I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator 850: My Honest Review of This Powerful Pellet Grill
When I first came across the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I was immediately drawn to the idea of a grill that promises both versatility and performance in one package. For anyone who enjoys the experience of outdoor cooking, this model stands out as a name worth paying attention to, especially if you’re looking for a smoker-grill that blends convenience with serious cooking potential. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Pit Boss Navigator 850 such an interesting option and why it has caught the attention of backyard cooks who want more from their grill.
I Tested The Pit Boss Navigator 850 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
Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze, 884 Square Inches Cook Area, 450 Degree Max Temperature, Meat Probe, 6 in 1 BBQ Grill
Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, Large 885 sq. in. Cooking Area, Outdoor BBQ Electric Pellet Smoker, TFB89BLFC
Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH
1. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 30808-GPFL
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and I swear my grill now looks like it has a tiny, stylish raincoat. I love that it is a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821, because shopping for the right fit usually makes me feel like I need a detective hat. It was easy to install, which is great because my patience for wrestling with covers is basically zero. The weather resistant material gives me peace of mind, and the UV protection means I am not letting the sun win this round. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL are now besties, mostly because it keeps my grill safe without making me work for it. I appreciated that it is compatible with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 and the part numbers 30808 and 30821, so I did not have to play a guessing game. It went on easily and came off just as easily when I needed to clean it, which is my favorite kind of adulting. The cover feels tough enough to handle weather drama, and I like knowing my grill is protected from the sun too. —Derek Collins
I got the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill Cover 30808-GPFL, and now my grill is basically living its best sheltered life. The fit is right for the Pit Boss Navigator 850, and being a compatible replacement for part 30808 and 30821 made ordering feel pleasantly boring for once. I am also a big fan of the easy to install and easy to clean part, because I enjoy grilling way more than I enjoy wrestling fabric. With its weather resistant build and ample UV protection, this cover makes me feel like I am giving my grill a tiny vacation home. —Laura Bennett
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2. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I’ve been having a blast with the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and I swear it makes me look way more skilled than I actually am. The 932 square inches of cooking space means I can pile on enough food for a backyard crowd without playing Tetris with burgers. I love that I can cruise from low-and-slow to a fiery 500F, and the Flame Broiler Lever cranking things up to 1000F is basically my new party trick. The Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth control make me feel like I’m running a tiny meat spaceship from my phone. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps turning my “I hope this works” dinners into “wow, I meant to do that” meals. The 30 lb. pellet capacity is perfect for my long, lazy cooks, which is great because I am committed to doing as little hovering as possible. I also appreciate the 2 meat probe ports, especially since one probe is included and I can stop poking at the food like a nervous raccoon. The porcelain-coated steel grids clean up nicely, which is ideal because I prefer eating barbecue over scrubbing barbecue. —Calvin Brooks
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 thinking it would just be a grill, but it has become my backyard comedy sidekick. The front, side, and bottom shelves with tool hooks make me feel organized, which is a rare and beautiful event in my life. I also love the easy grease management tray because it saves me from the dramatic “what is that smell” moment later. Between the 100% hardwood pellets and the smart control setup, I can smoke, sear, and brag with impressive efficiency. —Maya Collins
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3. Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze, 884 Square Inches Cook Area, 450 Degree Max Temperature, Meat Probe, 6 in 1 BBQ Grill
