Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4 in 1 Grill Review

There’s a special kind of satisfaction in lighting charcoal on one side of the yard and firing up propane on the other. Some folks say you can’t have both – the speed of gas and the smoky depth of charcoal.

But those folks probably haven’t met the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Grill.

As someone who’s spent more weekends than I can count babysitting briskets and tending coals, I’ve seen plenty of “combo” grills promise the world and deliver a headache.

So, I decided to see whether the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate is the real deal or just another oversized backyard ornament.

Let’s break it down, pitmaster-style.

The Idea Behind the Pit Boss Memphis

Some outdoor cooks like to keep a gas grill for quick weekday meals and a charcoal pit for long, smoky weekends. Makes sense – each fuel brings something unique to the table.

But that setup also means double the cost, double the space, and double the cleanup.

That’s where combo grills come in. They aim to give you the best of both worlds – and in the case of the Pit Boss Memphis, maybe even more than that.

This beast claims to be a “4-in-1” grill with gas, charcoal, and electric smoker options all in one heavy-duty frame. It’s a bold pitch: one machine that can sear steaks, smoke ribs, and roast low and slow – all without swapping gear.

So, how does it hold up? Let’s get our hands dirty.

Build and First Impressions

Right out of the box, you can tell the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate isn’t messing around. It’s built like a tank – stainless and enameled steel, cast-iron cooking grates, and a frame that feels like it could survive a small tornado.

It’s also huge. Seriously, this thing takes up real estate. If you’re short on patio space, you might need to clear some room before it even arrives.

Assembly? Not gonna lie – it’s a two-person job and will eat up your afternoon. Expect five to six hours of setup. On the plus side, Pit Boss seems to ship all parts intact, and their customer service is solid if you ever need replacements.

The Gas Grill: Fast and Functional

On the left-hand side, you’ll find the gas grill portion – three stainless steel burners pumping out a combined 36,000 BTUs over 663 square inches of cooking space.

That’s enough room for a small cookout: think 15 burgers, a rack of chops, and a few veggies with room to spare.

The burners come equipped with Flame Tamers, which sit between the fire and your food.

These things do two jobs:

• Prevent flare-ups when fat drips down, and
• Vaporize juices into smoke, adding that subtle grilled flavor you can’t get from plain gas heat.

It’s a clever touch – and one of the few gas features that genuinely mimic the feel of charcoal cooking.

One gripe though: the grease tray is only accessible from the back, which can be awkward depending on your setup. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

The Charcoal Grill: Flavor First

Now we’re talking. The charcoal side – on the right – offers another 663 square inches of grill space. You can load it up with briquettes or lump charcoal, and it comes with an adjustable charcoal tray that can be raised or lowered between six levels.

Want to sear steaks? Crank the tray up to level 6 and get those coals close to the grates.
Cooking ribs or chicken low and slow? Drop it down to level 1 for a gentler indirect cook.

You also get large oval air vents for precision airflow control – a big plus for anyone who’s ever struggled to dial in that perfect smoking temperature.

In short: the charcoal side is where this grill earns its name. It delivers solid heat control, strong flavor, and the flexibility every serious griller wants.

The Electric Smoker: Ambitious but Flawed

Below the two main grills sits the electric smoker, the “third” cooking method in this 4-in-1 setup.

On paper, it sounds fantastic: 1,500-watt heating element, 840 square inches of total space, and the ability to channel smoke into the gas and charcoal chambers using two silver knobs.

That feature is actually brilliant – it lets you infuse smoke into whatever section you’re using without running a separate smoker.

But here’s where things get tricky.

The 840 square inches are spread across three racks, which means you’re limited by height. Whole briskets or full rib racks? Forget it unless you trim them down.

Then there’s the analog temperature control – just a single dial with no digital precision. You’ll have to learn its quirks through trial and error, which can be frustrating if you’re used to digital smokers.

And the water pan? It’s inside the main chamber, so you lose valuable heat and smoke every time you open the door to refill it.

