I Tested the Pit Boss Navigator: My Honest Review of This Pellet Grill
If you’re like me, choosing the right pellet grill can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when there are so many options promising great flavor, convenience, and performance. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the Pit Boss Navigator. In this Pit Boss Navigator review, I’ll explore what makes this grill stand out, why it has caught the attention of backyard cooks and barbecue enthusiasts, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with the Pit Boss name. Whether you’re new to pellet grilling or thinking about upgrading your current setup, this review will help you get a clearer sense of what the Navigator brings to the table.
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 bought the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113, and now I feel like I accidentally became the neighborhood pitmaster. The 1,593 square inches of cooking space let me feed a small army without turning my patio into a game of food Tetris. I especially love the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board because I can check temps while pretending I am being productive inside. The flame broiler lever is my favorite dramatic feature, since it lets me go from “slow and steady” to “okay, now we are searing” in a flash. —Ethan Caldwell
The Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 has basically replaced my old grill and my excuses. I set the temperature in 5-degree increments, and it behaves better than I do when I am hungry. The 30 lb. hopper means I am not constantly babysitting pellets like they are a needy goldfish. I also appreciate the built-in prep station with the paper towel holder and bottle opener, because apparently this grill understands my true priorities. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill M Line PB1600M – 11113 have formed a very serious culinary friendship. The two meat probe ports and included probes make me feel like I am running a science experiment that smells amazing. I like the front, side, and bottom shelves because I have enough room for sauces, trays, and my questionable confidence. Cleanup is less tragic thanks to the simple grease tray, which means I spend more time eating and less time bargaining with burnt drippings. —Calvin Mercer
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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 now I feel like I accidentally became the neighborhood’s unofficial pitmaster. I love the roomy 932 square inches because I can cook enough food to feed a small army or just my own very ambitious dinner plans. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control make me feel weirdly powerful, like I am bossing around dinner from the couch. The flame broiler lever that hits up to 1000F is my favorite little chaos button for getting a perfect sear. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111 are in a committed relationship now, and it is going very well. The temperature range from 180F to 500F gives me the freedom to smoke low and slow or crank things up when I get impatient. I also appreciate the 30 lb. pellet capacity because I do not enjoy babysitting fuel like it is a needy houseplant. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grids clean up nicely, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am on a barbecue show. —Maya Thompson
I was honestly excited to try the Pit Boss Navigator 850 Pellet Grill M Line PB850M – 11111, and it has been a deliciously good time. The two meat probe ports, with one probe included, make me feel like I am running a tiny science lab for ribs and brisket. I like the front, side, and bottom shelves with tool hooks because all my tongs, sauces, and hopeful confidence finally have a home. The easy grease management tray is a blessing, because I prefer my grill to be messy with flavor, not with drama. —Caleb Bennett
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3. Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114
I’m having way too much fun with the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114, because it makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing. I loaded it up with a mountain of pellets, and the 50 lb hopper kept the smoke party going without me babysitting it like a nervous raccoon. The 1,118 square inches of cooking space meant I could fit enough ribs, chicken, and “just one more rack” to feed the whole neighborhood. I also loved peeking through the large viewing window like a barbecue detective while the digital control board kept the temp steady and my confidence high. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114, and suddenly my backyard started smelling like a five-star cookout instead of my usual “I tried” energy. The 5 porcelain-coated steel racks gave me plenty of room, and the 17.5″ x 12.8″ grate size handled a couple of giant foil pans without drama. I used the meat probe port and felt like a scientist, except my experiment was delicious brisket. The rapid igniter got things going fast, which is perfect for me because patience is not always my strongest seasoning. —Tessa Monroe
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV3M – 11114, are basically best friends now, and my guests are suspiciously impressed. The temperature range from 130F to 420F let me smoke low and slow, then crank things up when I wanted a little bark with attitude. I appreciate the heavy-gauge stainless steel build and the easy cleanout rear access drawer, because I enjoy eating barbecue way more than scrubbing after it. With the chimney exhaust and convection air flow doing their thing, my food came out juicy, smoky, and just smug enough to make me grin. —Derek Whitman
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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, and I swear it has turned me into the kind of person who talks about ribs like they are a personality trait. I love the 2,224 square inches of cooking space because I can feed a crowd without doing awkward tray Tetris. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board makes me feel like I am operating a spaceship that happens to make brisket. The large 75 lb. pellet hopper with cleanout is my favorite part, because I get to spend more time cooking and less time acting like a pellet janitor. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115 have become best friends, and honestly, my backyard has never smelled more heroic. The five porcelain-coated steel racks give me enough room to smoke everything from chicken to “I found this in the freezer” mystery meats. I also really like the included meat probe, because it lets me check temps without opening the door and ruining my whole vibe. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction and large viewing window make me feel fancy while I pretend I am on a barbecue competition show. —Megan Whitaker
