Pit Boss Elite Vertical Smoker Burn Off and Seasoning

[@CookingwithKirby]

That thing takes about 1 and a 1/2 bags of 40lb pellets. I was amazed on how much pellets it can hold. And it uses pellets very efficiently, pellets go a long way on this model. I have had mine since the end of Feb, it was a huge adjustment for me because I was rocking an offset all fall and winter. This thing dials down exactly what you set it. So I did notice longer cook times, because offsets have temp swings with splits/chunks of wood. App is wonky, not gonna lie. It works at first, but if you don't close it completely, i have noticed some issues. But manually this thing has worked great every time I have used it. 20 hours of cooking non stop for a catering gig. Another plus, this thing holds a lot of food. Great run through on the grill, I would focus a lot on the smoker manually before being disappointed with the app. If fixed, I can see the app being a great tool. I have checked on my smoker while shopping at walmart, but I had to fully close the pit boss app to get it to give me correct information.

[@GrillSergeant]

Hey Kirby! Good to see you around!! Thanks for stopping by.

[@AverageJosh769]

I bought this a smoker a few days ago as my first grill period 🤣 im only 22 but i got it at lowes for 400 bucks because the corner got dented during shipping and i couldnt pass it up. Glad i came across this before i went ahead and smoked a couple racks of ribs for the fourth! Gonna be a good one

[@davidparker8506]

Just followed this video to the T on setting up our Pit Boss. Seasoning will be done shortly and then our first smoke! Love the channel, thanks!

[@nevermore311]

Bigger smoker. Cabinets are for capacity. Most people shopping for verticals are looking for capacity. So... LOAD HER UP! Pack it with ribs, or maybe a longer cook that starts with pork butts and adds ribs later. I think a lot of people would like to see how even the ribs cook across all shelves.

[@albou5259]

I will need to see what happens when the ash pot fills and covers the igniter.

[@albou5259]

On the long cooks.

[@stumpy6987]

Great video! Just did my second smoke with mine. I followed your 3-2-1 rib video and they turned out perfect! But I'll tell you this thing sure has some temperature swings. Set at 250 and times it will be at 300 then it will drop down to 210, and sure wish there was an indent on the sides above each rack so you could pull them out and sauce the meat without it tilting down.

[@Tom_Hoppins]

Awesome video as always. Definitely considering an upgrade from my Pro Series 2. The only issue I can see is that they went with the "slots" for the racks again. My Pro Series 2 has had issues with the racks not sitting flush in the slots and causing them to fall out during cooks. My original Pit Boss was the Hammertone and it had rack holders with little holes on the wall of the chamber that I never had an issue with. Plus it allowed a greater range of positions for the racks.

[@skatRdie0]

I just picked this elite vertical up last weekend and it doesn't even have slots for the racks lol. They just rest on top of their dedicated spots and there's nothing holding them in (topwise) like the pro series 4 V2 has. So you pull these racks out halfway and they basically just fall out. Kind of a bummer but it is what it is and this unit is still awesome!

[@waltwins]

Love it brother! This is a beautiful unit, and super pumped for you to have the Ultimate!! It’s griddle time!!😂😂 You know we smashed the like button fam!🔥🔥

[@frankkcontreras]

Ordered this from Lowe’s who happens to be the only distributor of this specific model. Arrived with clear damage to the box and the back side crushed by what appears to be a careless fork truck driver. If I could I would buy this from anywhere other than Lowe’s. The message from them is clear. Shipping lumber for a project or a $1000 smoker makes no difference to them. Instead of paying a little extra for a shipping company that would handle with more care we will just get more profit at the expense of our customers convenience.

[@johncavaliere4257]

Thanks for the video Sarge! I just got mine delivered today. They (Lowes) are always sold out, I got lucky they had a few more in when I checked the website 2 days ago and I pulled the trigger. They are sold out again, crazy! I will put it through the burn off and seasoning process this weekend. Your video is a huge help! Thanks again and happy smoking!

[@GrillSergeant]

Awesome! What is the first thing you are gonna BBQ!?

[@johncavaliere4257]

A rack of ribs tomorrow! @@GrillSergeant

[@skatRdie0]

You should definitely do a pro series 4 V2/Brunswick comparison with the new elite unit!

[@emf5338]

Bought one yesterday, looking forward to trying it out. Think I’m going to do a brisket. Good luck, great vids!!

[@albou5259]

I'm having one delivered tomorrow. What happens to the ash when it leaves the burn pot?? I saw the holes so I see it's probably blowing somewhere. Will I have to clean and vacuum?

