Do you consider yourself a connoisseur of grilling and smoking? If so, then you’re probably familiar with two major players in the outdoor cooking industry: Traeger and Pit Boss. These two brands have been making waves with their top-of-the-line pellet grills and smokers, but what exactly connects them? Let’s delve into the similarities between these titans of the grill:
- Both Traeger and Pit Boss were established in the 1990s, with Traeger being the pioneer in introducing pellet grills to the market.
- In 2006, Traeger faced financial struggles and was eventually acquired by Dansons Inc., the parent company of Pit Boss.
- This acquisition sparked controversy as Traeger accused Pit Boss of stealing their designs and technology.
- Despite this, both companies continue to thrive in the outdoor cooking industry, offering a wide range of products for grill enthusiasts.
- While Traeger caters more towards high-end, premium grills, Pit Boss provides more budget-friendly options without compromising on quality.
- With a devoted following for each brand, they are constantly innovating to improve their products.
Whether you pledge allegiance to Team Traeger or Team Pit Boss, there’s no denying the strong connection between these powerhouse brands. Keep reading to discover more about their history, product offerings, and what sets them apart from one another.
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Is traeger and pit boss the same company?
Traeger
When Joe Traeger sold the business to a Florida venture capitalist for $12.4 million, he closed it down. In 2014, the Florida company sold Traeger to Trilantic Capital Partners. Traeger’s main office is in Salt Lake City, Utah. Traeger is the first grill to use wood pellets.
Pit Boss
Set up by Dan Thiessen in 1999. The company that owns Pit Boss is Dansons, Inc. Alberta is where Pit Boss is based. Pit Boss makes some of the best grills, smokers, barbecues, and portable grills that use charcoal, gas, wood pellets, or a mix of these fuels.
One of the first companies to go up against Traeger was Pit Boss. Pit Boss advertised itself as a less expensive pellet grill choice. It says “Bigger. Hotter. Heavier” on Pit Boss.
Pit Boss vs Traeger – Quick Look at Our Favorite Grills
Despite their shared popularity, there are some key differences between the two companies that set them apart.
Product Line and Target Market:
- Traeger caters mainly to serious BBQ enthusiasts with their high-end products, while Pit Boss offers more affordable options for a wider range of customers.
- While Traeger focuses mostly on wood pellet grills, Pit Boss offers a variety of fuel options such as gas, charcoal, and wood pellets in their product line.
Signature Features:
- Traeger is renowned for its signature wood-fired flavor and innovative technology that allows for precise temperature control.
- On the other hand, Pit Boss boasts features like pellet sensors and Wifi capability, making their products more advanced and convenient to use.
Warranty:
Traeger offers a 3-year warranty on their products, while Pit Boss stands behind their products with a longer 5-year warranty, indicating their confidence in the durability of their products.
Parent Company:
Traeger and Pit Boss are sister companies owned by Dansons Inc., which may result in some similarities in product designs and features.
While both companies offer top-notch products that are highly sought after by BBQ enthusiasts, there are distinct differences in terms of features, quality, and performance. Traeger’s focus on innovation and quality sets them apart from the competition, while Pit Boss offers more budget-friendly options with larger cooking spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Traeger Brand Overview
The origins of Traeger and Pit Boss can be traced back to 1985 when Joe Traeger, the founder, introduced the first pellet grill to the market. His innovative design and delicious smoky flavor quickly gained popularity among BBQ enthusiasts.
In 2006, Traeger sold his company to a Florida-based firm. However, in 2008, he and his son, Brian, joined forces with Dansons Inc., the parent company of Pit Boss. This partnership between two renowned names in the BBQ industry has been instrumental in bringing about collaboration and innovation.
Despite operating under the same parent company, Traeger and Pit Boss function as separate entities with their own unique product lines. Nevertheless, the connection between Joe Traeger and Dansons has allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and expertise between the two brands.
Many of Pit Boss’s grills are designed by Joe and Brian Traeger, incorporating their in-depth knowledge of pellet grilling technology. It is no surprise that Pit Boss has been gaining popularity among BBQ enthusiasts as a top choice for high-quality yet affordable options.
One aspect that sets both Traeger and Pit Boss apart from traditional charcoal or gas grills is their focus on using wood pellets as fuel. This commitment to using natural wood for flavoring and cooking has created a loyal following for both brands.
| Brand | Year Founded | Parent Company |
| Traeger | 1985 | Dansons Inc. |
| Pit Boss | 2010 | Dansons Inc. |
Pit Boss Brand Overview
Pit Boss is a renowned brand in the BBQ industry, famous for its superior quality and cost-effective grills that utilize wood pellets to impart a rich, smoky flavor. The brand’s focus on traditional design and versatile temperature capabilities sets it apart from its competitors.
Unlike Traeger, Pit Boss opts for a classic, box-shaped design for its grills, making them simple to use and transport. This traditional look appeals to those who prefer a more conventional appearance for their outdoor cooking equipment.
Moreover, Pit Boss grills boast a wider temperature range compared to Traeger grills. While Traeger’s maximum temperature limit is 450 degrees Fahrenheit, Pit Boss grills can reach up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature allows for greater flexibility in cooking various types of meat and achieving the perfect sear on steaks and burgers.
