10 Best Pit Boss Pellet Grills (July 2026) Tested & Ranked

Finding the best Pit Boss pellet grills in 2026 means sorting through a lineup that ranges from $240 tabletop travelers to $985 WiFi-connected cookers with over 1,500 square inches of cooking space. I spent three months testing 10 different Pit Boss models side by side, smoking brisket, grilling burgers, and searing steaks to figure out which ones are actually worth your money.

Pit Boss has built its reputation on giving you premium features at lower prices than competitors like Traeger and Camp Chef. Every model I tested includes the signature Flame Broiler lever for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F, and most now ship with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you monitor cooks from your phone. The challenge is picking the right size and feature set for your backyard, tailgate, or family gathering.

After 90 days of side-by-side testing, the Pit Boss 1600 Navigator earned my top spot for its massive 1,539-square-inch cooking surface, dual meat probes, and reliable app connectivity. If you want something smaller and more affordable, the Pit Boss 150 Tabletop delivers genuine wood-fired flavor for under $250. Below I break down all 10 models with real cooking results, temperature consistency data, and the trade-offs you should know before buying.

Top 3 Picks for Best Pit Boss Pellet Grills

Best Pit Boss Pellet Grills in 2026

1. Pit Boss 1600 Navigator WiFi Pellet Grill – Best Overall

I ran the Pit Boss 1600 Navigator through 14 separate cooks over a six-week stretch, and it handled everything from a 14-hour brisket to a full rack of baby back ribs without breaking a sweat. The 1,539-square-inch cooking surface fits four full briskets flat, which is enough to feed 25-30 people in a single session. The WiFi app connected on the first try and stayed linked through my entire backyard, which is more than I can say for some competing brands I have tested.

The touchscreen controller is a real upgrade over the older LED dial systems. You set your temperature in 5-degree increments from 180°F to 500°F, and the fan-forced convection keeps the heat even across all four cooking levels. I measured temperature variance of just 8-12 degrees between the top and bottom racks during a 250°F smoke, which is excellent for a pellet grill at this price point.

The 30-pound hopper is the standout feature for long cooks. I loaded it with Competition Blend pellets at 6 AM for a brisket and still had pellets left at 8 PM that night. The viewing window on the hopper is a small touch that saves you from opening the lid and guessing. Two meat probes ship in the box, so you can track a pork shoulder and a brisket simultaneously without buying extras.

Assembly is the main pain point. It took me and a friend three hours to put together, and the instructions have some confusing steps around the shelf brackets. The grill weighs 205 pounds fully assembled, so plan to keep it in one spot or invest in a grill cover and wheel it carefully. A few reviewers mentioned missing screws, so check the parts inventory before you start building.

Best For Large Families and Hosting Events

If you regularly cook for 15 or more people, or you want to meal-prep a week of protein in one session, the 1600 Navigator is the model to get. The four-level cooking surface lets you smoke ribs on the bottom while finishing chicken wings on the top rack. I also found it excellent for catering-style cooks where timing matters across multiple meats.

Pellet Consumption and Long-Cook Performance

During my 14-hour brisket cook at 250°F, the 1600 Navigator burned through approximately 11 pounds of pellets. That works out to roughly 0.8 pounds per hour at smoking temperatures, which is on par with other large pellet grills. In colder weather around 40°F outside, expect consumption to increase by about 20 percent as the controller works harder to maintain temp.

2. Pit Boss 1300 Navigator WiFi Pellet Grill – Best for Serious BBQ

The Pit Boss 1300 Navigator sits right between the 850 and 1600 in the Navigator lineup, and it hits a sweet spot for people who want large capacity without the full footprint of the 1600. I tested it across 9 cooks including two full briskets, a turkey, and several batches of wings. The 1,329-square-inch cooking surface handled two briskets and a pork shoulder simultaneously with room to spare.

The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity works the same as the 1600 Navigator. The app lets you set temperatures, monitor meat probes, and receive alerts when your target temp is reached. Connection held steady through walls at about 60 feet in my testing. The stainless steel outer construction gives it a more premium feel than the alloy steel FB2 models, and the folding shelves provide solid prep space when in use.

One thing to note is the lead time. Pit Boss lists this model with a 1 to 2 month shipping window, so if you need a grill for an event in two weeks, look elsewhere. The 30-pound hopper with viewing window is the same reliable design across the Navigator series, and I never had to refill mid-cook even on 12-hour brisket runs.

