10-Seconds on Our Z-Grills Review
You don’t need to spend a small fortune to make really great barbecue.
- Makes great food
- Steady temperature control
- Basic and practical features
- Easy to use
- No extra fancy features
- Confusing numbered model names
- Durable but not THE best quality
Z Grills is one of the fastest growing pellet smoker manufacturers of 2023!
Since busting into the market in 2016, they’ve grown their market share by offering high quality pellet smokers for factory direct prices. And, it hasn’t taken long for people to realize that Z Grills aren’t a flimsy, budget option.
Yes, their range doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive pellet smokers on the market. And, I get it, to look at Z Grills, you know you’re not looking at the premium product of say, a Traeger.
But, when you try one, there’s no denying that Z Grills produce solid smokers that well out-perform their price tag!
They are incredible and we’re not just saying that to get a sale.
If you’re thinking about getting a Z Grills pellet smoker for yourself, you’ll find everything you need to know here in our comprehensive Z Grills review.
There’s a LOT of Z Grills smokers to choose from and the names and numbers can get overwhelming fast. So, we’ll explain what the different Z Grill ranges are, the similarities and differences between models, user feedback, and our experience with the range.
Ultimately when you ask which Z Grill is best, the answer will depend on what it is you’re looking for in a pellet grill or smoker.
But, whether you’re after something small and portable, large and powerful, or something in between, the extensive range of Z Grills’ product lineup means you will be able to find something that suits your needs.
Let’s jump in and help you find the best Z Grills barbecue for you.
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Table of Contents
Who Are Z Grills?
Before selling direct to customers, the team behind Z Grills were actually manufacturing pellet smokers for several other top brands.
But, instead of just selling high-priced smokers for everyone else, they decided to set up their own brand with a single aim, to deliver the same top brand quality at a more affordable price by selling direct to customers.
And, their 30+ years of experience with pellet smokers shows.
In just a few short years of establishing their own brand, Z Grills have grown into a global team that employs more than 600 researchers, engineers and designers. And, they’re relentless when it comes to constantly improving their products to give customers affordable wood-fired flavor in their own backyard.
We’ve been using and reviewing Z Grills pellet smokers for years now.
There truly hasn’t been any other smoker manufacturer that’s exceeded our expectations as much as Z Grills has.
Now, I wouldn’t say that Z Grills is out there innovating before all the competitors do.
But, one thing that’s definitely helped with the success of this fast-growing brand is that Z Grills are constantly listening to customer feedback. They’ve taken the new features that other manufacturers have invented and incorporated these improvements into their own line-up as customers ask for them.
This has resulted in a constantly changing and updated range of Z Grills models with more features and improved user-friendliness which ultimately leads to better performance.
And, instead of just boosting their prices through the roof as their popularity has grown, Z Grills has remained one of the most affordable pellet grill manufacturers on the market.
Whether you’re shopping on a tight budget, or, just can’t resist really good value, a Z Grills smoker is an incredible choice that you can without a doubt make some incredible smoked and grilled food on.
What Do the Z Grills Model Numbers Mean?
The range of Z Grills pellet smokers is EXTENSIVE!
To identify the different models, Z Grills use a series of numbers and letters. They’ve also given some of their barbecues word names like the Flagship and the Backyard Warrior.
And, while the names do help out a little, when you’re trying to choose between something like the 7002C2E or the 7002E, it can get pretty confusing, very quickly.
So, is there a bit of a key to deciphering what the Z Grills model numbers actually mean?
A little…
It’s not 100% consistent across the range. But, following these guidelines will give you a quick idea of what the model you’re looking at includes:
- The numbers – e.g. 450, 700, 1000 roughly refers to the size of the grill in square inches
- A 2 on the end of the size number part – Shows it’s a model without a built in cart. It’s got legs only. If there’s no 2 before any letters, the smoker is a cabinet style with storage doors below the cooking area.
- E at the end – Stainless steel lid
- B at the end – Is often a black-lid or colored version
Note: You can also check out Z Grills easy comparison feature to see what the similarities and differences are between up to 3 models at a time.
Z Grills 700 Series
The 700 series is the most popular Z Grills range.
Not because it’s ‘better’ than the rest. But, simply because pellet smokers that offer around about 700 square inches of cooking space are a good, medium size that suit most people’s everyday and entertaining needs.
As such, you’ll find the Z Grills 700 Series gives you the most choice when it comes to features, storage and color options. Or, to put it simply, there’s more 700 square inch Z Grills smokers to choose from than any other size in the Z Grills range.
Z Grills Flagship 700D4E, 700D3 and Legend 700D6
We’re reviewing these three smokers together because they’re essentially the same model. The only difference is the color.
But, if you want to know what the best-selling Z Grills smoker is it’s this, the Flagship 700D4E.
With a stylish and a bit more durable stainless steel lid, a sizeable 697 square inches of cooking space, double wall insulation, a large 20 pound pellet hopper, 2 meat probes, grease management system, and, storage cabinet, the value that’s packed into this model is simply unbeatable!
But, get this, the Flagship also has the latest updated PID V2.1 temperature controller with an LCD screen.
This gives it reliably accurate temperature control within about 5°F, a manual feed button for faster heating, and, a fan-forced convection system that helps to regulate the temperature from one side of the grill to the other.
It’s seriously unbeatable value for money!
And, it well-outperforms all our expectations for a pellet smoker with this price tag.
But, if you prefer the look of the black powder-coated lid, the Flagship 700D3 literally has all of the same specs and features. But, you’ll get an extra few dollars off of what’s already an incredible price on a really solidly performing smoker.
There’s also the Legend 700D6 with the bronze colored powder-coated lid and storage door.
The only maybe complaint we see others having (it doesn’t bother us) is that neither of these Z Grills Flagship models have WiFi. Head straight to the Z Grills WiFi Multitasker 7052B if you want remote control.
Note – The Z Grills Flagship 700D4E is a smoker that’s exclusively sold on ZGrills.com in case you’re wondering why you can’t find it anywhere else.
