PIT Boss 11111 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The PIT Boss 11111 brings stainless steel construction and a 4.6-star average to the $742 pellet smoker category, making it one of the better-rated options in this price range with a premium material spec to back it up.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Backyard cooks who want a durable, stainless steel pellet smoker that will hold up to outdoor conditions better than alloy steel alternatives in the same price tier.
Skip if
You are on a tight budget, prefer charcoal, or need a compact unit that is easy to move around.
- Fuel Pellet
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Black
- Dimensions 34 X 58.7 X 46.6 In
- Weight 175.0 lb
- Priced 125% above the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
- Weight of 175.0 lb - heavier than 87% of the 122 models we track
Pros
- Stainless steel construction is more corrosion-resistant than alloy steel alternatives
- 4.6-star rating from 35 buyers is an encouraging early result
- 175-lb weight indicates a robust, stable build
- PIT Boss ecosystem offers readily available pellets and accessories
Cons
- 35 reviews is a limited sample for a $742 investment
- No cooking area square footage published in the listing
- 175 pounds means repositioning requires effort or a helper
- Requires electrical outlet for controller and auger
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 35 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.2/5
35 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['Stainless steel construction at $742 is a legitimate differentiator. Most pellet smokers in this price range use alloy or painted steel, which requires more maintenance and is more vulnerable to corrosion over time. Stainless holds up better in wet climates and resists the surface rust that can develop on lower-grade steel if covers and regular maintenance are skipped.', 'At 34 by 58.7 by 46.6 inches and 175 pounds, this is a full-size unit that commands real patio space. The weight reflects solid construction and will keep the smoker stable in wind without needing to be anchored.', 'Thirty-five reviews is a modest sample, but the 4.6-star result is strong. PIT Boss has a broad product lineup and established supply chain for pellets, replacement parts, and accessories, which is worth factoring in if you plan to use this as a long-term backyard setup.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Pellet |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 34 X 58.7 X 46.6 In |
| Weight | 175.0 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel type is pellet. Material is stainless steel. Dimensions are 34 x 58.7 x 46.6 inches. Weight is 175 lb. No BTU, cooking area, rack count, or wattage data is available. Stainless steel construction is the primary material advantage here, offering better long-term corrosion resistance compared to the painted or alloy steel used on most competing pellet smokers in this price bracket. Pellet auger and digital controller provide hands-off temperature management.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star rating from 35 reviewers is a positive early indicator. The sample size is not large enough to guarantee long-term reliability, but buyers who have purchased appear consistently satisfied. PIT Boss's broader market presence adds some brand-level confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel worth the extra cost on a pellet smoker?
For outdoor use, stainless steel resists rust and surface corrosion better than painted or alloy steel. If you live in a humid climate, leave your smoker uncovered regularly, or plan to keep it outdoors year-round, the durability advantage is real. In dry climates with a cover and regular cleaning, alloy steel units can also last many years.
What pellets work best with this smoker?
PIT Boss branded pellets are designed to work with their grills, but any high-quality hardwood pellet will perform well. Popular options include hickory for pork and beef, apple and cherry for chicken and lighter meats, and pecan as a versatile all-rounder. Avoid pellets with fillers or binders, which can produce off flavors.
How does the PIT Boss 11111 handle cold weather smoking?
Pellet smokers can struggle to hold temperature in very cold or windy conditions because the controller works harder to maintain heat. A thermal blanket designed for your smoker model can help significantly. At 175 pounds the unit has enough mass to hold some ambient heat, but a dedicated cover and wind positioning are still good practices.