Pit Boss
Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is a value-focused WiFi pellet grill sold through Lowe's, featuring a sliding Flame Broiler plate for direct-flame searing and a digital PID controller. Pit Boss is owned by Dansons. Note: this model is no longer sold new as of 2026. Its current equivalent is the Pit Boss Pro Series V3 1150. (Original Pro Series 1150 replaced by V2 (10576) then V3 (10980/PB1150PS3) at Lowe's; V3 sells ~$699)
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓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
Cons
- ✗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
Owner Insightssummarized from Reddit and owner forums
On r/pelletgrills the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is the value-volume champ — the grill people recommend when budget and capacity matter more than precision or build quality. For around $700 you get a massive 1150 sq in, a sliding Flame Broiler that actually sears, two probes, and a 5-year warranty, which on paper undercuts everything.
The trade-offs are exactly what you'd expect at the price: temps swing more than a premium PID grill, the steel is thinner and can rust or warp, the app is buggy, and the stock smoke is light. None of it surprises experienced owners — they buy it knowing it's a lot of grill for the money, not a precision instrument.
The community take is that Pit Boss is the 'Costco-sized' pellet grill: great for feeding a crowd on a budget, with the Flame Broiler as a genuine differentiator for searing. People who want tight temp control and longevity get pointed to Recteq or Camp Chef, but for sheer cooking area per dollar, it's a perennial budget recommendation.
What owners like
- +The square-inches-per-dollar value is the most-cited reason people buy it
- +Sliding Flame Broiler for direct-flame searing genuinely sets it apart from most pellet grills
- +Two meat probes and a 5-year warranty included are seen as generous at the price
- +Sold at Lowe's, so easy to see in person and return
Common complaints
- −Wider temp swings than premium grills — less precise for delicate low-and-slow
- −Thinner build that can rust/warp; fit-and-finish reads as budget
- −The Pit Boss app and WiFi are a frequent source of frustration
- −Lighter smoke output; many add a smoke tube
- −Customer service is hit-or-miss compared to Recteq
Common Questions
Pit Boss vs Traeger for a budget buyer?
Does the Flame Broiler actually sear?
Is the build quality a dealbreaker?
How is the smoke flavor?
Is the app worth using?
Compare the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
This model is no longer sold new. Its current equivalent is the Pit Boss Pro Series V3 1150.
We keep this page for the many still in use and on the used market — specs and honest pros/cons below still apply.
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