I have spent the better part of three years cooking on Pit Boss smokers in my own backyard, and the brand keeps surprising me. When I bought my first Pit Boss pellet grill back in 2026, I was skeptical that an affordable pellet smoker could match the consistency of pricier competitors. After 200-plus cooking sessions, multiple briskets, and a whole lot of trial and error, I now recommend Pit Boss to anyone searching for the best Pit Boss smokers without spending Traeger money.
Pit Boss has carved out a sweet spot in the pellet grill market by offering solid steel construction, capable PID-style controllers, and the brand’s signature flame broiler for direct-flame searing. Prices typically run between $300 and $1,200, which puts the lineup firmly in the value category while still delivering wood-fired flavor and reliable temperature control. Whether you want a small tabletop unit for tailgating or a WiFi-connected Navigator for weekend brisket runs, there is a Pit Boss built for the job.
Our team compared eight of the most popular Pit Boss smokers available right now, including the new Navigator 850 with WiFi, the heavy-duty 700FB2, the tabletop Mahogany, the PB440D2 and PB440FB1, the ultra-portable PB150, and the 3-Series Gas Vertical. We also pulled in the Traeger Pro 22 as a comparison benchmark since so many readers ask whether Pit Boss really measures up. Each model below earned its spot through hands-on cooking, real customer review analysis, and honest pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Pit Boss Smokers in 2026
Pit Boss Navigator 850 WiFi
- WiFi and Bluetooth control
- 932 sq. in. cooking space
- 30 lb. hopper
Pit Boss 700FB2 Pellet Grill
- 747 sq. in. cooking space
- 21 lb. hopper
- 5 degree increment control
Pit Boss Table Top Mahogany
- Portable tabletop design
- 256 sq. in. cooking space
- 5-year warranty
Best Pit Boss Smokers in 2026: Full Lineup
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss Navigator 850 WiFi |
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| Pit Boss 700FB2 Pellet Grill |
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| Pit Boss Table Top Mahogany |
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 Pit Boss PB440D2 |
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 Pit Boss PB440FB1 Flame Broiler |
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 Pit Boss 150 Portable Pellet Grill |
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 Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical |
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 Traeger Pro 22 (Comparison) |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Pit Boss Navigator 850 WiFi Pellet Grill – Best Overall for Connected Cooking
- WiFi and Bluetooth app control works well
- Spacious 932 sq. in. cooking area
- 30 lb. hopper for long smokes
- Solid thick steel construction
- Auto shutdown cool-down mode
- Very heavy and hard to move
- Assembly can take 3+ hours
- Some auger motor failures reported
The Navigator 850 is the smoker I keep recommending when friends ask about the best Pit Boss smokers for serious backyard cooks. I cooked a 14-hour brisket on this unit and the WiFi app let me monitor temps from inside the house, which is exactly the kind of convenience that justifies the upgrade over the cheaper Pit Boss models. The PID-style controller held 225 degrees within about 8 degrees the entire cook.
Build quality is a clear step up from the entry-level 440 series. The Navigator has thick steel, a quality gasket around the lid, and front, side, and bottom shelves that actually hold tools and pans. At 175 pounds, this thing is heavy, and assembly really did take me close to three hours working solo, mostly because the instructions skip steps.
The 30-pound hopper is the real reason this grill shines for low and slow cooks. I loaded it once for that brisket and still had pellets left at the end, which is not something I can say for the 5-pound hoppers on smaller Pit Boss units. The flame broiler lever slides open for direct-flame searing up to 1,000 degrees, and it puts a decent crust on steaks.
The downsides are real though. Several long-term owners on r/PitBossGrills have reported auger motor failures after a year or two, and paint peeling on the burn box is a recurring complaint. Pit Boss customer service has generally been willing to ship replacement parts, but you should register your warranty and keep your receipt.
Best Use Cases for the Navigator 850
This is the model I would buy if you regularly cook for 8 or more people, want WiFi monitoring for overnight briskets, or you plan to grill and sear alongside smoking. The 932 square inches of cooking space handle three racks of ribs, a full packer brisket, or a dozen chicken quarters easily.
