Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- Pit Boss generally offers more lower-priced pellet grills and the largest cooking area in this comparison (1,000 sq in on the 1000-series).
- Traeger models here list an 18 lb hopper, electronic auto-start ignition and, at the time of writing, a 3-year warranty.
- Pit Boss models include a flame broiler for direct-flame searing; the Traeger models covered here don’t list one.
- Pick Pit Boss for maximum space and budget flexibility; pick Traeger if build quality and a consistent feature set matter more.
Pit Boss and Traeger are two of the best-known pellet grill brands, and both combine a smoker and a grill in one cooker. In short, Pit Boss tends to give you more cooking area for the money and a direct-flame searing option, while Traeger is known for its construction and consistent features across its range.
Below you’ll find the listed specifications for four models from each brand, followed by a brand-level comparison of price, construction, cooking area, temperature range and hopper size. Before buying any pellet grill, think about how often you will actually use it, since these are a bigger investment than most charcoal or gas grills.
Pit Boss vs Traeger at a glance
| Model | Cooking area | Temperature range | Hopper | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss PB1000SC | 1,000 sq in | 150–550°F | 28 lb | 196 lb |
| Pit Boss 1000 Traditions | 1,000 sq in | 150–550°F | Not listed | 182 lb |
| Pit Boss 700S | 700 sq in | 180–500°F | Not listed | 131 lb |
| Pit Boss 440TG1 | 440 sq in | 180–550°F | 5 lb | 92.8 lb |
| Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 | 646 sq in | Not listed | 18 lb | 150 lb |
| Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 | 418 sq in | Not listed | 18 lb | 98 lb |
| Traeger Renegade Elite | 380 sq in | Not listed | 18 lb | 120 lb |
| Traeger Bronson 20 | 300 sq in | Not listed | 18 lb | 77 lb |
Pit Boss pellet grills
Pit Boss PB1000SC
The PB1000SC offers 1,000 square inches of porcelain-coated cooking space across a main grate and upper rack, enough for large groups. Digital controls let you set a temperature and leave it, while the flame broiler lets you sear over an open flame. It also has a lower storage cabinet with doors and locking wheels.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 67 x 28 x 49.2 inches
- Weight: 196 lb
- Cooking surface: 1,000 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Temperature range: 150–550°F
- Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Hopper: 28 lb
Pros
- Largest cooking area in this comparison
- Large 28 lb hopper
- Flame broiler for searing
- Enclosed storage cabinet and locking wheels
Cons
- Heavy at 196 lb
Pit Boss 1000 Traditions (PB1000T1)
Nearly identical to the PB1000SC, the 1000 Traditions swaps the enclosed cabinet for an open storage rack and two large wheels. It keeps the same cooking area, temperature range, digital controls and porcelain-coated cast iron grates. Both 1000-series models have a meat probe port on the control panel and an upper warming rack. It costs noticeably less than the PB1000SC.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 67 x 27.8 x 49.2 inches
- Weight: 182 lb
- Cooking surface: 1,000 sq in
- Controls: Digital with LED readout
- Temperature range: 150–550°F
- Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
Pros
- Same 1,000 sq in cooking area as the PB1000SC
- Lower price than the cabinet model
- Meat probe port
Cons
- Open rack instead of enclosed storage
- Only two wheels for moving it
Pit Boss 700S (PB72700S)
The 700S uses an upgraded cart with locking wheels and a high-temperature exterior coating meant to deter rust. It has the same two-tier rack layout as the larger models, digital controls and a flame broiler, with 700 square inches of cooking area for groups of up to about six.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 52.7 x 26.6 x 46.7 inches
- Weight: 131 lb
- Cooking surface: 700 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Temperature range: 180–500°F
- Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
Pros
- Digital control panel
- Searing via flame broiler
- Easy-to-clean porcelain grates
Cons
- Some owner reports at the time mentioned uneven temperature holding
- Owner reports of auger problems; emptying the hopper after use helps keep pellets dry
Pit Boss 440TG1 (PB440TG)
The 440TG1 is a portable pellet grill with folding legs, built for tailgates and camping. It uses a rear exhaust convection system, a digital control panel with LED display and the Pit Boss flame broiler.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 40 x 22.5 x 41 inches
- Weight: 92.8 lb
- Cooking surface: 440 sq in
- Controls: Digital with LED display
- Temperature range: 180–550°F
- Hopper: 5 lb
Pros
- Portable with folding legs
- Digital controls with LED display
- Searing ability
Cons
- Less cooking space than full-size models
- No meat probe
- Small 5 lb hopper
Traeger pellet grills
Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34
The Lil Tex Elite 34 offers 646 square inches of cooking space; Traeger lists capacity for 32 hot dogs, 24 burgers, 9 racks of ribs or 6 whole chickens. It has electronic auto-start ignition, a digital Elite controller with LED display, porcelain grates and locking caster wheels. See our Traeger Texas Elite 34 review for a closely related model.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 22 x 54 x 49 inches
- Weight: 150 lb
- Cooking surface: 646 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Hopper: 18 lb
Pros
- Largest Traeger in this comparison
- 18 lb hopper
- Electronic auto-start ignition
- Locking caster wheels
Cons
- No meat probe; you’ll need a separate thermometer
- Not the least expensive option
Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22
A mid-size Traeger with 418 square inches of grilling area; Traeger lists capacity for 24 hot dogs, 16 burgers, 5 racks of ribs or 4 whole chickens. It shares the digital controls, porcelain grates and auto-start ignition of the larger model. Read our full Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 review.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 42 x 22 x 49 inches
- Weight: 98 lb
- Cooking surface: 418 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Hopper: 18 lb
Pros
- Good middle ground on size and price
- 18 lb hopper
- Electronic auto-start ignition
Cons
- Cover sold separately
- No meat probe
Traeger Renegade Elite
One of Traeger’s smaller models, the Renegade Elite adds a tool caddy for rubs, sauces and tools, plus a front wire prep rack. Its 380 square inches suit a family; larger groups may need a bigger model. More detail is in our Traeger Renegade Elite review.
