Yes, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is worth it for budget-minded cooks who want large pellet-grill capacity.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 offers a roomy cooking area, simple controls, strong smoke flavor, and useful direct-flame features at a price below many premium pellet grills. After comparing its design, cooking performance, fuel use, cleaning needs, and common owner concerns, I find it best for families and casual grillers who want one versatile outdoor cooker without paying for advanced smart features.
What Is the Pit Boss Navigator 850?
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a wood pellet grill and smoker made for backyard cooking. It uses an electric auger to move hardwood pellets into a fire pot, where they burn and create heat and smoke.
The “850” refers to its approximate total cooking space. Exact capacity can vary by model version, but the grill generally provides about 849 square inches across its cooking racks. That is enough room for several racks of ribs, a large brisket, burgers, chicken, or a mix of foods.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is built around an 8-in-1 cooking design. It can usually:
• Grill
• Smoke
• Bake
• Roast
• Braise
• Barbecue
• Sear
• Char-grill
Its temperature range is commonly listed at about 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Some versions may have slightly different controls or features, so check the product label before buying a used or older unit.
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Key Features
The best way to judge whether the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is worth it is to look beyond its cooking capacity. A large grill is helpful, but the controller, hopper, grates, heat system, and cleanup design matter just as much.
Large cooking area
The Navigator 850 gives you more space than many entry-level pellet grills. The main grate can handle a family meal, while the upper rack adds room for vegetables, buns, wings, or smaller cuts of meat.
In practical use, the cooking area works well for:
• Two pork shoulders
• Three to four racks of ribs
• A large turkey
• Several whole chickens
• About 30 burgers, depending on burger size and spacing
• A brisket with room for a water pan or smaller side dish
The rack space is useful during holidays and game-day parties. You do not need to cook in several small batches, which can save time and pellets.
Digital temperature control
The digital controller lets you set a target temperature and allows the grill to feed pellets automatically. This is easier than managing vents and adding charcoal by hand.
Still, a pellet grill is not a kitchen oven. Outdoor temperature, wind, pellet quality, food placement, and lid openings can affect the actual grate temperature. A separate digital thermometer is a smart purchase, even if the grill includes a built-in probe.
Direct-flame broiler
One major selling point is the direct-flame broiler feature. It allows food to receive stronger heat from the fire pot for better browning and grill marks.
This feature helps with steaks, burgers, chicken thighs, and vegetables. However, it does not turn the Navigator 850 into a high-end restaurant broiler. You still need to watch the food closely because direct flame can cause flare-ups and uneven browning.
Large pellet hopper
The Navigator 850 usually includes a hopper that holds about 26 pounds of pellets. That is convenient for long cooks such as brisket and pork shoulder.
A full hopper may last many hours, but there is no exact burn time for every cook. A low temperature in mild weather uses far fewer pellets than a high temperature on a cold, windy day. Smoke mode can also feed pellets differently from high-heat grilling.
Porcelain-coated cooking grates
Porcelain-coated grates are fairly easy to clean and resist rust when cared for properly. They also help prevent food from sticking when the grill is preheated and the grates are lightly oiled.
Avoid scraping them with overly harsh tools. A soft grill brush or a nylon cleaning tool is safer for long-term use.
How Well Does the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Cook?
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 performs best when you use it for low and slow cooking. It can produce a pleasant wood-fired flavor without requiring constant attention.
Pellet grills generally create a lighter smoke taste than a traditional offset smoker. That is not a flaw. Many people prefer the cleaner flavor because it does not overpower chicken, fish, vegetables, or delicate cuts of meat.
Smoking performance
For ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, and brisket, the Navigator 850 can hold a steady cooking temperature once it is warmed up and protected from harsh weather.
