Low-and-slow cooking and ash cleanup
The EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg collects most drippings and pellet ash in one accessible container.
Grills / pellet systems
Traeger Woodridge vs. Pit Boss Navigator 850 (PB850M): easy ash cleanup or direct-flame searing?
Choose by the job that shapes your routine: cleaning out ash and grease after a cook, or opening a Flame Broiler for direct-flame searing.
Which path sounds like your situation?
Choose the cooking system you will keep using.
Direct-flame searing and larger hopper
The Flame Broiler lever opens direct flame for searing; the hopper holds 30 lb. of pellets.
Measure the patio and plan the reset
Both need an outdoor electrical connection, dry pellet storage, manual-specified clearance, and regular cleaning.
Head-to-head specifications
Compare searing hardware, cleanup, and footprint
| Decision factor | Traeger Woodridge | Pit Boss Navigator 850 (PB850M) |
|---|---|---|
| Published cooking area | 860 sq. in. total. | 932 sq. in. total. |
| Heat path | Up to 500°F with indirect heat; no sliding direct-flame broiler. | 180–500°F controller range, with a Flame Broiler lever for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F. |
| Grates | Porcelain-coated steel. | Porcelain-coated steel. |
| Ash and grease | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg collects most drippings and ash; regular firepot and interior cleaning remains. | Easy-access grease tray; remove ash from the firepot and grill interior during routine cleaning. |
| Pellet hopper | 24 lb. with a pellet cleanout door. | 30 lb. with a pellet cleanout door. |
| Prep surfaces | P.A.L. rail accepts accessories; the front shelf is separate on the base model. | Folding front and side shelves; bottom shelf for storage. |
| Assembled footprint | 50 in. W × 27 in. D × 46 in. H; 138 lb. | 59 in. W × 34 in. D × 47 in. H; 175 lb. |
Product options
Two pellet grills and a four-probe monitoring companion.
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Indirect cooking and combined cleanup
Traeger Woodridge pellet grill
Base model TFB86MLH: 860 sq. in. total cooking area, a 24 lb. hopper, WiFIRE connectivity, and a 500°F maximum temperature.
Tradeoff: It uses indirect heat and has no direct-flame broiler. The front shelf is separate on the base model.
Direct-flame searing
Pit Boss Navigator 850 (PB850M) Connected
932 sq. in. total cooking area, a 30 lb. hopper, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, two meat-probe ports, and a Flame Broiler lever.
Tradeoff: The larger assembled footprint needs more patio space and access for cleanup.
Separate wireless receiver
TempPro TempSync TP829
Four color-coded probes send readings to the separate receiver, so you can monitor multiple cuts without unlocking a phone.
Tradeoff: Probe cables still need a route through the grill and cleanup after a cook.
Practical setup and sharing
Check the patio, power, and cleanup path before the first cook.
- Measure with the lid open.Use the exact manual dimensions and leave room for shelves, hopper access, and safe movement.
- Confirm outdoor power.Plan a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet within the cord route. Use the grill manual’s clearance requirements.
- Store pellets dry.Damp pellets can swell and interfere with the auger. Keep the bag or bin in a dry place.
- Make cleanup repeatable.Show the next cook how to empty the keg or tray, remove firepot ash, run shutdown, and return probes to their storage spot.
When should you skip both pellet grills?
Match the fuel and cleanup to the cooks you repeat.
Skip both if you do not have a suitable outdoor outlet or a dry place for pellets, or if most cooks are quick burgers and hot dogs. A gas grill or flat-top griddle may better fit that routine. Use pellet grills outdoors only and follow the exact manual for clearance from siding and railings.
FAQ
Common questions about the Woodridge and PB850M Navigator
Can the Traeger Woodridge sear steaks over direct flame?
The Woodridge reaches 500°F with indirect heat but has no sliding direct-flame broiler. It can be used for high-temperature roasting or reverse-searing in a pan. The Pit Boss PB850M has a Flame Broiler lever for direct-flame searing.
Does the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg remove all ash?
No. It collects most grease and ash, but ash can still build up under the heat shield and around the firepot. Follow Traeger’s cleaning schedule.
Does the TempPro TempSync TP829 replace the grill’s own probes?
It adds four color-coded probes and a separate wireless receiver. Follow the grill and thermometer manuals for probe placement and cable routing.
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