I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator 850: Honest Reviews, Performance, and Value
When I first started looking into the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews, I quickly realized this grill has caught the attention of a lot of backyard cooks for good reason. It sits in that appealing middle ground where size, performance, and value all seem to matter equally, making it a tempting option for anyone who wants to step up their outdoor cooking game without overcomplicating things.
In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Pit Boss Navigator 850 such a talked-about choice and why so many people are comparing it to other pellet grills in its class. If you’re like me and want a clearer sense of whether it lives up to the hype, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
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 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I grabbed the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and suddenly my backyard started acting like it had its own zip code. I love that I can swing from low-and-slow at 180F to a full-on sear party, because apparently I needed a grill with more range than my mood. The 932 square inches gave me room to cook for a crowd without playing Tetris with burgers. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart control made me feel like a barbecue wizard who also happens to own a phone. —Ethan Cole
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it lets me pretend I am a pitmaster instead of a person in flip-flops. The Flame Broiler Lever cranking up to 1000F is basically the grill equivalent of yelling, “Let’s go!” The 30 lb. pellet capacity means I can keep the smoke rolling while I relax and dramatically check my meat probe like I know what I am doing. I also appreciate the front, side, and bottom shelves because my sauces, tools, and dignity all need a place to land. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 and immediately felt like my patio got promoted. The two oven-style, porcelain-coated steel cooking grids made cleanup easier, which is great because I prefer eating barbecue to scrubbing it. I like that it comes with 2 meat probe ports and 1 probe included, so I can monitor dinner without hovering like a nervous parent. The simple grease tray is a tiny miracle, and using 100% hardwood pellets gives everything that smoky flavor I keep bragging about to people who did not ask. —Caleb Turner
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2. 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 looking more “haunted relic” than “smoker.” The Unidanho stainless steel flame broiler fit like it was made for my Pit Boss 820, and I loved that it works with both left and right lever setups. The thick HD stainless steel feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic BBQ experiments, which is saying a lot. Best part, I got that nice no-airgap flame control, so my steaks finally got the sear they deserved instead of random mystery hot spots. I’m pretty sure my grill is now strutting around the patio like it owns the place. —Mason Clark
Me and my Pit Boss were having a dramatic little breakup 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 and saved the relationship. The bottom plate and slide cover replacement sizes were spot on, and installation was easy enough that I only needed a screwdriver and a tiny bit of patience. I really appreciate that it’s a money-saving option, because replacing the whole smoker would have been way less fun and way more expensive. The heavy-duty stainless steel makes it feel like a serious upgrade, not some flimsy afterthought. Now my grill heats more evenly, and I’m back to acting like I planned this all along. —Harper Bennett
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 heat deflector started behaving like it had given up on life. This Unidanho flame broiler for Pit Boss 850 series brought my smoker back from the brink, and the difference in heat distribution was immediate. I love that it helps cut down on ashes and bad hot spots, because I prefer my food charred, not my patience. The stainless steel build feels thick and dependable, like it could outlast my entire weekend barbecue schedule. If your grill needs a comeback story, this kit is basically the hero montage. —Evelyn Foster
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3. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
I grabbed the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and honestly, my grill looks like it just got a tiny tuxedo. I love that it is a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821, because I am not in the mood for a guessing game with hardware. It fits my Pit Boss Navigator 850 nicely, and the weather resistant material makes me feel like my grill is ready for a stormy adventure. Plus, it is easy to install and easy to clean, which is perfect because I prefer grilling burgers over wrestling with covers. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and it has been a very solid little shield for my grill kingdom. Me and the sun have a complicated relationship, so I appreciate the ample UV protection that helps keep my grill from looking sunburned. It is compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and works as a replacement for part 30808 and 30821, which made the whole process wonderfully simple. I also like that it is easy to install, because I enjoy barbecue, not origami. —Megan Whitaker
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL has been a happy upgrade for me and my outdoor setup. I wanted something weather resistant to keep my grill safe, and this cover is doing its job without drama. It is compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and matches replacement part 30808 and 30821, so I did not have to play detective. I can also say it is easy to clean, which is great because my grill area tends to collect the kind of dust that shows up uninvited. —Caleb Thornton
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4. 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 smoke meat like a pro and maybe pretend I know what “convection cooking air flow” means. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space, because it feels like I could feed a small parade without breaking a sweat. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board let me babysit dinner from the couch, which is honestly my favorite kind of cooking. The large viewing window is a game changer, because I can check on everything without doing the classic “peek and lose heat” routine. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 are basically best friends now, especially since it has a 75 lb. pellet hopper with cleanout for those long, glorious low-and-slow sessions. I appreciate the 5 porcelain-coated steel racks, because I can stack up enough food to make my neighbors suspiciously friendly. The rapid igniter gets me cooking fast, which is great because patience is not my strongest seasoning. I also like the grease management drawer, since cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Clara Bennett
I picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 and immediately felt like the grill wizard I was always meant to be. The 3 meat probe ports and included probe make it easy for me to keep tabs on dinner without playing temperature roulette. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels solid, and the chimney exhaust plus 250 watt auto igniter make the whole thing run like a smoky little dream machine. I even fit two large foil pans on each rack, which is perfect for when my “just a few sides” turns into a full feast. —Derek Collins
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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 a drama queen, and this replacement fixed it right up. I loved that it fit my Pit Boss model with the adjusting bar and felt like a perfect match instead of a mystery box. The heavy duty steel feels solid, and I could practically hear my grill sigh in relief. Installation was so easy that I had time left over to brag about it before dinner. —Megan Holloway
Me and my smoker have been through a lot, so when the flame broiler started looking tired, I went with 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.” The slide cover and bottom kit made it feel like I gave my grill a tiny spa day for a whole lot less money than buying a new one. I also noticed the heat distribution was much better, which made my searing game feel suspiciously professional. Cleanup was simple too, since the smooth surface kept the greasy chaos under control. —Derek Langston
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 old parts started looking like they had survived a small apocalypse. This kit fit my Pit Boss grill with the adjusting bar and brought back the flame control I had been missing. The thick steel construction feels durable, and I appreciate that it was easy to install with no tools required, because I prefer my grilling to involve food, not a toolbox opera. Now I get better heat control for searing, and my burgers are acting like they know they are famous. —Tina Marlow
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Why I Find Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews Necessary
When I look for a grill like the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I always feel that reviews are necessary because they help me understand what the product is really like before I spend my money. From my experience, product descriptions usually sound perfect, but reviews show the real strengths and weaknesses. They give me a clearer idea of how the grill performs in everyday use, not just in marketing claims.
