How many outdoor grills or appliances can do it all? This one appliance can grill, bbq, smoke, bake, roast, braise and sear. If that seems a little too good to be true, I assure you it isn’t. I had my doubts before I got my Z Grills Pellet Grill & Smoker. However, after using it many times, I’ve come to understand that one appliance really can do it all, and it does a pretty damn good job of it.
The Z Grills smoker is one of my favorite things in my backyard. But believe me, I didn’t go into it lightly. I tested it to the max to find out if it really could do all those things.
» Read more about Brisket vs Tri Tip: What are the Differences?
This Z Grills review is a compilation of my notes as I put this grilling machine to the test. I’ve included specs, pros, cons, and my general feeling about the grill.
Z Grills pellet smokers are a welcome addition to the world of barbequing. These pellet grills feature modern takes on traditional outdoor cooking, making them more versatile than the average outdoor appliance.
You might have already seen our short review of the Z Grills Pellet Grill in our best smoker grill combo guide, but here’s a closer look at the Z Grills wood pellet grill range to help you pick the perfect grill for you.
About Z Grills
Z Grills was founded in 2017 and quickly climbed the list of good-quality outdoor cooking appliances. They actually built pellet grills for other brands, including Traeger, who they worked with for 7 years. In 2017, they decided to develop their own brand and brought Z Grills to the US market via a crowdfunding campaign.
Although Z Grills is a relatively new name, the team behind it has over 30 years of experience in the industry. This brand is best known for delivering high-quality products, honest prices, and innovative design.
What Is a Z Grills Pellet Grill, and How Does It Work?
Pellet grills are a fairly new addition to outdoor cooking. They work on a system of ignited wood pellets and internal fans, similar to outdoor convection ovens. This unique combination of cooking features allows pellet grills to maintain a specific heat, making them super versatile appliances.
You can use your pellet grill for grilling, baking, smoking, and even braising. Those internal fans aren’t only ideal for maintaining heat. They also carry smoke around the grill to evenly infuse the food with a deep and natural wood flavor.
The wood pellets are stored in a compartment attached to the grill called a pellet hopper. This makes refilling pellets super easy and safe. Every Z Grill wood pellet grill has a hopper window so you can easily check if you need to refill your pellets.
An auger transports the wood pellets to the ignition chamber where they are ignited to heat the grill.
Unlike most grills, Z Grills pellet smokers work on heat instead of fire, which allows for better temperature control, low and slow style cooking, and better flavor infusion.
Construction
Every pellet grill from Z Grills is made for durability. These grills have top-notch structural builds and are made from heavy gauge steel. Most of the grill features components made from powder-coated steel for added longevity.
Because of their excellent build, these pellet grills are weather-resistant and deliver consistent results in various climates. The interior is also made from high-grade steel that’s super easy to clean, and the grill racks are porcelain-coated, making them non-stick and rust-proof.
Although Z Grills have wheels and move around pretty effortlessly on most surfaces, the small wheels sometimes struggle on more rugged terrain like gravel or sand. But, Z Grills make up for it by providing extra storage in the built-in cabinet. That’s not something you’d often find on pellet grills.
Z Grills Price
How much can you expect to pay for premium quality pellet grills? Because Z Grills practice honest pricing, they are far more affordable than their competitors.
Z Grills range from around $400 to $1100, which is a significant saving compared to the usual pellet grill price tag of up to $2000. This makes Z Grills pellet grills a good high-quality, entry-level appliance for outdoor cooking.
Cooker Space
The largest grill offers a three-tiered cooking space that covers about 1,060 square inches. This option is ideal for cooking a variety of meats at the same time. Simply put, this grill has enough cooker space for twelve rib racks, nine chickens, or forty-six burger patties.
If that space sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry, Z Grills has smaller options too. Their mid-size grills, Z Grills 700d, are perfect for families and casual summertime barbeques. They offer about 700 square inches of cooking space.
Z Grills’ smallest product, the Cruiser 200A, is small, easy to transport, and offers 202 square inches of cooking space. This smoker is ideal for camping, road trips, or days at the beach.
Pellet smokers by Z Grills, compared to competitors, have similar capacity, sometimes slightly less, but at a fraction of the price, so we find it to be an economical choice.
Hopper Size
Like the cooking space, Z Grills hopper size depends on the grill. Smaller grills like the Cruiser have an 8lb wood pellet capacity. In comparison, larger grills such as the 10002B have a hopper that can hold 20lbs of pellets.
