Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker - 11114

After comparing several Pit Boss vertical grills, I chose the Navigator 3 vertical smoker to replace my Pit Boss model PBV4PS1. The Navigator is a smaller grill with 200 square feet less cooking space than the PBV4PS1, but it still has five conventional racks for cooking and room to add additional if necessary. Furthermore, the Navigator 3 Series vertical pellet smoker included various desirable features such as a side shelf, rapid fire ignitor, temperatures in 5-degree increments, and Bluetooth. One aspect I was debating while attempting to choose my smoker was the VST Technology; however, I brought a smoke tube to fulfill that purpose. My grill's burn-in process was simple, and there were no issues when it started up. I would recommend that you do read the manual for startup procedures prior to using your grill. As a previous Pit Boss user, I did not initially prime my smoker and kept hearing a loud thump as the grill was priming—it has eventually subsided as I use the grill, but I sometimes hear the thump. As many other reviews have mentioned, this grill's temperature varies. When I set my grill to 250 degrees, it initially rises to 260-265 degrees. However, after about 15 minutes or less, it returns to the specified temperature. Like other grills, when I open the door, the temperature drops to 20-30 degrees, but it quickly returns to the appropriate range and stays there. Lessons learned before my first my first cook and from YouTube, I placed aluminum foil in my water pan as well as grease shield (aids in easier cleanup), a few pellets in the burn pot and turned the grill up to 300 degrees during the start-up before lowering it to my target cooking temperature. Supposed to assist maintain the temperature more consistent. My first cook, Thanksgiving morning, the outside temperature was 28 degrees with a high of 38, so I had to set the grill at a higher temperature than I desired, which also meant cooking for a longer period of time. Regardless, the crisp winter air and delicious aroma of the smoker as I smoked my turkey, mac & cheese, collard greens, and green bean casserole made Thanksgiving even more enjoyable. Looking for warming blanket for many other winter smokes… One of my personal drawbacks was having to adjust to a smaller grill over the PBV4PS1, as well as a smaller and shallower water pan—needless to say, I am happy with this smoker. One other drawback is that in order to operate the door's bottom latch, the side shelf must be in the raised position. For my second cook of spare ribs, baked beans, meatloaf, and a small ham, the grill supported my cook, and everything turned out perfect. I am very much looking forward to many other smokes on the grill but without the smoke tube.

My two year old vertical smoker recently caught fire due to a clogged auger. Pit Boss kindly replaced it with the newer 3-series smoker very quickly. The second time I used it--last night on Thanksgiving--the same thing happened. I was lucky I caught it early so the turkey was saved but the smoker is toast. Thankfully, I knew not to keep it near the house or anything flammable or it could have been a serious issue. Needless to say I won't be buying another Pit Boss product any time in the future.

1 user found this review helpful

It seems to be a well built smoker. I look forward to using it this Thanksgiving. God Bless!

Arrived quickly in a very well packaged and palletized delivery. Everything was protected from damage. Assembly was easy, well explained. Walked through all the steps and used it last night for the first time! It was easy to use and my steaks were mouthwatering. Looking forward to much more use.

out of the box the temperature intermittently will go to max burning all of your food, the app also does not work, you cannot change the temperature higher or lower only manually despite being a wifi capable unit

Very nice smoker. Just did my first batch of smoked salmon. Awesome job

The grill when it is working properly is great. We had to call customer service for a new ignitor within the first month of use. Now the temp. Control has been off so was trying to locate the internal therm. To clean. We found it but there was no previous videos or help on the internet. It is located, if looking directly at the smoker, in the top right corner. It is not covered by a protective barrier. (Pictured)

I bought this brand new and followed the manufacture "break-in" process to a "T". After two attempts of preparing meals for our family get togethers and ruined food, I give up on this product until I get the issue resolved. I will be reaching out to Pit Boss to see what they can do to fix this known problem with the digital controller. I will say this, when the controller is working, it works AMAZING. Again, when it works and is awesome for a minuet.

5 users found this review helpful

It works so well and is easy to use. Maintenance is pretty easy, my only complaint is that the the grease tray and water tray, I wish they were dishwasher safe.

Brand new Electric Pitt Boss grill and it's not working so it must be a good product because it keeps breaking down. Very disappointing experience mess up my meat and holiday with family.

3 users found this review helpful