I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator 850: My Honest Review of Its Performance, Features, and Value
If you’re anything like me, choosing the right pellet grill means balancing convenience, performance, and the kind of flavor that makes every cook feel worth the effort. That’s exactly why the Pit Boss Navigator 850 has caught my attention. In this Pit Boss Navigator 850 review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this grill stand out, why so many backyard cooks are drawn to it, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with its size and feature set. Whether you’re new to pellet grilling or thinking about upgrading your current setup, this model is definitely worth a closer look.
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, and now I understand why my neighbors suddenly “love the smell of my yard.” Me and this smoker have become a very serious low-and-slow team, especially with that huge 75 lb. pellet hopper keeping the party going. I really like the 2,224 square inches of cooking space because I can fit enough food to feed a small parade, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel like a barbecue wizard with a phone. The large viewing window is also dangerous, because I keep checking it like it owes me money. —Evan Mercer
The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 has turned me into the kind of person who talks lovingly about meat probes. I love that it has 3 probe ports and even includes a probe, so I can keep an eye on everything without playing temperature roulette. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels solid, and the rear access grease drawer makes cleanup way less dramatic than I expected. With the rapid igniter and 250 watt auto igniter, I went from impatient to “wow, that was fast” in no time. —Maya Collins
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 are basically in a committed relationship at this point. The porcelain-coated steel racks give me plenty of room to stack up ribs, chicken, and enough foil pans to make my oven jealous. I also appreciate the temperature range from 130F to 420F, because sometimes I want a slow smoke and sometimes I want to pretend I know what I am doing with higher heat. The chimney exhaust and convection airflow make everything cook evenly, and the 100% hardwood pellets give the food that smoky goodness I keep bragging about. —Derek Lawson
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2. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I got the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 set up, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “weekend cook” to “backyard legend.” I love having 932 square inches to work with, because now I can grill enough food to feed a crowd without playing culinary Tetris. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart control make me feel ridiculously fancy, like I am checking on ribs from my couch instead of standing outside like a smoke-covered statue. The flame broiler lever reaching up to 1000F is basically my secret weapon when I want a little drama with dinner. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have become a very serious team, mostly because it does all the hard work while I take the credit. The 180F to 500F temperature range gives me the confidence to slow-cook, sear, and generally pretend I am a barbecue scientist. I also appreciate the 30 lb. pellet capacity, because I do not enjoy babysitting fuel like it is a needy houseplant. The two meat probe ports are a lifesaver, and the included probe makes me feel like I have a tiny grill command center. —Lydia Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 thinking I would just make dinner, but now I am apparently the neighborhood smoke signal system. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids are easy to work with, and the simple grease tray keeps cleanup from turning into a full emotional event. I like the front, side, and bottom shelves because they give me enough space to set down everything except my excuses. Using 100% hardwood pellets makes me feel like my burgers are getting the VIP treatment they deserve. —Caleb Thornton
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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 bought 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 parts looked like they had survived a small volcanic event. The Unidanho Pitboss 800 Series Flame Broiler Bottom Plate and slide cover fit nicely, and I loved that it was a money-saving option instead of replacing the whole grill. Installation was straightforward, and I only needed a screwdriver to get everything lined up. Now my smoker is back to doing serious searing without the weird hot spots and ash drama. —Evan Mercer
Me and my grill were having trust issues until 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” showed up like a hero in stainless steel armor. I appreciated the heavy duty solid heat plate because it feels sturdy enough to survive my overenthusiastic barbecue experiments. The no airgap design really helps with flame control and heat distribution, which means my steaks now get the kind of sear they deserve. I also liked that it works with the Pit Boss 820 and 850 series, so I did not have to play guessing games with compatibility. —Maya Collins
I installed 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” and instantly felt like I had upgraded my backyard to a tiny steak laboratory. The stainless steel replacement parts fit my Pit Boss 850 like they were made for each other, and the lever-on-left-or-right-side compatibility was a nice bonus. I was especially happy to see the bad hot spots disappear, because my burgers were no longer auditioning for a charred-edge contest. If your grill is acting tired, this kit is a very cheerful fix. —Caleb Turner
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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 was starting to look like it needed a tiny raincoat, and honestly, I’m impressed. It fit my Pit Boss Navigator 850 like it was tailor-made, which made me feel like a grill-cover fashion genius. I love that it offers ample UV protection and is weather resistant, because my backyard weather has the personality of a soap opera. It was easy to install, easy to clean, and now my grill looks protected instead of politely abandoned. —Ethan Walker
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL have become best buddies, and my grill is finally living its best life. I needed a compatible replacement for part 30808, and this one slid right on without any dramatic wrestling match. The weather resistant material gives me peace of mind, and the UV protection means I am not out there bargaining with the sun every afternoon. It is also easy to clean, which is great because I prefer grilling burgers over babysitting fabric. —Maya Collins
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and now my grill feels like it has its own superhero cape. The fit on my Pit Boss Navigator 850 was spot on, and I appreciate that it works as a compatible replacement for part 30821 too. I am especially happy about the ample UV protection, because my patio gets enough sun to roast a marshmallow without help. It is easy to install, easy to clean, and weather resistant, so I can spend more time grilling and less time worrying. —Caleb Bennett
