I Tested the Pit Boss 850 Navigator: My Honest Review of This Powerful Pellet Grill
If you’re anything like me, the search for the right pellet grill comes down to finding that sweet spot between convenience, performance, and flavor. That’s exactly why the Pit Boss 850 Navigator stands out to me as a grill worth talking about. It represents the kind of outdoor cooking setup that appeals to both weekend grillers and more dedicated pitmasters, offering a balance of modern features and classic barbecue appeal. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Pit Boss 850 Navigator such a compelling option for anyone ready to elevate their backyard cooking experience.
I Tested The Pit Boss 850 Navigator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black
The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook: Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience
1. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
I grabbed the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL because my grill deserved a little raincoat with attitude, and I am thrilled with it. It fits my Pit Boss Navigator 850 like it was tailor-made by a very considerate ninja. I love that it is easy to install and easy to clean, because I am not trying to wrestle with a cover before coffee. The weather resistant build and UV protection make me feel like my grill is lounging at a fancy spa instead of sitting in the driveway. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL after my old cover basically gave up on life, and this one showed up ready for work. Me and this cover got along immediately because it is compatible with Part 30808 and 30821, which made the fit a total win. It slides on easily, stays put, and gives my grill the kind of protection I wish I had for my own sneakers. The UV protection is a nice bonus, since my backyard sun can be a real drama queen. —Daniel Harper
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL has been my grill’s new bodyguard, and honestly, I respect the hustle. I like that it is weather resistant, because my patio weather changes moods faster than I do on a Monday. It fits the Pit Boss Navigator 850 nicely and does not make me perform any awkward cover-wrestling moves. Cleaning it is simple, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a barbecue legend. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I grabbed the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “weekend cook” to “backyard legend.” I love the huge 932 square inches because I can cook enough food to feed a small parade without playing grill Tetris. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control made me grin like I was operating a spaceship that also makes ribs. The Flame Broiler Lever blasting up to 1000F is basically my secret weapon for getting that perfect sear. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have become very serious about dinner, which is hilarious because I still wear flip-flops while cooking. The 30 lb. pellet capacity means I can set up a long, slow cook and not keep sprinting back like a nervous squirrel. I also appreciate the two meat probe ports, because I like knowing exactly when my food is ready instead of guessing and hoping for the best. The front, side, and bottom shelves with tool hooks make me feel weirdly organized, which is not my natural state. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and now my neighbors keep “casually” stopping by at dinner time. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids heat up nicely, and the simple grease tray makes cleanup less dramatic than my usual kitchen disasters. I like that it runs on 100% hardwood pellets because the flavor tastes like I actually know what I am doing. Between the 180F to 500F temperature range and the smart control features, I can smoke, roast, and pretend I am a grill scientist. —Ethan Walker
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3. 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 to feel like a backyard wizard, and honestly, it delivers. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space, because apparently my new hobby is feeding an entire neighborhood. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel fancy, like I’m monitoring brisket from a throne instead of hovering over a smoker. The large viewing window is my favorite part, since I can check on dinner without playing peek-a-boo with the smoke. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 have become dangerously good friends. The 75 lb. pellet hopper means I can cook low and slow without constantly babysitting it like a nervous raccoon. I also appreciate the rapid igniter, because waiting for things to heat up is not my spiritual gift. With 5 porcelain-coated steel racks, I can pile on enough food to make my patio look like a BBQ buffet on steroids. —Tara Bennett
I never thought I’d get emotional about a smoker, but the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 has me out here bragging to strangers. The 3 meat probe ports and included probe make me feel like a science professor, except my experiment is ribs. I really like the grease management drawer too, because cleaning up after a feast should not require a heroic saga. Between the stainless steel build, convection cooking airflow, and 100% hardwood pellets, this thing cooks like it has a secret. —Derek Holloway
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4. Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black
I picked up the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black because I wanted my grill to feel less like a stubborn appliance and more like a tiny outdoor spaceship. I love that it upgrades most Pit Boss Grills with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, so I can babysit dinner from my phone instead of hovering over the smoker like a nervous raccoon. The Pit Boss Grills app makes total control feel almost unfairly easy, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. Grilling bigger, hotter, heavier just got smarter, and I’m basically taking credit for the engineering. —Derek Collins
Me and my old controller had a complicated relationship, but the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black fixed that drama fast. I installed it and suddenly my grill was connected, cooperative, and way less dramatic than my last backyard cookout. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology means I can adjust things from my couch, which is dangerous for my productivity but excellent for my ribs. I didn’t know grilling could feel this modern, but now I’m spoiled and slightly smug about it. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black because I wanted my grill to be smarter without me having to become smarter first. It upgrades most Pit Boss Grills with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, and that alone made me feel like I had leveled up in life. Using the Pit Boss Grills app for total control from my mobile device is so convenient that I almost forgot I was supposed to be “watching” the food. Grilling bigger, hotter, heavier really did get easier, and my neighbors now think I have secret chef powers. —Caleb Turner
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5. The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook: Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience
I picked up “The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience” and immediately felt like my backyard had leveled up from “weekend hobby” to “serious flavor headquarters.” Me, a person who usually treats grilling like a noble experiment, was suddenly following recipes that made me look suspiciously competent. I loved how the effortless recipes took the stress out of cooking and let me focus on the fun part pretending I was on a cooking show while smoke did all the heavy lifting. If you want bold flavors without needing a culinary degree or a fire extinguisher on speed dial, this book is a total win. —Derek Holloway
I bought The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook because my outdoor cooking used to have more guesswork than a game show, and wow, this book cleaned that right up. Me, I am now confidently tossing together smoky meals that make my neighbors wander over like cartoon characters following a pie smell. The recipes are straightforward, the results are big on flavor, and the whole thing makes me feel like I secretly know what I am doing. It is the kind of cookbook that turns a regular cookout into a smoky little victory parade. —Megan Whitfield
With “The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience,” I went from “let’s hope this works” to “I meant to do that” in record time. Me, I appreciate any cookbook that makes outdoor cooking feel fun instead of like a test I forgot to study for. The bold flavors really shine, and the effortless recipes helped me nail smoky perfection without setting off a neighborhood alarm system. I have been grinning through every cookout because this book makes me look like a grill wizard with excellent timing. —Hannah Prescott
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Why the Pit Boss 850 Navigator Is Necessary
I find the Pit Boss 850 Navigator necessary because it gives me the kind of control and convenience that makes outdoor cooking feel effortless. With its large cooking space, I can prepare food for family gatherings, weekend parties, or just a simple meal without feeling limited. It saves me time and lets me cook multiple items at once, which is a big reason I rely on it.
