Pit Boss Pellet grills are wonderful grills, and understanding how to use the settings and capabilities of the grill will help you to enjoy and maximize their use.
Not to mention that learning how to operate your grill and mastering its temperature control settings will help you cook better food and generate more tasty results.
Wood pellet grills are now quite popular. The Pit Boss pellet grill is one of the top brands for individuals who require an economical high-quality barbeque.
If you have been contemplating getting one or just thinking about learning how to use a pellet grill, you’ve come to the right place.
Pellet grills need electricity in order to burn the hardwood pellets used as fuel. The main components of a Pit Boss grill are the hopper, auger, fire pot, ignitor, and fan.
Unlike traditional grills, pellet grills are capable of much more than just grilling. They function as outdoor ovens and use indirect heat.
Essentially, you can cook everything that can be prepared in an oven or convection oven on a pellet grill.
Today we will examine the P Setting or P SET found on Pit Boss pellet grills and smokers.
What Is A Pit Boss Grill?
Smoking on a Pit Boss barbecue is unlike smoking on any other grill. The burning of hardwood pellets imparts a genuine wood smoky flavor to everything.
Whether direct or indirect heat is used, Pit Boss pellet grills produce fan-forced convection.
This means that there is always a constant circulation of hot, smoky air throughout the grill, resulting in an even cloud of flavor.
In addition to adding smoky flavors, dishes may be smoked low and slow for hours.
Some Pit Bosses even leave their grills unattended for hours while they are at work or sleeping to produce perfectly smoked meats without having to oversee them.
This makes typically tough cuts, like Brisket, simple to smoke. Everyone adores grilled brisket, and now you can too!
Simply set up your grill as described in the “Pellet Grill Setup” section, leave it on the “smoke” setting, and monitor the process using a remote thermometer or meat probe.
In addition to smoking and “low and slow” barbecue, you can grill and sear over a Pit Boss Pellet Grill. Who doesn’t like a well-grilled steak?
Therefore, Pit Boss Pellet Barbecues are considered 8-in-1 barbecues that provide every possible BBQ option.
Not all wood pellet barbecues can perform as well as the Pit Boss.
If you want the biggest, hottest, and heaviest pellet grill available with a 5-year warranty, look no further. A Pit Boss Grill is your best alternative.
These grills have groundbreaking SearZoneTM technology, which delivers the direct heat required for a superb sear.
Or, set your grill to smoke and cook the brisket low and slow while you forget about it.
What Is A Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are outdoor cooking appliances that combine features of smokers, charcoal-gas grills, and ovens.
Pit Boss Pellet Grills may provide either direct or indirect heat using 100% natural hardwood pellets.
Pellet grills operate by transferring wood pellets from a pellet hopper to the cooking pot.
The pellets are fed into the firebox by an auger mechanism, where they are burned to heat the grill to the desired temperature.
In addition, burning wood pellets imparts the smokey “wood-fired” flavor that we all like.
In contrast to gas grills, in which the fire burners are continuously lit and burning propane, pellet grills function cyclically.
Thus, the fuel, controller, and igniter function in cycles to maintain the grill’s temperature.
If the temperature starts to fall, the auger will restart to maintain the fire hot enough for cooking.
Due to the design of this grill, temperature fluctuations are unavoidable.
If the temperature of your pellet grill seems to fluctuate dramatically, this might suggest a system problem or the need for cleaning.
How Does A Pellet Grill Work?
Wood pellets are placed in a hopper. The pellets are subsequently supplied to the cooking chamber by an electric auger.
The wood pellets ignite, heating the cooking chamber.
Then, intake fans bring air in. The heat and smoke are then dispersed throughout the cooking area.
Similar to an oven, pellet grills provide precise temperature control digitally or through a dial, often ranging from 180°F to 500°F.
Thus, you may cook “low and slow” or scorching hot.
Most pellet grills contain a meat probe that can be attached to the control board to determine the internal temperature of the meat.