Z Grills pellets usually come in 20lb bags, eliminating the need to find storage for your extra pellets. Even the mid-size Z Grills are fitted with a 20lb hopper. So you can say goodbye to those pesky storage buckets.
Z Grills Warranty
Like many of its competitors, all Z Grills have a 3-year warranty. If anything goes wrong along the way, you can also contact their customer service for assistance.
One thing that separates Z Grills from its competition is that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you’ve bought a grill from their website and you’re hesitant about the brand or find that Z Grills doesn’t work for you, you can get your money back.
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Is Z Grills a Good Smoker Grill Combo?
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
If you’re looking for the easiest option for smoking, a pellet grill is the way to go. You’ll get a good wood smoke flavor with this easy-to-use option that doesn’t require actual wood. It uses pellets and electricity. You can cook for about 20 hours per 20 lbs. of pellets.
The newlyupgraded 700 series pellet grillincludes adigital PID control boardwith advanced technology to make sure the grill stays at an even temperature, which will guarantee you get consistent results, whether you’re slow cooking or grilling.
It has built-in dual temperature probes, ahuge pellet hopper so you can cook longer without adding more pellets, apellet cleanout system, anda pellet view window so you can see how much is left inside.
What it can do:
- Bake
- Grill
- Smoke
- Roast & braise
- Char-grill
Top Features
- It has 590 square inches total cooking area between the main cooking surface and the warming rack.
- It’s easy to use for beginners with an electronic auto-start ignition, an LED temperature gauge, and automatic pellet feeding.
- Has a wide temperature range from 180 to 450 °F, so it’s good for low and slow cooking as well as high-temperature grilling.
- It’s got a steel construction with a powder-coat finish so it should be durable, even in humid conditions.
- It’s good for set-it-and-forget-it cooking with a digital temperature control that automatically adds pellets as needed to regulate the temperature.
Advantages of Using a Z Grills Pellet Grill
I wasn’t sure at first if I would use the Z Grills pellet grill enough to make it worth having. We already have a BBQ grill, after all. But while using it, I learned a few things that definitely give it an advantage over the propane grill.
1. No Flare-Ups
Anyone who’s cooked on a gas grill before or even on a charcoal barbeque knows how pesky and dangerous flare-ups can be. This happens when fat or oil from the meat drips down to the open fire, causing a sudden grease fire known as a flare-up.
Pellet smokers by Z Grills prevent flare-ups by eliminating direct flames and using a convection-like heat system throughout the grill chamber. Additionally, Z Grills pellet smokers come with a grease tray that drains to an external bucket which you can easily replace.
2. Versatile Cooking
With this type of grill, you can do both quick grilling and low and slow smoking. It has a consistent heat that will allow you to enjoy a perfectly cooked steak or a 12-hour smoked brisket. Both turn out great, in my opinion, and I don’t have to check on the barbeque every few minutes to make sure I’m not setting something on fire.
You can set the temperature by turning the knob near the digital display. All Z Grills have a digital display that shows the actual internal temperature, which is super handy.
3. Great Flavor
There is almost nothing better than the deep smoky flavor of natural wood. Z Grills has a good smoke infusion because of the slow movement of wood pellets into the ignition chamber.
Z Grills has a selection of low-ash wood pellets that each offer different flavor undertones. Bakers and pulled pork fans will love the sweet undertones of the fruitwood pellets. The Hickory and Oak Z Grills wood pellets infuse a rich smoky flavor that works best with beef, chicken, pork, and even fish.
4. Easy to Clean
Z Grill smokers are really easy to keep clean. They come fitted with non-stick grill racks, which make cleaning up after a barbeque a breeze. Thanks to the angled grease tray, you won’t have any scraping to do either.
While grilling, simply empty the grease bucket when it’s full. You can clean off the grease tray and bucket with hot water and dish soap. You can even line your grease tray with a layer of foil to save some clean-up time.
Although non-stick, the grill racks can be hard to clean if left to cool. The best time to give them a quick scrub is while they’re warm. And that’s it! You’ll only have to clean out your hopper and chimney every few months.
For more effortless cooking, read our Instant Pot review.
