Pit Boss Pro Series Elite Vertical Smoker PROS and CONS

[@RileyDurant-d5c]

I bought one of these a month ago and it is an amazing smoker. I have the same issue with the door, so yes, something that puts some tension on the hinges would be nice, but that I think would tie into your comment about the latches. My bottom latch is also very snug, requiring a push on the door and turning the latch to engage it. I'm not sure an alteration to the hinges would help that. My biggest complaint is a lack of stops on the racks. It's quite easy to pull them out a bit too far and have them tip. The racks on my last smoker only pulled out about 3/4 of the way, which made removing the cooked meat quite easy. I'm still trying to master removing a 15+ lb brisket by myself on this one. The cover is top notch. Has a nice big reinforced zipper on the front (hinge side of the door) that makes getting it on and off really easy. Two velcro latches at opposite corners secure it and it's stayed in place through a couple of thunderstorms. The only oddity of it that took me by surprise is how sensitive the temperature gauge is to sunlight on the box. My second smoke was an overnight smoke and it held 200 constant all night (the graph function on the app is awesome and confirmed that). At 8am the next morning, temp spikes by 40 degrees. I ran out praying it wasn't a fire (it wasn't). I couldn't see anything wrong. Quick search showed the obvious...a big black box in the sun gets hot. I turned the smoker 90 degrees (got the back in the shade) and the temp dropped back to normal within 10 minutes. Love this smoker and highly recommend.

[@jonstebbins5115]

Love my Brunswick. Would not trade it for anything. Love the space between shelf’s.

[@stephenwalker8058]

I just bought one from Lowe’s a week ago. Had to order the cover separately but got it delivered a couple of days later. The cover is better thank most and fits nicely. I’ve done the burn off and seasoning and had no issues with the smoker functions. All has worked well so far. Doing my first cook tomorrow. It will be interesting to see. I have been smoking for years on an electric cabinet and a stick burner. The electric cabinet gave up the ghost recently so instead of rebuilding I decided to try a pellet cabinet smoker. We shall see how it goes. Thanks for your content. It’s enjoyable and packed with facts. Great job!

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

My jerky recipe - [ ] 1 tbs garlic powder - [ ] 2 tsp onion powder - [ ] 3 tsp cayenne - [ ] 1 tsp MSG - [ ] 2 tbs fireshire - [ ] 1/4 cup soy - [ ] 3/4 cup Worcestershire - [ ] 2 tsp salt - [ ] 1 tbs black pepper - [ ] Habanero pepper flakes - [ ] Granulated honey This will do about 2lbs of meat. You can use eye of round or London broil I cut mine between 3/16 and 1/8 thick. I think a 1/4 little to thick my self. Mix all ingredients together except granulated honey. Bring to a light simmer mix well and put in fridge and let cool. I like to individually dip each piece of meat into marinade and toss them in a zip lock bag then dump left over marinade in bag and shake. I do it this way so I know ever piece gets coated well. Let sit 18 to 24 hours and remove from refrigerator lay them on a rack and pat them dry trying to not take the seasoning off. Set smoker to 165 degrees and put on middle shelf next give them an even light coating of granulated honey on just one side. Close the lid and let smoke for 1:45 mins roughly then I bring my inside and toss in dehydrator for usually 30 mins to hour. But you can do whole cook on smoker I just find it to be a little to Smokey. Then I pull them out let them rest for 20 mins or so and toss them in a ziplock bag I don’t use curing salt because they won’t last that long. However you should keep in refrigerator when not eating. But this is delicious. Anyone who try’s this let me know what you think.

[@GrillSergeant]

Nice! Thank you for sharing! Where do you get your habanero pepper flakes and your granulated honey from?

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

@@GrillSergeant I get mine from Amazon. Lanes bbq. They are fantastic company also have killer pork rub called spellbound. And my habanero pepper flakes come local. But they sell a habanero powder you could just use red pepper flakes honestly. Just more heat my way.

[@GrillSergeant]

@@LyftedDieSeL_Wv If I were to just do them in the smoker how long would I leave them in for?

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

@@GrillSergeant sorry I didn’t see your reply. If I’m guessing which I am. I’m gonna say 2 1/2 hours maybe 3. I like my jerky where it’s still still has a nice bend to it and a little sticky. I don’t like super dry jerky.