Pit Boss grills have an innovative SearZoneTM plate that offers indirect or direct heat and eight various cooking options.
Ignitor
On every pellet grill, the ignitor is among the failing components. The igniter ignites the pellets in the firepot.
If the ignitor fails, the grill may still be used, but the firepot must be lit using a propane torch.
Induction Fan
When you turn on the Pit Boss grill, you will instantly hear the induction fan.
It is normal for your pellet grill to sound like an engine, especially when it first starts up.
The induction fan remains on for the duration of the cooking procedure. It spreads hardwood smoke throughout the cooking chamber, enabling convection cooking.
Auger
The auger is a huge screw that supplies fuel to the burn pot. Using the P setting on the control panel, you may adjust the pellet flow.
A higher P setting will cause the auger to stop longer, so slowing the pace at which pellets are fed into the firepot.
It takes time to learn how to adjust the P setting on the Pit Boss. You will learn how to utilize the grill as you continue to use it, particularly in cold weather.
Fire Pot
In the fire container of the grill, pellets and ash residue is found. Once there are sufficient pellets in the fire pot, the hot rod ignites the pellets.
The induction fan then ignites the fire, providing the legendary induction heat.
Hopper
The hopper is a massive storage container connected to the pellet grill. The sole purpose of the hopper is to hold the pellets that are fed into the cooking chamber by the auger.
Before launching the Pit Boss, you must verify that the hopper has sufficient pellets to last the length of the cook.
How Are The Pellets Made?
In pellet grills, only wood pellets are utilized. Pit Boss hardwood pellets are manufactured from dried and powdered hardwood sawdust.
The dust is then compressed at high temperatures to produce compact pellets covered and held together by the wood’s inherent lignin.
Wood pellets are the simplest fuel to use. A 40-pound bag of pellets produces less than half a cup of ash, making cleanup a snap.
In addition, they give an abundance of flavor without the need to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio, as with wood chips or chunks.
How Does The Pit Boss Temperature Dial Work?
Many like the simplicity of the Pit Boss digital control panel. It makes it simple to use, even if you have never used one before. Depending on the model, you’ll have control over the following:
Power Button
Press the button to turn the grill on or off. When a power source is connected, the power button will produce blue light.
Temperature
The control panel displays both the desired and actual temperature.
This makes it easy to identify whether the grill is running hotter or colder than it should be without lifting the lid.
P-Setting
Adjust the operation of the auger by pushing the P-Setting button on the control panel.
Meat Probe
The meat probe has two connecting ports. When the meat probe is inserted, the LCD panel displays the inside temperature of the meat.
LCD Screen
Actual cook temperature anticipated cook temperature, and meat probe temperature is shown on the LCD screen (if connected).
What Is The P Setting On A Pit Boss Grill?
The P SET or P Setting on a Pit Boss enables you to fine-tune the grill’s temperature by managing pellet feeding cycles. It is a pause button that inserts a delay in the time between feeding cycles.
This feature comes in handy when you have to cook in cold weather, overly humid environments, windy conditions when using pellets of lower quality, or while employing the “smoking” mode.
In other words, the P Setting or P Set on your Pit Boss is a manual method for modifying the auger feeding cycle frequency and accelerating or delaying pellet feeding to the firebox to counterbalance external influences affecting the functionality of the firebox.
In a Pit Boss Pellet barbecue, the P Setting or P Set corresponds to the fuel adjustment needles in a carburetor.
It is possible to raise or reduce the frequency of pellet feedings.
The P SET
The P Setting allows for more precise temperature and firebox management. Using the P option, you may increase the number of times the auger turns and feeds pellets into the grill.
To use the P Setting or P Set on Pit Boss grills, push the P Set button with a pointed object such as a toothpick, pen tip, or screwdriver.
I advise using a ballpoint pen rather than anything sharp.
If you push the button too firmly, the plastic may crack and the button may be broken.
How Does The P Setting Work?
The P Specified or P Setting is a human override that may alter the auger system’s frequency to fine-tune the heat output specified by the temperature dial.
