Pit Boss has one of the broadest pellet-grill lineups in 2026, which is useful until you are staring at several models that look similar on paper. The best choice depends less on finding one universal winner and more on matching cooking space, controller features, hopper size, portability and budget to the way you actually cook.
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Quick take: The Navigator 850 is our best overall pick for most backyards. The Carbon 500 is the better entry point for beginners on a tighter budget, while the Navigator 1300 and 1600 make more sense for people who routinely cook for larger groups.
Our Picks at a Glance
Model | Best for | Cooking space | Listed price* |
|---|---|---|---|
Navigator 850 Connected | Best overall | 932 sq. in. | $799.99 |
Carbon 500 | Beginners / budget | 543 sq. in. | $349.99 |
Navigator 1300 Connected | Large families / entertaining | 1,329 sq. in. | $999.99 |
Navigator 1600 Connected | Very large cooks | 1,593 sq. in. | $1,199.99 |
FB2 Series 850 | Value with direct-flame searing | 840 sq. in. | $599.99 |
Sportsman 850 | Outdoor-focused cooks | 850-class | $749.99 |
FB2 Series 150 Portable | Camping / tailgating | 256 sq. in. | $329.99 |
*Prices shown are the manufacturer's listed prices when this guide was prepared. Promotions and availability can change, so use the Pit Boss links for current pricing.
How We Chose These Pit Boss Pellet Grills
These recommendations are based on current manufacturer specifications, cooking capacity, controller features, hopper size, intended use, price positioning and how each model fits a real buying scenario. We do not claim hands-on testing of every grill in this roundup. When The All Guy has a dedicated review, we link to it so you can go deeper on that specific model.
1. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Connected Grill โ Best Overall
The Navigator 850 is the sweet spot in the current Pit Boss lineup for most people. It gives you 932 square inches of total cooking space, a roughly 30-pound hopper, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth app connectivity, precise temperature control and enough room for family dinners without taking over the entire patio.
This is the model to start with if you want a connected pellet grill that can handle ribs, pork shoulders, chicken, burgers and an occasional brisket without paying for the footprint of the largest Navigator models. The tradeoff is simple: if you regularly feed a crowd, the 1300 or 1600 gives you more breathing room.
Best fit: typical families, weekend BBQ and buyers who want app connectivity
Why it stands out: strong balance of capacity, smart control and price
Consider instead: Navigator 1300 if large cooks are routine
2. Pit Boss Carbon 500 โ Best for Beginners
The Carbon 500 is the easiest recommendation for someone who wants to learn pellet grilling without spending close to four figures. Pit Boss lists 543.3 square inches of cooking area, a 13.5-pound hopper, a 180ยฐF to 500ยฐF temperature range, an included meat probe and automatic startup and cooldown cycles.
The smaller hopper and cooking area are limitations only if you are planning long overnight cooks or feeding a big group. For weeknight meals, a rack of ribs, chicken, burgers and smaller smoking projects, the Carbon 500 keeps the learning curve and the purchase price reasonable.
3. Pit Boss Navigator 1300 Connected Grill โ Best for Large Families and Entertaining
The Navigator 1300 moves into serious backyard-cook territory with 1,329 square inches of cooking space, a 30-pound hopper, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, two included meat probes, the Flame Broiler lever and temperature adjustment in 5-degree increments.
It is the better choice when you routinely cook multiple proteins at once or host friends and family. We also have a dedicated Pit Boss Navigator 1300 review and guide if you want a deeper look before buying.
4. Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Connected Grill โ Best for Very Large Cooks
The Navigator 1600 is for the buyer who already knows that 800 to 1,000 square inches will not be enough. Pit Boss lists 1,593 square inches of cooking space, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 30-pound hopper, two included probes, the Flame Broiler lever and the same connected-control approach as the smaller Navigator models.
For most households, the extra size is unnecessary. For big parties, game-day cooks, meal prep or someone who regularly fills a smoker with multiple racks and large cuts, the extra surface area is exactly the point.
