Pit Boss Grills Lineup: Choosing the Best Pellet Smoker or Gas Griddle
Shoppers navigating pit boss clearance opportunities frequently find themselves deciding between two completely different cooking styles: convective wood-fired smoking and high-heat propane griddling.
What this report covers
- Models assessed
- 6
- Our score range
- 8.2 – 9.6/10
- Last updated
- 25 Sep 2026
Figures above are read from the product listings for the models named below. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Shoppers navigating pit boss clearance opportunities frequently find themselves deciding between two completely different cooking styles: convective wood-fired smoking and high-heat propane griddling. Selecting the right outdoor cooker requires weighing fuel availability, cleanup demands, and temperature versatility against your typical cooking volume. A wood pellet appliance circulates indirect heat and genuine hardwood smoke for low-and-slow cuts, while a multi-burner gas griddle focuses entirely on conductive surface heat, delivering uniform searing for smash burgers, breakfast spreads, and stir-fry. Understanding how these distinct cooking methods function in everyday setups helps you pinpoint the right cooking machine without paying for redundant features.
The Pit Boss lineup is structured into two core product families: digital wood pellet grills and multi-burner liquid propane flat tops. Within the pellet selection, the brand scales from compact tabletop travel units up to freestanding barrel cookers fitted with digital control boards, meat probe ports, and mechanical flame broiler plates. On the gas side, the brand categorizes its griddles by burner count, cooktop surface area, and transport options such as folding legs or low-profile tabletop bases. Conducting a structured pit boss grill comparison across these distinct product tiers clarifies how each build aligns with your available patio space, cooking volume, and fuel preference.
Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with
Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.
| Criterion | 150 Wood Pellet Grill 8.2/10 | 500 FB2 Series Wood 8.2/10 | 5-Burner Propane Gas Ultimate 9.6/10 | 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe 9.4/10 | 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable 8.4/10 | 700 FB2 Series Wood 9.6/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Named | Named | Not named | Named | Named | Named |
| Space | Named | Named | Named | Not named | Named | Named |
| Temperature | Named | Not named | Named | Named | Named | Not named |
| Flame Broiler | Named | Named | Not named | Not named | Not named | Named |
| Broiler lever | Not named | Named | Not named | Not named | Not named | Named |
| Cooking area | Named | Not named | Named | Not named | Not named | Not named |
| Meat probe | Not named | Named | Not named | Not named | Not named | Named |
| Lb hopper | Named | Named | Not named | Not named | Not named | Not named |
| Criteria named | 6 / 8 | 6 / 8 | 3 / 8 | 2 / 8 | 3 / 8 | 5 / 8 |
Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Scores next to each model are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.
Pit Boss Grills Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Fuel Source | Cooking Area | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill | Wood Pellets | 256 sq. in. | Portable tabletop frame with 7 lb hopper |
| Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood | Wood Pellets | 518 sq. in. | Freestanding barrel with 5 lb hopper and meat probe |
| PIT BOSS 5-Burner Propane Gas Ultimate | Propane Gas | 647 sq. in. | 50,000 BTU ceramic-coated cooktop with hard cover |
| Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe | Propane Gas | 753 sq. in. | 62,000 BTU fold-and-go carriage with wind cover |
| Pit Boss 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable | Propane Gas | 265 sq. in. | 18,000 BTU tabletop griddle with soft cover included |
| Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Wood | Wood Pellets | 747 sq. in. | Freestanding smoker with 21 lb hopper and meat probe |
The Models in Detail
Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill

Best for: Tailgaters wanting portable wood-fired smoking
Pros
- Direct searing up to 1000°F
- Compact latch-lock tabletop frame
- Digital temperature control
Cons
- Modest 7 lb hopper capacity
- Limited 256 sq in cooking area
The Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill is designed specifically for tailgating, camping, and small-footprint travel. Built with a latching lid, dual side handles, and a total weight of 43 pounds, this portable unit measures 24.8 inches deep by 18.6 inches wide and 14 inches high. Inside, it supplies 256 square inches of total cooking space across porcelain-coated steel cooking grates and a two-tiered rack configuration. The digital temperature controller operates an automatic start-up and cool-down cycle across a range from 180°F to 500°F, while the single burner convection system is fed by an integrated 7-pound pellet hopper that handles shorter smoking sessions.