[@albou5259]

It holds temp perfectly! When the water pan is empty, it will begin to get hot fast! Overall, this has been an amazing smoker, so far

[@mdamiano88]

I’ve found that mine runs a little hot, maybe 15-20 degrees. Are you seeing the same? All my cooks have been a bit ahead of schedule

[@manomoa]

I'm curious as to why it gets so much hotter without the water pan when other pellet smokers(portable) which I own don't even have a water pan, specifically the Traeger?

[@cjndaily6062]

Been looking at these for a couple years but didn't buy. Your points are valid. Love the vid. Super informative. More corrections for sure and a few negatives I hadn't noticed. Excellent review.

[@SlippyTweasel]

This isn’t the same one on sale at Lowe’s right now. The one they have is a previous model with NO vst and a single latch. Watch out

[@Nothing-to-see-here13]

Loved your t-shirt! And thank you for the time to review this smoker. I already have a Pit Barrell cooker and I'm thinking of potentially selling it and buying this Pit Boxx pro series. My local lowes has it on clearance for $359.62. Do you think it's a no-brainer purchase for this price? Thanks!

[@albou5259]

Sarge thanks again for another informative video. If I had to give 1 more con it would be the dial that adjusts the temp. When using it to turn the smoke feature up it gets all goofy. I wish they would update the app so that we could adjust the settings in the app. Sounds like 2 cons but the product this unit puts out is phenomenal!

[@donlanger1303]

The thing I don’t like is that the racks don’t slide in and out in a groove, they sit on top of a lip so if you want to slide a rack out partially,you have to be careful or your food will tip off the rack

[@ScottJacobsRealtor]

Agree with you 💯 percent! Almost had an epic fail the other day. I even saw reviews that mentioned this and thought it was silly but not so much when you almost flip a grate and lose whatever you have been working on for hours.

[@curtisbryant9451]

I have the brunswick smoker and I like the adjustable shelves over set shelves

[@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!

[@Beast3389]

Should of gonna and went and had lowes build it that way they make sure all pieces are together and cover it if there was anything wrong opting to build it yourself leads to user error and those allt he issues you had with it. you experianced and your gonna have to face them alone unless you can get lowes to return it

[@dtmc9]

@@Beast3389 there was zero user error. The issue is the controller is defective, and pitboss does not view a controller that has bubbles in the screen and works intermittently as defective. The most egregious aspect of the whole experience is that pitboss will not allow you to buy the replacement part, even after confirmation of having it in stock at their Ohio warehouse.

[@justpeaches1753]

@@dtmc9 was no user error but in their position they can and will just right it off as not their problem since you opened it, did u get a lowes protection plan?

[@Sparky_Steve]

My biggest con is the racks don’t have a stop to keep them from falling if you pull them out too far. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but I can see racks and racks of ribs on the floor if you are not paying attention

[@markjohnson5556]

Since there have been a lot of complaints about the Brunswick, I don't have any, it would be nice if you could address whether or not they have been in addressed in the Elite. The complaints seem to be more on the electronic side than anything with Pit Boss having to replace parts before the unit can be used at all.

[@jsr-uz3oj]

A cover is a must-have. If you leave it uncovered, and it rains, be prepared to remove the auger and empty the pellets. It took me an hour to do this. I now have a cover and no problems, it has been through several thunderstorms and heavy downpours with no problems.

[@justpeaches1753]

does it collect rain? im getting one thats been in the rain for a while what do i need to do to get it ready?

[@jsr-uz3oj]

@justpeaches1753 If it has pellets empty them first and then add some not a lot. Then see if it will smoke. If it had pellets most likely you will have to remove the auger and remove the stuck pellets. It's not hard to do. I watched a KZbin video that showed how to remove it. Mine sat in the rain 1 time and it stopped working.

[@justpeaches1753]

@jsr-uz3oj okay thank you, no it's new just sitting in the rain. Will keep it covered when I have pellets in it tho thank you.

[@gharv1313]

Great job Sarge! 🍻

[@donaldclements406]

Does the flavor of the wood pellets actually come through noticeably because i have had two other smaller pitboss smokers and the biggest problem i have is that no matter what flavor you choose it never seems to get into the meat. So i switched to an offset and the flavor is so much better.

