Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series Review Easy Pellet Grilling and Smoking with Digital Control
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
The Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series is designed for outdoor cooks who want hardwood smoke flavor without manually managing charcoal, wood, or airflow. Its combination of digital temperature control, a large cooking surface, and an included meat probe makes it worth considering for smoking, roasting, baking, and general backyard cooking.
Product Overview
The Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, model 11139, is an electrically controlled pellet grill fueled by 100 percent all-natural hardwood pellets. An automated auger delivers pellets to a burn pot, while an ignition rod and combustion fan start and maintain the fire.
It provides 718 square inches of total cooking space across the main grate and upper rack. The digital controller supports temperatures from 180°F to 500°F, making the grill suitable for low-and-slow barbecue as well as higher-temperature roasting and everyday grilling.
Other notable features include porcelain-coated steel grates, a 13.5-pound pellet hopper, automatic startup and cool-down cycles, an integrated grease management system, and an included meat probe. This model is best suited to users who value consistent indirect heat and straightforward controls more than wireless connectivity or open-flame searing.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The grill has a traditional horizontal barrel design with a matte-black exterior. It measures approximately 45 inches wide, 44 inches high, and 27 inches deep. At about 98.1 pounds, it should feel stable during cooking while remaining movable around a patio with the help of its wheels and front casters.
A lower shelf adds storage space for tools and supplies, although it is exposed rather than enclosed. The hopper and controller are positioned on the side of the cooking chamber, with the LCD panel angled for easier viewing. The controller uses a relatively simple dial-based interface rather than a complicated collection of controls.
Inside, the porcelain-coated steel grates are designed to distribute heat while making routine brushing easier. The rear-exhaust configuration eliminates the need for a tall smokestack, which helps keep the overall profile compact. Grease is directed away from the cooking chamber and into an exterior bucket.
The 13.5-pound hopper includes a cleanout system for removing unused pellets or switching wood varieties. Because the grill requires electricity to operate its controller, auger, fan, and ignition system, placement near a suitable outdoor power source is necessary.
Key Features
Digital temperature management
The LCD digital controller allows temperatures to be set from 180°F to 500°F. The grill automatically controls pellet delivery and airflow to maintain the selected cooking environment. This removes much of the fire management associated with charcoal or traditional wood smokers. Actual temperature stability can still be affected by cold weather, wind, pellet condition, and frequent lid opening.
Large 718-square-inch cooking area
The available cooking surface is divided between a primary grate and an upper rack. It can accommodate larger foods such as brisket, pork shoulder, multiple racks of ribs, or batches of burgers and vegetables. Pit Boss states that the grill can hold up to 42 burger patties, although practical capacity depends on patty size and spacing.
Included meat probe
The supplied meat probe connects to the controller and displays the internal temperature of the food on the LCD screen. This makes it easier to monitor doneness without repeatedly opening the lid. It is especially useful for long brisket, pork shoulder, and poultry cooks, although users seeking remote monitoring would need a separate wireless thermometer.
Automatic pellet operation
An electric auger feeds hardwood pellets into the burn pot, where an ignition rod starts combustion and a fan supports airflow. Automatic startup and cool-down cycles simplify operation and help burn out remaining fuel safely after cooking. The system is convenient, but it cannot function normally without electrical power.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, using the Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series should be less labor-intensive than controlling a traditional charcoal or offset smoker. After pellets are added and the desired temperature is selected, the controller manages the fuel feed and fan.
For low-and-slow cooking, settings between 180°F and 225°F provide more time for food to absorb hardwood smoke. Higher settings are useful for roasting, baking, cooking burgers, or adding more browning near the end of a cook. Because this model primarily uses indirect convection heat, its high-temperature results may differ from those produced by an exposed charcoal fire or direct-flame gas burner.
The included probe can reduce unnecessary lid opening by showing the internal food temperature on the controller. There is no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, however, so readings and adjustments must be checked directly at the grill.
Assembly may require patience. Available user information suggests allowing roughly two to four hours to unpack, organize, and install the components. Assistance from another person may be helpful when positioning the main cooking chamber on the cart.
Routine maintenance includes brushing the grates, clearing grease from the drainage system, and removing ash from around the burn pot after the grill has cooled completely. These steps are normal for a pellet grill and help support reliable ignition and airflow.
What Works Well
Generous cooking capacity
The 718-square-inch surface provides enough room for family meals, gatherings, and cooking more than one type of food at a time.
Broad temperature range
A range of 180°F to 500°F supports smoking, roasting, baking, and general grilling without requiring separate outdoor cooking appliances for every task.
Simplified fire management
Automatic ignition, pellet feeding, and airflow control reduce the need for continuous manual adjustments.
Useful temperature probe
The included probe provides a convenient way to track food temperature through the grill’s controller.
