Pit Boss vs Oklahoma Joe’s: Pellet Grills Compared by Specs
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When you compare the pit boss vs oklahoma joe s pellet grill debate, note that these models use different fuels. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 uses wood pellets for automated temperature control. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco uses charcoal for manual airflow management. Both offer grilling and smoking capabilities. You must choose between digital convenience and traditional charcoal flavor. The cooking areas and fuel capacities also differ significantly.
Fuel
Wood Pellet
Charcoal
Cooking Area
747 sq in
284 sq in
Temperature Control
Digital LCD Controller
Manual Airflow System
Max Temperature
1,000°F (with Flame Broiler)
Not listed
Warranty
5-year warranty
Not listed
Choose the first if
- You want a larger cooking surface for bigger meals.
- You prefer automated temperature regulation via a digital controller.
- You need high-heat searing capabilities up to 1,000°F.
Choose the second if
- You prefer the authentic flavor of charcoal over wood pellets.
- You want to add fuel without removing food or grates.
- You need a compact drum smoker for smaller outdoor spaces.
Verdict
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 suits you if you prioritize digital convenience, a larger cooking area, and precise temperature settings. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco is better for you if you value charcoal flavor, fuel accessibility, and a compact footprint. Choose the model that aligns with your preferred fuel source and cooking volume.
Specs: Pit Boss vs Oklahoma Joe's
Fuel type
Edge: Tie
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 uses wood pellets. It features a 21 lb hopper that holds enough fuel for long, slow cooks without frequent refills. The digital controller manages the burn automatically. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco relies on charcoal. You add charcoal and wood chunks through a side fuel door. This design lets you add fuel without moving grates or food. The Bronco holds up to 8 lb of fuel for 14+ hours of smoking. You manage airflow manually with vents. The Pit Boss offers set-it-and-forget convenience. The Bronco requires active management but offers traditional charcoal flavor.
Cooking area
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 provides 747 square inches of cooking space. It includes two tiers of porcelain-coated steel racks. This large area suits bigger gatherings or cooking multiple cuts at once. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco offers 284 square inches of cooking space. While smaller, it includes a rib hanger kit for added flexibility. The Pit Boss has nearly three times the main cooking surface. If you need to cook large roasts or many items simultaneously, the Pit Boss is the clear choice. The Bronco is better for smaller batches or when space is limited.
Temperature control
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 uses a digital LCD controller. You can set temperatures in 5°F increments from 180°F to 500°F. A Flame Broiler lever allows direct flame searing up to 1,000°F. This gives you precise electronic control over heat levels. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco uses a purpose-built airflow system. You adjust temperature manually by opening or closing vents. This method requires practice to maintain steady heat. The Pit Boss is better for users who want consistent, automated temperature management. The Bronco appeals to those who prefer traditional manual control over their fire.
Probe ports
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 includes two meat probe ports. One meat probe is included with the purchase. This allows you to monitor internal food temperatures without opening the lid. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco data does not list any probe ports or included probes. You must rely on visual cues or a separate handheld thermometer. The Pit Boss offers built-in monitoring convenience. The Bronco lacks this specific feature in the provided specifications. If monitoring internal meat temp is important to you, the Pit Boss has the advantage.
Size and weight
Edge: Tie
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 measures 43.7 inches wide, 47 inches high, and 26.8 inches long. It weighs 119 pounds. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco measures 44.4 inches wide, 43.4 inches high, and 26.6 inches long. It weighs 137 pounds. The Pit Boss is taller but lighter. The Bronco is shorter but heavier. Both have similar footprints, taking up about the same floor space. The Pit Boss is easier to move due to lower weight. The Bronco's drum design may offer better stability in windy conditions. Neither is significantly more compact than the other.
Warranty
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 is backed by a 5-year warranty. This covers the unit against defects for half a decade. The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco data does not specify a warranty period. You would need to check the manufacturer's current policy for coverage details. The Pit Boss offers a clear, stated warranty length. This provides predictable long-term protection. Without specific warranty data for the Bronco, the Pit Boss has the advantage in stated coverage terms.
Choose Your Grill By Cooking Style
Users wanting automated temperature control
Our pick: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 features a digital controller with 5°F increment settings. You can set precise temperatures between 180° and 500° without manual adjustments. The 21 lb hopper holds enough wood pellets for extended sessions. This automation simplifies long cooks, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the grill maintains consistent heat levels.
Those preferring traditional charcoal smoking
Our pick: Oklahoma Joe's Bronco 18 in. Charcoal Drum Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco uses charcoal for authentic smoke flavor. Its purpose-built airflow system lets you adjust and maintain temperatures manually. The drum design retains heat effectively over long periods. You get 284 sq in of cooking space plus a rib hanger kit. This setup offers flexibility for low-and-slow smoking sessions with direct fuel access.
