Pit Boss 850 Pro Series Review (2026)

The Value Proposition

The Pit Boss 850 Pro is the best argument for not spending $1,500 on a pellet grill. For $500-650, you get WiFi connectivity, a flame broiler for direct searing, 850 sq in of cooking space, and a 5-year warranty. Two years ago, these features cost twice as much.

Pit Boss achieves this by using thinner-gauge steel, simpler controllers, and less refined finishes than premium brands. The tradeoff is real — you can see and feel the difference compared to a Weber or Traeger. But the cooking results? Surprisingly close to grills costing 2-3x more.

The Flame Broiler Advantage

The slide-plate flame broiler is the 850 Pro's signature feature and a genuine competitive advantage. Slide the plate open and you get direct access to the fire pot for high-heat searing. No add-ons, no modifications, no separate grill needed.

It won't match a dedicated charcoal grill or the Weber Searwood's 600°F sear station, but it puts legitimate sear marks on steaks and produces satisfying char on burgers. For a pellet grill under $650, this capability is remarkable.

Temperature Control — Honest Assessment

The PID controller works but isn't as precise as Camp Chef's. Expect temperature swings of ±15-20°F in normal conditions, wider in wind or cold. For most backyard cooks, this is fine — your brisket won't know the difference between 220°F and 235°F. Competition pitmasters who need ±5°F should look at the Woodwind Pro.

The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Pit Boss Connect app lets you monitor and adjust from your phone. WiFi range can be finicky — Bluetooth is more reliable within 30-40 feet. The app is functional if not elegant.

Who This Is Perfect For

The 850 Pro is the ideal first pellet grill, the ideal second grill for someone who already owns a kamado or offset, and the ideal grill for anyone who thinks spending $1,500+ on a pellet grill is absurd. It does everything a pellet grill should do at a price that doesn't require justification.

The 5-year warranty at this price point is exceptional and signals Pit Boss's confidence in the product. If something fails, you're covered longer than buyers of grills costing twice as much.

✓ What We Like

Best feature-to-price ratio in the pellet grill market
Built-in flame broiler for direct-heat searing — no add-ons needed
WiFi and Bluetooth at a price competitors charge 2x for
5-year warranty is best in class at this price point
21 lb hopper handles long overnight cooks
850 sq in fits large family cooks easily

✗ What We Don't

Temperature swings wider than Camp Chef or Weber (±15-20°F)
WiFi can drop at range — Bluetooth more reliable
Build quality is good, not great — thinner gauge than premium models
Paint and finish aren't as refined as $1,000+ competitors

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Who Should Buy the Pit Boss 850 Pro Series

First-time pellet grill buyers who want everything without overspending
Value hunters — this is objectively the most grill per dollar
Anyone who wants searing without buying add-ons
Budget-conscious families who need large capacity (850 sq in)
Buyers who want the security of a 5-year warranty

Who Should Skip It

Precision cooks — Camp Chef Woodwind Pro holds temp much tighter
Premium fit-and-finish seekers — this looks and feels like a $500 grill
App enthusiasts — Pit Boss Connect is functional, not polished
Competition pitmasters who need ±5°F consistency

Alternatives Worth Considering

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro

Tighter temp control + ash cleanout. $200-300 more but a meaningful upgrade.

Read Pit Boss vs Camp Chef →

Z Grills 7002C2E

Even cheaper entry point. No WiFi but reliable basic pellet grilling.

See all pellet smokers →

Weber Searwood 600

Premium searing + Flavorizer bars. 3x the price but a different class.

Read Weber Searwood review →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pit Boss 850 Pro good for beginners?

Excellent. WiFi monitoring, simple controls, and the flame broiler for direct grilling make it versatile and forgiving. The 5-year warranty adds peace of mind for first-time buyers.

Pit Boss 850 vs Camp Chef Woodwind — which should I buy?

Pit Boss for maximum value and built-in searing. Camp Chef for tighter temperature precision and easier cleanup. The Pit Boss saves $200-300; the Camp Chef is a better smoker. Full comparison here.

Does the flame broiler really work?

Yes — sliding the plate open exposes food to direct fire pot heat for legitimate searing. Not as intense as a dedicated grill, but a major advantage over pellet grills without direct-flame access.

How reliable is Pit Boss WiFi?

WiFi range can be limited — works well within 20-30 feet, drops further out. Bluetooth is more reliable at close range. The app is basic but functional for monitoring temperature and setting alerts.