Pit Boss Review

[@stevefowble]

Just ordered one from Walmart to add to my Weber Summit S-670 gas grill and Vision Kamado smoker. I hope this will be a great addition.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy yours, I still love mine... it ran all night last weekend full of brisket!

[@darklard]

It's been a year how's it doing now?

[@oldchevy4x4]

It's doing well! I am going to make a long-term update here in a week or 2. Thanks for stopping by!

[@darklard]

@@oldchevy4x4 Awesome! I Just ordered one and can't wait to get it fired up!

[@oldchevy4x4]

Great!

[@GrantHubbard]

Havent had this style thanks for putting this out there.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thanks for checking it out Grant. I will be doing a long-term update in the near future.

[@GrantHubbard]

@@oldchevy4x4 10/4 big guy

[@str8up50]

For the money....Grilla Grills is the way to go

[@oldchevy4x4]

Unless you want higher capacity... or the ability to flame broil. I would not spend $200 more for 300sq/in Less cooking space & 10lbs Less pellet capacity.

[@stoveparts3207]

Looks like you melted your vinyl siding there behind the grill...

[@oldchevy4x4]

Little bit... my last gas grill did that.

[@timhegler3445]

Wonder what would happen if you lined the bottom with the thinner version of fire brick (the white ones in fireplaces)? I always lined mine with 3 deep of heavy duty foil anyway. Also makes clean up a breeze.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Never thought about the fire brick. I'm sure it would help hold & level heat especially in colder weather. Pit Boss says this grill is only a 3 season rig, implying that it isn't intended to be used in the winter weather. I had it running in the single digits without any issues... it just burned more fuel. Fire brick would've probably helped that quite a bit. I was going to foil this, but so far I haven't had any issues with the inside of the lower drum getting dirty. The drip plate does a very good job of keeping things out of the bottom. I typically just have to vacuum out some ash. Thanks for watching & commenting! You've got me thinking about fire bricks now...

[@sstiggy]

I just bought one, and the finish on mine is powder coated, so it looks like they corrected the exterior finish issue

[@oldchevy4x4]

Good to know!

[@carlmayfield3106]

Excellent review

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@jodyroper5105]

How do you add different flavors of smoke, do the pellets come in Apple wood, hickory, etc. In not sure how it works, just curious, I saw one on clearance today and thought I would look at reviews before I go back and get it.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Yes the pellets are available from different wood. Hickory, Cherry, Apple, Mesquite, Oak, etc. are easy to find, as well as the blended pellets.

[@jodyroper5105]

@@oldchevy4x4 Thanks

[@kvantassle83]

For a family of 5 and first time smoker would you recommend this or the Camp Chef DLX??

[@oldchevy4x4]

I have no experience with the #CampChef fo I can't give you an honest opinion. For myself, I researched for a couple weeks before deciding on the Pit Boss. I made that decision based on capacity & hopper size, as well as the flame broiler. The price was the tipping point... I haven't owned a pellet grill before and no experience using them. I didn't want to spend a large amount of money and find out I didn't like the rig. All things considered I'm happy with the route we took with this Pit Boss. Thanks for watching!

[@not2fast4u2c]

I have a question about the pellets ....Are they different than the ones used in heating stoves..I had some of the stove ones and they smelled like they had plastic or paraffin wax in them they stunk bad when they burned

[@oldchevy4x4]

Dad had a pellet stove, I know the smell you're talking about. These don't use pellet stove pellets, there are pellets made just for use in grills & smokers that have no 'binder' like heating pellets have. They are all natural with no chemicals added, smells just like a campfire when they start burning.

[@not2fast4u2c]

THANKS for the Info !!!

[@PoeLemic]

Yeah, don't use anything cheap or anything that is not FOOD GRADE. You must have food grade or it could have dangerous chemicals that you'd ingest. Okay? Don't be cheap in that area.

[@SliceydiceyCookingNicey]

yes they are different. DO NOT USE HEATING STOVE PELLETS TO COOK WITH. It even says this in the instruction manual. Heat pellets have chemical binders.

[@40ozbeerbellydude]

I know it's much cheaper then a Treager smoker, but which would you prefer between the two?

