Pit Boss Navigator 850 Review: Best Big-Capacity Value in 2026?

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 wins on one clear metric: cooking space. It packs roughly 849 square inches of grilling area, making it the go-to for big families and anyone who entertains.

Price update (July 2026): the Navigator 850 sold for around $479 when we first reviewed it; the current verified Amazon price is about $800. That changes the value math — it's no longer the budget standout it was, and at this price it competes with the Traeger Westwood XL and Z Grills 700 series. The capacity case below still stands; the bargain case doesn't.

Who It's For

The Navigator 850 is for the cook who needs to feed a crowd on a budget — backyard parties, big family cooks, tailgates with a lot of mouths to feed. If you want the tightest temperature control or the most polished app, a premium grill is a better fit, but for sheer capacity at this price, little else competes.

Key Features

• ~849 sq in of cooking space — one of the largest areas at this price point.
• High top-end temperatures for searing — a relative strength versus other pellet grills.
• PID controller with WiFi/app on current versions.
• Large hopper for long, unattended cooks.

Performance

The Navigator 850 puts its value into capacity and searing. It reaches higher grilling temps than many pellet grills, so steaks and burgers get a better crust right on the grates. Temperature control is solid for the price, though you'll see slightly wider swings than premium double-wall models — more noticeable in wind or cold. Smoke output is good, and the big hopper makes long cooks easy.

Verdict

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 packs the most cooking space per dollar of any grill on our list. For families and entertainers who want maximum capacity without a premium price, it's the best big-capacity value of 2026.

See the head-to-head in our Traeger vs Pit Boss comparison, or weigh it against premium stainless build in our Pit Boss vs recteq comparison. It also shows up where it ranks among all brands in our best pellet grills roundup, and its flame broiler lands it a top spot among the best pellet grills for searing.