5. Pit Boss FB2 Series 850 โ Best Value for Direct-Flame Searing
The FB2 Series 850 is a compelling middle ground if you care more about cooking capability than app control. It offers 840 square inches of cooking space, a 21-pound hopper, 5ยฐF temperature increments and Pit Boss's Flame Broiler lever for direct-flame searing.
That makes it a good fit for someone who wants to smoke low and slow but also likes finishing steaks and burgers over higher direct heat. If Wi-Fi matters, step up to the Navigator 850. If it does not, the FB2 can save money while keeping the core pellet-grill experience intact.
6. Pit Boss Sportsman 850 โ Best for Outdoor-Focused Cooks
The Sportsman 850 is aimed at buyers who want a rugged, full-size pellet grill for more than occasional burgers on the patio. Its position in the lineup makes sense for hunters, anglers and outdoor cooks who regularly smoke wild game, larger cuts and weekend BBQ while still wanting direct-flame capability.
At its listed price, it sits close enough to the Navigator 850 that your decision should come down to priorities. Choose the Navigator if connectivity is the main attraction. Choose the Sportsman if the outdoor-oriented setup and cooking style are a better match.
7. Pit Boss FB2 Series 150 Portable โ Best Portable Pellet Grill
A portable pellet grill solves a completely different problem than a backyard Navigator. The FB2 Series 150 gives you 256 square inches of cooking space, a 7-pound hopper, an included meat probe and a compact tabletop form that makes more sense for camping, tailgating, RV travel and small patios.
You give up the capacity and convenience of a full-size grill, but that is the tradeoff for something you can realistically move. If you want wood-pellet flavor away from home, this is the Pit Boss model that fits the job.
Which Pit Boss Pellet Grill Should You Buy?
For most buyers, start with three questions: How many people do you normally cook for? Do you care about Wi-Fi control? And do you need the grill to move? Those answers narrow the lineup quickly.
Buy the Carbon 500 if this is your first pellet grill and value matters most.
Buy the Navigator 850 if you want the best balance for a normal backyard.
Buy the Navigator 1300 if you regularly host or cook multiple large cuts.
Buy the Navigator 1600 only if you know you will use the extra space.
Buy the FB2 850 if you want strong core features without paying primarily for connectivity.
Buy the FB2 150 Portable if camping, tailgating or RV travel is the priority.
Pit Boss vs. the Rest of the Pellet-Grill Market
Pit Boss competes aggressively on cooking space and features for the money, but it is not the only brand worth considering. If you are comparing ecosystems rather than individual models, read our Traeger vs. Pit Boss comparison. For a broader shortlist across brands, see our best pellet grills for backyard BBQ.
What Beginners Should Know Before Buying a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills simplify temperature management, but they still need clean pellets, airflow, grease management and basic maintenance. Bigger is not automatically better, and a huge cooking chamber can be wasted space if most of your cooks are for two to four people.
If you are still deciding whether a pellet grill is the right first smoker, our best smokers for beginners guide compares different smoker styles and use cases.
FAQ
What is the best Pit Boss pellet grill for most people?
The Navigator 850 is the most balanced choice for most backyards because it combines connected control, a large cooking area and a hopper sized for longer cooks without stepping into the footprint and price of the 1300 or 1600.
What is the best Pit Boss grill for a beginner?
The Carbon 500 is the easiest starting point for many beginners because it is smaller, significantly less expensive than the connected Navigator models and still covers the core 180ยฐF to 500ยฐF pellet-grill range.
Is the Navigator 1300 worth it over the Navigator 850?
It is worth the jump when you routinely need more cooking space. If most cooks are for a typical household, the 850 is easier to justify. If you host often or fill the grill with multiple large cuts, the 1300's extra capacity becomes useful rather than theoretical.
Do Pit Boss pellet grills sear?
Several Pit Boss models include the Flame Broiler system, which opens a path to direct flame for higher-heat finishing and searing. Check the exact model before buying because features vary across series.
Final Verdict
The Navigator 850 is the best Pit Boss pellet grill for the widest range of buyers in 2026. The Carbon 500 is the smarter budget entry point, and the Navigator 1300 is the better step-up for large families and frequent entertaining. The right grill is the smallest model that comfortably handles the cooks you actually plan to do, with the features you will genuinely use.
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