6 Best Z Grills Wood Pellet Grills – Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: February 28, 2024
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  • Aug 12, 2023: The review was published.
  • Oct 30, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Z Grills 700D4E to position no. 2.
  • Oct 30, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E to position no. 3.
  • Oct 30, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Z Grills ZPG-700D to position no. 4.
  • Oct 30, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Z Grills Multitasker 11002B to position no. 5.
  • Oct 30, 2023: The Z Grills Cruiser 200A was discontinued/became unavailable for purchase, so we moved it to position no. 6.

Pellet grills are dominating the grilling scenes. They combine the elements of a gas grill, oven, and charcoal smokers in one machine. With the shift in consumer preferences, there are several models currently being sold in the market. You, therefore, need to be extra keen during the selection process. Z Grills is among the reliable manufacturers that create versatile grills for baking or braising at home or in camps. Their grills are sturdy and you can land a durable yet beautiful model for cooking, tailgating, or decorating your yard.

Our team reviewed 16 Z Grills pellet grills before selecting the top 6 models that make great smoky tastes. Z Grills ZPG-450B is our first choice. It cooks food faster and evenly without compromising the flavor. The other models we reviewed include Z Grills Cruiser 200A, Z Grills 700D4E, Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E, Z Grills ZPG-700D, and Z Grills Multitasker 11002B.

We invested more than 200 hours researching the products on Amazon. Our team interviewed the seller and pellet grill experts during the selection process. We considered features like total cooking area, hopper capacity, temperature range, dimensions, and weight. Z Grills come with a large cooking area that hosts good amounts of food at a time. The hopper capacity determines the amounts of wood pellets you can use. You need a Z grill with dimensions that match your yard. We have prepared a table, the 6 Z Grills wood pellet grill & smoker reviews, and a buying guide to make the selection process easy.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Z Grills ZPG-450B
    "A 7-in-1 barbecue smoker grill with the total cooking of 459 sq. in., 15-pound hopper, porcelain coated cast iron cooking grids and auto temperature control"
  • Best for Grilling in Any Weather: Z Grills 700D4E
    "With its double wall construction the grill is perfect if you’re looking for a heavy-duty grill that will withstand any weather conditions. Comes with a free cover for additional protection"
  • Best Temperature Control: Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E
    "This model is packed with features for enhanced temperature control: the brand’s famous PID controller, 2 meat probes, and a pellet view window"
  • Best Value: Z Grills ZPG-700D
    "An 8-in-1 grill with the total cooking of 694 sq. in., 20-pound hopper, the LED display, auto temp control, and the auto start ignition system"
  • "This high-tech grill will impress you with its features: the model comes with a Wi-Fi app which allows for remote control. Manage the grilling temperature, adjusting it in 5 degree increments, using the Keep Warm function, and monitoring the process right from your phone"
  • Best Value Grill for Camping: Z Grills Cruiser 200A
    "A compact model which is ideal for camping or RVing. 40 lbs. only. Grease management system. 8-lb. hopper"

Top 6 Z Grills Wood Pellet Grills Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7672 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

Z Grills ZPG-450B

Features
  • Total cooking area: 459 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 15 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 180ºF to 450ºF
  • Dimensions: 41″ x 18″ x 23″
  • Weight: 75 lbs.

Extra features: 8 in 1 barbecue smoker grill, auto temperature control, 3-year warranty, porcelain coated cast iron cooking grids

Z Grills ZPG-450B features a 15-pound hopper capacity and a 459-inch square inch grilling area for roasting, grilling, baking, braising, and smoking.

This machine has rustproof cover and racks, and heavy-duty terrain wheels. It also comes with corrosion-resistant steel, an auto-start electronic ignition system, and a LED time temperature display system.

You can set the cooking temperature from 180 to 475 degrees, depending on the food you’re cooking. The electronic feed system regulates the temperature perfectly.