[@oldchevy4x4]

Treagers are more efficient & have a better controller. However they lack the flame-broiler which was a selling point for me. As strictly a smoker or roaster I would say Treager... but I wanted to flame-grill too so I was leaning towards a Louisiana rig which is priced close to Treagers. After a little reading I found out Pit Boss & Louisiana are siblings, both belonging to Dansons. I decided to get my feet wet with this Pit Boss, and depending on how it goes upgrade to a Louisiana for the controller & heavier construction.

[@jamesfields4149]

How did the smoke ring turn out on your Brisket ??

[@oldchevy4x4]

It was light on the 1st one I did... maybe 1/16". The next one I ran had 3x's the ring as the 1st one... and came out fanfreakintastic. The difference was a few things; the meat was room temp on the 2nd cook. The pit temp was lower on the 2nd cook as well, and the cut of meat probably had some effect as well. Thanks for checking it out!

[@elpipetuanis]

What gauge do you think the steel is for the barrel?

[@oldchevy4x4]

.0685 so, just over 15ga

[@HugoRodriguez-xi7zg]

Just bought one a month ago and have used it 4 times I’m pretty happy with it and haven’t had any issues with rust so far, I did coat the inside with bacon grease burned it and recoated it and I haven’t seen any rust on the plate or outside maybe that will help your smoker out from rusting.

[@oldchevy4x4]

You will never go wrong with bacon grease!

[@Dseigel]

Did you rub bacon grease on the inside or just cook bacon in the smoker?

[@thespig13]

Hows the long term holding up on the lx? My mes30 just quit on me and i think i may be asking santa for a little something

[@oldchevy4x4]

It's working perfectly. No issues other than the paint I mentioned in this vid... but I've heard they corrected that problem. Thanks for checking this out!

[@EHCBunny4real]

My Smoke Hollow grill as the thermostat you want and a porcelain grill and it cost less than your grill. I purchased mine from Sam's.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Capacity was one of the deciding factors for me... the Smoke Hollow is less than half the size of this model Pit Boss. I do like the controller yours has better, but it went with the trade-off in size. I gave the Pit Boss extra thought as well for the flame broiler.

[@rlittle4028]

Thanks bro for sharing information and I was just looking at that grill the other day. Now I think I’ll go with stainless steel instead.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thank you for watching!

[@andyfleck3351]

I just bought this exact grill. Trying to figure it out. Does you lid temp match your dial setting? My lid temp is ALWAYS 100-150 higher then the digital temp. Anyway to make them match each other?

[@oldchevy4x4]

The thermometer on the lid of mine is very close to what the dial is reading. If I were in your shoes I would contact the company, it sounds like the one in your grill is out of calibration. I am not sure if the temp can be corrected on the dial thermometer or if they need to send you a new one.

[@andyfleck3351]

It seems like the lower the temp the closer they are. Did a chicken last night. Dial was set at 300. Digital temp was spot on. Lid temp was 350. (i can deal with that variable) A few nights ago. I did burgers. Dial set at 400. Digital temp was spot on.. Lid temp was 550-600. (Cant Deal with that high of a swing) Could this be a P setting adjustment?

[@oldchevy4x4]

Were you flame broiling the burgers? It makes sense for the dome temp to show much hotter if the cover over the fire is removed. The P setting wouldn't change the temp readings, but it can help with overall fluctuations in the temp by changing the rate at which the grill feeds pellets.

[@andyfleck3351]

I had the flame broiler plate closed.. Used it a few times since this comment. Lid Temp is always 100 over the digital temp. Kinda unhappy. I will call Customer service in the next few days once i get more time.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I would be unhappy too, definitely call the service folks.

[@timhegler3445]

Home depot has a 4.5" x 9" with 1.25 thick fire brick that takes 2700F temp...I bet that would cut down on the heat helping the paint peel/burn off problem.

[@caseyoutdoors3897]

I just bought a pit boss and I have not tried Mine out yet ... I bought the rancher All Cast iron

[@oldchevy4x4]

I am in love with this rig, I bet you will love yours too Casey! I'm surprised you haven't fired yours up yet bud, you must be on the road. Take it easy!

[@cre8moe]

These unit are suppose to have a 5 year warranty. That is what there website says. It’s most likely directly through Pit Boss.

[@PoeLemic]

Really liked your review. I plan to get one becuase of what you said. Thanks for your help in making a decision.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Glad it helped someone out! I forgot to mention one key feature on this that I really like... that is the ability to expose the firepot for open flame searing. It works great!