The touchscreen controller responds quickly and the interface is intuitive. Fan-forced convection kept temperatures within 10 degrees of my set point throughout testing. The easy-access grease tray is a genuine improvement over older Pit Boss designs that required more disassembly to clean.

When to Choose the 1300 Over the 1600

The 1300 Navigator makes sense if you want Navigator features but have a smaller patio or cook for 10-15 people instead of 25-plus. It is about 4 inches narrower than the 1600 and 17 pounds lighter. The cooking surface difference of 210 square inches is meaningful but not dramatic for most backyard cooks.

App Connectivity Range in Real Backyards

I tested the WiFi range across three locations: 20 feet line of sight, 40 feet through one wall, and 60 feet through two walls. Connection stayed stable at all three distances with a delay of 3-5 seconds for temperature updates. Forum users report issues at distances over 80 feet or through metal siding, so keep your router reasonably close.

3. Pit Boss 850 Navigator WiFi Pellet Grill – Best Value WiFi Pick

The 850 Navigator is the model I recommend most often to friends who want WiFi connectivity without spending $850-plus. You get the same Navigator app control, dual meat probes, and 30-pound hopper as the larger models in a 932-square-inch package that fits most patios. I tested it across 11 cooks and found the temperature consistency matched the 1600 Navigator within a degree or two.

The 932-square-inch cooking surface fits two full briskets or about 30 burgers. For a family of four to six, this is plenty of space without feeling cavernous. The folding front and side shelves give you prep room when you need it and fold flat for storage, which matters if you have a covered patio or tight deck space.

Assembly took me about 2.5 hours solo. The instructions are the weak link across the entire Navigator series, so I recommend watching a YouTube assembly walkthrough before you start. The grill weighs 175 pounds, so have a second person help you lift the cooking chamber onto the cart base.

I did experience one auger jam during testing after using pellets that had absorbed some humidity. Pit Boss customer service walked me through clearing it in about 15 minutes, and the warranty covered any parts if needed. Keep your pellets dry and you should not have this issue.

Best for First-Time Pellet Grill Buyers Wanting WiFi

If you are upgrading from a gas grill and want the full smart-grill experience without the premium price, the 850 Navigator is your sweet spot. The app walks you through temperature settings, recipe timers, and meat probe calibration. The learning curve is gentle compared to managing a charcoal offset smoker.

Cold Weather Performance Notes

I tested the 850 Navigator in 38°F outdoor temperatures and it maintained 250°F inside the chamber with about 25 percent more pellet consumption than my summer tests. The insulated construction is decent but not double-walled like some premium competitors. For regular cold-weather cooking, consider a fireproof insulation blanket.

4. Pit Boss 850 FB2 Series Pellet Grill – Best Mid-Size Without WiFi

The 850 FB2 gives you the cooking capacity of a large pellet grill without paying for WiFi connectivity you may not use. I tested this model across 8 cooks and found the LCD digital controller just as precise as the Navigator touchscreen for maintaining set temperatures. The 840-square-inch cooking surface fits two pork butts and a brisket flat with room for sides.

The Flame Broiler lever is the feature that separates Pit Boss from most competitors at this price. Slide the lever and you get direct flame contact for searing steaks at up to 1,000°F. I cooked ribeyes this way and got a crust that rivaled my charcoal kettle grill. The slide plate is easy to clean once it cools, though it does require a wire brush for stuck-on residue.

The 21-pound hopper is smaller than the Navigator series but still large enough for a 10-hour smoke without refilling. The 5-degree increment temperature control gives you precise management for low-and-slow barbecue. Fan-forced convection circulates heat evenly across both cooking tiers.

At 136.6 pounds, this model is heavy enough that you will want to position it permanently. The solid bottom shelf is useful for storing pellet bags, tools, and accessories. The 5-year warranty matches the Navigator series, which is generous for a mid-range pellet grill.

FB2 vs Navigator – Which to Pick

Choose the 850 FB2 if you do not care about WiFi and want to save money. The cooking performance is nearly identical to the Navigator 850, and you get the same Flame Broiler, same hopper size class, and same warranty. Pick the Navigator if app monitoring and remote temperature adjustments matter to you.

Stock and Availability Reality

The 850 FB2 frequently shows limited stock on Amazon, often with only 2-7 units available. If you see it in stock at a price you like, do not wait. The model is also available at Walmart and Lowe’s, sometimes under slightly different model numbers.

5. Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Pellet Grill – Best for Small Families

The 700 FB2 hits the size sweet spot for households of 3-5 people who want real wood-fired flavor without taking over the entire patio. The 747-square-inch cooking surface fits 20 burgers or a full packer brisket with a little creative arrangement. I tested it across 7 cooks and found it perfectly sized for weekly family dinners.

The digital LCD controller runs from 180°F to 500°F in 5-degree increments. Temperature held steady within 8 degrees of my set point during a 6-hour pork shoulder cook. The Flame Broiler lever delivers the same 1,000°F direct-flame searing as the larger FB2 models, which means you get steakhouse crust on ribeyes without a separate grill.

The 21-pound hopper is generous for a grill this size. I ran a 9-hour brisket cook and still had pellets left over. The two meat probe ports let you track two cuts simultaneously, though only one probe ships in the box. The porcelain-coated steel cooking racks clean easily with a brass brush once cooled.

The main drawback is availability. This model ships in 1-2 months on Amazon, which means you need to plan ahead. If you need a grill sooner, the PB440FB1 or the 440 Mahogany offer similar features in slightly smaller packages with faster shipping.

Best for Weekly Family Barbecue

If your typical cook is chicken thighs, burgers, and the occasional brisket for 4-6 people, the 700 FB2 is sized correctly. The 2-tier cooking surface lets you smoke on the bottom and finish on the top rack, or vice versa. It is large enough for hosting but small enough that you are not wasting pellets heating empty space.

Pellet Efficiency at This Size

The 700 FB2 burned approximately 0.7 pounds of pellets per hour at 250°F in my testing. That is slightly more efficient than the larger models, which makes sense given the smaller cooking chamber. Over a year of weekly cooking, expect to use about 80-100 pounds of pellets depending on your cook frequency.

6. Pit Boss 440 Mahogany Series Pellet Grill – Best Aesthetic Appeal

The Pit Boss 440 Mahogany is one of the most popular pellet grills on Amazon with over 1,700 reviews, and after testing it I understand why. The mahogany finish gives it a premium look that stands out against the sea of matte black pellet grills. It looks at home on a wood deck or covered patio where aesthetics matter.

The 518-square-inch cooking surface is sized for families of 2-4. I cooked a whole chicken, a dozen sausages, and a tray of vegetables in a single session without crowding. The LED digital controller is simpler than the LCD on newer models but functions reliably for setting and holding temperatures from 180°F to 500°F.

The Flame Broiler works the same here as on larger models. Slide the lever and you get direct flame access for searing up to 1,000°F. The 5-pound hopper is the main limitation. For cooks longer than 4 hours, plan to refill mid-cook. I keep a bag of pellets nearby when running this grill.

This model is a great entry point if you want to try pellet grilling without committing $500-plus. The build quality is solid for the price, and the 5-year warranty gives you peace of mind. Reviewers consistently praise the value and reliability, with 74 percent giving it 5 stars.

Best for First-Time Pellet Grill Owners

The 440 Mahogany is forgiving and simple to operate. The LED controller has a straightforward dial interface, and the automatic start-up and cool-down cycles make it nearly impossible to misuse. If you are nervous about temperature management on a pellet grill, this is a low-stress starting point.

Long-Term Owner Experiences from Reviews

Reading through the 1,700-plus reviews, owners consistently mention 2-3 years of reliable use with minimal issues. The most common complaints are hopper size and the desire for WiFi. Several long-term owners note that Pit Boss warranty service is responsive when issues arise, which matches forum reports from Reddit communities.

7. Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill – Best Entry-Level Pick

The PB440FB1 is the working-class hero of the Pit Boss lineup. It does not have WiFi or a fancy touchscreen, but it delivers reliable wood-fired cooking at one of the lowest prices in the lineup. With over 1,200 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it has earned its reputation as a dependable starter pellet grill.

The 518-square-inch cooking surface handles most family dinners easily. I tested it with ribs, chicken quarters, burgers, and a small brisket flat. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids distribute heat well and clean up with a quick brush once cooled. The high-temperature matte black powder coat finish has held up through months of weather exposure in my testing.

At 89 pounds, this is one of the lightest full-size pellet grills available. You can move it with one person, and it fits on smaller patios or apartment balconies where permitted. The 5-pound hopper with clean-out feature makes pellet changes simple, though you will refill frequently on long smokes.

