Five years in, the Pit Boss Laredo 1000 is still pulling duty in the Backyard Pitstop. This was my first smoker, and it set the bar for everything that came after. Here's what five years of pulled pork, ribs, and reverse-seared steaks has taught me about this grill.
✓ Recommended — especially for beginners
The Pit Boss Laredo 1000 was my entry into the world of pellet smoking, and it delivered from day one. For the price point, the feature set is hard to beat — this is a brand that gives you a lot of grill for the money, and that value proposition holds up even years later.
Over five years I've had to replace the ignitor and later the control board, but both were covered under Pit Boss's 5-year warranty with no hassle. That warranty alone makes the Laredo a much safer long-term investment than you might expect at this price. The 8-in-1 cooking capability is legitimately useful — smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, barbecue, char-grill, and grill all in one unit.
The sear grate that comes standard on all Pit Boss smokers is one of my favorite features. Getting a real sear on a reverse-seared ribeye at the end of a low-and-slow cook is something not every pellet smoker pulls off well — the Laredo handles it. The ash tray removal from the front is clean and easy. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity exist but can be hit or miss depending on your setup.
| Cooking Area | 1,000 sq. in. total (700 main + 300 upper) |
| Hopper Capacity | 21 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 500°F |
| Cooking Modes | 8-in-1 (smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, BBQ, char-grill, grill) |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Construction | Heavy gauge steel with porcelain-coated grates |
| Sear Grate | Included standard |
The Laredo 1000 is the ideal first smoker. If you've never owned a pellet grill before and want to get into smoking without dropping serious money, this is the move. The set-it-and-forget-it nature of pellet smoking combined with the 8-in-1 versatility means you'll actually use this thing for more than just brisket.
If you're a seasoned pitmaster who lives and breathes offset smokers, the Laredo might feel too easy — and that's fine, it's not built for you. But for the backyard cook who wants consistent results, a massive cooking surface, and the peace of mind of a 5-year warranty, this grill is hard to argue with.
Our go-to for keeping the grates clean. Steam-cleaning action works well on the porcelain-coated grates without scratching.
Essential for monitoring internal temps on long overnight cooks without lifting the lid. Affiliate link coming soon.
Maple, hickory, and cherry blend — our preferred pellet for most cooks on the Laredo. Great all-around flavor profile.
Affiliate link coming soon — check back for the best deal we can find.
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