Pit Boss 700FB Review & Grill Test: Worth Buying?

Pellet grills have exploded in popularity over the last decade, combining the rich wood-fired flavor of smoking with the convenience of digital temperature control. While Traeger may have pioneered the pellet grill market, Pit Boss has carved out a reputation for offering feature-packed models at budget-friendly prices.

The Pit Boss 700FB is one of the brand’s most well-known models. Positioned in the mid-range category, it promises a large cooking capacity, direct flame grilling option, and sturdy build all without the premium price tag. But does it actually deliver in a real-world backyard setting? In this review and grill test, we’ll dive into the design, performance, ease of use, and whether it’s worth your money.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about the Pit Boss 700FB is its sturdy build. It’s constructed with heavy-duty steel and coated with a high-temperature powder finish for durability. The barrel-style chamber looks classic, with a simple but effective design.

• Weight and Dimensions: At around 120 pounds, the grill feels solid but isn’t excessively bulky. It strikes a good balance between being substantial enough for stability but not so heavy that you can’t move it around the patio.
• Lid and Chamber: The lid is robust, sealing well to trap in heat and smoke. The barrel shape ensures even convection, an important feature for pellet grills.
• Side Shelf: A simple side shelf gives you a place for tools, plates, or seasonings. It’s not as fancy as higher-end models with folding tables, but it gets the job done.
• Control Panel: The digital control panel is minimalistic, with a dial and LED display. It lacks WiFi or app connectivity, but its straightforwardness appeals to those who prefer simplicity.

Overall, the Pit Boss 700FB doesn’t try to be flashy it’s built tough, looks traditional, and focuses on function.

Cooking Capacity

The Pit Boss 700FB boasts 700 square inches of cooking space, which is where the “700” in its name comes from. This is split between a primary grilling surface and an upper warming rack.

To put this in perspective:

• Enough space for 4–5 racks of ribs.
• Can fit 6 whole chickens.
• Holds about 20 burgers in a single batch.

This makes it a great choice for families, backyard parties, or even neighborhood cookouts. The racks are porcelain-coated cast iron, which provide excellent heat retention and searing capability while being fairly easy to clean.

The size is generous without being overwhelming, offering a sweet spot for most backyard cooks.

Temperature Range and Control

Pellet grills shine when it comes to consistent temperature management, and the Pit Boss 700FB is no exception.

• Range: 180°F to 500°F. This wide range allows you to slow-smoke at low temps, bake or roast at mid temps, and grill at high heat.
• Controller: The digital dial makes it easy to select your desired temp, which then shows on the LED readout.
• Fan-Forced Convection: Internal fans circulate heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring food cooks consistently.
• Direct Flame Option: A standout feature is the slide-plate system that lets you expose food directly to the flame. This is something many entry-level pellet grills lack, and it’s a big plus for searing steaks and burgers.

While it doesn’t have the ultra-precise +/– 5°F accuracy of premium models like the Traeger Timberline, it holds steady enough for everyday cooking. Expect fluctuations of around +/– 15–20°F, which is manageable for most recipes.

Grill Test: Performance in Action

To see how the Pit Boss 700FB performs in the real world, we put it through a series of tests.

Smoking Test (Ribs at 225°F)

We loaded the hopper with hickory pellets and set the temp to 225°F for a rack of baby back ribs. The grill reached target temp in about 15 minutes and held steady throughout the 5-hour cook. The convection system kept the ribs cooking evenly, and the smoke flavor was pronounced without being overwhelming. The bark developed nicely, and the meat was juicy and tender.

Grilling Test (Burgers and Steaks)

Next, we tested the direct flame option. By sliding the plate open, the burgers and steaks got closer contact with the flame, resulting in a better sear than most pellet grills in this price range can manage. While it won’t rival a gas grill’s instant searing heat, it’s a noticeable improvement for those who want versatility.

Heat Consistency

During both tests, temperature fluctuations were minimal, though we noticed swings of around 10–15°F. For long smokes, this didn’t affect the final result much, but it’s worth noting if you’re aiming for precision.

