How to Set the P-Setting on a Pit Boss Smoker: A Complete Guide (2024)

As you have bought a Pit Boss grill, you must know its details. Read here about pit boss p setting so you can use the grill to its full potential.

Pit boss p setting

In the Pit Boss grill, the P setting means “Pause.” Each time you turn up the P settings in a Pit Boss grill, you are actually increasing the amount of time between each pellet cycle. This means that you are cutting down on the pellet supply. It shall lower the surrounding temperature of the grill. This shall also lead to more smoke from the firebox because the pellets that are present inside shall smolder instead of igniting a flame.

On the contrary, as you adjust the P setting to a lower number, you shall supply a steady number of pellets to the firebox. It shall quickly ignite and shall increase the temperature of the grill. This feature has been designed in this grill so that you can have full control over your cooking environment. When you are thorough with P settings, you can easily control the grill’s temperature to high or low and do not have to depend on the weather for that. It shall also help you to compensate for the quality of wood that is of poor quality.

How to Set the P-Setting on a Pit Boss Smoker: A Complete Guide (1)

The initial setting that is recommended

As per the Pit Boss, when you begin your cooking session, keep the P setting to 4. It is also the factory default setting. It allows the auger to perform at an interval of 18 seconds and 115 seconds between the cycle. It gets you the temperature that you require.

Adjustments

There is no chance of hitting the P set button while you are cooking as it is recessed. You can easily access it with the help of a toothpick or a screwdriver. Just give it a gentle press, and it shall function again. As you press the button, the P setting starts flashing, and then the number displayed on it shall go higher. Once it reaches the highest setting, which is P7, it shall automatically reset to P0.

When shall you adjust the P setting?

If the grill is set to the SMOKE function, the temperature is less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it fluctuates, then you should adjust the P setting. P setting function has been designed for SMOKE mode because this mode is controlled exclusively by the support of timing. You can even use the P setting function when the grill has been set to temperatures ranging between 200 to 250 degrees.

This means that when the temperature dial is in the SMOKE position, the auger shall manually run, feeding the pallets for 4 minutes. If the default setting has been set to P4, then in that case, it shall stop for 115 seconds. And then again, the augur shall run for another 18 seconds and continue repeating the cycle.

Things to know while adjusting the P setting

Remember that you are interfering with the augur system each time you adjust the P setting. A quick increase or decrease in the flow of pellets shall damage this important thing. So, you must be careful while switching.

If you have adjusted the setting once, it is better to wait for 30 minutes before you change it again. If you change too often, then it might drowse the flame. You shall have to start the grill once again. And this loss of time may end up ruining the food that you are cooking. Especially if you are using the slow cooking method.

If you are sensing that the fame is about to die or there is a fluctuation in the temperature, then make sure to lower the P setting. Do not increase it by any chance.

How to Set the P-Setting on a Pit Boss Smoker: A Complete Guide (2)

Tips for controlling the temperature

  • Use grill blanket

Grill blankets are one of the best insulators and protect the pellet grill from the elements. It also maintains a consistent level of temperature.

  • Dome Thermometer

This shall help you to get an accurate reading very quickly. But remember, this reading shall be based on the highest point of the grill.

  • Meat probe

Using the meat probe to check the internal temperature of your food is another good way to get accurate results.

  • Cook using quality pellets

Using quality pellets while cooking shall be another great option too. It shall last longer and burn at a steady pace. This shall give you firm control over the grill’s internal temperature.

How to Set the P-Setting on a Pit Boss Smoker: A Complete Guide (3)

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How to Set the P-Setting on a Pit Boss Smoker: A Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

How to set p settings on Pit Boss? ›

If your grill has P-settings, the control board will have a button to adjust the P-settings. The default P-setting is P-4. On this setting, while using the Smoke setting, the grill will feed pellets for 18 seconds and pause for 115 seconds. In most instances, you will want to keep the P-setting on the default.