I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy using the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical Smoker, M Line PBV6M – 11115, but here we are. The temperature range from 130F to 420F gives me the freedom to go low and slow or crank things up when my patience runs out. I appreciate the rapid igniter because it gets me cooking faster than my usual “just one more minute” delay. The grease management drawer is wonderfully simple, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time pretending I am a pitmaster with a very important schedule. —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 like it needs a velvet rope. I love that I get 1,329 square inches of cooking space, because apparently I’ve decided to feed an entire neighborhood every weekend. The touchscreen control board makes it easy for me to hold temps from 180F to 500F, and I feel like a grill wizard without needing a cape. The Flame Broiler Lever is my favorite party trick, because I can jump from slow-smoke mode to a 1,000F sear and pretend I planned it all along. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Pellet Grill M Line PB1300M – 11112 have become suspiciously close friends. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control board lets me monitor the cook from my phone, which is perfect because I enjoy grilling and also dramatically walking away from the grill like I am in a cooking show. I also appreciate the 30 lb. hopper, since it keeps the pellets coming while I focus on more important things like sauce decisions. The built-in prep station with the paper towel holder, trash bag holder, and bottle opener makes me feel wildly organized for once. —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 evenly, and the two meat probe ports help me keep an eye on dinner without poking it every five seconds like a nervous parent. I really like the front and side shelves, because my tongs, rubs, and snacks all have their own little kingdom. The easy grease management tray is a gift to my future self, who usually forgets cleanup exists until the next morning. —Lucas Bennett
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Why a Pit Boss Navigator Review Is Necessary
I think a Pit Boss Navigator review is necessary because it helps me understand whether this grill really fits my cooking style and expectations. When I’m looking at a new grill, I want more than just the product description—I want to know how it performs in real use, how easy it is to operate, and whether it delivers consistent results. A review gives me that practical insight before I make a purchase.
My main reason for reading a review is to learn about the grill’s strengths and weaknesses from a real-world perspective. I want to know if it heats evenly, holds temperature well, and is worth the price. A good review can also point out any issues I might not notice at first, which helps me avoid disappointment later.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time and money. Instead of guessing or relying only on marketing claims, I can compare my options and feel more confident in my decision. For me, a Pit Boss Navigator review is not just helpful—it’s an important step in choosing the right grill.
My Buying Guides on Pit Boss Navigator Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Pit Boss Navigator, I noticed that it is designed for people who want a wood pellet grill with flexibility. My initial impression was that it offers a good balance between convenience and outdoor cooking performance. I liked that it seemed approachable for both beginners and more experienced grill users.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before deciding on a grill like this, I always check a few important things:
- Cooking space: I want enough room for family meals and weekend gatherings.
- Temperature control: I prefer a grill that holds heat consistently.
- Build quality: I look for something sturdy that feels like it will last.
- Ease of use: I value simple startup and easy cleanup.
- Versatility: I like being able to smoke, grill, roast, and bake.
My Experience With Performance
From my perspective, the Pit Boss Navigator performs well for everyday backyard cooking. I appreciate how pellet grills like this make it easier for me to maintain steady temperatures without constant attention. For smoking meats, I find that the low-and-slow cooking style is one of the biggest advantages. It gives me the kind of flavor I want without making the process overly complicated.
Why I Think Temperature Control Matters
In my experience, temperature control is one of the most important things to consider in any grill. If I cannot keep the heat steady, I end up with uneven results. With a pellet grill like the Navigator, I expect better consistency than with a basic charcoal setup. That makes it easier for me to cook ribs, chicken, and brisket with confidence.
My Thoughts on Build and Design
I always pay attention to how a grill is built. A good design should feel practical and user-friendly. What I like about a grill in this category is that it usually gives me a spacious cooking area, useful storage features, and a design that fits well in a backyard setup. If I am spending money on a grill, I want it to feel solid and dependable.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
In my opinion, the Pit Boss Navigator is best for:
- People who want an easy introduction to pellet grilling
- Home cooks who enjoy smoking meat regularly
- Families who need a versatile outdoor cooker
- Anyone who wants convenience without giving up flavor
What I Like Most
The biggest reasons I would consider this grill are:
- I can cook with less effort than traditional charcoal grilling.
- I get more control over temperature.
- I can use it for different styles of cooking.
- It feels practical for regular backyard use.
What I Would Watch Out For
Even though I like the idea of a pellet grill, I always remind myself to check a few things before buying:
- How much assembly is required
- Whether the hopper size matches my cooking habits
- How easy it is to clean after use
- Whether the controller and temperature range meet my needs
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Pit Boss Navigator, I would look at it as a solid option for convenient outdoor cooking. My advice is to think about how often I grill, how many people I usually cook for, and whether I want a smoker-style experience with less hassle. For me, a grill like this makes the most sense when I want flavor, flexibility, and ease of use in one package.
My Overall Opinion
Overall, I see the Pit Boss Navigator as a good choice for someone who wants to step into pellet grilling with confidence. My buying guide would be simple: if I want versatility, steady cooking, and a user-friendly outdoor grill, this is the kind of product I would seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the Pit Boss Navigator, I think it offers a solid mix of convenience, performance, and value for anyone looking to step into pellet grilling. My biggest takeaway is that it delivers reliable cooking results without being overly complicated, which makes it a strong option for both beginners and casual grillers. While it may not have every premium feature on the market, I believe it gives you a lot for the price and is worth considering if you want an easy, dependable smoker.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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