Thermapen ONE (read our review)
» Reads in one second or less
» Accuracy of ± 0.5°
» 5-year warranty
» Auto-rotate display; motion-sensing
» Insanely long battery life (2000 hrs)
Z Grills vs. Traeger
When choosing the perfect grill, you’ll find a lot of the discussion is around how Z Grills fairs next to Traeger. Currently one of the world’s top outdoor cooking brands, Traeger is tough competition. However, as you might remember from the intro, Z Grills used to build those grills for Traeger.
While Traeger has a lot to offer, Z Grills comes out on top in one of the most important categories, affordability. Like most well-established brands, you pay for the name. Since Z Grills doesn’t have the same name recognition right now, they are priced a little better.
Z Grill vs Traeger Price
Z Grills sell for around half the price of Traeger but offer pretty much the same quality and some fantastic advantages.
Traeger’s most expensive grill has a lot to offer and includes 880 square inches of space and a few extras. Z Grills Multitasker 11002B comes very close in functionality. It offers 1068 square inches of cooking space, WiFi control, 28lb hopper capacity, and a bamboo cutting board for less than half the price of the Traeger Timberline XL.
Traeger vs. Z Grills Construction and Heat
In terms of construction, although both are made from premium gauge steel with porcelain-coated grill racks, Traeger takes the cake. At the end of the day, the sturdy premium quality of Traeger is what you pay for. But, when it comes to functionality, Z Grills holds fort.
Neither of the smokers is the best product for grilling, which requires intense heat that smokers generally don’t reach. However, Z Grills wins the battle of temperature regulation with only a small window of about 10°F difference between the actual and target temperature.
WiFi Functionality: Z Grills vs Traeger
Z Grills has recently introduced a WiFi-enabled range of grills. You can control these grills via the Z Grills app, which allows for on/off control and temperature monitoring and control. Z Grills beats Traeger’s WiFi smokers, offering almost double the cooking space, a built-in bamboo cutting board, and easy digital display at a few hundred dollars less.
Z Grills feature fewer extras than Traeger grills, like meat probes and pellet sensors. But, simply purchasing a Z Grills thermal blanket will take your barbeque experience up more than a few notches.
Pellet Smoker Face-Off
Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker
The 7002C2E is a new model featuring adigital PID control boardand advanced technology for even temperatures and consistent results. With thebuilt-in dual temperature probes, ahuge pellet hopper,pellet cleanout system, andpellet view window, your grilling experience will be enhanced like never before. See this grill and more on the Z Grills site.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker
Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. The Pro Series 22 is the one most people choose because it’s compact, yet has plenty of space for cooking.
You can use any type of wood pellets you like. I prefer Hickory, which is great for naturally enhancing beef, chicken, pork, and veggies with full-bodied, bold flavor.
Available Models
With so many products on offer, choosing the perfect grill can be a little tricky. Before investing in a pellet smoker, you’ll have to consider all the essentials. So, we’ve narrowed down Z Grills products and features to make your decision easier.
Top of The Range Z Grill
If you’re looking to splurge on a smoker with all the bells and whistles, here is one of Z Grills best products to consider.
Multitasker 11002B
Z Grills’ Multitasker 11002B brings innovation to pellet smokers. This smoker is perfect for beginner and professional outdoor chefs. It offers effortless cooking, easy control, extra-large cooking space, and an improved temperature range that’s more suitable for grilling.
The Multitasker’s most impressive feature is its WiFi connectivity and Z Grills app compatibility. This technology makes using your pellet smoker a whole lot easier. You can control and monitor the temperature from the couch with the Z Grills app.
- WiFi connectivity
- 1068 sq. in. of cooking space
- 28lbs capacity hopper
- 160°F to 500°F temperature range
High Capacity Standard Z Grills
These standard grills offer the perfect amount of cooking space for big barbeques. For great value and premium quality, check out these high-capacity grills.
BBQ Legend 1000D3E
Z Grills’ 1000 range ranks with the market’s standard pellet grills in terms of their capacity and functionality. The BBQ Legend is the 2022 upgrade of the brand’s well-selling Powerhouse grill. This model features extra storage below the grill, three-tiered cooking, an easy-to-use ash clean-out system, and a stainless steel lid.
Currently, on offer as a bundle, your Multitasker will also come with a rain cover, thermal grill blanket, a smoke tube for extra flavor, a pair of tongs, and an apron.
- Under-grill storage
- 1056 sq. in. of cooking space
- Three-tiered grill racks
- 20lbs hopper capacity
- Two built-in preparation surfaces
Mid-Size Z Grills
Not too big and not too small. These mid-size Z Grills are just right. They’re ideal for pretty much any occasion and come with a few impressive features too. If high-capacity grills sound a little intimidating, consider these mid-size models from Z Grills.
