When it comes to pellet grills, few brands stand out quite like Pit Boss. These powerful, versatile smokers offer backyard chefs an easy way to grill, smoke, sear, and bake with rich wood-fired flavor. But if you’re new to the world of pellet grilling, or even if you’ve been using one for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the mysterious “Pit Boss P Setting” — and maybe wondered what it really does.
In this guide, we’re going to break it down in simple terms, so you know exactly how to use the P setting to your advantage. Whether you’re aiming for the juiciest smoked brisket or perfectly seared steaks, understanding your Pit Boss P setting can make all the difference.
What Is the Pit Boss P Setting?
The P setting, short for Pause setting, is a unique feature on Pit Boss pellet grills that allows you to fine-tune how frequently pellets are fed into the firepot. It’s available on models with a non-PID controller, which uses fixed-time intervals to control temperature, unlike newer PID models that self-regulate with more accuracy.
Think of the P setting as a manual override for how often your grill feeds fuel (pellets) to the fire. It directly affects smoke output, temperature fluctuation, and cooking time.
How Does the Pit Boss P Setting Work?
Here’s how the Pit Boss P setting works in practical terms:
- The grill’s controller has a cycle time, typically 18 seconds.
- During this cycle, the auger (which feeds pellets) is ON for a fixed time (like 3–4 seconds), and then OFF for the rest of the cycle.
- The P setting changes how long the auger STAYS OFF during that cycle.
- A lower P setting means less pause, so more pellets = more heat.
- A higher P setting means longer pauses, so fewer pellets = lower heat and more smoke.
Pit Boss P Setting Chart
To better understand what each setting does, here’s a quick overview:
| P Setting | Pause Time (seconds) | Smoke Level | Temp Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0 | 18 OFF | Low | High (Hotter burn) |
| P1 | 20 OFF | Low-Medium | Stable |
| P2 | 25 OFF | Medium | Normal operation |
| P3 | 30 OFF | Medium-High | Slightly cooler |
| P4 | 35 OFF | High | Less stable |
| P5 | 40 OFF | Very High | Inconsistent temps |
| P6 | 45 OFF | Max smoke | Cooler, fluctuates |
| P7 | 50 OFF | Max smoke | Very inconsistent |
⚠️ Note: P settings only affect the SMOKE mode, usually set between 180°F–225°F. Once you set the grill above 250°F, most Pit Boss models ignore the P setting.
When Should You Adjust the P Setting?
Here’s when to experiment with the P setting:
1. More Smoke Flavor (Set a Higher P)
If you’re cooking something like brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs, and want a strong smoke ring and bold flavor, you can turn up the P setting to P4 to P6. This allows the pellets to smolder more between feeding cycles, creating thick, flavorful smoke.
2. Tighter Temperature Control (Set a Lower P)
For more precise temperature control, especially in cold weather or windy conditions, a lower P setting like P1 or P2 will help maintain steady heat. This is ideal when you don’t want large swings in internal grill temperature.
3. Cold Weather Cooking
In colder climates, your grill naturally loses more heat. Setting your Pit Boss to a lower P setting (P1 or P0) helps keep it fed with more pellets, so the temperature stays up.
4. Warmer Weather or Hot Climates
If it’s hot outside, or you’re smoking in summer, you might find the grill overshoots the temperature. In that case, try P3 to P4 to slow the feed rate and avoid overheating.
Common Pit Boss P Setting Problems and Fixes
Here are some of the issues users experience — and how to fix them using the P setting:
🔥 Problem: Grill Runs Too Hot on Smoke Mode
Fix: Increase the P setting. Go from P2 to P4 and test again. This reduces pellet feed and lowers the fire intensity.
🔥 Problem: Not Enough Smoke Flavor
Fix: Bump up to P5 or P6, but monitor the temperature. You’ll get thicker smoke, but make sure it doesn’t cool down too much.
🔥 Problem: Big Temperature Swings
Fix: Try lowering to P1 or P2, especially in windy or cold conditions. This helps regulate the temperature better by feeding more consistently.
🔥 Problem: Fire Goes Out
Fix: If the grill keeps shutting off, your P setting may be too high — the fire isn’t getting enough fuel. Drop it to P2 or P3.
Pro Tips for Using Pit Boss P Setting
Here are a few expert pointers to help you master the P setting:
- ✅ Monitor temps with a dual-probe thermometer – Don’t rely only on the built-in lid thermometer.
- ✅ Use quality pellets – Cheap or moist pellets burn inconsistently, affecting both temp and smoke.
- ✅ Keep the burn pot clean – Ash buildup can smother the fire and cause fluctuations.
- ✅ Make small changes – When adjusting the P setting, change one level at a time and give it 30 minutes to stabilize.
- ✅ Stick with mid-range P settings (P2–P4) unless you’re chasing extreme smoke flavor.
Pit Boss P Setting vs PID Controllers
If you’ve been shopping for a new pellet grill or wondering why your buddy’s smoker doesn’t have a P setting, here’s the deal:
- Older Pit Boss models and most Classic Series have the P setting.
- Newer Pit Boss Pro, Platinum, or Navigator Series often come with a PID controller, which uses internal software to manage pellet feed automatically and holds tighter temperature ranges.
- PID-controlled grills don’t have or need a P setting — but they produce less visible smoke as a trade-off.
Bottom Line: The P setting gives YOU more manual control. If you like tweaking and testing smoke levels and cook times, it’s a fun and useful feature.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use the P Setting?
Absolutely — if you’re serious about smoking meats and want full control over the flavor and cook profile, learning how to use the Pit Boss P setting is a game changer.
Start with P2 or P3, see how your grill responds, and tweak based on the weather, your recipe, and how smoky you want your meat. It’s a great way to take your BBQ skills to the next level — whether you’re slow-smoking pork belly or searing reverse-seared steaks.
FAQ: Pit Boss P Setting
Q: What is the default P setting on a Pit Boss?
A: Most Pit Boss grills are factory-set to P4 for a balance between smoke and stable temperature.
Q: Can I change the P setting while the grill is running?
A: Yes, you can adjust the P setting during cooking. Give it about 10–15 minutes to settle into the new cycle.
Q: Does the P setting affect high-heat grilling?
A: No. Once the grill goes above 250°F, the P setting is generally overridden.
Q: What’s the best P setting for brisket?
A: Start with P4 to P6 to get rich smoke flavor and a better bark.