms Traeger by providing a larger hopper capacity. If you want a larger hopper capacity in your barbecue, Pit Boss pellet grills are the way to go.
Cooking Area
The amount of food that may be cooked at the same time is determined by the kitchen area. To host big gatherings without having to spend hours in the kitchen, you could use a large cooking space. A tiny area, on the other hand, is adequate for a small family. Therefore, while selecting a pellet grill, keep this issue in mind. Pit Boss and Traeger both provide a variety of sizes to fulfill the demands of their customers. A big cooking area for ideal grilling. Traeger grills are difficult to compare in terms of cooking space.
Traeger grills come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to large, with up to 1300 square inches of cooking surface. All of their grills also include multi-level racks, which boost capacity and adaptability. A Traeger barbecue is an excellent investment for entertaining a big group of people.
Pit Boss also provides a large cooking surface at a lower cost. In brief, you can effortlessly prepare a variety of foods with a large cooking surface. Their grills also include higher racks for additional capacity but now have limited mobility. Pit Boss has a little advantage over Traeger since their pellet grills provide more bang for your buck at a lower price.
Temperature Scale
The temperature range for cooking a variety of dishes is the next key consideration. To prepare diverse dishes, a grill must have a temperature range of 225°F to 275°F. Various dishes need varying temperature settings. To make a crispy steak, for example, greater than 400°F is necessary. Pellet grills allow you to adjust the temperature when grilling, burning, searing, or baking. As a result, you don’t need any extra units for baking or other purposes. Traeger grills typically have a maximum temperature of 180°F to 400°F.
This burner is more than adequate for preparing delectable food for your BBQ party. If you want more variety, you might look at their premium collection. Their high-quality versions are more expensive and have a temperature range of 160°F – 500°F. Pit Boss provides you a leg up in this category. Each grill has a temperature range of 180°F – 500°F. This implies that even in its standard form, you can achieve a wider temperature range without spending a lot of money. So, if you enjoy pizza or want to prepare a range of recipes, this grill is ideal for you. In this round, Pit Boss outperforms Traeger by providing a significantly wider temperature range.
Versatility
When purchasing a pellet grill, one should examine the grill’s adaptability. This suggests that you should select one which is more than a grill. As a result, you can get the best of the time avoiding the need to acquire additional culinary gear. Traeger barbecues typically have just six functions, which include grilling, smoking, and toasting, among others. Pit Boss grills, on the other hand, can do up to eight distinct tasks, which is more than Traeger barbecues. As a result, while choosing between Traeger vs Pit Boss, this is the more adaptable alternative.
Price
Many here, without a doubt, choose a pellet grill based on pricing. Whatever you get for your money is quite important. Each brand’s pricing varies from model to model. Pellet grills are larger than other types of grills (gas or charcoal), but they are one-dimensional and lack a smoking element. Pit Boss is a more affordable choice, thus most people choose it. Their grills start at less than $1000. Some of its better versions are priced between $300 and $700. As a result, it is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget. Traeger’s premium versions, on the other side, price more than $1000. Traeger barbecues are larger than Pit Boss grills. However, this does not imply that you should abandon this brand because your extra cash will provide you with higher quality and more innovative products.
Features Not Included
Some optional features might increase your comfort and improve your grilling experience better. You can have fun with your family or friends by making use of these useful features. As a result, you can conduct smart cooking with them. When it concerns extra features, no company can compete with Traeger. Their barbecues have a meat probe. Above everything, the built-in WiFire technology allows you to control your barbecue from afar. By standing away from your grill, you can modify the temperature, set an alarm, and monitor the inside temperature of your meal using a mobile app. When your food is ready to serve, your smartphone will notify you. Furthermore, this business sells a variety of add-ons, tools, and accessories that can be purchased individually to improve your grilling expertise.
Pit boss also provides a variety of add-ons as well as other grilling equipment to enhance your cooking experience. However, unlike Traeger barbecues, their grills are primarily on simplicity and lack sophisticated features. The Pit Boss barbecues include all of the necessary grilling accessories. Overall, Traeger wins this round by providing more intelligent features.
Warranty
The final consideration is the warranty which comes with every grill. A good warranty assures the grill’s reliability and provides you the capacity to invest in it. As a result, you choose a device with a longer warranty duration. Traeger barbecues are covered by a three-year guarantee. This is more than enough to convince you to purchase a barbecue from this manufacturer without hesitation.
Pit Boss, on the other hand, has a longer warranty than Traeger. Their high-quality grills are covered by a 5-year warranty. As a result, you can purchase a Pit Boss barbecue with confidence and take your grilling experience to the next level. Three years isn’t terrible, but Pit Boss earns bonus points for their half-decade warranty.
The top 4 Traeger Grills
Traeger provides a large range of grills in a range of sizes, styles, and layouts. Do you need a larger grill to accommodate huge gatherings? Or are you searching for a compact device to go camping? Or do you want a barbecue with high-tech features? Traeger has it all covered. As a result, you may select a Traeger product based on your requirements. Has four primary pellet grill lines, as well as several famous models. Traeger pellet grill models include:
Traeger Pro series:
Traeger’s most famous player series features the company’s entrance pellet grills. This mid-range alternative is available in two sizes and includes built-in Wi-Fi technology as well as other enhancements in its most recent iteration.