Experts say the locking caster wheels make it easy to move. The hopper is sealed to protect the pellets from rain to make cleaning easy. Some users loved its sleek finish.

Some say it cooks food better than gas and charcoal grills. Some users mentioned that it cooked food faster without compromising the texture or flavor.

The buyers also claim that the oil waste collector is effective and makes it super-easy to clean. Others claim the wheels fosters easy movement around the yards.

One user confirmed that Z Grills ZPG-450A=B smoked well at 125 degrees. Z Grills clarifies that it does not come with pellets. Most users complained that its cooking temperature fluctuated fast. Read through its dimensions to check if it’s a good fit before investing.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Rust-proof cover and racks
  • Heavy-duty terrain wheels
  • Does not compromise flavor
  • Effective oil waste collector
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Fluctuating temperatures
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3080 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
2
Best for Grilling in Any Weather

Z Grills 700D4E

Features
  • Total cooking area: 697 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 20 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 180-450F
  • Dimensions: 48” x 22” x 51”
  • Weight: 132 lbs.

Extra features: storage cabinet; dual-wall construction; LCD screen

Cooking on cold or windy days can be tricky. The cold temperatures can sometimes creep through the metal, so the wood pellet grill takes longer to reach the right temperature. The Flagship 700D4E solves this problem by using double-wall construction. This provides better heat retention, so you’ll be able to cook in all weather conditions. It’s rare to see this feature in a pellet grill.

Even better, it will come with a PID controller. This allows you to precisely control the temperature of the grill. You can also use the Feed function, which loads pellets into the machine for a quick burst of heat or smoke. The LCD screen will display the temperature and let you make any adjustments. There are two meat probes, that connect to the LCD screen. You’ll be able to monitor cooking progress without having to lift the lid.

This grill is able to cater to a large group of people. It has a hopper capacity of 20 pounds, which should be enough to cook for around 10 hours. When you have finished, it will be easy to clean the hopper. Considering the high-end features and durable construction, it’s competitively priced at $729.

    Why is it special?
  • Able to cook in all weather conditions
  • Precisely control the temperature
  • Comes with gifts of a free cover and assembly gloves
  • Durable, with a 3-year warranty period
  • Easy to use, with an LCD to monitor temperature at a glance
  • Grease management system makes it easy to clean the grill
  • Storage area underneath the grill, which is the perfect place to keep utensils
    What are the flaws?
  • Some customers report that pellets can get stuck in the machine.
  • Could include a few more meat probes. But this isn’t a big problem, you can always purchase some wireless meat probes.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9007 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
3
Best Temperature Control

Z Grills Backyard Warrior 7002C2E

Features
  • Total cooking area: 697 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 24 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 180-450F
  • Dimensions: 48” x 26” x 51”
  • Weight: 113 lbs.

Extra features: PID temperature controller; pellet view window; comes with 2 meat probes and a cover

There are many technological features that help to set this grill apart. One of the most exciting attributes is PID temperature control. This allows you to precisely control the cooking temperature, taking into account external factors, like the speed of the wind. As a result, you’ll be able to get more stable temperatures than a regular grill. Plus, there are two meat probes, so you can check that your food is cooked properly.

This isn’t the only cool feature included with this grill. You’ll also be able to a pellet view window, so you can see when the hopper is running low. But with a capacity of 24 pounds, you should be able to cook for hours without any problems. There is a hopper cleanout system, to make the clean-up a lot easier. It even comes with free gifts, like a cover to protect it during the winter months.

At $699, this is a more expensive option. But it is built from metal components and has been designed to last for a long time. It even comes with a 3-year warranty period.