Easy-to-clean grate surfaces
The porcelain coating helps limit sticking and makes the grates easier to brush clean when treated carefully.
Convenient pellet cleanout
The hopper cleanout helps users empty pellets before storage or change from one hardwood variety to another.
Controlled grease collection
The exterior bucket and internal grease channel contain drippings more effectively than allowing them to collect beneath the food.
Things to Consider
No direct-flame searing control
This Carbon Series version does not include an exterior lever for opening a direct-flame section. It can brown food at higher settings, but it does not provide the same searing experience as cooking directly over an exposed flame.
No built-in wireless connectivity
There is no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control. Temperature changes and controller readings must be handled at the grill unless a separate wireless thermometer is added.
Moderate hopper capacity
The 13.5-pound hopper does not hold a complete 20-pound bag of pellets. It should be adequate for many meals, but long or overnight cooks may require fuel monitoring or replenishment.
Assembly can take time
The grill includes multiple structural parts and fasteners. Buyers should plan for a longer setup process and consider having a second person available.
Electricity is always required
The auger, controller, ignition rod, and fan depend on a 120-volt electrical connection. The grill will not operate as intended during a power outage.
The power cord may limit placement
Available user feedback indicates that the factory cord is relatively short. Some patios may require a grounded, heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with an appropriate electrical rating.
Regular cleaning is necessary
Ash, grease, and food residue must be removed periodically. Ignoring the burn pot or grease path can interfere with airflow, ignition, and safe operation.
Who Is This Product For?
The Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series is a practical option for people who frequently prepare brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, vegetables, or baked dishes outdoors. It may also suit beginners who want hardwood pellet flavor without learning to manage vents and fuel in a traditional smoker.
Its cooking capacity makes sense for families, frequent hosts, and users who prefer preparing several foods in one session. More experienced cooks may also appreciate its straightforward indirect cooking performance.
It may be less suitable for buyers who prioritize open-flame searing, smartphone control, or an extra-large hopper for unattended overnight cooking. Anyone without convenient access to outdoor electrical power should also consider the installation requirements before buying.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Measure the intended cooking area before ordering and leave appropriate clearance around the grill according to the owner’s manual.
Set aside adequate assembly time. Organizing the hardware before installation can make the process more manageable.
Complete the manufacturer-recommended initial burn-off before cooking food. The available guidance suggests a high-temperature cycle, but the owner’s manual should take priority for the exact procedure.
Store pellets in an airtight, dry container. Moist pellets can swell, break apart, and interfere with the auger.
Check the hopper before a long cook. Fuel consumption varies with temperature, weather conditions, and pellet type.
Allow the automatic cool-down cycle to finish before disconnecting electrical power.
Use only a properly grounded, outdoor-rated extension cord if one is needed. It should have a suitable gauge and electrical rating for the grill.
Keep the grease channel and bucket clear. Always wait until the grill is fully cool before removing internal parts or cleaning ash.
Use nonabrasive cleaning tools on the porcelain-coated grates to reduce the risk of damaging the finish.
Verify current warranty terms directly with Pit Boss or the seller, since coverage details can vary by market and purchase channel.
Common Questions
Can this grill smoke and grill food?
Yes. It operates from 180°F to 500°F, allowing low-temperature smoking as well as roasting and everyday grilling. Its cooking style is primarily based on indirect convection heat.
Does it provide direct-flame searing?
This specific Carbon Series version does not have an exterior direct-flame slide lever. Higher temperatures can produce browning, but they do not replicate cooking directly over an exposed flame.
Does it include a meat probe?
Yes. A meat probe is included and connects to the controller so internal food temperature can be viewed on the LCD display.
Can the grill be controlled with a smartphone?
No. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are not listed for this model. Adjustments must be made at the grill.
How large is the pellet hopper?
The hopper holds 13.5 pounds of pellets. It cannot accommodate an entire standard 20-pound bag at one time.
How often does it need to be cleaned?
The grates and grease system should be checked after cooking, especially after fatty or sugary foods. Loose ash around the burn pot should be removed periodically once the grill is completely cool. Frequency depends on how often the grill is used and how much ash the pellets produce.
Final Thoughts
The Pit Boss 700 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker offers a useful balance of cooking capacity, temperature control, and uncomplicated operation. Its 718-square-inch cooking surface, 180°F to 500°F range, porcelain-coated grates, and included meat probe cover the essential needs of many backyard cooks.
Its main compromises are the absence of direct-flame access, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and a hopper large enough to hold a full 20-pound pellet bag. Assembly, electrical access, and routine ash and grease cleaning should also be factored into the ownership experience.
For someone focused on smoking, roasting, baking, and general indirect cooking with hardwood pellets, this model presents a capable and relatively straightforward option. Buyers primarily interested in intense direct-flame searing or remote app control may be better served by a different configuration.
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