Is Z Grills' Monster Multitasker 11002B Pellet Grill All Hype?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

What do you think? If they fix the app would you buy this grill? If so you should get it from their website - they include free gifts and more! emv4.me/ZG-11002B

[@papad9067]

No not for me, I love my RecTeq 1250 (that's no longer produced). I hope one day you do a review on RecTeq... My only pet peeve with RecTeq is no pellet dump or gasket. The model I have has a 40-pound harper and I'm not sure why no pellet dump. The PID controller is spot on, especially living in temps 100 - 115. It maintains temps without hesitation. Fingers crossed for a RecTeq review however I'm a fan regardless, you have great pitmaster skils. PS No problems with the RecTeq app connecting... lol

[@mrwolf59]

check your wifi - 2.5 VS 5ghz. In Aus we have a problem with "smart" devices only active on 2.5ghz networks. Even though router can run at 2.5ghz... it doesnt work for connecting. Change to "smart Mode". problem goes away - yes z grills should make wireless AC/AX

[@lmfinato]

Have had one of these for over a year. App works fine on Android. Seems the issue is on Apple. Done a few pork shoulders ALL INCREDIBLE. I don't bother with Super Smoke. I just set it at 225, no water pan (only a 1/2 sheet pan for catching grease so cleanup is easier), 225 all the way through. I get all the smoke I could ever ask for, incredible bark, and great taste. I don't bother wrapping or "boating" either. I just let it go at 225 until it's done. Perfect every time. Works fine on brisket cooks like this as well

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Nice job on the review. Easily one of my favorite Z GRILLS ever produced. Because of where my cook shack is located I never try these Apps. That said, I was surprised that the Masterbuilt App and wifi/BT works well. Maybe this is the year that grill manufactures have figured it out! Appreciate the kind words and shout out! Awesome detailed review!!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Tommy - you're one of the best and I appreciate you leading the way! And yes wouldn't it be nice if this was the year they all figured it out?!?!?!?!

[@brian2359]

I love these longer video reviews! You don’t see many KZbin guys doing this type of in-depth review! The pork looked pretty good!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Brian. I was talking to James about that today - he and I take our product review jobs really seriously and trust each others' opinions. And the pork was really good. I think with Super Smoke it would have been even better. If they will fix the app I'll try again and let you know!

[@johnd7201]

Solid review. The complicated initial burn-in procedure and the app issues are no-go’s for me. Appreciate you being honest about those, as those two things are big deals that can’t be skipped over.

[@dbrinas]

I love the super smoke mode. I’ve had this for almost a year and love it. The double wall helps insulate heat more during winter cooks and less pellet usage

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

I like the double-wall as an alternative to 1/4" steel. It seems to insulate well without the added weight.

[@bobareturned]

Can you confirm if the sticker on the hopper says if the input voltage can be either 110 or 220?

[@POCK81014]

@@bobareturned its only 110/120 (60 hertz) in the USA...these arent set up for 220/240

[@williamwilson2624]

That slow mo of you pulling the pork had my mouth watering. Great review, Al!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks William! That’s my favorite part of every video 😉

[@scottballentine1846]

The first start up process is kind of a pain - BUT - for someone that has never used a pellet grill its great to teach you what can go wrong (not heating, no fan, no auger spin etc) and what should be happening when you use the grill. I have had a 10002B for 1.5 years now and have really enjoyed it - it doesn't have the electronics with the app etc so have had no issues having to deal with that.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Great perspective!

[@breslaj4]

Zgrills manufactured Traeger from Day until their patent ran out and they started making their own. They have many, many years of experience in design and manufacturing. I've had my 700D for 4 years and never an issue.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Yeah they definitely have the manufacturing chops!

[@thekiltedkamper2855]

The apps new version works great on android. It cooks evenly and holds temp very close to settings. After initial startup it starts good. I put a few pellets in the firepot the first time and had no issues. I have used it in sub zero temps and it uses very few pellets in comparison to other grills i have owned. Have done briskets, pork butts, pizza, tritips, ribs and chucken and all turned out amazing. This is better than the Ironwood.