Buyers needing high-heat searing capability
Our pick: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 includes a Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing. This feature allows you to reach temperatures up to 1,000°F for quick, high-heat cooking. The porcelain-coated steel racks handle this intensity well. You get 747 sq in of total cooking area across two tiers. This combination supports both slow smoking and intense grilling in one unit.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill
Best for: large batch cooking and searing
- Cooking Area
- 747 sq in
- Temperature Range
- 180°F to 500°F
- Controller Type
- LCD digital
- Cooking Racks
- 2 tiers
- Meat Probes
- 1 probe
- Hopper Capacity
- 21 lb
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 is a 747-square-inch wood pellet grill with a digital LCD controller. It reaches 180° to 500°F normally, with a Flame Broiler lever for direct searing up to 1,000°F. The 21-pound hopper supports long cooks. Weighing 119 pounds, it includes two meat probe ports and a solid bottom shelf. This model suits you if you want versatile temperature control and ample cooking space for family meals.
- 747 square inches of porcelain-coated steel cooking space
- Digital controller with 5°F increment settings
- Flame Broiler lever for searing up to 1,000°F
- 21 lb. pellet hopper capacity
- Includes one meat probe and two probe ports
- Heavier build at 119 pounds
- Lower maximum temperature (500°F) compared to searing-focused competitors
- Smaller cooking area than larger variants in the series
- You need a large cooking surface for batch cooking
- You want precise temperature control with 5°F increments
- You prefer direct flame searing capabilities
- You prioritize a lighter, more portable unit
- You only need low-and-slow smoking without high-heat searing
- You have limited deck or patio space
Verdict: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill offers robust searing and ample space for families who cook frequently. It fits buyers who value precise digital control and a large cooking footprint over portability.
Oklahoma Joe's Bronco 18 in. Charcoal Drum Smoker
Best for: compact outdoor spaces and long smoke sessions
- Cooking Area
- 284 sq. in.
- Fuel
- Charcoal
- Features
- Offset Smoker
- Use
- Grilling, Smoker
- Color
- Black
- Size
- Large
The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco is a 18-inch heavy-duty charcoal drum smoker and grill. It offers 284 square inches of cooking space and weighs 137 pounds. The unit features a unique fuel door for adding charcoal without moving food. Its compact footprint saves space compared to traditional offset smokers. This setup suits you if you want consistent heat retention and the ability to switch between smoking and grilling.
- 284 square inches of cooking area
- Fuel door allows adding charcoal without removing food
- Holds up to 8 pounds of charcoal for 14+ hours of smoking
- Compact drum design saves space
- Weighs 137 pounds, making it heavy to move
- 284 square inches of cooking space is smaller than larger models
- Requires manual temperature control via airflow system
- You have limited patio space and need a compact footprint
- You want to add fuel without interrupting your cook
- You prefer charcoal for authentic smoke flavor
- You need automated pellet feeding
- You require more than 284 square inches of cooking space
- You want a lightweight grill for easy transport
Verdict: Oklahoma Joe's Bronco 18 Charcoal Drum Smoker fits you if you value space-saving design and uninterrupted fuel access. It is a solid choice for small outdoor areas where you need reliable, long-duration smoking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Pit Boss 700 FB2 Pellet Grill | Oklahoma Joe's Bronco 18 in. Charcoal Drum Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 747 sq in | 284 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F | – |
| Controller Type | LCD digital | – |
| Cooking Racks | 2 tiers | – |
| Meat Probes | 1 probe | – |
| Hopper Capacity | 21 lb | – |
| Fuel | Wood Pellet | Charcoal |
| Features | Offset Smoker, Meat Probe, Digital Controller | Offset Smoker |
| Use | Grilling, Smoker | Grilling, Smoker |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Size | 700FB2 | Large |
| Dimensions | 26.8 × 43.7 × 47 inches | 26.6 × 44.4 × 43.4 inches |
| Weight | 119 pounds | 137 pounds |
| Model | 11087 | 25203120 |
Frequently asked questions
Which grill is better for large family gatherings?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 is better for large gatherings. It offers a wide cooking width of 43.7 inches and a length of 26.8 inches. This footprint provides ample space for multiple items. The digital controller helps maintain consistent heat for large batches of food without constant monitoring.
Does the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco use pellets?
No, the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco does not use pellets. It runs on charcoal fuel. This model relies on manual airflow management rather than automated digital controls. You must manage the fire manually to control the temperature during your cook.
How heavy is the Pit Boss 700 FB2?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 weighs 119 pounds. Its dimensions are 47 inches in height, 43.7 inches in width, and 26.8 inches in length. This substantial weight indicates a sturdy build designed for stationary outdoor use rather than frequent portability.
What features does the Pit Boss 700 FB2 include?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 includes an offset smoker design, a meat probe, and a digital controller. These features allow for precise temperature management and monitoring of internal meat temperatures. It supports both grilling and smoking functions effectively.
Is the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco suitable for small spaces?
Yes, the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco is suitable for smaller areas. It has a width of 44.4 inches and a length of 26.6 inches. Its compact footprint and charcoal drum design make it a solid choice for users with limited outdoor space who need reliable smoking capabilities.
Can I use the Pit Boss for both grilling and smoking?
Yes, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 is designed for both grilling and smoking. It features a digital controller that manages wood pellet fuel automatically. This versatility allows you to switch between high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking sessions with precision.
See also
Prices and specifications on this page are read from the Amazon product listing and can change at any time. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback. Nobody at this site handled or measured these products.