The results depend on a few habits:
• Use fresh, dry pellets
• Preheat the grill before adding food
• Keep the lid closed as much as possible
• Place meat away from direct flame during long cooks
• Use a separate probe to check grate temperature
• Clean ash from the fire pot on a regular schedule
During my pellet-grill evaluations, one common mistake has been trusting the controller display without checking the grate. The display measures temperature near the sensor, not always where the food sits. A small temperature difference is normal, but a large difference can affect cooking time.
Grilling and searing performance
The Navigator 850 can grill burgers, chicken, sausages, and vegetables well. The direct-flame setting can improve browning, but its maximum heat is still more limited than a dedicated gas or charcoal sear station.
For thick steaks, I would use a two-step method:
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Cook the steaks at a lower temperature until they are close to the desired internal temperature.
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Move them over stronger heat for a short final sear.
This method gives you better control and reduces the chance of burning the outside before the center is ready.
Baking and roasting
The Navigator 850 works well for baked potatoes, casseroles, bread, turkey, and roasted vegetables. The wood-fired heat adds a mild flavor that can make simple food taste more special.
Use a shallow pan when possible. Deep pans can block airflow and create slower, less even cooking.
Is the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Easy to Use?
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is fairly easy to use for beginners. You fill the hopper, turn on the grill, set the temperature, and wait for the startup cycle to finish.
The learning curve is small, but pellet grills still require basic care. They are not completely “set it and forget it” machines.
Simple startup process
A normal startup includes these steps:
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Inspect the fire pot and remove excess ash.
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Fill the hopper with dry pellets.
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Open the lid.
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Turn on the grill and select the temperature.
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Wait for the startup cycle to finish.
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Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat.
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Add the food once the temperature is stable.
Keeping the lid open during startup helps prevent heavy smoke buildup. Always follow the instructions for your exact controller because startup steps can vary.
Temperature stability
Temperature stability is usually good after the grill settles. The first 10 to 20 minutes may show swings as the fire starts and the metal heats.
Wind and cold weather can make temperature control harder. A thermal blanket can help in winter, but it should be made for the grill and used safely. Never cover vents or use an unapproved blanket near hot surfaces.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning is one of the most important factors when deciding whether the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is worth it. Pellet grills create ash, grease, and carbon buildup. Neglecting them can lead to poor heating, dirty smoke, or grease fires.
A practical care routine includes:
• Vacuuming the fire pot after several long cooks
• Scraping grease from the drip tray
• Emptying the grease bucket
• Brushing the grates after cooking
• Checking the chimney for buildup
• Keeping pellets in a dry container
• Covering the grill when it is not in use
I have seen more pellet-grill problems caused by wet pellets and excess ash than by serious mechanical faults. Damp pellets swell and crumble, which can create auger jams. Dry storage is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pros and Cons
Every grill has trade-offs. The Navigator 850 delivers good value, but it is not designed to compete with premium grills that offer advanced software, insulated construction, or highly refined controllers.
Main advantages
• Large cooking area for family meals and parties
• Usually lower cost than premium pellet grills
• Automatic pellet feeding
• Versatile smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling
• Direct-flame broiler feature
• Large pellet hopper
• Easy learning curve for new pellet-grill owners
• Good fit for brisket, ribs, chicken, burgers, and vegetables
• Wood-fired flavor without tending a charcoal fire
Main drawbacks
• Temperature control may be less precise than premium models
• High-heat searing is not its strongest feature
• Pellet use increases in cold or windy weather
• Regular ash and grease cleaning is required
• No Wi-Fi on many Navigator 850 versions
• Construction may feel less refined than higher-priced competitors
• The grill can be heavy and difficult to move alone
• Exact features may differ between retail versions and model years
The lack of Wi-Fi is important. If you want phone alerts, remote temperature changes, and built-in recipe programs, confirm that the specific model includes those tools. Many Navigator 850 units use a basic digital controller instead.
How Much Does the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Cost to Run?
The purchase price is only part of the total cost. You also need to consider pellets, electricity, covers, cleaning tools, replacement parts, and possible repairs.
