What are the most common Pit Boss 850 Navigator problems owners report?

The most common complaints from 20 verified owners: Electronics reliability problems, control boards, WiFi controller, grill probes, and igniter failing or needing replacement/upgrade; Uneven heat distribution and temperature control, hopper-side food cooks faster than the far side, temps fluctuate, and the 10-degree adjustment increments feel too coarse.

Do owners recommend the Pit Boss 850 Navigator?

75% of 20 verified owners recommend the Pit Boss 850 Navigator; 15% don't. Based on real owner comments aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.

Pit Boss 850 Navigator · problems & reliability report

Pit Boss 850 Navigator problems: what real owners report

15% of 20 verified Pit Boss 850 Navigatorowners don't recommend it — based on real owner comments from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.

For balance: 75% recommend it. This page collects the complaints so you know what you're signing up for — read the full owner report for both sides. How we score

Most common complaints

4×Electronics reliability problems, control boards, WiFi controller, grill probes, and igniter failing or needing replacement/upgrade
3×Uneven heat distribution and temperature control, hopper-side food cooks faster than the far side, temps fluctuate, and the 10-degree adjustment increments feel too coarse

In owners' own words

“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?”
— jcbitsme on Pit Boss Grill Forum

“The navigator is just stupidly fancy looking for no reason”
— kihidokid on Reddit

“the wifi on my grill went tits up”
— kajidourden on Reddit

Setup quirks & things to watch for

Not complaints — practical notes from owners that didn't affect the score.

“So far I've used pitboss competition blend and haven't had any white smoke beyond start up”
— jaykav on Pit Boss Grill Forum

“meat tasted great, but skin was not crispy”
— CJLemoine on Pit Boss Grill Forum

“I don’t taste too much of a difference”
— PwnedByBinky on Reddit

Weighing it up? The full report has the other side — what 75% of owners like about it, who it's for, and every sourced quote. Full Pit Boss 850 Navigator owner report →