Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Well-balanced smoke flavor works with beef, pork, poultry, and fish
- ✓ Burns consistently with minimal ash buildup
- ✓ Good value compared to premium single-wood pellets
- ✓ Widely available at big box retailers
- ✓ Bag seals well to keep pellets dry between uses
Cons
- ✕ Smoke flavor is milder than dedicated hickory or mesquite pellets
- ✕ Some bags have reported inconsistent pellet quality or excess dust
- ✕ Not certified organic or non-GMO for buyers seeking that label
- ✕ Can burn slightly faster than expected in high-heat searing
Specifications
| Bag Weight | 20 lbs |
|---|---|
| Wood Types | Hickory, Maple, Cherry |
| Burn Rate | Approx. 1-2 lbs per hour |
| Ash Content | Low ash, bark-free |
| Compatibility | All pellet grills/smokers |
Our full review
Pit Boss Competition Blend Pellets deliver a carefully balanced hardwood mix designed to satisfy the flavor demands of serious backyard cooks and weekend pitmasters alike. This blend combines hickory, maple, and cherry woods in proportions developed to mimic the flavor profiles favored on the competitive barbecue circuit, giving grillers a versatile all-purpose pellet that performs beautifully across a wide range of meats and dishes. Rather than leaning too heavily into one dominant wood note, the combination produces a well-rounded smoke flavor that's noticeably sweet from the maple, subtly fruity from the cherry, and grounded by the deeper, more traditional smokiness of hickory, making it an easy choice for cooks who want reliable, crowd-pleasing results without having to swap pellet types for every different cut of meat. Made from 100% natural hardwood with no fillers, binders, or artificial flavoring agents, these pellets are compressed using only the natural lignin found within the wood itself, ensuring clean combustion and consistent smoke production throughout long cooking sessions. This purity translates directly into performance at the grill, as the pellets burn efficiently and evenly, minimizing ash buildup while maximizing the amount of flavorful smoke that reaches your food. Whether you're smoking a brisket for twelve hours, searing steaks at high heat, or slow-roasting a rack of ribs, the Competition Blend maintains steady heat output and dependable smoke generation, qualities that matter enormously to anyone who has dealt with inconsistent pellets that burn too fast or produce weak, inconsistent smoke rings. Compatible with Pit Boss pellet grills as well as most other brands of wood pellet smokers, this blend offers exceptional versatility for households that may own multiple types of equipment or that entertain frequently with different barbecue setups. The bag itself is designed to protect the pellets from moisture, preserving their integrity and burn quality until you're ready to fire up the grill, which matters greatly for anyone who stores their supply for extended periods between cooks. For pitmasters chasing that ideal balance between sweet, smoky, and savory in dishes ranging from pulled pork and smoked chicken to grilled vegetables and even baked goods finished on the smoker, Pit Boss Competition Blend Pellets provide a dependable, flavor-forward foundation that has earned its reputation among backyard grillers who take their craft seriously.
I use these for everything from ribs to chicken thighs. The flavor is subtle but noticeable, and I haven't had any issues with ash clogging my auger.
Price is right and they burn clean. Wish the smoke flavor was a touch stronger for brisket, but overall very happy with consistency.
Most bags burn great, but I got one that had a lot of fine dust and shorter pellets. Still worked but wasn't ideal for longer smokes.
Switched from a pricier brand and honestly can't tell much difference in flavor. These are now my default for weekly grilling.
