I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator: My Honest Review of Its Performance, Features, and Value
If you’re anything like me, choosing the right pellet grill can feel like a mix of excitement and uncertainty. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the Pit Boss Navigator Review topic—because this grill has been getting attention from backyard cooks and barbecue enthusiasts alike, and I wanted to see what all the buzz is about. From its overall design to the kind of cooking experience it promises, the Pit Boss Navigator stands out as a grill that aims to balance convenience, performance, and value. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it worth considering and whether it lives up to the expectations surrounding it.
I Tested The Pit Boss Navigator Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112
1. Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113
I grabbed the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113, and now I feel like I accidentally promoted myself to backyard executive chef. The 1,593 square inches of cooking space means I can cook enough food to feed a small parade, and the 180F to 500F temperature control makes me look way more precise than I actually am. I also love the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board, because apparently I can now babysit ribs from my couch like a modern-day grill wizard. The flame broiler lever is my favorite little chaos button, since it lets me sear things up to 1,000F and pretend I meant to make that dramatic sizzle. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 because I wanted a grill, and I got a whole outdoor command center instead. The 30 lb. hopper is fantastic, since I spend less time refilling pellets and more time acting important around the patio. I’m also a big fan of the built-in prep station with the cutting board, tool hooks, and bottle opener, because now my burgers have a fancier workspace than I do. The two meat probe ports with the included probes help me avoid the ancient ritual of guessing whether dinner is done. —Derek Collins
The Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 has turned me into the kind of person who says things like “I’ll just sear that at 1,000F” with a straight face. I really like the three cooking racks and the oven-style grids, because I can stack up a ridiculous amount of food without playing Tetris with my dinner. The front, side, and bottom shelves give me enough room to spread out like I’m running a tiny outdoor restaurant, and the grease management tray makes cleanup less tragic. Honestly, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control make me feel spoiled in the best possible way. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111
I picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and honestly, I feel like I just upgraded my backyard to a tiny amusement park for meat. I love the roomy 932 square inches because I can cook enough food to feed a crowd without playing Tetris with the ribs. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control make me feel suspiciously fancy while I monitor temperatures from my phone like a grill wizard. The flame broiler lever cranks things up to 1000F, which is perfect for when I want a steak with a dramatic personality. —Evan Collins
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have become a pretty excellent team, mostly because it lets me pretend I know what I am doing. The 180F to 500F temperature range gives me plenty of room to smoke, roast, and then suddenly act like a backyard chef on a game show. I also appreciate the 30 lb. pellet capacity, since I prefer my long cooks to be low effort and high reward. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids clean up nicely, which is good because I am here for barbecue, not punishment. —Megan Turner
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 and immediately started talking about it like it was a new best friend. The two meat probe ports, with one probe included, help me keep an eye on dinner without hovering like an anxious parent. I like the front, side, and bottom shelves because they give me space for sauces, tools, and my increasingly serious grilled corn operation. The easy grease management tray is a very welcome bonus, because I enjoy smoked brisket way more than I enjoy scrubbing. —Derek Mitchell
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3. Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114
I picked up the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114, and suddenly I’m the neighborhood “professional” who can’t stop talking about ribs. Me and this beast have been getting along beautifully thanks to the 1,118 square inches of cooking space and those five porcelain-coated steel racks, which means I can smoke enough food to feed a small parade. The digital control board makes me feel like I actually know what I’m doing, and the wireless tech lets me hover nearby with a drink instead of babysitting the smoker like a nervous parent. I also love the large viewing window, because I can check on dinner without opening the door and letting all my smoky magic escape. —Harold Finch
Using the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114 has turned me into the kind of person who casually mentions “my hopper holds 50 lbs of pellets” at parties. I really appreciate the temperature range from 130F to 420F, because I can go low and slow or crank things up when I’m feeling impatient and a little dramatic. The rapid igniter gets me cooking fast, which is great because my stomach is not known for its patience. Cleanup is less of a tragic saga too, thanks to the rear access grease drawer that makes me feel like I won a tiny victory over barbecue mess. —Diane Mercer
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114 have formed a smoky alliance, and I am not ashamed to say I’m proud of it. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiasm, and the chimney exhaust with convection air flow keeps everything cooking evenly like a polite little smoke hurricane. I also like the three meat probe ports and included probe, because I can keep tabs on dinner without opening the door every five minutes like a worried raccoon. If you want a vertical smoker that makes you look skilled while you mostly just follow the instructions, this one is a blast. —Megan Porter
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4. Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 because I wanted to level up from “guy with a grill” to “person who mysteriously has brisket on a Tuesday.” I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space, because it lets me act like I am feeding a small tailgate army. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel dangerously competent, even when I am just checking temps from the couch. The large viewing window is my favorite part, since I can spy on the ribs without doing the old peek-a-boo temperature sabotage. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 have become best friends, and honestly, my neighbors are probably jealous. The 75 lb. pellet hopper with cleanout means I can keep the smoke party going without constantly babysitting it like a nervous raccoon. I also appreciate the 3 meat probe ports and included meat probe, because I like my food monitored more than my phone battery. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic barbecue ambitions. —Megan Whitaker
