{"id":2032477,"date":"2024-09-12T05:25:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T10:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=2032477"},"modified":"2025-05-05T14:16:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T19:16:07","slug":"pit-boss-vs-traeger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pit-boss-vs-traeger\/","title":{"rendered":"Pit Boss vs. Traeger: Who Makes the Better Pellet Grill?"},"content":{"rendered":"A visit to your local home improvement or outdoor supply store will confirm one thing: Pellet grills<\/a> are popular. A pellet grill allows you to infuse meats, vegetables and many other delicious foods with an incredible smoky flavor. And, as the name implies, these units rely on wood pellets as a fuel source, which sets them apart from gas<\/a> or charcoal<\/a> grills. But which pellet grill brand is best?\r\n\r\nMany consumers debate between Pit Boss<\/a> vs. Traeger<\/a>. To determine which is worth the investment for delivering wood-fired flavor at home, our Product Testing Team recently put 11 pellet grills to the test. Here are the main differences between Pit Boss and Traeger pellet grills, based on insights from our firsthand testing.\r\n

Pit Boss and Traeger: At a Glance<\/h2>\r\nTraeger<\/a> created the first pellet grill in the late 1980s and has been improving the design and functionality ever since. Traeger's specialty is wood pellet cooking, so its lineup includes pellet grills in a variety of sizes and functions. The brand also makes a few gas-powered cookers, like the Traeger Flatrock outdoor griddle<\/a> series.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"Traeger Pellet Grills\" image=\"2038351\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/xL2Edy\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nFounded in 1999, Pit Boss<\/a> also has a selection of wood pellet grills, griddles, gas grills and charcoal grills. The main draw of their products are the lower price points, coupled with reportedly high performance. The grills are also made in the USA.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"Pit Boss Pellet Grills\" image=\"2036266\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Pit Boss\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pitboss-grills.com%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Pit Boss\" \/]\r\n

Pit Boss and Traeger: What\u2019s Similar?<\/h2>\r\nTraeger<\/a> and Pit Boss<\/a> are two of the most well-known options on the market for pellet grills. Both companies also have a lot of accessories that make great gifts for grillers<\/a>.\r\n\r\nWhile specifics vary based on the model, most grills from either brand offer a similarly-sized hopper that holds around 20 pounds of pellets. Additionally, the materials are very comparable, with both brands boasting porcelain grates and stainless steel bodies.\r\n\r\nThe pellet grills between the two brands are quite similar, with a cylindrical lid and body, a side hopper and side shelves. The main difference lies in performance and cost.\r\n

Pit Boss and Traeger: What\u2019s Different?<\/h2>\r\n

Models<\/h3>\r\nPit Boss pellet grills<\/a> are constructed from steel and iron. The brand's designs have many similarities, primarily differentiated by size and cooking space. The majority have four wheels, two of which are locking caster wheels, while the other two are much smaller.\r\n\r\nSome models have additional features, including WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allow you to monitor cook times and fuel levels via the included wired meat probe. Most Pit Boss grills have a temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees, but some also have a Flame Broiler Level, allowing you to reach up to 1,000 degrees for high-heat searing.\r\n\r\nFor easy cleanup, the Pit Boss pellet grills are designed with a steel bucket that collects grease. Foil liners are sold separately to swap out as needed.\r\n\r\nSince 1987, Traeger has only focused on what they do well\u2014making wood-fired pellet grills. The brand boasts three main design series\u2014<\/span>the Pro, Ironwood and Timberline. Within each series, there are multiple sizes so you can find the best Traeger grill<\/a> to fit your needs.\r\n\r\nThe Traeger Pro is the most basic option, with a side hopper and simple screen control for temperature. The Ironwood, the next step up, includes a touchscreen and WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity to control everything (including temperature and cook time) with the app. It also has convenient shelving on the side and underneath the grill. Timberline, the ultimate upgrade, is essentially an all-in-one outdoor kitchen that gives you a smoker and grill, along with an induction burner and plenty of helpful storage cabinet and prep space.\r\n\r\nEach model has a max temperature of 500 degrees and operates pretty much the same. The main differences are found in the amount of cooking space and the special features. Traeger also has an extensive line of Traeger accessories<\/a> you can use on any grill.\r\n

Price<\/h3>\r\nPit Boss sells its pellet grills on its website<\/a> and through select retailers. The pricing of a pellet grill depends on the model, design and size. In general, Pit Boss models tend to be less expensive than other brands on the market, with even the largest and most advanced model coming in at less than $1,000. The options start at around $500 for full-size pellet grills, with a portable tabletop option costing $250.\r\n\r\nTraeger grills tend to run on the more expensive side, ranging from $800 to $3,500. The portable, smaller options come in at less than $500. Options in each series sell on Traeger's website<\/a>, and at some outdoor retailers.\r\n

Warranty<\/h3>\r\nWhen it comes to warranty, Traeger's pellet grills come with either a 7- or 10-year warranty, while Pit Boss pellet grills come with a 5-year warranty. \u200b\u200b\u200b\r\n

How We Tested Pit Boss<\/h2>\r\n\"Pit\r\n\r\nDuring our pellet grill review, we put the Pit Boss Sportsman 820 Grill<\/a> to the test. We evaluated it (and every other pellet grill we tested) on six key considerations:\r\n