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Pellet Grills

Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill

★★★★☆ 4.4/5 · 1,690 reviewsby Pit Boss
8.8OUT OF 10
The GrillHearth verdict

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 delivers reliable, even heat and impressive versatility for the price, making it a strong choice for home cooks who want an 8-in-1 grill/smoker without breaking the bank. While it lacks smart app connectivity and could use a larger hopper, its solid build, ample cooking space, and consistent performance make it a dependable addition to any backyard.

Key Features

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850 sq in total cooking surface with porcelain-coated cast iron grates

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Pit Boss Fan-Forced Convection cooking system for even heat distribution

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Digital Control Board with LED read-out for precise temperature setting

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8-in-1 versatility: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, char-grill, BBQ, sear

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Sear slider plate to expose direct flame for high-heat searing

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Hopper clean-out system for easy pellet switching and maintenance

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Built-in meat probe port with included temperature probe

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Locking caster wheels for mobility and stability

Full Specifications

Cooking Surface Area850 sq in
Hopper Capacity18 lb
Temperature Range150°F - 500°F
Construction MaterialPowder-coated steel
Weight128 lb

What we liked

  • Consistent temperature control thanks to convection fan system
  • Generous cooking area suitable for large gatherings
  • Easy ash and pellet cleanout reduces maintenance time
  • Sturdy steel construction with a solid, quality feel
  • Versatile cooking modes cover most backyard cooking needs
  • Simple digital controls are beginner-friendly

Worth noting

  • Pellet hopper capacity could be larger for extra-long smokes
  • Exterior paint can show wear after prolonged outdoor exposure
  • Manual temperature swings can occur in very cold weather
  • Assembly takes longer than expected for some users
  • WiFi/smart connectivity not included on this model

The Full Review

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill delivers a serious step up for backyard cooks who want restaurant-quality results without the guesswork. With 849 square inches of total cooking surface, this wood pellet grill gives you ample room to smoke a couple of pork shoulders, grill burgers for a crowd, or bake a batch of desserts all in one session. The Navigator series is built around Pit Boss's improved digital control board, which maintains consistent temperatures across a wide range, typically from 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can slow smoke ribs low and slow or sear steaks at high heat using the same machine. The direct flame broiler system lets you slide open a plate to expose food directly to the fire, giving you true searing capability that many pellet grills lack. Constructed with a heavy-gauge steel body and a durable powder-coat finish, the Navigator 850 is built to withstand years of outdoor use through changing weather and repeated cookouts.

The hopper holds a generous supply of hardwood pellets, reducing how often you need to refill during long smoking sessions, and the auto-auger feed system ensures a steady, even burn so your temperature stays stable whether you're smoking overnight or grilling for a quick weeknight dinner. Locking caster wheels make it easy to reposition the unit around your patio or move it into storage, while the sturdy build quality means it can handle the rigors of frequent, heavy use without warping or rusting prematurely. Beyond raw cooking power, the Navigator 850 is designed with the everyday griller in mind, offering features like a digital readout, meat probe connectivity for monitoring internal temperatures without lifting the lid, and a porcelain-coated cooking grate that resists sticking and simplifies cleanup. The versatility of this pellet grill means it can smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, and char-grill, making it a true 6-in-1 outdoor cooking appliance rather than a single-purpose smoker. Whether you're a weekend hobbyist experimenting with new wood pellet flavors or a dedicated pitmaster feeding a large family, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 combines capacity, consistency, and durability into one reliable grill built to become the centerpiece of your outdoor cooking setup.

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