Startup and Pellet Feeding

Startup was quick and reliable, and the auger fed pellets smoothly without any jams. The 700FB performed well for both short grilling sessions and long smoking cooks.

Smoke Output

Compared to premium models, the smoke output is a little lighter, but still more than enough for authentic BBQ flavor. Super smoke modes on higher-end grills do edge it out, but for the price, the flavor was impressive.

Hopper Capacity and Fuel Efficiency

The Pit Boss 700FB features a 21-pound hopper, large enough to run overnight cooks without needing a refill.

• At low smoking temps (225°F), it burns about 1 pound of pellets per hour.
• At high grilling temps (400–500°F), expect closer to 2 pounds per hour.

This efficiency means you can do a 10-hour brisket with one hopper load, which is excellent for backyard pitmasters.

Ease of Use

One of the biggest strengths of the Pit Boss 700FB is its user-friendly design.

• The dial-in temperature controller makes it approachable even for beginners.
• You don’t need to constantly check or adjust—it’s set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
• The direct flame option adds an extra layer of flexibility, giving beginners more versatility without added complexity.

For anyone intimidated by traditional charcoal smokers, this grill simplifies the process while still delivering authentic BBQ results.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is often the least fun part of grilling, but the 700FB makes it manageable.

• Grates: Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are easy to brush clean after cooking.
• Grease Management: A grease bucket catches drippings, making disposal straightforward.
• Ash Removal: Ash cleanup is more hands-on, as you’ll need to vacuum out the burn pot periodically. Unlike high-end grills with dedicated ash cleanout systems, this step takes a few extra minutes.

Overall, cleaning is not difficult, but it’s not as advanced as premium pellet grills with auto-clean features.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable price point compared to Traeger and Camp Chef.
• Large 700 sq. in. cooking space—enough for big meals.
• Direct flame searing option for better versatility.
• Solid, durable steel construction.
• Generous 21-pound hopper supports long cooks.
• User-friendly digital control panel.

Cons

• Temperature swings of +/– 15–20°F.
• No WiFi or app control (basic only).
• Heavy and not ideal for portability.
• Ash cleanup requires manual effort.

Price and Value

The Pit Boss 700FB is typically priced around $500–$600, putting it firmly in the budget-to-midrange pellet grill category.

• Compared to the Traeger Pro 575 (~$800), the 700FB offers more cooking space and direct flame searing at a lower cost.
• Compared to the Camp Chef DLX 24 (~$650), it’s similar in size but often priced slightly lower.

For backyard BBQ fans who want plenty of cooking space, good durability, and pellet grill convenience without breaking the bank, the 700FB is one of the best values in its class.

Who Should Buy the Pit Boss 700FB?

The 700FB is an excellent fit for:

• Beginners who want an easy entry point into pellet grilling.
• Families who need a large cooking surface for regular use.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want solid features without paying premium prices.
• Backyard entertainers who cook for groups but don’t need professional-grade precision.

It’s less ideal for:

• Tech-savvy grillers who want app or WiFi connectivity.
• Competition pitmasters needing ultra-precise temperature control.
• Portable grilling fans who need something lightweight for tailgates or camping.

Conclusion

The Pit Boss 700FB is a well-rounded pellet grill that punches above its price. With a large 700 sq. in. cooking area, sturdy construction, and unique direct flame searing option, it offers versatility and performance that many budget grills lack. While it doesn’t have high-tech features like WiFi connectivity or super-precise temperature stability, it delivers reliable results at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

For beginners and backyard BBQ lovers, the 700FB provides a true wood-fired cooking experience without the steep learning curve or steep price tag. It may not be perfect, but it’s a solid, dependable grill that proves you don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy pellet grilling.

Final Verdict: The Pit Boss 700FB is one of the best entry-to-mid range pellet grills on the market, offering excellent value, versatility, and performance for the everyday backyard cook.