Louisiana Grills Review: The “Lexus” of Pellet Smokers or Just Pretty Metal?
We break down the Black Label and Founders Series to see if the high-heat searing justifies the premium price tag.
If you’ve walked through Costco or browsed premium BBQ sites, you’ve likely stopped to stare at a Louisiana Grill. They are striking machines—shiny stainless steel, heavy lids, and a promise of “World Class BBQ.” Owned by Dansons (the same parent company as Pit Boss), Louisiana Grills is positioned as their luxury line.
But does “luxury” just mean shiny metal? We’ve analyzed user reports, technical specs, and long-term performance data to answer one question: Is a Louisiana Grill worth the extra cash over a Pit Boss or Traeger?
In this comprehensive review, we cover the Black Label, the Founders Series, and the “real talk” about reliability that most sponsored reviews skip.
The Lineup: Which Model is Which?
Louisiana Grills currently confuses customers with three distinct lines that look similar but perform differently.
1. The Black Label Series (The Tech Leader)
As seen in our research, the LG800BL and LG1200BL are the flagships. They feature a full digital touchscreen, WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, and a stealthy matte black finish.
- Key Spec: 180°F to 600°F temperature range.
- Build: 14-gauge steel construction.
- Tech: “Smoke IT” app compatibility.
2. The Founders Series (The Retro Premium)
Named after Dan Thiessen (the founder), these grills have a distinctive stainless steel barrel look. They use the same tech as the Black Label but focus more on heavy 304 stainless steel construction.
3. The SL Series (Costco Exclusive)
The “SL” (often SL700 or SL1000) is a hybrid model found at Costco. It usually lacks some of the advanced insulation of the Founders series but offers the same 600°F searing power at a bargain price.
The “Killer Feature”: Direct Flame Searing
If there is one reason to buy a Louisiana Grill over a Traeger, it is the SearTech™ system. Most pellet grills are just outdoor ovens. Louisiana Grills (and their sibling Pit Boss) feature a slide-plate flame broiler.
By pulling a lever, you expose the firepot directly to the grates. While the controller maxes out at 600°F, the open flame can hit temperatures of 1000°F+ at the grate level.
Expert Note: This makes it arguably the Best Barbecue Grill for those who refuse to own a separate gas grill for steaks.
⚠️ Real User Warning: The Hopper & App Issues
We cannot write an honest review without addressing the elephants in the room. Recent user reports have highlighted significant reliability concerns:
- Hopper Tunneling: Users have reported that pellets can “tunnel” (hollow out) in the hopper, stopping the feed even when the hopper looks full. This requires you to manually stir the pellets during long cooks.
- Hopper Fires: Some owners, like “Tanner Moulding” (May 2025), reported hopper fires and claimed customer service blamed a “missing metal plate” that didn’t exist.
- WiFi Connectivity: The “Smoke IT” app is notoriously buggy, especially on Android devices, with frequent disconnects reported by users.
These issues suggest that while the hardware (steel) is premium, the software and hopper design may lag behind competitors like Traeger. For a comparison of reliability, see our Green Mountain Grills vs Traeger showdown.
Pros & Cons: The Verdict
| Why You Buy It (Pros) | Why You Skip It (Cons) |
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Comparison: Louisiana Grills vs. The World
Louisiana Grills vs. Pit Boss
Since they are owned by the same company, is it worth the upgrade? Generally, yes, if you live in a cold climate. The thicker steel of the Louisiana helps maintain temps in winter. However, for pure cooking results, the food will taste identical because the burn system is largely the same. Read our full Louisiana Grills vs Pit Boss guide for more.
Louisiana Grills vs. Traeger
Traeger wins on “Set it and Forget it.” Their app works, their augers rarely jam, and their support is massive. Louisiana Grills wins on “Versatility.” A Traeger cannot sear a steak the way a Louisiana can. If you are a tech-geek, buy Traeger. If you are a fire-lover, buy Louisiana.
Performance Evaluation
Smoking (Low & Slow)
The pressurized exhaust system is excellent. It forces smoke to roll over the meat before exiting the rear vents. We give it a 9/10 for smoke flavor intensity.
Grilling (High Heat)
With the slide-plate open, you get char that rivals a gas grill. However, the open flame creates a concentrated hot spot in the center. 8.5/10.
Tech & Usability
The touchscreen is sleek but can be finicky with greasy fingers. The app issues lower this score significantly. 6/10.
Final Verdict
The Louisiana Grill is a “Driver’s Car.” It requires more attention than a Traeger, and you might have to tinker with the pellets to prevent tunneling. But in exchange, you get a machine that can sear, smoke, and bake with industrial-grade build quality.
Buy the Louisiana Grill (Black Label/Founders) if: You want a stunning centerpiece for your patio, you prioritize searing power, and you are willing to perform regular maintenance (cleaning the firepot and oiling the grates).
Avoid if: You want a 100% hands-off experience or rely heavily on WiFi control from the grocery store. In that case, look at Camp Chef or Traeger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Louisiana Grill keep catching fire?
Fires in the hopper usually occur due to “burn back,” where the fire travels up the auger tube. This can happen if the lid is left open during shutdown or if pellet dust accumulates. Ensure you vacuum the hopper and firepot regularly.
Is Louisiana Grills better than Pit Boss?
Louisiana Grills is the premium brand of the same parent company (Dansons). They feature thicker steel, 304 stainless components, and pressurized exhaust systems, whereas Pit Boss is focused on value.
How do I fix the “tunneling” issue in the hopper?
Tunneling occurs when pellets feed from the center but stick to the sides. To fix this, you can lightly sand the interior of the hopper with high-grit sandpaper to make it slicker, or simply give the pellets a stir every 2-3 hours during a cook.
Does the Black Label Series have WiFi?
Yes, the Black Label and Founders Series both come with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, controllable via the “Smoke IT” app available on iOS and Android.
For more tips on keeping your grill safe, read our guide on Safety Features to Look For in a Barbecue.
