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

Description

A Portable Grill That Packs a Punch

The Pit Boss 10697 Table Top Wood Grill with its signature mahogany finish caught my eye immediately. It’s sleek, compact enough to take anywhere, and yet surprisingly robust. I decided to put this tabletop grill through its paces to see if it truly lives up to the buzz surrounding it. Spoiler alert: it’s got plenty of strengths, but no product is perfect.

Design and Portability

One of the standout features of this grill is its compact, portable design. Measuring 24.7″ x 19.1″ x 14.9″ and weighing about 42.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry around thanks to the locking lid and sturdy side handles. Whether I set it up on my backyard table or took it to a tailgating party, it was a breeze to transport and assemble. The mahogany-colored powder-coated finish isn’t just for show; it feels durable and resistant to wear. However, the weight might be a tad on the heavier side for some people looking for ultra-light portability.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

The phrase “8-in-1 cooking versatility” isn’t just a marketing gimmick here. This grill can smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, grill, char-grill, or barbecue. Testing it out, I smoked some ribs low and slow at 180°F, and they came out juicy and flavorful. On another day, I cranked it up to 500°F to sear a steak, and the slide-plate flame grilling option delivered a perfect char. It’s hard not to appreciate the 256 square inches of cooking space, which is more than sufficient for cooking for a group of 4-5 people at once.

The digital control board with LED readout makes temperature adjustments intuitive. I didn’t feel like I had to babysit the grill, which is a huge plus. The pellet cooking system ensures even heat distribution, and the 5-pound hopper kept the grill going for hours without needing constant refills. That said, it’s worth noting that the hopper size might require more frequent refilling during longer cooking sessions compared to larger grills.

Key Benefits

• Portable and durable design with a locking lid and handles, perfect for travel or home use.
• 8-in-1 versatility allows for a range of cooking styles, from smoking to grilling.
• Temperature range of 180°F to 500°F, plus the option for direct flame grilling up to 1,000°F.
• Digital control board with LED readout simplifies temperature management.
• Porcelain-coated grates make for easy cleanup and prevent food sticking.

Areas for Improvement

Even great products have their quirks, and this grill is no exception.

• The hopper capacity is somewhat limited at 5 pounds, which could be inconvenient for extended cooking sessions.
• Heavy-duty steel construction, while durable, adds to the weight, which might be less ideal for solo travelers.
• It does require assembly, which might be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with grills.

Peer Products

In comparing this grill to competitors like the Traeger Ranger and Green Mountain Grills Trek, I found that the Pit Boss holds its own in several key aspects. The Traeger Ranger has similar portability but lacks the direct flame grilling option, which gives the Pit Boss an edge for versatility. Meanwhile, the Green Mountain Grills Trek offers a slightly larger hopper, making it more convenient for longer cooking sessions, but it’s also more expensive. What stood out about the Pit Boss is its value-packed feature set at a competitive price point, making it a strong contender among portable wood pellet grills.

Worth Every Penny

When it comes to affordable quality, this grill strikes a fine balance. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the build quality, versatility, and consistent cooking performance make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a weekend griller or someone who loves hosting tailgate parties, the Pit Boss Table Top Wood Grill delivers excellent value for its features. While its smaller hopper and slightly heavier frame may deter some, these are minor trade-offs for the superior functionality and portability it offers.

Additional information