Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Traeger Pro 22 wins for most backyard pitmasters — precise temperature control and an 18-lb hopper deliver better value at $389, $11 less than the Pit Boss. Searing enthusiasts should consider the Pit Boss.
The Verdict
Winner
Traeger Pro 22
Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker vs Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill, side by side
Pros:
- Precise temperature control within ±15°F
- 6-in-1 versatility: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ
- Includes 2 wired meat probes
- Large 18 lb hopper for long cooks
- 4.5-star rating across 2,320 reviews
Cons (honest weight):
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Heavy at 102.5 lbs (102.5 lbs)
- Temperature range capped at 450°F, no searing
Pros:
- Direct flame searing up to 1000°F
- Porcelain coated steel cooking grids
- Automatic start and cool down
- Dial-in digital control with LCD screen
Cons (honest weight):
- Small 5 lb hopper needs frequent refills
- Lower rating and fewer reviews than Traeger
- No meat probes included
Where each one wins
9 dimensions scored head-to-head. Traeger Grills takes 6; Pit Boss takes 2.
| Dimension | Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceTraeger costs $11 less out of the gate. | $389 | $399.99 | Traeger Grills |
| RatingTraeger holds a higher average across thousands of reviews. | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Traeger Grills |
| Review CountNearly double the buyer feedback for the Traeger. | 2,320 | 1,198 | Traeger Grills |
| Cooking SpaceTraeger fits 24 burgers or 5 racks of ribs; Pit Boss fits 18 burgers. | 572 sq in | 518 sq in | Traeger Grills |
| Temperature RangePit Boss offers a searing zone that reaches steakhouse temperatures. | 180°F – 450°F | 180°F – 500°F + searing up to 1000°F | Pit Boss |
| Hopper SizeTraeger's hopper holds over 3x more pellets, ideal for overnight smokes. | 18 lb | 5 lb | Traeger Grills |
| Included Meat ProbesTraeger monitors internal temps without opening the lid. | 2 wired probes | None | Traeger Grills |
| WeightPit Boss is lighter and easier to move around the patio. | 102.5 lbs (46.5 kg) | 89.3 lbs (40.5 kg) | Pit Boss |
| Best ForStrengths are complementary: Traeger for low-and-slow, Pit Boss for high-heat searing. | Versatile smoking and grilling | Searing and budget grilling | Tie |
| Overall | 6 wins | 2 wins | Traeger Grills |
Price — Traeger costs less
Traeger's $389 is $11 less than the Pit Boss's $399.99. That small savings is the starting point for the comparison.
What it means in daily use. Both grills are in the same sub-$400 bracket, so the price difference alone won't make or break most buyers. However, the Traeger's lower price comes with better ratings and more features.
Who should prioritize price. Budget-conscious grillers get more value for slightly less with the Traeger — assuming they don't need searing.
Rating & Review Count — Traeger dominates
Traeger has a 4.5-star average from 2,320 Amazon reviews; Pit Boss sits at 4.3 stars from 1,198 reviews. That's nearly double the feedback.
What it means in daily use. A larger review base signals proven reliability. Owners consistently praise the Traeger's temperature stability and flavor.
Who should prioritize ratings. First-time pellet grill buyers will appreciate the Traeger's established track record and community support.
Cooking Space — Traeger fits more
Traeger offers 572 sq in vs Pit Boss's 518 sq in. That's enough for 24 burgers or 5 racks of ribs versus 18 burgers.
What it means in daily use. The extra 54 sq in lets you cook for larger gatherings without juggling multiple batches.
Who should prioritize space. Families who host regular BBQs will benefit from the Traeger's larger cooking surface.
Temperature Range — Pit Boss sears
Pit Boss hits up to 1,000°F via direct flame, while Traeger maxes at 450°F. The Pit Boss's searing zone is a game-changer for steak lovers.
What it means in daily use. If you want a single grill that can smoke brisket at 225°F and then sear a steak at 600°F+, the Pit Boss delivers without a second cooktop.
Who should prioritize searing. Home cooks who regularly reverse-sear or cook thick cuts will prefer the Pit Boss's versatility.
Hopper Size — Traeger runs longer
Traeger's 18 lb hopper holds over 3x the Pit Boss's 5 lb capacity. That means fewer refills during long smokes.
What it means in daily use. An 18 lb hopper can run 12+ hours without attention — perfect for overnight brisket or pork shoulder.
Who should prioritize hopper size. Pitmasters who smoke large cuts or want set-it-and-forget-it convenience will prefer the Traeger.