[@TherealSoxfan85]

The SMARTup 😆, and burn off was great. I like how the display rotates! Really cool...and 8 buckets to fill.

[@dtmc9]

So, I purchased the Pro Series 6 vertical smoker PBV6PSE from Lowe's, and man, I am wishing I hadn't! I opted to not buy it assembled from Lowe's even though it was offered for free, because typically they do a very poor job of assembling stuff (I know this varies, but, it's been my experience). Upon getting it assembled, the last step is to mount the screen on the grill - the screen/shelf ships in a separate small box that is sealed inside the package, you wouldn't see any damage to the screen until near the last step of the assembly instructions. It's upon opening the small box that has the screen/shelf combo in it, I realized my screen has bubbles in it. It's not a film over the screen, but, the screen itself. I called Pitboss support, and was told this was cosmetic, and they would not cover it under warranty. I called Lowe's, and since I opened the box and assembled the smoker they will not take it as a return. So I figure ok, I'll just buy a new controller/screen and eat the cost. PITBOSS WILL NOT LET YOU PURCHASE THE SCREEN/controller, they even validated they had it in stock at a warehouse! So, this is where the fun really starts! I figure ok, it's just a screen on a smoker, sure it sucks a $1000 smoker is messed up even though it's brand new, but whatever... I'll go ahead and do the burn in and start using it. I go to do the burn in procedure, and the screen starts flickering! But, it happens at random. I've checked the cables with a multimeter and verified there is no electric issue, the screen itself seems damaged. I've called Pitboss support four times now, and continue to get the runaround, even with the screen flicker issue, even with offering to just pay for the replacement part, I've been told "the issue must be escalated to the product development team" and they will not help. This is beyond ridiculous. I have a $1000 brick that I cannot trust to use. I don't want to get mid smoke on this thing and have it quit or break down and ruin the meat, it's a brand new smoker, and Pitboss does not stand behind their products! Their warranty is worthless! Most importantly, they won't let you buy a replacement screen/controller even with proof of purchase! I will never purchase another Pitboss or Dansons product in my lifetime! Save yourself the trouble and don't make the mistake I did! Don't buy it! It's not worth the hassle!

[@MrAaronGivens]

I am sooo ready to smoke......Cant wait till next week, I get to bring it home from Lowes.

[@GrillSergeant]

Awesome! What’s the first thing you are going to BBQ!? 🍻

[@MrAaronGivens]

@@GrillSergeant thinking ribs, hole turkey or chicken, sausages an try bake beans w/bacon. Mac n cheese.

[@OldCountryCooks]

NIce smoker and liked how you pulled out the measuring tape! Have a great week my friend. Chef John

[@Kirby_24]

I did spare ribs chicken breast and sirloin thick cut.

[@websterwagnerhennessy5927]

I just bought one to replace my older pro series 5 . I can't wait to try out the new VST tech .

[@GrillSergeant]

You are going to love it!

[@NateMac89]

Just got this one and damn it’s huge. Thanks for the awesome info.

[@smeeglesapprentice1468]

Fabulous video. Have you had a chance to cook with it? How effective is it at putting smoke on the food? My pellet grill couldn’t really smoke anything.

[@PerthLuxury]

Hopefully I can pick this up in Australia in about 2 to 3 years. The Pro Series 4 V2 only arrived in Australia in September last year, so I'm not expecting the Pro Series 6 for a long while.

[@lonestarsmoked]

It would take about 8k dollars worth of pellets to fill that thing....

[@lonestarsmoked]

@grillsergeant someone is using your channel to scam me.

[@redoorn]

i'd like to see you smoke a red horse sucker or a salmon, or any fish. i have been contemplating the purchase of a pellet smoker and i think you have sold me on pit boss.

[@reddog907]

I have the PB 1150 PS2 I wish PB would offer an upgrade PID so I can set that smoke level , I never seem to get enough smoke . Cheers

[@mdamiano88]

I bought this smoker in part from the reviews on this channel and it’s been extremely disappointing. It constantly breaks, I’ve replaced controllers, igniters, fans, etc. Basically, I’ve become a pit boss technician. This weekend the pellets smothered the igniter and the fan started running which ignited a full burn point and seems to have broken it for good. Working to get a return authorization from pit boss which has been a horrible nightmare as well. I wish they treated their real customers how they treat their social media influencers. Save your money, buy something else.

[@john_rocks_jax]

Is the cook time the same as a standard pellet grill on the same heat setting?

[@GrillSergeant]

Yes. Under smoke mode there is a temp swing so it evens out.