In Smoke Mode, the P Setting may be utilized to add more or less smoke.
The default setting for the smoke function on your Pit Boss is P4, however, you may use the P Set to increase the grill’s temperature in windy or chilly environments.
Instead of increasing the grill’s temperature using the temperature dial and spoiling the meat, you lower the P Setting to P3, which turns the auger on for 18 seconds and off for 100 seconds, as opposed to P4, which turns the auger on for 18 seconds and off for 155 seconds.
In short, the lower the P Set setting, the larger the frequency and length of pauses between auger cycles, while the higher the P Set setting, i.e. 5, 6, or 8, the less frequent and longer the pauses between auger pellet feeding cycles.
Pit Boss P Setting Chart
P SET Setting
Auger Is On
Auger Is Off
P0
18 Seconds
55 Seconds
P1
18 Seconds
70 Seconds
P2
18 Seconds
85 Seconds
P3
18 Seconds
100 Seconds
P4
18 Seconds
115 Seconds
P5
18 Seconds
130 Seconds
P6
18 Seconds
140 Seconds
P7
18 Seconds
150 Seconds
How To Use The P Setting In Smoke Mode
Meats may be smoked on a Pit Boos Pellet grill, which has fixed settings for low cooking temperature and smoke generation.
Smoke is also the starting cycle mode for the grill.
Pit Boss owners may safely light their grills and smokers using the smoke created, which provides the appropriate temperature and settings to ignite the firepot.
The smoke mode on Pit Boss pellet grills puts the auger mechanism in manual mode with a P Set default of four.
The P4 option cycles the auger pellets on for 18 seconds and off for 115 seconds.
If a greater smoke flavor is wanted, the meats must be smoked for longer durations.
This requires adding more smoke while keeping a reasonable temperature so as not to overcook the meat.
You may do this by setting the grill to smoke mode and raising the P setting so that each pellet cycle has a longer gap, maintaining a low temperature, keeping the grill on, and exposing the meat to more smoke.
Adjust the P setting to a higher level if the grill loses temperature quickly.
In essence, you are lengthening the period between the pellet feeding cycle, keep the temperature low, and forcing the meat to rest on the grill for longer, enabling it to absorb more smoke.
If there are temperature variations, the P setting on your smoker is too high.
Utilizing The P Setting In The Smoke Mode If You Want Less Smoke But More Heat The Pit Boss P option may be used to achieve a variety of effects, reducing smoke and smoke flavor while increasing heat.
Now we realize that the P Setting should be used as the auger’s pause between pellet feeding cycles.
If you reduce the P Set value, the auger tube will be engaged more often, feeding more pellets, increasing the temperature, and cooking faster.
The less smoke flavor your meat has, the less time you smoke it.
Use the P setting if you see large temperature swings or while cooking on cold, windy days.
On a really frigid day, for instance, your grill may struggle to retain temperature or reach high temperatures; this is when the P setting may be useful.
How To Use The P Setting With A Temperature Dial
When utilising your Pit Boss to grill at greater temperatures, the P Setting still plays a part, albeit in a somewhat different manner.
When you adjust your temperature dial to the correct grilling temperature, the auger feeds pellets into it until the appropriate temperature is attained.
Pit Boss is designed to default to the P settings to maintain the specified temperature after the desired temperature has been obtained.
Here, the P Set is introduced.
Let’s assume you set the grill temperature to 350 degrees. Once the grill reaches 350 degrees, it will begin cycling pellets according to the P setting.
With a P4 setting, the grill will feed for 18 seconds and stop for 115 seconds.
When direct heat and steady fire are required, a lower P setting will perform better as your grill will often feed pellets to the burn pot.
A constant or more frequent pellet flow will aid in maintaining the grill’s temperature.
In contrast, while grilling at a higher temperature, a higher P Setting might create temperature swings since the grill takes longer to feed pellets and bring the temperature back up.
