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

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 wins on one clear metric: cooking space per dollar. At around $479 it gives you a huge grilling area, making it the go-to for big families and anyone who entertains.

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 where it ranks among all brands in our best pellet grills roundup.