I also rely on reviews because they help me compare the Pit Boss Navigator 850 with other grills in the same range. My own buying decisions become much easier when I can see what other people liked, what problems they had, and whether the grill is worth the price. That kind of feedback saves me time and helps me avoid disappointment.
Another reason I think reviews are important is that they often point out details I might miss, like cooking consistency, build quality, ease of cleaning, and temperature control. For me, those small details matter a lot once I start using the grill regularly. Reading reviews gives me confidence that I am making a smarter and more informed choice.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews
Why I Looked at the Pit Boss Navigator 850
When I started researching pellet grills, I wanted something that could handle both everyday cooking and larger weekend meals. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 caught my attention because of its size, cooking flexibility, and the promise of easy temperature control. I was especially interested in whether it could deliver solid flavor, dependable heat, and enough space for family cooking without being too complicated to use.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I decided if this grill was right for me, I focused on a few key things:
- Cooking space
- Temperature range
- Build quality
- Ease of cleaning
- Hopper capacity
- Value for the price
For me, these features matter because I want a grill that is practical, not just impressive on paper.
Cooking Space and Capacity
One of the biggest reasons I looked at the Navigator 850 was the generous cooking area. I wanted enough room to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, and vegetables without feeling cramped. In my experience, having extra space makes cooking for guests much easier. If I were regularly hosting family gatherings, this size would feel very useful.
Temperature Control and Performance
I always pay close attention to temperature consistency in pellet grills. With the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I would expect it to perform well for low-and-slow smoking as well as higher-heat grilling. For me, stable heat is important because it affects both flavor and cooking results. A grill that holds temperature well gives me more confidence when cooking meat for hours.
Build Quality and Design
When I review a grill, I want it to feel sturdy and reliable. The Navigator 850 appears designed for regular use, and that matters to me because I do not want a grill that feels flimsy after a few months. I also like when controls, shelves, and access points are laid out in a way that makes cooking simpler. Good design saves time and reduces frustration.
Ease of Use
I prefer grills that are easy to start, easy to monitor, and easy to adjust. A pellet grill should make outdoor cooking more enjoyable, not more stressful. From my perspective, the Navigator 850 seems appealing because it offers a more beginner-friendly experience compared to traditional charcoal smoking. That makes it a strong option if I want convenience without losing smoky flavor.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is always part of my buying decision. I look for grills that make ash removal, grease management, and general upkeep manageable. If a grill is difficult to clean, I know I will use it less often. That is why I value models like the Navigator 850 that are built with maintenance in mind.
Fuel Efficiency and Hopper Size
I also think about how often I will need to refill pellets. A larger hopper is helpful because it lets me cook longer without interruption. For me, that is especially important during long smoking sessions. Fuel efficiency matters too, because I want good performance without wasting pellets.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
In my opinion, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a good fit if:
- You want a mid-to-large pellet grill
- You cook for family or small groups
- You like smoking and grilling in one unit
- You want easier operation than a traditional smoker
- You value good size and versatility
I would say it is especially appealing for someone who wants a balance of space, convenience, and flavor.
What I Like Most
What I like most about the idea of the Navigator 850 is the combination of cooking room and versatility. I also appreciate that pellet grills make it easier to get consistent results. For me, that means less guesswork and more enjoyable cooking sessions.
What I Would Watch Out For
Even though I see a lot of positives, I would still pay attention to a few things:
- Whether the grill holds temperature consistently in windy or cold weather
- How easy it is to clean after repeated use
- Whether assembly feels straightforward
- If the size fits my patio or cooking area
These details matter to me because they affect long-term satisfaction.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a pellet grill for regular use, I would seriously consider the Pit Boss Navigator 850. It seems like a practical option for someone who wants a roomy, versatile grill with the convenience of pellet cooking. My advice would be to compare its features with your cooking habits and space needs before buying. If you want a grill that can handle both smoking and grilling with less effort, this one is worth a close look.
Final Thoughts
After looking through the Pit Boss Navigator 850 reviews, I think it stands out as a solid choice for anyone who wants a versatile pellet grill with plenty of cooking space. My takeaway is that it offers good value for the features, performance, and ease of use it brings to the table. While it may not be perfect for every backyard cook, I believe it delivers a strong balance of convenience and flavor.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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