Which Is Better: Traeger vs. Pit Boss Key Differences

This section is a little more difficult to parse because differences are usually model-dependent within individual brands. For example, the Traeger Ironwood Series differs from the Traeger Pro Series, so it’s harder to call out overarching discrepancies at the manufacturer level. So instead of getting bogged down in specifics, we’ve looked at some of the broader aspects and compared them from a thousand-foot view. Remember that we’re painting with a broad brush here; for greater detail, you’ll need to check out the specific models listed below.

• Temperature Control | Traeger Takes the Win

  Steady heat is arguably the most critical factor when gauging a wood pellet smoker’s performance. Aside from the effectiveness of the temperature controller, a grill’s insulation goes a long way toward determining how well it maintains consistent heat levels over low-and-slow cooks. Pit Boss Copperhead pellet smokers have double-walled, cold-rolled steel smoking chambers that efficiently trap heat and smoke, while Traeger Timberline and Ironwood grills also boast double-walled insulation (most of the lower-end Pro Series doesn’t). Traeger, however, earns a slight edge in temperature control with smaller increment settings and more precise heat management for the duration of cooks. There’s also the matter of Wi-Fi compatibility with phone apps and other smart devices for mobile grill control, which Traeger features and Pit Boss doesn’t.

• Cooking Area | Pit Boss Notches a Win

  That right amount of cooking space for you depends on the number of people you usually cook for, but we can still objectively compare what each brand offers. Pit Boss’ Copperhead 7 Series is the largest by far at 1,815 square inches when all 6 racks are in use, while more compact Copperhead 3 models offer 721 square inches of space. Freestanding Traeger pellet grills, meanwhile, range from 1,300 to 572 square inches with a wider variety of options available within the 3 main series (Traeger’s smallest portable grill has just 184 square inches of cooking area). If you’re looking for the biggest cooking area, Pit Boss is the way to go; if you need something in the middle range, one of Traeger’s pellet grills is more likely to meet your exact needs. But because we can’t account for your desired amount of cooking space, Pit Boss gets the nod on maximum area.

• Temperature Range | Traeger by a Hair

  Smoking typically occurs in the 225°F–275°F range, and both brands have you taken care of on the low end. On the high end, Pit Boss Copperhead smokers top out at 450°F, the same as the Traeger Pro Series and 50°F lower than Timberline and Ironwood models. It’s a fairly negligible difference considering every series mentioned here reaches traditional “grilling” temperatures and none allows direct-flame access for true grilling, but we can’t deny that Traeger has a greater temperature range.

• Construction | Traeger Stands Tall

  Great pellet grills, just like the grill masters operating them, love to work hard and play hard. In addition to general durability, quality construction helps ensure even heating and evenly cooked food. All Traeger pellet smokers are solidly built, with materials ranging from powder-coated steel to the 304-grade stainless steel found along the interior of Timberline models. Pit Boss’ painted steel is a minor step down, though its high-heat coating and porcelain-coated cooking grates are useful additions to shore up construction.

• Pellet Hopper | Pit Boss on Capacity, Traeger on Features

  Though pellet grills are modern marvels of cooking convenience, you’re still responsible for making sure they have enough fuel. A larger-capacity hopper is one that needs refueling less often, freeing you up to enjoy your company or some quiet time on the patio. So, how do Traeger and Pit Boss stack up in this regard? Traeger pellet smokers have hopper capacities ranging from 18 to 24 lbs.; the Pit Boss Copperhead 7 checks in at 60 lbs., and the Copperhead 3 pellet grill can hold 35 lbs. of pellets. Hard to argue with those numbers, though most Traegers feature a hopper cleanout system for easy emptying and a built-in pellet sensor so you’re always on top of fuel levels. Pit Boss, meanwhile, offers only a side window for at-a-glance pellet monitoring.

• Warranty | Pit Boss Comes out on Top

  Whether you want your wood pellets flavored in potent hickory or sweet cherry, nobody likes investing in cooking equipment that just can’t go the distance. Choosing a BBQ grill with solid, dependable warranty coverage offers you confidence that you won’t have to incur any additional costs if the product doesn’t work as expected — especially if that grill suddenly needs costly repairs (or an outright replacement). Here’s where they stand: Traeger gives a 3-year warranty on materials and workmanship, and Pit Boss pellet grills carry a 5-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship on all parts and electrical components. If warranty is a major factor for you, then the 2 additional years of guaranteed coverage from Pit Boss might be enough to sway you in that direction.

Traeger vs. Pit Boss: Which Pellet Grill Is Better?

If you haven’t caught on by now, we believe both Traeger and Pit Boss are great pellet grill brands. Each brings a desirable mix of quality, performance, and features fit for low-and-slow BBQ chefs who prioritize convenience and wood-fired flavor. It’s not an easy choice, but we give a slight nod to Traeger for its reputation as the original pellet grill manufacturer and wider array of models at various price points. Traeger’s higher-end models specifically continue resetting the bar this product category. That being said, Pit Boss is an excellent budget pellet grill that may be a more practical choice depending on what you’re looking to spend.

Need more help figuring out whether Traeger or Pit Boss is the better pellet grill for you? Our grilling experts can help! Give them a call at 1-844-452-9775 and they’ll walk you through everything to consider when deciding which pellet grill works best for your outdoor cooking needs.