[@JeffR-sw1nt]

I had been looking at getting a pellet smoker for a while, and after watching your first two videos on this one, I decided it was the one I wanted. I have not been disappointed. Assembly was just a little bit difficult with some screw holes that were facing the wrong direction (the side skirts) but overall it wasn't bad. As albou5259 said, if there is no water in the pan the temps can get all wonky, but with water in the pan it's rock solid on holding the set temp.

[@TherealSoxfan85]

Is there a big difference between the single door vs. The double door? I would think that single door gives a tighter seal all the time. I have seen other double door smokers that overtime dont give a good seal anymore.

[@skatRdie0]

I've had my cover for like two months lol. They have had the cover on the website for a while now ya just have to check. I agree with everything you said except I would have exchanged the cover complaint and added the drawers falling out when you pull them partially out. I see that as a con but not a dealbreaker

[@andreardoin6494]

Good stuff you sold me !!

[@lonestarsmoked]

I have found that the light inside at the top, tends to hand down into the food. it's only held in by one screw.

[@GrillSergeant]

That is strange. 💡

[@judgewepbbq]

Still lovin' my Brunswick...might have to check this one out tho. 👀

[@albou5259]

I have both. The Brunswick began giving me some issues but it handled those long cooks beautifully!! This smoker really does run circles around the Brunswick.

[@Tadpole67]

Hi GS! Why does this smoker only get 3 stars on the PitBoss website?

[@mikerivard9565]

Question... I live in VA where we have a tendency of getting down into the teens during the winter. Will that LCD display be damaged in those temps?Temps? Does the Brunswick have an LCD?

[@johnmanthey2683]

The other con that's important to me is the grates/racks/shelves. You want to pull them halfway out to spritz your you have to hold on to them or they will fall out and dump your meat. With the bracket system on the Sportsman and Copperhead series you don't have that issue. My local Wally just dropped the price from $474 to $247 on the Onyx Copperhead. It is a 4 series size. Perhaps after Labor day they might take another drop. I only wish Pit Boss would get with the program and make stainless mesh jerky racks to fit their smokers. I found some on Amazon, currently out of stock and have been for quite some time, that fit my series three Copperhead perfectly. I have six and could fit two more in. I have used 5 so far on a big jerky cook.

[@CykoSoldier]

I have that model and the latches are tough to close when the smoker is cold, easy when cooking at 130-150 degrees and are worse at over 200 degrees. Mine had a faulty control board which kept on pumping pellets into the pot and it caught on fire and burned up the bottom and the front of the door. i would like the app to have a feature that allows you to control the PID or Smoke mode.

[@johnhamilton2108]

I’m WAS looking forward to buying this smoker. Lowe’s has been out of it quite awhile and the reviews on this current version are not good. Don’t know if Pit Boss is having issues with supply parts or what. Have you heard anything about the newer version of this smoker ?

[@LarryBlue55]

I like to find out what the size of the area in inches where the Pellets enters the area where it will ignite, there is a reason why I am asking for the size in inches, Please help me out with the question?

[@brandonstillwell9405]

Does this one work if it’s 20 degrees outside?

[@johnmccaffery5186]

Do you adjustable latches would be a welcome edition. Kind of a dealbreaker for me when I saw it in the Lowe’s store.

[@GrillSergeant]

I wish they were adjustable as well but I found a work around that works flawlessly now for me, the tab (that the latch holds onto) can be slightly moved (forward or back) and now it’s breeze to open and close the latches with one hand and still get a tight seal. I might post a video about this…it’s been a game changer for me.

[@scottL9111]

Hey Sarge, You didn't talk about the PID controller. Does it hold the temp within a few degrees or are there still wide temperature swings (like on my PRO 4 v1 series). That's one of the most important requirements for me if I'm going to invest $1000. You mentioned it on the Brunswick, but not the Elite. I would appreciate your feedback on this. Thanks!!

[@GrillSergeant]

So the PID on the Pro Series Elite will hold its temp. In Smoke Mode you will see the temp fluctuate. I will say what impresses me most about the Pro Series Elite Vertical is each rack delivers even temps. Check out my latest jerky video and I loaded up the smoker and it all cooked evenly. It don’t get better than that.

