Pit Boss 500 FB2: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The 500 FB2’s two standing complaints are the 5 lb hopper, which needs refilling during long cooks, and assembly that owners say takes two people; brand-wide forum and Trustpilot reports add control-board and igniter failures. The recurring cost is pellets — $12.99 per 20 lb bag from Pit Boss — plus grease-bucket liners, which are not included. It lists at $399.99 from Pit Boss, BBQ Guys and Home Depot, undercuts most pellet grills and carries a 5-year warranty; above $500 it is weak value.

Common problems and fixes

5 lb hopper runs dry on long cooks — the most-cited limitation; brisket and pork-shoulder cooks force a top-up that eats into the set-and-forget appeal; plan refills or step up to the 21 lb 700 FB2. [13][16][17]
Assembly is a two-person job — multiple owners call it very difficult without a second person; line someone up before delivery. [16]
Hard to clean under the drip tray — the reach is awkward; clean the grease tray and bucket regularly to keep buildup down. [3]
ERH error code — one BBQ Guys customer reported it; the brand forum has error-code threads and the official troubleshooting page covers fixes. [3][8][11]
Control board and igniter failures — brand-wide forum and Trustpilot reports, not specific to this model; the 5-year warranty covers defects, and Pit Boss sells replacement boards and igniters. [6][10][11][12]
Auger jams after humid storage — pellets that absorb humidity swell and jam the auger; store pellets dry. [7]
Pit Boss pellets carry more dust than Traeger — some owners report inconsistent quality; any hardwood pellets work, so you can switch brands. [9][13]
Single-wall body loses heat in cold weather — owners rate it a 2–3 season grill depending on climate. [5]

Parts and consumables

Grease bucket foil liners — not included with the grill; a recurring extra. [3]
Hardwood pellets — Pit Boss sells 20 lb bags for $12.99; any brand works, so there is no pellet lock-in. [1]

Yearly running cost

Pellets are the recurring cost: $12.99 per 20 lb bag from Pit Boss, with no lock-in to the brand. How many bags a year depends on how often you cook, and the sources checked publish no usage figures, so a yearly total cannot be computed. Add grease-bucket foil liners (not included) and the electricity for the 110 V controller. [1][3][5]

When it is a good buy

$399.99 at Pit Boss, BBQ Guys and Home Depot — strong value: 518 sq in, Flame Broiler searing up to 1,000°F and a 5-year warranty at a price that undercuts most competitors. [1][3][5]
$549.00 CAD at Pit Boss Canada (down from $599.00) — fair value next to the 700 FB2 at $549, which adds 747 sq in and a 21 lb hopper. [2][5]
Above $500 — weak value; larger hoppers, WiFi connectivity and more refined controllers become available.
Alternatives: the 700 FB2 at $549 — the better choice when long unattended cooks matter, thanks to the 21 lb hopper and 747 sq in [2][5]; the Navigator series — the better choice when WiFi monitoring matters; Wirecutter tested the Navigator 1300 and found its Flame Broiler works as advertised [4]; Traeger — the better choice when brand support matters, but its warranty is 3 years against this grill’s 5 [4][14].