If you’ve ever researched pellet grills, you’ve probably come across Z Grills—a brand that promises premium wood-fired grilling at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Traeger and Pit Boss. But do these budget-friendly smokers really deliver on their promises?
In this brutally honest review, we dive into Z Grills‘ product lineup, performance, build quality, and customer experience, showing how they stack up against the biggest brands in the industry. Whether you’re a casual griller or a smoker newbie, this guide should help you decide if Z Grills is worth it for you.
🔥 About Z Grills: Who Are They?
Z Grills was founded in 2017, but the team behind it has been manufacturing grills for major brands for over 30 years. When they finally stepped into the spotlight with their own label, their mission was clear:
The brand focuses almost exclusively on pellet grills, which are known for combining the flavor of wood-smoked food with simple electric controls. Their grills often offer the same functionality as more expensive brands, but are $200 to $400 cheaper, which is naturally surprising. Is this just clever marketing—or can Z Grills really compete?
👍 What We Loved
- Affordable price for serious performance
- Great smoke flavor and even heat
- Large hopper capacities
- Easy to use, great for beginners
- Clean-burning pellets, low ash
👎 What Could Be Better
- No Wi-Fi or app connectivity on most models
- Slightly thinner metal than premium brands
- Customer service is email-only
- No high-end bells & whistles (like meat probes or lighting)
- Restocking fee on returns
🧰 What Z Grills Offers: An Overview of Their Product Line
Z Grills offers a wide range of models for different grilling needs. Here’s a brief overview:
| Model | Best For | Cooking Area | Hopper Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z Grills 450B | Beginners, small families | 459 sq in | 15 lbs | $399 |
| Z Grills 7002C2E | Balanced value & space | 697 sq in | 24 lbs | $777 |
| Z Grills 1000D3E | Large families, entertainers | 1056 sq in | 28 lbs | $609 |
| Z Grills Cruiser 200A | Portability & tailgating | 202 sq in | 8 lbs | $299 |
Each model comes with:
- PID controller for precise temperature control
- Convection cooking
- 8-in-1 versatility: Grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, BBQ, charbroiling
- Solid steel construction with porcelain-coated grates
- 3-year warranty
🔥 Z Grills 450B Review: Small Size, Big Flavor
The Z Grills 450B is a compact, affordable pellet grill perfect for small patios, balconies, or beginner grillers who want the wood-fired experience without breaking the bank.
What We Liked
- Compact yet capable: 459 sq. in. of cooking area
- PID Temperature Controller for stable heat
- Budget-friendly entry to pellet grills
- Quick assembly under 60 minutes
What Could Be Better
- Hopper holds just 15 lbs—refill needed for long cooks
- No WiFi connectivity or smart features
Best For: Apartment dwellers, first-time pellet grillers, or small families wanting wood-smoked flavor in a compact form.
🔥 Z Grills 7002C2E Review: A Backyard Workhorse with Upgrades
This mid-size grill is one of Z Grills’ most popular models—and for good reason. With 700 sq. in. of grilling space and a heavy-duty build, it can handle weekend BBQs with ease.
What We Liked
- Large cooking capacity: Easily smokes two briskets or a dozen burgers.
- Upgraded digital controller: Holds temps between ±10°F.
- Dual-walled lid & cabinet storage: Adds insulation and convenient space for gear or pellet bags.
- Value-packed: Performs close to $800–$1,000 grills but usually retails for less.
What Could Be Better
- No app or wireless control: Still a manual experience.
- Slight learning curve: PID controller takes some understanding.
Intermediate users or families who want a reliable, large-capacity smoker without fancy tech.
🔥 Z Grills 1000D3E Review: Built for the Serious Smoker
The 1000D3E is a beast. With over 1,000 sq. in. of cooking space, dual meat probes, and a sleek cabinet design, this grill is made for those who like to smoke big and often.
What We Liked
- Massive cooking space: Feeds a crowd effortlessly—great for entertaining.
- Heavy-duty construction: Powder-coated steel and stainless-steel lid feel premium.
- Dual-probe meat thermometer: Monitor two proteins at once.
- Consistent results: Temp fluctuations are minimal.
