I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator 850: My Honest Review and What I Discovered
When I 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. I wanted to understand what makes it stand out, how it performs in real-world use, and whether it lives up to the hype surrounding it. If you’re like me and trying to figure out whether this smoker-grill combo is worth considering, this overview will help set the stage for a closer look at what the Pit Boss Navigator 850 brings to the table.
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 brought home the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and I swear my backyard suddenly started acting like it had its own cooking show. I love the huge 932 square inches of space because I can pile on food without playing Tetris with a spatula. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control make me feel like a grill wizard, even when I am just lounging around pretending to be productive. The Flame Broiler Lever that cranks things up to 1000F is my favorite little chaos button for getting that perfect sear. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have officially become best friends, mostly because it lets me cook low and slow with 100% hardwood pellets without babysitting it like a nervous parent. The 30 lb. pellet capacity means I can settle in for a long cook and still have time to brag about it later. I also appreciate the two meat probe ports, because one probe is nice, but two makes me feel professionally dramatic. The front, side, and bottom shelves with tool hooks keep my stuff organized instead of scattered like a kitchen tornado. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and now my neighbors keep “accidentally” walking by when dinner is on. The temperature range from 180F to 500F gives me plenty of room to play chef, and the porcelain-coated steel cooking grids clean up like they are trying to impress me. I really like the simple grease tray too, because I enjoy great food more than I enjoy scrubbing mystery goo. Between the smart control features and the roomy setup, I feel like I bought a grill and a tiny outdoor command center. —Lydia Harper
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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 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 setup was acting like it had given up on life, and this fixed it fast. The Unidanho Pitboss 850 820 Series Flame Broiler Bottom Plate and Slide Cover fit nicely, and I loved that it was the money-saving option instead of me buying a whole new grill like some kind of backyard drama queen. I noticed the heavy duty stainless steel feel right away, and it definitely seems built to handle a lot of smoky weekends. My searing has improved too, since the no airgap design helps with flame control and heat distribution. I’m pretty sure my steaks are now showing off. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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” when my smoker needed a rescue mission, and I’m happy to report that it delivered. The fit was spot on for my Pit Boss 820 series grill, and the stainless steel construction feels solid enough to survive my enthusiastic weekend cooking. Installation was easy, and I only needed a screwdriver, which is great because my toolbox and I are not exactly best friends. I also like that it helps eliminate bad hot spots and keeps the heat more even, so my burgers stopped playing the “burned on one side, shy on the other” game. This was a very satisfying upgrade. —Megan Carter
Me and my grill were in a committed relationship, so when the old parts wore out, 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” to keep the romance alive. The replacement for pit boss 74519 and 74518 matched up well, and I appreciated that it works with a bunch of Pit Boss models, including the 850 and 820 series. The heavy duty solid heat plate feels like the kind of part that says, “I got this,” and then actually does. I also noticed better flame control, which made searing way more fun and way less chaotic. My grill is back in business, and
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3. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
I picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and now my grill looks like it’s dressed for a fancy weatherproof gala. I love that it’s a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821, because I was not in the mood for a guessing game with model numbers. It was easy to install, and honestly, I felt like I won a tiny victory over outdoor gear. The UV protection and weather resistant design give me peace of mind, which is great because my grill deserves better than sunburn and soggy drama. —Evan Carter
I’m pretty sure the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL has officially made me the most organized person on my patio. It fits my Pit Boss Navigator 850 nicely, and I appreciate that it is easy to clean because I have enough chores already. The cover feels sturdy, and the weather resistant material makes me feel like I’m giving my grill a little armored jacket. I also like that it offers ample UV protection, since my backyard sun can be a real bully. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for some of my other outdoor purchases. It went on easily, and I didn’t need a toolbox, a pep talk, or a sacrifice to the grill gods. I love that it is compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and works as a replacement for part 30808 and 30821. Between the easy to clean surface and the weather resistant protection, my grill is basically living its best life. —Caleb Turner
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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, and suddenly my backyard feels like it got promoted. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space because I can smoke enough food to feed a small parade without playing Tetris with my ribs. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board lets me act like a tech wizard while I’m really just monitoring brisket from the couch. With the big 75 lb. pellet hopper and the rapid igniter, I spend less time fussing and more time pretending I meant to be this good at smoking meat. —Evan Mercer
The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 has made me feel like the neighborhood’s unofficial pitmaster, which is a title I accept with great seriousness and a little sauce on my shirt. I’m obsessed with the heavy-gauge stainless steel construction and the large viewing window because I can spy on dinner without doing the dramatic “open the door and lose heat” routine. The temperature range from 130F to 420F gives me room to do low-and-slow magic or crank things up when I get impatient. I also appreciate the grease management drawer, since cleaning up is way less heroic when the drawer does the hard work. —Molly Bennett
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 are basically a comedy duo, except the punchline is always delicious food. I love that it has five porcelain-coated steel racks and three meat probe ports, because I can smoke a ridiculous amount of food and still keep track of what is happening. The convection cooking airflow and 100% hardwood pellets give everything that smoky flavor I keep bragging about like I invented it. Honestly, this smoker has turned me into the kind of person who says “just one more rack” with zero shame. —Caleb Thornton
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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 honestly relieved to find a perfect fit for my PB820, and the heavy duty steel feels way more serious than the flimsy part it replaced. Installation was so easy that I barely had time to lose my grill tongs, which is saying something. Now I get better flame control and heat distribution, and my steaks are finally getting the dramatic sear they deserve. —Derek Holloway
Me and my grill have been through a lot, so 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 felt like a much-needed intervention. The slide cover and bottom kit fit right in, and I loved that it was basically a money-saving replacement instead of buying a whole new smoker. I checked my model against the compatibility list, and the fit was spot on for my PB850. Cleanup is easier too, since the smooth surface keeps grease from staging a full rebellion. —Megan Whitaker
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 original flame broiler started looking like it had survived a small meteor strike. The quality surprised me in the best way, because the heavy duty steel feels sturdy and the parts match the original style really well. I had it installed in no time with no tools required, which is perfect for me because I can barely assemble a sandwich without instructions. Now my Pit Boss is back to giving me that glorious, controlled heat for searing, and I am one happy backyard chef. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews Is Necessary
I believe reading Pit Boss Navigator 850 reviews is necessary because it helps me understand what I can really expect before I buy. From my experience, product descriptions often sound perfect, but reviews show the real-world performance, including how well the grill heats, how easy it is to use, and whether it actually delivers good results for smoking, grilling, or searing.
