Pit Boss Pro Series II 850
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The Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 is the pellet grill I recommend to anyone who wants Traeger-class features without the Traeger price tag. 850 sq in of cooking area, PID controller, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a bottle-opener built into the side shelf — for $799.
What We Love
- +850 sq in cooking area across two racks
- +PID controller holds temp within ±10°F
- +Pit Boss Smoke IT app with Wi-Fi monitoring
- +Slide-plate flame broiler enables direct grilling at 500°F+
- +21-lb hopper capacity (long cooks without refilling)
- +Heavy-gauge steel construction feels surprisingly solid
Watch Out For
- −Temp swings are wider than premium Traegers (±10°F vs ±5°F)
- −App interface is functional but ugly
- −Customer service can be slow
- −Pellet hopper lid doesn't seal tightly — pellets absorb moisture if left outside uncovered
- −Assembly takes 2-3 hours
Specifications
Cooking Area
850 sq in (two racks)
Temperature Range
180°F - 500°F (with flame broiler)
Hopper Capacity
21 lbs
Connectivity
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Pit Boss Smoke IT app)
Weight
183 lbs
Dimensions
57" x 26" x 48"
Warranty
5 years
The Full Review
Compared feature-for-feature and against owner reports, the Traeger Ironwood and the Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 land closer than the price gap suggests: at half the price, the Pit Boss does about 85% of what the Ironwood does. For most backyard cooks, that's an incredible value proposition.
The 850 sq in cooking area is the headline. That's enough for two full pork shoulders and a brisket simultaneously, or six whole chickens, or a dozen racks of ribs. Most $800 pellet grills give you 600-700 sq in. The extra space is genuinely useful for entertaining.
The slide-plate flame broiler is the standout feature. Slide a plate aside to expose the meat directly to the firepot, and you can sear at 500°F+ — something most pellet grills physically cannot do. It's not as effective as a dedicated infrared burner, but it puts genuine grill marks on a steak.
Temperature stability is good but not great. At 225°F for low-and-slow, owners report the Pro Series II swinging about ±10°F. A premium Traeger holds ±5°F. In practice, it doesn't matter — both produce excellent results. But if you're a temp-obsessed competition cook, the wider swing might bother you.
The Smoke IT Wi-Fi app works reliably, reporting grill temp, food probe temp and pellet level to your phone. The interface is ugly compared to Traeger's polished app, but functionally it does everything you need.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 (this) | 4.4 | $799 | Pit Boss's mid-tier pellet flagship — 850 sq in cooking area, PID controller, and Wi-Fi at half the price of comparable Traegers. |
| Grilla Grills Silverbac Alpha | 4.7 | $799 | The under-the-radar Silverbac wood pellet grill cult forums love. |
| Louisiana Grills Black Label 1000 | 4.5 | $799 | Costco's house pellet grill brand delivers serious competition to Traeger — with a massive 1,000 sq in cooking area. |
Who Is It For?
Budget-conscious cooks who want premium pellet grill features without spending $1,500+. Big families and entertainers who need maximum cooking capacity per dollar. Anyone who wants direct-flame searing capability on a pellet grill.
Final Verdict
The Pit Boss Pro Series II 850 is the best pellet grill value under $1,000. You give up some refinement vs. a Traeger Ironwood, but you save $1,000 and get more cooking area. For 90% of pellet grill buyers, this is the smart purchase.
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