Choosing between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series and the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 comes down to whether you prioritize direct-flame high-heat searing surface or remote digital smoke management. The Pit Boss delivers an open-flame slider that reaches searing temperatures up to 1,000°F over a verified 747-square-inch cooking area, whereas the Camp Chef emphasizes automated precision through a Wi-Fi-enabled PID controller, customizable smoke density profiles, and an external ash removal mechanism.
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series if you want versatile high-heat grilling alongside low-and-slow smoking on a large, two-tier steel surface. Choose the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 if you want the modern convenience of monitoring cooks from your phone, dialing in exact wood smoke outputs, and dumping ash without removing internal grill components.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series vs Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 at a Glance
| Feature | Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series | Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 747 sq. in. | Not listed |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F | 160°F to 500°F |
| Direct Searing Capability | Flame Broiler lever (up to 1,000°F) | Not listed |
| Controller Type | LCD Digital Control Board (5°F increments) | Gen 3 Wi-Fi PID Controller |
| Remote Connectivity | Not listed | Camp Chef Connect App compatible |
| Smoke Customization | Standard wood pellet circulation | Smoke Number settings (1 to 10) |
| Pellet Hopper Capacity | 21 lb. | Not listed |
| Ash Disposal System | Internal firepot access | Patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout knob |
| Meat Probe Monitoring | 2 probe ports (1 probe included) | Not listed |
| Warranty Coverage | 5-year warranty | Not listed |
| Best For | Steak searing, high-heat grilling, and large backyard gatherings | App-driven smoking, effortless cleanout, and customized smoke flavor |
Direct Searing and Flame Management
Pellet grills operate primarily via indirect convective heat, circulating hot air driven by an induction fan around an internal heat deflector. For cooks who demand crusty browning on ribeyes, pork chops, and burgers, standard indirect heat often falls short of producing a genuine char. Evaluating the Pit Boss 700 FB2 or Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 for searing exposes a major mechanical difference in how both grills manipulate the heat from the pellet firepot.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 flame broiler addresses searing directly with a mechanical sliding plate controlled by an external lever. Sliding this lever shifts the solid heat deflector away from the firepot, revealing slotted openings that expose your food to direct, open wood-fired flames. Pit Boss rates this direct flame searing station up to 1,000°F, transforming the center section of the main cooking grate from an indirect baking chamber into an open flame broiler. If you examine alternatives like our pit boss 700 fb2 series vs recteq patio legend 600 breakdown, you will notice direct flame sliders remain a standout advantage of the Pit Boss platform.
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 approaches heat differently. While its burner is rated at 25,000 BTU and achieves a top chamber temperature of 500°F, its product listing details no movable flame deflector or open-flame broiling mechanism. It produces hot convective air across the entire chamber for grilling, baking, and roasting, but it does not open a direct window over the firepot for live flame contact. For cooks who consider a blistering reverse sear essential on steak night, the lack of an open flame slider means relying purely on maximum surface conductive heat.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series due to its integrated Flame Broiler lever that opens the cook chamber to 1,000°F direct wood flame searing.
Temperature Control and Wi-Fi Connectivity
Consistent temperature maintenance determines the success of long, slow barbecue cuts like brisket and pork shoulder. A high-quality controller regulates pellet feeding and airflow to maintain the target setpoint, while wireless connectivity allows cooks to step away from the patio without losing visibility over the pit temperature.
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 wifi controller utilizes a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm designed to constantly calculate fuel feed rates and airflow adjustments, minimizing temperature swings. Furthermore, this Gen 3 module connects directly to the Camp Chef Connect App, letting you track ambient chamber temps and adjust internal target temperatures straight from your mobile device. Beyond baseline temperature tracking, the Camp Chef platform introduces Smart Smoke Technology, giving you an adjustable Smoke Number from 1 to 10 so you can tailor the exact smoke volume delivered during low-temperature sessions.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 review data highlights a solid digital control board equipped with an LCD screen and dial interface that allows temperature selection in precise 5°F increments from 180°F to 500°F. It also features two integrated meat probe ports and includes one meat probe in the box to monitor food doneness. However, the 700 FB2 listing does not include Wi-Fi hardware, Bluetooth functionality, or companion app integration. You must adjust settings and check probe readouts physically at the grill’s side panel.
Edge: Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 because its Wi-Fi-enabled PID controller, mobile app integration, and adjustable 10-level Smoke Number provide superior remote precision.
