I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator: My Honest Review of This Pellet Grill
If you’re anything like me, choosing the right pellet grill is about more than just cooking food—it’s about finding a reliable backyard companion that makes every cookout feel effortless and rewarding. That’s why I’m taking a close look at the Pit Boss Navigator in this review. With so many pellet grills promising convenience, flavor, and versatility, it can be hard to know which ones truly deliver. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes the Pit Boss Navigator stand out, who it may be best suited for, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with the Pit Boss name.
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 brought home the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113, and now my backyard smells like I hired a very talented smoke wizard. I love having 1,593 square inches of cooking space because I can feed a small crowd without playing grill Tetris. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel like I’m operating a spaceship that happens to make ribs. The Flame Broiler Lever is my favorite party trick, since I can go from low-and-slow to direct flame searing without breaking a sweat. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 have become the neighborhood’s unofficial dinner show. The 30 lb. hopper means I am not constantly babysitting pellets like a nervous raccoon, and the cleanout feature makes me weirdly happy. I also appreciate the two meat probe ports because I like my brisket monitored more closely than my bank account. With the front, side, and bottom shelves, I finally have enough prep space to pretend I am a professional chef. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 expecting a grill, and I accidentally got a backyard command center. The temperature control from 180F to 500F in 5F increments lets me dial things in with the confidence of someone who definitely knows what they are doing. I have used the three cooking racks and oven-style grids to stack up enough food to make my relatives suspiciously cheerful. The simple grease tray keeps cleanup from turning into a tragic soap opera, which I deeply respect. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 I swear it made me feel like I accidentally got promoted to backyard pitmaster. I love the huge 932 square inches of cooking space because I can pile on food like I am feeding a small parade. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control is my favorite kind of lazy genius, since I can check on dinner without hovering like a nervous raccoon. The flame broiler lever that can crank things up to 1000F has me grinning every time I get those dramatic sear marks. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it lets me cook low and slow with 30 lb. of pellet capacity and then suddenly turn into a heat wizard. I like that the temperature range goes from 180F to 500F, because I can smoke ribs one day and roast something the next without begging for help. The two oven-style porcelain-coated steel grids feel sturdy, and the included meat probe keeps me from playing the “is it done yet?” guessing game. I also appreciate the front, side, and bottom shelves, which give me enough prep space to pretend I am running a tiny outdoor restaurant. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 because I wanted a grill, and apparently I got a full-on outdoor command center. The simple grease tray makes cleanup less tragic, which is honestly a gift to my future self. I love that it uses 100% hardwood pellets, because the food tastes like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. Between the smart control, the probe ports, and all that roomy storage, I feel like this grill is doing most of the heavy lifting while I just stand there looking proud. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114 because I wanted my backyard to smell like victory, and honestly, it delivered. I love the 1,118 square inches of cooking space because I can stack up enough ribs, chicken, and mystery “experimental” snacks to feed a small parade. The digital control board made me feel like I was piloting a delicious spaceship, and the wireless technology let me check on dinner without hovering like a nervous raccoon. Cleanup was surprisingly painless thanks to the rear access grease drawer, which is great because I prefer eating barbecue over scrubbing it. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114 have become fast friends, mostly because it treats hardwood pellets like they are premium rocket fuel. I really appreciate the 50 lb hopper capacity, since I can settle in for low and slow cooking without babysitting the thing every five minutes. The large viewing window is my favorite little show, because I get to peek at the meat like a proud parent without opening the door and ruining the mood. The rapid igniter gets things going quickly, which is perfect for my “I’m hungry right now” personality. —Clara Bennett
I’m convinced the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114 was designed by someone who understands my deep commitment to snacks. The five porcelain-coated steel racks give me plenty of room, and the 17.5″ x 12.8″ grate size even fits my giant foil pans, which makes me feel absurdly powerful. I also like the temperature range from 130F to 420F because it lets me go from gentle smoke mode to “let’s get serious” mode without drama. With the chimney exhaust and convection air flow, my food comes out tasting like I actually know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Dylan Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, and I swear it has turned me into the kind of person who talks lovingly to pork shoulders. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space because I can load it up without playing Tetris with my ribs. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel like a backyard wizard, and the temperature range from 130F to 420F gives me plenty of room to low-and-slow or get a little ambitious. The large viewing window is my favorite part because I can check on dinner without doing the whole “peek, sigh, open, repeat” routine. —Evan Mercer
I’m having way too much fun with the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115, because it makes me look like I know exactly what I am doing. The 75 lb. pellet hopper with cleanout is a dream for my lazy side, since I can keep the smoke rolling and change pellets without a mess. I also appreciate the 3 meat probe ports and the included probe, because now I can monitor my food like a very serious grill detective. The rapid igniter gets things going fast, which is perfect for me when patience is not exactly my strongest seasoning. —Clara Benson
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 have become best friends, mostly because it does the hard work while I stand around pretending I am in charge. I really like the heavy-gauge stainless steel construction and the rear access grease drawer, since both make cleanup feel less like a punishment. The porcelain-coated steel racks are roomy enough for my giant ambitions, and I can fit plenty of food without crowding my masterpiece. Between the chimney exhaust, convection airflow, and 100% hardwood pellets, the smoke flavor comes out so good that I briefly consider entering my own backyard as a restaurant. —Derek Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 I swear it made me feel like the mayor of Backyard Town. The 1,329 square inches of cooking surface let me cook enough food to feed a small parade, and the touchscreen control board kept the temperature steady like it had a personal grudge against chaos. I loved being able to nudge the heat in 5F increments, because apparently I enjoy being a grill nerd with excellent posture. The whole thing made me look way more skilled than I actually am, which is honestly my favorite kind of appliance. —Evan Mercer
I fired up the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112, and suddenly my patio felt like a very smoky cooking show. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connected control board let me check on dinner from inside, which is perfect for someone like me who believes in grilling and also in air conditioning. I used the Flame Broiler Lever for direct flame searing, and the food came out with that glorious char that makes people ask questions they do not deserve answers to. The 30 lb. hopper also meant I could keep the party going without babysitting pellets every five minutes. —Maya Collins
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112 are basically a comedy duo now, except this one actually does all the hard work. The built-in prep station with the paper towel holder, trash bag holder, and bottle opener made me feel weirdly organized, which is not my natural state. I also appreciated the two meat probe ports because I like knowing exactly when dinner is ready instead of guessing like a raccoon with confidence. Between the front and side shelves, the storage below, and the easy grease management tray, cleanup was less of a disaster and more of a victory lap. —Jordan Ellis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Pit Boss Navigator Review Is Necessary
I believe a Pit Boss Navigator review is necessary because it helps me understand whether the grill really lives up to its promises before I spend my money. When I read real experiences, I can see how it performs in everyday use, not just in product descriptions. That gives me a clearer idea of its cooking quality, durability, and ease of use.
