6 What Does ERL Mean on a Pit Boss Smoker of 2026 – Troubleshooting Guide

The Pit Boss 67290 Smoker Cleaner is a dedicated grill and smoker degreaser designed to tackle the toughest burnt-on grease and charred debris. Unlike all-purpose cleaners, this formula is built specifically for outdoor cooking equipment, making it a must-have for anyone who takes grill maintenance seriously. Whether you own a pellet grill, a charcoal smoker, a gas barbecue, or a flat top griddle, this spray helps restore your gear to like-new condition without hours of scrubbing.

This cleaner is best suited for backyard grillers, BBQ enthusiasts, and tailgaters who cook frequently and want to keep their equipment in top shape. It works exceptionally well on stainless steel and enameled surfaces, which are common on modern grills and smokers. Campers and RV owners will also appreciate the convenience of a spray that can clean portable grills and camping stoves after a weekend cookout. If you own a vertical smoker or a pellet grill, you know how quickly smoke residue builds up – this product cuts through that grime efficiently.

In terms of real-world performance, the Pit Boss cleaner lives up to the hype. Users report that it dissolves grease and carbon almost instantly, especially when allowed to sit for a few minutes. The foaming action lifts stubborn residues, so you can simply wipe or scrape them away. For best results, use it every 9-10 grilling sessions to prevent heavy buildup and maintain the flavor integrity of your food. Many reviewers mention that it works better than generic kitchen degreasers and leaves surfaces shiny without damaging the finish.

Build quality is solid – the spray bottle delivers a consistent mist, though some customers have reported that the nozzle can break during shipping. The formula itself is potent but not overly harsh, making it safe for regular use on painted or coated grills. Cleaning up is straightforward: spray, let it sit, then rinse or wipe. There is no need for specialized tools or protective gear, though gloves are recommended for sensitive skin.

One realistic limitation is that the bottle may not last long if you are cleaning a large smoker or multiple grills in one session. A single bottle is ideal for spot cleaning and maintenance, not for deep-restoration of heavily neglected equipment. Also, the packaging could be more robust to prevent leaks during transit. Despite these minor issues, the majority of users find it highly effective and repurchase regularly.

Overall, the Pit Boss Smoker Cleaner is a practical investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. It saves time and effort compared to abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, and it helps prolong the life of your grill or smoker. If you value clean equipment and great-tasting food, this spray deserves a spot in your cleaning arsenal. For tailgaters, campers, and backyard chefs alike, it is a reliable tool that makes post-cook cleanup much less of a chore.

Keeping your grill or smoker clean is essential for both performance and food flavor. The Pit Boss 67290 cleaner simplifies this task with a spray-on formula that breaks down grease and carbon without heavy scrubbing. For best results, apply the cleaner to a warm (not hot) surface, allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes, then wipe away with a cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry to prevent water spots. Use it after every 9-10 cooking sessions to maintain a fresh, clean surface. This cleaner is safe for stainless steel, enamel, and ceramic grates – avoid using on aluminum or uncoated cast iron unless you rinse immediately. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place to preserve the formula.

The Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker is a propane-powered smoker designed for backyard BBQ enthusiasts who love the art of low-and-slow cooking. With over 880 square inches of cooking space across four porcelain-coated racks, this smoker gives you the capacity to smoke multiple briskets, ribs, or whole chickens at once—perfect for weekend parties or feeding a crowd.

This smoker is best suited for backyard grillers and outdoor entertainers who want consistent heat and rich smoke flavor without the constant attention required by charcoal or pellet smokers. The dual valve and dual burner system is a standout feature: one stainless steel burner is dedicated to heating wood chips for smoke, while the other maintains cabinet temperature. Both are controlled by a single knob, but you get independent control over each burner's gas flow, letting you dial in smoke intensity and cooking temperature separately. The temperature range from 100°F to 320°F covers everything from cold smoking cheese to hot smoking chicken, though it tops out before searing temperatures.

In real-world cooking, heat consistency is decent—the vertical design sometimes creates a slight gradient, but the high-temperature door seal helps retain heat and smoke. The external wood chip and ash tray is a practical touch; you can add chips or dump ash without opening the main door, so you don't lose heat or let smoke escape. The large glass viewing window paired with a heat indicator lets you monitor your cook without guessing, which is great for overnight brisket smokes. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the front-access grease drawer, which catches drips and slides out for easy disposal.

