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Both are big pellet grills aimed at the cook who's outgrown their starter rig. The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 gives you huge cooking space and PID control for under $700. The Traeger Ironwood XL is Traeger's flagship-tier — refined, app-connected, and double the price.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 ($699) if you want maximum pellet grill for the dollar and don't need a polished app. Buy the Traeger Ironwood XL ($2,099) if you want the smoothest experience, double-walled insulation, and the best pellet ecosystem.
The Contenders
Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
$699
Volume cooks who want huge cooking space and reliable PID temp control on a budget
Check PriceTraeger Ironwood XL
$2,099
Pellet enthusiasts who want the most refined cook experience and Traeger's app ecosystem
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Cooking Performance
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins narrowly. Both hold temp well, but the Ironwood XL's double-walled insulation makes a real difference in cold weather and at low temps. Smoke flavor is also a notch deeper thanks to Super Smoke mode.
Cooking Space
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins. 1,158 sq in vs the Ironwood XL's 924 sq in. If raw capacity matters, the Pit Boss is the answer.
App & Smart Features
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins decisively. Mature WiFire app with thousands of recipes, integrated probes, and remote control. Pit Boss's app is functional but a generation behind.
Build Quality
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins. Heavier-gauge steel, better paint, double-walled insulation, sturdier cart. The Pit Boss is fine for the price but you can feel the cost cuts.
Value
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins easily. $1,400 cheaper for a grill that cooks great food. The Traeger is a better grill, but it's not three times better.
Final Verdict
Buy the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 if you want the most cooking space and pellet capability per dollar in the industry. Buy the Traeger Ironwood XL if you want the most refined experience and the best cold-weather performance, and you can afford the premium.
Buying Advice
If this is grill #1 and you're not sure you'll stick with pellet, buy the Pit Boss. If you've owned a pellet grill before and you know you love it, the Ironwood XL upgrade is worth it.
