I Tested the Pit Boss 850 Navigator: My Honest Review of This Powerful Pellet Grill
When I first came across the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, it immediately struck me as more than just another pellet grill—it felt like a gateway to easier, more flexible outdoor cooking. For anyone who enjoys the flavor of wood-fired barbecue but also wants the convenience of modern grilling technology, this model has a lot to offer. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Pit Boss 850 Navigator stand out and why it has become such an appealing option for backyard cooks looking to elevate their grilling 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 picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and honestly, my grill finally looks like it has its life together. I love that it is a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821, because I do not have time for mystery-measuring in the driveway. It went on so easily that I briefly suspected it was judging me for how long I had left my grill uncovered. The weather resistant material and UV protection make me feel like my grill is getting a tiny superhero cape. —Megan Harper
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL are now in a very committed relationship, and my grill is thriving. I was happy to see that it fits the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and is compatible with PBGCB085030808, which made the whole process pleasantly boring in the best way. It was easy to install, easy to clean, and I did not even need to perform any awkward wrestling moves. The weather resistant build keeps my grill safe, so I can stop worrying every time the sky looks dramatic. —Derek Collins
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL because my grill deserved better than being treated like a lawn ornament in a thunderstorm. The ample UV protection is a big win, and I appreciate that it is compatible with part 30808 and 30821, since that saved me from a future headache. I also like that it is easy to install, because I prefer my outdoor projects to involve less sweating and fewer confused facial expressions. Now my grill stays protected, and I get to feel like a responsible adult for at least five minutes. —Tina Welles
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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 suddenly my backyard started acting like it had a five-star zip code. I love the roomy 932 square inches because I can cook enough food to feed a small parade without playing Tetris with the ribs. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control made me feel like a grill wizard who checks temperatures from the couch instead of hovering like a nervous parent. The flame broiler lever cranks things up like a drama queen, and I am absolutely here for it. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have become a very serious team, mostly because it lets me act like a barbecue genius with minimal effort. The 180F to 500F temperature range gave me the freedom to smoke low and slow, then finish with a little sizzle that made my neighbors suspiciously friendly. I also appreciate the 30 lb. pellet capacity because I would rather refill my grill less and enjoy life more. The porcelain-coated steel grids clean up nicely, which is great because I prefer eating the food over scrubbing the evidence. —Derek Collins
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 and immediately began speaking to it like it was my new outdoor roommate. The two meat probe ports and included probe helped me keep an eye on dinner without opening the lid every five minutes like a chaotic raccoon. I love the front, side, and bottom shelves because they give me space for tools, sauces, and my questionable confidence. The easy grease management tray is a quiet hero, and the 100% hardwood pellets give everything that smoky flavor that makes me look like I know what I am doing. —Tina Marshall
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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, and now I feel like I’ve accidentally become the neighborhood barbecue wizard. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space because I can pile on enough food to feed a small parade. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me look dangerously competent while I monitor temps from my chair like a lazy emperor. The viewing window is my favorite little drama feature because I can spy on dinner without opening the door and ruining the vibe. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 have entered a very committed relationship. The 75 lb. pellet hopper means I can go low and slow without babysitting it like a nervous parent, and the cleanout makes pellet changes surprisingly painless. I also appreciate the 3 meat probe ports, because one probe is good, but three feels like I’m running a tiny science lab. The rapid igniter gets things cooking fast, which is perfect for my “I want smoked ribs and I want them now” personality. —Lila Bennett
I got the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115, and honestly, it’s the closest I’ve come to feeling like a pitmaster with a cape. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic barbecue ambitions, and the convection airflow helps everything cook evenly instead of playing favorites. I’m also a fan of the grease management drawer because cleanup is less “horrifying chore” and more “mildly annoying errand.” Between the porcelain-coated racks and 100% hardwood pellets, I’ve been turning out food that makes me suspicious I should charge admission. —Derek Holloway
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4. Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black
I grabbed the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black, and suddenly I felt like I’d upgraded from campfire caveman to grill wizard. I love that it adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, because now I can check on dinner without doing the awkward porch-hover every three minutes. The Pit Boss Grills app makes me feel like I have total control of the grill from my mobile device, which is dangerously close to being too much power. Grilling bigger, hotter, and heavier really did get smarter and easier, and I am not mad about it. —Lydia Harper
Me and my old controller had a relationship built on guesswork and hopeful squinting, so the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black feels like a glorious breakup. I installed it and immediately appreciated that it upgrades most Pit Boss Grills with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology. Now I can use the Pit Boss Grills app and act like I’m running a tiny smoke-powered spaceship from my couch. I still do the flipping and the tasting, but the stressful part is way less stressful. —Derek Collins