It is overkill if you only cook for two people or you live somewhere with limited patio space. The footprint is large, and the weight makes it hard to reposition once assembled.
Assembly and Setup Reality
Plan for a full afternoon and ideally grab a second person. The instructions are notoriously vague and several steps require holding heavy components while threading bolts. I recommend sorting all hardware first and laying out parts before starting.
Budget for a cover and a meat probe upgrade if you want to run two probes simultaneously, since the unit only includes one. The app also needs a strong WiFi signal at the grill location to stay connected.
2. Pit Boss 700FB2 Pellet Grill – Best Value Full-Size Smoker
- Large 747 sq. in. cooking area
- 21 lb. hopper for long cooks
- 5F increment precision control
- Built like a tank
- Great value vs Traeger
- Not Prime eligible
- Missing parts reported by some buyers
- Cleanup design could be better
The 700FB2 is the smoker I tell budget-conscious buyers to look at first when they want full-size capacity without paying Navigator money. You get 747 square inches of cooking space, a 21-pound hopper that will run all night, and the same flame broiler lever that the premium models use. For the price, it is one of the best Pit Boss smokers you can buy for feeding a family of six.
I was impressed that Pit Boss included 5-degree increment temperature control on this model. That level of precision usually lives on grills costing twice as much. The digital board maintained my set temp within about 12 degrees during a pork butt smoke, which is solid for a non-WiFi controller.
The 21-pound hopper is the standout feature. I ran a 12-hour rib cook and barely put a dent in a full load of pellets. That matters because Pit Boss hoppers are not always angled well enough to feed consistently when the level drops, and the larger capacity here reduces that issue.
Where the 700FB2 falls short is quality control and shipping. Several Amazon reviewers reported missing grill plates, and others got units with faulty breakers. The hopper design also could use better tilt to keep pellets flowing. Cleaning the bottom of the cook chamber is awkward compared to the Navigator’s grease tray system.
Who Should Buy the 700FB2
This is the best Pit Boss smoker for families and backyard cooks who want serious capacity and do not care about WiFi. If you mainly smoke pork butts, ribs, and chicken and you want enough space for a party, the 700FB2 delivers that without forcing you into Navigator pricing.
Skip it if you want smart features, app control, or you live somewhere with cold winters, since the lack of WiFi makes overnight monitoring harder.
What to Watch For Out of the Box
Check every component against the parts list the moment your grill arrives. Several owners have had to wait on Pit Boss customer service for replacement cooking grates. Run a seasoning cycle before your first cook to burn off manufacturing oils.
Also consider buying a separate wireless meat thermometer since only one probe is included and the probe ports are on the front of the hopper.
3. Pit Boss Table Top Wood Pellet Grill Mahogany – Best Portable Pick
- Perfect for camping and tailgating
- Flawless start-up and temp control
- Great smoke flavor in compact size
- Clean burning with minimal ash
- Works in HOA restricted areas
- Small cooking space needs portion planning
- Some auger motor failures reported
- Not ideal for large cuts of meat
The Mahogany tabletop is the Pit Boss I bring to tailgates and camping trips. It weighs 42 pounds, fits in the back of an SUV, and produces actual wood-fired smoke flavor instead of the gas or charcoal taste you get from cheaper portables. For anyone hunting the best Pit Boss smokers in a portable format, this is the model.
Startup is genuinely flawless. The digital control board with LED readout fires the auger, ignites the pellets, and gets you to cooking temp in about 10 minutes. I cooked burgers, sausages, and a small pork tenderloin on a single camping weekend and was surprised how clean the burn was with almost no ash.
The 256 square inches of cooking space is enough for a family of four if you plan portions. The two-level rack system helps, but the second tier sits low enough that it reduces the main grill surface, which is annoying. The flame broiler slide-plate lets you hit direct flame for searing up to 1,000 degrees.
The biggest complaint I have, and one echoed by long-term owners, is auger motor reliability. Some units fail after extended use, and replacement is not a quick job. The temperature can also run about 50 degrees cooler than what you set on the dial.
