For fans of outdoor cooking, you probably know Pit Boss and Traeger brands, are among the best pellet grills in the market. Find out the better one.
The best pellet grills will be the culmination of every great aspect of standard grills and smokers, allowing you to handle various foods conveniently and safely. Therefore, it always helps to compare the options available to you – and in this case, it is the Pit Boss and Traeger pellet grills.
What are the differences between the Pit Boss and Traeger Pellet Grills?
| Pit Boss pellet grills (Pit Boss 71700FB Pellet grill) | Traeger pellet grills (Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable grill) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface area (in sq. in.) | 849 sq.in. (256 secondary, 592 main grate) | 575 sq.in. (150 secondary, 425 main grate) |
| Temperature ranges | 180 to 500OF | 165 to 500OF |
| Direct flame? | Yes (slide plate flame broiler) | No |
| Check here | Check here |
Pit Boss vs. Traeger Pellet grills – How do they compare?
Construction quality
Finding out what Pit Boss grills are made of can be a difficult task – the consensus is that they are comprised of 14-gauge steel which may or may not be stainless. On the other hand, Traeger grills use a mix of stainless steel and powder-coated steel with double-side walls for better heat retention.
Due to the consistency in quality and stronger build, Traeger grills win this category.
Cooking space
Pit Boss does not lack in cooking space and grill size, as well as a handy vertical smoker. However, their drawback is the main rack’s minimal clearance, making it a pain to reach the rear area of the lower grate. The Traeger offers 6 size options and multiple rack levels to improve its capacity.
The Traeger wins slightly over Pit Boss due to the many rack levels.
Temperature ranges
The two grill brands are highly similar, so the difference lies in the temperature controls. Pit Boss has 25-degree increments, but it skips a few ranges. Traeger is more precise, having temperature adjustments by 5 degrees, giving you maximum control.
Traeger wins in temperature regulation as it is more precise.
Pit Boss vs. Traeger Pellet grills – A comparison overview
Pit Boss pellet grill overview
- 700 sq. in. total cooking surface.
- Porcelain coated cast iron grids.
- Digitally controlled burn system.
Pit Boss was among the first companies to begin competing with Traeger in 1999, and it is famous for providing more affordable options. Their grills are identical in design, although the configurations are slightly different.
Pros
- Excel at slow cooking, as the fuel lasts for a long time
- The brand usually offers special deals and discounts
Cons
- You will have to pay for return shipping in case of any defects in the product
Traeger pellet grill overview
- Ultimate Wood-Fired Flavor, No Gas or Charcoal – The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a portable wood pellet grill that delivers authentic wood-fired flavor. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or cooking at home you can achieve perfection.
- Precision Temperature Control from 180-450°F – Equipped with a Digital Arc Controller, this pellet smoker offers precise temperature control, maintaining temperatures within 15°F of your set point, perfect for smoking, grilling, baking, and searing.
- Portable Design – Whether tailgating, camping, or at a picnic, the Tailgater's foldable legs make it easy to transport. With 300 sq. in. cooking space, you can prepare 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens anywhere.
This is a great grill option to handle almost anything, ranging from poultry to pork and even seafood. While it does take longer to cook your meals, it will impart smoky flavors that are hard to achieve in traditional grills.
Pros
- It gives your food a smoky wood flavor without the fire due to its design
- Very easy to use and regulate its temperature
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other pellet grills
Verdict: So, which is better? The Pit Boss or Traeger pellet grill?
While the Traeger grill is pricey compared to the Pit Boss, it is the winner because it is worth investing into because of the additional features and value it provides.
FAQs
Are Traeger and Pit Boss pellets the same?
No, they are not. Each brand offers different pellet types to fit their grill specifications.