Today, I’m here to review Pit Boss 820, a wood pellet smoker made by Camp Chef. This one uses wood pellets instead of charcoal or gas, so your food gets that nice smoky flavor.
The 820 is one of their most popular models ’cause it can fit a lot of meat but doesn’t cost a fortune, which is one of the main reasons I purchased it, but oh boy, did it come with some pleasant surprises.
There is a lot to cover, so let’s get straight to it!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | 820 square inches |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 500°F |
| Hopper Capacity | 21 lbs |
| Cooking Grids | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Searing Capability | Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F |
| Meat Probes | 2 ports, 1 probe included |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Upgradeable for a controlled cooking experience |
| Grease Management | Simple steel bucket with replaceable foil liner |
| Construction | Heavy-duty stainless steel |
| BTU Rating | 40,000 |
| Ignition | Auto-ignition |
First Impressions
At first glance, when you look at the Pit Boss 820, you might think, “This thing is pretty big and sturdy looking.” With how beefy it is and all that space to cook your food, plus the fancy design, it doesn’t just promise to work well – it also looks pretty sweet.
It’s got an 820 square-inch cooking area, which is pretty generous. There’s also a digitally controlled burning system to control the fire and a porcelain-coated cast iron grill. Basically, the inside is coated in something smooth and durable so your food doesn’t stick.
Oh, and there’s the flame broiler that lets you cook with fire both directly on the food and also indirectly below it. So you’ve got options on how to heat up your grub. Overall, pretty impressive exterior, let’s see how it works though.
Performance and Cooking Capacity
This grill means business! With its 40,000 BTU power, you ain’t never gonna run outta heat, no matter what crazy cooking plans you’ve got brewing. Its wide temperature range from 180 to 500 degrees means it can handle anything from slow-smoked ribs to a nice hot sear on a steak – pretty versatile, and it served me well on so many grilling parties.
And space, that’s just impressive. The 820-square-inch cooking surface is perfect if you’re throwing one of your famous shindigs for the whole neighborhood. You can cook up a storm all at once without everything getting all cramped on the grates. And those adjustable racks let you grill everything under the sun, from a big roast to some delicate fish fillets.
But what really takes the cake is that wood pellet fuel system. Gives your vittles an authentic smoked flavor that no plain old gas or charcoal grill can match. The way I see it, that little detail puts this Pit Boss model a leg up on the competition and makes all your outdoor cooking a whole lot more enjoyable.
Grilling Experience and Ease of Use
Everything about Pit Boss 820 is designed to save you time and effort. That digital control panel lets you set the temperature with the push of a button. No more messing with dials or vents!
And the pellet hopper – Ever tried refilling a grill in the middle of a cook before? It’s a pain having to stop what you’re doing and fumble with a bag of pellets. Not with this baby – the hopper swings open so you can fill her up without missing a beat.
Cooking? This thing can do it all! Burgers, steaks, chicken, you name it – it’ll grill it to perfection. But wait, there’s more! It smokes, bakes, roasts, sears, braises, barbecues,too.
Oh, and one more thing – storage. You have a shelf down below that’s perfect for all your grilling tools. Tongs, spatulas, the good silverware – it’s got a place for everything. Moving it is also a cinch, thanks to the wheels. No more throwing your back out wrestling a heavy grill.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping your grill clean is important if you want it to last. This model makes it pretty simple. The grates have porcelain coating, so they don’t get gross and gunked up too fast. Usually, all you gotta do is brush them off when you’re done cooking, and they’ll stay in decent shape.
It also has an ashtray you can just yank out. All the ashes from your fire fall down there, so when you’re done, you lift it out and toss it. It keeps everything running smoothly, so it doesn’t break after a few uses.
I know cleaning sounds like a drag, but you really gotta do it every few cookouts if you want to keep everything in tip-top state. It stinks, but it pays off – your grill will last longer and work like new if you stay on top of the cleaning. So don’t be lazy!
Keep an eye out for any signs of flaking or damage to the paint on your Traeger grill. Addressing this early can prevent rust and ensure your grill stays in top condition for years to come.
Summary
The Pit Boss 820 grill is a pretty solid choice. It gives you that real wood-smoked flavor we all love but makes it easy with electronic ignition and temperature controls. Best of both worlds, right?
This thing can cook a ton of food at once and will hold the heat just where you set it. The materials are tough, too – this thing should last. Any backyard BBQ fanatic would be stoked on it.
Grilling is fun – there’s so much you can cook over an open fire. And with the Pit Boss by your side, you’ll be exploring all the possibilities for years and years. It’ll be your trusty sidekick on all your grilling adventures. Who knows what delicious dishes you’ll whip up to share with friends and family around that grill.
So, in the end, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, heavy-duty grill to become your grilling guru – the Pit Boss 820 could be the one to lead you on that tasty journey. I highly recommend it!
