Looking for a powerful and versatile pellet grill that can handle anything you throw at it? Look no further than the Pit Boss 850 Series Pellet Grill and Smoker. This beast of a grill boasts a massive 850 square inches of cooking space, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or tackling large roasts. Whether you’re a seasoned grilling pro or just starting out, the Pit Boss 850 Series offers a ton of features and functionality that will make your next barbecue a success.
But what truly sets this grill apart? The Pit Boss 850 Series utilizes a digital control panel that allows you to precisely control the temperature, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection. It also features a built-in meat probe, so you can monitor the internal temperature of your meat without having to open the lid and disrupt the cooking process.
The 850 Series is also incredibly versatile. It comes with a variety of grilling grates, including a cast iron griddle, making it easy to cook everything from burgers and steaks to pizzas and veggies. The large hopper allows for extended cooking times, so you can smoke ribs for hours on end without having to worry about running out of pellets.
With its powerful performance, user-friendly features, and versatility, the Pit Boss 850 Series is a true game-changer for any backyard chef. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into all the features and functionalities of the Pit Boss 850 Series and see how it stacks up against the competition.
| Name: | Pit Boss 850 Series Pellet Grill and Smoker |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.0 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
Pit Boss 850 Series Overview
The Pit Boss 850 Series is a versatile and feature-rich pellet grill and smoker that caters to both novice and experienced grill masters. This model boasts a generous cooking surface of 850 square inches, making it suitable for large gatherings or feeding a sizable family. The 850 Series is part of Pit Boss’s popular lineup, known for its affordability, durability, and impressive performance.
The 850 Series, like other Pit Boss models, operates on a digital control system, allowing for precise temperature control. Its hopper can hold up to 20 pounds of wood pellets, ensuring long cook times without frequent refills. The 850 Series also features a built-in meat probe, providing real-time temperature readings for added precision. This model comes equipped with a cast iron cooking grid, offering excellent heat retention and even cooking results. Its porcelain-coated firebox and hopper ensure easy cleaning and long-lasting durability.
The Pit Boss 850 Series stands out with its comprehensive features, including a side shelf for preparing ingredients, a warming rack for keeping food warm after cooking, and a built-in ash catcher for effortless cleanup. With its impressive capacity, user-friendly controls, and robust construction, the Pit Boss 850 Series is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-performing pellet grill and smoker within a reasonable price range.
Key Features and Specifications
The Pit Boss 850 Series is a feature-packed pellet grill that boasts a spacious cooking area, digital controls, and a variety of cooking options. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and specifications:
Explore further with 5 Best Charcoal Grills Under $1000 for 2024
-
Cooking Area: The Pit Boss 850 Series offers a generous 850 square inches of cooking space, providing ample room for grilling large meals, smoking whole chickens or briskets, or roasting vegetables. This makes it a great option for families or those who frequently entertain.
-
Pellet Hopper Capacity: This grill comes with a large 18-pound pellet hopper, which can provide up to 12 hours of continuous cooking time on a single fill. This means you can enjoy longer smoke sessions without needing to constantly refill the hopper.
-
Temperature Range: The Pit Boss 850 Series boasts a wide temperature range from 180°F to 500°F, allowing you to cook everything from low and slow smoked meats to high-heat searing. The digital control panel allows you to precisely set and monitor the temperature, ensuring your food cooks perfectly.
-
Digital Controller: The advanced digital control panel is a standout feature. It allows you to easily adjust the temperature and monitor the cooking process. It also features a built-in meat probe, which can alert you when your food reaches your desired internal temperature, making sure you never overcook your food.
-
Construction: The Pit Boss 850 Series is constructed with a durable powder-coated steel body, ensuring long-lasting use and weather resistance. The cast iron cooking grates are designed to withstand high heat and provide consistent, even heat distribution.
-
Other Notable Features: The Pit Boss 850 Series also includes a handy side shelf for prepping and serving, a built-in ash pan for easy cleanup, and a convenient grease management system to keep your grill clean.
The Pit Boss 850 Series offers a robust set of features for a pellet grill at a reasonable price point. Its spacious cooking area, advanced digital controls, and durable construction make it a compelling choice for serious grill enthusiasts and casual cooks alike.
Assembly and Setup
The Pit Boss 850 Series comes in a large box with all the components you need for assembly. The instructions are well-written and easy to follow, making the process relatively straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
- Unpacking: The box contains the grill body, legs, hopper, control panel, and a few other components. It’s best to unpack everything on a flat surface and lay out the components according to the instructions.
- Assembling the Grill: The majority of the assembly process involves attaching the legs to the grill body, securing the hopper, and installing the control panel. All screws and nuts are included, and you’ll likely only need a Phillips head screwdriver. The instructions clearly illustrate each step, and the assembly itself shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
- Setting Up: Once assembled, you need to position the grill on a level surface. This is crucial for ensuring proper heat distribution and preventing spills. Make sure you leave sufficient space around the grill for ventilation and access.
- Initial Heating: Before using the grill for the first time, it’s recommended to run a “burn-in” cycle. This involves heating the grill to high temperature for about 30 minutes to burn off any residue from the manufacturing process. It also helps season the grill and prepare it for your first cook.
- Adding Pellets: The hopper holds a significant amount of pellets, enough for extended cooking sessions. Fill the hopper with the desired wood pellets (choose a flavor you like) and ensure the auger is free of obstructions.
- Connecting to Power: The Pit Boss 850 Series operates on standard household power. Plug the grill into a grounded outlet.
- Using the Control Panel: The digital control panel is straightforward to use. It allows you to adjust the temperature, set a timer, and monitor the grill’s internal temperature. The control panel also features a built-in probe for monitoring the temperature of your food.
Overall, assembling and setting up the Pit Boss 850 Series is a relatively simple process. With clear instructions and well-designed components, you can have your grill ready for cooking in no time.
Performance: Grilling, Smoking, and Roasting
The Pit Boss 850 Series consistently impressed during our grilling, smoking, and roasting tests. The large cooking area allowed for plenty of space to cook multiple meals at once, whether it was a full rack of ribs, a feast of burgers, or a whole chicken.
We first put the grill through its paces by smoking a brisket for 12 hours. The results were phenomenal – the meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The Pit Boss 850 Series maintained a consistent temperature throughout the entire smoking process, ensuring even cooking and perfect bark formation.
Next, we grilled a variety of burgers, steaks, and chicken breasts. The grill heated up quickly and reached the desired temperatures with ease. The grill grates were sturdy and provided excellent sear marks on the meat. We particularly loved the versatility of the grill, allowing us to switch between direct and indirect cooking modes, providing ultimate control over our cooking process.
For roasting, we tested the grill with a whole turkey. The Pit Boss 850 Series handled the large bird with ease, producing a perfectly roasted turkey with crispy skin and moist meat. The rotisserie function, included in this model, also performed remarkably well, yielding perfectly cooked roasts with even browning.
Overall, the Pit Boss 850 Series excelled in every cooking method we tested, proving itself to be a versatile and powerful tool for any backyard chef. The consistent temperature control, spacious cooking area, and ease of use made it a pleasure to cook on.
Temperature Control and Consistency
The Pit Boss 850 series boasts a digital temperature control system with a range of 180°F to 500°F, making it versatile for a wide range of cooking applications. The digital display is easy to read and navigate, allowing you to set your desired temperature with precision. We found that the temperature control was remarkably consistent throughout our testing, holding the set temperature within a +/- 10°F range most of the time. This level of consistency is crucial for achieving even cooking results, especially when smoking delicate meats.
One of the standout features of the Pit Boss 850 is its built-in temperature probe. This allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food directly from the control panel, eliminating the need for separate thermometers. This is a convenient feature that simplifies the cooking process and helps you avoid overcooking your food.