[@PoeLemic]

Good, thanks for adding that. Glad you shared your knowledge. People like you help make YT great !!! And, do keep making vids on this or on BBQ & cooking & stuff -- that's my hobby. I'm subbing ...

[@finpainter1]

just looking at one today.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I'm still happy with mine!

[@thomasrudder9639]

I have the Pit Boss Copperhead. Best smoker I have ever seen. I use it maybe twice a week. I freakin' LOVE IT!!!!

[@johnmorgan8628]

My pit boss plates are stainless steel no rust just a nice blueish color it is an outstanding grill for the price nice review man keep on grillin'

[@oldchevy4x4]

Hmm... I'll have to contact them & see if the stainless plates are available for this model. Although honestly, as of now rust has not been an issue at all. Thanks for checking this out and commenting, I appreciate it!

[@paulhughes8364]

OldChevy4x4 so do they have stainless grates for the Austin xl?

[@oldchevy4x4]

Paul Hughes not that I've been able to find.

[@steveguzman6640]

Thank you for the great video I will be getting one. Have a happy 4th thanks again for the info.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thank you for checking this out! I will have this fired up & full of goodness for the 4th. Take care!

[@steveguzman6640]

Right on, thank you! for the information, Happy 4th, grill on...

[@bruhwash3269]

Just purchased the 440D about to test it out, thanks for the video!

[@oldchevy4x4]

Congrats on the new pit! I hope it runs as well as this one does. Thank you for watching!

[@finpainter1]

mine the temp control sucks.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Get ahold of customer service... there's something they need to make right. Or... not sure how old yours is, but take it back & exchange it or get refunded.

[@stevenkereszturi7479]

Should of buy silverbac.dont have worry about paint coming off with double wall

[@oldchevy4x4]

I looked at Grilla & a few others too but capacity was an issue & price was the deciding factor for me, especially since I had never used or even eaten food from a pellet rig. I like that the Silvabac is double walled and it has a better controller... but I did not like spending $200 more for 300sq/in less cooking space & 10lbs less pellet capacity. Not to mention the flame broiler is a big plus for me... Grilla doesn't have it. On a side note, I did spray a little high-temp black over the trouble area... going on a month of steady use and it has not burned off.

[@stevenkereszturi7479]

OldChevy4x4 I love my silverbac it built like a tank. And buy upper second rack.

[@almayweather8792]

Silverbac is the best! Had mine a few weeks it’s built to last you a lifetime it’s solid steel for 699 and free shipping 4 year warranty and extra racks for capacity

[@Boodieman72]

I'm glad I went with a Camp Chef SmokePro DLX

[@mauriceknight2124]

I just smoked a pork butt and my grill paint is starting to burn off in the exact same spot. I smoked a couple of chicken breast but this is my first large meat and it showing the paint burning of already. It sucks cause I love the grill and the price.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thank you for checking out my video & sharing your experience. I sprayed a little high-temp paint on that spot and haven't had any issues with it since. Hopefully the company will see comments like ours and do something about the paint burning like it does.

[@mauriceknight2124]

Well I didn't paint but pitt boss is sending me new barre. I have been waiting anout 6 weeks but have not recieved it yet. l watch the plastic on your control unit. Mine warped and they sent out a new one fairly quick. If 6th have any tops please pass them my way.

[@jackstoner8205]

After looking at the the video, and reading these reviews......i think yall helped me make my decision to get one. Transitioning from an offset smoker with 1200sq in cook soace, and as you said, the space is the factir and the searing capability. Excited! How did yall season this? Or did you just get going out if the box?

[@oldchevy4x4]

First I did a burn-off to make sure no manufacturing by-products were hanging around... let it run wide open for almost an hour, or about 20 minutes after it stopped smoking. Once it cooled down some I used spray-on canola oil to coat the interior & grates, let it run on high again for probably 35-45 minutes, again until the smoke stopped. That's it! Thank you for watching & commenting, I hope you enjoy your new rig!

