Pit Boss is the value tier of the pellet grill market.
Owned by Dansons (also parent of Louisiana Grills), Pit Boss delivers 80-90% of Traeger’s feature set at 40-50% of the price. This guide covers the full Pit Boss lineup, which models are actually worth buying, and the honest comparison against Traeger.
In this guide (jump ahead)
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The Pit Boss lineup in 2026
- Sportsman — entry line, $400-600.
- Navigator — mid-tier, $600-800.
- Pro Series Elite — upgraded consumer, $550-800.
- Lockhart — combo pellet + gas cabinet smoker, $800-1,200.
- Onyx Series — premium consumer line, $800-1,400.
Best all-round: Pit Boss Pro Series Elite
The Pro Series Elite line is where Pit Boss delivers the strongest value. 850+ sq in cook area, 24 lb hopper (biggest in the class), PID controller with 15F accuracy, slide-plate flame broiler for direct-flame searing. For anyone who wants a pellet grill under $700 and does not care about premium tier apps, this is the pick.
See also: Ooni Karu 12 vs Karu 16 vs Volt 12 Compared 2026: The Ooni Lineup Head-to-Head
Best budget: Pit Boss Sportsman 820
Under $500 and it works. 820 sq in cook area, 21 lb hopper, PID controller, slide-plate flame broiler. What you give up vs Pro Series Elite: thinner steel, simpler control panel, slightly wider temperature swing tolerance. What you get: the cheapest legitimate pellet grill on the market.
See also: Masterbuilt MES 140S vs Pit Boss Analog Vertical vs Bradley Digital: Electric Smokers Compared 2026
Best combo: Pit Boss Lockhart Platinum
Unique combo cabinet: pellet grill on top, gas grill / smokehouse cabinet on bottom. Perfect for making sausage, jerky, or cold-smoking cheese in the cabinet while grilling burgers up top. $1,200 is genuinely competitive with buying separate units.
See also: Blackstone vs Camp Chef vs Pit Boss Griddles 2026: 28-inch Class Head-to-Head
Best premium: Pit Boss Navigator 1230 or Onyx
Pit Boss’s answer to Traeger Ironwood. Bigger hopper (33 lb!), better insulation, upgraded PID controller, WiFi app that has improved significantly in 2024-2026 firmware updates. Still ~40% cheaper than a comparable Traeger.
Pit Boss lineup comparison
| Model | Cook Area | Hopper | Direct Sear? | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman 500 | 500 sq in | 18 lb | Yes (slide) | $400 |
| Sportsman 820 | 820 sq in | 21 lb | Yes (slide) | $500 |
| Pro Series Elite | 850 sq in | 24 lb | Yes (slide) | $550 |
| Navigator 1230 | 1,230 sq in | 33 lb | Yes | $800 |
| Lockhart Platinum | 2,196 sq in combined | 32 lb | Yes + gas | $1,200 |
Pit Boss vs Traeger — the honest read
Choose Pit Boss if: budget is the constraint. You get 80% of Traeger’s cooking result at 50% of the price. Slide-plate direct-flame searing is a feature Traeger charges premium tier for. Bigger hoppers than Traeger at equivalent price points.
Choose Traeger if: the app matters. Traeger’s WiFIRE app is significantly better than Pit Boss’s. Long-term build quality is slightly better. Warranty processing is smoother.
See our detailed comparison: Traeger vs Weber SmokeFire vs Pit Boss.
Editor’s ranking
Best Pit Boss for most people: Pro Series Elite at $550-700. Enough features for serious BBQ, hopper big enough for overnight brisket, direct-flame sear built in.
Cheapest legitimate pellet grill: Sportsman 820 at $500. Value premium: Navigator 1230 at $800. Combo cook: Lockhart Platinum at $1,200.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Related PitPrimer guides
- Best Traeger Grills 2026: Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and Ranger Full Lineup Guide
- Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Traeger Ironwood XL vs Pit Boss Pro Series 850 Compared 2026
- Best Camp Chef Grills 2026: Woodwind Pro, Apex, Sherpa, and Explorer Lineup Guide
- Best Pellet Smoker 2026: Traeger, Weber, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, and Yoder Head-to-Head
Frequently asked questions
How were these products selected?
This guide is a research-based synthesis of product specs, brand reputation, current Amazon reviews, and category trends. It is not a hands-on review – use it to narrow options before you buy.
What price range should I expect?
Prices vary significantly across the categories above. Entry options start at the lower end of each tier listed, while premium picks can be several times more. Amazon pricing changes frequently, so confirm current numbers on the product listings.
Should I always buy the most expensive option?
Not necessarily. Premium products offer better materials, longer warranties, and higher-end features, but mid-tier picks meet the needs of most buyers. Match the pick to your actual use case rather than defaulting to the top of the price range.
How often is this guide updated?
This guide is refreshed as new products launch and older picks are discontinued. Amazon pricing and stock change daily – always confirm current price and availability on Amazon before purchase.
Where is the best place to buy?
Amazon is linked throughout this guide because it typically has broad selection, current pricing, and standardized return policies. Direct manufacturer sites and specialty retailers are also options depending on category and preference.
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