Cooking Space and Grate Configuration
Usable grate real estate dictates how much food you can prepare simultaneously, which directly impacts holiday cooking, meal prep, and party catering. When sizing up the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 vs Pit Boss 700 FB2, having concrete chamber dimensions and surface measurements is crucial for planning your cooks.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series provides a verified 747 square inches of total cooking space arranged across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel cooking racks. This dual-tier layout gives you significant flexibility: the lower main grate handles heavy items like large briskets, pork butts, and cast-iron skillets near the heat source, while the upper rack provides an elevated zone ideal for smoking chicken wings, sausages, or holding baked sides away from intense radiant heat. Porcelain coating on the steel wire makes everyday cleanup simpler and helps prevent delicate items like fish from adhering to the metal.
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 listing does not specify its exact square inches of cooking space or its internal grate dimensions. While the model number PG24C historically aligns with Camp Chef’s standard 24-inch chassis formats, buyers relying strictly on published manufacturer listing data face uncertainty regarding exact surface area and tier counts. Cooks evaluating capacity against models like in our pit boss 700 fb2 series vs camp chef smokepro dlx comparison will appreciate that the Pit Boss publishes verified, multi-tier cooking numbers.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series because it provides a confirmed 747 square inches of porcelain-coated cooking capacity across two functional racks.
Cleanout and Routine Maintenance
Wood pellets generate ash that inevitably accumulates inside the firepot. If this ash is not removed regularly, it can smother the hot rod igniter, inhibit airflow, and cause ignition failures or temperature drops. How a grill handles ash management fundamentally shapes your post-cook experience.
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 ash cleanout system represents one of the most convenient maintenance mechanisms in the pellet grill category. Featuring the patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system, the DLX Gen 3 incorporates an external pull knob on the side of the barrel. Pulling this knob drops the bottom plate of the internal burn cup, dumping all accumulated combustion ash directly into a removable exterior collection cup mounted underneath. You can empty the ash cup in seconds before or after a cook without lifting heavy grill grates, pulling out greasy drip pans, or dragging an outdoor shop vacuum to the patio.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 utilizes standard pellet grill internal geometry. To clean out the firepot on the FB2, you must allow the unit to cool completely, lift off the porcelain-coated steel cooking grates, remove the heavy alloy steel flame broiler sliding plates, and vacuum or scoop out the firepot by hand. While routine, this process demands significantly more time and physical effort, requiring you to handle grease-coated interior components whenever ash builds up after long cooks. For buyers comparing maintenance across the brand line, such as in our pit boss 700 fb2 series vs pit boss navigator 850 guide, firepot accessibility remains an important ownership factor.
Edge: Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 thanks to the patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system that empties the firepot via a quick external pull knob.
Hopper Capacity and Fuel Endurance
Pellet hopper capacity dictates how long a grill can operate unattended before requiring a fuel refill. Long low-and-slow sessions-such as overnight brisket, pork shoulder, or beef plate ribs-can easily run between 12 and 16 hours, making hopper volume a vital operational metric.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 hopper capacity stands at a generous 21 pounds. Because standard hardwood pellet bags are packaged in 20-pound increments, this 21-pound hopper allows you to empty an entire brand-new bag into the bin with room to spare. This eliminates the inconvenience of storing half-empty bags that might absorb atmospheric moisture. Combined with the digital board’s controlled fuel feed rate, a full 21-pound load provides sufficient endurance for extended overnight smoking sessions without requiring midnight wake-up checks to top off the fuel.
The product data for the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 does not specify its pellet hopper capacity. While standard pellet smokers typically accommodate fuel for daytime smoking, lacking a verified hopper capacity spec makes it difficult to guarantee full-bag loading or calculate exact unattended runtimes. Those who prioritize verified uninterrupted burn times across competing alternatives, such as shown in our pit boss 700 fb2 series vs z grills zpg-450a2 guide, will favor confirmed hopper specs that swallow standard fuel bags whole.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series for its verified 21 lb. hopper that holds a full commercial 20 lb. bag of hardwood pellets.
Temperature Range and Smoking Versatility
A broad temperature window expands what you can produce on a wood pellet grill, moving beyond standard 225°F barbecue into jerky dehydration, gentle cold-weather smoking, roasting, and high-heat baking. When deciding whether to choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 or Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 for smoking, bottom-end temperature capabilities play an important role.
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 offers an operational temperature span from 160°F up to 500°F. That 160°F lower floor is particularly valuable for delicate charcuterie, cured sausages, cheese smoking, and beef jerky, where temperatures approaching 200°F could melt fats or overcook thin meats prematurely. Paired with Camp Chef’s Smart Smoke Technology, which allows users to select smoke levels from 1 (subtle) to 10 (robust), the DLX Gen 3 gives dedicated smoking enthusiasts granular control over both chamber heat and wood smoke concentration.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series starts its temperature dial at 180°F and runs up to 500°F inside the convective cooking chamber, offering dial-in steps of 5°F. Pit Boss touts 8-in-1 cooking versatility (smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and sear), made possible by combining convective airflow with the high-heat potential of the Flame Broiler. While 180°F is an industry-standard baseline for traditional low-and-slow barbecue cuts like brisket and ribs, it runs slightly warmer than the Camp Chef’s 160°F threshold, making ultra-low temperature curing runs more challenging.
