The Pit Boss Phoenix Onyx Edition pellet grill is revolutionizing backyard cooking with its innovative hybrid design. This 22-inch grill, comparable in size to a Weber 22-inch kettle, seamlessly blends the convenience of pellet grilling with the intense flavor of charcoal, offering unparalleled versatility and control. Forget choosing between smoky pellet goodness or the char of charcoal – the Phoenix lets you have both.This review delves into the Phoenix's capabilities, highlighting its unique dual fuel system and showcasing its potential with the addition of the OnlyFire stainless steel extension ring. We'll explore how this accessory transforms the grill into a vertical smoker, expanding cooking capacity and creating opportunities for perfectly smoked meats like ribs. Discover how combining pellets and charcoal yields exceptional flavor and learn the techniques used to achieve incredible results with this powerful hybrid grilling powerhouse.
Pros And Cons
- Same size as a Weber 22-inch
- Runs on pellets
- Runs on charcoal
- Can use pellets and charcoal together for charcoal taste with wood and temperature maintenance from pellets
- Versatile cooking options with extender ring allowing for multiple racks of ribs
- Has a door for spritzing ribs without disassembling
- Efficient pellet consumption, especially with vertical cooking
- Good temperature control (once dialed in)
- Requires modifications (cutting slots) for use with some accessories (like the RecTeq Bullseye ring).
- The Phoenix cover may interfere with some accessories if positioned at the highest setting.
- Allows for multiple racks of ribs on Pit Boss Phoenix
- Has nice handles for lifting
- Has a port for a temperature probe
- Allows for spritzing ribs without taking everything apart
- Compatible with Weber 22-inch kettles
Read more: 10 Best Big Green Egg Rib Racks: A Buyer's Guide
The Pit Boss Phoenix Onyx Edition: A Hybrid Grill
The Pit Boss Phoenix Onyx Edition, available at Walmart, is a game-changer in the grilling world. This 22-inch pellet grill boasts the same size as a Weber 22-inch kettle, offering ample cooking space. But what truly sets it apart is its hybrid design – it seamlessly integrates pellet and charcoal cooking, allowing for unparalleled flavor and temperature control.
The unique ability to combine pellets and charcoal fuels opens doors to exciting culinary possibilities. You gain the delicious chargrilled taste of charcoal, enhanced by the aromatic smoke of wood pellets. This hybrid approach is ingenious, providing the best of both worlds.
Expanding Cooking Capacity with the OnlyFire Extension Ring
To further maximize the Phoenix's versatility, the OnlyFire stainless steel extension ring is a must-have accessory. This $180 Amazon find transforms the cooking surface, effectively turning your Pit Boss Phoenix into a vertical smoker similar to a Weber Smoky Mountain Cooker.
The extension ring comes with a hanging rack, allowing you to cook multiple racks of ribs simultaneously. The ring also features a convenient door, enabling easy access for basting and spritzing without having to disassemble the entire setup. The design incorporates slots for compatibility with various grills, including the Recteq Bullseye.
Mastering Pellet and Charcoal Cooking Simultaneously
The Pit Boss Phoenix's control panel features separate controls for pellets ('P') and charcoal ('C'). While designed for independent use (either pellets or charcoal), I've developed a method combining both for superior results.
My technique uses pellets to maintain consistent heat within the chamber while charcoal and wood chunks provide intense smoky flavor. This approach eliminates the need for pellet-assisted charcoal ignition, creating a unique balance of heat and smoky flavor.
Cooking Ribs on the Pit Boss Phoenix: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the OnlyFire extension ring installed, I prepared two racks of baby back ribs, carefully removing the silver skin. I utilized the Pit Boss's included hooks, modifying the hanging method slightly to accommodate the additional space.
After applying a generous amount of a high-quality rib rub (available at Walmart), I placed the ribs in the grill and began cooking at 250°F. I monitored temperatures closely, adjusting as needed to ensure even cooking. The result: beautifully cooked, tender ribs with a deep smoke ring.
Final Results and Conclusion
The Pit Boss Phoenix, augmented with the OnlyFire extension ring, proved to be an extremely versatile and efficient grilling system. The hybrid pellet and charcoal cooking method delivered exceptional flavor, and the vertical cooking style ensured optimal smoke penetration.
The ease of use and temperature control, combined with the expanded cooking capacity, make the Pit Boss Phoenix a strong contender in the hybrid grill market. If you are looking for a grill that offers the best of both pellet and charcoal cooking, this is definitely a top choice. Despite some minor temperature inconsistencies, the final results were incredible and this setup is well worth the investment.
