Product Overview
The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Series offers exceptional value in the pellet grill industry. Designed for large gatherings and BBQ entertainment, the 820 Series features two tiers of porcelain-coated grid construction, providing 820 sq. inches of cooking surface. It includes an LED digital control for automatic start and shut down. Fueled by 100% All Natural Hardwood Pellets, this grill operates with true fan-forced convection cooking and can reach temperatures up to 500 °F. The standard flame broiler allows for direct or indirect grilling, offering versatility for baking, roasting, grilling, or smoking. Constructed with heavy-duty steel, Pit Boss grills are built for durability, delivering authentic wood-fired flavor.
Image: The Pit Boss 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker, showcasing its robust black exterior and classic design.
Setup and Assembly
Before operating your Pit Boss Pellet Grill, proper assembly and initial setup are crucial for safe and efficient performance. Ensure all components are present and undamaged before beginning assembly.
Unpacking and Inspection
- Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Inspect all parts for any signs of damage during shipping. Contact customer support immediately if any parts are damaged or missing.
- Keep packaging materials until assembly is complete and the grill is confirmed to be in working order.
Assembly Steps
- Attach the leg assemblies to the main grill body using the provided hardware. Ensure all bolts are securely tightened.
- Install the bottom shelf between the leg assemblies.
- Mount the pellet hopper and control panel assembly to the side of the main grill body.
- Insert the heat deflector, grease tray, and cooking grates into the grill chamber.
- Attach the chimney assembly to the grill.
- Connect the grease bucket to its hanger.
Image: The Pit Boss grill with its lid open, revealing the cooking grates and internal chamber, ready for assembly or use.
Initial Burn-In Procedure
Before cooking any food, perform an initial burn-in to season the grill and burn off any manufacturing oils or residues.
- Fill the pellet hopper with high-quality wood pellets.
- Plug in the grill and turn the control dial to "Smoke". Allow the fire pot to ignite and smoke to appear.
- Once smoke is consistent, close the lid and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Allow the grill to run at this temperature for at least 45 minutes.
- Turn off the grill by rotating the dial to "Shut Down Cycle" and allow it to complete the cycle.
Operating Instructions
Understanding the controls and proper operation will ensure optimal cooking results with your Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
Control Panel Overview
The digital control panel allows precise temperature management and monitoring.
- Temperature Dial: Used to set desired cooking temperature.
- LED Display: Shows current grill temperature and P-setting.
- P-Setting: Adjusts the pellet feed rate during "Smoke" mode, influencing smoke production. Higher P-setting means more smoke, lower P-setting means less smoke and potentially higher temperature.
Starting the Grill
- Ensure the pellet hopper is filled with pellets.
- Plug the grill into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Turn the temperature dial to "Smoke". The auger will begin feeding pellets, and the igniter will heat up.
- Allow 5-7 minutes for the fire pot to ignite and for white smoke to appear from the chimney.
- Once smoke is consistent, close the lid and set the desired cooking temperature.
Cooking Modes
- Smoking: Set the dial to "Smoke" or a low temperature (e.g., 180°F - 225°F). Adjust P-setting for desired smoke intensity.
- Grilling/Roasting: Set the dial to higher temperatures (e.g., 250°F - 400°F).
- Searing (Flame Broiler): Slide the flame broiler plate open to expose the flame for direct searing. Use high temperatures (e.g., 400°F - 500°F).
Image: Various meats, including ribs and brisket, cooking on the grates inside the Pit Boss pellet grill, demonstrating its capacity for large cuts.
Shut Down Procedure
Always follow the proper shut down procedure to prevent auger jams and ensure safety.
- When finished cooking, turn the temperature dial to "Shut Down Cycle".
- The fan will continue to run for approximately 10-15 minutes to burn off remaining pellets in the fire pot and cool down the grill.
- Do not unplug the grill until the shut down cycle is complete and the fan has stopped.
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
Cleaning After Each Use
- Cooking Grates: Scrape off any food residue with a grill brush while the grates are still warm.
- Grease Tray: Empty the grease bucket regularly. Clean the grease tray to prevent grease fires.
- Ash Cleanout: After the grill has cooled completely, remove the cooking grates and grease tray. Vacuum out any ash from the fire pot and grill chamber.
Periodic Maintenance
- Pellet Hopper: Periodically empty the hopper of old pellets, especially if the grill will not be used for an extended period, to prevent moisture absorption and pellet degradation.
- Chimney: Clean the inside of the chimney to remove creosote buildup.
- Exterior: Wipe down the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Temperature Probe: Gently clean the internal temperature probe to ensure accurate readings.
Image: A detailed view of the porcelain-coated cooking grates inside the Pit Boss grill, highlighting their clean condition and robust construction.
Troubleshooting Guide
This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter with your Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grill not igniting | No pellets in hopper, igniter failure, auger jam, or wet pellets. | Check pellet level. Ensure igniter is heating. Clear any auger jams. Use dry pellets. |
| Temperature fluctuations | Lid opened frequently, dirty temperature probe, or strong winds. | Minimize lid openings. Clean temperature probe. Position grill away from direct wind or use a wind deflector. |
| Excessive smoke or no smoke | Incorrect P-setting, low pellet quality, or fire pot issues. | Adjust P-setting. Use high-quality, dry pellets. Clean fire pot. |
| Auger jam | Wet pellets, foreign object, or pellet dust buildup. | Empty hopper and auger tube. Remove obstruction. Use dry pellets. |
For issues not listed here, please refer to the full user manual or contact customer support.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | PIT BOSS |
| Model Name | PB820FB |
| Item Model Number | 71820FB |
| Power Source | Wood Pellet |
| Fuel Type | Wood |
| Color | Black |
| Outer Material | Alloy Steel |
| Inner Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 141.1 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 49 x 50 inches (L x W x H) |
| UPC | 684678083154 |
| Manufacturer | Dansons, Inc |
Support and Resources
For further assistance, warranty information, or to download the complete user manual, please refer to the following resources:
- Official User Guide (PDF): Download User Guide
- Official User Manual (PDF): Download User Manual
- Customer Support: Refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or the official Pit Boss website for direct support.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