Build quality is solid for the price. The red hammertone finish resists rust and weather, and the stainless steel burners should hold up well. Two rear wheels make it easy to roll around your patio, but at 63 pounds, it's not something you'll toss in the car for camping. The piezo ignition lights reliably every time, and the propane fuel source means no messing with pellets or charcoal. Setup requires basic assembly, but instructions are clear.

A realistic limitation is the top temperature—if you want to sear steaks or grill burgers, this isn't the tool. It's a dedicated smoker, and it does that job well. Also, because it's vertical, you may need to rotate racks halfway through a long cook to ensure even doneness. But for the price, this Pit Boss offers great value for anyone serious about backyard smoking without the steep learning curve of offset smokers.

My recommendation: if you're a home cook who loves smoking ribs, pulled pork, or brisket for family gatherings, the Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker is a reliable and easy-to-use workhorse. It's not for tailgating or camping due to its weight, but on a patio or deck, it'll serve you well for years. Just pair it with a propane tank and your favorite wood chips, and you're set for delicious, smoke-infused meals.

The Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker excels at low-and-slow cooking, thanks to its dual burner system that separates smoke generation from cabinet heat. This design allows you to control smoke intensity independently, so you can lay down a thin blue smoke for hours without overpowering the meat. Temperature stability is good once dialed in, though you may notice a 10-15°F variance between the top and bottom racks due to the vertical airflow. Rotating racks halfway through a long cook easily solves that. The 12,500 BTU burner is enough to maintain temperatures from 100°F up to 320°F, making it versatile for cold smoking salmon or hot smoking poultry. The propane fuel gives you consistent heat without the fluctuations of charcoal, and the piezo ignition means no lighter fluid or matches needed. For backyard BBQ enthusiasts who prioritize smoke flavor and ease of use, this smoker delivers reliable results every time.

The Pit Boss Side Smoker Attachment is exactly what it sounds like: a dedicated smoking box that mounts onto select Pit Boss wood pellet grills. It's not a standalone smoker but an add-on that gives you over 600 square inches of extra cooking space specifically designed for low-and-slow smoking. Think of it as turning your existing pellet grill into a two-zone cooking rig – one side for direct grilling, the other for smoking ribs, briskets, pork butts, or even jerky.

This attachment is best suited for backyard grillers and BBQ enthusiasts who already own a compatible Pit Boss grill and want to expand their smoking capabilities without buying a separate smoker. It's less ideal for campers or tailgaters due to its weight (45.2 pounds) and permanent mounting, but for patio cooks and outdoor entertainers, it's a practical upgrade that adds serious versatility to weekend BBQs and backyard parties.

In terms of real-world cooking performance, the side smoker delivers consistent heat thanks to its premium gauge steel construction. The internal damper control on the smokestack lets you regulate airflow from the main grill into the smoker box, which directly impacts smoke flavor and temperature. You can run it at a steady 225°F for brisket or push it higher for chicken. The large view window is a genuine convenience – you can check the color of the smoke and the state of the meat without opening the lid and losing heat. Searing isn't the primary purpose here (the main grill handles that), but the smoker box holds temperature well for long cooks.

Build quality is solid. The steel matches what Pit Boss uses on their grills, so it feels heavy and durable. The latch handle is easy to operate even with gloved hands. There are no wheels or folding legs because it's a stationary attachment – you bolt it onto the existing grill frame. Weather resistance is decent; the powder-coated finish should hold up to outdoor exposure, though you'll want to keep it covered when not in use to prevent rust on the steel.

Setup involves removing the side shelf on compatible models and bolting the smoker box in place. It's not difficult but requires a second person due to the weight. Cleanup is straightforward: scrape out ash after each use and wipe the interior. The view window will need occasional cleaning to stay clear, but it's a minor trade-off for the visual monitoring it provides. Grease management is handled by the smoker box's design – drippings fall onto the heat deflector and vaporize, adding moisture and flavor.

The biggest limitation is compatibility – this only fits specific Pit Boss models (list includes Navigator 550/850/1150, Sportsman 500/820/1100, FB series, Onyx, Pro series, DX series, and others). It's also heavy and non-portable, so it's strictly for a fixed backyard setup. That said, if you own a compatible grill and want to smoke larger quantities of meat without crowding the main cooking surface, this attachment is a practical, well-built solution. It's not a flavor-enhancing gimmick – it genuinely expands what your Pit Boss grill can do.

