Traeger vs Pit Boss Grills: A Comprehensive Comparison

Traeger and Pit Boss are two of the most prominent brands in the world of grilling, each bringing unique qualities to the table. This comparison aims to delve into the specifics of each brand, helping consumers make an informed decision based on their grilling needs and preferences.

Brand History and Reputation

Traeger, credited with popularizing pellet grills, has established itself as a leader in the industry since the 1980s. Known for innovation and quality, Traeger has a loyal following. Pit Boss, a newer entrant, founded in the 1990s, has quickly gained a reputation for offering quality grills at a more accessible price point, appealing to a budget-conscious audience.

Check also: How to Smoke a Pork Loin on the Pit Boss Pellet Grill?

Here’s a comparison table for the Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 and the Pit Boss PB700FB1 Pellet Grill based on the details you provided:

Feature/Aspect	Traeger Grills Pro Series 575	Pit Boss PB700FB1 Pellet Grill
Cooking Space	575 sq in	743 sq in
Temperature Control	Precise temperature control, Max temp 500°F	180-500°F range, direct flame searing up to 1000°F
Connectivity	WiFIRE technology for WiFi connection and app control	Dial-in digital control with LCD screen
Versatility	6-in-1 versatility: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ	Not specified
Grill Grates	Porcelain	Porcelain coated steel
Construction	D2 drivetrain, built-in meat probe	Solid bottom shelf, automatic start and cool down
Special Features	Best-selling pellet grill, upgraded Pro 575 for better smoke quality	High temperature matte black powder coat finish, 21 lb hopper with clean-out
Fuel	Wood pellets	100% all natural hardwood pellets
	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon
	$799.99 at Traeger	$497.97 At Walmart

Both grills offer unique features and capabilities. The Traeger Grill stands out for its WiFIRE technology and 6-in-1 versatility, while the Pit Boss offers a larger cooking space and higher temperature range. Your choice may depend on specific needs such as the size of your cooking area, the type of control and connectivity you prefer, and the kinds of dishes you plan to prepare.

Traeger vs Pit Boss Grills: Pros and Cons

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575

Pros:

1. Ease of Use: The Traeger Pro 575 is known for its user-friendly features, including an intuitive LCD screen and a simple startup and shutdown process.
2. WiFIRE Technology: This feature allows for remote grill control via a smartphone app, making it convenient to adjust settings and monitor cooking.
3. Temperature Control: It offers a wide temperature range from 165°F to 500°F, with consistent temperature maintenance and a real-time internal temperature monitor for precise cooking.
4. Build Quality: Constructed with thick-gauge stainless steel and quality components, it’s durable and weather-resistant.
5. Cooking Versatility: With 575 sq in of cooking space, it’s capable of handling various dishes like burgers, ribs, chicken, and more.
6. Easy Maintenance: Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance with a large pellet hopper capacity for extended cooking sessions.

Cons:

1. Error Codes: The grill displays error codes that might require consulting the manual, as they are not self-explanatory.
2. Portability: Due to its weight, it is not the most portable option.
3. Additional Accessories Cost: Essential accessories like the front folding shelf are not included and must be purchased separately.

Pit Boss PB700FB1 Pellet Grill

Pros:

1. Large Cooking Space: Offers a generous 743 square inches of cooking space, suitable for larger gatherings.
2. Temperature Range: Features a broad temperature range of 180-500°F, with the ability to reach up to 1000°F for direct flame searing.
3. Build Quality: The grill boasts a high temperature matte black powder coat finish and solid construction.
4. Versatile Fuel Source: Utilizes 100% all natural hardwood pellets, which are easier to clean and manage compared to charcoal.
5. Digital Control: Comes with a dial-in digital control and an LCD screen for easy temperature monitoring and adjustments.

Cons:

1. Lack of Smart Features: Unlike the Traeger, it doesn’t offer smart technology like WiFi connectivity or app control.
2. Limited Information: There’s less available information regarding its ease of use and maintenance compared to the Traeger model.
3. Bulkiness: Similar to the Traeger, its size and weight can make it less convenient for moving or transporting.

Product Range and Types

Traeger’s range predominantly focuses on wood pellet grills, offering a variety of sizes and features tailored to different cooking needs. Pit Boss, meanwhile, offers a broader range, including wood pellet grills, gas grills, and combination units, providing more diverse options.

