If you’re shopping for a full-size pellet grill that balances affordability with real smoking and grilling capability, the Pit Boss 700FB and Pit Boss 700FB1 are two models you’ll see constantly recommended. While they look almost identical at first glance, they are not the same grill. One is the original classic, and the other is its modern Series 1 refresh.
The Generational Shift Between These Two Models
The Pit Boss 700FB1 is not a smaller or lighter grill. It is the updated evolution of the original 700FB design. Both grills use heavy-gauge steel construction, a 21-pound pellet hopper, and Pit Boss’s signature flame broiler system. The real difference lies in temperature control precision, long-cook stability, and overall ease of use.
Side-by-Side Specifications Overview
| Feature | Pit Boss 700FB | Pit Boss 700FB1 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 700 sq. in. | 743 sq. in. |
| Main Grate Material | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Controller Type | Digital controller with P-settings | PID digital controller |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 500°F | 180°F – 500°F |
| Flame Broiler | Yes (slide-plate) | Yes (updated slide-plate) |
| Pellet Hopper Capacity | 21 lbs | 21 lbs |
| Weight | Approx. 118 lbs | Approx. 120 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Pit Boss 700FB: The Original Workhorse
The Pit Boss 700FB became popular because it offered true pellet grilling at an affordable price without cutting essential features. With 700 square inches of cooking space, it can handle multiple racks of ribs, large pork shoulders, or a full family cookout with ease.
Its porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates retain heat extremely well. Combined with the flame broiler system, the 700FB can achieve real direct-flame searing, producing grill marks and char that many pellet grills cannot.
Temperature control on the 700FB relies on a traditional digital controller with adjustable P-settings. While effective, this system allows temperature swings of 15–25°F during long cooks, especially in cold or windy conditions. Experienced users can manage this easily, but beginners may find it requires more attention.
Overall build quality is solid, with thick steel construction, a sturdy bottom shelf, and a reliable hopper clean-out system. It is designed to live on a patio and handle years of regular use.
Strengths
- Excellent value for a full-size pellet grill
- Cast iron grates provide strong heat retention
- Direct flame access for true searing
- Durable steel construction
Limitations
- Temperature fluctuations during long cooks
- Requires manual P-setting adjustments
- 700 sq. in. total cooking surface.
- Porcelain coated cast iron grids.
- Digitally controlled burn system.
Pit Boss 700FB1: A Refined and More Stable Upgrade
The Pit Boss 700FB1 builds on the original platform with one major improvement: a PID digital controller. This controller continuously monitors grill temperature and adjusts pellet delivery in real time, resulting in far tighter temperature control.
In real-world use, the 700FB1 typically stays within 5–10°F of the target temperature. This makes a noticeable difference during overnight brisket cooks or long pork shoulder sessions, where consistency is critical.
The cooking area has been slightly increased to 743 square inches, and the rack layout is more usable for taller cuts of meat. The flame broiler slide mechanism is also smoother, allowing faster transitions between indirect smoking and high-heat grilling.
Many Pit Boss 700FB1 units include a meat probe that integrates directly with the controller, allowing you to monitor internal meat temperature without opening the lid.
One small but important detail worth noting is that the included meat probe can vary by retailer and bundle. Most Pit Boss 700FB1 units shipped in recent years include a probe, but some big-box store bundles may omit it to lower the entry price. Always verify the contents of the specific listing before purchasing.
Strengths
- PID controller delivers steadier temperatures
- More consistent results on long cooks
- Slightly larger and better-organized cooking space
- Smoother flame broiler operation
Limitations
- Higher price than the original 700FB
- Heavy and not designed for portability
- 743 Square inches of cooking space
- Dial-in digital control with LCD screen
- 180-500 Degree temperature range with direct flame searing up to 1000 degrees
Real-World Cooking Performance
For everyday grilling tasks like burgers, chicken, and sausages, both grills perform similarly. The key difference appears during extended smoking sessions. The 700FB1 requires significantly less monitoring, making it more forgiving for beginners and more convenient for experienced pitmasters.
Pellet efficiency is also slightly better on the 700FB1, as the PID controller feeds pellets more precisely instead of cycling aggressively.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the P-Setting on the original Pit Boss 700FB?
The P-Setting (Pause Setting) controls how long the auger pauses between pellet feeds when the grill is operating in Smoke mode. Lower P-values feed pellets more frequently, producing higher heat and cleaner combustion. Higher P-values increase the pause time, generating more smoke but also increasing the risk of flame-outs in cold or windy conditions.
Because this adjustment is manual, the 700FB requires more hands-on attention during long cooks. The 700FB1’s PID controller handles these adjustments automatically, which is why it maintains steadier temperatures with less user intervention.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you find the original Pit Boss 700FB at a significantly lower price and mainly cook shorter grilling sessions, it remains a solid and capable option. It offers authentic wood-fired flavor and real searing performance.
If the price difference is reasonable, the Pit Boss 700FB1 is the better long-term investment. Its improved temperature control, reduced babysitting, and refined design make it the better choice for most users.
Final Verdict
The Pit Boss 700FB1 does not reinvent the original grill—it improves it where it matters most. While both models are capable and durable, the FB1’s PID controller and temperature stability make it the more reliable and user-friendly pellet grill overall.
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