Great review! I've had a pit boss 820 for coming up on 5 years. They changed the style to the slide to sear rather than mine that didn't have that option. My drip tray was not curved like they currently offer. I didn't have to replace anything in the time I've owned it. Pellet consumption did increase in the winter, but nothing drastic. You mentioned a cover over the burn pot, my model had that and was the first thing to burn through. Overall great bang for your buck. I managed to get a free cover and 4 20lb bags of pellets when I bought mine. I was sold on the solid construction. I didn't alter the P settings much, if any. Enjoy your unit!!