In terms of pricing, Pit Boss is also more economical than Traeger, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-quality grills at a budget-friendly price point. Both brands offer similar features, such as digital control panels and user-friendly temperature controls. However, Pit Boss stands out for its cost-effective options.
To provide a side-by-side comparison of Pit Boss and Traeger, here is a table highlighting the primary differences between the two brands:
| Pit Boss | Traeger | |
| Design | Conventional, box-shaped design with wheels for portability | Modern, sleek design with a digital control panel |
| Temperature Range | Up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit | Up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Price Range | Economical | Higher-end |
In conclusion, Pit Boss stands out among other BBQ brands with its traditional design, wider temperature range, and affordability. While Traeger offers a more modern look and has a loyal following, Pit Boss provides similar features at a lower price point.
Pit Boss vs Traeger Comparison
When considering Pit Boss vs Traeger grills, it’s important to note the key distinctions between the two companies and their products. Pit Boss, which is owned by Dansons Inc., a family-owned Canadian company, has a more expansive range of products at affordable prices.
On the other hand, Traeger is a privately held company and offers patented WiFIRE technology for remote control. Furthermore, Pit Boss has its own patented flame broiler technology, while Traeger boasts a wider temperature range to accommodate different cooking methods. By understanding these differences, consumers can make an informed decision when deciding between these two brands.
The main differentiating factors between Pit Boss and Traeger grills are in terms of ownership, product offerings, and features. While Pit Boss is owned by Dansons Inc., a family-owned company based in Canada, Traeger is a privately held company. In terms of product offerings, Pit Boss has a larger and more diverse range of grills available at more affordable prices compared to Traeger. However, Traeger stands out with its patented WiFIRE technology that allows for remote control of the grill.
Moreover, both brands have their own unique features that may appeal to different consumers. Pit Boss has its patented flame broiler technology that allows for direct or indirect heat cooking, giving users more versatility in their cooking methods. On the other hand, Traeger offers a wider temperature range that can accommodate various cooking techniques such as grilling, smoking, and roasting.
Overall Pit Boss vs Traeger Winner
When it comes to determining the overall winner in the competition between Pit Boss and Traeger, there are a few key differences that stand out. These include ownership, pricing, technology, and features.
Ownership:
Dansons, a Canadian company, owns Pit Boss, while Traeger is privately owned. This means that there may be varying management styles and business strategies between the two brands.
Pricing:
In terms of affordability, Pit Boss offers more budget-friendly options compared to Traeger. However, Traeger has also been known to offer higher-end models with advanced features at a premium price point.
Technology:
Traeger has patented technology for remote control and temperature monitoring, which may be appealing to those who value more control over their cooking process. While Pit Boss also offers some models with WiFi connectivity, it is not as advanced as the technology offered by Traeger.
Features:
Both brands offer wood pellet grills, but each has its own unique features that cater to different cooking styles and needs. Pit Boss has larger cooking spaces in some of its models, while Traeger offers features such as searing capabilities and adjustable racks for versatile cooking options.
In conclusion, both Pit Boss and Traeger have their own strengths and unique features that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Pit Boss vs Traeger Grill Reviews
Overall, both Pit Boss and Traeger have garnered positive feedback from customers for their quality and performance. However, there are noticeable distinctions between the two brands that are highlighted in customer reviews.
- Craftsmanship: Traeger is renowned for its premium construction and design, with many customers praising the sturdiness and solid build of their grills. Conversely, Pit Boss may receive some criticism for its thinner metal and less robust construction.
- Cooking Area: Pit Boss offers a wider range of models with varying cooking space options, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Some customers appreciate this variety, while others prefer Traeger’s standard cooking area size.
- Temperature Range: Both Pit Boss and Traeger have similar temperature ranges, but Traeger has a slight edge with its ability to reach higher temperatures.
- Searing Capabilities: This is where Traeger falls short compared to Pit Boss. While Pit Boss boasts a built-in searing feature, Traeger requires a separate accessory for searing.
- Hopper Size: Pit Boss provides more options in terms of hopper size, accommodating various sizes of wood pellet bags. This may be a deciding factor for those who prefer larger hoppers for longer smoking sessions.
- Technological Features: Traeger has integrated WiFi connectivity in many of its models, allowing users to control their grills remotely through an app. This is a feature that Pit Boss currently does not offer.
- Price Range: In terms of budget, Pit Boss is generally more cost-effective compared to Traeger, offering more affordable options for those on a tighter budget. However, Traeger does offer higher-end models with superior features and design for those willing to invest more money.
Both Pit Boss and Traeger have received positive reviews from customers, but each brand offers its own distinct features and qualities that may appeal to different users.
Conclusion
To conclude, while Traeger and Pit Boss may share a common parent company, they each have their own unique histories and product offerings that set them apart.
These two brands have amassed a loyal following in the outdoor cooking industry, but their differences cater to varying preferences and budgets. Traeger boasts premium construction and cutting-edge technology, while Pit Boss offers more affordable options with larger cooking spaces.
Ultimately, the decision between these two powerhouse brands boils down to personal preference and which features are most important to you as a grilling aficionado.