Before purchasing the Pit Boss Side Smoker Attachment, verify that your grill model is listed in the compatibility chart. Fits the following Pit Boss series: Navigator (PB550G, PB850G, PB850GW, PB850M, PB1150G, PB1150GW), Sportsman (PB500SP, PB500SPW, PB820SP, PB820SPW, PB820SPW2, PB1100SP, PB1100SPW, PB1100SPW2), FB Series (PB700FB, PB700FB2, PB820FB, PB820XL, PB820FB1, PB850FB2, PB1000FB2), Onyx Edition (PB700NX, PB1000NX), Pro Series (PB850PS2, PB1150PS2, PB1150PS3, PB1300PS4, PB1600PS4), DX Series (PB700DX, PB800DX, PB1150DX), Mahogany Series (PB1000D3, PB1000SC2, PB1000SC3), Austin XL Classic (PB1000XL, PB1000XLW1), Competition 820 (PB820CS), and T Series (PB700T1, PB1000T, PB1000T2, PB1000T3, PB1000T4). Check your grill's model number before ordering to ensure a proper fit.

If you own a Pit Boss 5-Series vertical pellet smoker, you already know how much time and love goes into your backyard cooks. The last thing you want is for rain, snow, or direct sun to damage that smoker between sessions. That's where the Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker Cover steps in – it's a dedicated, custom-fit cover designed specifically for the PBV5P1 model.

This cover is made from heavy-duty polyester with a PVC backing, which means it's tough enough to handle a full season of weather. The PVC layer adds a solid barrier against moisture, so when a sudden afternoon shower hits, your smoker stays dry. It also blocks UV rays, which helps prevent the paint and metal from fading or rusting over time. For backyard grillers and BBQ enthusiasts who leave their smoker out on the patio, this kind of protection is a no-brainer.

The drawstring closure is a smart touch. You pull it tight around the smoker, and the cover stays put even in gusty winds. No more chasing a flapping cover across the yard or finding it bunched up on one side. It's a simple but effective design that keeps the cover secure. When it's time to clean, just rinse it with a hose or wipe it down with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent – dirt and grime come right off.

One thing to keep in mind: this cover is not a universal fit. It's tailored specifically for the Pit Boss 5-Series vertical model PBV5P1. If you have a different brand or a different size vertical smoker, this won't work. The dimensions are 11.5 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 12.5 inches high, so it's a snug fit for that particular model. Also, because it's polyester with PVC, it's not the most breathable fabric. If you put the cover on while the smoker is still warm or damp, you might trap some moisture inside. Let it cool and dry completely before covering for best results.

Overall, this cover is a solid investment for anyone who wants to extend the life of their Pit Boss vertical smoker. It's affordable, easy to use, and built to handle the elements. If you're a backyard BBQ cook who smokes brisket, ribs, or chicken on the regular, and you leave your gear outside, this cover will keep your smoker looking good and performing well for years.

The Pit Boss 850FB2 Wood Pellet Grill is a serious piece of outdoor cooking equipment designed for backyard grillers and BBQ enthusiasts who want the convenience of a pellet grill without sacrificing the ability to sear. With 840 square inches of cooking space, it's big enough to handle a full packer brisket or a dozen burgers for a weekend party. The 21-pound hopper feeds 100% all-natural hardwood pellets, giving you that authentic smoke flavor you crave from low-and-slow cooking.

What sets this grill apart is the Flame Broiler lever. Most pellet grills struggle to get hot enough for a good sear, but this one lets you open a direct flame channel that can reach up to 1000°F. That means you can smoke a pork shoulder for hours, then crank up the heat and sear steaks right on the same grill. The digital control board with 5°F increments gives you precise temperature control from 180°F to 500°F, so you can dial in exactly the heat you need for baking, roasting, or grilling.

Build quality is solid. The all-steel construction feels sturdy, and the matte black finish looks great on any patio. The 2-tiered cooking surface lets you cook different foods at different temperatures, and the solid bottom shelf is handy for storing your grill tools or extra bags of pellets. The included meat probe makes it easy to monitor internal temps without lifting the lid and losing heat.

Cleanup is straightforward. The grease management system channels drippings away from the fire pot, reducing flare-ups. The porcelain-coated grates are easy to scrub after a cook. Just remember to vacuum out the ash periodically to keep the airflow consistent.