Specs for the Z Grills Flagship 700D4E and 700D3 and Legend 700D6
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 697 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Heat Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 700D4E (stainless lid) and 700D3 (black lid) and 700D6 (bronze lid)
Assembled size (in): 48 L × 22 W × 51 H
Weight: 132 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills Flagship 700D4E, 700D3 and Legend 700D6:
- Precise temperature control thanks to the latest PID V2.1 based system
- Convection fans circulate heat for even distribution throughout the cooking chamber
- Side-wall insulation for improved fuel efficiency, especially in cooler weather conditions
- Comes with 2 meat probes that plug into the controller for accurate information on how cooked your meat is
- Grease management system funnels fats into bucket efficiently
- Pellet hopper cleanout door lets you empty and change flavors easily
- Manual feed button lets you choose if you want to heat it up faster after opening the lid
- Large storage cabinet
- Price includes rain cover
Cons of the Z Grills Flagship 700D4E, 700D3 and Legend 700D6:
- No WiFi for remote control is pretty much the only criticism we can give this smoker. We personally don’t think WiFi is a must have feature on a set and forget smoker but do use the MEATER to monitor cook progress on a smartphone
Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E and 7002C
Another popular option that’s almost the same as the bestseller Flagship is this, the Z Grills Backyard Warrior.
Without the built-in storage cabinet and side-wall insulation, you’ll save a bit of cash. But, you do get a slightly larger 24 pound pellet hopper with a viewing window so you can easily see when top-ups are needed.
It’s still got the same 697 square inches of cooking space, enough to fit 29 burgers, 5 rib racks or 5 whole chickens.
Again, the updated V2.1 PID temperature controller keeps tight control of the heat for consistently great results, there’s a manual feed button to get the temp up faster after opening the lid, and, two meat probes take the guess work out of knowing when the meat’s perfectly cooked.
Ideal as an all-round family smoker, the Backyard Warrior is so easy to use, and, durable enough to see you through a lot of years of everyday meals and entertaining.
The 7002C option has a bronzed, powder-coated lid for anyone wanting an even-cheaper alternative that still ticks all the boxes.
It’s unbelievable value for money, and, the results you’ll get on it are truly outstanding.
Plus, the waterproof cover is included with both color options.
Specs for the Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E and 7002C
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 697 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 24 lbs
Heat Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 7002C2E (stainless steel lid) and 7002C (bronzed lid)
Assembled size (in): 48 L × 26 W × 51 H
Weight: 113 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 7002C2E and 7002C:
- Great price for a well-sized smoker that’s got a lot of features
- Upgraded PID temperature controller gives you confidence in it’s reliability
- Convectional cooking creates a remarkably even temperature throughout the cooking chamber for consistent results from one side to the other
- Manual feed button pushes pellets into the firepot faster to get it back up to temperature quickly after opening the lid
- Includes 2 meat probes so you can monitor exactly when your meat is cooked
- Pellet hopper window and clean-out door lets you see and change pellets easily
- Comes with waterproof rain cover
Cons of the Z Grills 7002C2E and 7002C:
- There’s no storage space or working shelves
- Unlike the Flagship 700D4E, there’s no side wall insulation for better fuel efficiency in cooler conditions. But, you can get a separate thermal cover for these models
Z Grills 700D
The Z Grills 700D is the older version of the Flagship we talked about above.
For a cheaper price, you get the same amount of cooking space, the same 20 pound pellet hopper, and, the built in cabinet for convenient storage.
But, instead of the latest 2023 PID V2.1 temperature controller, it’s got the earlier 2022 PID temperature controller. There’s also no side-wall insulation, or hopper clean out feature either.
Don’t get us wrong, the 700D is still a great grill! We use ours (with the stainless steel lid) regularly. It’s been going for 5 + years now, has never skipped a beat and, the results are even better than some more expensive brands we’ve used.
But, just be aware that what you’re looking at has a few less fancy features.
The 2022 PID controller works well. The heat still stays remarkably stable and the temperature on one side of the grill to the other is virtually the same. It’s very consistent.
The 4 rolling castors make moving this smoker around so easy. And, it comes with 2 meat probes and a cover included in the one great price.
Specs for the Z Grills 700D
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lids
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 697 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 700D
Dimensions: 48 L × 22 W × 51 H
Weight: 144 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 700D:
- PID temperature controller automatically keeps the temperature very even
- Very even temperature distribution across the grill means you don’t need to worry about some meat being done earlier than others
- Good cooking capacity suits most families with space for entertaining
- Large pellet hopper lets you smoke for about 20 hours without needing to top it up
- Built-in storage cabinet gives you somewhere to keep your pellets and tools
- 4 rolling castors are strong, sturdy and easy to move
- Comes with grill cover for weather protection
Cons of the Z Grills 700D:
- Not the latest PID temperature controller
- No easy way to get the pellets out if you want it empty or to swap flavors
- No side-wall insulation like on the newer 700D4E. But, there’s an insulation blanket available
Z Grills 7002E (7002B2E) and 7002B
These two smokers, the Z Grills 7002B2E and Z Grills 7002B are the slightly cheaper cabinet-free version of the 700D reviewed above.
Like the rest of the Z Grills 700 Series, you’ve got the same 697 square inches of cooking space split over two levels. And, a good sized 20 pound pellet hopper.
This one’s got the traditional digital control panel so your temperature will swing more than it would on the newer Flagship or Backyard Warrior models. But, from our experience with this grill, you’ll still be able to make incredible food if you want this option of a still really good but even cheaper barbecue.
At the moment, Z Grills are still selling the stainless steel lidded model, the 7002B2E, and, the black lidded model, the 7002B.
That’s the only difference between these two.
Also note that these two grills have the cheaper and not so good 2 wheel cart design. They are more difficult to move around than the 4 castors on the 700D. But, if you’re not trying to move it in and out of your garage, this probably won’t even factor into your decision to buy.
