I was browsing the Lowes website the other day, as I do from time to time to spot new pellet grills/smokers, and I came across a couple of new Pit Boss Pro Series models. Specifically the third generation of Pro Series 1150 and 1600. So below, we’re going to look at and discuss the differences between the older Gen 2 Pro Series models and these new Gen 3 versions. There are definitely some improvements, but I also think there are some missing features.
Table of Contents
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Introduction To The Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 3
First off, if you are not aware of the models and features of the Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 2 models, please check out my previous article on the Pro Series Gen 1 vs Gen 2.
As of writing this article, Lowes seem to still be selling Pro Series Gen 2 models alongside the updated Gen 3 models. Therefore, I’ve referenced the price differences below.
I should note that currently, there are just three Pro Series Gen 3 models compared to the five models of the Pro Series Gen 2. For the moment, I’m just comparing the existing like-for-like models.
To start things off and so you can get a quick look at these new Pro Series Gen 3 models, I’ve included the promotional video below from Pit Boss.
Another reason I wanted to include the video above is that at 16 seconds into the video, you can clearly see a Smoke Mode and PID mode is shown on the control panel.
However, I’ve read the manuals for these new Gen 3 models, and no reference is made to a Smoke Mode!? The only model that references Smoke Mode is the new Gen 3 Pro 1600 Elite.
Pro Series Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Comparison Tables
One of the best and quickest ways to compare and contrast is with a table. Therefore below, I’ve made three tables on the three Pro Series models, which currently exist as Gen 2 and Gen 3 versions.
Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 Gen 2 vs 1150 Gen 3
| Pro Series | 1150 Gen 2 | 1150 Gen 3 |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,155 sq.in | 1,155 sq.in |
| Main Grate | 711 sq.in | 711 sq.in |
| Grate Design | Cross Hatched | Vertical Bars |
| Cooking Surfaces | 2 | 2 |
| Hopper Size | 32 lbs | 32 lbs |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Range | 180-500 | 180-500 |
| Temp Adjustment | 10 to 50 Degrees | 5 Degrees |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Smoke Mode | No | No |
| Direct Flame Access | Yes | Yes |
| SmokeIT (WiFi) | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Price | $699 | $699 |
Pit Boss Pro Series 1600 Gen 2 vs 1600 Gen 3
| Pro Series | 1600 Gen 2 | 1600 Gen 3 |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,598 sq.in | 1,598 sq.in |
| Main Grate | 711 sq.in | 711 sq.in |
| Grate Design | Vertical Bars | Vertical Bars |
| Cooking Surfaces | 3 | 3 |
| Hopper Size | 32 lbs | 32 lbs |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Range | 180-500 | 180-500 |
| Temp Adjustment | 10 to 50 Degrees | 5 Degrees |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Smoke Mode | No | No |
| Direct Flame Access | Yes | Yes |
| SmokeIT (WiFi) | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Price | $999 | $999 |
Pit Boss Pro Series 1600 Elite vs 1600 Elite PSE
| Pro Series | 1600 Elite | 1600 Elite PS3 |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,598 sq.in | 1,598 sq.in |
| Main Grate | 711 sq.in | 711 sq.in |
| Grate Design | Vertical Bars | Vertical Bars |
| Cooking Surfaces | 3 | 3 |
| Hopper Size | 32 lbs | 32 lbs |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Range | 180-500 | 180-500 |
| Temp Adjustment | 5 Degrees | 5 Degrees |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Smoke Mode | Yes (VST) | Yes (VST) |
| Direct Flame Access | Yes | Yes |
| SmokeIT (WiFi) | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Price | $1,299 | $1,399 |
Pro Series Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Differences
So first off, what you should notice from the above tables is that moving from Gen 2 to Gen 3 on the Pro Series 1150 and 1600 has not resulted in a price rise.
The same cannot be said to be true with the Pro Series 1600 Elite vs the 1600 Elite PSE, where there has been a hundred-dollar price increase.
