Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 vs Pit Boss Sportsman 850
Quick take: The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 costs $51 less; the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 offers more cooking space (1,150 vs 849 sq in).
| Spec | Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 | Pit Boss Sportsman 850 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$699 | ~$750 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 1150 sq in | 849 sq in |
| Max Temp | 500°F | 500°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 32 lb | 21 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | Yes | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Sportsman 850
- ✓WiFi and Bluetooth under $800, where Traeger's cheapest connected grill is $700 for 653 sq in
- ✓849 sq in and a 21 lb hopper is a genuine full-size cabinet grill, not an entry model
- ✓Flame Broiler lever opens the deflector for direct-flame searing — no other major brand offers this at the price
- ✓5-year warranty, longer than Traeger's 7-year only in the sense that it covers a much cheaper grill; longer than Recteq's entry tier
- ✓Tool hooks and rapid ignition included rather than sold as accessories
- ✗Only one meat probe included on an 849 sq in grill
- ✗Pit Boss does not claim PID control; temperature holds less tightly than Recteq or Camp Chef at the same money
- ✗500°F chamber ceiling — all real searing happens through the Flame Broiler, which is a manual, mid-cook operation
- ✗No published weight or exterior dimensions
- ✗Sportsman badging and finish are cosmetic; buyers comparing on spec alone will find the Navigator 850 nearly identical