Specs for the Z Grills 7002E (7002B2E) and 7002B
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lids
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 697 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 7002B2E AKA 7002E (stainless lid) and 7002B (black lid)
Dimensions: 48 L × 22 W × 51 H
Weight: 112 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 7002E and 7002B:
- Very even temperature distribution across the grill means you don’t need to worry about some meat being done earlier than others
- Good cooking capacity suits most families with space for entertaining
- Large pellet hopper lets you smoke for about 20 hours without needing to top it up
- Options for more durable stainless steel lid, with or without the enclosed storage cabinet gives you flexibility with budget
Cons of the Z Grills 7002E and 7002B:
- Standard temperature controller varies a bit more than the updated PID on the newer Flagship 700D4E. But, we’re talking +/-20°F instead of 5, it’s not huge
- No easy way to get the pellets out
- No side-wall insulation like on the newer Flagship 700D4E. But, there’s an insulation blanket available
Z Grills 1000 Series
For anyone who wants a serious amount of space to grill, smoke and bake, the Z Grills 1000 series should be your go-to line up.
These large pellet smokers give you the most bang for your buck in terms of cooking real estate. And, it’s usually spread over 2 or 3 racks so the actual unit doesn’t take up a whole lot more ground space.
With the 1000 Series, you’ve still got great features and some choice of color and setup. But, you won’t have quite so many smokers to choose from.
That will make choosing a little easier though.
Z Grills BBQ Legend 1000D3E
If 700 square inches doesn’t give you quite as much smoking space as you’d like, the Z Grills 1000 Series offers the next step up.
And, the 1000D3E is arguably one of the most popular models in this extra large size.
With 1,056 square inches of cooking space, split over 3 racks, you can cook an impressive 7 chickens, 9 rib racks, or 43 burgers at any one time. And, it’s going to be easy too.
Although you’ll be working with the older style but still PID temperature controller, we’ve found the temperature control to be very good. You can expect the it to stay within about 10°F of where you’ve set it throughout your cook.
There’s a 20 pound pellet hopper which will give you about 20 hours of unassisted smoking time.
And, there’s surprisingly little temperature variance from one side of this smoker to the other, so you don’t need to worry about hot spots and cooking time variances.
One other great thing about the BBQ Legend 1000D3E is the easy ash cleanout system. You simply pull the lever under the firebox and it’ll all dump out, without having to take the racks out.
With a grill cover included, a side table with hooks, and, a large storage cabinet underneath, there’s a lot of value packed into this big and popular smoker.
Take note – The 1000D3E is a Z Grills exclusive. It’s currently only available through their website.
Specs for the Z Grills BBQ Legend 1000D3E
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lid
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 1,043 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 1000D3E
Dimensions: 54 L × 29 W × 53 H
Weight: 110 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills BBQ Legend 1000D3E:
- Great temperature control across the grill for an even and effortless cook
- Very large cooking capacity suits larger families or those who love to entertain
- Large pellet hopper gives you around 20 hours of unassisted smoking time
- Keep your pellets and bbq gear right with your smoker in the storage cabinet
- The ash cleanout drawer system is so easy to use
- 4 rolling and locking castors give a sturdy base that’s so easy to move around
Cons of the Z Grills BBQ Legend 1000D3E:
- Doesn’t have the ability to plug meat probes directly into the controller. So, you’ll need to get a separate meat thermometer if you want to know exactly when your meat is ready. Our probes of choice are the MEATER
- There’s no pellet hopper emptying door
- No extra double wall insulation
Z Grills Smoke Beast 10502B
If you want BIG but don’t want to spend the money on the top of the line, or aren’t fussed about WiFi, the Z Grills Smoke Beast 10502B is the smoker for you.
This brand new 2023 bad boy gives you 1,080 square inches of cooking space on 3 racks, a reliable, newly upgraded PID Digital LCD temperature controller, 2 meat probes, and, the awesome redesigned ash cleanout system all for a red hot price!
The only area that I think the Smoke Beast drops the ball a little is it’s smaller than expected 12 pound pellet hopper.
Now, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to hoppers.
Pellets are better stored in an airtight container to prevent water from ruining them. And, for most smokes, grills, and other things you’d be cooking, you won’t have to think about refilling.
But, there is a large pellet hopper window so you can easily see when it’s time to top up and an easy pellet dump if you do want to empty it out as well.
If you’re planning on doing 12 hour plus smokes, you’ll need to refill mid-cook. So, just be aware of that. And, if it’s a deal-breaker for you, check out the Z Grills 11002B with WiFi connectivity below instead.
The other difference we want to point out with the Smoker Beast is that it’s got the more basic wheel system. There’s two wheels plus two fixed legs.
Not at all a problem if you’ve got it set up somewhere permanent. But, if you’re wheeling it in and out, particularly over rough area, the 4 castor wheels that the BBQ Legend 1000D3E gives you is worth the slight increase in price in my opinion.
Otherwise, this smoker is a steal! It performs really well, will let you cook up so much food, and, is just unbeatable in terms of value.
Specs for the Z Grills Smoke Beast 10502B
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lid
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 1,080 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 12 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: Smoke Beast ZPG 10502B
Dimensions: 44.5 × 22.8 × 53.7
Weight: 105 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills Smoke Beast 10502B:
- Huge cooking capacity suits large families or people who like to entertain
- Updated PID temperature controller will keep the ambient temperature within a few degrees of your target all throughout your cook
- Comes with 2 meat probes that plug directly into the control panel so you can monitor exactly how cooked your meat is
- The new ash cleanout system reduces the need to take everything out to access and vacuum the firepot
- Large hopper window lets you keep an eye on the pellet level
- Easy pellet hopper emptying
Cons of the Z Grills 10502B:
- The 12 pound pellet hopper doesn’t hold as much fuel as you’d expect of a smoker with such a large cooking capacity
- Basic 2 wheel, 2 fixed leg design is harder to move than 4 castors
Z Grills Powerhouse 10002B2E
Now, the Powerhouse 10002B2E is the same grill as the 1000D3E above with a lower price and a few minor changes…
You’ll notice there’s no built in storage cabinet. But, you do get a bonus front and side shelf for workspace instead.
The other difference is that this model, the Powerhouse 10002B2E doesn’t have the 4 locking castor wheels. Instead you’ve got 2 wheels and 2 legs that you’ve got to lift from one side to wheel around.
We’ve used both of these Z Grills wheel systems. And, while the castors are definitely easier and sturdier, if you’re not moving your grill much you won’t even notice it.