It works, but it feels like the least refined part of an otherwise solid system.

Construction Quality

The Pit Boss Memphis uses porcelain-coated cast iron grates for the gas and charcoal sides – a great balance of durability, heat retention, and easy cleanup.

The smoker racks are porcelain-coated steel, which won’t last quite as long but should hold up fine if you maintain them.

Overall, it’s a sturdy grill, but not indestructible. Some owners report rusting after a couple of seasons – especially on the charcoal tray and smoker interior. A regular cleaning and cover routine will go a long way toward keeping it in good shape.

Thermometers and Controls

Each cooking section has its own built-in thermometer, which is nice for monitoring at a glance. The gas and charcoal thermometers are reasonably accurate, but the smoker’s gauge can be temperamental.

If you plan to smoke often, invest in a digital thermometer – it’ll save you a lot of guesswork.

Assembly and Storage

As mentioned earlier, this grill comes well-packaged with clear instructions, but expect a long build time. It’s not complicated – just bulky.

Once assembled, though, you get two side shelves with three heavy-duty hooks each, perfect for tools and tongs, plus two drawers for storage.

Four locking caster wheels make moving this massive grill surprisingly manageable. It’s steady when you want it to stay put, but mobile when you need to clean or rearrange your patio setup.

Warranty and Customer Support

Pit Boss stands behind its products with a 5-year warranty covering steel parts, electrical components, thermometers, and wheels.

They don’t cover normal rust or oxidation (which is fair – grills live hard lives outdoors), but their customer service has a great reputation for actually responding to issues.

That alone sets them apart from a lot of competitors.

Other Features

The grill is flanked by two side shelves, which offer plenty of space for condiments or food preparation. A set of three heavy-duty hooks is affixed to each shelf, and two large drawers round out the storage space.

The Memphis Ultimate also comes with four locking caster wheels. This means that the grill will be easy to move when necessary, and perfectly stable once it’s in place.

The Missing “Fourth” Grill

Here’s the weird part. The Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 calls itself a 4-in-1, but… you only see three cooking systems: gas, charcoal, and an electric smoker.

Some retailers claim there’s a fourth infrared burner, but it’s nowhere to be found on the actual unit. There’s no side burner, no hidden panel – nothing.

It’s likely that Pit Boss originally planned to include an infrared burner, but it got scrapped before release while the marketing stayed the same.

So, the “4-in-1” name is a bit of a misdirection. You’re really buying a 3-in-1 combo grill – a great one, but still.

Real-World Feedback (Social Proof)

When it comes to Pit Boss Memphis reviews, customer feedback is mixed.

Fans love the versatility, solid gas and charcoal performance, and overall power. But critics are quick to note the smoker’s inconsistency and long assembly time.

Common complaints include:

• Rust developing after a season or two
• Smoker control issues
• Missing “fourth” feature

So while the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate looks impressive, the reality is a little more complicated.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping Your Pit Boss Memphis in Top Shape

A grill like the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate isn’t a throwaway toy – it’s a serious cooking machine. Treat it right, and it’ll serve you faithfully for years. Ignore it, and rust and grease will move in faster than uninvited guests at a backyard party.

Start with the basics: clean it after every use. Once the grates cool down, scrape them with a good grill brush and wipe with a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.

Don’t forget to empty the ash from the charcoal side – ash traps moisture and eats away at metal faster than you’d think.

Once a month, check the gas burners for blockages and clean the grease tray. A clogged burner or overflowing tray is a fire hazard waiting to happen.

When you’re done cooking, cover the entire grill. A proper, waterproof cover keeps rain, humidity, and UV rays from ruining your investment.

If you live in a humid climate, consider keeping it on a raised surface instead of directly on concrete – it helps reduce oxidation.

Lastly, replace worn parts early – especially the charcoal tray and smoker racks. Pit Boss sells replacements, and swapping them out can add years of life.