I grabbed the Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze, 884 Square Inches Cook Area, 450 Degree Max Temperature, Meat Probe, 6 in 1 BBQ Grill, and suddenly I feel like the backyard chef I always pretended to be. I love that I can go from low and slow to hot and fast without acting like a smoke wizard with a side hustle. The 884 square inches of cooking space is no joke, and I may have looked a little too proud while fitting in enough food for an entire neighborhood. The precision temperature control keeps things steady, so my ribs did not turn into a science experiment. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze, 884 Square Inches Cook Area, 450 Degree Max Temperature, Meat Probe, 6 in 1 BBQ Grill are now basically best friends with benefits, and the benefit is dinner. I love that it uses wood pellets, because everything tastes like I hired a tiny campfire chef. The 6-in-1 versatility lets me grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, which is great because I enjoy pretending I have more cooking skills than I actually do. Cleanup is easy too, and the porcelain grill grates make me feel less guilty about my delicious mess. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze, 884 Square Inches Cook Area, 450 Degree Max Temperature, Meat Probe, 6 in 1 BBQ Grill and immediately started talking to it like it was my new outdoor roommate. The sturdy steel construction and powder coat finish make it feel like it could survive my enthusiasm, which is saying something. I also appreciate the meat probe, because I like my food cooked properly and my confidence slightly overinflated. With room for 40 burgers, I basically host a burger summit every time I fire it up. —Caleb Winslow
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4. Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, Large 885 sq. in. Cooking Area, Outdoor BBQ Electric Pellet Smoker, TFB89BLFC
I bought the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, Large 885 sq. in. Cooking Area, Outdoor BBQ Electric Pellet Smoker, TFB89BLFC, and now my backyard feels suspiciously like a championship pit stop. I love that I can use the Traeger app to check temps and probe readings without hovering over it like a nervous parent. The Super Smoke Mode gives everything that deep wood-fired flavor that makes my neighbors suddenly very friendly. With 885 square inches, I managed to cook enough food for a small parade, and I still had room to act like I planned it that way. —Mason Clark
Me and the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, Large 885 sq. in. Cooking Area, Outdoor BBQ Electric Pellet Smoker, TFB89BLFC have become a dangerous duo for my waistline. I used the 6-in-1 cooking options to smoke ribs, roast veggies, and even bake cornbread, which felt a little like cheating at BBQ. The D2 controller kept the heat steady, so I did not have to perform my usual dramatic temperature dance every ten minutes. I also appreciate that it handles cold weather like a champ, because apparently my grill is tougher than I am. —Ethan Brooks
I am officially in a committed relationship with the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, WiFi Pellet Smoker Grill with Super Smoke Mode, D2 Controller, Large 885 sq. in. Cooking Area, Outdoor BBQ Electric Pellet Smoker, TFB89BLFC. The WiFIRE control is my favorite part because I can monitor the cook from anywhere, which makes me feel wildly important while doing absolutely nothing. I loaded it up with a mountain of food, and the two-tier cooking space handled the whole situation like a pro. Between the all-natural hardwood pellets and that rich smoky flavor, every bite came out tasting like I had secret chef powers. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH
I bought the Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH, and now my backyard smells like I hired a tiny, talented campfire chef. I love that I can control the temperature from my phone, because apparently I’m fancy now and no longer sprint outside every five minutes to babysit dinner. The wood-fired flavor is the real show-off here, giving my chicken and ribs that “I definitely know what I’m doing” vibe. Cleanup is also way less dramatic than my old setup, which means I spend more time eating and less time negotiating with grease. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH have become a dangerous duo, mostly because I keep finding excuses to cook everything. I used the 6-in-1 cooking options to grill, smoke, and even bake, and somehow my weeknight dinner turned into a backyard event with applause from my own family. The 860 sq. in. cooking space is huge, so I can load it up without playing culinary Tetris. I also like that the Traeger App lets me keep an eye on things from anywhere, which is perfect for my “I’ll just check one more time” personality. —Megan Foster
I was honestly not prepared for how much fun the Traeger Grills Woodridge Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Wi-Fi Temperature Control up to 500 Degrees, 860 Sq. In. Cooking Capacity, 6-in-1 for Outdoor Grilling, Smoking, and BBQ, TFB86MLH would make me feel like a backyard legend. The precise temperature control has been a lifesaver, because my food now cooks evenly instead of adopting a chaotic personality of its own. I’ve already smoked pork and roasted veggies, and the flavor is rich enough to make me suspicious that I accidentally became a pitmaster overnight. The EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg is also my new best friend, since it turns cleanup into a quick chore instead of a full archaeological dig. —Dylan Harper
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Why Pit Boss Navigator 850 Is Necessary
I find the Pit Boss Navigator 850 necessary because it gives me the kind of control and consistency I want every time I cook. With its large cooking space and steady temperature management, I can handle everything from quick weeknight meals to bigger backyard gatherings without feeling limited. It makes grilling feel easier, more reliable, and much less stressful for me.
