Is Pit Boss or Camp Chef better?

They serve different buyers. Pit Boss (the Navigator 850) is the value-and-capacity pick — more cooking space for less money. Camp Chef (the Woodwind) is the versatility-and-quality pick, with the Sidekick searing/griddle system, easy ash cleanout, and a more refined build. Choose Pit Boss to feed a crowd on a budget; choose Camp Chef if you want a do-it-all cooker and tighter control.

Which has more cooking space?

Pit Boss. The Navigator 850 offers about 849 square inches versus roughly 811 on the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 — close, but Pit Boss edges it and at a much lower price. If raw capacity per dollar is your priority, Pit Boss wins.

Which is more versatile?

Camp Chef, by a wide margin. The Woodwind's Sidekick attachment adds true high-heat searing or a flat-top griddle, and Slide-and-Grill opens direct-flame access. The Pit Boss sears decently on its grates but can't match the Woodwind's add-on flexibility.

Which is the better value?

Pit Boss for pure value — you get big capacity and searing for roughly half the price. Camp Chef costs more but adds versatility, easier cleanup, and a more refined experience. If budget is tight, Pit Boss; if you want one cooker that does everything, Camp Chef earns its premium.

Pit Boss vs Camp Chef: Capacity & Value vs Versatility (2026)

Pit Boss vs Camp Chef: The Bottom Line

This is capacity-and-value vs versatility-and-quality. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 (~~$479) gives you big cooking space and searing for the money. The Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 (~~$899) is the do-it-all cooker with searing, griddle, and easier cleanup.

Pick Pit Boss to feed a crowd on a budget. Pick Camp Chef if you want one versatile, well-built cooker and don't mind paying more.

Side-by-Side Specifications

Feature	Pit Boss Navigator 850	Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24
Rating	4.2	4.3
Price	$479	$899
Cooking Area	~849 sq in	~811 sq in
Hopper Capacity	~28 lbs	~22 lbs
Max Temperature	~500°F	~500°F (higher with Slide-and-Grill)
Controller Type	Digital PID + WiFi	Gen-2 Digital PID + WiFi
WiFi Connectivity	WiFi/app on current versions	Camp Chef Connect app
Warranty	Limited	3-year
Weight	~150 lbs	~140 lbs
Construction	Single-wall steel	Steel, heavier build
Ash Cleanout System	Manual	Lever-based ash cup
Pellet Sensor	No	No
Side Shelf	Yes	Yes
Meat Probes	Included	Included (dual)
	Check Price	Check Price

Capacity & Value

Pit Boss takes this round. The Navigator 850 offers slightly more cooking area (~849 sq in) at roughly half the Camp Chef's price. For feeding a crowd on a budget, it's the clear value winner.

Versatility & Build

Camp Chef takes this round, decisively. The Sidekick adds true high-heat searing or griddle cooking, Slide-and-Grill opens direct-flame access, and the lever ash-cleanout makes maintenance faster. The build feels more refined, and temperature control is a touch tighter.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Pit Boss Navigator 850 for maximum capacity and searing per dollar.
Buy the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 for versatility, easier cleanup, and a more refined build.

See both against every brand in our best pellet grills roundup.

Most Versatile: Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24

Smoke, sear, and griddle from one station. Check the current price.

Check Camp Chef Woodwind Price