Pit Boss 700FB vs Pit Boss 820 (In-Depth Comparison)

Wood pellet grills have been gaining popularity over recent years, taking the barbecue market by storm. While this may seem like an easy step into the grilling world, a sudden influx of grills makes it harder to pick out the right one for you.

In this article, we’ll go over the differences and similarities between the Pit Boss 700FB and the Pit Boss 820. After searching barbecue forums far and wide, we’ll discover which grill truly comes out on top.

All About The Pit Boss 700fb

The Pit Boss 700FB features 700 square inches of cooking space, separated through 2 different cast-iron grates.

This space is great for a family of 5, big enough to cook for a small barbecue yet convenient enough to fit in a small garden.

When it comes to temperature range, the 700FB has the ability to go as low as 180 F and as high as 500 F.

This means you can cook a whole range of foods such as slow-cooked pork and burning hot pizza [1].

“Cooking is a subject you can never know enough about. There is always something new to discover.”
- Bobby Flay, Chef 

Barbecuing, grilling, roasting, baking, braising, smoking, and searing are all possible on this grill thanks to the LCD thermostatic controls. Grill up your food on an open flame or keep it low and slow for some fall-off the bone meat.

For more detailed information about this fantastic grill, check out our Pit Boss 700FB review.

Pit Boss 700FB Specifications

• 700 square inches of cooking space
• 40,000 BTU
• Temperature range of 180 - 500 F
• 2 separate shelving units
• LCD digitally controlled burning system
• Fully Fueled by hardwood pellets
• Can hold 21lbs of pellets

Pros Of The Pit Boss 700FB

• Cast iron grates - The porcelain-coated grates are great when it comes to cleaning and their non-stick qualities.
• Cooking space - The 700FB features a cooking space large enough for a family of 5 or 6.
• Searing - If you ever thought a grill can’t sear a steak, you haven’t met the 700FB! The searing zone allows you to put a nice sear on your food.

Cons Of The Pit Boss 700FB

• Handle - The positioning of the handle on the lid means it’s easy to accidentally touch the hot lid when opening and closing the grill.
• Position of the second rack - Due to the positioning of the second rack, it makes it a little difficult to cook anything underneath.
• No side shelf/lower cabinet - It becomes a little inconvenient when you don’t have anywhere to place your tongs or meat thermometer.

Related Article: Pit Boss 700FB Auger Not Turning

All About The Pit Boss 820

The Pit Boss 820 features 849 square inches of cooking space, perfect for a large family of 7 or 8.

The temperature range on the 820 is the same as the Pit Boss 700FB, starting at 180F and reaching 500F.

The 820 model comes with quite a few features such as a removable stainless steel tray and side shelf.

You may even be surprised to know there is a bottle opener attached to the hopper.

The pellet hopper can hold 20lbs of wood pellets, the same amount as the 700FB.

The LCD temperature control is easy to use and adjust when needed. You can either set the grill to a low and slow grill and go about your day or cook up a fine steak on an open flame.

The grill is also made from thick robust steel, meaning it’ll last you a lifetime if taken care of properly.

Pit Boss 820 Specifications

• 849 square inches of cooking space
• 21lbs of hopper capacity
• 180 - 500 F temperature range
• Side shelf and folding front shelf with a removable tray
• Ability to sear over an open fire

Pros Of The Pit Boss 820

• Cooking space - The Pit Boss 820 offers a whopping 829 inches of cooking space, meaning you can feed a large crowd and grill multiple briskets at once.
• Easy cleanup - You can clean out the hopper quickly since it features a clean-out plate.
• Lots of extra space - The 820 model features quite a few accessories like the spice rack and bottle opener.
• Cast iron grates - The porcelain coating means the grates are not only non-stick, but they also retain the heat well [2].

Cons Of The Pit Boss 820

• Slightly inconvenient - Since the 820 model is heavy, it makes it difficult to move around. However, this is good for durability and heat radiation.
• Limited searing - The searing zone on offer is quite small, therefore you may have trouble making room for everything if you decide to purchase the 820 models.
• Temperature swings - Just like many pellet grills out there, the Pit Boss 820 has a little trouble when it comes to temperature swings. Ensure you keep an eye on the temperature while you’re cooking.

Comparison Chart

	Pit Boss 700FB	Pit Boss 820
Cooking Space	700 square inches	829 square inches
Temperature Range	180 - 500 F	180 - 500 F
Hopper Capacity	21lbs	21lbs
Searing	Yes (large space)	Yes (small space)
Extra Shelving	No	Side shelf and folding front shelf
BTU	40,000	40,000
Price	Around $600	Around $550

Read More:

• Pit Boss Classic VS Pit Boss 700FB
• Who Manufactures Pit Boss Grills?

Pit Boss 820 vs Pit Boss 700FB: Our Recommendation

When it comes down to it, the actual grilling features are similar on both models, therefore the Pit Boss 700FB and 820 really aren’t that different. They both offer 180 - 500 F in temperature, 21lbs in hopper space, searing, and the same BTU.

However, if you value extra searing space, you’ll want to go with the 700FB models.