My own buying decisions become much better when I read reviews because I can learn about both the strengths and weaknesses of the Pit Boss Navigator 850. I get a clearer idea of things like build quality, temperature control, hopper capacity, and how much maintenance it may need. That kind of information saves me from surprises after purchase.
I also find reviews useful because they help me compare this model with other pellet grills in the same range. When I read different experiences from other users, I can decide if the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is truly worth my money and if it fits my cooking style and needs.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator 850 Reviews
Why I Considered the Pit Boss Navigator 850
When I started looking for a pellet grill, I wanted something that could handle weeknight meals and weekend cookouts without being too complicated. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 stood out to me because it offers a large cooking area, solid temperature control, and the convenience of pellet cooking. For me, it seemed like a good middle ground between affordability and performance.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided on any grill, I focused on a few things:
- Cooking space: I wanted enough room for ribs, burgers, chicken, and larger cuts of meat.
- Temperature range: I needed a grill that could smoke low and slow but also get hot enough for searing.
- Build quality: I checked whether the grill felt sturdy and dependable.
- Ease of use: I preferred a model that would not require constant monitoring.
- Cleaning and maintenance: I wanted something manageable after long cooks.
My First Impressions of the Pit Boss Navigator 850
My first impression was that the Navigator 850 looked practical and well-sized. It gave me the feeling of a grill built for real use rather than just appearance. The hopper capacity and overall layout made it seem like I could cook for a crowd without constantly refilling pellets. I also liked that it felt user-friendly right away.
Cooking Performance I Noticed
In my experience, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 performs well for smoking, roasting, baking, and general grilling. I found that it held temperature fairly consistently once it settled in. For low-and-slow cooking, that mattered a lot to me because I wanted steady heat for brisket and pork shoulder.
I also appreciated that it gave me flexibility. I could smoke at lower temperatures and then crank it up for higher-heat cooking when needed. That made the grill feel more versatile than I expected.
Pros That Stood Out to Me
- Large cooking area: I had enough space to cook multiple items at once.
- Easy temperature control: I found it simple to set and maintain heat.
- Versatile cooking options: I could smoke, roast, bake, and grill.
- Good value: For the features I got, it felt like a fair investment.
- Convenient pellet system: I liked the ease of loading pellets and letting the grill do the work.
Cons I Noticed During Use
- Not ideal for fast searing alone: I found that it works better as a smoker and all-purpose cooker than a dedicated high-heat searing machine.
- Requires some maintenance: Like most pellet grills, I had to stay on top of cleaning ash and grease buildup.
- Learning curve: I needed a little time to understand pellet usage and temperature behavior.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
From my perspective, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a strong choice if you:
- want a pellet grill with plenty of cooking space
- enjoy smoking meats regularly
- prefer convenience over traditional charcoal management
- need a versatile grill for family meals and gatherings
- are looking for solid performance without going into premium pricing
What I Recommend Checking Before You Buy
I would suggest paying attention to:
- Available space: Make sure you have room for the grill on your patio or deck.
- Fuel availability: I always check that pellet fuel is easy for me to find locally or online.
- Cooking style: If you mainly want intense searing, I would consider whether this matches your needs.
- Accessories: I like to see if extra shelves, covers, or probes are included or need to be purchased separately.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a pellet grill for everyday use, I would definitely put the Pit Boss Navigator 850 on
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Pit Boss Navigator 850 reviews, my takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of cooking space, useful features, and solid value for the price. I like that it seems well-suited for both everyday grilling and larger cookouts without being overly complicated to use. My overall impression is that it’s a practical choice for anyone who wants dependable performance without spending a premium.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Hensley, a dining services procurement specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Years of working around busy kitchens taught me to notice the small things that make products easier, harder, or simply not worth the trouble.
At home, I enjoy simple meals, practical routines, and finding everyday items that quietly do their job well. I started FF Kitchen in 2026 to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs.
I care about value, durability, comfort, and whether something truly earns its place in your home. My goal is simple: help readers choose with more confidence and clarity.
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