Therefore, if you want to use fewer pellets when grilling and do not mind temperature fluctuations, a higher P
Setting will work, but if you want a more constant grilling temperature, a lower setting will work better, although you will need more pellets.
How Do I Change The P Setting On A Pit Boss Grill?
Pit Boss models equipped with the P Set feature will have a button on the PID controller and the LCD control board display will indicate the P setting.
This feature gives extensive control and may help adjust cooking time provided everything is operating correctly.
It is recommended that you go gradually through the settings, since learning them takes time, and you may not need to modify the P setting on all of your cookware.
To adjust the P setting, use a pen or non-sharp object to press the button until the proper P setting displays on the LCD screen.
Changing the Pit Boss P Setting a Pit Boss grill is all about fine-tuning the temperature control, which should be done in small increments to minimize temperature changes.
You are now aware that adjusting the P setting impacts the feeding of wood pellets. Avoid making large p setting modifications.
Adjust the P setting slowly and wait 30 minutes between adjustments.
Observe the grill and burn pot temperatures.
If you see an extreme temperature drop, lower your adjustments and try with alternative settings until the temperature is as constant as possible.
Avoid making too many changes at once, as this may result in a clogged auger or significant temperature swings on the grill.
Be careful not to set the P setting too high. In the smoke setting, your Pit Boss may begin lowering the temperature or shutting off.
What Does A Lower P Setting Do?
Using the smoke setting and a lower P setting, the grill will feed pellets more often, cooking the meat more quickly and exposing it to less smoke at higher temperatures.
Suppose you want to smoke a rack of ribs but do not want a huge smoke ring or excessive flavor.
You may set the grill to smoke mode and lower the P setting to feed pellets more often, therefore cooking at a higher temperature and exposing the meat to smoke for a shorter period.
Alternatively, say you are cooking a beautiful steak, but the fat in the flesh continues to cause flare-ups and the grill temperature continues to rise.
Adjusting the P Level to a higher level will lessen the temperature and delay the fire as the grill feeds pellets more slowly.
Extra Tips
Although the P setting can be an integral component of Pit Boss pellet grills, there are other ways to attain and maintain temperature control.
Here are some more temperature management tips for your Pit Boss.
Use A Grill Blanket
A grill blanket is an excellent way to thermally insulate your grill if you live in the north or another region where temperatures drop dramatically, reducing heat loss and cold penetration.
Use Good Pellets
All wood pellets are created from wood. Other than that, each manufacturer is unique.
Even two bags of pellets from the same manufacturer will differ. The list of possible origins for wood continues.
To guarantee that you are feeding your grill excellent fuel, you must get pellets from a reputable vendor.
Low-quality pellets can make it challenging for your grill to keep a steady temperature.
Avoid using obsolete or inferior pellets in Pit Boss grills.
Avoid feeding the grill’s hopper with wet or broken pellets by storing them properly.
Keep The Door Shut To Prevent Peaking
If you repeatedly open and shut the door of your pellet grill, heat will escape. Resist the urge to check the meat every 5 seconds.
Remember that when the temperature falls below the predetermined setting, your grill will begin feeding pellets, burning more fuel, and working harder to maintain the temperature.
Keep Everything Clean
Maintain cleanliness of the fan blades and auger motor. The Fan must provide sufficient airflow to ignite the pellets in the firepot.
Because wood is being burnt, there will always be ash in the burning cup.
However, thick ash in the cup might smother the fire and cause the grill to overfeed pellets. In rare instances, this may result in the grill shutting down and flashing error codes.
Adjust The Smoke Exhaust Cap
Adjust the grill’s temperature by adjusting the chimney cover. Airflow is crucial for fire and temperature control.
The adjustable exhaust cap serves a purpose. Adjusting the cap may assist with ventilation and temperature regulation.
Final Thoughts
Use the P Setting Button to alter the pause time on your grill or vertical smoker will allow you to perfect your grill for more efficient cooking and adjust the quantity of smoke it produces to add or remove smoke flavor.