Direct searing is an area where portable pellet grills often struggle, but this unit incorporates a sliding Flame Broiler component that exposes food to open direct heat up to 1,000°F. Power management relies on three power levels running a single electric heating element to feed and ignite the wood fuel. Pit Boss backs the unit with a 5-year warranty, matching the coverage seen on their larger barrel platforms. For outdoor cooks who want authentic wood-fired barbecue without hauling a full-sized cart, this compact unit offers an approachable entry point into convective wood smoking.
This pit boss 150 wood pellet grill serves solo campers, tailgaters, and RV travelers who prioritize portability and manageable storage. However, its modest 256-square-inch cooking surface and 7-pound pellet hopper require frequent fuel checks during lengthy sessions. When your routine shifts toward hosting larger backyard gatherings or smoking full briskets without refilling the hopper, this tabletop unit naturally gives way to the stationary Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood.
Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood

Best for: Backyard cooks with limited patio space
Pros
- 518 sq in dual-tier grates
- Flame Broiler lever for searing
- Meat probe included
Cons
- Small 5 lb hopper requires refilling
- Substantial 136.6 lb frame
The Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood transitions the brand’s wood-fired cooking platform into a dedicated freestanding backyard format. Weighing 136.6 pounds, this barrel grill provides 518 square inches of cooking space distributed across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel racks. The FB2 series digital control board allows users to select temperatures from 180°F to 500°F in precise 5°F increments, displaying real-time data on an LCD screen. It also features two integrated meat probe ports and includes one plug-in meat probe in the box, allowing you to track internal food temperatures without lifting the lid and losing cooking heat.
Marketed with 8-in-1 cooking versatility, the grill supports smoking, baking, braising, roasting, grilling, barbecuing, chargrilling, and searing. A lever-operated Flame Broiler allows cooks to switch between indirect convective smoking and open-flame searing reaching up to 1,000°F. The unit includes a solid bottom storage shelf to keep fuel bags and tools close at hand. Fuel delivery is handled by a 5-pound capacity hopper, which keeps the exterior footprint compact for townhome patios and modest decks while using standard hardwood barbecue pellets.
For small families and urban grillers seeking genuine wood smoke in a dedicated cart build, the pit boss 500 fb2 series strikes a practical balance between exterior size and cooking capacity. Even so, the 5-pound hopper requires monitoring on low-and-slow cooks extending past several hours. Users planning frequent all-day pork shoulders or overnight brisket smoking without manual fuel top-offs will find the expanded fuel capacity of the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Wood a more accommodating choice.
PIT BOSS 5-Burner Propane Gas Ultimate

Best for: Entertainers needing wide non-stick griddle space
Pros
- Rust-resistant ceramic coating
- 50,000 BTU multi-burner power
- Fitted protective hard cover
Cons
- Listing omits detailed frame specs
- Large permanent patio footprint
The PIT BOSS 5-Burner Propane Gas Ultimate serves backyard cooks who prioritize wide cooking surfaces and rapid meal turnarounds over convective smoking. Based on the listing title, this dedicated flat top provides 647 square inches of cooking area on a surface measuring 35 inches long by 18 inches wide. It utilizes five independent propane gas burners that combine to deliver 50,000 BTUs of heat across the cooktop, allowing cooks to establish multiple distinct temperature zones simultaneously for multi-ingredient meals.
A primary defining feature provided in the listing is its rust-resistant, ceramic-coated non-stick griddle surface. This factory finish minimizes food adhesion during high-heat cooking and protects the metal plate between cooking sessions. The grill also comes equipped with a fitted hard cover, which shields the flat top from rainfall, debris, and environmental moisture when stored on the patio. The listing does not specify detailed exterior dimensions, total unit weight, leg configuration, or shelf specifications, restricting verifiable data strictly to its burner count, BTU output, surface dimensions, and cooktop coating.
This wide flat top suits busy homeowners who need to cook large batches of pancakes, burgers, or stir-fry quickly on an easy-to-clean ceramic surface. The dedicated cart format and wide 35-inch cooktop mean it is built for permanent backyard placement. When portable cooking, transportable folding legs, or higher per-burner heat outputs are required for mobile setups, this model gives way to the cart-based Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe.
Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe

Best for: Mobile caterers needing heavy-duty griddling
Pros
- Massive 753 sq in cooktop
- 62,000 BTU across four burners
- Fold-and-go carriage design
Cons
- Substantial 63-inch operating depth
- Heavy steel cooktop requires team lifting
The Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe is built for high-output outdoor cooking, whether operating in the backyard or folded up for event transit. Sized with an expansive 753-square-inch cooking surface measuring 37 inches long by 20 inches wide, this model generates 62,000 BTUs across four independently controlled stainless steel gas burners. The heavy cooktop features a 4.7mm thick griddle plate with a non-stick finish, designed to retain heat across wide temperature changes when large quantities of chilled food hit the surface.
Operationally, the unit relies on easy push-and-turn ignition valves and connects to propane fuel using an included low-pressure regulator. Grease maintenance is addressed via a front-access grease trap that collects runoff directly from the cooking plate. The exterior frame measures 63 inches deep, 29 inches wide, and 37 inches high, incorporating folding side shelves with integrated tool hooks and an embossed steel bottom storage shelf. A folding leg carriage allows the frame to collapse into a fold-and-go footprint, while the durable hard lid provides protection during storage and doubles as a protective windscreen while cooking.
The pit boss 4 burner deluxe griddle is the logical option for large-scale outdoor entertainers, youth sports concession cooks, and mobile caterers who require a massive non-stick pit boss flat top grill. However, its substantial 63-inch depth and heavy steel griddle plate require two people for smooth vehicle loading. For solo campers and tailgaters seeking manageable portability with basic dual-zone propane cooking, this full-sized station yields to the compact Pit Boss 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable.
Pit Boss 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable
Best for: Campers wanting compact dual-zone flat-top cooking
Pros
- Lightweight tabletop design
- Dual independent burners
- Custom soft cover included
Cons
- Thinner 3mm griddle plate
- Limited 265 sq in cooktop
The Pit Boss 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable delivers versatile flat-top cooking in a compact, tabletop-friendly frame. Offering 265 square inches of cooktop space on a plate measuring 18.5 inches long by 14.33 inches wide, the unit produces 18,000 BTUs from two independently controlled stainless steel burners. This dual-burner layout lets cooks maintain two separate temperature zones, such as a high-heat zone for searing bacon or patties and a lower-heat side for warming buns or eggs.
The cooking plate features a 3mm thick griddle surface designed for quick heat recovery and lightweight handling. The overall product dimensions measure 17.7 inches deep, 27.9 inches wide, and 8.3 inches high, keeping the profile low for car trunks and truck beds. It features push-and-turn ignition, a low-pressure gas regulator configured for propane, and Pit Boss’s EZ Access grease trap for straightforward scrape-downs during cooking. Pit Boss also includes a custom-fit soft cover in the package to protect the cooktop from dirt and scratches during transit.
Outdoor cooks who frequent campsites, tailgates, or parks will appreciate how quickly this tabletop unit sets up and packs away. It serves breakfast and dinner menus for small groups without demanding significant vehicle space. However, because it relies strictly on direct conductive heat on a flat metal plate, it cannot introduce wood smoke flavor or handle convective roasting. Grilling enthusiasts who prefer genuine wood-pellet barbecue in a similar mobile size will be better served by the convective Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Wood
Best for: Barbecue fans doing overnight low-and-slow cooks
Pros
- Generous 21 lb pellet hopper
- 747 sq in two-tier cooking area
- Direct flame searing up to 1000°F
Cons
- Requires large dedicated patio space
- Heavy stationary barrel build
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Wood represents the high-capacity smoking tier in the FB2 product line. It provides 747 square inches of total cooking space arranged across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel wire grates, offering adequate surface area to smoke full briskets, multiple pork shoulders, or racks of ribs concurrently. The digital control board regulates cooking temperatures between 180°F and 500°F in 5°F increments, with active readings shown on an LCD screen. Like its smaller sibling, it includes two integrated meat probe ports and comes packaged with one plug-in meat probe.
A crucial mechanical upgrade on the pit boss 700 fb2 series is its 21-pound pellet hopper. This expanded fuel capacity holds an entire standard commercial bag of wood pellets, enabling long, unassisted low-and-slow cooks through the night without requiring hopper refills. For reverse searing and char-grilling, the manual Flame Broiler Lever slides the diffuser plate aside, delivering direct open-flame cooking at temperatures up to 1,000°F. The grill is built on a durable cart with a solid bottom shelf for accessories and is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Home cooks seeking a permanent backyard smoker capable of feeding large crowds will find this unit fully equipped for long smoking sessions. While some pitmasters integrate an aftermarket pit boss smoke tube to generate dense supplemental smoke at higher grilling temperatures, the FB2 digital controller and pellet feed system handle standard smoking profiles autonomously. Its sizable footprint and heavy construction make it less suited for casual travel, confirming its role as a dedicated patio fixture rather than a mobile grill.
