How Do You Use the Smoke Setting on Pit Boss (Simple Instructions)

Sharing is caring!

Have you recently purchased a Pit Boss grill and wondering how to use the smoke setting? This guide will show you exactly how to use the smoke setting on Pit Boss.

Whether you are smoking a rack of lamb, duck, chicken breasts, or some hamburgers. The smoke setting on Pit Boss brings that extra smoky flavor.

However, using the smoke setting may initially seem confusing as you don’t set a temperature when you use it. Follow the instructions below, and you’ll master your Pit Boss in no time!

What Exactly Does the Smoke Setting on a Pit Boss  Pellet Grill Do?

The Smoke Setting infuses more smoke into your food. Many users suggest using this setting for the first hour of cooking; using this setting will have the grill sitting around 180°F. You can adjust the P setting only when you have the Smoke Setting on and this is how you control the temperature.

If you have the SMOKE setting on and the default P-setting on P-4, the grill will feed pellets for 18 seconds and pause for 115 seconds. When you raise the P-setting, it increases the pause time for the auger. It will also lower the temperature of the SMOKE setting as the pellets will smolder for longer before more pellets are fed in from the auger. If you raise the P Setting too high, it can cause the fire to burn out.

If you want to increase the temperature during the SMOKE setting, you need to lower the P Setting before 4.

See the guide to using a Pit Boss smoker here.

Where Is the Smoke Setting on Pit Boss?

Finding the smoke setting on your Pit Boss pellet smoker is easy. It is usually labeled “Smoke” or “s” on the control board. The grill’s smoke setting usually fluctuates between 180° 225°F (65° and 107°C). In the image below you will see the Smoke Setting at about 7pm on the dial.

Using the Smoke Setting on the Pit Boss Grill

To begin, set the grill to the smoke setting. Once you do that, pellets will be dispensed into the firepot to produce smoke. To increase the temperature in the grill, decrease the P Setting, and to decrease the temperature, increase the P Setting.

How Do I Control the Temperature?

The Pit Boss has a P-settingsmoke temp option that allows you to easily adjust the amount of smoke and internal temperature produced by the grill.

The P setting controls the number of pellets fed into the auger. Simply put, it gives you more control over the smoking function.

The “P-setting” smoke temp option has a different temperature range from P0 to P7. A lower P setting, such as P1 or P2 will produce a higher temperature and less smoke. On the other hand, a higher P setting (P6 or P7) will produce more smoke.

Difference Between Smoke on Smoke Setting

When you start the Pit Boss, without the Smoke Setting on, the smoke output will be thick and white. During the first 5 minutes of startup, the pellets will be fed into the fire pot.

The pellets will smolder until they catch fire, and then the smoker will raise in temperature, producing a slightly invisible thin blue smoke. This is what gives your food that amazing smoky flavor that you love so much. If your Pit Boss is producing too much smoke, see this guide to help fix it.

Having the Smoke Setting on will cause the grill to sit at a lower temperature and produce more smoke than it would during a normal start up.

Is It Possible to Cook Using the Smoke Setting?

You can cook using the smoke function, however it’s recommended you only do it for the first 1-2 hours. Once your protein goes past an internal temperature of 150°F it will stop absorbing

Other Than the Smoke Setting, Can I Smoke on Other Settings on Pit Boss?

Many people assume that the only way to get the smoke flavor on foods is to use the smoke setting on Pit Boss. However, that is not entirely true. Even if you are not using the “smoke” setting on the Pit Boss pellet smoker, any food cooked on it will always have that hint of smokey flavor.

The only difference is you will have more smokey flavor using the smoke setting on the grill.

Steps for Smoking on a Pit Boss Grill

The smoke setting on the Pit Boss pellet grill is straightforward to use.

All you have to do is follow the simple steps below;

  • First things first, check the pellets in the hopper (you can change them if you want)
  • Find an electrical outlet, then plug the grill into it
  • Open the lid and switch it on
  • Once the grill starts to roar, close the lid
  • Now you don’t have to use the Smoke Setting, but if you want that extra smoke flavor you can. On the control board screen, turn the grill to “S” or “Smoke” setting option.
  • Finally, allow it to reach the desired temperature (should take about 5 minutes), then put the food on the grates.

However, you don’t necessarily have to use the smoke setting all the time. Hopefully, this guide will help you maximize your Pit Boss pellet grill smoke setting.

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).

I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.

You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!

You can read more about me on our About Us page.

Hungry For More?

2 thoughts on “How Do You Use the Smoke Setting on Pit Boss (Simple Instructions)”

    1. Hi Kevin,
      Generally I’d slide the cover to reveal the flame broiler towards the end of the cooking process.

      Usually opened only for 30-60 seconds depending on what I’m cooking. It’s very easy to overcook the meat, or to burn it. The meat temp usually rises a bit quicker so you have to compensate for it.

      Eg, for a lamb rack, you want an internal temp of 135F. So I’d slide the cover when the meat is around 120F, and monitor the temperature until it hits just below 130F. Moving the meat to get a nice char on each side. Then remove and let it rest.

      The meat temp will continue to rise while resting. Should hit 135F when covered.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *