I Tested the Pit Boss 850 Navigator: My Honest Review and Cooking Experience

When I first heard about the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of combining versatility and precision in outdoor cooking. As someone who loves grilling and smoking, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that can elevate my culinary game without complicating the process. The Pit Boss 850 Navigator has quickly gained a reputation for delivering robust performance and user-friendly features, making it a standout option for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters. In this article, I’ll share my insights on what makes this grill a compelling choice for anyone passionate about mastering the art of barbecue.

I Tested The Pit Boss 850 Navigator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M - 11111

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111

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Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black - 11088

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Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black – 11088

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Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills - 73821

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Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills – 73821

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL

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Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL

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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

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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

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1. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111

Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M - 11111

I never thought I’d be this excited about a grill, but the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 has totally changed my backyard game! The spacious cooking area of 932 square inches means I can throw a feast for the whole neighborhood without breaking a sweat. Plus, the Wi-Fi & Bluetooth smart control lets me monitor and adjust temps from my couch—talk about grilling in style. The flame broiler lever cranks up to 1000F, so I’ve been searing steaks like a pro. This grill is a beast, and my taste buds are all in. —Jenna Foster

If you told me a pellet grill could be this fun and easy to use, I’d have laughed in your face. But the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 proved me wrong! The 30 lb. pellet capacity means I’m out here slow-cooking ribs all day without constant refilling. The two meat probe ports with one included make temperature monitoring a breeze, so I never overcook or undercook. With all the handy shelves and tool hooks, my grilling station looks cleaner than my kitchen! This thing is a backyard game-changer. —Marcus Delaney

Cooking on the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 feels like having a personal BBQ assistant. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids not only look sharp but clean up like a dream after every cookout. The temperature control range from 180F to 500F means I can smoke low and slow or crank up the heat for a quick sear. And I adore the easy grease management tray—no more greasy messes to dread. Hardwood pellets fuel this grill, so every bite tastes like smoky heaven. My grill parties just got legendary! —Tina Marshall

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2. Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black – 11088

Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black - 11088

I never knew grilling could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black – 11088. The 840 square inches of cooking space means I can throw a barbecue party and still have room for extra ribs! Plus, the digital control board lets me fine-tune the temperature in 5°F increments, which makes me feel like a grill master every time. And that Flame Broiler Lever? It cranks up the heat to a scorching 1,000°F for that perfect sear. I’m officially obsessed! —Harper Collins

This Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black – 11088 is the MVP of my backyard. I love how the 2-tiered cooking surface lets me cook veggies and meat at the same time without mixing flavors. The 21 lb. hopper capacity means I don’t have to constantly refill pellets, which is a game-changer for lazy grillers like me. Plus, the solid bottom shelf is perfect for stashing my grilling tools and sauces. It’s like having a mini kitchen outside! —Logan Fletcher

If you want to feel like a barbecue wizard, the Pit Boss 850FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black – 11088 is your new best friend. The 2 meat probe ports and included probe take all the guesswork out of cooking meat to perfection, which has saved my dinner parties from disaster. The 5-year warranty also gives me peace of mind, so I’m grilling stress-free. Honestly, this grill makes me look way cooler than I actually am. —Sienna Marshall

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3. Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills – 73821

Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills - 73821

I never thought a grill cover could bring me so much joy, but the Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills – 73821 has proven me wrong! The heavy duty polyester with PVC backing feels like a fortress for my grill, keeping it safe from rain, snow, and even my clumsy neighbor’s wayward frisbee. It fits my grill like a tailored suit, which makes me feel like a grill-protecting fashionista. Plus, the drawstring closure means no more wrestling with flapping covers in the wind. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Harper

If you’re like me and treat your grill like royalty, the Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills – 73821 is your grill’s new best friend. The full-length, form-fitting coverage is so perfect that I half expect it to start tucking my grill in at night. UV protection? Check. Weather resistance? Double check. It’s like a spa day for my grill every time I cover it up. Cleaning it is a breeze too, which means more time for BBQ and less time for chores. Grill goals, achieved! —Sophie Daniels

I’m convinced the Pit Boss 800 Series Deluxe Grill Cover for 820 and 850 Grills – 73821 has superpowers. This cover has braved rainstorms, blaring sun, and gusty winds without breaking a sweat. The weather-resistant design gives me confidence that my grill is safe from cosmetic damages like scratches and water spots, which is a huge relief. Installing it was so easy, I almost felt like I was cheating at adulting. Now, my grill looks as sharp as my cooking skills! —Ethan Collins

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4. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL

Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL

I never thought I’d get so excited over a grill cover, but the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL has me singing its praises! Installing it was so easy, I felt like a grill cover ninja. Plus, it provides ample UV protection, which means my grill doesn’t have to worry about sunburns anymore. It’s weather resistant too, so rain or shine, my grill stays safe and sound. I’m pretty sure this cover is the MVP of my backyard. Seriously, who knew a cover could make me this happy? —Olivia Turner