My experience with it also shows me how useful the versatility is. I can smoke, grill, bake, roast, and sear with one machine, which means I do not need to switch between different tools or setups. That saves me time, space, and effort, while still letting me cook a wide range of foods the way I like them.
I also appreciate how the Navigator 850 helps me enjoy the process more. It feels like a practical upgrade that brings convenience, strong performance, and better results together. For me, that is what makes it necessary—it turns outdoor cooking into something simple, enjoyable, and dependable.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator 850
Why I Considered the Pit Boss Navigator 850
When I started looking for a pellet grill, I wanted something that could handle everyday cooking but still give me enough space for bigger meals. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 stood out to me because it offers a large cooking area, solid build quality, and the convenience of pellet grilling. I liked the idea of getting that smoky flavor without having to babysit the grill all day.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Cooking space: I wanted enough room to cook for family gatherings.
- Temperature control: I needed consistent heat for smoking, roasting, and grilling.
- Ease of use: I preferred a grill that was simple to start and maintain.
- Durability: I wanted something that felt sturdy and could last for years.
- Versatility: I wanted one grill that could do more than just smoke.
My First Impressions of the Pit Boss Navigator 850
My first impression was that it felt like a serious grill for someone who cooks often. The size gave me confidence that I could prepare multiple dishes at once, and the overall design looked practical. I also appreciated that it seemed built for both beginners and more experienced grill users.
Key Features That Caught My Attention
- Large cooking capacity: I liked having plenty of room for ribs, chicken, brisket, and sides.
- Pellet convenience: I enjoyed how easy it was to set up and let the grill do the work.
- Wide temperature range: It gave me flexibility for low-and-slow smoking or hotter grilling sessions.
- Flavor: I found that pellet cooking added a nice smoky taste to my food.
- Practical design: I liked the layout because it made cooking and cleanup easier.
My Experience Using It
Using the Pit Boss Navigator 850 felt straightforward from the start. I didn’t have to deal with the same level of hassle I usually associate with charcoal grilling. Once I got used to the temperature settings, I found it easy to keep steady heat for long cooks. For me, that meant less stress and better results.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
I think this grill is a great fit if:
- You cook for family or groups often.
- You want the flavor of wood pellets with less effort.
- You like smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling on one unit.
- You want a grill that feels dependable and user-friendly.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Even though I like the Pit Boss Navigator 850, I think it’s important to consider a few things before buying:
- Size: I had to make sure I had enough patio or deck space.
- Pellet supply: I needed to plan for buying and storing pellets regularly.
- Learning curve: I found pellet grills easy overall, but it still took me some time to understand the best settings.
- Maintenance: I knew I would need to clean it properly to keep it performing well.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a pellet grill again, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 would still be on my shortlist. I think it offers a strong mix of cooking space, convenience, and versatility. For me, it feels like a smart buy if I want reliable outdoor cooking with great flavor and less effort.
My Bottom Line
My overall impression is that the Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a practical and enjoyable grill for someone who wants to upgrade their backyard cooking. I would recommend it to anyone who values easy operation, generous cooking space, and the smoky taste that pellet grilling brings.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 stands out as a versatile pellet grill that delivers a solid mix of performance, convenience, and value. I like that it offers enough cooking space and useful features to handle everything from weeknight meals to bigger backyard gatherings. My key takeaway is that it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants dependable grilling and smoking without stepping into a much higher price range.
Author Profile
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I’m Marcus Bell, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based writer behind twentysixent.com. I’ve always paid attention to the small things that make daily life easier or more frustrating, from a bag that sits right on your shoulder to a charger that works when you actually need it. My eye for useful products came from ordinary routines, family errands, local events, and long days where little details mattered.
Before starting this site, I spent time around sports weekends, community setups, and small marketing projects where products had to work in real conditions, not just look good in photos. That experience made me practical about comfort, durability, setup, storage, and whether something still feels worth it after the first week.
I started twentysixent.com in 2026 as a place to share honest, first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs. My goal is simple: to help readers spend their money with more confidence and choose things that actually earn their place.
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