Pit Boss Sportsman 820
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The Sportsman 820 is Pit Boss's answer to mid-tier Traegers — 820 sq in of cooking area, a PID controller, WiFi connectivity, and a slide-plate flame broiler for direct-flame searing. All under $700.
What We Love
- +820 sq in cooking area is generous for the price
- +PID controller holds ±15°F at smoking temps
- +WiFi works through the Pit Boss app
- +Slide-plate broiler for 500°F+ direct searing
- +21 lb hopper handles overnight cooks
- +5-year warranty
Watch Out For
- −WiFi setup is fiddly (2.4GHz only)
- −App interface is clunky compared to Traeger
- −Temperature swings widen to ±25°F in cold weather
- −Hopper lid doesn't seal — pellets absorb moisture
- −Assembly takes 2-3 hours
Specifications
Cooking Area
820 sq in
Hopper
21 lbs
Controller
PID with WiFi
Temp Range
180°F to 500°F
Material
Heavy-gauge steel
Warranty
5 years
The Full Review
I tested the Sportsman 820 against a Traeger Pro 575 for three months. The Pit Boss has 245 more square inches, the same WiFi capabilities, and costs $200 less. For most cooks, that's an easy trade.
The PID controller is the real upgrade over older Pit Boss models. At 225°F, it holds within ±15°F in mild weather. That's not best-in-class (a premium Traeger hits ±5°F), but it's plenty stable for excellent brisket and pork.
The slide-plate broiler is what makes this a true two-zone grill. Slide the plate aside and direct flame from the firepot hits the grates. I've measured 550°F+ at grate level — genuine searing capability without changing grills.
WiFi is the weak link. Setup took me 20 minutes of fiddling with the app and rebooting the controller. Once connected, it works reliably. The app itself is functional but ugly — graphs are basic and the UI feels dated.
Cold weather (sub-20°F Minnesota mornings) widens temperature swings to ±25°F. A thermal blanket ($60 aftermarket) tightens that up considerably.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss Sportsman 820 (this) | 4.3 | $649 | Mid-tier Pit Boss with WiFi, PID controller, and 820 sq in of cooking surface for under $700 — the value pick in mid-size pellet grills. |
| Pit Boss Navigator 850 | 4.4 | $697 | Pit Boss's mid-size workhorse pellet grill. |
| Pit Boss Platinum Laredo 1000 | 4.3 | $599 | Budget-friendly pellet option with enormous cooking area, solid temp control, and accessible pricing. |
Who Is It For?
First-time pellet grill buyers who want WiFi and PID without spending $1,000+. Families who entertain regularly and need 800+ sq in. Cooks who want searing capability included.
Final Verdict
The Pit Boss Sportsman 820 at $649 is the best mid-size pellet grill under $700. The WiFi and slide-plate broiler aren't class-leading, but they work, and the cooking area is genuinely generous.
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