Flagship 700D4E
The Z Grills 700 series has been a fan favorite in previous years. The Flagship 700D4E is 2022’s upgraded model of the classic 700D grill. This mid-size grill offers plenty of under-grill storage, an LCD display, two meat probes for temperature monitoring, and a 20lb hopper.
The 700 series is the perfect size for small-scale barbeques and summer days under the sun. The main draws of the Flagship 700D4E are the PID temperature control, which allows for more stable temperatures, and its dual-walled construction for better insulation.
- PID temperature control
- Dual-walled construction
- Under-grill storage
- 697 sq. in. of cooking space
- 20lb hopper capacity
Z Grills-700D
Z Grills-700D is one of the brand’s most attractive pellet smokers, but that isn’t the only reason why it’s a bestseller. This smoker is built to last. It’s made from heavy-duty steel and powder-coated to withstand high temperatures.
The 700D smoker has digital temperature control and offers eight cooking styles. This grill can handle it all, whether you’re serving up a wood-fired pizza or slow-cooked ribs. This pellet smoker is available in a dark sand-like color that won’t peel or fade as you use it.
For even better temperature regulation, consider getting a Z Grills thermal insulation blanket to go with your new smoker.
- Unique color
- Digital temperature control
- 697 sq. in. of cooking space
- 20lb hopper capacity
- Under-grill storage
Backyard Warrior – Z Grills 2C2E
The newlyupgraded 700 series pellet grillincludes adigital PID control boardwith advanced technology to make sure the grill stays at an even temperature, which will guarantee you get consistent results, whether you’re slow cooking or grilling.
It has built-in dual temperature probes, ahuge pellet hopper so you can cook longer without adding more pellets, apellet cleanout system, anda pellet view window so you can see how much is left inside.
- It has 590 square inches total cooking area
- Easy to use for beginners
- Temperature range from 180 to 450 °F
- Steel construction with a powder-coat finish
- Digital temperature control
Smaller Z Grills
These appliances are ideal for couples, small families, or any pellet smoker enthusiast with limited storage space. With lightweight, compact designs, these Z Grills also make the perfect accompaniments for summer days outdoors.
Smoke Engine 550B2
The Smoke Engine 550B2 is the perfect pellet smoker for beginners, small families, or even the ideal vacation grill, offering the same trusted Z Grills performance and versatility. This Z Grills smoker does more than its size suggests.
With PID temperature control, the 550B2 excels at baking, braising, grilling, and smoking, of course. The small chamber allows for maximum smoke infusion and heat distribution. You might not expect it, but the 550B2 also accommodates two-tiered grilling.
- All-terrain wheels
- Lightweight construction
- 553 sq. in. of cooking space
- 10lb hopper capacity
- PID temperature control
Z Grills Pellet Smoker Reviews: Shortcomings
Honestly, there’s not much to say in terms of Z Grills’ shortcomings. In almost every category, Z Grills delivers value that exceeds its price tag. However, there are a few small factors that are worth mentioning.
Temperature control, because these pellet smokers don’t come insulated, you might find it hard to maintain the internal temperature in cold climates. But, this is easily corrected with a Z Grills thermal blanket to keep the warmth in. The blanket is fireproof and affordable.
Portability can be a hassle with your Z Grill. Although they do have small wheels and are easy to move on flat surfaces, some models can be tricky to move around on rough surfaces, as we mentioned previously.
Most smokers don’t reach high enough heat for grilling. So, it wouldn’t be fair to say it’s a Z Grills shortcoming but rather one of pellet smokers in general. Although they can reach up to 500°F, these smokers are better suited for slow-cooking.
Conclusion: Z Grills Pellet Grill Reviews
Are Z Grills any good? After weighing up the pros and cons, it’s easy to see that Z Grills offers the most affordable premium pellet grills on the market. While they may not have all the bells and whistles as the market-leading pellet smoker company, they sure do have a lot to offer for their price tag.
If you’re new to the world of pellet smokers or just looking for a good quality smoker with all the essential features, you might find exactly what you need in a Z Grill pellet grill.
Ready to heat up your new grill? Here’s a great recipe for BBQ brisket buns to get you started.
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Laura Lynch
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes and currently has a cookbook in development.