Price and Affordability

Traeger grills tend to be positioned in the higher price bracket, reflecting their premium status and advanced features. Pit Boss, conversely, is known for its affordability, offering competitive pricing without compromising on quality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious grillers.

Technological Features and Innovation

Traeger is at the forefront of technological integration in grills, with features like WiFIRE technology allowing for remote control and monitoring. Pit Boss also incorporates modern technology in its grills, though it tends to focus more on the basics of efficient and effective grilling.

Build Quality and Durability

Both brands are committed to quality. Traeger grills boast durable construction and are designed to last. Pit Boss also offers robust grills, but there may be variations in materials and build quality across their diverse product range.

Performance and Cooking Experience

Traeger is renowned for consistent cooking performance, especially in smoking and slow cooking, with precise temperature control. Pit Boss, while offering versatility and good performance, may have slightly more variability in temperature consistency.

Accessories and Customization

Traeger offers a wide range of accessories, enhancing the overall grilling experience. Pit Boss, too, provides various accessories, though the range and specificity might be more limited compared to Traeger.

Extra Features

Traeger grills stand out with their WiFIRE technology, allowing for remote grill control through a smartphone app. This feature enhances the cooking experience by providing more control and convenience. Pit Boss grills, though well-made, are more basic in terms of additional features.

Hopper Capacity

Both brands offer similar hopper capacities, with most full-size Traeger grills accommodating up to 20 pounds of wood pellets. Pit Boss grills have a range of hopper sizes, with newer models typically featuring 20+ pound capacities.

Warranty

Pit Boss grills come with a longer warranty period, offering a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty compared to Traeger’s 3-year warranty. This aspect might be crucial for some buyers as it indicates the confidence of the manufacturer in their product.

Storage and Portability

Both brands offer models with convenient storage options. Pit Boss grills usually come with a removable side shelf, while Traeger models often have a folding front shelf, which is typically sold separately.

Price

Pit Boss grills are generally more budget-friendly, making them a good choice for those on a tighter budget. Traeger grills, known for their higher-end construction, come with a higher price tag but offer advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity.

Customer Support and Warranty

Both brands offer solid warranties and customer support. Traeger’s long-standing reputation provides reliable customer service. Pit Boss, with its growing market presence, also offers commendable support, though experiences may vary.

User Reviews and Community

User reviews generally highlight Traeger’s advanced features and reliability, albeit with a higher price. Pit Boss reviews often praise the value for money and satisfactory performance, making it a popular choice among budget-friendly users.

Conclusion

The choice between Traeger and Pit Boss comes down to individual preferences and needs. If advanced technology, brand reputation, and specific cooking features are priorities, Traeger is the go-to. However, for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality and are open to a broader range of cooking styles, Pit Boss is an excellent choice. Both brands offer quality grilling experiences, making them top contenders in the market.

Which brand offers better temperature control?

Traeger is known for its precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the perfect cooking temperature. Some Pit Boss users have reported issues with grills running hotter than desired.

How do the temperature ranges of Traeger and Pit Boss grills compare?

Most Traeger grills have a temperature range of 180°F to 400°F, with premium models reaching 160°F to 500°F. Pit Boss grills typically offer a range of 180°F to 500°F.

Which brand provides more cooking surface area value?

Pit Boss typically offers more grilling space for the price, making it a good choice for those seeking value and larger cooking areas on a budget.

What extra features do Traeger grills have?

Traeger grills come with WiFIRE technology, connecting the grill to a smartphone app for remote control. This feature is not commonly found in Pit Boss grills.

How does the hopper capacity compare between the two brands?

Both Traeger and Pit Boss grills offer similar hopper capacities. Full-size Traeger grills generally hold up to 20 pounds of wood pellets, while Pit Boss grill hopper capacities vary but are often in the 20+ pound range for newer models.

What is the warranty comparison between Traeger and Pit Boss?

Pit Boss grills typically come with a longer 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, compared to the 3-year warranty offered by Traeger.

Which brand is more budget-friendly?

Pit Boss is generally more budget-friendly, offering a range of grills at lower price points compared to Traeger.

Do both brands offer WiFi or smart technology in their grills?

Traeger grills often include built-in Wi-Fi technology, known as Wi-Fire, allowing remote control via an app. Pit Boss grills usually do not have WiFi capabilities.