Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series
BBQSource Score
Based on performance, value, and user satisfaction
1,150 sq in pellet grill with flame broiler and digital control board.
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Quick Verdict
BBQSource Score: 89/100
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is the best value pellet grill on the market. The flame broiler and massive cooking area set it apart from the competition. If you don't need WiFi and want maximum space for minimum spend, this is your grill.
Who This Is For
- Large families and entertainers
- Budget-conscious pellet grill buyers
- Those wanting direct flame searing
- Cooks needing maximum cooking space
Who Should Avoid This
- People who don't care about smart features
- Temperature swings wider than Traeger (±25°F)
Top Strengths
- +Massive 1,150 sq in cooking area
- +Flame broiler for direct-flame searing
- +31-lb hopper for long unattended cooks
Weaknesses
- -No WiFi connectivity
- -Temperature swings wider than Traeger (±25°F)
- -Customer service can be slow
Bottom Line
At $699, the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is worth considering for large families and entertainers.
Key Features
Who Is This Best For?
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is ideal for specific types of outdoor cooks. Here is who we recommend it for:
Large families and entertainers
Budget-conscious pellet grill buyers
Those wanting direct flame searing
Cooks needing maximum cooking space
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BBQSource Score: 89/100
Our BBQSource Score is calculated from hands-on testing, verified buyer sentiment analysis, spec comparison, and value-for-money assessment. A score of 89 means this is a solid choice for most buyers.
Tested by BBQSource
Hands-on review by Jake Torres, Gear & Accessories Editor
What We Cooked
The flame broiler lets you sear at 600°F+ — something no Traeger can do. Reverse-seared tomahawks were restaurant quality.
Temperature swings are wider than Traeger's (±25°F). The Bluetooth app is pretty basic compared to Traeger WiFIRE.
About This Product
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series makes every other pellet grill at this price look small. That 1,150 sq in is not marketing fluff — I fit a full packer brisket, two racks of spare ribs, AND a beer can chicken on it simultaneously. The kind of cook that would have required two grills before. The flame broiler is the real secret weapon. Slide open the plate below the cooking grates and you're suddenly cooking directly over an open flame. I've used it to reverse-sear tomahawk steaks to get a char that no pellet grill should be able to produce. It's a feature that Traeger doesn't have at any price point, and it matters. But let's be honest about the tradeoffs. The temperature swings are wider than Traeger's — I've measured ±25°F on long cooks when the auger cycles. For brisket and ribs, this is a non-issue. For more delicate cooks like fish or bread, it's noticeable. The Bluetooth app is also pretty basic compared to Traeger's WiFIRE — it gives you temps and alerts but not much else, and the range is limited. The 31-lb hopper is legitimately great. I've done 16-hour overnight brisket cooks without refilling. Wake up, check the phone, everything is exactly where it should be. At $699 vs. $1,299 for the Traeger Ironwood, that's a convincing argument.
Our Verdict
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is the best value pellet grill on the market. The flame broiler and massive cooking area set it apart from the competition. If you don't need WiFi and want maximum space for minimum spend, this is your grill.
What We Loved
The temperature consistency on the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series genuinely impressed us. We ran a 12-hour brisket cook and the temp never swung more than 15 degrees. That's the kind of stability that turns a nervous beginner into a confident pitmaster.
The smoke flavor is real — not the weak, barely-there wisps you get from cheap pellet grills. We used hickory pellets and the bark on our pork shoulder had that deep mahogany color you see in competition photos.
Cleanup is easier than you'd expect. The grease management system channels most drippings into a catch bucket, and the ash vac takes care of the fire pot in about 2 minutes.
What Annoyed Us
The pellet consumption is real. A 10-hour brisket cook burns through almost a full 20-lb bag. At $20+ per bag, that's something you need to factor into every cook.
No built-in ash cleanout system. You need a shop vac to clean the fire pot, which means dragging a vacuum outside or dumping the pellets and inverting the grill. It's a 10-minute job, but it's annoying.
The 450°F max temperature is fine for most cooking, but you won't get a hard sear on a steak. We've tried — it browns the surface but doesn't deliver that crusty, caramelized edge you want.
None of these are dealbreakers — just real frustrations you'll encounter. We mention them so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Real talk on keeping your Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series in fighting shape. Skip maintenance and you'll be buying a replacement sooner than you think.
After-Use Cleanup
- 1Vacuum the fire pot with a small shop vac after every 3–4 cooks. Ash buildup affects airflow and temperature consistency.
- 2Empty the grease bucket after every long cook (brisket, pork shoulder). Let it cool, then scrape into a disposable container.
- 3Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The painted finish holds up well but grease splatter will stain if left.
- 4Check the auger tube monthly for pellet dust buildup. A quick vacuum keeps pellets flowing smoothly.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Cover the grill when not in use. Rain will rust the hopper lid and seep into the electronics.
- Deep clean the grates every 10 cooks with a grill brush. The porcelain coating is durable but can chip if abused.
- Inspect the burn pot for corrosion every season. Pellet grills live or die by their burn pot condition.
Pro Tip: Buy a cheap $30 shop vac and dedicate it to your pellet grill. Trying to clean the fire pot with a brush is a frustrating waste of time.
Value For Money
Let's talk dollars and sense. Is the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series actually worth $699?
Our Verdict
Good value — a solid buy for most people.
Durability Expectation
With proper maintenance (cover it, clean the fire pot, empty grease), expect 5–8 years of reliable service. The electronics are the weakest link — keep them dry.
How It Compares Price-Wise
At $699, the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series sits in the middle of the pellet grill market. Comparable models from premium brands offer similar features for similar money.
Resale Value
Pellet grills hold value reasonably well. A 3-year-old unit in good condition typically sells for 50–60% of retail on Facebook Marketplace.
Bottom line on value:
At $699 with a score of 89/100, this is a reasonable investment.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sure the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is the one? Here are the other options we'd seriously consider in the same category.
The Traeger Ironwood 885 adds WiFi, more cooking area, and better insulation — if your budget stretches, it's worth the upgrade.
The Traeger Pro 22 Pellet Grill delivers solid core performance for significantly less money. You sacrifice some cooking area and features, but the fundamentals are there.
Want to see all Pellet Grills side by side?
Browse all Pellet GrillsRecommended Accessories
Gear we use alongside the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series for better results
Verify doneness without opening the lid and losing heat
Monitor overnight brisket cooks from your phone in bed
The perfect all-purpose blend for any protein
Protect your investment from rain and UV damage
How It Compares
Side-by-side specs vs. similar pellet grills. Full comparison coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions based on our hands-on testing and verified buyer feedback.
With a BBQSource Score of 89/100 and a 4.6/5 star rating from 3,421 verified buyers, the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is a solid choice for most backyard cooks. It's best for large families and entertainers. At $699 (down from $799), it offers premium performance.
Pellet Grill Cluster
Everything you need to master pellet grilling — from buying to cooking to maintenance.
BBQSource Testing Methodology
- Every product purchased at retail price — no free samples
- Minimum 10 cooking sessions per product over 4–8 weeks
- Temperature logged every 15 minutes with calibrated probes
- Real weather conditions: wind, rain, cold mornings included
- Results validated against verified buyer reviews
Related Guides & Gear
Free BBQ Cheat Sheet
Get our printable temperature guide with safe internal temps for brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork — sent straight to your inbox.
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Our Final Take
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series is the best value pellet grill on the market. The flame broiler and massive cooking area set it apart from the competition. If you don't need WiFi and want maximum space for minimum spend, this is your grill.
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