Matching a Model to Your Setup
- Tailgaters and campers who want authentic convective wood smoke in a portable footprint will find the Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill tailored to vehicle transport with its locking lid and 7-pound hopper.
- Homeowners with compact suburban patios who want daily wood-fired smoking and searing versatility should choose the Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood for its moderate footprint and dual-tier grates.
- Backyard cooks feeding large family gatherings who prioritize non-stick griddle cooking and easy wipe-down cleanup will appreciate the PIT BOSS 5-Burner Propane Gas Ultimate with its rust-resistant ceramic surface.
- Outdoor event cooks, sports clubs, and mobile caterers who need high-BTU flat-top cooking with collapsible transport legs should deploy the Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe.
- Weekend adventurers and RV campers needing a lightweight, two-zone flat top for quick meals will find the Pit Boss 2-Burner Propane Gas Portable convenient to pack thanks to its 18,000 BTU output and included soft cover.
- Barbecue pitmasters planning unassisted overnight cooks and smoking full-sized briskets for neighborhood gatherings should select the high-capacity Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series Wood for its 21-pound hopper.
Before You Buy
Before purchasing an appliance from this lineup, review the specific package inclusions and operational requirements detailed in each listing. The wood pellet models, including the 150, 500 FB2, and 700 FB2, require continuous 110-volt electrical power to operate their digital control boards, internal auger motors, and electric igniters. If you plan to operate the portable 150 model at remote campsites or sports stadium lots, you will need a portable power station or vehicle inverter. Furthermore, while the FB2 series models include one meat probe, their controllers feature two ports, meaning a second probe must be acquired separately if you want dual internal temperature tracking.
On the liquid propane side, the listings do not include propane fuel cylinders, so you will need to supply your own tank before firing up the burners. The 4-Burner Deluxe and 2-Burner Portable models include low-pressure regulators, but connection hardware for non-standard propane bottles is not detailed in the product descriptions. Additionally, for the 5-Burner Ultimate Griddle, the product listing provides only title-level details, leaving dimensions, total unit weight, and side-table configurations unspecified. Confirming your patio space, fuel availability, and cooking goals beforehand ensures a smooth setup on delivery day.
FAQ
How does the Flame Broiler work on Pit Boss pellet smokers?
The Flame Broiler consists of a slotted metal slide plate situated above the fire pot. Using an external lever or direct manual slide, cooks can move the plate to open the slots, allowing direct open-flame heat up to 1,000°F to reach the cooking grates for searing steaks and burgers. Sliding the plate shut directs the heat outward, returning the chamber to indirect convection cooking for smoking and roasting.
Can the Pit Boss 2-Burner portable griddle run on standard propane tanks?
The 2-Burner Portable Griddle comes equipped with a low-pressure gas regulator configured for propane. However, the listing does not specify whether the included regulator connects natively to 20-pound residential tanks or requires an adapter hose for portable 1-pound camping canisters. Verify the regulator fitting type in the owner’s manual before purchasing your fuel supply.
What is the difference between the hoppers on the 500 FB2 and 700 FB2?
The primary difference lies in fuel volume. The 500 FB2 features a compact 5-pound hopper suited for daily grilling sessions and shorter smoking tasks, maintaining a streamlined exterior profile. In contrast, the 700 FB2 features a 21-pound hopper that accommodates an entire commercial bag of hardwood pellets, providing enough continuous fuel for unassisted overnight smoking sessions without requiring manual refills.
Do Pit Boss griddles require seasoning before initial use?
The 5-Burner Ultimate Griddle comes with a ceramic-coated, non-stick finish, which the listing identifies as rust-resistant. While traditional rolled-steel plates require multi-layer oil seasoning to build a protective polymer, ceramic-coated cooktops arrive non-stick from the factory. For the steel cooktop on the 4-Burner Deluxe and 2-Burner Portable, standard surface prep and maintenance with cooking oil protect the metal and preserve non-stick performance over time.
Are meat probes included with the Pit Boss FB2 series pellet grills?
Both the 500 FB2 and 700 FB2 pellet grills feature two meat probe ports integrated into their LCD digital control boards, but each grill includes only one meat probe in the box. Cooks wanting to monitor two large cuts of meat simultaneously will need to source a second compatible probe.