Pellet use changes with temperature and weather. Low-temperature smoking may use roughly one-half to one pound of pellets per hour, while high heat can use more. These figures are only estimates because the grill cycles on and off based on conditions.
Typical ongoing costs include:
• Hardwood pellets
• A weatherproof grill cover
• A drip tray liner, if you choose to use one
• A shop vacuum or ash vacuum
• Replacement temperature probes
• New grates or heat shields after years of use
Compared with charcoal, pellets are cleaner and easier to manage. Compared with natural gas, pellets may cost more for a long cook. The value comes from convenience, smoke flavor, and cooking versatility rather than the lowest possible fuel cost.
Pit Boss Navigator 850 vs. Other Grill Types
The right answer depends on how you like to cook. The Navigator 850 is not automatically better than gas, charcoal, or an offset smoker.
Compared with a gas grill
A gas grill heats faster and is usually better for quick weeknight meals. It also gives you simple heat control for burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables.
The Navigator 850 offers more smoke flavor and better low-temperature cooking. Choose the Pit Boss Navigator 850 if you want to smoke food often. Choose gas if speed is your top priority.
Compared with a charcoal grill
Charcoal can reach higher direct heat and create a deeper grilled flavor. It also costs less to buy in many cases.
The Navigator 850 is easier for long cooks because it feeds pellets automatically. You do not need to adjust vents or add charcoal every hour. The trade-off is that the pellet grill needs electricity and more mechanical parts.
Compared with an offset smoker
An offset smoker can create rich smoke flavor and teach you traditional fire management. It can also require close attention for many hours.
The Navigator 850 is far easier for beginners and busy cooks. It may produce a lighter smoke profile, but it gives more consistent results with much less work.
Compared with a premium pellet grill
Premium pellet grills often have stronger insulation, better controllers, Wi-Fi, tighter temperature control, and longer warranties. They may also include more durable stainless steel parts.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 costs less and offers most of the core pellet-grill experience. For many home cooks, the money saved is more valuable than advanced features they may never use.
Who Should Buy the Pit Boss Navigator 850?
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a strong choice for people who want a large, flexible grill at a reasonable price.
It is especially suitable for:
• Families that cook outdoors several times a month
• Beginners who want to learn smoking
• People who cook brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken
• Hosts who need space for parties
• Apartment or suburban cooks with a suitable outdoor area
• Charcoal users who want less hands-on fire management
• Buyers who do not need Wi-Fi controls
It is less suitable for people who want fast startup, extremely high searing heat, or a small grill for a balcony. It may also disappoint buyers who expect restaurant-level temperature precision without cleaning or monitoring.
Who Should Skip the Pit Boss Navigator 850?
The Navigator 850 may not be the best choice in several situations.
Skip it or consider another style if:
• You only cook quick meals under 20 minutes
• You do not have a safe, covered outdoor location
• You want a completely stainless steel grill
• You need reliable remote control through a phone
• You prefer the intense smoke of a stick burner
• You dislike cleaning ash and grease
• You often cook in severe winter weather
A pellet grill also requires electricity. That matters during storms, camping trips, and power outages. A charcoal grill is more flexible if you need a cooker that works without an outlet.
Tips to Get Better Results From the Pit Boss Navigator 850
A few small habits can improve food quality and extend the life of the grill.
Use quality pellets
Pellets should look firm and dry. They should not crumble into large amounts of sawdust. Store them in an airtight container off the ground.
Avoid leaving pellets in the hopper during long periods of humid weather. Empty the hopper if you will not use the grill for several weeks.
Allow enough preheat time
Give the grill time to reach a stable temperature. Adding food too early can lead to uneven cooking and excess smoke.
For most cooks, 15 to 20 minutes of preheating is a useful starting point. High-temperature grilling may require more time.
Use an independent thermometer
An extra probe placed near the food can reveal the real cooking temperature. This is especially useful when cooking brisket or ribs overnight.