I find that interesting because, as you can see from the tables above, the 1600 Elite and the 1600 Elite PSE are almost identical, apart from the Elite PSE being fitted with the new touchscreen control panel.
Temperature Control & Smoke Mode (VST)?
When the Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 2 models were launched, they featured a PID control panel, which was needed to compete with the likes of the Traeger Pro Series etc.
However, what many Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 2 owners found to be disappointing was that when setting the temperature, the options jumped by a significant amount by 50 degrees in some cases.
What Pit Boss owners wanted was the 5-degree temperature control that is offered by other brands with PID control panels, and that’s what the new Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 3 models now offer.
But what about a Smoke Mode? Well, this is where it gets a little bit odd with these new Pit Boss Gen 3 models. Specifically the Gen 3 1150 and 1600.
As I’ve noted above, the promotional video for the new Pro Series 1150 and 1600 above does indeed show at 16 seconds Smoke Mode and PID Mode on the screen of the control panel.
However, there is no reference to the Smoke Mode in the product listing or, indeed, the manuals for these respective models (I have read them).
Just to clarify here though, both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Pro 1600 Elite feature Smoke Mode (VST), its only the smaller/budget models in the Gen 3 Pro Series lineup that appear to lack the feature.
Why The Missing Smoke Mode Is Really Odd
Well, its odd firstly because its obviously shown in the promotional video for these respective Gen 3 Pro Series models. Its also odd because Smoke Mode is found on the new Gen 3 Pro Series Vertical Smoker.
The other reason I find the missing Smoke Mode odd is that these new Gen 3 Pro Series models are also competing again their other Pit Boss siblings. Namely the Competition Series and Onyx Edition.
Both of those Pit Boss models ranges feature PID temperature control along with a Smoke Mode that brings back the Pit Boss P-Setting adjustments for increased smoke production.
Therefore, the fact that the new Pro Series Gen 3 1150 and 1600 don’t have a Smoke Mode is just really, really odd and a mark against them when compared to other new Pit Boss pellet grills/smokers.
The Cross-Hatched Grate Design Is Gone
With the Gen 2 Pro Series, Pit Boss decided to try something a little different with their porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
Instead of using straight vertical bars, they choose to go with a cross-hatched design. The benefits of this design mean its harder for small/thin food to fall between and down through the grate.
However, what many Pit Boss Gen 2 Pro Series owners have stated is what they didn’t like about this grate design is that it was much harder to clean.
With straight vertical bars cleaning the grate is pretty quick and easy by just running the grill brush up and down the grates.
However, that action didn’t work to clean the cross-hatched design grates, making cleaning up more tricky and time-consuming.
It appears Pit Boss picked up on this feedback, and the Pro Series Gen 3 1150 and 1600 now feature porcelain-coated cast iron grates with vertical bars.
I should note the Gen 2 1600 Elite featured stainless steel vertical bars for the grate. The same is true of the Gen 3 1600 Elite PS3.
Final Thoughts On The Pit Boss Pro Series Gen 3…
Its no secret that Pit Boss had some issues with the control panels fitted to the Pro Series Gen 2 models (firmware etc). Therefore, the change of control panel on the Gen 3 models is good to see.
Importantly, the Pro Series Gen 3 control panel now features 5-degree temperature adjustment. A feature missing on the Gen 2 Pro 1150 and 1600 models that many owners were frustrated with.
I do find it odd though, that it appears Pit Boss has not given the Gen 3 Pro 1150 and 1600 a Smoke Mode. Not only as its shown in the promotional video but because their other latest models do have the feature!?
I’ll be discussing that more when I update my Pit Boss Competition vs Pro Series and Onyx Edition vs Pro Series articles.
That’s it! Thanks for reading. I hope you found the comparison tables above useful and my comments above interesting. As always, check out my Pellet Grill/Smoker Guide for more articles. 🙂
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