PIT Boss 10773 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The PIT Boss 10773 is a stainless steel propane vertical smoker priced at $399.99 that brings gas convenience to the smoking format. For cooks who want easier temperature management than charcoal without the cost of a pellet setup, propane is a practical middle ground.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Backyard cooks who want the convenience of propane fuel with a vertical smoker format, and who already own or prefer gas-based outdoor cooking equipment.
Skip if
You want the deep smoke flavor profile only charcoal or wood produces, prefer digital set-and-forget controls from a pellet smoker, or need a larger cooking surface.
- Fuel Propane
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Red Hammertone
- Dimensions 22.8 X 21.5 X 46.9 In
- Weight 63.0 lb
- Priced 21% above the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
Pros
- Propane fuel means fast startup and easy heat adjustment without fire management
- Stainless steel construction is durable and easier to maintain than alloy steel
- 530 reviews at 4.2 stars provides a reliable buyer feedback base
- Vertical cabinet design promotes even heat and smoke distribution
- No charcoal ash cleanup between cooks
Cons
- Propane fuel requires access to a propane tank and regular refills
- Smoke flavor depends entirely on wood chips, so flavor depth is less than charcoal or wood fire
- 4.2-star average from 530 reviews leaves some room for improvement in build details
- No cooking area, rack count, or BTU specs listed to fully evaluate capacity
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 530 owner ratings
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Popularity3.6/5
530 owner reviews, more 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
['The PIT Boss 10773 is a stainless steel propane vertical smoker measuring 22.8 x 21.5 x 46.9 inches and weighing 63 pounds. The stainless construction and propane fuel combination makes it one of the more practical mid-range options for cooks who want consistent heat without the hands-on work of charcoal management.', 'Propane smokers are valued for fast startup and easy temperature adjustment using the burner knob. There is no ash cleanup between cooks and no need to stoke or add fuel during a session. The trade-off versus charcoal is that propane smoke flavor is typically milder, relying entirely on wood chips added to a chip tray for smoke character.', 'With 530 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, the PIT Boss 10773 has enough buyer feedback to form a reliable picture. The majority of reviews are positive, with most complaints targeting temperature precision or build fit-and-finish details rather than core performance.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Propane |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Red Hammertone |
| Dimensions | 22.8 X 21.5 X 46.9 In |
| Weight | 63.0 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel type is propane. Material is stainless steel. Dimensions are 22.8 x 21.5 x 46.9 inches and weight is 63 pounds. No BTU, cooking area, or rack count data is listed. Propane burns consistently and allows for simple knob-based temperature control, which reduces the skill barrier compared to charcoal. Wood chips in the tray smolder from the propane burner below, generating smoke. Stainless steel holds heat adequately and resists corrosion better than painted or plain alloy steel smokers in the same price bracket.
What buyers say
With 530 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the PIT Boss 10773 has earned generally positive feedback. Buyers who prioritize ease of use and propane convenience tend to rate it higher. Critical reviews most often mention temperature fluctuations at lower heat settings and some fit issues with door seals, which is a common challenge in vertical propane smokers at this price.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to add wood chips to get smoke flavor with a propane smoker?
Yes. Propane itself does not add smoke flavor to food. A propane smoker works by having the burner heat a wood chip tray, which causes the chips to smolder and produce smoke inside the cooking chamber. Without wood chips, you are essentially cooking with indirect gas heat only, which will not give you the smoky BBQ flavor most people expect from a smoker.
How does propane smoking compare to charcoal for flavor?
Charcoal and wood combustion produce a more complex smoke profile than propane paired with wood chips. Propane smoke flavor is cleaner and milder, which some cooks prefer for lighter proteins like poultry or fish. For beef brisket or pork ribs where bold smoke is the goal, many pitmasters prefer charcoal or wood. Propane wins on consistency and convenience.
How often do I need to refill the propane tank?
A standard 20 lb propane tank will typically last 15 to 25 hours of cooking time depending on the heat setting and ambient temperature. For a single 6 to 8 hour smoke session, one tank is usually sufficient. Keep a spare on hand for longer cooks or back-to-back sessions to avoid running out mid-cook.