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 the temperature, let it run, and you get consistent results without constantly checking or adjusting.
What stands out is how reliable they are long term. I’ve still got one that’s close to 9 years old and it hasn’t missed a beat. They’re not trying to be premium or packed with unnecessary features — they focus on solid cooking performance at a price that actually makes sense.
If you want a pellet grill that’s easy to use, produces consistently good BBQ, and doesn’t cost a fortune, Z Grills is one of the safest bets you can make.
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Table of Contents
Quick Verdict
Z Grills are my go-to pellet smokers. I’ve used them for years, and they consistently turn out great food without needing constant attention. They’re simple, reliable, and just work. Although their app is still a bit average, the cooking performance is solid, the temperature control is steady, and they’ve proven to last. For the price, they’re hard to beat.
Choose Z Grills if:
- You want a pellet grill that’s easy to use and doesn’t need babysitting
- You care more about cooking results than extra features
- You want something reliable that will last for years
- You want strong performance without paying premium prices
Skip z Grills if:
- You want one of the big-name premium brands regardless of price
- You expect a polished app experience
- You want a smoker with thick, heavy-duty steel and a luxury finish
Quick Picks: Best Z Grills Smokers
To choose a great Z Grills smoker without having to work your way around the whole Z Grills range, choose one of these.
🥇 Best Overall
IF YOU WANT: The safest, all-round choice with insulation and WiFi.
💰 Best Budget
IF YOU WANT: A simple, reliable pellet smoker without spending much.
🔥Best Cheap WiFi
IF YOU WANT: The cheapest WiFi pellet smoker with great performance.
🏆 Best Premium
IF YOU WANT: The best Z Grills makes with all the bells and whistles in XL size.
🍖 Best Large
IF YOU WANT: A large cooking space for the best possible price.
Z Grills Range Explained (2026)
Z Grills has a big range, but once you understand how it’s structured, it’s actually pretty simple to narrow things down.
700 Series (Most Popular)
This is where most people should be looking. These are your standard backyard pellet smokers. Good around about 700 square inch size, easy to use, and cover pretty much everything most people want to cook.
| Model | WiFi | PID | Insul. | Hop. | Cleanout | Probes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700D4E | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 20 | ✔ | 2 | Best overall |
| 7002C2E | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | 28 | ✔ | 2 | Cheapest WiFi |
| 700D3 Pro | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | 20 | ✔ | 2 | No WiFi, solid performer |
| 700D7 | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | 20 | ✔ | 2 | Simplified newer model |
| 7002B3E | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 20 | ✔ | ✖ | Basic budget option |
Multitasker Series (Premium)
These are the most feature-packed Z Grills. Same core setup — just different sizes depending on how much you cook.
| Model | WiFi | PID | Insul. | Super Smoke | Hop. | Cleanout | Probes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7052B | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 28 | ✔ | 2 | Most families |
| 11002B | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 28 | ✔ | 2 | Large cooks |
1000 Series (Large Capacity)
These are the bigger Z Grills. More cooking space, good range of different features to meet your budget.
| Model | WiFi | PID | Insul. | Hop. | Cleanout | Probes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000D4E | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 28 | ✔ | 2 | Large cooks + features |
| 10002B | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | 20 | ✔ | ✖ | Budget large |
| 10002B2E | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | 20 | ✔ | ✖ | Budget + stainless lid |
| 10502B | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 12 | ✔ | 2 | Cheapest large |
| 10502B WiFi | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | 12 | ✔ | 2 | Large + WiFi |
Smaller Z Grills (Compact & Budget)
These are smaller, cheaper models. Good for everyday cooking when you don’t need a full-size smoker.
| Model | WiFi | PID | Insul. | Hop. | Pellet Cleanout | Probes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450B | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 15 | ✔ | ✖ | Small households |
| 550B | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 16 | ✔ | ✖ | Extra space, still compact |
| 600D3E | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 12 | ✔ | ✖ | Grilling + smoking |
Full Z Grills Reviews
Now that you can see how the range is structured, here’s how the main models actually perform in real use.