[@jackstoner8205]

OldChevy4x4 thank you much!! Pretty much the same as any other smoker!! I do appreciate your reply though

[@DirtNassty]

Traeger's equivalent to this grill is $2,000 .... The PitBoss grills great reviews speak for themselves and for 1/4 of the cost of the Traeger I would say its more than worth giving it a try! Also PitBoss has AMAZING customer service! You really can't go wrong with a PitBoss smoker

[@rampagemfg6831]

Buying one of these today, but i'll take care of the sheet in there that is rusting from the beginning and spray it with high temp Cerakote ceramic, It's good to 1600 degrees and once it's fully cured, it doesn't emit any thing bad (Cerakote won't recommend this for liability reasons, but they have done it to their grilles and have high confidence in it). and i'll probably waterjet a new set of grills from 1/4" stainless to alleviate the porcelain problem.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I'm going to read up on the Cerakote... that sounds promising. 1/4" 304 Stainless would be perfect for grates. Depending on your access to the waterjet & material you might even be able to sell them. Thanks for watching & commenting... Enjoy that new rig!

[@rampagemfg6831]

I spray high temp cerakote quite abit, it smells awfull until its cured, but after that, it's inert. NIC industries won't sign off on it as being food safe for liability reasons, but I asked yesterday, and they have done their own. I own a waterjet, so access is great :)

[@paulhughes8364]

Rampage MFG so.did you make some stainless gates yet?

[@jmart21]

You must've let the hopper get too low. It over feeds when it runs low and overheats your grill. This is a known issue.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I haven't experienced any over-heating issues with this rig.

[@Yourtrashmytreasure]

That’s a beauty of a grill. I hope you get many years of use with it.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I've got my fingers crossed... so far I am very happy with it.

[@classicdell]

And that is why I got the four year warranty

[@nasirahmed9536]

Nice video. Best bbq smoker Lang bbq GA and Gator pit Huston TX. Made in USA.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Thank you for watching

[@SteveRobReviews]

I have no idea what ya got going on there buddy. Looks like pellets for a wood stove used as the source of fuel but how it heats the grill I'd like to see. That's a big grill and it is attached to a electrical outlet as well I assume . Looks neat and haven't a clue how it all runs - burns ect but in time I guess I'll see more of these . Man you sure eat good . Cheers

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Yeah and next time ya fire up the barbie let me and Steve know so he can pick me up on the way down ta your place. food looked like it tasted real good.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Sounds good to me I have ever eaten that good yet .

[@oldchevy4x4]

Pellet grills operate like a pellet stove; there's a hopper full of pellets that has an auger at the bottom of it. The auger feeds the pellets into the burn pot, which on this is in the center of the grill. There is a blower that forces air into the burn pot, and a glow plug that heats up to ignite the pellets. Once the fire is going and the temperature is set, the grill automatically feeds pellets to maintain the temp dialed in. The major benefit is having the convenience of a gas or electric grill, with all the flavor of a wood-fired grill. Also when used as a smoker you set it & forget it... no need to add wood chips or chunks. The downside to all this is the need for electricity... no power, no grill. I do love my BBQ food... Cheers Steve!

[@oldchevy4x4]

Come on over! I can't sing, and I can't dance... but I can sure cook up some good grub LOL!

[@PoeLemic]

OldChevy: OC said it well. I've had pellet grills before, and it was best decision ever. Wood chunks is so old school now !!!

[@led8541]

great video the paint on mine burnt off also i called pit boss they will send you some touch up paint

[@CalvinsCorner72]

led8541 awesome information. How’s them porcelain grill grates? Mine on my 50/50 started popping off and cracking. Was eating crunchy glass when it was sticking to my food.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Your vids sold me on this rig! I've got some header paint I'm going to try out... I was just a little surprised that it started burning paint already. I made this vid a couple weeks ago, I've been running the heck out of this for a month now and so far it has done everything I was hoping it would.

[@waldemarwroblewski155]

Thank you for the great review video. In regards to that rusty spot outside, is your grill covered, or exposed to outside environment? I also noticed a vertical gas smoker on your deck if I'm not mistaken. How does smoking compare between those two units? Thank you.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I do not use a grill cover & it sits outside on a covered porch. From other people's comments, it seems that Pit Boss has changed the paint and eliminated this issue, but I'm not certain on that. That is a Masterbuilt propane smoker which I loved right up until I started smoking with this. The gas job has more capacity, but it requires much more attention and doesn't maintain temp on its own. The pellet rig gives better flavor & creates a better bark in my honest opinion, and it's completely hands-off unless you are tending to the food. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@buzzsah]

Good size, however, I don't care for the paint issue as well. That can rust through.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I like the capacity of it... the paint I'm just going to have to keep touched up I guess. I'm going to try some header paint... maybe that will stay on.