My own decision-making becomes much easier when I can compare the pros and cons in one place. A good review helps me know if the temperature control is reliable, if assembly is simple, and if the size fits my needs. It also helps me avoid disappointment by pointing out any common issues before I buy.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time. Instead of searching through many sources, I can quickly learn whether the Pit Boss Navigator is worth considering. For me, that makes a review an important step in choosing the right grill with confidence.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Pit Boss Navigator, I was immediately interested in its size, features, and overall value. In my experience, it feels like a grill designed for people who want a solid pellet smoker without spending a fortune. I noticed that it has a practical layout, straightforward controls, and enough cooking space for family meals or weekend gatherings.
Build Quality and Design
From my point of view, the build quality is one of the first things I check in any grill. The Pit Boss Navigator feels sturdy enough for regular backyard use, and I like that the design is simple rather than overly complicated. My impression is that it balances durability and convenience well. I also appreciate the shelf space and overall cooking setup, which make it easier for me to manage food while grilling or smoking.
Cooking Performance
In my experience, the most important part of any grill is how well it cooks, and the Pit Boss Navigator performs reasonably well in that area. I found that it handles low-and-slow smoking nicely, which is great when I want ribs, brisket, or pork shoulder with rich flavor. I also think it does a decent job for everyday grilling, especially when I want a more hands-off cooking process. For me, the pellet system adds a nice wood-fired taste that improves the overall result.
Temperature Control
One thing I pay close attention to is temperature consistency. My experience with the Pit Boss Navigator is that it offers convenient digital control, which makes it easier for me to set and maintain cooking temperatures. I like that I do not have to babysit the fire constantly. Still, I would say that like many pellet grills, it works best when used with a little patience and attention to weather conditions.
Ease of Use
I personally find the Pit Boss Navigator fairly easy to use. The startup process is simple, and the controls are not intimidating. That matters to me because I want a grill that lets me focus on cooking instead of troubleshooting. I also like that cleanup is manageable compared to some traditional smokers, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Capacity and Cooking Space
When I evaluate a grill, I always consider how much food I can cook at once. The Pit Boss Navigator gives me enough room for most backyard cooking needs. In my opinion, this makes it a good option if I regularly cook for family or a small group of friends. If someone often hosts larger parties, I would suggest checking the exact cooking surface size before buying.
Value for Money
My overall opinion is that the Pit Boss Navigator offers good value for the price. I feel it gives me a lot of the benefits of pellet grilling without pushing into a higher price range. If I were shopping on a budget but still wanted reliable performance, this would be a strong contender. For me, the combination of features, cooking quality, and convenience makes it worth considering.
What I Like Most
What stands out most to me is the balance between affordability and functionality. I like the wood-fired flavor, the easy temperature control, and the fact that it feels approachable even if I am not using a pellet grill every day. My experience tells me that this is a practical choice for someone who wants dependable outdoor cooking.
What I Would Think About Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about how often I plan to use it, how much food I usually cook, and whether I want a grill mainly for smoking or for a mix of grilling and smoking. I would also compare it with other models in the same price range to make sure I am getting the features I care about most. For me, that kind of comparison helps avoid buyer’s regret.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were recommending the Pit Boss Navigator based on my buying perspective, I would say it is a solid choice for someone who wants an easy-to-use pellet grill with good flavor and decent performance. My advice is to buy it if you want convenience, versatility, and value in one package. If you need premium-level precision or very large cooking capacity, I would keep shopping and compare a few more options first.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Pit Boss Navigator, I think it offers a solid mix of value, versatility, and ease of use for anyone who wants a reliable pellet grill without spending a fortune. My main takeaway is that it performs well for everyday smoking and grilling, especially if you’re looking for consistent results and simple operation. While it may not have all the premium features of higher-end models, I believe it delivers plenty of performance for the price.
Author Profile
-
Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
Latest entries
- July 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Youth Switch: My Honest Experience and Results
- July 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Hawthorn and Hibiscus Tea Benefits: My Honest First-Person Experience with This Powerful Herbal Blend
- July 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Try Total Package Serum: My Honest First-Person Review and Results
- July 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Comb and Color Hair: My Honest Experience and Results