The Pit Boss Sportsman 820 brings serious wood-fired flavor at a wallet-friendly price. Read our full review to see if this pellet grill is your new BBQ sidekick.
A Pellet Grill That Puts in Work Without Breaking the Bank
When it comes to pellet grills, Traeger usually hogs the spotlight—but Pit Boss has been quietly building a loyal following. And the Sportsman 820 is one of the reasons why. It’s tough, versatile, and big enough to handle a full spread for the crew. Even better? It won’t drain your savings.
If you’re after rich smoke flavor, generous cooking space, and features usually found on more expensive models, the Sportsman 820 hits that sweet spot between price and performance.
Specs & Standout Features
Type: Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Cooking Area: 849 sq. in. total
Hopper Capacity: 21 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F to 500°F
Material: Heavy-duty steel with porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Extras:
- Flame broiler lever for direct or indirect heat
- Solid front shelf and side shelf with tool hooks
- Removable serving tray
- Digital control board with LED readout
- Meat probe included
What Makes It Stand Out
1. Massive Cooking Area
With over 800 square inches, this thing is built for big cooks. Ribs, pork shoulder, burgers, and chicken all at once? No problem.
2. Flame Broiler for Searing
A built-in flame broiler lets you open up direct flame, giving you a rare feature in the pellet world—actual char.
3. Built Tough
This isn’t some tin can on wheels. The Sportsman 820 feels sturdy, holds temps well, and doesn’t flex under pressure.
Similar Grills Worth Considering
1. Z GRILLS 700D3
Great value pellet grill with a little less space but better insulation. Doesn’t have direct flame access.
2. Traeger Pro 575
More expensive but includes WiFi control and stronger brand support. Smaller grill area and hopper.
Final Verdict: Is the Pit Boss Sportsman 820 a Smart Buy?
If you want that real wood-fired flavor but aren’t trying to spend $1,000 to get it, the Pit Boss Sportsman 820 is a serious contender. It’s big, built to work, and gives you versatility that a lot of pellet grills skip.
Whether you’re smoking brisket, grilling burgers, or just trying to feed a family of five without stress, this grill delivers—and then some.
