Having the right BBQ grill and smoker is essential to having an authentic American summer BBQ with family, friends, and neighbors. Pit Boss and Traeger Pellet Grills are the most renowned wood pellet grill manufacturers that allow you to have a smoker as well as a standard grill on the same unit for unforgettable taste and flavor.
The age-old question for most BBQ lovers is what grill to buy when their old one no longer cuts the mustard. With so much competition and varieties of BBQ grills out there getting the one that best suits your needs can be challenging. Relying on brands that have stood the test of time is what smart shoppers prefer and the Traeger and Pit Boss are right up there with the best of the best.
This review provides a comparison of Pit Boss vs Traeger wood pellet grills by analyzing the companies different BBQ models. Features, benefits, value and customer feedback are all vital to determining what grill best suits your needs and budget.
The Best Pit Boss & Traeger Pellet Grills
The following is a review of the 11 best Pit Boss and Traeger grills available for purchase in 2023. The list features 4 of the best Pit Boss Grills and 7 Traeger Pellet Grills that are simply must-haves on any backyard or patio.
A detailed review of each pellet grill highlights their individual benefits and drawbacks which helps ease the selection and purchase process for customers.
Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill, 700 sq. in.
Pros:
- No gas, propane or charcoal required
- Digital control center
- Cast iron cooking surface
- Durable and convenient
- Great value for money
- Heavy gauge steel components
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Smaller size ideal for families of up to six
The Pit Boss 700 series off some of the most durable and practical grills and smokers available on the market. The Pit Boss 700FB is the ideal sized grill and smoker for small sized families and a great addition to any patio.
Runs of 100% all-natural wood pellets that add tremendous flavor and tender lovingness to all things barbecued. The sear feature is also a great plus that is not available on most Traeger Pellet models.
The digital control center allows you to not only control temperature but also smoke density that matches your taste. The Pit Boss 700FB has a well-thought-out design with heavy-duty construction that offers practicality, durability, and amazing results all at a great price!
Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill
Pros:
- Offer portability and convenience
- Stainless steel construction
- Can be used for grilling and searing
- Built-in dome thermostat and push/turn ignition
- Easy to assemble and use
- Extended hose for easy connection
- Durable and practical
Cons:
- Small-size
- Hard to clean and maintain
- Works on propane
If you are looking for a portable and durable grill that you take camping or on RV holidays than the Pit Boss 200P might just be what you were looking for. The small but decent sized grill offers grilling and searing features using two 10,000 BTU burners for better heat distribution.
Its heavy-duty construction ensures durability even when used outdoors. The foldable legs and extended propone connection hose are practical features that add to both comfort and convenience.
The ideal companion to enjoy the outdoors the Pit Boss Grill 200P is affordable, practical and extremely durable and a must have for all outdoor and camping lovers.
Pit Boss Grills 72820 Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill
Pros:
- Large-size
- Runs on 100% all-natural wood pellets
- Durable design and construction
- Practical features
- Grill, sear, BBQ, smoke, roast or bake
- Excellent value for money
- Digital control center
Cons:
- Customers have experienced some issues with the auger motor
- Not the easiest unit to clean and maintain
The Pit Boss Deluxe’s large size makes it ideal for larger families or summer gatherings. The Pit Boss Deluxe also offers many cool features like a bottle opener and a prep-tray on the side that allows you to have everything you need to cook conveniently in one place.
This grill allows meat lovers the option to sear, grill, bbq, broil, smoke, roast, and char-grill their favorite cuts enjoying sensational flavors, taste and smell thanks to all-natural wood pellets. The digital control panel also allows to regulate temperature and the grill has an automatic start and cools down feature for added safety and convenience.
Pit Boss Grills 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker, 820 sq. in. in
Pros:
- Large wheels make it easy to move around
- Large-sized grill
- Durable heavy-duty construction
- Removable upper-rack
- Flame broiler and searing option
- Offers full control over temperature and smoke
Cons:
- A tad more expensive than other models listed
This Pit Boss is ideal for large families or gatherings offering a large sized grill and an upper rack. The flame broiler and sear option that this Pit Boss offer makes for some truly great tasting BBQ that is sure to make your neighbors jealous!
The practical and durable porcelain coated and cast iron design allows for better heat retention and the adjustable P setting is perfect for controlling the level of smoke once the lid is shut.