As for what’s the same as on the BBQ Legend 1000D3E, you’ve still got a huge 1,056 square inches of cooking space and the 20 pound pellet hopper.
It’s the traditional digital temperature controller too which does mean larger temperature swings than you’d get on a PID model. But, we’ve still cooked some great food on here and the swings aren’t that big really…. We’re talking 15°F instead of 5.
And, the Powerhouse 10002B2E has the awesome ash cleanout system as well.
This really does make light work of emptying leftover ash in the firepot. You simply pull a lever and it all comes out instead of having to remove your cooking grates and heat deflector to vacuum it out.
Overall, if you’re after a pellet smoker that’s got a BIG cooking capacity without the high price, the Z Grills Powerhouse delivers just that!
Not having the storage cabinet below saves you a decent amount of cash while meaning you’re still getting a quality barbecue with all the basics you need to cook incredible food.
Specs for the Powerhouse 10002B2E
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lid
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 1,043 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 20 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: ZPG 10002B2E
Dimensions: 54 L × 29 W × 53 H
Weight: 95 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills Powerhouse 10002B2E:
- Large cooking capacity at a bargain price
- Huge pellet hopper lets you smoke for around about 20 hours without adding any extra fuel
- Front and side tables give plenty of prep space
- Great ash cleanout system makes cleaning the firepot so so easy
- Comes with the grill cover as well
Cons of the Z Grills Powerhouse 10002B2E:
- There’s no ports to plug meat probes in. So, you’ll need to use your own meat thermometer if you want to know exactly when your meat is perfectly cooked (and you should, it makes bbq so easy).
- The 2 wheel system makes this smoker a little harder to move than ones that have the 4 wheel castor system
- No hopper emptying feature
- No extra insulation
Z Grills WiFi Series
The WiFi Series includes the most featured-filled pellet smokers in the Z Grills line up.
Here you’ll find pellet grills that compare to the more expensive Traeger barbecues, Recteq and Yoder. But, the Z Grills equivalents are a fraction of the cost one of those bad boys will set you back (and they make food just as good).
If Wi-Fi is a must-have on your list, you’ve only got two Z Grills smokers to choose from. And, the one that you go for might be just based on the size alone.
Either way, these smokers are great units that pack in so much value and quality that you just won’t find anywhere else.
Z Grills Multitasker 11002B
The Multitasker 11002B is undeniably the biggest and the bestest pellet smoker in the Z Grills range.
This smoker pretty much incorporates every common request and upgrade that customers have asked for. There’s WiFi connectivity for remote control, the latest PID controller for the most precise heat regulation, a front shelf, bamboo cutting board and 2 meat probes all included.
But, there’s more to that fancy control panel you see as well.
The Multitasker gives you a one button auto-start, a prime mode to bring the temperature up faster after you’ve opened the lid, super smoke mode for, you guessed it, extra flavor, and, a keep warm setting too.
Yes, it’s a lot. But, that’s not all the features you get with the 11002B…
Fully insulated body? Let’s do a double-walled design. Extended heat range? Righty-oh. Pellet clean-out? You’ve got it. A huge hopper capacity? Sure thing. Even better grease management? Say hello to the external grease drawer that’s both easy to empty and minimizes flare-ups.
Z Grills has thrown the lot into this superstar pellet smoker. And, they’ve done it for such an incredibly value packed price.
If you’re a sucker for getting your money’s worth. Or, just want the very best your money can buy, the Z Grills 11002B Multitasker won’t disappoint!
Specs for the Z Grills ZPG Multitasker 11002B Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 1,068 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 28 lbs
Heat Range: 160-500°F
WiFi: Yes
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 11002B Multitasker
Assembled size (in): 57 L × 32 W × 47 H
Weight: 192 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 11002B Multitasker:
- WiFi controller lets you start, view and change all aspects of your cook via the smartphone app. But, you can operate directly from the control panel without a smartphone as well
- Comes with 2 meat probes so you can monitor meat doneness on your phone
- PID temperature controller keeps heat within tight range of target temperature
- One button auto-start makes getting your smoker going even easier
- Fully insulated body for excellent heat retention and improved fuel efficiency
- Pellet clean out door lets you empty and change pellets easily
- Prime mode lets you manually heat the barbecue up faster
- Super smoke mode
- Keep warm setting
- Really large cooking capacity
Cons of the Z Grills 11002B Multitasker
- There’s only 2 ports to plug your meat probes into. If you’re cooking more than 1 or 2 things you’ll need to use a different smoker thermometer if you dont’ want to manually move the probes around. These are our favorite smoker thermometers if you want to check them out.
- It’s a bit hard to set up the app. But, is alright to use after that
Z Grills Multitasker 7052B
Yes, you’re right… same name, same smoker.
The Z Grills Multitasker 7052B is the same as the larger top of the line, 11002B, it’s just a little smaller.
Offering 709 square inches of cooking spaces spread over two cooking grates, you’ve still got all of the same great features, this one’s just better sized for regular families or couples.
You’ve still got the insulated double walled design, PID temperature controller, huge 28 pound pellet hopper, WiFi connectivity, pellet clean out door, bamboo cutting board and 2 meat probes.
Plus, the control panel on the 7052B has the same single button auto-start up, prime mode, super smoke mode and a keep warm setting too.
It’s a LOT of features wrapped under a the most popular sized hood. And, check out the price tag! How do Z Grills even do this so good?!?
Specs for the Z Grills ZPG 7052B Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 709 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 28 lbs
Heat Range: 160-500°F
WiFi: Yes
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 7052B Multitasker
Assembled size (in): 45 L × 32 W × 47 H
Weight: 163 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 7052B Multitasker:
- Complete remote control via the WiFi connectivity and Z Grills app. But, works via regular control panel too
- Comes with 2 meat probes so you can see the internal temperature of your meat as you cook
- Very precise PID temperature controller maintains a really stable cooking environment
- Fully insulated, double walled body provides better functioning in colder weather and improved fuel efficiency
- Huge pellet hopper will not need refilling, even on super long cooks
- One button automatic start
- Change or empty pellets easily with the pellet clean out door
- Prime mode lets you manually get the grill back up to temperature fast when you’re starting it up or have opened the lid
- Super smoke mode for extra flavor
- Keep warm function does just that if you’re not ready to eat yet
- Medium cooking capacity will make this smoker the most ideal for most users
Cons of the Z Grills 7052B Multitasker
- I’d add an extra 2 probes to bring the total up to 4 probes if I could. But, there’s only 2 ports so the only way to monitor more meats is to use a separate meat thermometer like the MEATER Block
- The app is hard to set up but alright to use
Z Grills 450 - 600 Series
A little smaller than the ever popular Z Grills 700 Series, the pellet smokers in the 450 – 600 Series brings quite a bit of varation to the Z Grills range.