Listed specifications
- Weight: 120 lb
- Cooking surface: 380 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Hopper: 18 lb
Pros
- Tool caddy and prep rack
- 18 lb hopper
- Electronic auto-start ignition
Cons
- Cooking space is small for the price
Traeger Bronson 20
The Bronson 20 is the least expensive and smallest Traeger here, with 300 square inches; Traeger lists room for 4 whole chickens, 12 burgers or 3 racks of ribs. It was marketed as HOA-approved, which may suit condo patios and decks. Otherwise it shares the core functions of the larger Traegers.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 22 x 35 x 38 inches
- Weight: 77 lb
- Cooking surface: 300 sq in
- Controls: Digital
- Hopper: 18 lb
Pros
- Most affordable Traeger here
- Marketed as HOA-approved
- 18 lb hopper
Cons
- Smallest cooking area in this comparison
Pit Boss vs Traeger: brand differences
Price
Expect to spend more on a pellet grill than on a standard charcoal or gas grill. Pit Boss has more lower-priced models, which makes it a natural place to start on a budget. Traeger also has affordable options but its range extends higher. Both brands have models at similar price points, and prices change often, so compare current prices before deciding.
Construction
Traeger tends to have the edge on construction, with features such as powder-coated finishes and coatings that resist rust and sticking. Pit Boss grills use similar construction features, though some components don’t appear as refined as Traeger’s.
Cooking area
The Pit Boss 1000-series stands out with 1,000 square inches. Outside of that, comparable Traeger models often offer a little more cooking area than similarly placed Pit Boss models. Around 500 square inches is typical for a mid-priced pellet grill.
Temperature range
There’s little difference here. Both brands make grills with minimum temperatures in the 150–180°F range and maximums around 500–550°F. Pit Boss adds a flame broiler for direct-flame searing.
Pellet hopper size
The hopper holds the pellets that feed the fire, so a larger hopper means fewer refills on long smokes. The Traeger models here all list an 18 lb hopper, and Traeger includes an ash catch system. Pit Boss hoppers vary widely, from 5 lb on the portable 440TG1 to 28 lb on the PB1000SC.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Pit Boss if you want the most cooking area for the money, a built-in searing option, or you’re new to pellet grills and on a budget.
- Choose Traeger if construction quality, a consistent 18 lb hopper and auto-start ignition across the range matter most, and you want the reassurance of the warranty (3 years at the time of writing).
- For portability, the Pit Boss 440TG1 is the only model here designed to travel.
Whichever you pick, a good probe thermometer helps on models without a built-in meat probe. See our guide to choosing a meat thermometer and check the safe internal cooking temperatures chart. If you’re working to a budget, our budget pellet grill guide covers more options.
Bottom line
Based on the listed features, Traeger has the edge on build and consistency, while Pit Boss wins on size and budget flexibility. Either brand will deliver wood-fired flavor; let your cooking volume, budget and searing needs decide.
FAQ
Which pellet grill in this comparison has the most cooking space?
The Pit Boss PB1000SC and 1000 Traditions, at 1,000 square inches each.
Do these grills come with a meat probe?
The Pit Boss 1000-series models have a meat probe port on the control panel. The Pit Boss 440TG1 and the Traeger Lil Tex Elite models were listed without a meat probe.
Can you sear on a pellet grill?
Pit Boss models in this comparison include a flame broiler that lets you sear over an open flame.