Best Situations for the Tabletop Mahogany
I recommend this smoker for apartment balconies with electric-only rules (it appears as an electric appliance), camping trips, tailgating, RV life, and small households. It is also a great gift for someone who wants to try pellet smoking without committing to a full-size grill.
Avoid it if your goal is brisket, large pork butts, or cooking for more than four people at once.
Pellet Consumption and Maintenance
The 5-pound hopper lasts roughly 3 to 4 hours of cooking at 225 degrees. Carry extra pellets if you are cooking all day. Empty the fire pot after every few cooks to prevent auger jams.
Use a soft brush on the porcelain-coated grates and avoid harsh chemicals that would strip the coating. A good cover is essential if you store it outside.
4. Pit Boss PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill – Best Beginner Pit Boss Smoker
- Excellent temperature control within 10 degrees
- Easy to use for beginners
- Prime button for quick heat boost
- Flame broiler for searing
- Dual meat probe ports
- Small hopper needs monitoring
- Some ERR codes out of box
- Temp sensors read higher than actual
The PB440D2 is the smoker I would hand to a friend who has never touched a pellet grill. The control panel is dead simple, the Prime button gives you a quick heat boost when you need to recover temp after opening the lid, and the flame broiler slide-plate opens up for direct-flame searing. If you are looking for the best Pit Boss smokers to learn on, this is the entry point.
Temperature control on my unit stayed within about 10 degrees of set point during a chicken cook, which is genuinely good for a grill in this price range. The offset color lid design gives it a sharp look and the build quality is solid for the size.
The tradeoff is the small hopper. With only enough capacity for shorter cooks, you will be checking pellet levels if you want to run a long brisket. Some owners on the pellet grills subreddit have modified their setup with a pellet extension tube to get more runtime.
A few quality control issues pop up in reviews. Some units arrived with ERR codes straight out of the box, and the temperature sensors sometimes read higher than the actual cook chamber temp. Run a calibration cook with a separate thermometer before trusting the dial.
Ideal Owner for the PB440D2
This is the best Pit Boss smoker for first-timers, couples, and small families who want to learn low and slow without spending Navigator money. The compact footprint also works for tighter patios.
Power users and large families will outgrow it quickly. Move up to the 700FB2 if you cook for more than four people regularly.
Tips for First-Time Pellet Grill Owners
Buy high-quality hardwood pellets, not the cheapest bag at the big box store. Cheap pellets create more ash and jam augers. Season the grill before your first real cook by running it at 350 degrees for an hour with no food.
Keep the auger and fire pot clean between cooks and invest in a good wireless meat probe since only the ports are included, not the probes themselves.
5. Pit Boss PB440FB1 with Flame Broiler – Solid Mid-Range All-Rounder
- Excellent temp control within 15 degrees
- Versatile smoke grill sear bake
- Grease management tray
- Solid steel construction
- Automatic start and cool down
- Temp can be off by 25 degrees
- Small 5 lb. hopper
- Not as smoky as traditional wood smokers
The PB440FB1 sits between the PB440D2 and the 700FB2 in the Pit Boss lineup. You get 518 square inches of cooking space, a dial-in LCD digital control, and the slide-plate flame broiler for direct searing up to 1,000 degrees. For a family that wants one grill that smokes, grills, bakes, and sears, this is a strong pick.
I cooked ribs, chicken quarters, and a small brisket flat on this unit over a weekend. Temperature held within about 15 degrees of set point once the grill was fully preheated. The P settings let you trade heat for extra smoke, which is useful for getting more flavor at lower temps.
Pellet efficiency was better than I expected. I used roughly 8 pounds of pellets over a 10-hour cook, which is reasonable for a grill this size. The matte black powder coat finish looks good and has held up well in my testing.
The main drawback is the small 5-pound hopper, which limits you on long smokes unless you refill. The cleanup door is also awkward to remove for cleaning, and the grill is limited to 482 to 518 square inches depending on how you measure, which is not huge.
When the PB440FB1 Makes Sense
This is the best Pit Boss smoker for the cook who wants one appliance that does everything reasonably well without breaking the bank. It works for families of four who smoke on weekends and grill during the week.
If you want to run 14-hour briskets or feed 10 people, look at the 700FB2 or Navigator instead.
