The core difference between these two backyard smokers comes down to operational management: the Pit Boss Navigator 850 offers complete wireless control and extended prep space, whereas the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series relies on a self-contained manual digital controller on a more compact frame.
Outdoor cooks seeking a dependable, set-and-forget smoker with direct fire capabilities will appreciate the straightforward layout of the 700 FB2 Series, while pitmasters who demand mobile phone monitoring and higher grate capacity should opt for the Navigator 850.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series vs Pit Boss Navigator 850 at a Glance
| Feature | Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series | Pit Boss Navigator 850 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 747 sq. in. | 932 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 21 lbs | 30 lbs (with viewing window) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Not listed | WiFi and Bluetooth (Pit Boss Grills App) |
| Included Meat Probes | 1 probe included (2 ports available) | 2 probes included |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F (5° increments) | 180°F to 500°F (5° increments) |
| Direct Flame Searing | Flame Broiler Lever (up to 1,000°F) | Flame Broiler slide plate included |
| Assembled Dimensions (D x W x H) | 26.8″D x 43.7″W x 47″H | 34″D x 58.7″W x 46.6″H |
| Assembled Weight | 119.1 lbs | 175 lbs |
| Prep Shelving | Solid bottom storage shelf | Folding front shelf, side shelf with tool hooks, bottom shelf |
| Cleanout Systems | Standard cleanout design | Removable undermount burn pot, gravity hopper cleanout, grease tray |
| Best For | Space-conscious backyards and analog control | All-day smoking sessions and remote mobile management |
Cooking Space and Grate Configuration
Usable grate area dictates what you can fit across long barbecue sessions, especially when smoking multiple pork butts, full packer briskets, or racks of ribs. In evaluating Pit Boss 700 FB2 vs Navigator 850 cooking space, the raw numbers reveal a substantial difference. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 provides 747 square inches of total cooking space arranged across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel cooking racks. This layout splits the surface between a primary lower grate and a narrower secondary rack above it, which excels at warming side dishes or holding smaller cuts while keeping the main tier clear for large cuts of meat.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 pellet grill expands that capacity to 932 square inches of total porcelain-coated steel cooking surface. The primary barrel width and depth on the Navigator provide noticeable extra clearance on both sides, allowing you to lay down full racks of ribs flat without crowding the barrel edges. When smoking large meals for neighborhood parties or family reunions, that extra 185 square inches prevents heat bottlenecks and ensures uniform airflow around every piece of protein. Those exploring options in this class often weigh similar builds in the pit boss 850 navigator series vs z grills 700d6 comparison.
For cooks who prepare meals primarily for a standard household of three to five people, the 747 square inches on the 700 FB2 remains more than adequate. However, if your typical weekend smoking routine involves simultaneously cooking multiple proteins alongside cast-iron pans of beans or mac and cheese, the Navigator 850 prevents the spatial bottlenecks inherent to smaller cook chambers.
Edge: Pit Boss Navigator 850 due to its wider primary grate and 932 square inches of total cooking area.
Digital Controls and Wireless App Connectivity
Temperature monitoring is the foundation of dependable low-and-slow barbecue. The digital controller on the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series utilizes a dial-in digital LCD control board capable of setting and maintaining temperatures from 180°F to 500°F in 5-degree increments. It includes two onboard meat probe ports and ships with one meat probe in the box. Operating this unit is entirely localized; any temperature adjustments, probe readings, or heat adjustments happen right at the grill body. For cooks who prefer avoiding smartphone apps, pairing procedures, or outdoor wireless signals, this direct manual approach ensures straightforward reliability.
Any comprehensive Pit Boss Navigator 850 wifi review highlights the step forward represented by its integrated wireless technology. The Navigator 850 features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth pairing that links directly with the Pit Boss Grills app. This wireless configuration allows you to monitor internal pit temperatures, track two meat probes simultaneously (both included in the box), and make set-point adjustments in 5-degree increments right from your smartphone. Instead of stepping outside every half hour to check internal progress on an overnight brisket, you can monitor internal meat stalls and grate fluctuations from inside your home.
Beyond app connectivity, the Navigator 850 benefits from fan-forced convection heating, maintaining uniform temperatures across the cook chamber. While the 700 FB2 delivers reliable thermal output, having mobile telemetry and two included probes makes the Navigator 850 a significantly less hands-on machine during twelve-hour smoking marathons. Similar technology advantages surface when evaluating the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs camp chef woodwind 24.
Edge: Pit Boss Navigator 850 for its WiFi and Bluetooth app integration and dual included monitoring probes.