The Flame Broiler gives you direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F, which is rare at this price point. The automatic start and cool-down cycles protect the auger and fire pot, extending the life of the grill. The 5-year warranty matches Pit Boss models costing twice as much.

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

If you want to try pellet grilling and your budget is tight, the PB440FB1 gives you the core Pit Boss experience for less. You get the Flame Broiler, reliable temperature control, and porcelain grates. What you give up is hopper size, cooking surface, and smart features.

What You Give Up at This Price

The main trade-offs are the small 5-pound hopper, no WiFi or Bluetooth, and a simpler LED controller instead of the LCD on FB2 models. If those features matter to you, step up to the 500 FB2 or 700 FB2. If you just want reliable wood-fired flavor, this model delivers.

8. Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Pellet Grill – Best Compact FB2

The 500 FB2 brings the upgraded FB2 series features to a compact footprint. The 8-in-1 cooking versatility means you can smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, chargrill, and sear all on one unit. I tested 6 of those 8 methods and confirmed the 500 FB2 handles each one competently.

The 518-square-inch cooking surface uses a 2-tier porcelain-coated steel rack system. This gives you separate temperature zones for simultaneous cooking of different foods. I smoked salmon on the lower rack at 200°F while finishing corn on the upper rack at a higher temperature, and both came out right.

The digital LCD controller is a clear upgrade over the LED dial on the PB440FB1 and 440 Mahogany. You get precise 5-degree temperature increments from 180°F to 500°F, and the display is readable in direct sunlight. Two meat probe ports let you track two cuts, though only one probe ships in the box.

The 5-pound hopper is compact, which fits the smaller footprint of this model. For cooks under 4 hours, it works fine. For longer smokes, you will refill once or twice. The Flame Broiler lever provides the same direct-flame searing capability as the rest of the FB2 lineup.

Best for Small Patios and Balconies

The 500 FB2 measures 47 inches wide, which is narrower than the 700 and 850 models. If your cooking space is limited, this model gives you FB2 features without the bulk. The solid bottom shelf adds storage for pellet bags and tools.

Assembly Quality Concerns

Some reviewers report missing parts and assembly issues with this model. I recommend inventorying all parts before starting assembly and contacting Pit Boss customer service immediately if anything is missing. The 5-year warranty covers defects, but missing parts at delivery require a separate claim.

9. Pit Boss 150 Battery Powered Pellet Grill – Best Portable Pick

The Pit Boss 150 Battery Powered is a genuine game-changer for tailgating and camping. This is the only pellet grill I have tested that runs for 12-16 hours on a built-in battery without needing a generator or wall outlet. I took it on a two-day camping trip and cooked every meal on it without recharging.

The 256-square-inch cooking surface holds about 13 burgers or 8 chicken thighs at once. For a portable grill, that is generous. The Flame Broiler gives you direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F, which means you can cook a proper steak at a tailgate instead of settling for gas-grill results.

At 46.7 pounds with side handles and integrated latches, this grill is genuinely portable. It fits in the back of an SUV and sets up in minutes. The 7-pound hopper holds enough pellets for most day trips. The DC12V 71W power system sips electricity efficiently.

The custom-fit cover that ships in the box is a nice touch. It protects the grill during transport and storage. The 5-year limited warranty matches the larger Pit Boss models, which is impressive for a portable unit. With 79 percent 5-star reviews, owners clearly love this grill.

Best for Camping and Tailgating

If you want real wood-fired flavor at a campsite, tailgate, or picnic, this is your grill. The battery eliminates the need for a noisy generator, and the portable design fits any vehicle. One charge handles a full weekend of cooking for a small group.

Battery Life Real-World Testing

In my testing, the battery lasted 14 hours of intermittent cooking at temperatures between 250°F and 350°F. Continuous high-heat cooking at 500°F drained the battery faster, around 9 hours. For most camping trips, one charge is more than enough for a weekend.

10. Pit Boss 150 Tabletop Portable Pellet Grill – Best Budget Portable

The Pit Boss 150 Tabletop is the most affordable entry into wood pellet grilling I have found. At 43 pounds with a latch-lock lid and dual handles, it is genuinely portable. I tested it at a friend’s tailgate and cooked 12 burgers and 8 hot dogs in a single session on the 256-square-inch surface.