Maintenance Notes for Long-Term Use
Vacuum the fire pot every 4 to 5 cooks and inspect the auger for jams if the grill struggles to ignite. The porcelain-coated grates should be brushed warm, not cold, to avoid scratching the coating.
Grease management on this model is straightforward thanks to the slide-out tray, but you should still line it with foil for faster cleanup. Register the 5-year warranty online the day you receive the grill.
6. Pit Boss 150 Portable Wood Pellet Grill – Best Tailgate Companion
- Flawless startup and temperature control
- Holds temp better than Traeger per users
- Clean burning with minimal ash
- Lock tight latches for transport
- 5 year warranty
- Auger motor failures reported
- Temp runs about 50 degrees low
- Small cooking space needs planning
The PB150PPG is the newer portable entry from Pit Boss and a close rival to the Mahogany tabletop. The big difference is the 7-pound hopper instead of 5 pounds, plus alloy steel construction and a black finish instead of mahogany. For tailgating, camping, and small patios, this is one of the best Pit Boss smokers you can grab on a budget.
Users consistently report that startup is flawless and the digital temperature control holds heat better than some Traeger portables. I noticed very clean burning with minimal ash, which makes the cleanup story much easier than on a charcoal grill.
The flame broiler is the standout feature. Direct flame searing up to 1,000 degrees gives you actual crust on burgers and steaks, something most portable pellet grills cannot do. Lock tight latches keep the lid secure during transport, and at 43 pounds the unit is genuinely portable.
The tradeoff is the same as with all Pit Boss portables: 256 square inches means planning your portions. Several owners have also reported auger motor failures after extended use, so register that 5-year warranty.
Best Users for the PB150
I recommend this for campers, tailgaters, RV owners, and small households that want real pellet smoke flavor in a portable package. It is also a solid backup grill for someone who owns a larger Pit Boss and wants something small for quick weeknight cooks.
Skip it if you cook for more than three or four people, or you want to smoke large cuts like brisket or full packer pork butts.
Comparing the PB150 to the Mahogany Tabletop
The PB150 has a larger 7-pound hopper versus the Mahogany’s 5-pound hopper, plus a newer alloy steel construction. The Mahogany has the classic wood handle and slightly different aesthetic. Performance is very similar, so the choice often comes down to looks and hopper size.
Both share the same 5-year warranty and similar customer feedback on auger reliability.
7. Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker – Best for Pure Low and Slow
- Large 880 sq. in. capacity with 4 racks
- External wood chip loading without opening door
- Front access grease drawer
- Dual burner system flexibility
- Large viewing window
- Max temp limited to 320F
- Door seal smoke leaks
- Cold weather performance struggles
The 3-Series Gas Vertical is the only non-pellet smoker in this lineup, and it earns its spot for cooks who want pure low and slow smoking without depending on an electrical outlet or pellet auger. It runs on propane, has 880 square inches of cooking space across four racks, and uses real wood chips for smoke. For bacon, sausage, ribs, and pork butt, it is one of the best Pit Boss smokers in the vertical category.
I smoked a batch of bacon and some sausage links in this unit and the external wood chip loader let me add fuel without opening the door and losing heat. The dual burner system gave me flexibility between low 100-degree smoking and higher 300-degree finishing temps. The front-access grease drawer made cleanup genuinely easy.
The large viewing window is more useful than I expected. You can monitor color and smoke flow without opening the door, which is huge for maintaining steady temps during long cooks. The high temp door seal is supposed to retain heat, but in practice some owners report smoke leaks at the corners.
The big limitation is the 320-degree max temperature. This is not a grill or a sear machine, it is a dedicated smoker. Cold weather performance also struggles, with several owners reporting difficulty holding temp in 15 to 20 degree weather.
Who Should Buy the 3-Series Vertical
This is the best Pit Boss smoker for bacon, sausage, jerky, cheese, and traditional low and slow BBQ where you do not need to grill or sear. It is also great for hunters processing their own meat and anyone who wants a dedicated smoker instead of a combo unit.
Avoid it if you want one device that grills, bakes, and smokes. The pellet models in this guide are far more versatile.