Hopper Capacity and Fuel Management
Pellet hopper capacity dictates how long a grill can operate without human intervention, particularly during low-temperature smoking over chilly evenings. A critical consideration in the Pit Boss 700 FB2 vs Navigator 850 hopper capacity debate is fuel duration. The 700 FB2 features a 21-pound hopper, which perfectly accommodates a standard commercial 20-pound bag of wood pellets in a single dump with a pound to spare. For everyday cooks and standard six- to eight-hour ribs or pork loins, this hopper volume carries the cook without requiring a mid-session top-off.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 steps up to a 30-pound pellet hopper. This additional capacity provides a massive safety buffer for cold-weather cooks, where pellets burn at an accelerated rate to maintain the 225°F or 250°F target. The Navigator 850 also features a built-in hopper viewing window, allowing you to gauge your remaining wood pellet reserve at a distance without having to lift the metal lid and let dust escape or risk moisture exposure during light rain. Those researching hopper sizing often study the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs camp chef dlx gen 3 to see how alternative designs tackle fuel management.
Fuel swaps are also easier on the Navigator 850 thanks to a remodeled gravity hopper pellet cleanout chute. If you want to dump mesquite pellets to switch to hickory or apple wood for poultry, the gravity cleanout empties the hopper quickly into a bucket. The 700 FB2 requires more effort to change out wood flavors once the bin is loaded.
Edge: Pit Boss Navigator 850 for its 30-pound hopper, fuel viewing window, and gravity-assisted pellet cleanout.
Direct Flame Searing and Temperature Performance
Pellet smokers often struggle to achieve the high-heat surface crust associated with charcoal or gas grills. Pit Boss addresses this through its signature Flame Broiler system, present on both units. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series features an external Flame Broiler Lever that slides the curved heat deflector plate open, exposing the direct fire from the burn pot below. In open-flame mode, the 700 FB2 delivers direct flame searing temperatures up to 1,000°F, allowing you to reverse-sear thick steaks, caramelize barbecue sauce on chicken thighs, or put authentic grill marks on burgers.
The Navigator 850 also includes the sliding Flame Broiler plate system, supported by an operating range of 180°F to 500°F across both indirect and direct cooking styles. The rapid igniter on the Navigator gets the fire pot started quickly, while its fan-forced convection system circulates heat and wood smoke across the porcelain-coated steel grates. Whether smoking low at 200°F or opening the vents for open-flame burgers, both units leverage 100% all-natural hardwood pellets to infuse rich smoke flavor into your cuts.
Because both units share the same 180°F to 500°F core temperature parameters and both deliver open-flame searing via the sliding plate mechanism, their thermal capabilities at the grate level are nearly identical. The 700 FB2 provides smooth operation via its side-mounted lever, ensuring that moving between indirect baking and direct flame broiling takes only seconds.
Edge: Tie. Both models reach 500°F in indirect mode and offer direct flame searing over an exposed burn pot.
Build Quality, Dimensions, and Prep Workstations
A grill needs to fit your patio space while offering functional surfaces to rest cutting boards, seasoning rubs, and tongs. The 700 FB2 features an exterior footprint measuring 26.8 inches deep, 43.7 inches wide, and 47 inches high, with an assembled weight of 119.1 pounds. Constructed with an alloy steel outer shell, it is lighter and easier to maneuver around tight patios, balconies, or modest deck spaces. It incorporates a solid bottom shelf for holding bags of pellets or grill covers, though it lacks attached front or side prep tables. Similar footprint questions arise in the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs recteq patio legend 600 review.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a noticeably larger and heavier machine, weighing in at 175 pounds with dimensions of 34 inches deep, 58.7 inches wide, and 46.6 inches high. Built with stainless steel outer elements and heavy-duty tapered legs, it provides a very solid foundation. The Navigator 850 includes a folding front shelf and a dedicated side shelf with integrated tool hooks, giving you ample prep space right at the cooking chamber to unwrap ribs, apply glaze, or stage platters. It also includes a spacious bottom storage shelf for bulk accessories.
If deck space is limited, the 700 FB2 occupies significantly less floor space. But if you have the square footage, the Navigator 850 eliminates the need for an adjacent prep table thanks to its integrated folding front shelf, side shelf, and tool hanging system. For comparisons between larger frames, see the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs recteq x-fire pro 825 analysis.
Edge: Pit Boss Navigator 850 for built-in folding front and side shelving, despite its larger footprint.
Maintenance, Grease Drainage, and Cleanout Systems
Regular maintenance is essential for pellet grill longevity and flavor quality, as ash buildup can smother the hot rod while grease accumulation creates fire hazards. When working through a Pit Boss 700 FB2 review, upkeep involves a traditional setup: removing the porcelain grates and the heavy steel flame broiler plate to vacuum the burn pot between long smoking sessions. Grease drains into an external catch bucket, which must be monitored regularly during high-fat cooks like pork shoulders or beef ribs.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 review highlights several modern maintenance upgrades designed to speed up post-cook chores. Most notable is the removable undermount burn pot with an easy ash cleanout mechanism. Instead of lifting out greasy grates and the sliding heat deflector every time you want to dump spent wood ash, the undermount system allows you to drop and clear ash quickly from beneath the barrel. This prevents combustion issues and keeps the rapid igniter clear of debris.
