56% of 9 verified owners recommend the Pit Boss 850 Navigator.
Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 56%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.
The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, and blogs with no affiliate links. YouTube and affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out — hover the i for why.
“Loving it so far! Pellet system means 12 hour smokes are easy. Grill function is great for steaks, burgers, corn etc. Ability to directly access the flame is great for charring peppers. And the ease of use makes it a doddle when the English weather is less than compliant! Easy to use for a first timer. No regrets so far.”
“It is a nice Smoker with a small problem. Sometimes, the smoker makes too much smoke. The temperature also fluctuates.”
“I have a Navigator 850G over a year old. Have replaced 4 control boards and 2 grill probes. Waiting on igniter. Does anyone have any ideas why they keep going bad?”
“So far I've used pitboss competition blend and haven't had any white smoke beyond start up”
“absolutely no issues”
“meat tasted great, but skin was not crispy”
“I love the grill, very heavy construction, the shelfs in the front and side and the vents that allow for direct heat grilling. I would give this grill an A++ .”
“Got my first pit boss navigator 850 from Costco and did my first cook which was a pair of beef back ribs from Costco. They turned out amazing!”
“The Pit Boss Navigator is a good buy if you want a pellet grill that leans smoky, feels solid for the money, and can do more convincing open-flame grilling than most pellet smokers. That flame broiler is not just a gimmick.”
“So far, I'm very happy with it. I do wish the temperature increment was 5 instead of 10 for more control.”