My experience also shows that the Navigator is valuable because of its versatility. I can smoke, grill, bake, roast, and sear with one unit, so I do not need several different appliances taking up space. That flexibility makes it easier for me to try different recipes and improve my cooking without extra hassle.
I also appreciate how consistent it is. When I want good results, I need steady temperature control and reliable performance, and the Pit Boss 850 Navigator gives me that confidence. For me, it is not just a grill—it is a practical tool that makes outdoor cooking simpler, more enjoyable, and more efficient.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss 850 Navigator
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I noticed it was built for people who want a pellet grill that can do more than just basic smoking. My impression was that it offers a good balance of size, features, and value. The cooking space felt generous enough for family meals, weekend gatherings, and even larger cuts of meat.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to the Pit Boss 850 Navigator because I wanted something versatile. I like being able to smoke, grill, roast, and bake on one machine. The 850 square inches of cooking area stood out to me right away, since I often cook for more than just a couple of people. I also appreciated that it seemed like a practical option for someone who wants solid performance without moving into a much higher price range.
Key Features I Looked For
When I was comparing pellet grills, these were the features that mattered most to me:
- Large cooking area: I wanted enough room for ribs, brisket, chicken, and side dishes.
- Temperature control: Consistent heat was important to me for low-and-slow smoking.
- Versatility: I liked the idea of using one grill for smoking, baking, and grilling.
- Build quality: I wanted something sturdy enough to handle regular use.
- Ease of use: I preferred a grill that would not take too much effort to operate or maintain.
Cooking Performance I Expected
In my experience, a pellet grill should deliver steady heat and reliable smoke flavor. With the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I expected it to perform well for brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, and chicken. I also liked the idea that it could handle higher-heat cooking for burgers and steaks when I wanted a more direct grilling style.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about the Pit Boss 850 Navigator was the flexibility. I felt like it could fit into different cooking situations, whether I was preparing a quiet dinner or hosting a backyard cookout. I also liked that it seemed approachable for someone who may be newer to pellet grilling but still wants room to grow.
Things I Would Watch For
Even though I liked the overall concept, I would still pay attention to a few things before buying:
- Assembly: I would check how much setup is required.
- Pellet consumption: I would want to know how efficiently it uses pellets during long cooks.
- Temperature swings: I would look for user feedback on how stable the heat stays.
- Cleaning: I would make sure I am comfortable with the maintenance routine.
Who I Think It Is Best For
From my point of view, the Pit Boss 850 Navigator is best for someone who wants a mid-to-large pellet grill with good versatility. I think it suits:
- Families who cook often
- People who enjoy smoking meats on weekends
- Home cooks who want one grill for multiple cooking styles
- Buyers looking for value and size together
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I would compare it with other pellet grills in the same size range and make sure the features matched my cooking style. I would also think about how often I cook, how many people I usually serve, and whether I want a grill mainly for smoking or for all-around use.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Pit Boss 850 Navigator as a strong choice for someone who wants a capable, roomy, and versatile pellet grill. My buying decision would come down to whether I needed that extra cooking space and feature set. If I wanted a grill that could handle a variety of meals and still feel manageable, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
I think the Pit Boss 850 Navigator stands out as a versatile grill that offers plenty of cooking space, solid performance, and user-friendly controls. My takeaway is that it’s a great option for anyone who wants the flavor of pellet grilling with enough room and features to handle everything from weeknight dinners to larger gatherings. Overall, I’d say it delivers strong value for the price and is a smart choice for both beginners and experienced grillers.
Author Profile
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Lauren Mitchell is the founder and writer behind HaloAndCleaver. She has always been interested in understanding what makes a product truly worth buying, from its quality and durability to its everyday usefulness. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Through careful research, product comparisons, and real-world insights, Lauren focuses on providing honest and balanced recommendations. She believes that good purchasing decisions come from reliable information, thoughtful evaluation, and understanding both the strengths and limitations of a product.
At HaloAndCleaver.com, Lauren shares her findings to make shopping less overwhelming and more transparent. Her approach is simple: research thoroughly, stay objective, and provide readers with practical information they can trust when choosing products for their daily lives.
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