Portable Wood Pellet Grill Review PIT BOSS Table Top Mahogany Series 10697

Description

Design and Build Quality

The PIT BOSS 10697 Table Top Wood Grill is a stunning piece of equipment with a mahogany powder-coated finish that screams durability and elegance. Its heavy-duty steel construction gives it a robust feel, ensuring it can withstand both time and the elements. I immediately noticed the portable design, which comes with a locking lid and convenient handles, making it incredibly easy to move around. At 42.5 pounds, it’s solid but manageable for an outdoor grill. The 256 square inches of cooking space is perfect for a small gathering, and the compact size makes it ideal for tailgating or backyard BBQs. Honestly, it feels like this grill was made with versatility in mind.

One of my favorite features is the wood handle, which adds a classy touch and stays cool to the touch during grilling. The tabletop installation is straightforward, but assembling the components required some patience. However, the 5-year warranty had me feeling confident about the investment.

Performance and Temperature Control

Grilling with this product feels like a dream. The dial-in digital control board with an LED readout makes temperature adjustments precise and effortless. I tested its temperature range, from 180°F for slow smoking to 500°F for high-heat grilling, and it delivered consistently. The slide-plate flame broiler is a standout feature, allowing for both direct and indirect grilling up to 1,000°F. Whether I was searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs, the results were impressive every time.

The 5-pound pellet hopper is a tad on the smaller side, meaning frequent refills for extended cooking sessions. However, the 100% hardwood pellet fuel provides a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s worth noting that the heating power of 12,000 BTUs ensures quick heat-up times, which is excellent for impatient cooks like me.

Key Benefits

• 8-in-1 cooking versatility: Smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, grill, char-grill, or barbecue.
• Portable and lightweight design for easy transportation.
• High-temperature powder coat finish adds durability.
• LED digital control board ensures precise temperature management.

Shortcomings

• Small hopper size: Requires more frequent refills during long cooking sessions.
• Assembly challenges: Some parts are tricky to align during setup.
• Single burner limits multitasking compared to multi-burner models.

Cooking Experience

Cooking on this grill feels like a professional experience. I tried smoking a brisket, and the low and slow cooking brought out incredible flavors. The porcelain-coated steel grates ensured easy cleanup, even after grilling sticky BBQ chicken. One feature I loved was how the temperature stayed consistent, even on a windy day. However, I did notice that the grill takes a bit of time to cool down, so be prepared to wait before you pack it up.

Competing Products

Compared to Traeger’s portable grills, this tabletop model offers a more robust temperature range and better portability due to its locking lid and handles. However, Traeger does have an edge with its larger pellet hoppers. Another strong competitor is the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, which excels in smoking but lacks the grilling versatility of this product. Where this grill shines is its 8-in-1 functionality, making it much more versatile than most competitors in the same price bracket.

Value for Money

This grill offers exceptional value for its price, especially with its 8-in-1 cooking options and premium build quality. While the smaller hopper and single burner may deter some, the hardwood pellet flavor and portable design make it worth every penny. It strikes a balance between affordable quality and performance, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable, multi-functional grill.

If you’re in the market for a portable grill that delivers on flavor, versatility, and durability, this product is hard to overlook. Its mahogany finish and advanced features make it a standout choice for casual and serious grillers alike.

Additional information