Pit Boss PB150PPG tabletop wood pellet grill review compact smoker for outdoor cooking

Description

Compact Design for Maximum Portability

I have to say, the Pit Boss PB150PPG Table Top Wood Pellet Grill surprised me with its compact yet sturdy build. As someone who loves outdoor adventures, I found the 18.7″ x 18.7″ x 14.2″ dimensions to be ideal for portability. It’s not too bulky to carry around, even in the trunk of a midsize car, and the lock-tight latches make it incredibly secure during transport. The heavy-duty steel body construction paired with a high-temperature powder coat finish gave it a premium feel, and I didn’t have to worry about it getting scratched or dented during use. It’s clear that this grill is built to last, but it’s also easy on the eyes with its sleek black design.

One thing I appreciated was the 7 lb. hopper capacity, which is sufficient for a day’s worth of cooking without having to refill constantly. Whether it’s in the backyard or at a campsite, it fits perfectly into small spaces. However, at 50.7 pounds, lifting it can be a bit challenging for one person, especially if you’re trying to move it frequently. Still, the portability factor outweighs this minor inconvenience.

Cooking Versatility at Its Finest

What sets this grill apart is the 8-in-1 cooking versatility. I mean, being able to smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and sear all with one machine? That’s a game-changer! I tested its ability to sear steaks, and the Flame Broiler feature allowed me to crank it up to 1,000°F for those perfect grill marks. The convection cooking system ensures even heat distribution, so I didn’t have to deal with cold spots on the cooking surface.

The 256 square inches of cooking space might not sound like much, but it was more than enough to grill several burgers, a few hotdogs, and even a couple of chicken breasts all at once. The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates not only prevented sticking but also made cleaning up afterward a breeze. Plus, it comes with a meat probe, which was super handy for checking internal temperatures without having to guess or cut into the meat.

However, I did notice that the grill takes a little longer to heat up compared to traditional gas grills. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re in a rush, the startup time might feel a bit slow.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Operating this grill was straightforward, even for someone like me who isn’t exactly a pitmaster. The automatic startup and cool-down system eliminated the guesswork, and I didn’t have to hover over it to make sure it was functioning properly. The simple access grease tray made cleanup quick and hassle-free. I did have to purchase disposable foil liners separately, but that’s a minor expense for the convenience it offers.

The wood pellet fuel system is an eco-friendly touch. Using 100% all-natural hardwood pellets, the grill achieves a smoky flavor that gas grills just can’t replicate. The downside? You’ll need to keep an eye on pellet availability, especially if you’re taking this grill to remote areas. Running out of pellets mid-cook is not fun—I learned that the hard way.

Key Benefits

• Compact and portable design with secure lock-tight latches.
• 8-in-1 cooking versatility for grilling, smoking, and more.
• Durable porcelain-coated cast iron grates for easy cleaning.
• Flame Broiler feature for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F.

Areas for Improvement

• The grill is heavier than expected, especially for solo transportation.
• Startup time is slower compared to gas grills.
• Requires disposable foil liners for the grease tray, which aren’t included.

Competing Products

Looking at similar products, the Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill comes to mind. While Traeger offers a comparable compact design, it falls short in cooking space, providing around 184 square inches compared to the Pit Boss’s 256 square inches. However, the Traeger has a slightly lighter frame, making it easier to transport solo.

Another rival, the Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill, is significantly cheaper and great for someone on a tight budget. But it doesn’t come close to the convection cooking system or the 8-in-1 versatility offered by the Pit Boss. If you’re serious about flavor and cooking options, the Pit Boss feels like the better investment.

Bang for the Buck

This grill strikes a great price-to-quality ratio. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the build quality, cooking versatility, and advanced features make it worth every penny. Compared to other grills in its category, it offers a lot more in terms of functionality and durability. If you’re someone who values both performance and portability, this grill delivers on both fronts without breaking the bank.

Would I recommend this to friends or family? Absolutely. It’s perfect for tailgating, camping trips, or even just grilling at home when you don’t want to fire up a full-sized barbecue. Just be ready to spend a little extra effort on transportation and maintenance, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible grilling experience.

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