Traeger Ironwood Series:
This is a step up from the Pro Series. This range of pellet grills comes in bigger sizes and has a slew of innovative technological features such as Down Draft Exhaust and TRU convection. You may also maximize your wood taste with a single button press while using its Extreme Smoke mode.
Traeger Timberline series:
This is the biggest and most complete choice, offering all of the Traeger Pro and Ironwood series capabilities. It also has a big cooking area, a huge hopper capacity, and innovative technological features such as a pallet sensor system. It may be used professionally or to hold large events.
Traeger Tailgater:
With 300 square inches of space, this compact model has less technology. However, it is still a viable option for residential usage. In the next part, we will go through some of Traeger’s most popular and in-demand models.
The Best Pit Boss Grills
Pit Boss also offers griddles, charcoal grills, and gas grills, but they are most known for their pellet grills. This well-known company offers a plethora of variants that are nearly similar yet have slightly different settings. Traeger goods are more expensive than Pit Boss products. Their goods are popular among BBQ enthusiasts because they offer high quality at reasonable costs. This firm offers a low-key lineup, but three main series. Pit Boss grill lineups include the following:
Pit Boss series: The Pit Boss series serves as an entry point into the Pit Boss family. It provides simple grills with such a flame broiler. These grills may be set up with either direct or indirect heating. They might not have cutting-edge technology, although they are ideal for family barbecues.
Pit Boss Sportsman Series: The Pit Boss Sportsman Series is the most recent addition to the Pit Boss lineup. The sportsmen’s compact units include foldable legs and rolling wheels, making them easy to transport. They also have 8-in-1 adaptability, allowing you to prepare your favorite cuisine utilizing any technique.
Pit Boss Navigator saga: Pit Boss navigation grills are ideal for more experienced grillers. The biggest navigator grill has 1158 square inches of cooking capacity as well as an innovative flame broiler. These grills are designed to allow you to “set it and forget it.” It has a large hopper capacity and a pellet cleaning door, a dial-in digital control board, two meat probes, and other features that will provide you with a wonderful cooking experience. To offer you a clearer view, we review some of Pit Boss’s most famous pellet grills in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Pit Boss Owned By Traeger?
When their patent has expired in 2006, numerous grill manufacturers rushed into the market, fostering innovation and pricing competition. Curiously, Joe Traeger sold it in 2006 and now operates for the proprietors of Pit Boss, Dansons.
What Is better than a Traeger?
Grilla Grills, located in Holland, Michigan, is a significant step up in quality above Z Grills and Pit Boss and is superior to Traeger while still costing less. Grilla Grills’ flagship product is the Silverbac, which is available in three designs: Pro, Alpha, and All-Terrain.
Which pellet grill is most reliable?
- At a Glance is our top pick for Best Pellet Grill
- Best Overall is Camp Chef 36 in.
- Runner Up, Best Overall is Traeger TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Grill.
- Budget-Friendly is Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill w/New PID Gen 2 Digital Controller.
- Best High End is Recteq RT-700 WiFi Enabled Wood Pellet Grill.
Is it OK to use Pit Boss pellets in a Traeger?
Even though the brand names are similar, a Pit Boss may utilize Traeger pellets. When comparing the two, the form is practically the same, and both manufacturers create many of the same tastes. There may be minor variances, but nothing significant enough to disrupt your smoking habit.
Are pit boss grills made in China?
Pit Boss is owned by Dansons Inc which also manufactures Louisiana Grills. Pit Boss manufactured in China.
How long do Traeger grills last?
With consistent usage, you should expect a decent pellet smoker to get last anywhere between 6 to 10 years. Less durable versions may only last 2-3 years, but with appropriate management and treatment; your pellet smoker could last up to 10 years.
Is it worth buying a Traeger?
While Traeger grills are fantastic, several businesses offer comparable or superior pellet grills that seem to be less priced. With one exception, Traeger grills aren’t worth the money when compared to the goods of other elevated pellet grill manufacturers.
Which Traeger is sold at Costco?
It is only offered at Costco. The Traeger Century 885 wood pellet grill’s intuitive controls and 6-in-1 adaptability make this easy to create masterful wood-fired meals. And, thanks to WiFIRE® technology, you can control the grill from the Traeger App or any smart home device for unrivaled simplicity.
Can you sear on a Traeger?
Employ a Traeger pellet grill for such greatest results. Searing on a grill produces beautiful markings as well as a different taste and texture than some other methods of searing. Searing happens when the meat comes into contact with the hot grate.
Do Traeger grills have a lifetime warranty?
Traeger Pellet Grills LLC warranties this barbeque grill for three (3) years from the date of initial purchase beyond faults in good manufacturing practice under regular usage and care. Traeger Pellet Grills LLC will repair any item that is determined to be faulty.
Winner Product
Finally, we believe this Traeger vs Pit Boss comparison post has aided you in making a purchasing decision. Both main companies provide elevated pellet grills on the market, elevating cooking to a whole new level. Traeger incorporates all current technology and advances to provide you with smart great food. Many individuals drawn to WiFire technology. If you have the extra cash, we feel one of the Traeger grills is a preferable alternative for superior durability and excellent durability. Pit Boss, on the other hand, is mostly about efficiency and includes all of the necessities. Unless you’re a typical user, the Pit Boss grill is a low-cost solution for enjoying diverse cooking that provides excellent value. To summarize our Traeger vs Pit Boss comparison, it all comes down to your preferences and how you use them. So, who do you prefer between Traeger vs Pit Boss?