[@johnmanthey2683]

I like your pellet blend. Mine is pecan/charcoal or mesquite/charcoal.

[@pierrebigo3246]

hello new subscriber of France, very good video thank you Pierre

[@GrillSergeant]

Welcome! 🍻

[@BrisketMedic]

Sweetness. That’s a nice rig for sure

[@judgewepbbq]

That pit is a beast...Texas Brisky! 🥩🥩

[@meredithmcdaniel2640]

How do you like this one compared to the Brunswick

[@gharv1313]

Nice machine Sarge! Can’t wait to see your cooks on this unit Cheers 🍻 6 buckets?.

[@777Dorado]

Spatchcock a couple of chickens, a couple racks of pork ribs, and a 4 pound piece of a fatty beef round roast. A feast for a fair price, coleslaw/beans/cornbread,mac or potato salad. Invite a couple of neighbors make it a potluck make a day of it.

[@Camshaft-fu9xn]

WARNING !!!! I just purchased one these on the 24th of Sep FROM Lowes.... I didn't get a chance to start it till yesterday ... Watched this video ALONG with Ins man... Upon start up ON FIRST SMOKER plugged it in and the FAN STARTED ... would not shut off... EVER ... Called tech support (1) .... Unplugged EVERY connection including all the ones under covers on the side shelf and bot. COULD NOT GET GRILL to down load for upgrade ... was told to retry over once cooled ... Did complete Brun off yes got it RIGHT ....lol Sprayed down for season treatment .... OVER FILLED ash try once myself ...thought did WRONG clean up call Teck support again (2) .... they were on the phone through WHOLE start up did it a gain... Was told to RETURN FOR ANOTHER UNIT .... so we did .... ANOTHER 1 1/2 drive into city and back ... time gas is FREE RIGHT ??? got home .... figured well i got a LEMON .... lol Opened the new one up tp find cover for fan SMASHED because we learned from putting the FIRST unit together the day before and per inst . you have it upside down put bot. together first .... than flipped it upright to find SS lid for pellets storage bent and dented !!! SO OK WHATEVER HOPE IT AT LEAST WORKs ... So before EVEN starting it this time called (3) TECH support still would not CONNECT / update ... contacted Net service was FINE ... Tech said my ROUTER was to small upgrade to a 2.4 - 5 router .... ( FORTH CALL) to WASTED DAYS OF LIFE ... I am NOW on my 2nd UNIT ... New ROUTER... TRIED starting AGAIN with TECH.... on the PHONE ... FAILED again screen showed a red PIG upside down and shut OFF... after OVER HEATING by 80 degrees .... The tech FINALLY opened up that THEY are having HORRIBLE issues with these units and will NOT update to the D23 which is SUPPOSE to fix all the BUGS but the software that is in these units is NOT allowing that to happening .... WAS ADVISED NOT TO USE !!!! That tech support would be IN TOUCH ... I am planning on waiting my allowable 30 day return Lowes if not will return for FULL REFUND ... My advice is stay away from this THING !!!

[@johnmanthey2683]

You said it has a closed off burn pot. It that is similar to the Pro series you have to tear the bottom out to clean out excess ash that builds up.

[@GrillSergeant]

It has 4 screws that will need to be removed before having access to the area above the burn pot. On my Brunswick I’ve left them unscrewed so if I ever need access to it it’s quick and easy

[@johnmanthey2683]

@@GrillSergeant Good thinking. I went to Lowes today and checked it out. If I were to get it I would definitely take the screws out then put them back in to be easily removed. Did they fix the alignment of the burn pot so if you pull it you can reinsert it and match the thumb screw? You mentioned a cover. Here where I live in South Dakota it is essential. If you dropped the control panel to vertical I would think a series 7 cover would work well. A series 5 might be a tad tight. I like the PID controller but I have to get over the fixed shelves issue. Considering I only use one it shouldn't be an issue until I make jerky. It would be nice if I could find five mesh racks the same size as the grill racks, I have six of those in my PBV3. Anyway, head to Lowes and get some of that Awesome cleaner. I think you will be amazed at how well it works. Take care young man.

[@GrillSergeant]

@@johnmanthey2683 I just checked on the Lowes website and they now sell a cover for the Pro Series Elite 6 Series :)

[@johnmanthey2683]

@@GrillSergeant I also checked the Pit Boss site. They list one as well. Thank you. I'll see if Lowes does a fall clearance. Those usually start after the first of September. They have a floor model they might discount. With tax $532 right now in South Dakota. I read some of the other responses. The reported temp fluctuations has me concerned as does the firepot sliding in. I remember I could never get a complete fit for the thumb screw to secure it. Those two things put me off a bit.