Traeger Grills TFB38TCA Renegade Elite Wood Pellet Grill
Pros:
- Sexy black and red design
- Built-in rack and shelf
- Comes with a cookbook with amazing recipes
- Easy to assemble and use
- Durable and long-lasting construction
- Accurate digital temperature control
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- No sear or fire broil feature
- Tad more expensive than other models
Traeger Grills are some of the best grills and smokers available on the market and the Traeger Renegade is no exception. This cool Traeger black and red BBQ grill offer durability, practicality, and style while producing perfectly cooked meals time and time again.
The built-in rack and shelf with a 380 sq. inch cooking surface makes it the ideal grill and smoker for small to medium-sized families. The accurate digital control center and reliable components make the Traeger Renegade the perfect pellet grill for smoked ribs, grilled steak, baked potatoes and so much more.
Traeger TFB42LZBC Grills Lil Tex Elite 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Braise, and BBQ (Bronze)
Pros:
- High-quality durable construction
- Great taste and flavor from 100% all natural wood pellets
- Able to retain heat and smoke even in winter
- In-built digital controller for temperature regulation
- Easy to clean and use
- Amazon’s Choice for ‘bbq smoker’
- Premium quality design and finish
Cons:
- No sear or flame broil option
- On the expensive side
If you are in the market for a premium BBQ grill and smoker than this Traeger model might just be what you are looking for. Its 418 sq. inch cooking surface is large enough for a family BBQ and even a small gathering.
The high-quality steel construction and powder coat finish helps ensure that this grill and smoker stands the test of time, offering perfectly cooked meats and vegetables all year round.
The Traeger maybe more expensive than other models listed but is definitely worth the extra price. Its beautiful design and finish coupled with high-quality components make it extremely durable and reliable. The porcelain grill grates are non-stick which make them easy to clean and ready for the next use.
Traeger TEXAS ELITE 34, Black and Bronze
Pros:
- Luxury bronze finish
- Large size grilling area
- Digital Elite Controler with LED display
- Wider legs for improved stability
- Fairly simple to clean and maintain
- Easy to assemble, install and use
- No propane, charcoal or gas needed
- Powerful performance
Cons:
- On the expensive side for grills
- No sear or fire broil option
The Traeger Texas Elite 34 is a large-sized grill that is easily big enough to entertain dinner parties and family gathering. 600+ sq. inches of grilling space combined with an easy to use digital controller means lots of great tasting food for the entire family and guests.
Traeger grills and smokers are renowned for quality and the Texas Elite doesn’t disappoint in that department. Made from heavy-duty steel that is sturdy and stable allows for less heat loss and better maintenance of temperature that leads to the best cooking results.
The Traeger Texas Elite 34 maybe almost twice as expensive as other grills and smokers available on the market but it is also easily twice as good.
Traeger TFB65LZBC Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker (Bronze), with Full-Length Grill Cover and Folding Shelf
Pros:
- Large grilling space
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comes with a full-length grill cover and folding shelf
- Practical and convenient design
- Retains exceptional heat even in cold weather
- Easy to install and use
- Simple to maintain and clean
- Digital temperature control
Cons:
- No sear or flame broil feature
- A bit on the expensive side
The Traeger Texax Elite is the ultimate large-sized premium BBQ and smoker that offers exceptional tasting food thanks to 100% all natural wood pellets and heavy-duty gauge components that helps in better heat and smoke retention.
If you are looking for a large-sized premium BBQ grill and smoker the Traeger Texas Elite might just fit the bill. The fact that it comes with a full-length grill cover that offers all-weather protection and a folding shelf for added prep-space makes this a must have for any BBQ lover.
Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill, Bronze
Pros:
- Elegant bronze finish
- Large-size grill
- Long-lasting build quality
- Convenient to move around thanks to robust wheels
- Fast and level heating
- Fully automatic auger makes for easy refueling
- Premium quality luxury design
Cons:
- A tad on the expensive side
- Does not come with any rack or folding tray
The Traeger Pro Series 22 wood pellet grill is fast heating and built from high-quality materials and components for unmatched durability and reliability. The Pro Series 22 has unique features like a fully automated auger and digital control center with 2 meat probes.