The Pit Boss 850 also has a “Smoke” setting that reduces the temperature to around 180°F, ideal for achieving that signature smoky flavor. The grill automatically adjusts the pellet feed rate to maintain the desired temperature, ensuring consistent smoking throughout the entire process.
Overall, the temperature control and consistency on the Pit Boss 850 series are exceptional. Its digital display, built-in temperature probe, and precise temperature regulation make it a reliable and user-friendly option for both novice and experienced grillers.
Features and Accessories
The Pit Boss 850 Series comes equipped with a number of features and accessories that make it a versatile and user-friendly grilling and smoking option. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Digital Controller: The digital control panel is easy to use and allows you to set the desired temperature with precision. It also includes a built-in timer and a meat probe, which allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food.
- Large Hopper: The 850 Series boasts a large pellet hopper, which means you can grill or smoke for extended periods without needing to refill it constantly.
- Removable Ash Pan: The removable ash pan makes cleanup a breeze. Simply remove it and empty the ash when you’re done.
- Cast Iron Grilling Grates: The heavy-duty cast iron grilling grates provide excellent heat retention and are durable enough to withstand the high temperatures of grilling.
- Side Shelf and Folding Shelf: The side shelf provides you with extra workspace for prepping food or setting down tools. The folding shelf is great for maximizing your space when not in use.
- Optional Accessories: Pit Boss offers a variety of optional accessories to enhance your grilling experience, including a rotisserie kit, pizza stone, and smoker box.
These features and accessories combined make the Pit Boss 850 Series a compelling option for home cooks who want the versatility of a pellet grill and smoker without sacrificing ease of use and quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
The Pit Boss 850 Series offers a compelling mix of features and performance, making it a solid choice for many backyard cooks. However, like any product, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Large Cooking Area: With a generous 850 square inches of cooking space, the Pit Boss 850 Series can handle large meals and multiple dishes simultaneously. This is especially beneficial for entertaining guests or feeding a large family.
- Versatile Cooking Options: The 850 Series excels at a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and even searing. This versatility makes it a true all-in-one cooking solution.
- Digital Controller: The digital temperature control system allows for precise temperature regulation, ensuring consistent results across your cooking endeavors. The digital display is easy to read and use, making it convenient for monitoring and adjusting temperatures.
- Pellet Hopper Capacity: The spacious pellet hopper holds a generous amount of pellets, minimizing the need for frequent refills during long cooks. This is a significant advantage for extended smoking sessions or large gatherings.
- Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty steel construction, the Pit Boss 850 Series is designed to withstand the elements and offer long-term durability. This ensures that your investment will last for years to come.
- Affordability: Compared to other high-end pellet grills, the Pit Boss 850 Series offers excellent value for its features and performance. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious cooks seeking a powerful and versatile grilling experience.
- Ease of Use: The Pit Boss 850 Series is relatively easy to set up and use, even for novice grillers. The intuitive controls and straightforward operation make it a user-friendly choice.
Cons:
- Temperature Fluctuations: While the 850 Series offers good temperature control, some users have reported minor fluctuations, particularly during cold weather or high winds. It’s essential to monitor temperatures closely and make adjustments as needed.
- Pellet Feed System: While the pellet feed system generally works well, occasional issues with jamming or inconsistent pellet delivery have been reported. Regular cleaning and proper pellet storage can help minimize these problems.
- Limited Features: Compared to some higher-end models, the Pit Boss 850 Series lacks some advanced features like WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth integration, or integrated meat probes. These features may not be crucial for all users but could be beneficial for those seeking greater control and automation.
- Assembly: While the assembly process is generally straightforward, some users have reported challenges with certain components. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions and have assistance if needed.