    Why is it special?
  • Solid construction which should last for many years to come.
  • Easy to keep clean.
  • Exceptional temperature control.
  • Includes a free cover.
  • Thick steel lid will retain the heat.
  • Convection system circulates the air through the chamber, so you can cook on both top and bottom shelves.
    What are the flaws?
  • It can take a while to assemble. Some customers report the process being a little confusing with vague instructions. Thankfully, there are some assembly videos on YouTube to help guide you through the process.
  • Some customers report minor dents and scratches which occurred during shipping.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3561 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
4
Best Value

Z Grills ZPG-700D

Features
  • Total cooking area: 694 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 20 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 180ºF to 450ºF
  • Dimensions: 48″ x 22″ x 51″
  • Weight: 146 lbs.

Extra features: porcelain coated cast iron cooking grids, 8-in-1 versatility, automated electric feed system, electric digital controls

Z Grills ZPG-700D is a sturdy Z Grill that blends with backyard cooking, tailgating, and gatherings like camps. It’s a versatile grill that offers eight cooking options like smoking, baking, and roasting, among others.

The grilling area of this machine is divided into two sections. The main rack is 504 sq. inches while the warming rack is 190 sq. inches. The cooking area can host four chickens, five racks of ribs, and 24 burgers. The hopper has a capacity of 20 lbs.

Experts say Z Grills ZPG-700D has a unique design that decorates backyards. Its main body parts are made of stainless steel. The sellers confirm that it requires assembly after delivery.

Like several pellet grills, the Z Grills ZPG-700D has an automatic feeder and digital temperature control for regulating its cooking temperatures. The sellers clarify that 20 lbs. of wood pellets can last you up to 20 hours. Setting your machine at high temperatures causes the pellets to burn fast. It reduces the duration the pellets can last.

Invest in a shop vacuum to clear out the ash. Most users say the Z Grills ZPG-700D is heavy duty and easy to use. Others said it is a reliable machine.

Some buyers recommend using the Z Grills ZPG-700D 3 to 4 times a month. Z Grills advise owners to ask for assistance when assembling it.

    What stands out?
  • Sturdy
  • Great for decorating backyards
  • Easy to use
  • Reliable
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Heavy-duty
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3801 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.9
Features
  • Total cooking area: 1068 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 28 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 160-500F
  • Dimensions: 57” x 32” x 47”
  • Weight: 192 lbs.

Extra features: a Wi-Fi app; integrated cutting board; Keep Warm function; 5-degree increments

One of the biggest highlights about this grill is how easy it is to use. It’s connected to the Wi-Fi, through an app on your phone. You’ll be able to remotely control the temperature, turning it up or down as you need. You can also keep an eye on the meat probes. Thanks to the PID controls, the temperature will be highly accurate.

Even better, the hopper is large with a capacity of 28 pounds. As a result, you should be able to cook for hours at a time. Inside the pellet grill, you’ll be given plenty of cooking space. There are two wire grates that you can use, with a total cooking volume of 1068 square inches. This will comfortably handle cooking for a large group. When it comes time to prepare the food to be served, you can use the front shelf and cutting board.

There are a few other innovative features that are included as part of this grill. For example, you can prime the pellet grill, so it gets up the temperature faster. You can also use the “Keep Warm” button, which will keep your food hot until you are ready to start eating. Another cool feature is the “Super Smoke” button, which lets you generate a burst of smoke to add more flavor to the meal.

    Why is it special?
  • Large cooking space.
  • Easy to keep clean, thanks to the concealed grease management system and hopper cleanout system.
  • Wi-Fi lets you monitor and adjusts cooking settings remotely.
  • Lots of innovative settings, like the ability to prime the grill.
  • Built to last, with a 3-year warranty period.
    What are the flaws?
  • Unlike many other Z-Grills, it doesn’t come with a cover. This can make it a little tricky to store.
  • Some customers wanted a little more functionality on the app, like push notifications when setting a timer for meat. It can also be a little difficult to change the settings.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4629 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
6
Best Value Grill for Camping

Z Grills Cruiser 200A

Features
  • Total cooking area: 202 sq. in.
  • Hopper capacity: 8 lbs.
  • Temperature range: 180-450F
  • Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 13 in.
  • Warranty: 3 years

Extra features: locking chamber; powder-coated finish

One of the biggest benefits of this grill is how portable it is. Its compact size makes it ideal to put into the back of a car. Plus, it is light, weighing only 40 pounds. This makes it ideal for camping trips and beach barbecues.