[@dubcwc7048]

3 bone dino Beef ribs should be the 1st to get smoked

[@peternavarro8277]

First and last time I get a pitboss not a good experience with my first vertical smoker I still can't get it to start even with the replacement parts that was sent by pitboss.

[@GrillSergeant]

Sorry to hear. Do you happen to have a GFCI outlet that you are plugging the smoker into?

[@deathbrad6198]

Do you have a cover for it? And did you use water for the burn off?

[@adammccall4647]

First off thank you for your videos! We just bought this smoker yesterday and I’m getting an error saying not getting pellets. Next question is why does the temperature go down 30 degrees as pellets feed in and then it goes back up to desired temperature? This is my first vertical smoker so I know I’m on a learning curve. We have 2 other pit bosses that we use all the time. I need your help please.

[@GrillSergeant]

Just to confirm, you did see your auger spinning, right? Also are you using it in PID or Smoke Mode?

[@adammccall4647]

I followed your video to the T and auger is working properly.

[@adammccall4647]

I’m currently in smoke mode #6.

[@ScottysBackYardBBQ]

i heard these things are rib making machines.. also you need to in crease your shirt sizes up to 5xl

[@albou5259]

Of course the 1st cook has to be brisket! You'll need 5 buckets to fill that unit. I would really love to see that burn pot and how it performs when that igniter is covered with ash. I have an 820 and a Brunswick. The Brunswick is beginning to give me trouble, so I would like to see a few videos before I upgrade. The Brunswick was fantastic when it worked so I'm excited to see what the smoke rings look like with the smoke technology. Great video. Looking forward to the cook!!

[@albou5259]

​@Q_wpqsbkCan't wait to try out the smoker!!

[@thechad6322]

How big is the ash catcher. If I was to cook a brisket will I need to clean it out and how often. My concern is doing an overnight cook.

[@GrillSergeant]

There really is not ash catcher, you just have your burn pot. Dump it out after your overnight cook and you will be good to go.

[@thechad6322]

@@GrillSergeant awesome... Thanks for the quick reply.

[@mikewilson5101]

after seasoning this I can put a cover over the smoker till I'm ready to smoke anytime 1 week, 1 month or when ever?? thanks

[@stevensanchez6586]

Ok so the higher the number on the smoke setting the more the smoke? Or vice versa ??

[@GrillSergeant]

Correct. Higher number = more smoke and more temperature fluctuations, lower number = less smoke but more consistent temperatures.

[@mrgqfinest]

How often should I season my vertical smoker? I clean it after every 3rd cook. I don't like alot of build up inside it.

[@GrillSergeant]

Great question. As long as the grates are clean you can deep clean once a year or twice depending on what you are smoking. The build up helps prevent rusting so as long as the grates are clean you are pretty much good to go.

[@gilbertpc805]

I get some occasional +-30 degree fluctuations on mine when on PID mode. I thought PID kept it consistent throughout the cook. Is yours the same?

[@chrisking8052]

Just ordered this one for my first smoker. is yours still working good?

[@GrillSergeant]

No. It broke down and it does not work anymore. lol JK! This is hands down my favorite smoker right now. I'm loving mine.

[@todd7641]

I bought this pit boss vertical smoker and had nothing but problems. Temp would swing from 130 to 330 degrees, It would fill with white smoke and from all the hours with tech support was best to watch It and open the door to prevent It from blowing out the glass. Changed temp probe and every hoop they push you through Until It the last time It swung so bad that the fire was transparent through to thick pieces of metal and fire shooting out the sides, not a good thing when this holds 70 lbs of pellets. Do not keep this plugged In as pit boss will tell you to for a download that can take up to two weeks. Seen complaints of this unit kicking on when water hit the control panel. Extreme safety Issue this unit has. Look It up on consumer product safety act.

[@michaelsullivan2669]

You should do a peek butt or pork steaks

[@pisswater9003]

Did you put water in the pan?

[@reddog907]

I like to do frozen and fresh hamburgers , how well does anyone think it will do, even though it does not have a sear zone like my PB115 PS2 ?

[@u0296106]

Do you not add water to the pan for any reason?

[@albou5259]

Do you empty the burn pot after the burnoff???

[@GrillSergeant]

You can if you want. I’ll empty it at least every other smoke.

[@albou5259]

@@GrillSergeant thanks Sarge!!

