Looking For Opinions Before I Purchase New Smoker

[Ken S]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for purchase advice, but here goes. I currently smoke with a Pit Barrel and get good results, but my goal is more capacity and perhaps more convenience with a pellet smoker. Nothing against Traeger or Green Egg, but Pit Boss seems like they give you quite a bit of bang for your buck so that's the road I'm on. I'm looking at four models at Lowe's, because it's nearby and handy. My thoughts on those follows, with notes on what functional upgrades are included over the previous model.

PB850PS2. Currently $549 at Lowe's. This looks like a nice grill and would be big enough for me and the wife, but might be kind of small when I'm cooking for a party. My other concern is the second generation controller, but I don't know enough about that to have much of an opinion.

PB1150PS3. Currently $699 at Lowe's. For an extra $150 it looks like you get 1150 sq. in., a 3rd generation controller, 2 probes, a 32# hopper with a glass window, and a removeable ash pot. Unless I'm missing something this one looks like it's well worth the extra cost in my case.

PB1600PS3. Currently $999 at Lowe's. For an extra $300 it looks like you get 1598 sq. in., a double walled firebox and lid, a 240 watt rapid igniter, and a light bulb. Possibly bigger than I need, but maybe not. The most intriguing thing in my mind is the double walled insulation, which presumably helps maintain consistent temps. Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

PB1600PS3-ELITE. Currently $1399 at Lowe's. For an extra $400 it looks like you get stainless steel grates (that slide in and out), a full width (back side) vent instead of a chimney on the end, a VST smoke mode (in addition to PID control), and variable speed DC motors on the fan and auger. That all sounds great, but do I need any of it? I would love to hear some thoughts if anyone is running the Elite model.

Thanks in advance!

Ken

 

[Cowboy1955]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for purchase advice, but here goes. I currently smoke with a Pit Barrel and get good results, but my goal is more capacity and perhaps more convenience with a pellet smoker. Nothing against Traeger or Green Egg, but Pit Boss seems like they give you quite a bit of bang for your buck so that's the road I'm on. I'm looking at four models at Lowe's, because it's nearby and handy. My thoughts on those follows, with notes on what functional upgrades are included over the previous model.

PB850PS2. Currently $549 at Lowe's. This looks like a nice grill and would be big enough for me and the wife, but might be kind of small when I'm cooking for a party. My other concern is the second generation controller, but I don't know enough about that to have much of an opinion.

PB1150PS3. Currently $699 at Lowe's. For an extra $150 it looks like you get 1150 sq. in., a 3rd generation controller, 2 probes, a 32# hopper with a glass window, and a removeable ash pot. Unless I'm missing something this one looks like it's well worth the extra cost in my case.

PB1600PS3. Currently $999 at Lowe's. For an extra $300 it looks like you get 1598 sq. in., a double walled firebox and lid, a 240 watt rapid igniter, and a light bulb. Possibly bigger than I need, but maybe not. The most intriguing thing in my mind is the double walled insulation, which presumably helps maintain consistent temps. Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

PB1600PS3-ELITE. Currently $1399 at Lowe's. For an extra $400 it looks like you get stainless steel grates (that slide in and out), a full width (back side) vent instead of a chimney on the end, a VST smoke mode (in addition to PID control), and variable speed DC motors on the fan and auger. That all sounds great, but do I need any of it? I would love to hear some thoughts if anyone is running the Elite model.

Thanks in advance!

Ken

It boils down to what suits your needs
I have the 820d and it serves me well

 

[WT2121]

If you are a veteran, Lowes offers 10% discount on retail price. Does not apply to sale prices though.
We have a Navigator 500 for the camper, Navigator 1000 at the lake cabin and a Louisiana Black Label 1000 at home. The 1000 is too big for most of our cooking. 800 series would be perfect for most home or lake cooking. It is nice to have for large family gatherings though. You could try to find a used Pit Boss. If it is too large or small, it would give yourself a starting point. Upgrade at a later time.

 

[Cowboy1955]

If you are a veteran, Lowes offers 10% discount on retail price. Does not apply to sale prices though.
We have a Navigator 500 for the camper, Navigator 1000 at the lake cabin and a Louisiana Black Label 1000 at home. The 1000 is too big for most of our cooking. 800 series would be perfect for most home or lake cooking. It is nice to have for large family gatherings though. You could try to find a used Pit Boss. If it is too large or small, it would give yourself a starting point. Upgrade at a later time.

The 10% does apply to sales as well for veterans but of course the 10 % really only covers the tax

 

[WT2121]

The 10% does apply to sales as well for veterans but of course the 10 % really only covers the tax

Did they change policy? Last two years here it was only on retail price.

 

[Cowboy1955]

Did they change policy? Last two years here it was only on retail price.

Here in Texas they honor it. Was in there this weekend and picked up a few things and one was on sale and they honored it.
You might need to speak with the manager

 

[Ken S]

If you are a veteran, Lowes offers 10% discount on retail price. Does not apply to sale prices though.
We have a Navigator 500 for the camper, Navigator 1000 at the lake cabin and a Louisiana Black Label 1000 at home. The 1000 is too big for most of our cooking. 800 series would be perfect for most home or lake cooking. It is nice to have for large family gatherings though. You could try to find a used Pit Boss. If it is too large or small, it would give yourself a starting point. Upgrade at a later time.

Not a vet, but I get 5% off retail by using my Lowe's card.

 

[WT2121]

Here in Texas they honor it. Was in there this weekend and picked up a few things and one was on sale and they honored it.
You might need to speak with the manager

Thanks!

 

[Jimsmokes]

Wow the prices have went up! When I bought my PB1150PS2 it was 499 and the 850 399. Went to buy the 850 but went with 1150 just in case I ever wanted more room. Glad I did because smoked appetizers take a ton of room.
I looked at the 1600 when it came out. Looked like a taller lid with a extra shelf. If you live up north the insulation might help in winter.
Good luck with decision and post some pics of your first cook.