One realistic limitation is the weight. At 136.6 pounds, this grill is not meant for camping or tailgating. It's a permanent fixture for your backyard or patio. Also, because it's a pellet grill, you need access to an electrical outlet to power the auger and fan. If you're looking for a portable smoker for the campsite, this isn't it. But if you want a versatile, high-performance smoker and grill for home use, the Pit Boss 850FB2 delivers.

Overall, this is a great choice for anyone who loves smoking brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder but also wants the ability to grill burgers and steaks with a proper sear. The 5-year warranty adds peace of mind. If you have the space and a power outlet, this grill will serve you well for years of backyard entertaining.

The Pit Boss 850FB2 excels at both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat grilling. The digital control board maintains temperatures within a tight range, so you can set it to 225°F for a brisket and trust it to hold steady for hours. The 21-pound hopper gives you enough fuel for a full overnight cook without needing to refill. When you want to sear, the Flame Broiler lever opens a direct flame path, letting you char steaks, chicken, or burgers with that open-fire flavor. The 2-tiered cooking surface is great for multi-zone cooking: smoke ribs on the top rack while searing vegetables on the bottom. The included meat probe helps you track doneness without opening the lid and losing heat.

The digital control board with LCD screen lets you set the temperature in 5°F increments from 180°F to 500°F. This level of precision is ideal for smoking, where a steady 225°F is key for tender brisket, or for baking at 350°F. The grill uses an auger to feed pellets and a fan to circulate heat, so temperatures stay consistent even in windy conditions. The Flame Broiler lever gives you manual control over direct flame searing, bypassing the digital system for instant high heat. It's a simple, reliable setup that puts you in charge of your cook.

With a 21-pound hopper, the Pit Boss 850FB2 can run for many hours on a single fill, depending on your cooking temperature. At low smoking temps around 225°F, you can expect 8-12 hours of continuous burn, which is enough for most briskets or pork shoulders. At higher grilling temps, pellet consumption increases, but the hopper still gives you plenty of time for a full cook session. Using 100% all-natural hardwood pellets ensures clean, efficient combustion with minimal ash. Regular cleaning of the fire pot and ash buildup will keep the grill running efficiently.

If you own a Pit Boss pellet grill or electric smoker with a digital control panel, you already know how convenient it is to monitor meat temperature without opening the lid. The Pit Boss Meat Probes 2-pack gives you that same functionality with genuine OEM replacement probes that work exactly like the ones that came with your grill. Whether you're smoking a brisket low and slow or grilling burgers for a backyard party, these probes let you track internal temps right from the control panel.

These probes are designed for backyard grillers, BBQ enthusiasts, and anyone who takes their outdoor cooking seriously. They're especially useful for pellet grill owners who want to maintain consistent smoke flavor and heat without constantly peeking. The 48-inch high-heat woven wire cable is long enough to route through the grill's probe grommet and reach the meat without getting in the way. It's a simple setup that makes a big difference in cooking results.

In real-world use, these probes deliver accurate temperature readings that match up well with handheld thermometers. That means you can trust the display on your control panel to tell you when your pork shoulder hits 203°F or your chicken breast reaches 165°F. The probes handle the heat inside the grill without any issues, and the woven cable resists melting or fraying even during long cooks. For low-and-slow smoking, this is a huge advantage because you can maintain your cook without losing heat or smoke every time you check the meat.

Build quality is solid for the price. The stainless steel probe tip is durable and easy to clean, and the cable feels tough enough to withstand regular use. These are genuine Pit Boss parts, so they fit perfectly into the probe port on compatible models like the Austin XL, 700 Classic, 340 Tailgater, and vertical smokers. They're not universal probes, so make sure your grill has a digital probe port before buying. But if it does, these are a direct replacement that works flawlessly.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cable can be a bit stiff when new, so you'll want to route it carefully through the grommet to avoid kinks. Also, the connector end isn't waterproof, so be careful when cleaning the grill to keep it dry. These are minor trade-offs for the convenience and accuracy they provide. The two-pack is a nice bonus because you can monitor two different cuts of meat at once or keep a spare on hand.

Overall, the Pit Boss Meat Probes 2-pack is a practical upgrade for anyone who wants more control over their outdoor cooking. If you're a weekend smoker, a tailgater who loves precise temps, or just someone who wants perfectly cooked meat every time, these probes are a smart buy. They're affordable, reliable, and make your Pit Boss grill even easier to use. Just make sure your model is compatible, and you'll be set for many cooks to come.