Edge: Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 due to its lower 160°F minimum starting temperature and customizable 10-level Smoke Number controls.
Pros and Cons
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series
Pros
- Flame Broiler lever provides direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- Substantial 747 square inches of cooking space across two tiers
- Generous 21 lb. hopper capacity for long unattended sessions
- Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or remote smartphone monitoring
- Lacks a dedicated pull-knob ash cleanout system
View Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series on Amazon
Camp Chef DLX Gen 3
Pros
- Gen 3 Wi-Fi PID controller connects to Camp Chef Connect App
- Patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout knob empties burn cup quickly
- Smart Smoke Technology with 10 smoke level settings
- Low minimum temperature setting of 160°F for gentle smoking
Cons
- Cooking grid dimensions and total surface area not listed
- Pellet hopper capacity is not specified in listing
View Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series If
- You want direct-flame searing capability up to 1,000°F for steaks, burgers, and chops without buying extra accessories.
- You need a confirmed 747 square inches of cooking space across two distinct tiers to feed larger gatherings.
- You prefer a hopper that holds 21 pounds of pellets, allowing you to dump an entire standard 20-pound bag at once.
- You value the long-term protection of a verified 5-year manufacturer warranty on the grill body and components.
Choose the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 If
- You want remote smartphone control and temperature monitoring via the Gen 3 Wi-Fi PID controller and mobile app.
- You dread pulling out greasy grates and vacuuming firepots, preferring the quick pull-knob Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system.
- You enjoy smoking jerky, fish, or sausages at low temperatures starting down at 160°F.
- You want fine-tuned control over the level of smoke flavor using the 1-to-10 Smart Smoke setting.
Final Verdict
For most backyard cooks looking for a complete all-in-one outdoor cooker, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series is the more versatile workhorse. Its mechanical Flame Broiler solves the classic weakness of pellet grills by providing genuine 1,000°F direct flame exposure, allowing you to sear steaks with authentic char while retaining the ability to smoke low and slow. With a verified 747 square inches of two-tiered porcelain-coated cooking area, a 21-pound hopper that swallows standard pellet bags whole, and a 5-year warranty, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 delivers substantial capacity and reliable cooking muscle.
However, if your barbecue routine centers on low-effort smoking, hands-off convenience, and technology, the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 is the superior pick. Its Gen 3 Wi-Fi PID controller lets you monitor cooks from anywhere, its Smart Smoke Number system lets you fine-tune wood aroma, and its patented ash dump lever removes the single most tedious chore in pellet grilling. If you already own a dedicated high-heat grill or rarely cook over open flames, the smart connectivity and seamless maintenance of the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 make it an exceptionally user-friendly smoker.
FAQ
Can you sear steaks effectively on the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series?
Yes. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 features an integrated Flame Broiler lever that slides the internal heat deflector open, exposing your food to direct wood flames up to 1,000°F. This allows you to achieve authentic caramelization and sear marks directly on the main cooking grate.
Does the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 have Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes. The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 is equipped with a Gen 3 Wi-Fi PID controller that connects to the Camp Chef Connect App, allowing you to monitor chamber temperatures and adjust setpoints remotely from your smartphone.
How does the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 ash cleanout system work?
The DLX Gen 3 features the patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout mechanism. By pulling a simple knob located on the side of the grill, the trapdoor under the firepot opens, dropping combustion ash directly into a removable cup underneath without requiring grate or heat deflector removal.
What is the pellet hopper capacity of the Pit Boss 700 FB2?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 has a 21-pound pellet hopper capacity. This is large enough to hold an entire standard 20-pound bag of hardwood pellets in a single pour, facilitating long unattended cooking sessions.
Can the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 run at lower temperatures than the Pit Boss 700 FB2?
Yes. The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 features a minimum operating temperature of 160°F, whereas the Pit Boss 700 FB2 starts at 180°F. The 160°F setting makes the Camp Chef particularly suitable for delicate items like jerky, fish, and sausage.
Does the Pit Boss 700 FB2 include meat probes?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 control board includes ports for two meat probes, and the unit comes with one meat probe included in the box. The listing for the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 does not specify included meat probes.
Is the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 worth it for first-time pellet grill owners?
The Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 is well-suited for beginners because its Wi-Fi app monitoring and pull-knob ash cleanout eliminate common pain points of pellet grilling, such as constant temperature checking and messy vacuum cleanup.