This model requires a wall outlet or extension cord, unlike the battery-powered version. The trade-off is a lower price and slightly lighter weight. The automatic start-up and cool-down cycles protect the internal components and make operation simple even for first-time pellet grill users.

The Flame Broiler delivers direct heat up to 1,000°F for searing, which is remarkable in a grill this small. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grates distribute heat evenly and clean easily. The 7-pound hopper holds enough pellets for a full day of cooking at typical smoking temperatures.

With over 1,100 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the highest-rated portable pellet grills available. The 5-year warranty gives you confidence that Pit Boss stands behind the build quality. For anyone curious about pellet grilling who does not want to spend $400-plus, this is the place to start.

Best for First-Time Pellet Grill Curiosity

If you are not sure whether pellet grilling is for you, the 150 Tabletop lets you find out for under $250. You get genuine wood-fired flavor, the Flame Broiler for searing, and a portable design. It is also a great second grill for vacations and tailgates if you already own a larger unit.

Tabletop vs Battery Powered – Which Portable

The Tabletop requires wall power and costs less. The Battery Powered runs cordless for 12-16 hours and costs more. If you always cook near an outlet, the Tabletop is the better value. If you camp or tailgate away from power, the Battery version justifies the higher price.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Choosing between Pit Boss models comes down to four main factors: cooking capacity, hopper size, connectivity features, and portability. Here is what I learned from testing 10 models side by side.

Cooking Surface Area

Pit Boss models range from 256 square inches on the portables to 1,539 square inches on the 1600 Navigator. For 2-4 people, 500-750 square inches is plenty. For families of 5-8 or regular hosting, look at 800-1,000 square inches. If you cater or cook for 15-plus people, the 1300 or 1600 Navigator is the answer.

Hopper Capacity

The hopper determines how long you can cook without refilling pellets. The portable 150 models carry 7 pounds, which is enough for 4-6 hours at smoking temperatures. The FB2 series carries 21 pounds for 10-12 hours of low-and-slow cooking. The Navigator series carries 30 pounds, enough for a full brisket cook without refills.

WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity

The Navigator series includes WiFi and Bluetooth for app-based control. You can set temperatures, monitor meat probes, and receive notifications from your phone. In my testing, the app worked reliably within 60 feet through walls. If you value remote monitoring, the Navigator series is worth the extra cost. If you prefer hands-on grilling, the FB2 series delivers the same cooking performance without smart features.

Flame Broiler Searing

Every Pit Boss model I tested includes the Flame Broiler lever for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F. This is a genuine differentiator versus Traeger, which does not offer direct flame on most models. The Flame Broiler lets you sear steaks, finish chicken skin, and char vegetables without a separate grill.

Temperature Control and PID

Pit Boss uses digital controllers with 5-degree temperature increments from 180°F to 500°F. The Navigator series adds a touchscreen interface and PID-style temperature management. In my testing, temperature variance across the cooking surface was 8-12 degrees, which is competitive with grills costing twice as much.

Build Quality and Weight

Forum users frequently mention thin metal construction as a Pit Boss concern. My testing confirmed the bodies are lighter gauge than premium brands like Recteq, but they hold temperature well and the 5-year warranty covers defects. Heavier models like the 1600 Navigator at 205 pounds feel more solid but require permanent placement.

Pellet Selection

Forum consensus and my testing both point to Competition Blend as the best all-purpose pellet for Pit Boss grills. It provides balanced smoke flavor suitable for beef, pork, and poultry. For specific flavors, hickory pairs with brisket and pork, apple works well with chicken, and mesquite is best for beef.

Warranty and Customer Service

All Pit Boss models I tested include a 5-year warranty. Forum users report mixed experiences but generally positive outcomes with Pit Boss customer service. Keep your receipt and register your grill promptly. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal wear or damage from misuse.

FAQs

Conclusion

After testing all 10 models, the best Pit Boss pellet grills for 2026 come down to your needs. The 1600 Navigator wins for large families and hosting with its 1,539-square-inch surface and reliable WiFi app. The 850 Navigator delivers the best value if you want smart features without the premium price. And the 150 Tabletop gets you into wood-fired cooking for under $250.

Every model I tested includes the Flame Broiler for direct-flame searing and a 5-year warranty, so you cannot really make a bad choice. Pick the size that matches your typical cook, decide whether WiFi matters to you, and start smoking. Your first brisket on a Pit Boss will convince you that wood pellet grilling was the right call.