I’ve used both Z Grills and Pit Boss pellet smokers over the years, and they sit right in that same category — affordable, easy-to-use pellet grills that promise solid backyard BBQ without the complexity of charcoal or offset cooking.
On the surface, they look pretty similar. But once you actually cook on them, the differences become clear pretty quickly.
The biggest split comes down to this: Z Grills focuses on steady, controlled cooking, while Pit Boss leans into more smoke output and adds proper grilling with direct flame access. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how that plays out so you can decide which one actually suits how you cook.
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Quick Verdict
Both cook great BBQ — this comes down to value vs features, not cooking performance.
Choose Z Grills if:
- You want the best value pellet grill for the money
- You’re happy with a simpler, no-frills setup
- You just want reliable set-and-forget cooking
- You’d rather save money upfront
Choose Pit Boss if:
- You want more cooking flexibility (especially direct flame grilling)
- You like having more features built in
- You want a wider range of models and sizes
- You’re happy paying a bit more for versatility
Quick Picks: Best Z Grills & Pit Boss Smokers
To make this easier, these are the Z Grills and Pit Boss models I’d actually choose from based on how they perform in real use.
🥇 Best Overall
IF YOU WANT: A consistent, reliable pellet smoker that works every time.
💰 Best Budget
IF YOU WANT: A simple, steady smoker for everyday cooking at a great price.
🧠 Best Features
IF YOU WANT: Better quality, stronger smoke, and better efficiency.
🏆 Best Premium Features
IF YOU WANT: Maximum cooking space with all the features for bigger cooks.
🔥 Best Pit Boss Overall
IF YOU WANT: Open flame grilling with solid smoking performance.
🥩 Best Large Pit Boss
IF YOU WANT: More space plus grilling ability for bigger cooks.
If you’re still deciding whether pellet grills are right for you, check out pellet vs electric smokers and pellet vs offset smokers — they’ll give you a better idea of how these compare to other styles.
You can also see how these stack up in Best smokers under $500.
Table of Contents
Z Grills vs Pit Boss: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Z Grills | Pit Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Consistent smoking | Smoking + grilling |
| Price range | $$–$$$ | $$–$$$ |
| Temperature control | PID (most models) | Wider swings |
| Smoke flavour | Cleaner, more controlled | Slightly stronger |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Very easy |
| Cooking capacity | Good range | Larger overall |
| Open flame grilling | Limited | Yes (most models) |
| WiFi | Available on many models | Available on Connected models |
| Build feel | Solid for price | Heavier steel |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
Z Grills Overview
Z Grills has become my go-to pellet smoker brand over the years. I’ve used a range of their models, and they’re the ones I keep coming back to because they just work.
You set your temperature, let it run, and it holds steady without needing constant adjustment. That consistency makes a big difference, especially on longer cooks where you don’t want to be constantly checking or adjusting things.
They’re not trying to be premium or overloaded with features. The focus is on reliable cooking performance at a price that actually makes sense — and from using them long term, that’s exactly what they deliver.
I review the whole Z Grills range in detail here.
Pit Boss Overview
Pit Boss takes a slightly different approach. Their pellet grills tend to be bigger, heavier, and built with more of a focus on versatility.
The big difference is the flame broiler system. Most models let you slide the plate open and cook directly over the fire, which gives you proper grilling — something most pellet grills struggle to do well.
In use, they still produce great BBQ. The main difference is how they run. The temperature swings more compared to Z Grills, which actually increases smoke output and gives a slightly stronger flavour.
Key Differences (Real Use)
Temperature Control (Biggest Difference)
This is the biggest separation between the two.
Z Grills uses PID controllers on most models, and in my experience they stay within about 10–15°F of your target temperature. Once they’re up to temp, they settle in and stay there.
Pit Boss runs with wider swings — I’ve seen it move around 30–40°F off target during a cook. That’s just how the system works.
It doesn’t stop you cooking great food, but it does change how consistent the cooker feels.
Smoke Output & Flavor
Because of those swings, Pit Boss produces more smoke.
Z Grills gives you a cleaner, more controlled smoke profile. You still get good flavour, but it’s more even across the cook.
So it really comes down to preference:
- Z Grills → cleaner, more consistent smoke
- Pit Boss → stronger smoke output from temp swings
Build Quality & Design
Pit Boss uses thicker steel and feels heavier overall.
But in real use, I actually prefer the layout and design of Z Grills. They’re simple and just work without getting in the way.