While it might be lightweight, it will still provide an excellent cooking experience. You’ll be getting 202 square inches of cooking space. This should be enough to cook for a small group. Plus, the hopper is eight pounds, which should be enough for between four to eight hours of cooking.

It comes with a few features that make the grill a lot easier to use. There is a grease management system, so the grill is easy to clean. Plus, there is a menu option, so you’ll be able to select which food you want to cook and the grill will maintain the ideal cooking temperature.

But despite these premium features, this grill remains exceptional value. You’ll be able to pick it up for just $329. Finding a quality grill at this price point is rare.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty.
  • Steel construction provides durability so the grill will last for a long time.
  • Easy to transport and store, with conveniently placed handles.
  • Affordable, without having to sacrifice quality.
  • Easy to cook with.
  • Can be assembled within minutes.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The temperature isn’t displayed, though there is an outlet to install a probe.
  • It’s designed for one to two people and might struggle when catering to a large group.
  • It needs to have electricity to power the turning auger, so you’ll need to take a power bank with you.
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Z Grills are transforming the BBQ and grilling industry fast. They come in different designs with varying hopper and cooking capacity. Experts say Z Grills differ from standard BBQ equipment in efficiency, convenience, and flexibility.
Unlike charcoal grills, these machines have features like automatic temperature control systems that eliminate the need for monitoring the cooking temperatures.
The fact is, getting the right model you can use at home or outdoor activities can be daunting. But with proper guidance, it’s easy to land on your dream model. In this guide, we will look at the definition of a wood grill, why you should choose Z Grills and the features to consider when selecting a Z Grill.

What is a wood pellet grill?

6 Best Z Grills Wood Pellet Grills – Reviews and Buying Guide

A wood pellet grill is an outdoor tool that combines the functionality of an oven, smoker and gas grill in one machine. This equipment uses 100% wood. You can use it for grilling your favorite steak or baking biscuits and cornbread.

The duration that the wood pellets last depend on the capacity of your hopper. For example, 15 lbs. of wood pellets can last up to 10-12 hours in the Z Grills ZPG-450B.

Why choose Z Grills?

Z Grills are among the top manufacturers of wood pellet grills. Their equipment is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Most buyers love that Z Grills come with a wide range of temperatures for cooking different foods.

As much as Z Grills have a beautiful finishing, they are versatile. You can use it for roasting, grilling, baking, braising, or smoking. These grills use a convection cooking style to cook food evenly. Most Z Grills can prepare steak in 30 to 50 minutes.

Models like Z Grills 550SQIN blend with outdoor activities like camping. Several Z Grills have sturdy canister wheels that boost their mobility in yards.

Features to consider when choosing a Z Grills wood pellet grill

Z Grills makes excellent grills, and you’re likely to be overwhelmed with the selection process. Selecting the right model does not only involve factoring in your budget, but everything from the hopper capacity to the weight of your machine.

The process is time-consuming but pays off massively in the long run. You will get an efficient machine to serve your household and guests for decades.

In this section, we will look at the features you should factor in, like the cooking area, hopper capacity, temperature range, weight, and the warranty.

Total cooking area

The cooking area affects the amount of food that you can cook at once. Machines with a wide cooking area can contain a relatively vast amount of food and vice versa.

The pellet grills we selected have cooking areas ranging from 450 to 1060 sq. inches. You can get a model with a grilling area that is divided into three compartments like Z Grills ZPG-10002B.

The Z Grills ZPG-450B has the smallest cooking area. You can use it for cooking small amounts of chicken or burgers at a go. Z Grills ZPG-10002B has the largest cooking area. Z Grills 550SQIN and Z Grills ZPG-7002B have mid-sized cooking areas.