Overall, the Pit Boss 850 Series pellet grill and smoker offers a solid combination of features, performance, and value. Its versatility and ease of use make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced grillers. However, it’s important to be aware of potential limitations in temperature control and the occasional need for troubleshooting. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile pellet grill at an affordable price, the Pit Boss 850 Series is definitely worth considering.
Comparison to Similar Models
The Pit Boss 850 Series stands out in the crowded pellet grill market, but how does it compare to other popular options? Here’s a breakdown of its key competitors and their strengths and weaknesses:
Traeger Timberline 850: This grill is often considered the gold standard in the pellet grilling world. While both the Timberline and Pit Boss 850 offer similar features like a large cooking area and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Timberline boasts superior build quality, temperature control, and even heating. However, the Timberline comes at a significantly higher price point.
Rec Tec RT-700: The Rec Tec RT-700 is another high-end pellet grill that offers excellent temperature control and even heat distribution. It also features a sleek design and a robust construction. However, like the Timberline, the Rec Tec comes with a hefty price tag, making the Pit Boss 850 a more budget-friendly alternative.
Grilla Grills Silverbac: This grill boasts a massive 850 square inch cooking area, making it a good option for large gatherings. The Silverbac also offers excellent temperature control and features a cast iron cooking grate. While the Silverbac is priced competitively, it lacks the advanced features and connectivity found in the Pit Boss 850.
Camp Chef Woodwind 24: The Camp Chef Woodwind 24 is a smaller pellet grill with a more compact design. It’s a great choice for smaller families or those with limited space. While the Woodwind 24 is affordable, it lacks the large cooking area and the advanced features found in the Pit Boss 850.
Overall, the Pit Boss 850 Series strikes a good balance between features, performance, and price. It’s a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality pellet grill without breaking the bank. While the Timberline and Rec Tec might offer slightly better performance and build quality, the Pit Boss 850 provides a more budget-friendly option with impressive features, making it a great value for the money.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Pit Boss 850 Series pellet grill and smoker is a fantastic option for those seeking a versatile and powerful grilling experience. Its large cooking surface, impressive temperature control, and impressive features make it ideal for both casual and serious grill enthusiasts. While the initial assembly can be a bit time-consuming, the overall performance and ease of use more than compensate for this.
Overall, the Pit Boss 850 Series is highly recommended for anyone looking for a durable and reliable pellet grill. Its combination of features, performance, and value make it a compelling choice in the competitive world of pellet grills. If you’re serious about your grilling and want a machine that can handle anything from juicy burgers to perfectly smoked ribs, the Pit Boss 850 Series is definitely worth considering.
Where to Buy the Pit Boss 850 Series
The Pit Boss 850 Series is available from various retailers, both online and in-store. Here are some of the most common places to purchase it:
- Amazon: Amazon is a great option for finding the Pit Boss 850 Series at a competitive price. You can often find deals and discounts, and you can have it delivered straight to your door.
- Pit Boss Grills Website: You can buy directly from the Pit Boss Grills website. This is a good option if you want to ensure you are getting an authentic product and want to explore additional accessories or bundles.
- Home Depot: Home Depot is a popular retailer for outdoor grilling equipment, including pellet grills. You can check their website or visit a local store to see if they carry the Pit Boss 850 Series.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s is another major retailer that sells pellet grills. They often have competitive prices and offer in-store pickup or delivery options.
- Walmart: Walmart is a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly price on the Pit Boss 850 Series. They also offer convenient online ordering and in-store pickup.
- Local Grill Shops: There are many local grill shops that specialize in outdoor cooking equipment, including pellet grills. They can provide expert advice and help you choose the right model for your needs.
When shopping for the Pit Boss 850 Series, it’s important to compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. You should also consider factors such as shipping costs, warranty options, and return policies.
Remember to check for any available discounts or promotions that may be running during your purchase. This could help you save money on your new pellet grill and smoker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of wood pellets should I use with the Pit Boss 850 Series?
