Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 vs Traeger Westwood

vs

Traeger

Traeger Westwood

~$700

4.6★ (22)

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Quick take: The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 costs $1 less; the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 offers more cooking space (1,150 vs 653 sq in); the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 reaches a higher max temp (500 vs 450°F).

SpecPit Boss Pro Series 1150Traeger Westwood
Price~$699~$700
Rating—4.6★ (22)
TypePellet GrillPellet Grill
Cooking Area1150 sq in653 sq in
Max Temp500°F450°F
Fuel TypeWood PelletsWood Pellets
Build MaterialPowder-Coated SteelPowder-Coated Steel
Hopper Capacity32 lb18 lb
Burners——
WiFi / AppYesYes
App controlYesYes
Meat probeYesYes
PID controllerYesNo
Side burnerNoNo
RotisserieNoNo
SearingYesNo
Dimensions55 x 27 x 49 in—
Weight150 lbs116 lbs
Warranty5 years7 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

Traeger Westwood

  • ✓Cheapest way into Traeger's WiFIRE app and firmware ecosystem, which is the largest install base in pellet grilling
  • ✓116 lbs is light enough for one person to reposition on a deck, unusual for a 653 sq in cabinet grill
  • ✓Built-in side shelf is standard rather than a paid accessory as it was on the Pro series it replaces
  • ✓P.A.L. rail means the same Traeger shelves, hooks and roll racks fit that the $3,500 Timberline uses
  • ✓Two-tier grate layout leaves the upper rack free for holding or smoking while the main rack runs hot
  • ✗450°F ceiling is 50°F below the Woodridge and rules out real searing without a separate grill or skillet
  • ✗No Super Smoke mode, so low-temperature smoke output is weaker than the rest of the Traeger line
  • ✗7-year warranty rather than the 10 years Traeger puts on Woodridge and above
  • ✗18 lb hopper needs a mid-cook refill on an overnight brisket
  • ✗Only 22 reviews on Traeger's own store so far — too thin a sample to judge long-term reliability