 

[dagodago1]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for purchase advice, but here goes. I currently smoke with a Pit Barrel and get good results, but my goal is more capacity and perhaps more convenience with a pellet smoker. Nothing against Traeger or Green Egg, but Pit Boss seems like they give you quite a bit of bang for your buck so that's the road I'm on. I'm looking at four models at Lowe's, because it's nearby and handy. My thoughts on those follows, with notes on what functional upgrades are included over the previous model.

PB850PS2. Currently $549 at Lowe's. This looks like a nice grill and would be big enough for me and the wife, but might be kind of small when I'm cooking for a party. My other concern is the second generation controller, but I don't know enough about that to have much of an opinion.

PB1150PS3. Currently $699 at Lowe's. For an extra $150 it looks like you get 1150 sq. in., a 3rd generation controller, 2 probes, a 32# hopper with a glass window, and a removeable ash pot. Unless I'm missing something this one looks like it's well worth the extra cost in my case.

PB1600PS3. Currently $999 at Lowe's. For an extra $300 it looks like you get 1598 sq. in., a double walled firebox and lid, a 240 watt rapid igniter, and a light bulb. Possibly bigger than I need, but maybe not. The most intriguing thing in my mind is the double walled insulation, which presumably helps maintain consistent temps. Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

PB1600PS3-ELITE. Currently $1399 at Lowe's. For an extra $400 it looks like you get stainless steel grates (that slide in and out), a full width (back side) vent instead of a chimney on the end, a VST smoke mode (in addition to PID control), and variable speed DC motors on the fan and auger. That all sounds great, but do I need any of it? I would love to hear some thoughts if anyone is running the Elite model.

Thanks in advance!

Ken

I have the Lowes 850P and I think its 3 years old and never have had an issue. Cooks great and use it at least once a week for chicken breasts.

 

[OLEJOE]

What impressed me most about the Pit Boss brand was their use of machine screws with threaded ferrules instead of self tapping sheet metal screws. Also with the rivet nuts, you don’t have to use a back up wrench on the back side.

 

[Cowboy1955]

What impressed me most about the Pit Boss brand was their use of machine screws with threaded ferrules instead of self tapping sheet metal screws. Also with the rivet nuts, you don’t have to use a back up wrench on the back side.

Totally agree with you

 

[Solly]

Ok,
Here is my two cents, I had the same dilemma, I had it narrowed down to three ,the Pro series 1150, the Pro Series 1600 and if you haven't looked in to it the Pit Boss Platinum 1250 from Walmart a very nice smoker for $697.00 all 3 had Wi-Fi and the other features I was looking for I settled on the 1600 from Lowes ( I did get the military discount which covered the tax) I considered the 1600 elite but in the end didn't figure the extra $300.00 was worth it. I am very happy with my 1600 so far
at first I thought the light was a little gimmicky but the other night when cooking a pork shoulder it really came in handy !!
In the end I figured too big was better than to small and settled on the 1600 from Lowes.
If you get the chance check out that Pit Boss Platinum 1250 at Walmart its a very nice smoker but it's relatively new to their line up so you may have to call to see if they actually have one on display. P/S one thing to consider the 1600 comes with a very nice griddle insert !! for some reason the 1600 elite does not.

 

[Slider]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for purchase advice, but here goes. I currently smoke with a Pit Barrel and get good results, but my goal is more capacity and perhaps more convenience with a pellet smoker. Nothing against Traeger or Green Egg, but Pit Boss seems like they give you quite a bit of bang for your buck so that's the road I'm on. I'm looking at four models at Lowe's, because it's nearby and handy. My thoughts on those follows, with notes on what functional upgrades are included over the previous model.

PB850PS2. Currently $549 at Lowe's. This looks like a nice grill and would be big enough for me and the wife, but might be kind of small when I'm cooking for a party. My other concern is the second generation controller, but I don't know enough about that to have much of an opinion.

PB1150PS3. Currently $699 at Lowe's. For an extra $150 it looks like you get 1150 sq. in., a 3rd generation controller, 2 probes, a 32# hopper with a glass window, and a removeable ash pot. Unless I'm missing something this one looks like it's well worth the extra cost in my case.

PB1600PS3. Currently $999 at Lowe's. For an extra $300 it looks like you get 1598 sq. in., a double walled firebox and lid, a 240 watt rapid igniter, and a light bulb. Possibly bigger than I need, but maybe not. The most intriguing thing in my mind is the double walled insulation, which presumably helps maintain consistent temps. Would love to hear some thoughts on that.

PB1600PS3-ELITE. Currently $1399 at Lowe's. For an extra $400 it looks like you get stainless steel grates (that slide in and out), a full width (back side) vent instead of a chimney on the end, a VST smoke mode (in addition to PID control), and variable speed DC motors on the fan and auger. That all sounds great, but do I need any of it? I would love to hear some thoughts if anyone is running the Elite model.

Thanks in advance!

Ken

I posted the same question 10 days ago. After research, advice, videos, etc. I bought a PB Pro Series 850. It fit my needs and my budget. I got it on sale at Lowes. It cost $560 and included delivery and setup. After some wifi setup issues, it is running great. I made my first cook last night. In addition to wifi, it has the best warranty in the industry, 5 years.

 

[Ken S]

In case anyone was wondering, I decided to go with a PB1600PSE from Lowe's. As my son and I put it together I was really impressed with the heftiness and design, this feels like a quality product. Got my initial burn off and seasoning done, then made some baby back ribs. Still lots to learn about pellet smokers coming from a charcoal unit, but so far I love this thing. It almost seems too easy!