The Pit Boss Tailgater wood pellet grill brings backyard flavor and portability together in one surprisingly tough little package. If you love the smoky taste of real woodfired BBQ and want a grill that easily travels from your patio to tailgate parties, camping, or even the next cookout at your friend’s place, this grill deserves a serious look. Pit Boss is known for its practical yet featurepacked grills, and the Tailgater really shows off what makes pellet grilling so approachable and fun for both new and seasoned grillers alike.
I’ve put together a quick summary of my experience with the Pit Boss Tailgater before getting into the details that really matter for anybody thinking about buying—or just curious about what this little grill offers:
Grill Name: Pit Boss Tailgater Wood Pellet Grill
Website URL: pitboss-grills.com
Current Price: Around $349 USD (pricing can vary by retailer and time of year)
Grill Type: Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Cooking Area: 340 sq. in. main + 82 sq. in. upper = 422 sq. in. total
Hopper Capacity: 5 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 500°F
Weight: 62 lbs (without pellets)
Assembly Required: Yes, but pretty beginner friendly
Warranty: 5 years limited
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
User Reviews: Mostly positive, with lots of praise for portability and ease of use
Free Shipping: Often available from major online retailers or the Pit Boss website
The Pit Boss Tailgater is designed to give you authentic woodfired results without tying you down at home. With folding legs and a compact build, it fits in most car trunks or slides in the backseat for weekend getaways. The pellet system covers smoking, grilling, baking, and roasting, and it’s got some nextlevel cool features that make it way more than just a travelsized grill.
So, whether you’re just getting into pellet grilling or want something more portable that matches your onthego lifestyle, this grill could easily become your new favorite for outdoor cooking. And if you’re looking for something that steps up your tailgate game, you’ll want to keep reading.
Getting to Know the Pit Boss Brand
Pit Boss has earned a reputation as one of the top brands for outdoor cooking, especially among folks who care about value and toughness. Since the early 2010s, they’ve made a name with wood pellet grills that go toe to toe with brands like Traeger, but tend to cost less and feel extra sturdy. Right from the get go, Pit Boss aimed for home grillers and road warriors who want reliable, affordable gear with the features that actually matter.
The Tailgater sits in Pit Boss’s portable lineup, but overall their range is broad—covering everything from big backyard pellet grills to vertical pellet smokers and even some griddles that have really become popular lately. Over the years, I’ve smoked, grilled, baked, and even slow cooked everything from ribs to cobbler on Pit Boss units, and I keep coming back because they’re just reliable and pretty easy to get the hang of.
Pit Boss grills mix classic barbecuing with practical upgrades like digital control panels, meat probe compatibility, and direct searing options. All this is packed into the Tailgater, which is a compact grill but keeps what matters most—real smoke flavor, both direct and indirect heat, and easy, setitandforgetit temperature control.
Pit Boss Tailgater At a Glance: Key Specs and Features
The Tailgater’s size is the first thing most people notice. It’s portable but solid, weighing in at 62 lbs. That might sound heavy for a travel grill, but it feels just right: light enough for two people to carry, but heavy enough to feel sturdy once it’s out. The folding leg system is pretty smart; release two pins, fold up, and you’re ready to toss it in the car (though it’s easier with a buddy).
Here’s a quick look at the main features:
- Portable Design: Folding steel legs and handles for easy transport and setup. It fits in most SUVs, trucks, or crossovers with room to spare.
- Cooking Area: 422 square inches split between a main cooking rack and an upper warming rack. This is enough for two racks of ribs or about 15 burgers at a time.
- Pellet Hopper: Holds 5 lbs of wood pellets—enough for several hours of cook time before you need to refill.
- Temperature Range: 180°F to 500°F, controlled by an easytouse digital board, so you don’t have to guess. In my tests, it keeps steady temps even when the weather’s all over the place.
- Direct Flame Access: The Flame Broiler lever lets you swap between indirect smoke cooking or direct heat for searing. This is a rare find in portable pellet grills.