BEST OVERALL
Z Grills 700D4E (Flagship)
This is the model I recommend most often. It’s the best balance of price, features, and performance, and it’s the one I keep going back to and currently have sitting outside.
Why this works
- WiFi + PID controller
- Dual wall insulation
- Pellet cleanout
- Cabinet storage
- 2 meat probes
Cooking experience
This is a very easy smoker to live with. Once it’s up to temperature, it just settles in and holds steady without needing constant attention. I’ve used this in all sorts of conditions, and the insulation makes a noticeable difference — especially in wind or colder weather where cheaper units tend to struggle.
When you open the lid, you get the usual temp drop, but it doesn’t spike or overcorrect aggressively when it recovers. It comes back up in a controlled way, which makes longer cooks feel predictable rather than stressful.
The smoke flavour is solid without being overpowering, and results are consistent across different cooks. It’s not trying to be fancy — it just delivers reliable BBQ every time.
What to expect
- Stable, predictable cooking
- Easy to run day-to-day
- Consistent results without much effort
Pros
- Very steady temperature control
- Efficient in different weather
- WiFi controller
- Great all-rounder
Cons
- App is still average
- Indirect grilling only
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants a reliable, set-and-forget pellet smoker that just works in any conditions.
Who should skip it
If you want strong direct flame grilling or a more premium, polished finish.
BEST CHEAP WIFI
Z Grills 7002C2E
This is essentially a stripped-back version of the Flagship model reviewed above. Same cooking setup, just without the cabinet and insulation.
Why this works
- WiFi + PID controller
- Larger hopper
- Pellet cleanout
- 2 probes
Cooking experience
This uses the same core setup as the 700D4E I’ve used extensively, so the overall cooking experience is very similar. The biggest difference is the lack of insulation.
In normal conditions, it still holds temperature well and produces the same results. Where you notice the difference is in colder or windy weather — it works harder and uses more pellets to stay on target.
For most backyard cooks, it still performs very well and is the most cost effective way to get a WiFi capable pellet smoker.
What to expect
- Same cooking results as Flagship
- Slightly less efficient
- Easy to use
Pros
- Cheapest way into WiFi
- Simple to run
- Solid performance
Cons
- No insulation
- No cabinet
Who it's best for
Someone who wants WiFi control at the lowest price without sacrificing cooking performance.
Who should skip it
If you cook in colder or exposed conditions and want better efficiency.
BEST FEATURES
Z Grills Multitasker 7052B
This is where Z Grills starts stepping things up a bit more. You’re getting more control, better efficiency, and a few features that actually make a difference when you’re cooking regularly. It still feels simple to use, just a bit more refined.
Why this works
- Fully insulated
- Super smoke mode
- WiFi + PID
- Large hopper
Cooking experience
This feels like a noticeable step up in day-to-day use. The insulation helps keep temperatures more stable, especially on longer cooks, and you’ll notice it runs more efficiently than the standard models.
The super smoke mode is useful when you want to push more flavour into your food. It’s not something you need every time, but it does help on shorter cooks where pellet grills can be a bit lighter on smoke.
One thing I’m not a huge fan of is the rear vent design. It’s fine in normal conditions, and the insulation does a good job overall, but in strong wind or driving rain, I’ve found it can struggle a bit more to hold steady temps compared to a traditional chimney setup.
What to expect
- More control than standard models
- Better efficiency
- Stronger smoke when needed
- Better overall build quality
Pros
- Feature-packed without being complicated
- Very stable temps in normal conditions
- Efficient
- Well made
Cons
- Rear vent struggles in extreme wind
- WiFi app is average to use
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants all the features and more smokiness at a fraction of the price of mainstream brands.
Who should skip it
If you cook in very exposed, windy conditions and want maximum stability.
BEST PREMIUM
Z Grills Multitasker 11002B
This is essentially the bigger version of the 7052B. Same core setup and features, just scaled up for people who need more space or regularly cook for a group.
Why this works
- Huge cooking capacity
- Fully insulated
- Super smoke mode
- WiFi + PID
Cooking experience
This is built for volume. You can load it up with multiple cuts and still have room to work, which makes it ideal for entertaining or bigger cooks.
