Product · PIT BOSS
Pit Boss 10697 tabletop: 180 to 500 °F, slide-plate
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The Pit Boss 10697 is a tabletop pellet grill for small households, patios and trips where a full-size barrel would be too much. It stands out from many small pellet grills because of its slide-plate, which opens to expose the fire for direct-flame grilling. Pit Boss quotes temperatures up to 1,000°F in that mode, so it can sear as well as smoke.
- Temperature range
- 180 to 500 °F (about 82 to 260 °C)
- Hopper
- 5 lb (about 2.3 kg)
- Cooking area
- 256 sq in
- Weight
- 19.3 kg
- Controller
- Dial-in digital, LED readout
In its favour
- A slide-plate opens for direct flame grilling, which most pellet grills cannot do.
- A 180 to 500 °F range covers low smoking through to hot roasting.
- A compact 61 cm wide tabletop body suits small patios and outdoor tables.
Good to know
- A 5 lb hopper needs topping up on long cooks.
- 256 sq in of grates is small for a family brisket or several racks of ribs.
Our take
Temperature range and controls
In normal pellet mode, the cooking range is 180 to 500°F, about 82 to 260°C. That covers low smoking at the bottom and roasting at the top. A dial-in digital control board with an LED readout sets and displays the temperature.
The slide-plate is the special part. Closed, it shields the food for indirect cooking. Open, flames reach the grates directly, which the listing says allows grilling up to 1,000°F. Use that for steaks and burgers, then close it for slower cooking.
Capacity and fuel
The cooking grates are porcelain-coated steel and cover 256 sq in. That is enough for a couple of chickens, a pork shoulder or a family's worth of burgers, but a whole brisket or several racks of ribs will be a squeeze.
The hopper holds 5 lb of pellets, about 2.3 kg. On long, low smokes you will need to top it up, so keep a bag within reach.
Size, weight and setup
The grill measures about 61 x 38 x 48 cm and weighs 19.3 kg, comfortable on a sturdy outdoor table or tailgate. It has wooden handles and a mahogany finish. Assembly is required, and like any pellet grill it needs mains power for the controller and feed. Store the pellets somewhere dry between cooks, since moisture makes them crumble and can upset the feed into the fire pot.
Tabletop rivals and the big barrels
The Traeger Ranger is a tabletop alternative with a cast iron griddle, a meat probe and Keep Warm mode, though its listing does not state hopper size or range. The Onlyfire GS313 includes a probe and warming rack with a smaller 4 lb hopper. For larger quantities, the Traeger Pro Series 22 offers 3,690 cm² of space.
Verdict
The Pit Boss 10697 suits small households and travellers who want a pellet grill that can smoke low and also sear over open flame. If you prefer a griddle and a probe in the box, the Traeger Ranger is the alternative, and if you regularly cook large cuts, the Traeger Pro Series 22 has far more room.
Compared with alternatives in: Best pellet grills for UK gardens
Amazon listing title: PIT Boss 10697 Tabletop Pellet Grill Mahogany