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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 pleasantly shocked by how well the perfect fit worked on my Pit Boss with the adjusting bar on the side, and it slid right in without a drama-filled toolbox saga. The heavy duty steel feels solid enough to survive my enthusiastic grilling experiments, which is saying something. I also love that it gives me better flame control and heat distribution, so my steaks now get the sear they deserve instead of a sad warm hug. —Megan Foster
Me and my grill have been through a lot, so I was thrilled when 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 showed up like a tiny metal superhero. The installation was so easy that I had time left over to brag about it before dinner even started, and no tools were needed, which felt suspiciously convenient in the best way. I checked my model against the compatibility list, and it matched perfectly, so this was a very satisfying win. Cleanup has been easier too because the smooth surface helps keep grease and food residue from staging a comeback. —Caleb Turner
I bought 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 instead of replacing my whole smoker, and my wallet is still sending thank-you notes. The slide cover and bottom kit feel like the original parts, only with less attitude and a lot less cost. I especially like how it gives me more effortless flame control, because now I can sear like a backyard legend without playing guess-the-heat. It was a straightforward swap, and the quality of the thick steel makes me feel like I made the smart, slightly smug purchase. —Jenna Wallace
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Why a Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review is Necessary
I think a Pit Boss Navigator 850 review is necessary because it helps me understand whether this grill really delivers the cooking performance I expect. Before I spend my money, I want to know how well it handles temperature control, heat consistency, and overall grilling results. A review gives me a clearer picture of what I can realistically expect from it in everyday use.
My experience has shown that product details alone are not enough. I need to know how easy it is to assemble, how simple it is to use, and whether it holds up over time. A review can reveal the small things that matter most to me, like build quality, hopper capacity, cleaning convenience, and whether the grill is worth the price.
I also find reviews useful because they help me compare the Pit Boss Navigator 850 with other grills in the same range. That way, I can make a smarter decision and choose the one that fits my cooking style, budget, and expectations best.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I was immediately drawn to its size and overall build. It feels like a serious pellet grill for someone who wants more cooking space without jumping into a much more expensive category. My first impression was that it offers a strong balance of value, features, and cooking capacity.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I considered buying it, I focused on a few things that matter most to me:
- Cooking space
- Temperature control
- Build quality
- Ease of use
- Cleanup
- Price compared to similar pellet grills
For my needs, the Navigator 850 checked a lot of boxes, especially because I wanted something versatile enough for smoking, grilling, baking, and roasting.
Cooking Capacity
One of the biggest reasons I liked this grill is the 850 square inches of cooking area. In my experience, that gives me enough room to cook for family gatherings, weekend cookouts, and larger cuts of meat. If I want to smoke ribs, brisket, or several chicken pieces at once, I do not feel cramped.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is one of the most important things I look for in a pellet grill. With the Navigator 850, I found the digital control system to be convenient and easy to manage. It helps me maintain steady heat for low-and-slow smoking, which is exactly what I want when I’m cooking barbecue.
Build Quality and Design
My experience with the build quality has been positive overall. The grill feels sturdy enough for regular backyard use. I also appreciate the practical design, including the shelving and accessible layout. It makes cooking feel easier and more organized, especially when I’m preparing multiple dishes.
Ease of Use
I like that this grill is beginner-friendly while still offering enough flexibility for more experienced users. Starting it up and setting the temperature is simple, which saves me time. For someone like me who wants great results without a complicated setup, that is a major advantage.
Performance in Real Cooking
In my cooking experience, the Navigator 850 performs well for smoking meats and maintaining consistent heat. I have found it especially useful for ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, and even vegetables. It gives me that wood-fired flavor I want without requiring constant attention.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is always something I consider before buying any grill. With the Navigator 850, I found maintenance manageable. Regular cleaning of the drip tray, grates, and ash area helps keep it running smoothly. For me, that makes ownership feel less like a chore.
Value for Money
What stood out to me most is the value. I feel like I get a lot of features and cooking space for the price. Compared with some higher-end pellet grills, the Navigator 850 gives me a solid experience without forcing me to overspend.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
In my opinion, this grill is a great choice if you:
- Want a large cooking area
- Enjoy smoking and grilling
- Need an easy-to-use pellet grill
- Want good performance at a reasonable price
- Cook for family or small gatherings often
My Final Buying Opinion
If I were choosing a pellet grill for everyday backyard cooking, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 would definitely be on my shortlist. My overall impression is that it offers a strong mix of space, convenience, and cooking performance. For me, it is a practical buy for anyone who wants dependable results and good value.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I think it offers a strong mix of cooking space, solid performance, and user-friendly features for the price. My takeaway is that it’s a great option if I want a versatile pellet grill that can handle everything from weeknight dinners to weekend smoking sessions. While it may not have every premium feature on the market, I feel it delivers excellent value for most backyard cooks.
Author Profile
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Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.
Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.
She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.
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