Hopper capacity

The hopper hosts the wood pellets. The size of a hopper affects its weight and price. Z Grills with large hoppers are heavy and costly compared to models with small-sized hoppers.

6 Best Z Grills Wood Pellet Grills – Reviews and Buying Guide

It’s advisable to invest in a pellet grill with a large hopper if you cook for a large-sized family. Z Grills with a large hopper like Z Grills ZPG-700D, Z Grills ZPG-7002B, and Z Grills ZPG-10002B reduce the amount of time you spend refilling the pellets.

A Grill with a small hopper like Z Grills 550SQIN suits small to medium-sized families who love engaging in outdoor activities.

Temperature range

Z Grills offer 180 to 450 degrees temperature range that is ideal for roasting, baking, smoking, BBQ, or braising. You can set your machine at high temperatures like 375 degrees to prepare steak. Preheat your grill for 15 to 20 minutes first before embarking on cooking.

Low temperatures cook delicate meats evenly without burning them. Use temperature ranges from 225 to 250 degrees if you’re preparing briskets. Temperature between 275 to 350 degrees suits cooking chicken.

 

Dimensions

Experts advise buyers to factor in the size of their storage space before purchasing any Z Grill. Z Grills with relatively small dimensions like Z Grills ZPG-7002B, Z Grills ZPG-700D, and Z Grills ZPG-450B fit into compact storage spaces.

Z Grills ZPG-10002B and Z Grills 550SQIN have the largest and smallest dimension, respectively. The dimensions of the Z Grills 550SQIN makes it perfect for tailgating. Factor in the dimensions of the hopper since it affects the size of the cooking area and the amount of pellets it can contain.

Weight

Lightweight Z Grills like Z Grills 550SQIN and Z Grills ZPG-450B, are easier to maneuver than relatively heavy models like Z Grills ZPG-7002B 121. Experts say that a model like Z Grills 550SQIN has a nice weight that favors outdoor activities like camping. It can be used for tailgating. The lightest models we selected are Z Grills 550SQIN 112 and Z Grills ZPG-450B. Z Grills ZPG-10002B 130 is the heaviest Z Grill.

Warranty

Z Grill offers a warranty to protect the interest of buyers who are likely to get a model with defective parts like the hopper, wheels, and digital control system, among others.

The models we selected like Z Grills ZPG-450B and Z Grills ZPG-10002B have a three-year warranty. The Z Grills ZPG-7002B and Z Grills ZPG-700D offer a 30-day refund policy and a three-year warranty.

FAQ

How does a wood pellet grill work?

Wood pellets grills operate uniquely. A thin rod in the machine causes the pellets to smolder. The fan distributes the smoke in a convection style to give the food a smoky taste. You will waste oil through the grease drip, so you never have to stress about cleaning.

Where are Z Grills manufactured?

They are manufactured in China but marketed in the USA.

Our verdict

Z Grills are becoming the go-to tools for cooks who love baking, grilling, and braising. They come with cute designs and features like digital control systems to reduce your workload. Experts advise buyers to invest in a model with a large cooking area if you have a large family. Models with small cooking areas suit users who prepare food for two to four people.

Our first model is Z Grills ZPG-450B with 459 sq. inch grilling area. It comes with heavy-duty wheels, rustproof cover, and racks. It has awesome features like an LED time temperature display and an auto-start ignition system.

Z Grills ZPG-10002B is our second pick. It has a spacious grilling area that is divided into three sections. It offers up to 25,000 BTU/hour. 20 lbs of wood pellets can last you up 15 hours.

As for the Z Grills 550SQIN, the seller claims it is designed for home use and grilling parties. Z Grill offers a spacious grease bucket to trap the oil.

9,9
Total Score
Z Grills ZPG-450B - Editor’s Choice
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