Explore further with 22 Best Grills for Outdoor Kitchens in 2024
Explore further with 5 Best Grills Under $1000 for Large Families in 2024
A: While the Pit Boss 850 Series is compatible with most wood pellets, it’s recommended to use high-quality pellets made from 100% hardwood. Avoid using pellets that contain fillers or additives, as these can affect the flavor of your food and potentially damage the grill.
Q: How often do I need to clean the Pit Boss 850 Series?
A: Regular cleaning is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. After each use, empty the ash pan and remove any debris from the firepot and cooking grates. You should also do a deeper clean once a month, including removing the grease tray and cleaning it with soap and water.
Q: Can I use the Pit Boss 850 Series for grilling, smoking, and roasting?
A: Absolutely! The Pit Boss 850 Series is a versatile grill, capable of handling a range of cooking methods. It can reach high temperatures for searing steaks or grilling burgers, maintain low and slow temperatures for smoking ribs or brisket, and even roast whole chickens or turkeys.
Q: What is the warranty on the Pit Boss 850 Series?
A: The Pit Boss 850 Series comes with a 1-year warranty on the entire grill, including the hopper, auger, and controller. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Q: Where can I find replacement parts for the Pit Boss 850 Series?
A: Pit Boss offers a wide range of replacement parts for its grills, available directly from their website or through authorized retailers. You can find a list of parts and accessories specific to the 850 Series model on the Pit Boss website.
Q: Is the Pit Boss 850 Series difficult to assemble?
A: While some assembly is required, the Pit Boss 850 Series is generally considered easy to put together. The instructions are clear and comprehensive, and most users can assemble the grill within an hour or two.
Q: What size is the cooking area on the Pit Boss 850 Series?
A: The Pit Boss 850 Series features a large 850 square inch cooking area, providing ample space for cooking for a large group. It’s perfect for entertaining or feeding a family.
Q: Can I use the Pit Boss 850 Series in the winter?
A: While the Pit Boss 850 Series is designed to be used outdoors, it can also be used in cold weather. However, it’s important to protect the grill from the elements and keep it dry. You may also want to consider using a grill cover to protect it from snow or ice.
Q: Is the Pit Boss 850 Series a good value for the money?
A: The Pit Boss 850 Series is a highly regarded pellet grill that offers excellent value for the price. Its features, performance, and durability make it a strong contender in the competitive pellet grill market.
Final Thoughts
The Pit Boss 850 Series pellet grill and smoker is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and feature-rich cooking appliance. It offers impressive performance across grilling, smoking, and roasting, with excellent temperature control and consistency. The large cooking area and convenient features like the digital controller and built-in ash removal make it a user-friendly option for both novice and experienced grillers. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option, the Pit Boss 850 Series delivers excellent value for its price, providing a robust and reliable grill that’s sure to become a centerpiece in your backyard. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue party or simply seeking a delicious and convenient way to cook meals at home, the Pit Boss 850 Series is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the Pit Boss 850 Series Pellet Grill and Smoker is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable pellet grill. It offers excellent temperature control, a large cooking area, and a variety of features that make it easy to use. While it might not be the most premium option on the market, it delivers on its promises and provides great value for the price.
If you’re a beginner looking to get started with pellet grilling, the 850 Series is a great place to begin. It’s simple to use and provides consistent results, making it ideal for those just starting out. Experienced grill masters will appreciate the 850 Series’s versatility and ability to handle a wide range of cooking styles.
While the 850 Series does have some limitations, such as its relatively small hopper and lack of a digital controller, these drawbacks are outweighed by its strong performance and affordability. If you’re looking for a pellet grill that can handle your everyday grilling needs and delivers delicious results, the Pit Boss 850 Series is a worthy contender.
Ultimately, the Pit Boss 850 Series is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of delicious, easy grilling. It’s a great option for beginners and experienced grillers alike, offering versatility, affordability, and consistent results.
Yasmin 
Hassan