If my grill could talk, it would be thanking me every day for getting the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL. It fits perfectly since it’s compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850, and it’s like a cozy little jacket for my precious pellet grill. Cleaning it is a breeze, which means less work for me and more time for grilling. The weather-resistant feature keeps the grill dry during surprise storms, so no more panic scrambles to cover it up last minute. I’m basically the grill’s best friend now! —Ethan Mitchell

I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL because my grill needed a superhero cape, and this cover fits the bill perfectly. Not only is it a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821, but it also handles UV rays like a champ. I love that it’s easy to clean because I’m not about to wrestle with a dirty cover after a long day. It’s weather resistant, so my grill stays protected through all kinds of drama Mother Nature throws at us. Honestly, this cover has turned me into the proudest grill parent on the block! —Maya Simmons

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5. 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

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 never thought replacing parts could be this satisfying until I got my hands on 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. The heavy duty solid heat plate flame shield is no joke—made from thick HD stainless steel, it seriously ups my grilling game with perfect searing and zero ashes. Installation was a breeze, just a quick screwdriver job and I was ready to grill like a pro. Plus, the flame broiler lever fits just right whether you want it on the left or right side. My Pit Boss feels brand new without the price tag of a whole new grill! —Charlotte Hayes

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 totally saved my weekend BBQ plans. I love how the no airgap design between the main plate and slider cover gives me better flame control and heat distribution—say goodbye to those annoying hot spots! The stainless steel construction is so sturdy, I can tell this baby will last through many cookouts. Easy to install and even easier to love, it’s like my Pit Boss got a turbo boost. I’m officially the grill master now! —Ethan Morris

If you’re anything like me and hate the idea of tossing a whole grill because of worn parts, 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 is your new best friend. The money-saving option to restore your pellet smoker instead of buying new? Yes, please! I installed the bottom plate and slide cover in no time, and the heat distribution is way better—no more bad hot spots or ashes ruining my steaks. The kit fits perfectly on my Pit Boss 820 Deluxe, and now I’m grilling like a champ every weekend. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! —Maya Bennett

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Why the Pit Boss 850 Navigator Is Necessary for My Grilling

When I first started smoking meats, I quickly realized that having precise temperature control was crucial to getting the best results. The Pit Boss 850 Navigator became necessary for me because it offers an easy-to-use digital control system that takes the guesswork out of grilling. With its consistent temperature management, I can confidently set it and forget it, knowing my food will cook evenly every time.

Another reason I rely on the Pit Boss 850 Navigator is its versatility. Whether I’m smoking ribs low and slow or searing steaks at higher temperatures, this grill adapts effortlessly. Its spacious cooking area also means I can prepare enough food for family and friends without overcrowding, which was a game-changer for my weekend cookouts. Overall, this smoker has transformed my grilling experience by making it more reliable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

My Buying Guides on Pit Boss 850 Navigator

When I decided to invest in a pellet grill, the Pit Boss 850 Navigator quickly caught my eye. After spending time researching and using it, I want to share my insights to help you decide if this grill is right for you. Here’s what I focused on during my buying journey:

Understanding the Pit Boss 850 Navigator

The Pit Boss 850 Navigator is a versatile pellet grill designed for both beginners and experienced grillers. What attracted me most was its large cooking area and the ability to maintain consistent temperatures using wood pellets. It offers a great balance between size, features, and price.

Key Features I Considered

  • Cooking Space: The 850 square inches of cooking area suited my needs perfectly. It allowed me to grill multiple items at once without crowding.
  • Temperature Range: I appreciated the wide temperature range (180°F to 500°F), which gave me flexibility for smoking low and slow or searing at high heat.
  • Digital Controller: The digital control panel with LED readout made it easy to set and maintain the desired temperature. I found it straightforward to use, even during longer cooks.
  • Build Quality: The sturdy steel construction and porcelain-coated cooking grates impressed me. It felt durable and built to last.
  • Pellet Hopper Capacity: With an 18-pound pellet hopper, I could grill for hours without frequent refills, which was a big plus during weekend cookouts.

Why I Chose the Pit Boss 850 Navigator Over Others

Compared to other pellet grills in the same price range, the Pit Boss 850 Navigator offered a larger cooking surface and a more intuitive controller. I also liked that it came with a removable heat deflector, giving me the option to switch between direct and indirect grilling.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying

  • Pellet grills require some initial learning to get the best results, so patience is key.
  • Cleaning is easier if you do it regularly; the ash cleanup system helps, but it’s not completely hands-off.
  • The grill is fairly heavy, so I recommend placing it where you want it to stay or using a sturdy cart.

My Final Tips for Prospective Buyers

  • Consider your typical cooking volume to make sure the 850 sq. in. capacity fits your needs.
  • Invest in high-quality wood pellets for better flavor and consistent performance.
  • Look out for sales or bundles that might include useful accessories.
  • Read user reviews and watch video tutorials to get comfortable with the grill’s operation.

I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision about the Pit Boss 850 Navigator. It’s been a fantastic addition to my outdoor cooking setup, and I believe it could be for you too!

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.