The grill is also fairly easy to clean and its large size means that you can cook everything you need for a family meal all in one go with perfect results. The compact and sturdy design makes for efficient cooking that is sure to increase your popularity in the neighborhood.
Traeger TFS60LZC Select Elite Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Pros:
- Enclosed bottom storage space
- Stainless steel prep side shelves
- Glide wheels and locking casters for increased mobility and stability
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Large-size grilling area
- Digital Elite Controller
- Heavy-duty design and construction
Cons:
- No sear or flame broil option
- On the higher-end of the price bracket for grills and smokers
The Traeger Select Elite is the perfect choice for a large-size top-of-the-line grill and smoker that comes with added storage space and prep-shelves to make cooking easy and fun. The enclosed cabinet and bronze finish makes this grill stand-out from the rest and is sure to make a few neighbors jealous.
The heavy-duty steel construction, non-stick porcelain grill grates, and stainless steel prep-shelves make for easy cleaning of such a large unit so that you can enjoy more time cooking and less time cleaning. Although expensive the Traeger Select Elite is in a league of its own when it comes to quality and practicality.
Traeger TFB29LZA Junior Elite Pellet Grill
Pros:
- Compact design
- Digital Elite Controller
- Durable and reliable construction
- Amazon’s Choice for “Traeger grill”
- Easy to assemble and use
- Easy to clean non-stick porcelain grill
Cons:
- Small-size
- No sear or flame broil feature
The Traeger Junior Elite pellet grill is a small sized grill and smoker that makes it great for camping, tailgating or setting up on a small patio or deck. This Traeger doesn’t have some of the premium features of other Traeger models but is still extremely durable and practical.
The high-quality steel construction coupled with heavy-duty components makes for long-lasting use and excellent cooking results. The Traeger Junior maybe small but it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor and taste.
If space is an issue and quality cannot be compromised than the only solution in the Traeger Junior Elite!
Pit Boss vs Traeger
Having gone through the top Pit Boss and Traeger BBQ grill and smoker models the question that you may be asking yourself is “Which one is better? The Pit Boss or the Traeger?
Well answering that question is trickier than you think as it all depends on your particular needs and preferences. Factors such as durability, size, value, features, warranty, and benefits all need to be fully considered before making a purchase decision.
Size
Both Traeger and Pit Boss grills and smokers come in various sizes depending on your needs. 300 to 400 sq. inches of grilling space is enough for small to medium-sized families with anything larger than 600 sq. inches able to cook meals for a small gathering. Traeger grill and smoker models are generally larger than the ones available for Pit Boss.
Material Used
Both the Pit Boss and the Traeger are made from high-quality durable steel that is made to last and help in retaining heat better. However, in terms of internal component like the auger motor, wheel and grill grate the Traeger has the upper-hand with more superior components that are not only more durable but also easier to clean and maintain.
Cooking Features
The Pit Boss has an advantage over the Traeger in terms of cooking features as it offers sear and flame broil cooking in the same grill unit which the Traeger does not. The Pit Boss also has a P setting on most models that allows you to control the density of smoke for desired flavor and taste. An option that is not available on any of the Traeger models.
Value
In terms of price, the Pit Boss has the Traeger beat here as well. In fact, the Pit Boss is much more affordable than the Traeger for the same grilling size and sometimes with added features. This definitely makes the Pit Boss a real bargain in terms of value.
Hopper Size
The size of the hopper dictates the number of wood pellets that can be stored at any given time inside the smoker and grill. Traeger generally offers much larger hopper sizes than Pit Boss grills which leads to more smoke and reduced need of refilling wood pellets during cooking. Premium Traeger models offer features like automatic augers which is something that is not offered by Pit Boss.
The Best Pit Boss & Traeger Pellet Grills & Smokers
A review of the eleven best grills and smokers available in the market shows the diversity in choices that consumers have when selecting the ideal grill for their individual needs. Choosing between a Pit Boss or a Traeger isn’t easy, thus, having the right information about the products is essential to bring you one step closer to a decision.
Depending on your budget, cooking preferences, and grill size requirements either a Pit Boss or a Traeger might just fit the bill. Regardless of which one you choose it is likely that you won’t be disappointed.
All the grills reviewed in this guide are genuine Pit Boss and Traeger products sold by reliable suppliers that have been certified by regulatory bodies.