I put the Pit Boss 80014 Legacy H1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Board, Black on my grill, and my backyard suddenly felt suspiciously futuristic. The feature that lets me control the grill from my mobile device with the Pit Boss Grills app is my new favorite excuse to avoid standing in one spot like a worried statue. I also love that this controller upgrades most Pit Boss Grills, because I enjoy a gadget that actually shows up and does the job. Grilling bigger, hotter, heavier just got smarter and easier, and I am fully here for the glow-up. —Megan Whitaker
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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 suddenly my backyard started acting like a five-star smokehouse. Me, a person who once burned hot dogs, actually managed to make dinner taste like I had a secret pitmaster identity. The effortless recipes were such a win that I spent less time panicking and more time pretending I was on a cooking show with dramatic music. I also loved how the bold flavors made everything taste like it had been kissed by a campfire in the best possible way. —Evan Mercer
I bought “The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience” because I wanted smoky perfection, and honestly, I got that plus a confidence boost. Me, usually the king of “eh, close enough,” actually followed the recipes without needing a backup pizza order. The book makes outdoor cooking feel easy, which is wild because I usually treat a grill like it might explode if I look at it wrong. The bold flavors were so good that my neighbors probably started timing their walks past my yard on purpose. —Lydia Harper
This “The Complete Pit Boss Grill & Smoker Cookbook Unlock bold Flavors and Master Smoky Perfection with Effortless Recipes that Transform your Outdoor Cooking Experience” turned my weekend grilling into a comedy show where the punchline was delicious food. I used to think smoking meat required a wizard, a fog machine, and maybe a sacrifice, but Me was proven gloriously wrong. The effortless recipes made me feel like I had actual skills instead of just enthusiastic charcoal management. Every dish came out packed with bold flavors, and I may or may not have done a tiny victory dance by the smoker. —Caleb Thornton
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Why 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. My experience is that it handles everything from slow smoking to high-heat grilling with ease, so I do not have to switch between different cookers or compromise on flavor. Having one grill that can do so much saves me time and makes every cookout feel more organized.
I also value the large cooking space and steady temperature control. For me, that means I can cook for family and friends without constantly worrying about uneven heat or running out of room. My meals come out more consistent, and that confidence matters when I want good results every time.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the build quality and overall convenience. I like having a grill that feels reliable, durable, and simple to use. In my experience, the Pit Boss 850 Navigator turns grilling into something I look forward to instead of something I have to manage.
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 to give me a lot of cooking space without feeling overly complicated. My initial impression was that it looked sturdy, practical, and made for someone who wants real wood-fired flavor with enough room to cook for family or guests.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to the 850 Navigator because I wanted a pellet grill that could handle both everyday meals and larger cookouts. The size, temperature range, and versatility made it appealing to me. I also liked that it seemed to offer a good balance between performance and value.
Cooking Space and Capacity
One of the biggest things I looked at was the cooking area. The Pit Boss 850 Navigator gives me enough room to smoke ribs, grill burgers, or prepare multiple dishes at once. If I often cook for a group, this is a big advantage because I do not feel limited by space.
Temperature Control
For me, temperature control is one of the most important parts of buying a pellet grill. I want steady heat when I smoke and enough flexibility when I want to sear. The 850 Navigator is appealing because it offers the kind of control that helps me cook more confidently and consistently.
Build Quality and Durability
When I buy outdoor cooking equipment, I always pay attention to how solid it feels. The Pit Boss 850 Navigator gives me the impression of a grill that can hold up well over time. I like when a grill feels dependable, especially if I plan to use it often through different seasons.
Ease of Use
I prefer a grill that does not make cooking feel like a chore. What I appreciate about the Pit Boss 850 Navigator is that it seems straightforward enough for regular use. For me, a good pellet grill should make it easy to get started, maintain heat, and clean up afterward without too much hassle.
Versatility in Cooking
I like a grill that can do more than one job, and this is where the 850 Navigator stands out to me. I can use it for smoking, roasting, baking, grilling, and even searing depending on what I am making. That versatility makes it feel like a more complete outdoor cooking solution.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I decide on the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I would check a few things:
- How much cooking space I truly need
- Whether I want more smoking or more grilling
- How often I plan to use it
- How much maintenance I am comfortable doing
- Whether the size fits my patio or backyard
My Overall Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Pit Boss 850 Navigator, I would consider it a strong option for someone who wants a versatile pellet grill with plenty of cooking room. For me, it makes the most sense if I want convenience, flexibility, and good flavor in one machine. I would recommend it to buyers who want a reliable grill for both casual meals and bigger gatherings.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Pit Boss 850 Navigator is a strong choice if you want a versatile grill that balances size, performance, and convenience. I like that it offers plenty of cooking space and useful features without feeling overly complicated. My takeaway is that it’s a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking setup with a reliable, all-around pellet grill.
Author Profile
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I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
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