PIT Boss 10798 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The PIT Boss 10798 is a compact pellet smoker with 256 square inches of cooking area, a 71-watt controller, and a porcelain-coated wire rack, priced at $495 with a 4.5-star average from 48 buyers. It's a well-rated compact option for smaller households or patio cooks who don't need a full-size unit.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Cooks with limited outdoor space who want the convenience of pellet-fed automatic temperature control in a compact, manageable package.
Skip if
You regularly cook for large groups or need more than 256 square inches of grate space for big cuts like full brisket or multiple pork shoulders.
- Fuel Pellet
- Cooking area 256 Sq In
- Racks 1
- Power 71 W
- Material Steel, Porcelain Coated Wire, Plastic
- Color Black
- Priced 50% above the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
Pros
- 4.5-star average from 48 reviews shows strong early buyer satisfaction
- 256 sq in cooking area and 46.7-pound weight make it genuinely portable
- Porcelain-coated wire grates resist sticking and clean up well
- 71W controller runs the pellet feed without a large electrical draw
- PIT Boss brand support and parts availability are well-established
Cons
- 256 sq in is limited for large cuts or feeding more than two to four people
- 48 reviews is still a relatively small sample for full confidence
- Pellet smokers require access to an electrical outlet to operate
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 48 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.6/5
48 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
['The PIT Boss 10798 runs on wood pellets with a 71-watt electric controller managing the auger and fire pot. You set your target temperature and the unit holds it, making this one of the easiest smoker types to use for long low-and-slow cooks. The porcelain-coated wire grates clean up reasonably well and resist sticking better than bare steel.', 'At 256 square inches of cooking area, this is a compact unit. It measures 18.1 x 26.3 x 15 inches and weighs 46.7 pounds, making it one of the lighter and more portable pellet smokers in the PIT Boss lineup. That portability is a genuine advantage for small patios, camping trips, or tailgate setups.', 'A 4.5-star average from 48 reviews is a strong early signal. The sample is still small enough that a few additional reviews could shift the average, but 4.5 stars consistently across nearly 50 buyers suggests the unit performs well in real use. PIT Boss is a major pellet grill brand with a wide dealer network and accessible replacement parts.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Pellet |
|---|---|
| Cooking area | 256 Sq In |
| Racks | 1 |
| Power | 71 W |
| Material | Steel, Porcelain Coated Wire, Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 18.1 X 26.3 X 15 In |
| Weight | 46.7 lb |
Performance notes
Pellet fuel generates mild to moderate smoke flavor and holds temperature consistently through the controller. The 71-watt power draw is modest for a standard outdoor outlet. Porcelain-coated grates on a single-rack design keep this straightforward to use and clean. At 18.1 x 26.3 x 15 inches this is a notably compact footprint, worth measuring against your available patio or prep space. Weight of 46.7 pounds means one person can move it. No BTU data is listed, which is typical for pellet units since heat output is controller-managed rather than a fixed burner figure.
What buyers say
48 reviews at 4.5 stars is a positive early-adoption signal. Buyers in this range typically praise ease of use, temperature consistency, and the compact design. With fewer than 50 reviews, it's worth checking back as the count grows to see if that average holds across a broader range of use cases and users.
More from PIT Boss
Similar grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers to consider
Frequently asked questions
How much food can fit in 256 square inches of cooking area?
256 square inches handles a rack of baby back ribs cut in half, a couple of whole chickens, or a smaller pork shoulder. It's practical for two to four servings per cook. If you're routinely feeding six or more people, you'll want to look at a unit with 450 square inches or more.
What pellets work with the PIT Boss 10798?
Any standard food-grade wood pellet works in PIT Boss smokers. PIT Boss sells their own branded pellets in a range of flavors including hickory, apple, cherry, and competition blend. Third-party pellets from brands like Bear Mountain or Lumber Jack also work fine. Avoid flavored or composite pellets that aren't labeled for food use.
Can I use this smoker in the rain?
Light drizzle is generally manageable with the lid closed, but direct heavy rain can affect pellet hopper performance and is not ideal for the electrical components. Using a smoker cover when not in use and positioning under a covered patio overhang when possible will extend the life of the unit and reduce weather-related issues.