Despite the size, it holds temperature well in most conditions. The insulation does a lot of the work here, so it doesn’t feel like a big jump in effort compared to smaller models.
Like the 7052B, it uses a rear vent instead of a chimney. In normal use this isn’t an issue, but in strong wind or bad weather I’ve found it can struggle a bit more to stay steady compared to chimney-style designs.
What to expect
- Large cooks without stress
- Stable temps in normal conditions
- Feature-heavy setup
Pros
- Massive cooking space
- Strong performance
- All the features
Cons
- Rear vent can struggle in extreme weather
- Overkill for smaller cooks
Who it's best for
People cooking for a crowd who want lots of space without compromising performance.
Who should skip it
If you cook in very exposed conditions or don’t need the extra size.
Also available at: Walmart
BEST LARGE
Z Grills BBQ Legend 1000D4E
This sits in that middle ground where you want more space than the 700 series but don’t need the fully loaded multitasker models. It’s a practical step up if you’re cooking for more people.
Why this works
- 3 cooking racks
- WiFi + PID
- Insulated
- Pellet cleanout
Cooking experience
I haven’t used this exact model, but I’ve spent a lot of time cooking on the 10002B2E, which is very similar in layout and cooking behaviour.
The main thing to be aware of is the rack spacing. With all racks in, it can feel tight for bigger cuts. I usually remove one rack when cooking brisket or whole chickens so there’s more room to work.
Aside from that, it behaves like most Z Grills — steady, predictable, and easy to use.
What to expect
- Larger cooking capacity
- Slightly tight rack spacing
- Reliable performance
Pros
- Good size for bigger cooks
- Easy to run
- Consistent results
Cons
- Limited height between racks
- Best used with fewer racks
Who it's best for
Anyone who needs more cooking space but still wants something budget-friendly, simple and reliable.
Who should skip it
If you regularly cook large cuts and need more vertical space.
BEST BUDGET
Z Grills Pioneer 450B
This is one of the simplest pellet smokers in the range, but also one of the most practical for everyday use. If you don’t need a big cooking area, this does the job without unnecessary extras.
Why this works
- Compact size
- PID controller
- Efficient pellet use
Cooking experience
Because it’s smaller, it heats up quickly and uses less fuel, which makes it great for everyday cooking.
It still holds temperature well and doesn’t need constant adjustment. You just set it and let it run.
It’s not built for big cooks, but for day-to-day use it’s more than enough.
What to expect
- Easy everyday cooking
- Lower pellet use
- Smaller capacity
Pros
- Affordable
- Efficient
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited cooking space
- No WiFi
Who it's best for
Small households or anyone wanting a simple pellet smoker for everyday use.
Who should skip it
If you need more cooking space or want WiFi control.
BEST FOR GRILLING
Z Grills Flame Elite 600D3E
This is the only model in the range that really bridges the gap between smoking and proper grilling. If you’ve found pellet grills a bit lacking for searing, this is where Z Grills changes that.
Why this works
- Open flame grilling
- PID controller
- Versatile setup
Cooking experience
The flame broiler is what sets this apart. Being able to cook directly over flame gives you a proper sear, which most pellet grills struggle with.
You still get solid smoking performance, but this adds a level of versatility the rest of the range doesn’t have.
The trade-off is size and hopper capacity. It’s smaller, and you’ll need to refill pellets more often on longer or hotter cooks.
What to expect
- Better grilling performance
- Still capable for smoking
- Smaller working area
Pros
- True grilling ability
- Versatile
- Good control
Cons
- Smaller hopper
- Limited direct heat space
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants to both smoke and grill properly over direct flame.
Who should skip it
If you mainly want low-and-slow smoking with maximum space and efficiency.
BEST PORTABLE
Z Grills Cruiser 200A
This is a completely different use case from the rest of the range. It’s small, portable, and more hands-on, but it’s one I’ve used a lot and it works better than you’d expect.
Read our full review of the Z Grills Cruiser →
Why this works
- Portable
- Efficient
- Simple to use
Cooking experience
Because it’s so compact, it heats up quickly and uses very little fuel. That makes it really useful for smaller cooks or when you don’t want to run a full-size smoker.