[@markrambow8615]

Did I win a pit boss smoker from your channel ?

[@GrillSergeant]

I wish. Some channel was acting like me and commented to everyone that they won a smoker. lol

[@markrambow8615]

@@GrillSergeant 10-4 thanks

[@SuperDave44]

👍🏽

[@SuperDave44]

@Q_wpqsbk really? How do I claim it?

[@SuperDave44]

Where is The Grill Sergeant?

[@Boomenhauer]

I'd love to see a comparison of this unit against your 1600 elite! I'm debating on buying either a 1600 elite to use for grilling, searing & smoking or getting an elite 6-series vertical to use just for smoking then picking up a gas grill to use for grilling & searing. I've heard the 1600 elite runs hotter on one side & would love to know if the elite 6-series has any areas that run hotter. Also I'm guessing 7 buckets to fill it?

[@skatRdie0]

Just got rid of my pro 850 for this vertical unit and a cheap gas grill. Also had the pro series 4 V2 vertical before I moved across the country. I much prefer the vertical styles. They give better results with more even heat and have more room. Plus you can get some hangers and hang turkeys, chickens, sausage, etc. I found even on my top rack on my pro 850 the bottom of stuff would burn/dry out a little. I think the horizontals are for people that don't have room for both a smoker and a gas grill so the all in one works great but I'd you have room I don't think you can beat a dedicated (vertical) smoker and a dedicated gas grill for searing. It's the best of both worlds

[@Boomenhauer]

@@skatRdie0 thanks, I really appreciate your input! Since you've owned the pro series 4 v2 & the elite 6-series can I ask if you think the elite 6-series is worth it for the VST?

[@skatRdie0]

@@Boomenhauer I've only done one cook on the new elite vertical and it was just chicken wings. I'm not entirely sure if it is worth the extra cost as I haven't done enough cooks with it. What I have noticed so far: The elite vertical touchscreen is awesome and it has a super cool animation when you start it up and definitely makes it feel more modern and cooler looking vs the plain screen on the side of the pro series 4 V2. (Both get the job done) The double latch on the elite vertical is definitely an improvement over the single latch of the series 4. My latch on my series 4 got loose after only a couple months so it's nice to see they put two on the new unit which just buttons the door down even better and I also noticed there's not as much smoke pouring out of the door seal on the new elite vertical. (Which is a good thing for the elite) I think the new vertical can definitely get a little smokier than the series 4 as we now have the option of choosing smoke mode or PID. It's nice to have the option of both! Also I noticed the temp can go as low as 130 on the elite vs 150 on the series 4 (not sure how important that will be) The one thing I'm not a fan of is the racks inside the smoker. The series 4 had slots that each rack went into that held them in when pulled out part way. The new elite vertical does not have slots but rather they just sit on top of the interior rack (areas/flanges/indents??) So when you pull them out about halfway they fall out of the smoker. Not a huge deal but I'm baffled why they changed that and made it worse. Also I only did my first cook and burn off and the burn off took FOREVER to reach 400°+. The elite vertical is supposed to have rapid igniter and be faster but it may have to learn and maybe I just didn't fully prime the auger all the way? For the cook after the burn off it didn't take as long and I'm sure it will be fine and get better after a few cooks. Also it's nice to have an interior light as well as a side shelf and a light for the side shelf on the elite vertical, both of which are missing on the 4 series. The elite vertical feels quite a bit bigger than the series 4 and I believe has 5 racks vs 4 on the series 4 (can't remember) I'm not a huge fan of stainless on my smoker because it will just get dirty easier but when it's all polished up it looks pretty nice. The unit definitely looks nicer in person. Hope you don't mind the long winded message. Honestly if you have room for both you shouldn't get the elite 1600. It's $1400 and the elite vertical is $900 leaving you with $500 to spend on a gas grill. Or if you go with the series 4 V2 that leaves you with $900 for a nice gas grill. Not saying the elite 1600 is bad as I'm sure it's a great unit but it just seems very expensive when two separate units will get you better results imo.

[@FracDaddyBBQ]

I’ll subscribe if you load every shelf up with brisket

[@kolddk]

^

[@shanedoucet8291]

😂

[@Kirby_24]

Hay was there a prize for guessing how many Bucks it took?

[@Kirby_24]

5 buckets

[@Kirby_24]

I have some one on KZbin saying I won a prize asking for a address?

[@DareDog.]

That is a scammer. Don’t respond.

[@HellYeahKimballsBBQ]

Wait wait wait, Nike socks with New Balance sneakers? lol, Cheers brother!