Pit Boss 500FB2 Pellet Grill Matte Black - Bigger, Hotter Backyard

In this review the Pit Boss 500FB2 Pellet Grill is evaluated as a versatile midsize wood pellet cooker that suits homeowners who want more cooking space without a bulky footprint. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of over 500 sq in of cooking surface and the Flame Broiler Lever, which lets users move from low-and-slow smoking to direct flame searing in seconds. This review focuses on real use, noting how the digital control and pellet fuel deliver consistent temps while the compact cart design keeps it practical for patios and small yards.

Key Features

• 518 sq in cooking space: Provides enough room to smoke a brisket or grill for a modest crowd without occupying a large area on the patio.
• Digital control board: Maintains temperatures between 180 and 500F in 5F increments for precise low smoking or hotter grilling sessions.
• Flame Broiler Lever: Opens a direct flame searing zone that can reach very high temperatures for a proper sear on steaks and other meats.
• 5 lb hopper capacity: Supports several hours of unattended cooking on common hardwood pellets, reducing the need for frequent refills during typical weekend cooks.
• Two-tiered cooking surface and probe ports: Lets users multi-level cook and monitor internal meat temps using the included meat probe and a second port for added control.
• Solid bottom shelf: Adds convenient storage for tools, extra pellets, and accessories to keep the workspace organized.

Who It's For

The Pit Boss 500FB2 is aimed at backyard cooks who want the flavor of 100% allnatural hardwood pellet fuel plus the flexibility to smoke, grill, roast, and sear. It is a good fit for families who entertain occasionally or enthusiasts who want to tackle brisket or racks of ribs without committing to a very large smoker.

Those who need a large commercial capacity or the absolute smallest portable unit should look elsewhere: the 500FB2 balances size and capability, but its weight and cart form factor make it best for a stationary patio setup rather than frequent transport to tailgates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenty of cooking area at 518 sq in for medium to large cuts while remaining compact for backyard use.
• Accurate temperature control with 5F increment settings makes smoking and baking predictable.
• Flame Broiler Lever delivers direct flame searing capability for better crust development on steaks.
• Includes a meat probe and offers a second probe port for precise cook monitoring.

Cons

• Hopper capacity is 5 lb, which is suitable for many cooks but may require refilling for very long cooks.
• Its cart and weight make it less suited for frequent transport compared with lighter portable grills.

Specifications

Brand	PIT BOSS
Cooking area	518 sq in
Temperature range	180 to 500F (5F increments)
Flame sear capability	Flame Broiler Lever up to high sear temps
Hopper capacity	5 lb
Cooking surface	Two-tiered
Meat probes	2 ports, 1 probe included
Warranty	Pit Boss 5-year warranty

Our Verdict

The Pit Boss 500FB2 delivers strong value for backyard grillers who want robust smoking capacity and the ability to sear with an open flame. Its precise digital control, two-tiered cooking surface, and included probe make it a versatile allinone cooker. It is recommended for homeowners who will keep it on a patio and want reliable pellet flavor and searing performance without stepping up to a much larger unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it use hardwood pellets?
Yes, it is designed for 100% allnatural hardwood pellet fuel for smoke flavor and consistent burn.

Can it sear steaks?
Yes, the Flame Broiler Lever creates an open flame zone for highheat searing and better crusts.

How many probes are supported?
It has two meat probe ports and ships with one meat probe included.