Ideal for smaller families, couples and individuals, we feel like these smaller smokers are often overlooked because they don’t fit so much.
But, because you’re heating a smaller space, they’re much for efficient any time you don’t feel like cooking a whole brisket, 2 pork shoulders, a couple of racks of ribs, and, what else should we put in the leftover space?!?
These smokers are also perfect for anyone who’s on a really tight budget but still wants a quality barbecue that will perform.
Z Grills Pioneer 450B and Smoke King 450E
These two smokers take their place as the smallest non-portable barbecues in the Z Grills range.
And, although they’ve got different names, they’re the exact same grill.
The Pioneer 450B is just the black powder-coated version while the slightly more expensive Smoke King 450E has a stainless steel lid.
Holding 459 square inches of cooking space, split over 2 racks, you can still fit a surprising 3 whole chickens, 4 racks of ribs, or, 18 burger patties on here at a time.
The hopper holds 15 pounds of pellets which will give you about 15 hours of unassisted low and slow smoking time which is more than enough for most people too.
But, being smaller in size doesn’t mean you have to forgo the features. No.
Both the Pioneer and the Smoke King have the Z Grills upgraded PID V2.1 temperature controller for the most precise temperature control. There’s a manual feed button so you can help the grill get back up to temperature faster after opening the lid. And, there’s a hopper window and cleanout door for effortless monitoring and emptying after you’re done.
Basically, the Z Grills 450B and 450E are small but mighty making them perfect for individuals, couples and small families. You could even throw it on the back of your truck for tailgating, camping or a friendly cook-off if you wanted a larger smoker than the portable Z Grills Cruiser 200A.
Thrown into it’s low price, you also get the weatherproof cover. They’re a seriously great deal and very efficient to use.
Specs for the Z Grills Pioneer 450B and Smoke King 450E Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 459 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 15 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 450B / 450E
Assembled size (in): 43 L × 24 W × 47 H
Weight: 75 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills Pioneer 450B and Smoke King 450E
- Precise PID temperature controller keeps the heat within +/- 5°F of your target
- Great for smaller families with enough space left for entertaining
- Manual feed button heats the grill up faster after opening the lid
- Hopper window lets you see when the pellets are low easily
- Hopper cleanout door makes it fast to empty the pellets for storage or to change flavors
- Comes with a waterproof cover
- Includes 2 meat probes
- You can buy a thermal cover for the Pioneer 450B if you’re smoking in colder conditions and/or want to improve your pellet usage efficiency
Cons of the Z Grills Pioneer 450B and Smoke King 450E
- No storage or side tables for easy prep space
- The Z Grills covers don’t last very long if left out in the weather
Z Grills 450A
The Z Grills 450A is simply the older version of the super popular Pioneer 450B.
It does look quite a bit different. But, it’s exactly the same size with 459 square inches of cooking space and a 15 pound pellet hopper.
The PID temperature controller on the 450A is a little different to that on the Pioneer. But, it’s still a really precise PID-based system. It’s also got the handy manual feed button. We love this feature to bring the temperature up quickly again after adding or wrapping your meat.
What doesn’t the 450A have?
There’s no pellet hopper cleanout feature, although there’s still a pellet window so you can see when you need to refill without opening the lid.
There’s also no locking castor wheels. It’s a 2 wheel and 2 leg setup.
But, you do get a handy folding front shelf and we do love that bonus workspace!
Specs for the Z Grills 450A Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 459 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 15 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 450A
Assembled size (in): 45 L × 28 W × 49 H
Weight: 84 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 450A
- PID temperature controller keeps heat within a really tight range of your target
- Smaller cooking space is more efficient to heat and still offers quite a bit of real estate
- Pellet hopper window shows you when you need to refill
- Manual feed button lets you push pellets into the firepot faster to bring the temperature up quickly after opening the lid
- Includes a waterproof cover
Cons of the Z Grills 450A
- No hopper cleanout to empty or change flavors easily. Instead you need to burn them through
- The 2 wheel and 2 leg cart design is difficult to move over rough ground
- Don’t expect the cover to last very long. Harsh sun and/or rain does damage it quickly
Z Grills 550A
When it comes to the Z Grills 550 Series, there’s a lot of very similar barbecues for a very similar price.
This model, the 550A is the largest of the smokers in this series. You’ve got 585 square inches of cooking space with a sizeable 16 pound pellet hopper.
But, the 550A only has the older style digital temperature controller, not the newer PID-based system.
Now, the older Z Grills digital controllers are still really pretty good.
We’ve used them for years and although the temperature does swing more than on a newer PID controller, we’ve never had any trouble getting good results on a Z Grills pellet smoker with this type of controller.
But, we do understand that when you’re buying new, there is the appeal of the newer and better technology and it makes sense.
So, if you want the PID with a barbecue around this size, you’ll have to look at the next 2 smokers in the 550 series we’ve reviewed below.
If not having the PID doesn’t really bother you, the Z Grills 550A is a basic but solid and affordable choice that does perform well simply because it does a good job of the basics.
Specs for the Z Grills 550A Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 585 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 16 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 550A
Assembled size (in): 40 L × 25 W × 48 H
Weight: 99 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 550A
- Good little compact workhorse that delivers great results
- Large pellet hopper for a smoker of this size gives you a long unaided smoke time
- Compact design takes up minimal space on the ground
Cons of the Z Grills 550A
- Older style digital temperature controller will give you more temperature variance than the newer PID-based systems
- Very basic – doesn’t come with any extras like meat probes, a cover or a prep shelf
Z Grills 550B
Next up in the 550 Series lineup is the little smaller 550B.