[@scottL9111]

I will check out the video! Thanks for replying, I'm going to pull the trigger on the Elite! I'm so glad I came across your video. Happy smokin!!

[@tedrekich8270]

How does this unit hold temp

[@Slideways24]

Have you smoked sausage? I smoked 125lbs of sausage on my Masterbuilt 800. I smoked for 19 hours due to the small area. I'm looking for a more efficient way of smoking.

[@neymcdaniel7453]

I have the 4 foot vertical pit boss copperhead smoker. I used it less than one year before the auger quit feeding pellets into the fire pot. I sift my pellets using a strainer before feeding them into the hopper. They are clean and nice and shiny. My auger turns but does not push any wood pellets into the fire-pot. I have vacuumed the bottom out and everything is clean but it won’t get beyond 100degrees before I get a ERL message and it quits heating completely. Once it hits 100 degrees it automatically shuts down heating. The dam thing is barely a year old. WTF?

[@barrywhitlock4709]

If you want a really good vertical smoker, you should check out the Pit Boss Champion Barrel Smoker. No Electronics, set it and forget in alot of ways, can cook "hot and fast" or "low and slow", annnd you get much much better smoke and bbq flavor than your pellet.. Just Sayin

[@GrillSergeant]

That is deff on my bucket list to try out!

[@Geek_Chef]

Doesn't the rapid fire igniter just ignite the pellets a bit quicker by getting hotter faster.....but once the flames are roaring in about 2 minutes....then the igniter doesn't really have anything to do with the faster increase in temperature. I believe that is due to a more aggressively tuned controller that is really putting the pellets in the burn pot quicker......I have the PB Pro Series 4 and their controller is absolutely de-tuned and super slow....its aweful. So I installed a ReqTec controller in mine and it will get to 250 easily in 15 mins....or even quicker. But I would imagine that if you took the newer Pit Boss Series Elite Smoker controller and installed it into the Brunswick or the Series 4 Pro....that it would heat up in 15 mins too. I hope they offer the controller as a separate unit for a reasonable cost.....would love to install it in my PB 4 Pro....as that Variable Smoke control looks amazing.! Keep up the great videos....have been a fan for a long time.....glad you are putting them out frequently.

[@jimaalbers857]

Does it hold temp and have a more accurate temp than the Brunswick? My biggest issue with the Brunswick is the temperature swings and the fact it's always at 50 degrees off from the actual temp.

[@john_rocks_jax]

Do you have to use the water pan? How's the grease pan on it

[@nukeembbq55]

You could try puting a board under the low side to level the smoker.

[@reddog907]

I need to change the igniter to rapid fire on my 1150 pro, it takes forever to heat up. The only gripe I have is I wish PB would offer some sort of upgrade to VST, I have to use a smoke tube. Other than that, I really like mine. Cheers and I like the sear option on mine.

[@georgemeads8019]

Hello, I enjoy ur content! How hard is it to clean ur vertical smoker and what pellets do you use?? Will you make a video on cleaning ur vertical smoker? Thank you!!

[@josteinholen1312]

How will this work in below freezing temperature?

[@nobrien1]

What pellets do you use in it?

[@raytrout8272]

I never owned a pellet smoker as almost ready to get one of those and I went back with another offset smoker because I've seen where those catch on fire and that's the whole idea of pellet smokers having it near your house and then I don't want a house fire

[@GrillSergeant]

I don't think anyone wants a house fire. I put out a video that almost fool proofs all the mistakes people make to avoid having smokers catch fire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4a2g4yYa8qgpJY

[@raytrout8272]

@@GrillSergeant I cook a lot of brisket and one issue would be a grease fire from the brisket or the food I'd rather manage a fire than manage Grease

[@billnalley9314]

I’m having a problem with my grill grates being to short and actually fell straight down. It’s only the middle three.

[@go-ham1594]

Wonder if the rapid fire igniter is interchangeable with the Brunswick.

[@manomoa]

Lol in regards to the door closing on you I do agree it's not Pitbosses fault. Fix your patio 😂😂.

[@cjndaily6062]

All concrete slabs are built to slope downwards and away from structures, so water doesn't accumulate around the foundation. His point is a valid concern. Knowing this? Simply adding adjustable levelers to the legs would be a huge improvement, especially knowing many owners will be placing these on patio slabs

[@neymcdaniel7453]

I keep the water tray 3/4ths full of water at all times.