Some Pit Boss models use rear vents instead of a chimney. In normal conditions it’s fine, but in wind or rain I’ve found it can let weather in more than I’d like and affect temperature stability.
Ease of Use
Both are easy to use — that’s the whole point of pellet grills.
You’re still setting a temperature and letting it run.
The difference is:
- Z Grills feels more predictable
- Pit Boss feels a bit more variable because of the swings
Grilling Ability (Open Flame)
This is where Pit Boss clearly wins.
Most Pit Boss models (including the Navigator range and FB2 models) have a flame broiler that lets you cook directly over the fire.
That gives you:
- better searing
- higher heat
- more versatility
Z Grills is mostly indirect heat only, unless you go for one of their specific grilling models.
Features (WiFi, Extras)
Neither brand is trying to compete with premium brands on features.
Both offer:
- meat probes
- pellet cleanout
- basic convenience features
Z Grills has more models with WiFi available, while Pit Boss includes it on their Connected range like the Navigator 850 and 1300.
Value for Money
Both brands offer strong value.
Z Grills tends to be the better option at the lower end — more consistent performance for the price.
Pit Boss becomes more appealing once you move into their mid-range models where the grilling features and extra size come into play.
Budget Options: Z Grills vs Pit Boss
Pit Boss does have cheaper models like the 500 and 700FB2. I haven’t personally cooked on these, but they’re some of the most popular entry-level pellet grills.
From what I’ve seen and heard, they do a decent job once they’re set up, but they’re a more basic version of what Pit Boss offers. The temperature control isn’t as tight, and the overall build is simpler.
Where they stand out — even at this price — is the flame broiler. You still get direct flame grilling, which is something most pellet grills (including the Z Grills 450B) don’t offer.
So at the budget end, it really comes down to what you care about more:
- If you want steady, predictable smoking, the Z Grills 450B is the safer choice
- If you want grilling as well as smoking, the Pit Boss models give you more versatility
Z Grills vs Pit Boss Models Compared
Here’s what your money actually gets from each brand:
| Z Grills | Sq In | WiFi | What You Notice | Pit Boss | Sq In | WiFi | What You Notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450B | 459 | No | Steady, simple | 500 / 700 FB2 | 500–700 | No | More smoke + grilling |
| 700D4E | 700 | Yes | Stable, predictable | Navigator 850 Connected | 850 | Yes | Grilling + more smoke |
| 7052B | 700 | Yes | More control + smoke | Navigator 850 Connected | 850 | Yes | Versatile + flame broiler |
| 11002B | Large | Yes | Large + fully loaded | Navigator 1300 Connected | 1300 | Yes | Large + grilling |
Quick takeaway:
- Z Grills = more consistent, controlled cooking
- Pit Boss = more smoke + direct flame grilling
- It comes down to whether you value control or versatility
Z Grills vs Pit Boss: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Z Grills if:
- You want consistent, predictable temperature control
- You prefer cleaner, more controlled smoke
- You want a simple, reliable smoker that just works
Skip Z Grills if:
- You want direct flame grilling
- You prioritise searing and versatility
Choose Pit Boss if:
- You want direct flame grilling
- You prefer slightly stronger smoke output
- You want a more versatile cooker overall
Skip Pit Boss if:
- You want tighter temperature control
- You regularly cook in exposed, windy conditions
Want to See How These Brands Compare to Others?
If you’re still deciding, these guides will help:
Final Verdict
Both Z Grills and Pit Boss can produce great BBQ.
For me, Z Grills comes out ahead because of how consistent and predictable it is to cook on. You set your temperature, let it run, and you get reliable results every time.
But Pit Boss still has a clear place. If grilling matters to you — or you want that extra bit of smoke — it’s a solid option.
It really comes down to how you cook:
- control and consistency → Z Grills
- versatility and grilling → Pit Boss
FAQ
Is Z Grills better than Pit Boss?
For consistent smoking, yes. For grilling, Pit Boss has the edge.
Do Pit Boss smokers produce more smoke?
Yes — the wider temperature swings increase smoke output.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are easy to use, but Z Grills is more predictable.
Can you grill on these?
Pit Boss models with a flame broiler can grill properly. Most Z Gril
Kate Brown is the founder of Burning Brisket, where she shares hands-on smoker reviews, barbecue gear guides, and practical tips for backyard BBQ. She has cooked extensively on charcoal, pellet, electric, and kamado smokers, using real-world experience to help beginners choose the right equipment and make better barbecue at home. Her focus is honest, straightforward advice that makes smoking and grilling easier without unnecessary complexity.