Included Meat Probes — Traeger comes equipped
Traeger includes two wired meat probes; the Pit Boss includes none. Probes let you monitor internal temps without opening the lid.
What it means in daily use. Built-in probes are a significant time-saver. The Traeger lets you track two cuts at once — ideal for multi-meat cooks.
Who should prioritize probes. Beginners who want to learn proper internal temps without buying extra gear will appreciate the Traeger's inclusion.
Weight — Pit Boss is lighter
Pit Boss weighs 89.3 lbs vs Traeger's 102.5 lbs. The 13 lb difference makes a noticeable impact on maneuverability.
What it means in daily use. If you move your grill frequently for storage or tailgating, the lighter Pit Boss is easier to reposition.
Who should prioritize weight. Apartment dwellers or anyone with limited patio space who needs to tuck the grill away will prefer the Pit Boss.
Best For — Complementary strengths
Traeger excels at low-and-slow smoking and versatile cooking; Pit Boss excels at high-heat searing and budget-friendliness. Your personal cooking style determines the winner.
What it means in daily use. The Traeger is a do-it-all smoker that handles everything from brisket to baked goods. The Pit Boss is a smoker that doubles as a searing station.
Who should prioritize each. Choose Traeger for a traditional smoking experience with precision; choose Pit Boss if you often crave grill marks and crust.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend BBQ for family | Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | Larger cooking space and 18 lb hopper handle family feasts. |
| Searing steaks to perfection | Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill | Direct flame reach 1000°F for steakhouse-quality crust. |
| Low-and-slow smoking overnight | Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | Big hopper runs 12+ hours; precise temp control maintains 225°F. |
| Budget-conscious first-time buyer | Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | Traeger is $11 cheaper with 4.5 stars and better features. |
| Frequent tailgates or patio moves | Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill | Lighter weight (89 lbs) and smaller footprint make transport easier. |
| Multi-meat cooks with probes | Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | Two included probes let you monitor brisket and pork shoulder at once. |
Larger cooking space and 18 lb hopper handle family feasts.
Direct flame reach 1000°F for steakhouse-quality crust.
Big hopper runs 12+ hours; precise temp control maintains 225°F.
Traeger is $11 cheaper with 4.5 stars and better features.
Lighter weight (89 lbs) and smaller footprint make transport easier.
Two included probes let you monitor brisket and pork shoulder at once.
What if neither is right?
Z GRILLS 2026 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with PID V3.0
$469
Smart PID controller and large hopper at a competitive price
Traeger Grills Signature Blend 100% All-Natural Wood Pellets (18 lb)
$19.99
All-natural hardwood blend for consistent smoke flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Traeger Pro 22 vs Pit Boss PB440FB1: which is better?
The Traeger Pro 22 wins for most backyard pitmasters. It offers a larger cooking space (572 sq in), a bigger hopper (18 lb), higher ratings (4.5 stars), and includes two meat probes — all for $11 less than the Pit Boss.
Is the Traeger Pro 22 worth $389?
Yes. At $389, the Traeger Pro 22 delivers precise temperature control, 6-in-1 versatility, and a proven track record from thousands of buyers. It's a strong value for any griller who wants wood-fired flavor without spending over $500.
Does the Pit Boss PB440FB1 sear well?
Yes. The Pit Boss features a direct flame searing zone that reaches up to 1,000°F, capable of producing steakhouse-quality crust. It's one of the few pellet grills at this price point with genuine searing capability.
Which grill has better temperature consistency?
The Traeger Pro 22 holds temperatures within ±15°F, making it ideal for low-and-slow smoking. The Pit Boss is also reliable but its searing zone can create hot spots; it's best for cooks who switch between smoking and high heat.
Can I use any wood pellets in these grills?
Both grills accept standard wood pellets. Traeger recommends its own brand for optimal performance, but third-party pellets work fine. Just avoid cheap pellets with fillers that produce excess ash.
How important is the hopper size for long cooks?
Very important if you plan overnight smokes. The Traeger's 18 lb hopper runs 12+ hours on a single fill. The Pit Boss's 5 lb hopper needs refills every 2-3 hours at smoking temperatures, which can disrupt long cooks.
Researched across Amazon's verified-buyer data (3,500+ reviews), manufacturer specifications, and expert sources including Wirecutter (who smoked hundreds of pounds of meat for their review). Prices update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from 3 independent review sources and 3,500+ verified buyer reviews.