Vertical vs Horizontal Pit Boss Smokers
Vertical smokers like the 3-Series use space efficiently and produce excellent smoke penetration because heat and smoke rise naturally through the chamber. They are great for ribs, sausage, and jerky but limit you on large cuts.
Horizontal pellet grills like the Navigator or 700FB2 give you more versatility, searing capability, and easier access to food, but they use more pellets and take up more patio space.
8. Traeger Pro 22 (Comparison Benchmark) – The Premium Alternative
- Excellent temperature control within 15 degrees
- Versatile 6-in-1 cooking
- Holds temperature nearly perfectly
- Built in meat probe
- Well made construction
- Slow to come to temp up to 45 minutes
- Some defects at 375 degree setting
- Not Prime eligible
I included the Traeger Pro 22 in this guide because the question “Is Pit Boss as good as Traeger” comes up constantly on r/PitBossGrills and r/pelletgrills. The Pro 22 is Traeger’s flagship mid-size pellet grill and a direct competitor to the Pit Boss 700FB2 and Navigator series. It has 572 square inches of cooking space, an 18-pound hopper, and a built-in meat probe.
In side-by-side cooking, the Traeger held temperature nearly perfectly within plus or minus 15 degrees, which is excellent. The 6-in-1 versatility (grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ) matches what Pit Boss offers, and the build quality feels slightly more refined than the cheaper Pit Boss models.
The downsides are real, though. The Traeger was very slow to come to temperature in my testing, taking close to 45 minutes to fully preheat. Some units have defects at the 375 degree setting, and the Pro 22 is not Prime eligible, which complicates delivery.
The biggest reason readers on the forums choose Pit Boss over Traeger is value. The Pit Boss 700FB2 gives you more cooking space, a larger hopper, and similar temperature control for less money. The Navigator adds WiFi for what Traeger charges for a non-connected Pro 22.
When Traeger Makes Sense Over Pit Boss
I recommend Traeger if you value brand reputation, want access to Traeger’s extensive accessory and recipe ecosystem, or you have had a bad experience with Pit Boss quality control. The Pro 22 also has a longer track record of long-term reliability based on owner reports.
For most budget-conscious buyers, the Pit Boss models in this guide deliver similar or better specs for less money.
How Traeger and Pit Boss Compare on Key Specs
Traeger Pro 22 offers 572 square inches at a higher price point, while the Pit Boss 700FB2 gives you 747 square inches for less. The Navigator 850 beats both on cooking space and adds WiFi connectivity that the Pro 22 lacks.
Traeger’s app and recipe ecosystem are more mature, but Pit Boss has closed the gap significantly with the Navigator series. Either brand will cook great food if you learn your specific grill.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pit Boss Smoker for You
Choosing between Pit Boss smokers comes down to how you cook, how many people you feed, and which features matter to you. Below are the factors I weigh when recommending a model.
Cooking Space: Match the Grill to Your Crowd
For one to four people, 256 to 518 square inches is plenty. The tabletop Pit Boss models and the PB440 series fit this category. For families of four to six, look at 700 to 750 square inches like the 700FB2. For feeding crowds of eight or more, or for cooking full packer briskets, the Navigator 850 with 932 square inches is the right call.
The Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical gives you 880 square inches across four racks, which is excellent for batch smoking sausage, bacon, and ribs.
Hopper Capacity: Plan for Long Smokes
Hopper size directly affects how long you can cook unattended. The 5-pound hoppers on the tabletop and PB440 series last roughly 3 to 4 hours at smoking temps. The 21-pound hopper on the 700FB2 and the 30-pound hopper on the Navigator 850 are the ones I recommend for overnight briskets.
As a general rule, pellet consumption runs about 1 to 2 pounds per hour at 225 degrees depending on outside temperature and wind.
Temperature Range and PID Control
All Pit Boss pellet grills run from 180 to 500 degrees plus direct flame searing up to 1,000 degrees through the flame broiler. The Navigator 850 and 700FB2 have the most precise controllers, with the 700FB2 offering 5-degree increments and the Navigator using a PID-style algorithm for tighter swings.