A little care after every cook beats the heartbreak of watching your Pit Boss Memphis slowly turn into a rusty lawn ornament.

Performance in Action: A Real Cook Test

Specs are fine, but the real test comes when there’s meat on the grates. I fired up the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate for a full day of cooking – gas on one side, charcoal on the other, and the smoker rolling below.

First, I started with ribeyes on the gas grill. The burners heated fast and even, hitting a searing zone within minutes. The Flame Tamers worked beautifully – no flare-ups, just that sweet, smoky hiss when fat hit the heat.

The result? Crusty on the outside, tender inside.

Then came the charcoal session. I loaded lump charcoal, raised the tray to level six, and gave it time to glow. The airflow vents made temperature control almost effortless.

Burgers came off smoky, juicy, and with that deep flavor you only get from burning wood.

Finally, the electric smoker. I tossed in some wood chips and a rack of chicken thighs. It took a bit of tinkering to find the right temperature with the analog knob, but once dialed in, it gave off steady smoke.

The chicken picked up a mild, clean flavor – nothing mind-blowing, but satisfying for a built-in smoker.

In the end, all three sections pulled their weight. The Pit Boss Memphis won’t replace a full-sized offset smoker, but as a multitasking backyard workhorse, it performs way better than most combo units I’ve tested.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If you’re torn on whether the Pit Boss Memphis is right for you, here are a few other combo grills to compare:

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

A classic barrel-style combo grill with an offset smoker that gives you real wood-fired flavor.

• Build quality: Excellent
• Flavor: Authentic smoke
• Versatility: Strong (no electric components)

If you want traditional smoke and don’t care about electric convenience, Oklahoma Joe wins this matchup.

2. Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Gas/Charcoal Combo

No smoker, but cheaper and simpler to use.

• Budget-friendly
• Easier to assemble
• Solid performance for casual grillers

 If you’re not planning to smoke much, this is a smart, affordable pick.

3. Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo

Actually includes a side burner (the missing fourth feature). The overall quality is lower than the Pit Boss, but it’s versatile and well-rounded.

Choose this one if you want maximum cooking modes and are okay trading a little durability for that flexibility.ting in the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 model.

Pros and Cons Recap

Pros

• Huge cooking area (almost 2,000 sq. in. combined)
• Gas, charcoal, and smoker versatility
• Solid build with cast-iron grates
• Good customer support and 5-year warranty
• Thoughtful smoke control design

Cons

• Assembly takes 5–6 hours
• Smoker lacks precision controls
• Some parts prone to rust
• Grease tray access is awkward
• “4-in-1” label is misleading

Pitmaster’s Take: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Grill worth the space on your deck and the dent in your wallet?

Here’s my honest take:

If you love the idea of having one grill that does almost everything, the Pit Boss Memphis is a powerful, flexible option.

You can cook a weeknight dinner on gas, smoke a rack of ribs on Saturday, and charcoal-sear steaks on Sunday – all without switching units.

But if you’re expecting competition-level smoking performance or flawless construction, you’ll be disappointed. The smoker section feels underdeveloped, and the missing “fourth” feature still leaves a sour taste.

As a grill, it’s strong. As a smoker, it’s serviceable. As an all-in-one backyard powerhouse, it’s fun, functional, and – if you maintain it – worth owning.

The Bottom Line

The Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate tries to be the Swiss Army knife of grills – and mostly succeeds. It’s big, versatile, and built for cooks who like to experiment.

It’s not perfect. The smoker is finicky, the marketing’s a little off, and the build could use a few upgrades.

But if you’re after a do-it-all grill with serious cooking power and classic pit boss personality, this one earns its spot in your backyard lineup.

Final verdict:

⭐ Gas & Charcoal Performance: 9/10

⭐ Smoker Performance: 6/10

⭐ Build Quality: 8/10

⭐ Value for Money: 7.5/10

Overall Rating: 7.8/10 – A solid all-rounder for backyard chefs who want variety without clutter.