This one sits at 553 square inches compared to the 585 square inches you get with the older 550A above. And, it’s also only got a 10 pound pellet hopper, not 16.
You should get about 10 hours of low and slow smoking time without having to add any extra pellets. And, while this is enough for most people, if you do dream of doing longer smokers, you will need to add more fuel mid-cook.
Other than that, the Z Grills 550B is a solidly performing, smaller pellet smoker.
It’s got an upgraded PID temperature controller so the heat stays really even.
Just like the Z Grills 550A, the 550B is nothing fancy. But, if you’re after a good solid barbecue with a newer temperature controller for a bargain price, this one should sure be a contender!
The more compact size will suit individuals, couples and families who don’t plan to cook a weeks’ worth of leftovers.
Specs for the Z Grills 550B Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 553 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 10 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 550B
Assembled size (in): 47 L × 20 W × 45 H
Weight: 84 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 550B
- Updated PID temperature controller for the most precise temperature regulation
- Compact footprint
- Very affordable price
Cons of the Z Grills 550B
- Some people will be bothered by the smaller than normal 10 pound pellet hopper. But, you should still be able to do 8 hour smokes without having to add more fuel
- Basic grill without a whole heap of extra features
Z Grills 550C
The Z Grills 550C is very similar in spec to the 550B.
It’s got the latest PID-based temperature controller so you’ve got very precise heat regulation. It’s got the compact 553 square inches of cooking space and the small but adequate 10 pound pellet hopper.
So what’s different about this smoker?
It does look pretty unique. But, the reason I’d personally go with this over the 550A or 550B is, one, the PID temperature controller and two, simply that front table.
Having that extra space to set down your meat, utensils and sauces is very convenient.
How does it perform?
Just like the rest of the range, the 550C isn’t any thing fancy.
But, with a good basic build quality and a very good temperature controller, that’s really all you need to make great food.
Specs for the Z Grills 550C Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 553 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 10 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: ZPG 550B
Assembled size (in): 49 L × 24 W × 51 H
Weight: 85 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 550C
- Precise temperature control thanks to the newer PID based system
- Great size for individuals, couples or smaller families
- Bamboo front table gives you extra prep space
- Very great price
Cons of the Z Grills 550C
- Smaller than you’d maybe expect, 10 pound pellet hopper would need refilling for very long smokes (10 hrs +)
- No fancy features, just a basic grill that does a good job
Z Grills Smoke Engine 5502H
Again, we’ve got another really similar 550 Series smoker…
This one’s the Z Grills Smoke Engine 5502H.
It’s got the same PID temperature controller as the 550B and 550C, the same 553 square inches of cooking space and the same 10 pound pellet hopper.
Unlike the 550C, there’s no front shelf. But, it’s got the normal straight leg design that’s generally more popular than the more unique designs of the rest of the Z Grills 550 range.
In terms of performance, you’re looking at the same beast as the rest of them here and you’ll be able to make great food on this one too.
So, choose it if you like the look.
This one’s my pick of the 550 series of smokers.
Basic but good.
Specs for the Z Grills Smoke Engine 5502H Pellet Smoker
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 553 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 10 lbs
Heat Range: 180-450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: Smoke Engine ZPG 5502H
Assembled size (in): 47 L × 24 W × 48 H
Weight: 77 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills 5502H
- Updated PID temperature controller will automatically regulate the temperature precisely
- Basic yet good smoker that makes great meat
- More traditional pellet grill look than the other smokers in the 550 range
Cons of the Z Grills 5502H
- No fancy features
- More basic 2 wheel, 2 leg cart design
- Can’t plug meat probes in to monitor the temperature. You’ll need your own meat thermometer if you want to do that
Z Grills L600D
The Z Grills 600 series is a bit of a special one.
Instead of this being a regular pellet smoker that you can grill on by bumping the heat up to max and using the indirect heat to sear, the L600D has a flame broiler that lets you cook directly over the pellet fire flame.
Now, grilling on a pellet smoker is, in my books, satisfactory if you’re just doing it every now and then. But, having the ability to just spin a disk and open up your steak to a direct flame, boosting the temperature to 750 °F does take grilled food to that next level.
You can still smoke low and slow too. Roasting, baking and really cooking anything any way you want.
But, if you want a combination grill and smoker, instead of a smoker that can grill too, the Z Grills L600D is it.
On it you’ve got 572 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough to do 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs, or, 24 burgers on it’s double-levelled racks.
Just take note that if you’re grilling over the direct flame, you can only use the bottom rack to do so. Because of this your open flame grilling space will be reduced to 332 square inches.
With it’s smaller cooking capacity, the pellet hopper on the L600D is a limited 8 pound too.
8 pounds of pellets should see you through about 8 hours of low and slow smoke time. But, will need to be refilled more frequently if you’re using high heat.
Performance wise, the Z Grills L600D is superb.
There’s the updated PID temperature controller for accurate automatic heat regulation and the differential from one side to the other is very minimal as well.
With a built-in storage cabinet and a side table with hooks, I feel like the Z Grills L600D is undervalued for what is a truly multi-purpose barbecue.
Specs for the Z Grills L600D
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lids
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 572 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 8 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F for smoking, up to 750 °F in direct flame mode
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: L600D
Dimensions: 46 L × 22 W × 48 H
Weight: 73 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills L600D:
- Direct flame mode lets you grill over high heat up to 750 °F as well as the regular low and slow smoking, baking and roasting you can also do
- PID temperature controller for precise heat management
- Built in cabinet gives you plenty of storage for pellets and other barbecue tools
- Built in side shelf gives more working space
- 4 x castor wheels make it easy to move around
Cons of the Z Grills L600D:
- Smaller capacity than most of the Z Grills range
- No easy way to get unused pellets out of the hopper. But, it’s a smaller 8 pound capacity so it’s faster to burn through them
- Doesn’t come with grill cover
- You can’t plug a meat probe into this controller so you’ll need a separate device to monitor your meat. Check out our favorite wireless meat thermometers for smoking.