The 3-Series Gas Vertical is limited to 320 degrees max, so it is purely a low and slow machine.
WiFi and Smart Features
Only the Navigator 850 in this lineup offers WiFi and Bluetooth app control. If monitoring temps from your phone matters, especially for overnight cooks, the Navigator is the model to buy. The Pit Boss app has improved significantly but still gets mixed reviews for range and reliability compared to the Traeger app.
Forum users on r/PitBossGrills frequently recommend keeping a backup wireless thermometer for critical long cooks in case the app drops connection.
Vertical vs Horizontal Design
Horizontal pellet grills are more versatile and let you grill, sear, bake, and smoke in one unit. Vertical smokers like the 3-Series are dedicated smoking machines that excel at bacon, sausage, ribs, and jerky but cannot grill or sear.
If you only have room for one outdoor cooker, go horizontal. If you already own a grill and want a dedicated smoker, the vertical is a strong value.
Build Quality, Warranty, and Customer Service
Pit Boss covers all the smokers in this guide with a 5-year warranty, which is competitive for the price point. Build quality varies by tier: the Navigator feels substantially heavier and better sealed than the PB440 series, and the 700FB2 lands somewhere in the middle.
Pit Boss customer service gets mixed reviews. Most owners report positive outcomes when requesting replacement parts, but response times can be slow during peak season. Register your warranty online the day you receive your grill and keep your receipt.
FAQs
Is Pit Boss as good as Traeger?
For most backyard cooks, Pit Boss smokers match or exceed Traeger on raw specs while costing less. Pit Boss offers more cooking space per dollar, larger hoppers, and direct flame searing through the flame broiler. Traeger has a more mature app ecosystem, slightly more consistent temperature control on the Pro series, and stronger brand reputation. In side-by-side cooking tests, both brands produce excellent wood-fired flavor.
What is the life expectancy of a Pit Boss smoker?
With proper care, a Pit Boss smoker typically lasts 5 to 10 years. The 5-year warranty covers major components including the controller and auger motor. The most common long-term failure points are the auger motor, hot rod igniter, and digital controller. Regular cleaning of the fire pot, ash management, and storing the grill under a cover will extend its lifespan significantly.
Which Pit Boss smoker should I buy for beginners?
The Pit Boss PB440D2 is the best Pit Boss smoker for beginners because of its simple digital control panel, compact size, and Prime button for quick heat recovery. The Tabletop Mahogany is another strong beginner option for people with limited space or budget. Both are forgiving, easy to assemble, and produce great smoke flavor without overwhelming new cooks.
Can you grill on a Pit Boss smoker?
Yes, most Pit Boss pellet grills can grill and sear thanks to the flame broiler slide plate that opens to expose food to direct flame up to 1,000 degrees. The Navigator 850, 700FB2, PB440FB1, and portable models all include this feature. The 3-Series Gas Vertical is the only model in this guide that cannot grill because its max temperature is limited to 320 degrees.
How long do Pit Boss smokers last with proper care?
With proper maintenance including regular fire pot cleaning, ash removal, grease management, and protection from the elements with a quality cover, a Pit Boss smoker can last 7 to 10 years or more. Pellet quality also affects longevity since cheap pellets create more ash and stress the auger. Replacing wearable parts like the hot rod igniter and meat probes as needed keeps the grill running well past the warranty period.
Conclusion: The Best Pit Boss Smokers for 2026
After cooking on every model in this guide, my top recommendation for the best Pit Boss smoker overall is the Navigator 850 with WiFi. The combination of 932 square inches, a 30-pound hopper, and reliable app control makes it the most capable grill Pit Boss sells. For budget-conscious buyers, the 700FB2 delivers similar capacity at a lower price without the smart features.
If portability is your priority, the Mahogany Tabletop and PB150 are both excellent compact pellet grills that produce real wood smoke flavor on the go. And if you want a dedicated low and slow machine for bacon, sausage, and ribs, the 3-Series Gas Vertical is a strong value pick.
Whatever you choose, register the 5-year warranty, use quality hardwood pellets, and season your grill before the first cook. The best Pit Boss smokers reward owners who learn their specific grill and stay on top of basic maintenance.