- Fuel Efficiency: Pellets last a while, and the grill runs on a standard 110V plug. Just remember—if you’re going off the grid, you’ll need a portable generator or a power source nearby.
- BuiltIn Meat Probe: Most Tailgater models include a meat probe, so you can check internal temps without lifting the lid.
- Rugged Build: Powdercoated steel body handles road trips, scrapes, and unpredictable weather like a champ.
- 5Year Warranty: Shows Pit Boss stands behind their gear, especially valuable at this price point.
What’s the downside? The 5 lb hopper isn’t meant for allnight brisket sessions, but for trips and afternoon BBQs, it’s a perfect fit. The design makes refilling easy, and it only takes a few minutes if you need to top off in the middle of a cook.
Unboxing and First Setup: What to Expect
Cracking open the Tailgater box is like unpacking a hightech gadget designed for the outdoors. Inside, you’ve got the main grill body, folding legs, the racks, assembly hardware, and clear startup instructions. Compared to the huge home grills that eat up your whole afternoon—you’ll find this setup refreshingly quick.
Here’s the assembly rundown:
- The main grill body comes together already assembled. You’ll just add the folding legs, attach the side handles, place the racks, fit the grease tray, and get the control knob in place. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes with normal tools—nothing weird or complicated.
- The included instructions are straightforward and even stress important safety tips. Remember to do a 3040 minute seasoning burn at high heat before you throw any food on there. This burns off any leftover oil or residue from the factory and gets your grill ready for action.
- You’ll need to plug it in, so plan for a 110V outlet nearby. If you’re at a campsite or tailgate, bring a generator or check if there’s shore power.
The folding mechanism is convenient, but after cooking, things can be a bit messy. Having someone help makes the process go faster, especially if you haven’t cleaned out the ash yet. After a few uses, you’ll get a rhythm for folding, moving, and storing the grill without needing any tools. I usually keep mine ready in my garage, so it’s easy to grab for impromptu cookouts.
Pellet Grilling: How It Works and Why It’s Fun
If you haven’t tried pellet grilling before, the Tailgater is a great way to get started without the intimidation factor. Instead of hauling around charcoal bags or propane tanks, you just pour wood pellets into the hopper. An electric auger pulls pellets into the firepot, where they burn, making both heat and smoke. The digital controller lets you set whatever temperature you want, and after that you let the grill do its thing.
Why are pellet grills spreading like wildfire lately? Here are some big reasons:
- Easy Temperature Management: Just set your cooking temp and chill out; the grill keeps things where they need to be. No more sweating over charcoal or fiddling with vents.
- Flavor Variety: Pellets come in all kinds of flavors: hickory, cherry, apple, mesquite, maple. Mix and match for each recipe and experiment with smoke levels.
- Versatility: Want to grill wings, slowcook pork, or even bake a pizza? All doable on the same unit.
- Low Mess: Pellets make way less ash than charcoal, making cleanup a breeze.
The Tailgater blends the hands off aspect of pellet grilling with real openflame searing when you want it. If you’re coming from propane or charcoal grilling, there’s a slight learning curve—but you’ll pick it up fast. I’ve cooked everything from steaks and chicken thighs to banana bread on this grill, and the results are consistently impressive. If you tweak your pellet choices and times, you can really customize the flavor profile of your dishes over time.
Favorite Features of the Pit Boss Tailgater
Not all portable grills are created equal, and when you’re looking for a travel companion, sturdiness and simplicity win out. The Tailgater delivers on both fronts, and here are my standout features from regular use:
- Folding Legs: Make it simple to move and set up, but the grill still stands firm once unfolded. It’s definitely stronger on its feet than most budget travel models.
- Flame Broiler Lever: Direct or indirect heat is just a handle away. This is a lifesaver for steak searing or when you suddenly need higher temps.
- Digital Control Panel: Large dial and easyto-read screen. It might not be flashy, but it’s super practical.
- Pellet Hopper: The compact size makes topping it off simple, and you never end up with wasted fuel.