Z Grills L6002E
This L6002E is just like the L600D above with a couple of minor differences that give it a slightly different price.
Firstly, you’ve got a stainless steel grill and hopper lid. Secondly, there’s no buit-in cabinet. That black panel is just a panel, there’s nothing behind it. And, thirdly, it’s got a more basic 2 wheel, 2 leg design.
Together these changes put a slightly lower price tag on the grill as a whole.
But, you’ve still got the same PID temperature controller with a fire access door for 750 ºF direct flame searing. There’s the same 572 square inches of cooking space and the same 8 pound pellet hopper.
So, if you don’t mind the downgraded legs and lack of storage space, the Z Grills L6002E is a really great buy for a pellet smoker that really does grill as well.
Specs for the Z Grills L6002E
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel with stainless steel lids
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 572 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 8 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F for smoking, up to 750 °F in direct flame mode
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: L6002E
Dimensions: 46 L × 22 W × 48 H
Weight: 73 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills L6002E:
- Direct flame grilling mode gives you up to 750 °F to sear on
- Precise PID temperature controller automatically regulates the temperature well
- Built in side shelf for work space plus tool hooks
Cons of the Z Grills L6002E:
- Limited cooking and pellet hopper capacity
- No pellet hopper emptying door
- No grill cover
- No ports to plug a temperature probe into. Check out our favorite smoker thermometers if you want something to monitor the doneness of your meat.
Z Grills Portable Series
When it comes to portable pellet smokers, Z Grills only do one.
But, it’s a really decent little piece of kit that’s just as good being used regularly at home as it is in an RV, camping or at a tailgate.
Z Grills Cruiser 200A
It might be the smallest pellet grill in the Z Grills range. But, the Z Grills Cruiser 200A is an awesome little barbecue!
We really love it.
Designed as a portable grill and smoker for camping, tailgating or RV life, the Cruiser 200A is ideal for cooking for just a few. But, if you load it up carefully, you can easily cater for quite a few people on it’s 202 square inches of cooking space.
The side handles make it so easy to pick up and move. The front latches make sure everything including a loaded pellet hopper is secured before you put it into your vehicle. And, the whole unit is a lot lighter than most comparible portable pellet smokers including the more expensive Traeger Ranger (check out our Ranger vs Cruiser comparison).
Although the Cruiser 200A doesn’t have a PID temperature controller, the heat stays impressively even (within about 10°F) throughout your cook.
Plus, because you’re heating a much smaller space than on a larger barbecue, the Cruiser is very efficient when it comes to pellet usage.
Smoke, grill, bake, roast or braise. You can cook a lot on this affordable piece of real estate.
Just keep in mind that the smaller cooking space means you’re that much closer to the heat.
Even with the heat deflector, we turn the meat mid-cook when using the Cruiser to prevent the bottom side from burning and/or drying out. But, if you’re doing that, you can cook some incredible food on the go with this one. We love it!
Read our full review of the Z Grills Cruiser 200A.
Specs for the Z Grills Cruiser 200A
Barbecue material: Powder-coated steel
Grate material: Porcelain-coated steel
Cooking capacity: 202 sq. in.
Pellet hopper capacity: 8 lbs
Temperature Range: 180°F – 450°F
WiFi: No
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: ZPG 200A Cruiser
Dimensions: 25 L x 20 W x 13 H
Weight: 40 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Z Grills Cruiser 200A:
- Strong and sturdy briefcase style build holds up well to the portable life
- Large cooking capacity for this type of smoker
- Good sized pellet hopper that doesn’t need refilling mid-smoke
- Side handles plus latching lid make transportation easy
- Great temperature regulation
- Efficient pellet usage
Cons of the Z Grills Cruiser 200A:
- Doesn’t come with the meat probe although there’s a port to connect one – You can buy a generic one, use one from a larger smoker you already have, or, we just use it with the MEATER for wireless connectivity to phone.
- Because you’re cooking quite close to the heat, it’s best to flip the meat mid cook to prevent burning and/or drying out
So, Which Z Grill is Best?
If you’ve actually read through all of the Z Grills range review, one, good job, and two, you’ll probably be able to see that when it comes to which Z Grill is best, that’s going to depend on what features you want and what your budget is.
If I had to choose just one Z Grill smoker to name as the best, I’d have to go with the Z Grills Multitasker 11002B.
With a whole heap of features including WiFi, full body insulation, a precise PID temperature controller, super smoke mode, a front shelf, bamboo cutting board, 2 meat probes included, etc, etc, this model has so much stuff that makes smoking easy and great.
Coupled with it’s huge cooking capacity and massive pellet hopper, you simply won’t find a better value for money smoker on the market today.
Z Grills do an incredible job of packing in what you really need at an incredible price. And, if you go with the Multitasker 11002B, or the smaller 7052B, you’ll find that it performs just like other top of the line smokers from other brands but at a faction of the cost.
With our extensive experience using Z Grills smokers, and other brands pellet smokers, we never hesitate to recommend one of these to any buyer, even if you’re not on a tight budget. Z Grills are just so great!
FAQs on the Best Z Grill Smoker
Who makes Z Grills?
Z Grills are made by a company called Z Grills. They’re a grill manufactering company with an international team of over 600 researchers, designers, engineers and craftsmen. They’ve got more than 30 years of experience within the pellet grill industry.
The Z Grills goal has been to provide high-quality pellet grills at a very reasonable price. And because they’ve done such a great job of this, Z Grills has become one of the fastest growing and most respected pellet grill brands out there.
Where to buy Z Grills?
The best place to buy a Z Grills smoker is on their own website.
Z Grills ships online orders for free within the continental USA. They do not ship to Hawaii, Alaska and P.O. Boxes though.
Read the Z Grills shipping policy for full details.
Z Grills also have a 30 day return policy so if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement, exchange, or refund.
Here a link to their full Z Grills return policy.
You can buy Z Grills smokers through Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and Best Buy too.
How long has Z Grills been in business?
Z Grills was founded in 2016 by a group of people who had many years of experience making pellet grills for other well-known brands. So, the Z Grills company has now has been operating for more than 8 years but, they’re industry knowledge goes way back beyond that.