You do need to manage it a bit more. The heat source is closer, so I usually flip food halfway through to stop the underside cooking too fast.
It’s not just for camping — I use it at home when I want something quick and simple.
What to expect
- Smaller cooks
- Slightly more hands-on
- Very efficient
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to run
- Low pellet use
Cons
- No meat probe
- Needs flipping during cooks
Who it's best for
People wanting a compact, portable smoker for smaller cooks or backup use.
Who should skip it
If you want a fully hands-off experience or larger cooking capacity.
New Z Grills Models (2026 Updates)
Z Grills updates their lineup regularly, but most of the changes are small improvements rather than completely new designs.
- 700D3 Pro — updated version of the older 700D3
- 700D7 Classic — simplified newer model
- 7002B3E — stainless steel variant
- 10502B WiFi — upgraded version with WiFi
- Essential 6002B — newer budget option
👉 If you’re deciding between models, focus on the ones reviewed above — these newer versions follow the same core design.
Z Grills Blind Box (Best Value Option)
Z Grills also offers a “blind box” option where you don’t choose the model — you just get a heavily discounted grill.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you’re not too concerned about the exact model and just want solid value for money, it can be worth considering.
You’re still getting the same core Z Grills performance — just without picking the exact size or features.
Z Grills Alternatives (What Else Should You Consider?)
Z Grills are hard to beat for value, but they’re not the only option. Depending on what you’re looking for, it’s worth comparing them to a few other types of smokers.
Looking for something cheaper?
If budget is your main concern, there are a few decent options under this price range — just expect to give up some consistency and ease of use.
Not sure if pellet is right for you?
Pellet smokers are easy to use, but they’re not the only way to cook great BBQ. Charcoal smokers take more effort but give a different style of flavour and control.
Want to See How Z Grills Measure Up Against Other Smokers?
Z Grills are one of the best value pellet smokers you can buy, but they’re not the only option. Depending on your budget, cooking style, and how hands-on you want to be, it’s worth comparing them to a few other types of smokers.
If you’re still deciding, these guides will help you see how Z Grills stack up and whether something else might suit you better.
Final Thoughts
Z Grills aren’t trying to be premium — they’re built to deliver solid, reliable cooking performance at a price that actually makes sense.
From using them over the years, that’s exactly what they do. They’re easy to run, consistent, and hold up long term. I’ve still got one that’s close to 9 years old and it’s still working perfectly.
They don’t come with flashy extras or the most polished app, but the actual cooking performance is where they stand out. You set your temperature, let it run, and you get consistent results without constantly adjusting things.
If you want a pellet grill that just works and turns out good BBQ without overcomplicating it, Z Grills is one of the safest choices you can make.
Z Grills FAQs
Are Z Grills actually good quality?
Yes. They’re not built like high-end premium grills, but they’re solid and reliable. From using them over the years, they hold up well and consistently produce good results.
Are Z Grills better than Traeger?
They’re not as polished as Traeger, especially when it comes to the app and finish, but for the price, I have found that Z Grills perform better than Traeger in terms of cooking performance. That’s why I keep coming back to them.
How long do Z Grills last?
They last well. I’ve still got one that’s close to 9 years old and it’s still working properly. Like anything, a bit of care and cleaning goes a long way.
Do Z Grills hold temperature well?
Yes — especially the newer models with PID controllers. Once they’re up to temperature, they hold steady without much adjustment.
Can you grill on a Z Grills?
You can, but most models are better suited to smoking than grilling. If grilling is important, look at the Flame Elite 600D3E which has direct flame capability.
Are Z Grills good for beginners?
Yes. This is one of their biggest strengths. They’re easy to use, consistent, and don’t require much experience to get good results.
Do Z Grills use a lot of pellets?
Not really. The insulated models are quite efficient. Smaller models also use less simply because they heat up faster and don’t need as much fuel.
Which Z Grill should I buy?
For most people, the 700D4E is the best place to start. It gives you the best balance of features, performance, and price.
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.
