Louisiana Grills vs Pit Boss: The Ultimate Sibling Rivalry
Two heavyweights, one parent company. Do you save money with Pit Boss or pay up for the premium Louisiana experience?
If you are shopping for a pellet grill, you might feel like you are seeing double. Louisiana Grills and Pit Boss share a lot of DNA. That is because they are both owned by the same parent company, Dansons Inc. Think of it like the automotive world: Pit Boss is the Toyota—reliable, affordable, and everywhere. Louisiana Grills is the Lexus—sleeker, higher performance, and built with more luxury finishes.
But does the “luxury” price tag actually translate to better BBQ? Or are you just paying for stainless steel accents?
In this Louisiana Grills vs Pit Boss comparison, we are breaking down the build quality, cooking technology, and value proposition to help you decide which brother belongs in your backyard.
At a Glance: The Tale of the Tape
We are comparing the flagship lines: The Pit Boss Pro Series (typically found at Lowes) against the Louisiana Grills Founders Series.
| Feature | Pit Boss (Pro Series) | Louisiana Grills (Founders) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Position | Mass Market / Value | Premium / High-End |
| Construction | Powder Coated Steel | Heavy Duty Steel + Stainless Accents |
| Max Temp | 500°F (Direct Flame ~1000°F) | 600°F (Direct Flame ~1000°F) |
| Airflow | Traditional Chimney Cap | Pressurized Rear Exhaust |
| Controller | PID with Buttons/LCD | Full Touchscreen (Smart Touch) |
| Price Range | $400 – $800 | $800 – $1,600+ |
Round 1: Build Quality & Design
Pit Boss: The Workhorse
Pit Boss grills are built to be affordable. They typically use thinner gauge steel than their premium counterparts. However, they are still sturdy enough for years of use if maintained properly. The finish is a standard high-heat powder coat. The legs and cart are functional but can feel a bit “rattly” on lower-end models like the Navigator or Mahogany series.
For a deeper look at budget-friendly smokers, check out our guide on Best Barbecue Smokers.
Louisiana Grills: The Showpiece
When you touch a Louisiana Grill, specifically the Founders Series or Black Label, you feel the difference immediately. They use heavier gauge steel (often 14-gauge), which retains heat better in cold weather. The lids are heavier, the gaskets are tighter, and they incorporate high-quality 304 stainless steel in the grates and shelving. They look like professional kitchen appliances sitting on your patio.
Round 2: Cooking Technology & Performance
This is where the real differences lie. It’s not just about looks; it’s about how the smoke moves.
Pit Boss Tech
Flame Broiler: Pit Boss is famous for its simple slide-plate. You pull a lever, and the firepot is exposed, letting flames lick your steak. It’s crude but effective.
Chimney Draft: Most Pit Boss models use a standard smokestack. Air comes in the bottom, goes over the food, and out the chimney. It works, but can create hot spots near the firepot.
Louisiana Tech
Pressurized Cooking System: Louisiana Grills ditched the chimney. They use a rear exhaust strip. This forces air to circulate more evenly across the entire grate before exiting, eliminating hot spots.
SearTech™: Similar to Pit Boss, they have a slide plate for searing, but the airflow allows the entire chamber to reach higher ambient temps (600°F vs 500°F).
If high-tech searing is your priority, you might also want to read our Weber Searwood Review to see how the new competition stacks up.
Round 3: Controllers & WiFi
Both brands use the Smoke IT app (since they are owned by the same company). However, the hardware on the grill is different.
- Pit Boss: Uses physical rubberized buttons and a smaller LCD screen. It’s tactile, durable, and easy to use with greasy fingers.
- Louisiana Grills: The Founders and Black Label series use sleek, glass touchscreens. They look beautiful—like a smartphone embedded in your grill—but some users find touchscreens frustrating if their fingers are wet or gloved.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Pit Boss Grills
The Good
- Value: Unbeatable bang for your buck.
- Availability: Easy to find parts and accessories anywhere.
- Flame Broiler: Best-in-class direct flame access for the price.
- Warranty: generous 5-year warranty on most models.
The Bad
- Temp Swings: Thinner metal means less stability in cold weather.
- Hot Spots: The center of the grate gets much hotter than the edges.
Louisiana Grills
The Good
- Build: Built like a tank with 304 stainless steel.
- Even Heat: Pressurized exhaust system eliminates hot spots.
- High Heat: Can hit 600°F ambient temperature.
- Aesthetics: Stunning design that impresses guests.
The Bad
- Price: Nearly double the cost of a comparable Pit Boss.
- Touchscreen: Can be finicky with gloves or rain.
- Availability: Harder to find in local stores (mostly online or Costco).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Winner for Most People: Pit Boss
If you are a weekend warrior who wants to smoke ribs, pork butts, and the occasional burger, Pit Boss is the smart financial choice. The food will taste exactly the same as it does on the Louisiana Grill. You save $500+ that you can spend on high-quality meat.
Winner for Enthusiasts: Louisiana Grills
If you live in a colder climate (where insulation matters), or you want a grill that serves as a centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen, buy the Louisiana Grills Founders Series. The even heating across the grates makes it a superior machine for cooking large batches of food without having to rotate meat constantly.
Before you buy, make sure you are ready to take care of your investment. Read our guide on Key Maintenance Requirements for Barbecues to keep your pellet grill running for a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pit Boss and Louisiana Grills the same company?
Yes. Both brands are owned by Dansons Inc. Pit Boss is positioned as their mass-market, value-focused brand, while Louisiana Grills is their premium, high-end line with superior materials and technology.
Can I use Pit Boss pellets in a Louisiana Grill?
Absolutely. Since they are the same company, the pellets are compatible. In fact, most standard hardwood pellets will work in either grill without issue.
Which grill gets hotter, Pit Boss or Louisiana?
Louisiana Grills generally have a higher maximum ambient temperature setting (600°F) compared to Pit Boss (usually 500°F). However, both brands feature direct-flame sear slides that allow the firepot flames to reach over 1000°F for searing.
Is the Costco Louisiana Grill (SL Series) worth it?
The Costco exclusive SL Series is often a hybrid—it has the body of the Black Label but lacks some of the connectivity or advanced finish of the Founders series. It is generally considered an excellent value if you can find it in stock.