Where are Z Grills made?
Z Grills pellet smokers are designed at their headquarters in California USA but, like most barbecues, are made in China.
The Z Grills factory in China has been manufacturing pellet grills for more than 30 years.
Are Z Grills made in China?
Yes, Z Grills smokers are, like most other pellet grill brands, made in China.
Is Z Grill the same as Traeger?
No, Z Grills and Traeger are not the same company, although they both produce wood pellet smokers.
You might even have heard of Z Grills being called ‘the Traeger clone’. Z Grills earned this nick-name by selling high-quality pellet smokers at a fraction of the cost of the original name in pellet smokers, Traeger.
Traeger focus on innovation and quality, marketing their brand as one of the most highly priced product.
Z Grills have focused on quality and affordability, selling what are still great smokers for some of the lowest prices out there.
What are the advantages of using a Z Grills pellet smoker?
Z Grills are our favorite brand of pellet smoker when it comes to value for money.
Their performance is superb. Z Grills gives you precise temperature control, consistent smoke flavor, and the convenience of true set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Their smokers aren’t the best quality you’ll find. But, they’re strong enough and durable enough to last a long time (our first is still going after 4 + years of very regular use).
Throughout the Z Grills range you’ve got a wide range of choice when it comes to cooking capacity, style, color and function. You can get a very basic but good performing pellet smoker or one with all the useful extras you don’t need but do make it easier to cook.
But, regardless of which model of Z Grills pellet smoker you go for, this brand consistently performs.
So, if at the end of the day you want great ribs, fall apart pulled pork or a brisket with a competition-worthy smoke ring, Z Grills can give you just that while leaving some change in your pocket too.
They’re a great brand!
What is the best Z Grill smoker?
The top of the line Z Grills wood pellet smoker is the Multitasker 11002B.
With 1,068 square inches of cooking space, the lastest PID temperature controller, WiFi connectivity, a front shelf, a bamboo cutting board, super smoke mode, a full double-walled insulated body, extended heat range, pellet cleanout door and easy grease management, there is just SO MUCH value packed into this smoker.
Can I sear on a Z Grills pellet smoker?
The short answer is yes, you can sear on a pellet smoker. But, you’ll need the right one.
Most pellet smokers claim that they’re suitable for grilling and searing.
And, while you can, just be aware that for one, almost all pellet smokers give you indirect, you’re not cooking over an open flame, and two, most pellet smokers max out at about the 450°F which is argueably not really hot enough for true searing.
If you’re alright with searing on indirect 450°F then you can choose any Z Grills for searing.
But, if you want true open flame searing up to 750°F then check out the Z Grills L600D and L6002E. They give you legit grilling and searing.
What types of wood pellets can I use with Z Grills?
You can use any brand of 100% hardwood smoking pellet in a Z Grills pellet smoker.
Just make sure you use pellets that are designed for smoking. These are food grade and will be different from heating pellets that are designed for pellet heaters.
Here’s our favorite wood pellets for smoking in any pellet grill including our Z Grills.
Can I use Traeger pellets in Z Grill?
Yes, you can use Traeger pellets or any other type of wood smoking pellets in a Z Grill.
No pellet grill is actually tied to a particular brand of smoking pellets. Pellets are made to a standard size and will fit into the auger of any pellet grill.
We do recommend using high quality pellets in your Z Grill or any other smoker simply because they burn better, give great flavor and produce less ash. These are our favorite pellets for smoking.
How do Z Grills pellet smokers work?
Pellet smokers use wood pellets as a fuel source.
An electric auger moves the pellets from the hopper where they’re stored to a firepot that sits underneath the cooking grates. Here, they’re ignited making heat and smoke to cook the food.
How are Z Grills powered?
Z Grills pellet smokers are, like all pellet grills, powered by electricity. They burn wood pellets for heat and smoke. But the electricity is used to automatically light the pellet fire and run the fans and controller that regulate the temperature the grill is at.
Z Grills barbecues have a regular wall plug and can be directly plugged into any wall outlet.
If you want to power your Z Grills pellet smoker on the go, check out our guide on the best portable power sources for 3 simple setups to do just that.
Do Z Grills have super smoke?
Yes, the Z Grills Multitasker 11002B and 7052B do have super smoke mode.
Can you cold smoke on Z Grill?
Z Grills smokers are primarily designed for grilling and smoking at higher temperatures. This means they’re not well-suited to cold smoking.
Cold smoking typically requires lower temperatures, usually below 90°F (32°C), to add a smoky flavor to food without cooking it.
If you’re after a cold smoking solution, check out our best cold smokers review.
How do I clean and maintain my Z Grills pellet smoker?
Regularly empty the ash from the firepot and clean the grates. Keep the interior and exterior surfaces free from grease buildup. And, if there’s a grease bucket or tray, clean that when needed too.
Can I use Z Grills in cold weather?
Yes, Z Grills pellet smokers are great to use in cold weather because they automatically regulate the temperature for you, using more pellets only if and when needed to heat your smoker up to your set temperature.
But, if you want the best Z Grill pellet smoker for cold weather, choose a model that has double wall insulation or grab a thermal cover for it. This will reduce how many pellets you use resulting in lower running costs.
Are Z Grills pellet smokers portable?
For a portable Z Grills pellet smoker you’re looking at the Cruiser 200A.
This briefcase style smoker has handles and sits directly on a table, the ground or on the back of your pickup truck and is easily portable. You just need a portable power source too.
Do Z Grills offer a warranty for their pellet smokers?
Yes, Z Grills offer a 3 year warranty on all of their pellet smokers. For full terms and conditions, check the Z Grills Warranty page.
Kate Brown, the founder and voice behind Burning Brisket, is not your typical pitmaster or restaurateur. Her expertise in barbecue grew from a humble desire to cook exceptional meals for her family. From overcoming burnt brisket mishaps to establishing her boutique cattle ranch, Kate shares her passion to help 'ordinary' individuals cook extraordinary barbecue, believing that simplicity often yields the best flavors. Kate is commited to making great barbecue accessible to all with the right resources and some tasty practice.
