If there’s one thing I’ve learned through years of camping and over 20 years in the food and beverage industry, it’s that great food and the freedom to explore go hand in hand. The Pit Boss Portable Battery-Powered Wood Pellet Grill is designed for minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment wherever you explore.
I’ve worked with top chefs in Las Vegas fine dining, and they’ve always preached that the secrets to amazing food are the simple ingredients they’ve found in their travels and the importance of the cooking process. I remember one chef who was adamant about using only the best cherry, pecan, and hickory woods to smoke his signature dishes. At the time, that knowledge was lost on me. That is until I used the Pit Boss Portable Battery-Powered Wood Pellet Grill.
My previous experience with outdoor cooking was limited to iron griddles, campfires, and a standard open-flame grill. I never found the need to experiment with a wood pellet grill. So when I got my new Pit Boss, I was excited to try it out and see what all the hype was about.
I’m excited to share my thoughts on a game-changing piece of equipment that has added a whole new dimension to my on-the-road cooking adventures. Whether you’re a fellow road warrior or a food lover at heart, you’ll find tips for setting this grill up, utilizing all its features, and getting it in and out of your RV in this Pit Boss pellet grill review. Let’s get cookin’.
Unboxing and Setting Up the Pit Boss Pellet Grill
I wanted to start with my experience receiving the Pit Boss grill and getting it ready for cooking.
Unboxing the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill
As you open the box, you’ll find the Pit Boss Grill securely nestled within, along with its accessories and components. The components include the grill body, control board, battery pack, battery charger, grounded power cord, cover, and accessories – most of which are tucked inside the grill. It comes with everything you need except wood pellets. Pit Boss has a variety of All-Natural Barbecue Hardwood Pellets you can purchase for your new grill.
Setting up the Pit Boss Grill
Setting up the Pit Boss Portable Battery-Powered Wood Pellet Grill is straightforward. You’ll find instructions that guide you through the assembly process and operation. The only feedback I have is that the assembly instructions are like an Ikea manual – only pictures. It would have made it easier to understand each component if there was a printed list of parts in the manual. The seven-step process to assemble is simple:
- Connect the control board wire to the control panel wire on the underside of the grill.
- Attach the control board and legs to the underside of the grill.
- Attach the main grip handle.
- Install the flame broiler main plate and slide plate in the main grill body.
- Replace cooking grates.
- Attach grease cup.
- Insert a fully charged battery pack.
Battery Setup: This is where the Pit Boss innovation truly shines. The battery technology powers the grill efficiently and maintains a consistent temperature, making it an excellent choice for RVers and campers who prefer the convenience of portable battery power.
Control Panel: The control panel features a dial-in digital control board with an LED display, allowing you to set and monitor the precise desired cooking temperature. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a newbie, this user-friendly panel simplifies the grilling process.
Hopper: This is where you’ll load your hardwood pellets. The hopper’s 7-pound capacity ensures you won’t need constant refilling, giving you more time to focus on the grill.
Initial Burn-Off: Before you start grilling, it’s important to allow the grill to complete its initial auger priming and first burn-off process. This is a crucial step that may produce some smoke and odor, but it’s entirely normal and necessary for the grill’s proper operation. Once this is done, you’re all set to unleash the wood-fired flavor. Be sure to follow the instructions precisely as they are written.
Cool Down: The grill will begin its automatic cool-down cycle when powered off. The auger system will stop feeding fuel, the flame will burn out, and the fan will continue to run until the cool-down cycle is complete.
The setup process is streamlined, allowing you to spend more time doing what you love – grilling delicious food in the great outdoors. It’s a welcome relief for those who, like me, prefer simplicity and efficiency regarding gear setup. With the Pit Boss assembled and ready to go, it’s time to fire it up and experience the smoky delights of wood pellet grilling.
Cooking with the Pit Boss
Firing up my new grill, I embarked on a flavorful adventure down memory lane. I decided to try one of the many recipes featured on the Camping World Blog. Living on the road full-time, we try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Camping recipes tend to be heavy, cooked on skillets with a lot of grease. This Lemon Herb Smoked Salmon was the perfect dish to test out my new smoker.
My first bite instantly reminded me of magical camping trips with my dad. His favorite delicacy to bring along was Smoked Chubs. We would joyfully eat them together right out of the package. If you’re unfamiliar with Smoked Chub, it’s a traditional favorite in Michigan. The flavor of Chub fish is rich, smokey, and moist. The perfect complimentary dish next to a roaring campfire.
Lemon Herb Smoked Salmon, slowly cooked in the Pit Boss grill, was absolutely delicious. For wood pellets, I used a combination of cherry and maple hardwood. This combination gave the dish a beautiful smoky charm with a subtle lemony twist. It was that beautiful smokey flavor that I missed with my dad, but not as powerful on the palette.
