Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill Review: Big-Capacity Workhorse for Backyard Pitmasters (2026)
By Ben Carter
9.1
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill Highlights
The pit boss navigator 1600 leans into what backyard cooks actually need—capacity, versatility, and steady temps—wrapped in a heavy-duty build that feels ready for years of seasons. You’ll get that classic low-and-slow smoke, quick weeknight grilling, and the option to kiss food with direct flame when you crave it. It’s not the tiniest or the techiest out of the box, but for the price-to-performance ratio, it’s a standout in the big-boy pellet class.
If you want a set‑it‑and‑savor pellet grill that can handle game day spreads without breaking a sweat, the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill just gets it done. It’s massive, it sears with real flame (yep, steaks actually crust up), and day-to-day use feels straightforward. Look, after a string of weekend cooks in 2026, my takeaway is simple: this is a value-rich beast that rewards you with consistent results and very little fuss.
In-Depth Look: Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out to us at Consumer's Best while putting the pit boss navigator 1600 through real cooks—briskets, ribs, chicken, the works.
Huge cooking capacity
Approximately 1,600 sq. in. of total space means full-packers, multiple pork butts, or a mixed grill for the neighborhood—all at once.
Direct-flame searing
The slide-plate flame broiler lets you go from low-and-slow to high-heat sear without changing cookers—steak night, solved.
Stable temperature control
Dial in your target temp and it holds steady enough for overnight cooks; less babysitting, more hanging out.
Heavy-duty build
Thick steel feel, sturdy lid, and a solid cart lend confidence—this isn’t a dainty patio toy.
Long cooks with fewer top-offs
A generous pellet hopper supports lengthy smokes; toss in a brisket early and enjoy your Saturday.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Big footprint and weight
It’s a backyard anchor—fantastic once parked, but not ideal if you’re short on space or plan to roll it around often.
- Controller nuance
Low-temp smoke can still see swings; it smooths out as you climb in temp, but purists may notice the ebb and flow.
- Connectivity varies by package
Some units ship without built-in Wi‑Fi/app control; check your configuration (or plan for an add-on).
- Pellet consumption in cold/windy weather
Like most pellet grills, expect higher usage when Mother Nature gets feisty.
Who Is the Pit Boss Navigator 1600 Pellet Grill Best For?
Backyard hosts who feed a crowd
You want space for brisket plus sides—and maybe wings for good measure—without playing Tetris on the grates.
Value-driven pitmasters
You care about results and reliability more than flashy extras, and you want serious hardware for the money.
Weeknight grillers who also smoke on weekends
One cooker that flips between ribs on Sunday and burgers on Tuesday—easy.
Sear lovers
You like pellet convenience but still want that direct-flame kiss for steaks, chops, and skewers.
Set‑and‑forget cooks
Load pellets, set temp, and relax—overnight pork shoulder without losing sleep sounds perfect.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Small-patio dwellers
If you’re in a tight urban space, a compact pellet or electric grill will fit the footprint (and your storage sanity) better.
- Tech-first buyers
If you want premium PID control and app connectivity bundled out of the box, consider higher-end smart pellet models.
- Frequent movers
Rolling this much steel across steps or uneven ground gets old; a lighter mid-size cooker travels easier.
- Competition purists
If you obsess over ultra-tight temp bands and hyper-precise smoke profiles, a competition-grade pit might suit you more.
