The Pit Boss 820

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When it comes to finding the right grill, the options can seem endless!!

There are a lot of different grill styles, types, and brands out there…. but which one is for you?

I have the Pit Boss 820 and want to tell you about the main features, specifications, and what I liked about it.

One of my favorite things is the SPACE!I like having a BIG grill for big cookouts.

I was able to feed 18 hungry adults and 5 kids at my wife’s 40^th birthday party.

I also thought it was easy to clean. Plus it was easy to control the temperature with the built-in thermometer (which is a BIG plus when I was trying to entertain friends and family at the birthday party)

Want to know more? Continue reading my Pit Boss 820 deluxe review!

Pit Boss 820 Deluxe Pellet Grill

About Pit Boss Grills

I love reading up on grill companies, so here is a little background info on Pit Boss 😊

Pit Boss was founded back in 1999  by Dansons.

The company was founded by a father-son trio, Dan Thiessen, and his two sons, Jeff and Jordan. Since then it has become a big name in the barbecue and smoker world.

I think they are a tough and durable brand that is well respected in the grilling community.

I like that they have a wide range!

I have used their smaller portable grills when going to tailgating and at away games.

I have also tried their bigger, more permanent models for get-togethers in my backyard. They have a range of different fuel types including pellet, gas, and electric.

But my favorite fuel source is pellet, I mean it waaay easier to cook with.

Get it started, put on my meat and I can go hang out with the kids or drinks beers with my mates!

What I Like About It

Super easy temp control:
Once I’d loaded the wood pellets into the grill and got them burning it was easy to control the heat and smoke with the P setting.

I found that the built temperature gauge when I tested it against mine but I always also use my thermometer just as a backup

I have been able to use it for all different types of cooks:
I have been able to grill, bake, roast, sear, and smoke in this bad boy. There are so many Pit Boss recipes to try!

We have even done a pizza in it! The base came out super crispy

I liked all the grill space:
I liked having all the extra cooking space in the 820.

Sometimes I would also use the porcelain-coated racks, to keep cooked food warm to free up some grill space. I used this grill for the wife’s 40^th and had enough room to cook for 18 HUNGRY adults!!.

This grill has a similar space to the Traeger, I  have done a comparison on the Pit Boss vs. Traeger for you!

Adjustable heat shield for great with fish:
I use the adjustable heat shield to grill more delicate food like fish, it worked well.  

Easily accessible pellet hopper:
It was easy for me to top up the pellets mid-cook. Some pellet smoker hoppers are hard to access while the unit is hot but not this one.If you need to remove the pellets from it, this will you help you.

Pretty easy to move around the yard:
Although it’s quite heavy, the two large wheels make it possible to move around my backyard by myself, however, I wouldn’t be lifting it into my truck myself!!

Is the Pit Boss 820 Easy to Setup?

It didn’t take me more than 40 minutes to set it up.

Using the instruction manual and the how to use a Pit Boss smoker resource. I got me through the entire setup quickly

If you are a complete meat smoking beginner please keep in mind that when assembling this grill (or anything for that matter) following the instruction manual can eliminate a lot of stress and confusion.

The first time you use your Pit Boss grill you have to prime it before adding the pellets.

Time: You should set aside 30 – 1.5 hours to set up this unit. Or time for 5 or 6 beers.

Is The Pit Boss 820 Easy To Use?

Using the 820 is an absolute pleasure. 

Just see how to start a Pit Boss grill and you’ll be a grill master in no time”

After you assemble it, the cooking part is simple.

I just filled it with pellets into the large pellet hopper and did the burnoff as instructed.

Then it was easy to get started thanks to the auto-ignition, then I was ready to go!

No messing about with dirty charcoal or lighter fluid. I was then able to monitor the cook using the Smoke it App, which was handy when I wanted to stay inside and watch the game.

Once I was done cooking cleaning up was simple.

I just let it cool, then I wiped it and empty the grease bucket (if there is a lot of ash, I will use my ash vaccum).

Using The Water Pan

It is worth using the water pan in your Pit Boss. Its helps to regulate the temperature and create a moist enviroment.

You should clean it after each use.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Pit Boss 820

I found cleaning it easy. You can save a little bit of cleaning by lining your grease bucket with foil or a thick plastic liner.

You do need to keep on top of the cleaning and maintenance to avoid rust. I just clean mine after each cookout.

Durability

I had a close look and saw it was built from 16 gauge steel.

This is a highly durable material, meaning it has the strength that last years!

It also had a very heavy-duty undercarriage and a shelf that adds to the stability of the grill.

I found that these materials do make it heavier than some units.

So, moving it around can be a bit hard due to weight. However, it does come with wheels which makes it a bit easier.

Do They Have a Military Discount?

Yes, Pit Boss do offer a Military discount on their pellet grills.

It’s great seeing companies do it for our heroes.

What I’ve Cooked On It.

The real question is what I haven’t I cooked it on it!

However, three of my favorites include the smoked turkey I did for Thanksgiving and the smoked mac and cheese at our annual Easter cookout.

Plus My EPIC smoked cream cheese is always a big hit when we put it out with a cheese board or appetizers.

Pit Boss Warranty

It came with a limited 5-year warranty. I like when brands stand behind their product and give you a decent warranty.

Please remember that the limited warranty does not extend to cover issues that are caused by things such as:

1. Accidents.
2. Modifications, adjustments, or repairs that were unauthorized.
3. Normal wear and tear.
4. Use of improper wood pellets.
5. Lack of necessary proper maintenance.

Do You Get Value For Money?

When it comes to deciding if a wood pellet grill is right for you, you need to determine if it’s a good value.

After testing it, I found this grill is made of high-quality materials and produces delicious BBQ.

I found the temperature control is simple and hassle-free.

You also get a nice-sized cooking space that allows you to cook for a big group of friends and family.

Overall Thoughts of the Pit Boss 820 Deluxe Pellet Grill

Overall the I think the Pit Boss 820 a pretty great grill. I felt like I got a top quality unit for the price.

If you want a sturdy, easy to clean grill that is simple to use, this is a great one for you.

FAQ

Does the Pit Boss comes with a rotisserie?

The Pit Boss doesn’t come with a rotisserie. However, you can add one with an aftermarket attachment

Do you remove the heat deflector shield when smoking ribs in a pit boss?

Leave the heat deflector out for ribs, burgers, steaks, chops, or anything that can take a short amount of direct flame.

Try not to use the heat deflector shield anytime you or smoke or grill above 400+ degrees.

You will find that beneath the grill grates there is a domed piece that directs the smoke/heat/air from the burn pot to the left side of the cook chamber so that it will then flow from left to right across your cooking area.

The “heat shield” is a separate piece beneath that domed piece, it sits almost flush with the top of the burn pot.

Interested in Pellet Grills? Continue Reading