My husband prefers his salmon overcooked, so I slow-cooked it on the grill for 40 minutes until the internal temperature hit 125℉. Typically, overcooked salmon is not my preference, but I wanted to see what kind of flavor it would produce. I was hooked after savoring the first bite. It’s not just a recipe; it was a taste of nostalgia.
To complement the smokey and lemon flavors, I paired the salmon with Carnival Pineapple Skewers. The sweet and tangy combination was the perfect finish to a memorable meal.
Click these links for the recipes:
Pit Boss Portable Pellet Grill Features
As you’re using your new pellet grill, here are some of the top features you can enjoy:
Battery-Powered Convenience: The innovative battery technology provides efficient and consistent power, allowing you to grill without being tied to a power source for up to 15 hours on a single battery.
Compact and Lightweight: Weighing less than 60 lbs and featuring side handles and integrated latches, this grill can be transported to all of your favorite destinations. However, it was a bit heavy for me to carry myself, so you may need minor assistance.
8-in-1 Cooking Versatility: The wide temperature range and adjustable Flame Broiler offer a multitude of cooking options. Temperatures can range from 180° to 500°F, or slide the adjustable Flame Broiler for direct flame access up to 1000°F.
Dial-In Digital Control Board: The control board with LED display allows you to precisely set and monitor the temperature for perfect grilling results.
Ample Hopper Capacity: The 7-pound hopper ensures you won’t have to frequently refill during long grilling sessions.
Automatic Start-Up and Cool Down: The grill efficiently starts up and cools down, ensuring convenience.
Power Adapter: An alternative power source can be plugged into the grill adapter port to power the grill when the battery is recharging.
Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill Review: Specs
Sometimes, your choice can come down to factors like a grill’s size, weight, and power source. After all, it must fit in your RV and be easy to use wherever you camp. So here are the basic specs for this Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill:
- Model: PB150PPB
- Cooking Space: 256 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 7 pounds
- Power Source: 12V DC, 71W; 110-120V Adapter
- Dimensions: 26.3″ L x 18.1″ W x 15″ H
- Weight: 46.7 pounds
- Fuel Type: Hardwood Pellets
- Fuel Capacity: 7 pounds (3.1 kilograms)
- Temperature Range: 180-500℉ (82-260℃)
Pros and Cons
After my experience setting up the grill and cooking a few times, here’s my list of pros and cons for the Pit Boss pellet grill:
Pros
- The battery-powered feature is a game-changer for outdoor cooking, providing up to 15 hours of grilling on a single charge.
- Power Adapter option to plug directly into a power source when the battery is recharging.
- Its 8-in-1 cooking versatility with a temperature range of 180°F to 500°F, along with the adjustable Flame Broiler feature, offers a wide range of cooking options.
- With a 5-year warranty, you can have peace of mind regarding its durability.
- Easy-to-read LED control panel.
- The delicious smell of your favorite hardwood wafting through the air.
Cons
- The initial auger burn-in process may produce some smoke and odor, but it’s a normal part of the setup.
- Assembly instructions do not include a printed list of parts. Instructions are in picture form only.
- Extra wood pellets will need to be packed and transported, but it would be the same as carrying coals for a standard BBQ grill.
- Nearby campers and neighbors stopping at your site to grab any scraps from your Pit Boss Portable Battery-Powered Wood Pellet Grill.
Pit Boss Pellet Grill Review: Who is it Best For?
I’d recommend the Pit Boss PB150PPB to fellow RVers and campers who love to cook outdoors and crave that unmistakable wood-fired flavor, whether at a campsite, tailgating event, or a simple picnic. It’s a versatile, durable, and portable grill that’s worth the investment.
The Pit Boss Portable Battery-Powered Wood Pellet Grill has become a staple in our full-time RV lifestyle. I have a long list of new recipes I’m excited to try, as well as staple dishes from my culture, such as Philippine BBQ sticks and roasted pig. The hardwood pellets are sure to bring out even more delicious flavors. Both the standard BBQ grill and griddle have officially been replaced.
You can find this first-of-its-kind grill at Camping World.
How Does the Pit Boss Compare to the Competition?
To round out our Pit Boss pellet grill review, here are a few pellet grills worth comparing to this Pit Boss model:
- Pit Boss Mahogany Series 150PPS Tabletop Pellet Grill: A slightly lighter version with a smaller hopper but the same cooking power and versatility.
- Country Smokers Traveler Portable Wood Pellet Grill: One of the most affordable versions with a smaller hopper but the same amount of cooking space.
- Z Grills 550A 8-in-1 BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker: An upgraded, standalone pellet grill and smoker with a larger hopper and nearly double the cooking surface.
Connect with Shi and follow her full-time RV adventures on TikTok (@shidelrvs) and Instagram (shidelrvs).
Do you have any experience with, or questions about, the Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill? Let us know in the comments below.
