Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 vs Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker
vs
Quick take: The Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker costs $49 less; the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 offers more cooking space (1,150 vs 1,118 sq in); the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 reaches a higher max temp (500 vs 420°F).
| Spec | Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 | Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$699 | ~$650 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 1150 sq in | 1118 sq in |
| Max Temp | 500°F | 420°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Heavy-Gauge Steel with Porcelain-Coated Racks |
| Hopper Capacity | 32 lb | 50 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | Yes | Yes |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 55 x 27 x 49 in | — |
| Weight | 150 lbs | — |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
- ✓You get a massive 1150 sq in of cooking space for around $700, by far the most square inches per dollar of any name-brand pellet grill
- ✓The sliding Flame Broiler plate exposes direct flame for searing up to ~1000°F, so it actually sears steaks better than most pellet grills
- ✓The 32 lb hopper is large enough for long overnight cooks without refilling
- ✓It comes with two meat probes included, which is more generous than Traeger's single probe at this price
- ✓The 5-year warranty is excellent for a budget grill and beats Traeger's 3 years
- ✓Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates hold heat well and leave nice sear marks
- ✓The removable ash and grease management makes cleanup between cooks quick and tidy
- ✓It heats up fast and the wide temp range covers everything from 180°F smoking to high-heat grilling
- ✗Temperature swings are wider than premium grills - expect 25-40°F fluctuations, so it's less precise for delicate low-and-slow cooks
- ✗Build quality is noticeably thinner powder-coated steel that can rust and warp, and fit-and-finish feels budget
- ✗The WiFi and Pit Boss app are the weak point - buggy, slow to connect, and prone to dropping the grill
- ✗Smoke output is lighter than Traeger's, so some owners add a smoke tube to get the bark and ring they want
- ✗Single-wall body loses heat in cold weather and burns through pellets quickly in winter
- ✗The controller and electronics are a common failure point, with owners reporting board replacements within a couple seasons
- ✗Customer service through Pit Boss/Dansons is hit-or-miss compared to Recteq's stellar reputation
- ✗It's heavy and bulky, and the casters can feel flimsy when rolling a fully loaded grill across rough patio surfaces
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker
- ✓1,118 sq in over five racks in a small floor footprint — far more capacity per square foot of patio than a horizontal pellet grill
- ✓50 lb hopper means multi-day jerky or sausage runs without refilling
- ✓130°F low end is genuinely lower than most pellet cookers and covers jerky, sausage and fish
- ✓5-year limited warranty is double what Masterbuilt and Char-Broil offer on comparable cabinets
- ✓WiFi plus Bluetooth with three probe ports, one probe in the box
- ✓Viewing window lets you check rack loads without dumping cabinet heat
- ✗420°F ceiling with no direct-flame zone — this cabinet cannot sear, and chicken skin will need a finishing grill
- ✗Vertical stacking means the bottom rack runs hotter than the top; rotating racks mid-cook is part of using it
- ✗Grease drains to a rear drawer that is easy to forget and unpleasant when it overflows
- ✗Pellet cabinets produce lighter smoke than charcoal at the same temperature, despite the vertical airflow
- ✗Needs mains power and a level surface; the caster wheels do not handle grass or gravel well