[@bobbyupstairs3321]

Are the racks removable?

[@zhmiller5]

They door swing shouldn’t be an issue. Obviously it says it needs to be level. You could easily shim the back legs when cooking.

[@DianeFargo]

We got our smoker on 9/28, and used it once and igniter went out. Got the part replaced it, and now went to use for Thanksgiving to smoke turkey...and igniter went out again. anyone else have a problem with this? Do we have a lemon?

[@ScottJacobsRealtor]

I absolutely love mine! As my first smoker I thought maybe it would be overkill but the rapid igniter and variable smoke mode (P5 has been the sweet spot in summer Florida heat) has made learning to smoke a painless process. Only con I have so far is that the grates slide easily when moving anything or removing probes etc. Almost had an epic fail the other day. 😬 The temp is pretty consistent as long as you keep the water pan full. I’m wondering about an overnight smoke though…maybe adding a foil pan of water at bottom grate will help regulate temp? Also, living in a humid climate I have been removing as much of the remaining pellets I can once cooled down. How do you recommend getting the rest of them below the dump door? Seems like a waste to burn them off. Really enjoy and appreciate your videos. Where is the sausage making content with your Meat! Your Maker processing equipment? 😉

[@ScottJacobsRealtor]

Just rewatched your tips and tricks video and you talked about using the additional water pan for an overnight smoke so that’s probably where I got the idea. 😉

[@albou5259]

@ScottJacobsRealtor Hey Scott, if you're doing overnight (brisket or pork shoulder) low and slow 225-250, you can fill the water pan, and you'll be fine 6 hours or so. I'm a wrapper and a spritzer, so I rarely get more than 6 hours of sleep! Lol!

[@jeffjohnson7470]

Could i suggest raising the rear legs.

[@MrLineman88]

in smoke mode or vst what is the temp range?

[@GrillSergeant]

The same. 130 - 420

[@jonathanfein6080]

Why would i buy a vertical pellet smoker compared to a pellet grill? Are they essentially the same?

[@GrillSergeant]

Great question! I did a full video on a run down on the differences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqfPo5ewf8uVmtEsi=wtZmKWRyd6mMItEn

[@randyumfleet8694]

You sold me!

[@ryandekeyser544]

I'm pitboss guy. But they should put the cover in the deal

[@jonathandauzat5592]

Try o-rings on the hinge pins

[@voytron1]

why don't you just level your unit!! 2 by 4 and some plywood?

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

Speaking of jerky. Would you be interested in trying my recipe on channel

[@GrillSergeant]

Absolutely! You can share it here OR message me on IG @ GrillSergeantUSA

[@tylermilner124]

How many 9#-10# pork butts can you actually cook at once? Not how many will it hold. Thanks

[@GrillSergeant]

For sure 10 but could go to 15 if you can get 3 on a rack.

[@baldeagle2128]

Wait pros are the latches but 2 cons about the latches? Confusion sets in

[@BBQ-Cafe]

Not available in Germany 😢

[@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 !!!

[@markg1689]

I've had my Lowes for 2 years now. I love the ease of use and cooking management. I have a Weber Smokey Mountain since 2007. The main differenc is taste. The Weber produces a much better smoke taste IMHO.Yes I use a smoke tube.but there is nothing like real wood. I zeroed in on Bear Mountain as my go to pellets. I would recomment a Pit Boss Vertical pellet smoker no doubt. One issue that recently popped up is apparently a neighboor must have bought a Pit Boss and it shows up in my app from time to time. This could be an issue and I informed Pit Boss of same.

[@bobstratton6362]

I bought this smoker and everything you address I completely hate. I wish I could get my money back. Not happy with the amount of smoke yet at all. More like cooking in an oven. Sorry, I wasted my money.

[@marvelledmondson2377]

I dont think they sale this model anymore, you can't even order a controller

[@918kip]

I don’t like mine !!! Doesn’t produce enough smoke . To many little quirks . Auger clogs . It’s like an old POS car ! You have stand on one leg while jumping up and down to hope that it works. Wish I would have bought something else !!

[@chuckstuckey9450]

Shims under the wheels