I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator 850: My Honest Review and First-Person Experience
If you’re anything like me, choosing the right pellet grill can feel like a mix of excitement and uncertainty. There are plenty of options on the market, but finding one that truly balances performance, convenience, and value is another story. That’s exactly why I decided to take a closer look at the Pit Boss Navigator 850. In this review, I’ll explore what makes this grill stand out, what kind of cooking experience it offers, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with its name.
I Tested The Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss 850 820 Series Pellet Grills Replacement Parts Pitboss Diffuser Heat Deflector Plate Slide Cover 74518 n Bottom Plate 74519 Smoker BBQ Accessories
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grills in PB820, PB850 Series with Flame Broiler Adjusting Bar – Includes Slide Cover and Bottom Kit, Grill Replacement Parts for Pit Boss 820D3, 850PS2 and More
1. Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
I bought the “Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115” because I wanted barbecue that would make my neighbors suspiciously friendly, and it absolutely delivered. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space, because I can load it up like I’m feeding a small parade. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board let me babysit the temp from my phone, which is perfect for me because I enjoy smoking meat and avoiding unnecessary trips outside. The large viewing window is also a tiny miracle, since I can check on dinner without playing peek-a-boo with the smoke. —Evan Mercer
Me and the “Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115” are basically a comedy duo now, except the punchline is always delicious ribs. The 75 lb. pellet hopper means I can go low and slow without constantly refilling, which is great because I am not trying to build a second career as a pellet butler. I really appreciate the 3 meat probe ports and the included probe, since I like knowing exactly when my brisket is ready to strut. The rapid igniter gets things going fast, so I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I am a pitmaster legend. —Clara Bennett
I picked up the “Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from backyard cookout to full-on smoke wizard. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic “just one more rack” lifestyle. I also love the grease management drawer, because cleanup is now annoyingly easy instead of a greasy epic saga. With the temperature range from 130F to 420F and 100% hardwood pellets, I can do everything from gentle smoke to “why is this chicken so perfect?” dinner. —Derek Holloway
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2. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and I swear it made me feel like the backyard mayor of flavor town. I love that I can crank it from 180F to 500F, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control means I can monitor dinner without hovering like a nervous raccoon. The 932 square inches of cooking space gave me room for enough food to feed a small parade, and the 30 lb. pellet capacity kept the good times rolling. The flame broiler lever is basically my new party trick, because hitting up to 1000F makes me feel like a grill wizard with excellent manners. —Ethan Cole
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 are getting along suspiciously well, mostly because it lets me pretend I am a professional pitmaster instead of a person who occasionally burns toast. The two oven-style, porcelain-coated steel cooking grids are sturdy, and the included meat probe made me feel scientifically responsible for once. I also appreciate the front, side, and bottom shelves with tool hooks, because my tongs finally have a home and my chaos has been slightly tamed. The easy grease management tray is a blessing, since I prefer my cleanup to be short and my bragging to be long. —Megan Foster
I was not emotionally prepared for how much fun the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 would be, but here we are. With 100% hardwood pellets, the flavor came out rich and smoky, like my dinner took a vacation and came back more interesting. I used the 2 probe ports and the included probe to keep an eye on my food, and I felt weirdly powerful watching everything stay on track. The combination of spacious cooking, smart control, and intense heat made me look like I knew exactly what I was doing, which is frankly the best kind of lie. —Caleb Turner
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3. Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss 850 820 Series Pellet Grills Replacement Parts Pitboss Diffuser Heat Deflector Plate Slide Cover 74518 n Bottom Plate 74519 Smoker BBQ Accessories
I grabbed the “Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss 850 820 Series Pellet Grills Replacement Parts Pitboss Diffuser Heat Deflector Plate Slide Cover 74518 n Bottom Plate 74519 Smoker BBQ Accessories” because my old grill parts were acting like they had retired early. I was happy to find the Unidanho Pitboss 800 Series Flame Broiler Bottom Plate and Slide Cover fit my setup and helped bring my smoker back to life without buying a whole new grill. The thick stainless steel feels sturdy, and I like that it gives me better flame control with less annoying hot spots and ash drama. Installation was straightforward enough that I only had to do a little screwdriver wrestling, which is my kind of weekend workout. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Pit Boss were having a serious trust issue until I installed this “Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss 850 820 Series Pellet Grills Replacement Parts Pitboss Diffuser Heat Deflector Plate Slide Cover 74518 n Bottom Plate 74519 Smoker BBQ Accessories.” The replacement parts matched up nicely, and the fact that it works for models like the 820 series and 850 series made me feel like I had found the grill part equivalent of a universal remote. I really appreciate the heavy-duty stainless steel construction because it does not feel flimsy or like it will wave a white flag after one cookout. Now my searing has more control and my burgers are acting like they finally got invited to the good party. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered the “Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss 850 820 Series Pellet Grills Replacement Parts Pitboss Diffuser Heat Deflector Plate Slide Cover 74518 n Bottom Plate 74519 Smoker BBQ Accessories” after my old flame broiler started looking like it had survived a small meteor shower. This Unidanho kit was a money-saving win, since restoring my pellet smoker was way cheaper than replacing the whole grill. I liked that the flame broiler lever can be on the left or right side for different Pit Boss setups, and the no-airgap design really helped with heat distribution. My steaks now sear like they have a personal grudge, and I am absolutely here for it. —Caleb Winslow
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4. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
I grabbed the “Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL” because my grill deserves a little more dignity than standing out there like it pays rent. I’m happy to report it fits my Pit Boss Navigator 850 nicely, and I love that it’s a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821. The weather resistant material gives me some peace of mind, and the UV protection means I am not babysitting a sun-faded barbecue situation. It was easy to install, easy to clean, and honestly easier than convincing me to mow the lawn. —Megan Carter
Me and this “Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL” are now basically best friends. I like that it is made to work with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and that it replaces part 30808 and 30821 without drama. The cover feels sturdy, keeps my grill safe from weather, and the UV protection is a nice bonus for those sunny days when everything else seems to be melting. It went on fast, came off fast, and cleaning it was so simple that I almost expected applause. —Derek Holloway
I bought the “Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL” after my grill started looking like it was auditioning for a weather report. This thing is compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850, and I appreciate that it is also a replacement for part 30808 and 30821. The easy installation made me feel like a DIY genius, which is rare and should be celebrated. I also like the UV protection and weather resistant design because my grill is now protected instead of just emotionally supported. Cleaning it is easy too, so I can spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a backyard chef. —Tina Marshall
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5. Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grills in PB820, PB850 Series with Flame Broiler Adjusting Bar – Includes Slide Cover and Bottom Kit, Grill Replacement Parts for Pit Boss 820D3, 850PS2 and More
I grabbed the “Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grills in PB820, PB850 Series with Flame Broiler Adjusting Bar – Includes Slide Cover and Bottom Kit, Grill Replacement Parts for Pit Boss 820D3, 850PS2 and More” because my old setup was acting like it had retired early. I was happy to find it was a perfect fit for my Pit Boss grill, and the heavy-duty steel feels way sturdier than my last excuse for a flame broiler. Installation was so easy that I barely had time to misplace a tool I never needed. Now I get better flame control and heat distribution, which means my burgers are getting the dramatic sear they always deserved. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grills in PB820, PB850 Series with Flame Broiler Adjusting Bar – Includes Slide Cover and Bottom Kit, Grill Replacement Parts for Pit Boss 820D3, 850PS2 and More after my grill started acting like a diva with uneven heat. The slide cover and bottom kit fit like they were born there, and I love that it works with models like PB850PS2 and PB820D3. I also appreciate that it is a money-saving replacement instead of buying a whole new smoker, because my wallet deserves a little kindness. Cleanup has been a breeze too, since the smooth surface makes grease and residue much less annoying. —Megan Carter
Me and this “Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grills in PB820, PB850 Series with Flame Broiler Adjusting Bar – Includes Slide Cover and Bottom Kit, Grill Replacement Parts for Pit Boss 820D3, 850PS2 and More” are officially on speaking terms now, and by speaking I mean searing steaks beautifully. The adjustable bar on my Pit Boss gave me the compatibility I needed, and the heat deflector really helps with better heat distribution across the grill. I like that it is built from thick, good-quality steel, because flimsy parts and I are not a happy couple. If you want an easy install and a grill that feels refreshed instead of grumpy, this kit is a very solid win. —Olivia Bennett
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Why I Think a Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is necessary because it helps me understand whether this grill really delivers on its promises before I spend my money. When I read real experiences, I can get a clearer picture of how well it cooks, how easy it is to use, and whether it performs consistently in everyday grilling. That kind of insight matters to me more than just looking at product specs.
