Pit Boss 700FB2: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-05

Summary

The recurring caution is temperature control: several independent owners report the fire-pot side running hotter or a meaningful gap between the set temperature and grate thermometers, and one exact-model review needed an aftermarket heat deflector because temperature was more than 100°F off. It deliberately skips Wi-Fi, the 21-lb hopper and 747-sq-in two-tier area are generous for the money, and the five-year warranty is a real advantage. Below the mainstream $450 street level it is compelling; above $500 the missing connectivity and heat-uniformity signals get harder to excuse.

Common problems and fixes

Uneven heat and a hotter fire-pot side — exact-model owners describe the left, fire-pot side running much hotter and a gap between controller temperature and grate thermometers; one review says a heat deflector was needed because temperature was more than 100°F off. Budget attention to thermometer placement and check your grate rather than trusting the controller. A recurring caution, not a measured failure rate. [4][8]
Controller unresponsive when hot — one exact-model owner reported the controller becoming unresponsive as the grill heated and recovering after cooldown; another syndicated review describes finicky knob and button registration. Not enough evidence to call it a general failure rate. [7][4]
No Wi-Fi or app control — connectivity is not built in, and no factory connected-controller upgrade was verified, so this is a knob-and-display grill. [1][2]
“700” is not the cooking area — the manufacturer and most retailers state about 747 sq in total across both tiers, while other retailer tables list 730 or 743 sq in and one shopper measured closer to 675. The advertised figure counts both tiers, so the main grate is smaller than the total suggests. [5][1]
Auger and pellet-feed jams — retailer-syndicated reviews include feed complaints, though some review feeds combine models, so exact-model attribution should be checked before treating each as PB700FB2 evidence. Keep pellets dry and remove ash. [4]
Hands-on maintenance — clean the burn pot every few uses, the temperature probe and shield every 2–3 sessions, and the air intake and fan area about every 5–6 sessions. Long or poor pellets can obstruct the feed. [2]

Parts and consumables

Grill cover — sold separately; compatible Pit Boss 73700/700FB cover listings run around $60 as of 2026-09. [10]
Replacement parts — the manual exposes a serviceable auger, fan, igniter and sensor and directs owners to replacements through the retailer or Pit Boss; exact individual part numbers for model 11087 were not indexed. [1][2]
Meat probe — one probe is included, with two probe ports; no separate price was found. [1]
Pellets — hardwood fuel is the main ongoing consumable, and poor or damp pellets can obstruct the feed. [2]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data for fuel, because pellet spend depends on local pellet prices, cooking temperature and weather, so no $/hour estimate is used. A compatible cover is a one-off cost of about $60, bucket liners and foil are optional, and owners worried about hot spots sometimes add a third-party heat deflector that should not be treated as mandatory.

When it is a good buy

Mainstream retailer prices checked 2026-09-29: Tractor Supply and Bomgaars listed $449.99, Fleet Farm and Farm & Home Supply $499.99, and Texas Appliance $549.99, with specialty listings roughly $550–600. The hardware is excellent value at $350 or less, very good at $351–400, and good to fair at $401–450 if direct-flame searing matters; it is only acceptable at $451–500 and weak above $500, where connected grills and models with more refined heat management become realistic alternatives.