Additionally, the Navigator 850 features an easy-access grease tray that securely routes runoff and drippings away from the fire pot into a designated containment zone. Combined with the gravity-assisted pellet hopper cleanout, routine cleanup and maintenance require far less effort on the Navigator than on standard baseline pellet cookers.
Edge: Pit Boss Navigator 850 due to its removable undermount burn pot, dedicated ash cleanout, and streamlined grease tray.
Pros and Cons
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series
Pros
- Direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- Compact 43.7-inch wide footprint
- Holds a full 20-lb pellet bag
- Straightforward manual digital control
Cons
- No WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity
- Only one meat probe included
View Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series on Amazon
Pit Boss Navigator 850
Pros
- WiFi and Bluetooth app connectivity
- Expansive 932 sq. in. cooking area
- 30-lb hopper with fuel viewing window
- Folding front shelf and side shelf
- Removable ash cleanout burn pot
Cons
- Heavy 175-pound overall weight
- Requires larger patio footprint
View Pit Boss Navigator 850 on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series If
- You prefer a self-contained digital control board without needing to manage WiFi, Bluetooth, or phone apps.
- Your backyard, deck, or patio space requires a narrower grill footprint around 44 inches wide.
- You want a lighter 119-pound pellet grill that is easy to reposition across your deck.
- You cook primarily for a single family and do not require more than 747 square inches of grate surface.
Choose the Pit Boss Navigator 850 If
- You want the convenience of monitoring grate temperatures and meat probes remotely using the Pit Boss Grills app.
- You frequently smoke full packer briskets, pork butts, and multiple rib racks that benefit from 932 square inches of cooking space.
- You plan to tackle extended overnight cooks that demand the uninterrupted fuel capacity of a 30-pound pellet hopper.
- You value built-in prep space, including a folding front shelf, side shelf, and tool hooks.
- You want fast maintenance via a removable undermount burn pot with dedicated ash cleanout.
Final Verdict
When deciding whether to choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 or Navigator 850 for smoking, the Pit Boss Navigator 850 emerges as the superior choice for most dedicated outdoor cooks. Its inclusion of WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a massive 30-pound hopper with a fuel viewing window, 932 square inches of cooking space, integrated folding prep shelves, and a removable ash cleanout pot directly solve the friction points associated with long cooks. If you ask is Pit Boss Navigator 850 worth it, the step up in functionality, prep ergonomics, and remote management makes it the clear overall winner.
Nevertheless, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series holds strong appeal for cooks who value mechanical simplicity and compact exterior dimensions. It delivers the same 180°F to 500°F operating spectrum, open-flame searing up to 1,000°F via the Flame Broiler lever, and a dependable 21-pound hopper on a manageable 119-pound chassis. If you want great wood-fired flavor without app notifications or oversized patio footprints, the 700 FB2 series smoker review proves it remains a capable, no-nonsense backyard smoker.
FAQ
Can both of these grills sear steaks over an open flame?
Yes. Both the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series and the Pit Boss Navigator 850 feature Pit Boss’s Flame Broiler system. The 700 FB2 utilizes an external lever to slide open the deflector plate, exposing food directly to the fire pot for flame searing up to 1,000°F. The Navigator 850 uses a similar sliding plate design to provide direct flame broiling.
Does the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series feature WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity?
No. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 relies solely on an onboard digital LCD control board with dial-in controls in 5-degree increments. All temperature tracking and meat probe monitoring must be viewed directly on the grill’s display screen.
How many meat probes come included with each grill?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 includes one meat probe in the package, though its digital board features two separate probe ports. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 includes two meat probes in the box, allowing you to track two independent cuts of meat out of the box through either the controller screen or the mobile app.
How do the hopper capacities compare for overnight cooking?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 holds 21 pounds of pellets, which easily swallows a standard 20-pound bag for normal daytime smoking sessions. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 holds 30 pounds of wood pellets and includes a sight glass window, giving you greater fuel reserves and peace of mind during long overnight cooks or cold-weather smoking.
Which grill is better suited for smaller patios or townhouse decks?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series is noticeably more compact. It measures 43.7 inches wide and 26.8 inches deep while weighing 119.1 pounds. In contrast, the Navigator 850 measures 58.7 inches wide, 34 inches deep, and weighs 175 pounds, requiring significantly more patio real estate.
Do both grills have porcelain-coated grates?
Yes. Both models utilize porcelain-coated steel cooking racks. The 700 FB2 distributes its 747 square inches across two tiers, while the Navigator 850 provides 932 square inches of total porcelain-coated steel cooking area.