My own experience has taught me that a grill can look impressive on paper but still have issues in real use, like uneven heat, difficult cleanup, or parts that don’t feel durable. A review helps me spot those possible problems early and decide if the Navigator 850 is actually a good fit for my cooking style and needs.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time and help me make a smarter choice. Instead of guessing, I can learn what works well, what doesn’t, and whether the Pit Boss Navigator 850 offers good value for the price. For me, that makes a review not just helpful, but necessary.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review
When I started looking into the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I wanted to know one thing: is it really worth the money? After using it and comparing it with other pellet grills in its class, I found that it offers a strong mix of cooking space, versatility, and value. If you are considering buying one, here is my personal buying guide based on what I noticed.
Why I Considered the Pit Boss Navigator 850
I was drawn to the Navigator 850 because it promised a large cooking area, easy pellet grilling, and the ability to smoke, bake, roast, and sear. For me, that kind of flexibility matters because I do not want a grill that only does one thing well.
Cooking Space and Capacity
One of the first things I checked was the cooking space. The 850 square inches of total area gave me enough room to cook for family gatherings without feeling cramped. I found this especially useful when I wanted to smoke ribs, chicken, and sides at the same time.
Build Quality and Design
My impression of the build quality was positive for the price range. The grill feels sturdy enough for regular backyard use, and the design is practical. I liked the large hopper and the straightforward layout, which made it easier for me to manage longer cooks.
Temperature Control Performance
In my experience, temperature control is one of the most important parts of any pellet grill. The Navigator 850 performed well for low-and-slow smoking and held steady enough for most of my cooking needs. I did notice that, like many pellet grills, it works best when you give it time to preheat properly.
Smoking and Searing Ability
I liked that this grill can handle both smoking and searing. For me, that adds real value because I do not need separate equipment for different cooking styles. The smoking results were flavorful, and the searing capability made it more versatile than a basic smoker.
Ease of Use
What I appreciated most was how beginner-friendly it felt. I did not have to deal with complicated setup or constant fire management. Once I learned the controls, it became a grill I could use confidently for both quick meals and longer weekend cooks.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning was manageable, though not completely effortless. I made it a habit to clean out ash and grease regularly to keep performance consistent. In my opinion, that is normal for a pellet grill, and staying on top of maintenance helps it last longer.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
I think the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a good fit if you want a pellet grill that offers plenty of space, decent versatility, and good value. It is especially appealing if you are someone like me who enjoys smoking, grilling, and experimenting with different recipes without buying multiple appliances.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I bought mine, I would have looked at the size of my patio or deck, how often I cook for groups, and whether I want a grill mainly for smoking or for all-around use. I also recommend checking pellet availability in your area, since that can affect long-term convenience.
My Final Verdict
My overall opinion is that the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a solid buy for the price. It gave me the versatility I wanted, enough cooking space for gatherings, and a straightforward experience that made pellet grilling enjoyable. If you want a practical, feature-rich grill without spending a premium, this one is worth serious consideration.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I think it offers a strong mix of cooking space, versatility, and value for the price. My overall impression is that it’s a solid choice if I want a pellet grill that can handle everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat grilling. While it may not have every premium feature out there, I believe it delivers reliable performance for most backyard cooks.
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