Introduction
The Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP Wood Pellet Grill is designed to provide a versatile outdoor cooking experience, utilizing all-natural hardwood pellets for rich, smoky flavors. This manual outlines the essential information for safe operation, proper setup, effective use, and routine maintenance of your grill.
With 8-in-1 cooking versatility, this grill allows you to grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, barbecue, char-grill, and sear, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities.
Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when operating your wood pellet grill. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in property damage, injury, or death.
- For Outdoor Use Only: Never operate this grill indoors or in an enclosed area. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Clearance: Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet (3 meters) from combustible materials, including walls, fences, and overhanging structures.
- Stable Surface: Place the grill on a level, non-combustible surface.
- Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the grill at all times, especially during operation.
- Fuel: Use only food-grade wood pellets specifically designed for pellet grills. Do not use charcoal, lighter fluid, or other accelerants.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure the power cord is not pinched or placed in high-traffic areas. Connect to a grounded outlet.
- Hot Surfaces: The grill surfaces become extremely hot during operation. Use heat-resistant gloves and tools.
- Grease Fires: Regularly clean the grease management system to prevent grease fires. In case of a grease fire, close the lid and turn off the grill. Do not use water.
- Pellet Storage: Store wood pellets in a dry, airtight container away from heat sources and moisture.
Product Overview
The Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP is engineered for performance and convenience. Key features include:
- Cooking Area: 849 square inches total cooking capacity, including 593 sq. in. on the main grates and 256 sq. in. on the upper rack.
- Temperature Range: Capable of maintaining temperatures from 180°F to 500°F.
- Hopper Capacity: A 21 lb. hopper ensures extended cooking times without frequent refills.
- Digital Control Board: Dial-in digital control board for precise temperature management.
- Meat Probes: Includes one Pit Boss meat probe for accurate internal temperature monitoring.
- Flame Broiler: Innovative slide plate flame broiler with an easy-access handle for direct flame searing.
- Side Shelf: A 2-in-1 stainless steel side shelf with a removable tray provides ample workspace.
- Spice Rack: Integrated built-in spice rack for convenient access to seasonings.
Front view of the Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP Wood Pellet Grill, showcasing its overall design and control panel.
The grill with its lid open, revealing the cooking grates and internal components.
A detailed view of the digital control panel and the pellet hopper, where wood pellets are loaded.
Demonstration of the integrated spice rack, located conveniently on the side of the grill.
Setup and Initial Use
Assembly
The Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP requires assembly. Refer to the separate assembly guide included with your packaging for detailed, step-by-step instructions. Ensure all components are securely fastened before proceeding.
Initial Burn-In (Seasoning)
Before cooking food for the first time, it is crucial to perform an initial burn-in to season the grill and burn off any manufacturing oils or residues. This process helps to cure the paint and prepare the cooking surfaces.
- Ensure the grill is fully assembled and placed in a safe outdoor location.
- Fill the pellet hopper with high-quality wood pellets.
- Plug in the grill and turn it on. Set the temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Allow the grill to operate at this temperature for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
- After the burn-in, turn off the grill and allow it to cool completely before cleaning the grates.
Operating Instructions
Loading Pellets
Open the pellet hopper lid and pour wood pellets into the hopper. Ensure the auger is clear of any obstructions. The 21 lb. capacity allows for long cooks.
Starting the Grill
- Ensure the grill is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Open the main lid of the grill.
- Turn the power switch to the 'ON' position.
- Set the desired temperature using the dial-in digital control board. The grill will automatically feed pellets and ignite.
- Once smoke appears and the fire is established (typically 5-10 minutes), close the lid and allow the grill to preheat to your set temperature.
Temperature Control and Cooking Modes
The digital control board allows for precise temperature adjustments. You can set temperatures from 180°F for low-and-slow smoking up to 500°F for high-heat grilling. The grill's 8-in-1 versatility supports various cooking methods:
- Smoking: Use lower temperatures (180-225°F) for extended periods to infuse deep smoky flavor.
- Grilling/Roasting: Use medium to high temperatures (300-400°F) for general grilling and roasting.
- Searing: Utilize the slide plate flame broiler for direct flame searing at high temperatures (450-500°F).
The easy-access handle for operating the slide plate flame broiler, allowing for direct flame searing.
Using Meat Probes
Insert the included meat probe into the thickest part of your food, avoiding bone. Plug the probe into the designated port on the control panel. The internal temperature of your food will be displayed on the digital screen, allowing you to monitor doneness without opening the lid.
The grill in use, demonstrating its capacity to cook multiple items simultaneously, including large cuts of meat.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Pit Boss grill.
- After Each Use: Vacuum the fire pot to remove ash and unburnt pellets. This prevents blockages and ensures proper ignition.
- Grease Management: Regularly empty and clean the grease bucket and grease tray to prevent grease buildup and potential fires.
Side view of the grill, highlighting the removable grease bucket for easy cleaning.
- Exterior Cleaning: Clean the exterior surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Pit Boss Grill Cleaner is recommended.
- Cooking Grates: Scrape and clean cooking grates after each use. For deeper cleaning, remove and wash with warm, soapy water.
- Pellet Hopper: If storing the grill for an extended period, empty the pellet hopper to prevent moisture absorption and pellet degradation.
- Cover: Keep the grill covered when not in use to protect it from the elements and keep it dry.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your pellet grill.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grill not turning on | No power, tripped breaker, loose connection. | Check power cord connection, test outlet, reset circuit breaker. |
| No pellets feeding | Hopper empty, auger jammed, wet pellets. | Refill hopper, clear auger, replace wet pellets with dry ones. |
| Temperature fluctuations | Dirty fire pot, open lid, extreme weather, faulty probe. | Clean fire pot, keep lid closed, use grill in sheltered area, check/replace temperature probe. |
| Excessive smoke | Grill not preheated, wet pellets, dirty components. | Allow grill to preheat fully, use dry pellets, clean fire pot and chimney. |
For issues not listed here, or if solutions do not resolve the problem, please contact Pit Boss customer support.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP Wood Pellet Grill:
- Model Name: PB0820SP
- Item Model Number: 10537
- Power Source: Wood Pellet
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Cast Iron
- Total Cooking Area: 849 sq. in.
- Main Grate Cooking Area: 593 sq. in.
- Upper Rack Cooking Area: 256 sq. in.
- Hopper Capacity: 21 lb.
- Temperature Range: 180°F to 500°F
- Product Dimensions (Approximate): 147.88 cm (58.2 in) Width x 82.12 cm (32.3 in) Depth x 132.46 cm (52.2 in) Height
- Product Weight (Approximate): 71.4 kg (157 lb)
- Manufacturer: Dansons
Dimensional diagram of the Pit Boss Sportsman 820SP, indicating width, height, depth, and weight.
Diagram illustrating the total cooking area, main rack area, top rack area, and hopper capacity.
Warranty and Support
For information regarding the product warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your grill packaging or visit the official Pit Boss Grills website. For technical support, replacement parts, or further assistance, please contact Pit Boss customer service directly. Contact details are typically available on the manufacturer's website or in your product documentation.