How to put Pit Boss on smoke mode? ›

Open the lower grill lid and set the temperature control board to Smoke. This will begin the startup process for the Lockhart. Let it run for 10 to 15 minutes and then close the lid.

Why won't my Pit Boss get up to temperature? ›

Confirm pellet supply: Make sure that you have enough pellets in the hopper. Insufficient pellet supply can cause a lack of heat generation. Check if the pellets are properly feeding into the fire pot. Clean the fire pot: A dirty or clogged fire pot can obstruct the airflow, leading to inadequate heat production.

What p setting gives the most smoke? ›

Raising the P-setting to P-5, P-6, or P-7 increases the pause time for the auger. It will lower the temperature of the SMOKE setting and can create more smoke since the pellets will smolder longer before another batch of pellets feeds in and the fire reignites.

What color should smoker smoke be? ›

Simply put, when you're charcoal grilling, thick white smoke is bad and thin "blue" or "clear" smoke is good. A lot of beginner charcoal smokers envelope their food in thick white smoke thinking it'll give their food that delicious smoky flavour we all love - they're sadly mistaken.

Why won't my Pit Boss smoke? ›

Pit Boss Not Smoking

Damp wood pellets produce less smoke, while low-quality wood pellets take longer to ignite. Temperature: Verify that you are running your smoker at an optimum temperature. If your smoker is too hot, it will produce less smoke.

What pellets give the most smoke flavor? ›

Hickory, mesquite and pecan grill pellets create the strongest flavors. In general, hardwood pellets will produce more smoke than pellets from fruit trees, like cherry and apple. Cooking at a higher temperature produces less smoke.

Why does my Pit Boss smoke out of the hopper? ›

This may seem alarming, but seeing smoke coming from the hopper during a cook is indicative of an airflow issue, not the pellets in the hopper ready to catch on fire. Typically, the fan is not blowing enough to create the correct pressure to vacuum out the exhaust, thus allowing smoke to escape from the hopper.

How do you fix too much smoke flavor? ›

This may be cream, sugar or vinegar. Additionally, by adding the ingredient that was smoked in a non-smoked fashion, you can reduce the smoke flavor intensity. If you infused too much smoke in the broccoli for your broccoli cream soup, think about steaming some additional raw broccoli and adding with the smoked base.

Why is my Pit Boss getting too hot? ›

Why is my Pit Boss Grill running so hot in smoke? Many factors can cause a grill to run too hot on the smoke setting, including outside temperature. Usually this happens when the grill lid is shut too soon after startup.

How do I season my Pit Boss smoker? ›

How to season your Pit Boss Grill or Smoker
  1. Make sure you have a high temperature oil or bacon grease. ...
  2. Apply a liberal amount of oil or grease to the grates and Flame Broiler Plate. ...
  3. Put the plate and grates back on the grill and turn it on. ...
  4. Smoke on!

What is the best P setting for cold weather? ›

Due to the extreme cold environment, you would want to set your P setting below 4 so your auger will feed pellets into the burn pot faster and keep the internal ambient temperature consistent.

Why is my Pit Boss not smoking? ›

Pit Boss Not Smoking

Damp wood pellets produce less smoke, while low-quality wood pellets take longer to ignite. Temperature: Verify that you are running your smoker at an optimum temperature. If your smoker is too hot, it will produce less smoke.

Why is my Pit Boss temperature higher than setting? ›

- Ensure that pellets are feeding into the fire pot and that the auger is turning. Why is my Pit Boss Grill running so hot in smoke? Many factors can cause a grill to run too hot on the smoke setting, including outside temperature. Usually this happens when the grill lid is shut too soon after startup.

What temperature to smoke brisket? ›

Check the temperature of the grill every hour, staying as close to 225°F as possible. Resist the temptation to open the lid unless you need to add more charcoal or soaked wood chips to maintain temperature and smoke.

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