[@popup1959]

Shouldn't be burning through the paint in that little bit of time. Food looked good bud. Long burn. The 25 setting would be good too. I cook through the cold here too. That burn on the front would bug me too. Thanks for the review. I'll be watching to see how it holds up.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I shot that burned spot with some high temp paint and it has been fine since. I've been using it steady, at least a couple times per week and so far it's been perfect! Thanks for stopping by Pat!

[@popup1959]

They should've used that to begin with. At least you got it. Looks like a great grill and the food looked even better! Always a pleasure my friend!

[@tomfaro6259]

Buy a grilla grill. Pellet smoker

[@oldchevy4x4]

I like that the Silvabac is double walled and its controller... but I would not spend $200 more for 300sq/in Less cooking space & 10lbs Less pellet capacity. Not to mention the flame broiler... Grilla doesn't have it.

[@txsviking]

Nice looking grill!

[@oldchevy4x4]

I'm putting it thru its paces for sure!

[@paperweightgirl]

I would return it.

[@oldchevy4x4]

Per led8541's advice I'm going to contact the company about the paint. Thanks for stopping by!

[@andyfleck3351]

Did they do anything about the Paint?

[@oldchevy4x4]

I had high-temp paint in my shop, I shot the problem area and haven't had trouble since. KZbinr led8541 contacted them about his paint burning and they sent him some to fix it.

[@CalvinsCorner72]

Great review but trust me you will see them porcelain grills crack and flake within a year. I like cast iron much better. Thanks bro I believe you gonna see this video will do Very Very well.

[@oldchevy4x4]

You brought up the 1 thing I was thinking about when I bought this. They are cast iron porcelain coated grates... I would've much rather had plain cast. I'll keep an eye on them, and if they start bubbling up or chipping I might try stripping the coating... or just order the bare iron grates. Thanks for stoppin by Calvin!

[@elcajondavid1]

Great review. Had trouble with the first one, as you set the temperature to 300 degrees or higher, the grill would go to 525 degrees and stay. Was burning a lot of food because of that, so I contacted Pit Boss about the issue, and told them I felt the controller was out of calibration because both the hood temperature gauge and oven thermometer I placed inside were coming up with the same exact temperatures, which they kept addressing the hood gauge as being typical issue, but they would never address the oven thermometer saying the same temperatures as the hood. I got so desperate I even asked if they would sell me another controller, but all they would offer is replacing the hood gauge, which was pointless. So I took it back to Walmart, and they exchanged it with another one, which now when I place it on 350 degrees, the highest I have seen it go is 372 degrees instead of the 525 degrees, but now the hood is definitely out whack, but I don't care about that as long as it maintains the right temperature inside, that is all I care about Oh, I put aluminum foil on the broiler plate, but not because of the rusting part, but for easy clean up. I haven't had a paint issue yet, but if it starts I will just do the same as you, and repaint it, because for five hundred bucks it's no big deal. I mean anything in comparison is a thousand bucks, so I am not going to cry over little issues.

[@oldchevy4x4]

I'm surprised the company wasn't more help for you, but glad Wally World took care of it. I like to be a nitpicker when it comes to new purchases, but like you said this isn't a 1K grill. Heck, a grand won't get you close to this grill if it says Traeger on it. Not in capacity, and no flame broiler. Thank you for watching & for sharing your experience with these rigs!

[@elcajondavid1]

OldChevy4x4. Yes Wally World saved my butt on this one, and that is a fact. I personally think the representative from Pit Boss understood the situation and was trying their best for me, but their boss(es?) said no. On the second Austin XL, before even starting the grill to check it out, I rechecked the oven thermometer, and went down to Harbor Freight and bought one of those infrared thermometers just to make sure the temperature was within tolerance. Both the oven thermometer and infrared thermometer were reading pretty darn close to one another, which at 350 degrees on the control panel digital readout, was coming out to 372 degrees inside the grill. That was close enough for me, to be happy with it. Really looking forward to this summer with the grill, because during the summer it is too damn hot to use the oven in the house to bake anything for longer periods than a half an hour, so we basically skip baking anything, but now I can bake stuff outside on the grill and I am looking forward to that shortly. My girlfriend makes a killer meatloaf, but the only time she will mess with it is during the winter, but that all changes now... :)