Traeger vs Pit Boss: Which Wood Pellet Grill is Best?

Q: Q: Do pellet grills need to be plugged in?

A: Yes. While the fire is fueled by real wood pellets, the grill relies on electricity to run the digital control board, the motorized auger (which feeds the pellets into the fire), and the convection fan. You must plug the grill into a standard outdoor GFCI wall outlet for it to work. (Note: Make sure to check your local voltage—US/CAN uses 110V, while UK/EU models use 220V/240V plugs).

Q: Q: Can you use regular heating wood pellets in a smoker?

A: Absolutely not. You must only use "Food Grade" or "BBQ" hardwood pellets. Wood pellets sold at hardware stores for indoor heating stoves often contain softwoods (like pine) and chemical glues that are highly toxic when burned into food.

Nest Alpha
10 hours ago
5 min read

If you are looking for outdoor kitchen ideas to transform your backyard, a brand new grill is usually the centerpiece.

But if you are still using a traditional charcoal or propane grill, you know the struggle: you are trapped standing over the hot grates for hours, constantly adjusting the knobs, fighting flare-ups, and praying you don't burn the expensive steaks you just bought.

In 2026, the ultimate backyard flex is the Smart Wood Pellet Grill.

These heavy-duty machines use real hardwood pellets for authentic smoke flavor, but they operate like an indoor smart oven. You set the temperature to 225°F (107°C), walk away, and monitor the meat from a smartphone app while you hang out with your guests. It is the definition of "Set it and forget it" barbecue.

When it comes to pellet grills, two brands have a massive global rivalry: Traeger (the original inventor) and Pit Boss (the high-value disruptor). We put their most popular mid-sized models head-to-head: the Traeger Pro 575 and the Pit Boss Navigator 850.

The Cheat Sheet: Quick Comparison

Feature	Traeger Pro 575	Pit Boss Navigator 850
Best For...	Smart Wi-Fi Tech & Ease of Use	Direct-Flame Searing & Budget
Cooking Area	575 sq. in. (3,700 sq. cm)	849 sq. in. (5,470 sq. cm)
Wi-Fi App Control?	Yes (WiFIRE Technology)	No (Manual digital board only)
Direct Flame Searing?	No (Indirect heat only)	Yes (Slide-plate flame broiler)
Hopper Capacity	18 lbs (8.1 kg)	28 lbs (12.7 kg) - Massive!
Price Est.	~$799 / £691	~$745 / £644

1. The Industry Standard: Traeger Pro 575

Traeger actually invented the wood pellet grill. They are the Apple of the barbecue world—famous for incredibly polished technology, sleek designs, and an ecosystem that just works flawlessly right out of the box.

Why It Wins (WiFIRE App Technology): The Traeger Pro 575 connects directly to your home Wi-Fi. From the Traeger app on your phone, you can change the grill temperature, set timers, and monitor the internal temperature of your brisket while you are inside watching the game or even at the grocery store.
The D2 Direct Drive Motor: Older pellet grills used to jam constantly. Traeger’s newer D2 motor is an absolute workhorse. It feeds the wood pellets smoothly and holds the internal temperature with the precision of an indoor kitchen oven, rarely fluctuating more than 5 degrees.
The Catch: It is expensive, and you are definitely paying a premium for the brand name and the Wi-Fi tech. Furthermore, it only uses indirect heat, meaning the maximum temperature is 500°F (260°C)—it is a smoker and a baker, but not a high-heat searing machine.
The Verdict: The absolute best choice for tech-lovers who want the easiest, most foolproof smoking experience with the best smartphone app on the market.
Check Price on Amazon: Traeger Pro 575 Smart Pellet Grill

2. The Value Brawler: [Pit Boss Navigator 850]

If you care more about raw cooking power and thick steel than you do about smartphone apps, Pit Boss is your brand. They are famous for giving you massive cooking space and heavy-duty features for hundreds of dollars less than a Traeger.

Why It Wins (Direct Flame Searing): This is the biggest difference between the two brands. Pit Boss features a curved "Flame Broiler" plate over the fire pot. You can slide this plate open to expose your food to the direct, roaring fire below. This allows the Pit Boss to reach over 1000°F (530°C) of direct heat, giving your steaks that perfect, restaurant-quality crust.
Massive Capacity: For less money than the Traeger, the Pit Boss Navigator gives you nearly 300 extra square inches of cooking space and a massive 28-pound pellet hopper. You can easily fit 4 racks of ribs or 6 whole chickens on this grill at once, and it will run all night without needing a pellet refill.
The Catch: The standard Navigator does not have Wi-Fi built-in (though you can buy an upgraded control board later). You have to walk outside to look at the digital control board to check the temperature. It is also significantly heavier to move around your patio.
The Verdict: The undisputed winner if you want maximum cooking space, heavy-duty build quality, and the ability to sear steaks over an open flame on a budget.
Check Price on Amazon: Pit Boss Navigator 850

Critical Decision Guide: Smoking vs. Searing

"Can you sear a steak on a pellet grill?"

1. "Low and Slow" Smoking (Advantage: Traeger)If your main goal is to cook pulled pork, ribs, or brisket for 12 hours at 225°F, the Traeger is vastly superior. The Wi-Fi app allows you to monitor long cooks without constantly walking outside, and the D2 controller holds low temperatures incredibly steady.

2. High-Heat Searing & Grilling (Advantage: Pit Boss)Because a Traeger uses a solid metal drip tray between the fire and the food, it acts more like a convection oven. You cannot get grill marks on a steak easily. Because the Pit Boss allows you to slide the drip tray open and expose the direct flame, it acts like a true, traditional grill when you need it to.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Traeger Pro 575 If:

You want the luxury of controlling your grill from your smartphone.
You mainly want to smoke ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder "low and slow."
You want the most reliable, polished brand name in the barbecue industry.

Buy the Pit Boss Navigator 850 If:

You want to be able to sear steaks and burgers over an open flame.
You want the absolute most cooking space and largest pellet hopper for your money.
You don't care about Wi-Fi and just want heavy-duty, reliable hardware.

A premium grill deserves a premium patio. To complete your outdoor setup, check out our guide on choosing the perfect outdoor furniture and finish it off with the best waterproof outdoor rugs.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do pellet grills need to be plugged in? A: Yes. While the fire is fueled by real wood pellets, the grill relies on electricity to run the digital control board, the motorized auger (which feeds the pellets into the fire), and the convection fan. You must plug the grill into a standard outdoor GFCI wall outlet for it to work. (Note: Make sure to check your local voltage—US/CAN uses 110V, while UK/EU models use 220V/240V plugs).

Q: Can you use regular heating wood pellets in a smoker? A: Absolutely not. You must only use "Food Grade" or "BBQ" hardwood pellets. Wood pellets sold at hardware stores for indoor heating stoves often contain softwoods (like pine) and chemical glues that are highly toxic when burned into food.

Q: Can a pellet grill be left outside in the rain? A: Both Traeger and Pit Boss grills are built from heavy-duty, powder-coated steel and can survive the elements. However, the digital control boards are electronic. More importantly, if water gets into the hopper, the wood pellets will dissolve into mush and dry into a concrete-like block, completely destroying the motorized auger. Always buy a waterproof cover for your pellet grill!