What Could Be Better
- Not for small patios: It’s large and heavy (over 150 lbs).
- Still no WiFi or Bluetooth: Feels like a missed opportunity in this price range.
BBQ enthusiasts, large families, or anyone who smokes meats regularly and needs high capacity.
🔥 Z Grills Cruiser 200A Review: Portable Pellet Grilling on a Budget
The Cruiser 200A is Z Grills’ smallest and most portable option—ideal for RV trips, tailgates, and campsite cooking.
What We Liked
- True portability: Weighs just 40 lbs, with easy-carry handles.
- Surprisingly powerful: Despite its size, it gets hot fast and delivers solid smoke flavor.
- Built-in temp controller: Great for maintaining consistent heat in variable outdoor conditions.
What Could Be Better
- Very limited space: Only 202 sq. in. of cooking surface.
- No wheels or cart option: Must be lifted and placed manually.
Campers, tailgaters, or solo grillers who need a compact wood pellet smoker.
🔬 Performance: How Well Do They Cook?
✅ Temperature Control
Z Grills uses a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller to ensure consistent temperatures. In our experience, the grill maintains temperatures within ±10°F—comparable to some Traeger models.
Whether you’re slow smoking ribs at 225°F or searing steaks at 450°F, Z Grills’ performance is impressive.
✅ Smoke Output
If you’re looking for authentic smoky flavor, Z Grills is the way to go. It doesn’t oversmoke like cheap offset smokers, but offers a subtle, consistent wood-fire flavor—perfect for slow-cooked brisket or pulled pork.
✅ Cooking Versatility
Thanks to the 8-in-1 design, you can do more than just grill:
- Bake pizza
- Smoke salmon
- Roast vegetables
- Reverse sear steak
The result: even, aromatic, juicy meat with just the right crust.
🛠️ Build Quality: Does It Feel Cheap?
Z Grills reduces costs without compromising too much on quality.
🔩 Materials:
- The main body is made of powder-coated steel.
- The grates are porcelain-coated, making them non-stick and easy to clean.
- The hopper lid and chimneys are robust and stable.
No, it doesn’t feel as premium as a $1,200 Traeger—but it’s not wobbly or prone to falling apart, either.
🔧 Assembly:
Expect assembly to take 1-2 hours and the clear instructions are included. Everything screws together neatly, and the packaging is well-organized.
📦 Shipping, Returns & Customer Experience
🚚 Shipping:
Z Grills offers free shipping to the continental US. Orders typically arrive within 5–7 business days.
🔁 Returns:
You have a 30-day right of return. Please note, however:
- The item must be unused.
- You may be responsible for return shipping costs.
- A 15% restocking fee will apply.
🧑💻 Customer Service:
Customer support is available via email, but they respond surprisingly quickly. We received a response within 24 hours, and replacement parts were shipped quickly when needed.
🔥 Z Grills vs the Big Names
Let’s see how Z Grills compares head-to-head:
| Feature | Z Grills 7002C2E (~$499) | Traeger Pro 575 (~$799) | Pit Boss Navigator (~$599) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 697 sq in | 572 sq in | 811 sq in |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 18 lbs | 21 lbs |
| Wi-Fi | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Temp Range | 180–450°F | 165–500°F | 180–500°F |
| PID Controller | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years |
Conclusion? Z Grills surpasses Traeger in size and price, but lacks app control. It’s an ideal compromise between price and versatility—especially if Wi-Fi isn’t an issue.
🛒 Best Z Grills to Buy (Editor’s Picks)
🔹 Z Grills 7002C2E
The best all-around model for most people. Big enough for parties, efficient enough for daily use.
🔹 Z Grills 450B
Perfect for small spaces or new grillers who want to test the waters.
🔹 Z Grills Cruiser 200A
Compact, portable, and powerful enough for tailgates or small patios.
🧠 Final Verdict: Is Z Grills Worth It?
Z Grills proves that you don’t have to spend more than $1,000 on a wood pellet grill. While it lacks some premium features (like Wi-Fi or durable steel), its performance, flavor, and reliability easily rival the big guys.
Whether you’re switching from propane or entering the world of pellet smoking for the first time, Z Grills is a smart and satisfying investment.