Do not rely only on cooking time. The USDA advises using internal temperature to confirm food safety. For example, poultry should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a rest period.
Avoid opening the lid too often
Every lid opening releases heat and smoke. Think of the grill as a bank account: each opening spends heat, and the grill needs time to earn it back.
Use a timer and check food only when needed. For long cooks, wrap meat based on texture and internal temperature rather than following a fixed schedule.
Clean before a long cook
Before smoking a brisket or pork shoulder overnight, remove ash and check the grease path. A clean fire pot helps the grill ignite and burn pellets more reliably.
This is one lesson I would stress to any new pellet-grill owner: do not wait for a problem before cleaning. Ten minutes of maintenance can prevent a ruined weekend cook.
Is the Pit Boss Navigator 850 a Good First Pellet Grill?
Yes, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 can be a good first pellet grill because it offers useful capacity without an overly complex control system.
Beginners can start with simple foods such as chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, burgers, and baked potatoes. Once they understand temperature control, they can move to ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket.
The biggest beginner mistake is chasing exact cooking times. Outdoor cooking changes with wind, food size, bone structure, and starting temperature. Learn to track internal temperature and tenderness instead.
What Owners Commonly Need to Watch
Owner satisfaction often depends on maintenance and expectations. Many complaints about pellet grills involve temperature swings, ignition trouble, pellet jams, or grease buildup.
These issues do not always mean the grill is poorly designed. Common causes include:
• Wet pellets
• Excess ash in the fire pot
• A dirty temperature sensor
• Blocked airflow
• An overfilled grease tray
• Strong wind
• Incorrect startup or shutdown steps
If the grill struggles to hold temperature, check the simple causes first. Then inspect the manual for controller resets, probe checks, and safe shutdown instructions.
Warranty coverage can help with manufacturing defects, but it may not cover normal wear, rust from poor storage, misuse, or damage caused by wet pellets. Keep your receipt and register the grill if the manufacturer allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Is Pit Boss Navigator 850 Worth It?
Is the Pit Boss Navigator 850 good for brisket?
Yes, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 has enough cooking space and temperature range for brisket. Use a separate meat probe, keep the lid closed, and allow extra time for the stall and resting period.
Does the Pit Boss Navigator 850 have Wi-Fi?
Many Navigator 850 versions do not include Wi-Fi. Features can vary by model year and retailer, so check the exact model number before buying.
How many people can the Pit Boss Navigator 850 feed?
The grill can usually feed a large family or a small party. Its total cooking area can handle several racks of ribs, multiple chickens, or a large brisket with side dishes.
Can the Pit Boss Navigator 850 sear steaks?
Yes, it can sear steaks with its direct-flame feature, but it may not match a charcoal grill or dedicated high-heat gas burner. A reverse-sear method usually gives the best results.
How often should you clean the Pit Boss Navigator 850?
Clean the grates after each cook and remove excess ash after several long cooks. Clean the grease path and inspect the fire pot more often when cooking fatty foods.
Does the Pit Boss Navigator 850 need electricity?
Yes, the auger, fan, igniter, and controller need electricity. It will not operate like a charcoal grill during a power outage.
Is the Pit Boss Navigator 850 good for beginners?
Yes, it is beginner-friendly because the digital controller automates much of the fire management. New users still need to learn pellet storage, temperature checks, safe food handling, and regular cleaning.
Conclusion
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is worth it if you want a large, versatile pellet grill with simple controls and a reasonable ownership cost. It performs well for smoking, roasting, baking, and everyday grilling, while its direct-flame feature adds useful browning power.
Its limits are clear: it may lack Wi-Fi, it will not sear like a dedicated high-heat grill, and it needs regular cleaning and dry pellet storage. For families, beginners, and backyard cooks who value capacity and convenience, those limits are usually manageable.
Check the exact model features, compare the current price, and plan for a cover, quality pellets, and a reliable thermometer. With those basics in place, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 can become a dependable part of your outdoor kitchen.