I was not prepared for how much fun the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 would be, but here we are, and my dinner has become a personality trait. The temperature range from 130F to 420F gives me the freedom to go low and slow or pretend I know what I am doing at higher heat. The rapid igniter gets me cooking fast, which is great because patience is not my strongest seasoning. I also love the rear access grease drawer, because cleanup is way less dramatic than the smoky chaos I create. —Calvin Mercer
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5. Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112, and now my backyard feels suspiciously like a barbecue theme park. I love that I can stretch out across 1,329 square inches of cooking surface, because apparently my idea of dinner is feeding half the neighborhood. The touchscreen control board makes it easy to keep the temp steady from 180F to 500F, and I get a little too proud of myself every time it behaves. The Flame Broiler Lever is my favorite part, since I can go from “patient smoker” to “dramatic steak sear” in one move. —Evan Whitaker
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112 have become a dangerously effective duo. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board lets me check on my food without hovering like a nervous parent, which is great because I already do enough of that. I also appreciate the 30 lb. hopper, since low and slow cooking means I am not constantly playing pellet refill roulette. The built-in prep station with the paper towel holder, trash bag holder, and bottle opener makes me feel like I am running a very organized, very smoky command center. —Maya Thornton
I did not expect the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112 to make me look this competent, but here we are. The porcelain-coated steel grids heat up nicely, and the two meat probe ports help me avoid the classic “I think it is done” guessing game. I also love the front and side shelves, because I finally have somewhere to set my sauces instead of balancing them like a circus act. The removable cutting board and easy grease tray make cleanup less tragic, which is a gift after a big cook. —Caleb Winslow
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Why Pit Boss Navigator Review Is Necessary
I believe a Pit Boss Navigator review is necessary because it helps me understand whether the grill truly delivers the performance it promises. When I’m thinking about buying a smoker or grill, I want real insight into how it cooks, how easy it is to use, and whether it is worth the price. A review gives me that clearer picture before I make a decision.
My experience has shown me that product details alone are not enough. I need to know things like temperature control, build quality, cooking space, and how well it handles different types of food. A good review helps me compare the Pit Boss Navigator with other grills and see if it fits my needs and cooking style.
I also find reviews useful because they can reveal both the strengths and the possible drawbacks. That way, I can avoid surprises after buying it. For me, a review is necessary because it saves time, reduces risk, and helps me feel more confident about my choice.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Pit Boss Navigator, I immediately noticed that it is designed to give a solid balance of affordability, versatility, and performance. In my experience, it feels like a grill that aims to make wood-pellet cooking more approachable for beginners while still offering enough features to satisfy more experienced users. I found the overall build practical, and the design makes it clear that this grill is meant for everyday backyard use.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I considered the Pit Boss Navigator, I focused on a few key things:
- Cooking capacity: I wanted enough space for family meals and small gatherings.
- Temperature control: I needed a grill that could maintain steady heat without constant adjusting.
- Ease of use: I preferred something simple enough for regular weeknight cooking.
- Value for money: I wanted strong performance without paying a premium price.
From my perspective, the Navigator checks many of these boxes well.
Design and Build Quality
When I examined the build, I found the Pit Boss Navigator to be sturdy enough for typical backyard grilling and smoking. It may not feel ultra-premium, but I think it offers good durability for the price. I like that the layout is straightforward, with controls and cooking space arranged in a way that makes sense. For me, that matters because I want a grill that is easy to live with, not just impressive on paper.
Cooking Performance
In my experience, the most important part of any grill is how it performs when cooking, and the Navigator does a respectable job. I found that it handles low-and-slow smoking well, which is great if I want ribs, brisket, or pulled pork. I also like that it can be used for more direct grilling when I need a quicker meal. The heat distribution is generally consistent, though I still pay attention to placement on the grates for the best results.
Temperature Control and Ease of Use
One of the reasons I would recommend the Pit Boss Navigator is because it is easy to operate. I appreciate that pellet grills are usually less demanding than charcoal setups, and this one follows that pattern. In my use, temperature adjustments were simple, and the grill made it easier for me to focus on cooking rather than managing fire. If you are someone who wants convenience, I think this is a strong point in its favor.
Size and Cooking Space
I always consider cooking space before buying a grill, especially if I plan to cook for more than just myself. The Pit Boss Navigator gives me enough room for everyday meals and weekend cookouts. For my needs, that makes it versatile. I would say it is a good fit if you cook for a small to medium-sized group and want flexibility between smoking and grilling.
Maintenance and Cleanup
From my experience, cleanup is an important part of ownership, and the Navigator is manageable in that area. I like that pellet grills generally produce less mess than charcoal, and this one is no exception. I still make it a habit to clean out ash and grease regularly, but I found the process straightforward. That makes it easier for me to keep the grill in good condition over time.
Pros I Noticed
- Good value for the price
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Works well for both smoking and grilling
- Decent cooking space for family meals
- Convenient temperature control
Cons I Noticed
- May not feel as premium as higher-end grills
- Some users may want more advanced features
- Like most pellet grills, it still requires regular cleaning
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Pit Boss Navigator is best for:
- Beginners who want an easy entry into pellet grilling
- Home cooks who value convenience
- Families needing a reliable backyard grill
- Anyone looking for solid performance without overspending
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a grill for regular backyard use, I would consider the Pit Boss Navigator a practical option. My impression is that it offers a strong mix of usability, versatility, and value. I would recommend it if you want a grill that is
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the Pit Boss Navigator offers a solid mix of convenience, versatility, and value for anyone looking to step up their outdoor cooking game. My biggest takeaway is that it delivers dependable performance with enough features to make grilling and smoking feel easy and enjoyable. While it may not be the most premium option on the market, I believe it’s a strong choice for the price.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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