There are a few accessories worth adding for the best grilling experience. I pack a lightweight cover for rainy weekends and always set up a folding table or two for prepping and serving. Unlike Pit Boss’s bigger home grills, you won’t find folding side tables here, so plan accordingly if you like extra space for gear.
RealWorld Cooking Test: On the Road and At Home
For my first test, I brought the Tailgater to a college football tailgate. Loading was fast—pellets, grill, and a packed cooler all fit easily in the trunk. In the parking lot, I had the grill ready to go in minutes, and within half an hour, it was humming along right at 250°F, putting out an eye-catching trail of smoke. I grilled up wings, brats, and even tried out a sheet pan of cheesy nachos. People stopped by just to check it out, and more than one neighbor commented on the nextlevel cool smell wafting from our spot.
Back home, I took things up a notch with a fivehour pork butt smoke. Even with a stiff breeze, the digital controller held the temperature steady. I topped off the hopper once, but the 5 lb capacity meant I didn’t need to babysit the grill. The meat probe gave clear, accurate readings so I could mingle or watch the game instead of hovering. When the food was done, cleanup just meant brushing out some ash and scrubbing the grates—way easier than most charcoal or stick burners.
The Tailgater handles anything that fits inside, and the quality stands up even against larger home smokers. With 422 square inches of space, you can feed a family or a handful of friends, but if you’ve got a big party planned, you’ll want something a bit bigger. I’ve cooked veggies, fish, pizzas, ribs, and even dessert with consistently tasty results.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Longevity
Pellet grills are easiest to keep running well if you give them a little cleaning after every cook. Here’s my best game plan for keeping your Tailgater in top form:
- Empty Ash Quickly: A little scoop or shot with a small vacuum clears out the firepot. This only takes a minute if you make it a habit.
- Brush the Grates: While grates are still warm, a quick scrub does the trick. For deep cleans, soak them in soapy water between big cooks.
- Grease Tray Care: A foil lining on the tray cuts down messy cleaning and slows drip buildup that could cause flareups later on.
- Clear the Pellet Hopper: Before long-term storage, empty leftover pellets to prevent moisture and clumps. This tip alone saves the auger from jamming up.
The grill’s powdercoated finish and solid steel body handle scrapes and moisture well. Even after months of rolling around in my trunk and getting hit by sudden rain, it’s still looking sharp. The fiveyear warranty from Pit Boss adds peace of mind for any unexpected hiccups.
Who the Pit Boss Tailgater Is For (and Who Might Want Something Else)
If you want a grill that fits your adventures, tailgates, or balcony and love woodfired flavor, the Tailgater is well suited for you. It’s a great pick for beginners who want something straightforward, but also more capable than most mini grills. Even with its compact size and affordable price, it has enough cooking area and heat punch for real BBQ. I’d recommend it to:
- Tailgaters, campers, and outdoor festival fans who move around a lot
- City dwellers who don’t have room for huge patio grills
- New pellet grill users looking for a simple starting option without breaking the bank
- Small families or close friend groups who love that smoky taste
If you want to cook for big crowds every weekend or set up overnight brisket cooks, you’ll do better with something like the Pit Boss Austin XL. And if you’re planning real off-the-grid trips deep in the woods, keep in mind you’ll need power; propane or classic charcoal might be easier in that case.
Final Thoughts and Where to Buy
Over the years I’ve cooked on all sorts of grills, but the Pit Boss Tailgater stands out for being practical, fun, and delivering real flavor. Portability is a clear win, yet you never feel shortchanged compared to a big backyard smoker. With easy cleanup, smart digital controls, and a reputation for holding steady temperatures, it’s a smart bet for anybody hoping to bring good food wherever they go.
You can order the Tailgater direct from the official Pit Boss website, which often runs deals on shipping and extras, or check out Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and other top retailers for seasonal sales. Sometimes, you can even check your local hardware stores if you want to check it out in person and get a sense of the build quality.
This is a grill for people who want that backyard taste, but don’t want to be locked into one spot all year. If you’re uncertain, give it a shot—most buyers (myself included) find themselves putting it to work much more than they expected, and not just for game days.