[@bpa5775]

The good news is that they put out a new app. The functionality is somewhat limited but works fine for my needs. I have had my 11002b for over 1.5 years and done lots of cooks. It has been rock solid and the food that comes off has great flavor. I tend to run pork shoulder at 180 over night and raise to 225 in the morning. I get plenty of smoke this way. Also use a water tray and wet brine my meat for about 12 hours prior to smoking. My brine includes salt, my preferred rub, extra brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, apple cider or juice and bourbon. I do spritz after raising temp to 225 every 20 minutes or so with apple cider vinegar/apple juice/bourbon mixture. No one who has had my pulled pork has ever been disappointed. Ribs, brisket, chicken, steak, picanha and turkey all have come out great.

[@ryanhezmalhalch1590]

I’ve had this for over a year as well. Excellent build quality, nothing could touch it for the price of $599 from Sam’s…. The fact that it’s so well insulated makes it just sip pellets which IMO leads to a lighter smoke ring and flavor. I don’t waste my time with Super Smoke as it tends to dry out the meat… I just add a smoke tube and that does the trick for that heavy smoke flavor if desired. The pellet quality can make a huge difference in this machine. I’ve found Bear Mountain pellets work fantastic! App if finicky on iOS but workable… I just use Meater Block as I prefer those features anyway. Don’t see any reason to upgrade. I’ve added Harbor Freight magnetic paper towel holder and the magnetic drink holder which works perfect for my spritz bottle. The bamboo cutting board is starting to split but it was just a nice touch anyway. I knew it would eventually need to be replaced.

[@Sardious]

I love good reviews and I love honest reviews I was looking at z-grills 4th of July deal where you get a new grill every 5 years thing. The tough thing is that this grill is not one of those options. I'm definitely not shocked that their biggest and most expensive grill is better than their average grill. It is good to see that they're actually putting in decent work though

[@curtisrogers4190]

For one thing the app connects, lol. Second it has all stainless stell grates instead of porcelan grates. Grilla has always been double walled all around the grill and welded reinforced lid so you never have to worry about warping. Z grills has always made cheaper quality pellet grills and just now starting to up grade. Grilla has always made high quality from the beginning when it started back in Michigan.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Curtis. I hope I get to review one of their grills someday!

[@KarnivoreKaren]

I'm really liking your reviews. Very detailed on the advantages and disappointments. Large pellet hopper with a clean out 👌, good one 👍. I also like the slant for runoff and the gasket. But it's a no unless the app is fixed, since it appears that you can't use some of the functions without it. Altogether, another great review, thank you 😊

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Karen - and spot on analysis. Good news is I'm working with their engineers to figure out the app - if we can get it working I'll make another test cook video to see if it can redeem itself. Fingers crossed!

[@fnafchannelquinn3486]

You missed some stuff. GOOD STUFF: My multitaster cooks super evenly (do a biscuit test), smoker temps are inline with what I measured, comes up to temp faster than anything else I ever tried, hot enough for pizza, included probes are accurate and work with or without the app, grease catch is huge, black finish is crazy strong, mine has zero leaks, double wall insulation keeps the temps in extreme cold/hot weather, super smoke mode @ 275f make a thick smoke ring. BAD STUFF: super smoke mode only works at 160f from the dial (WHY WHY WHY?!), the app allows you to go much higher... but the app does not work as described. Discovery over wifi dosent work, you need to manually select your make/model and connect via bluetooth for setup. AFTER THAT it works fine over wifi. No cover included. Grease trap should have disposable trays. Pellet dump is cool, but due to the angle only allows 1/2 the pellets to fall. I have to push the rest out with a long spoon. No Alexa/google/smart-home integration. It would be nice if Alexa said "Multitasker is pre-heated to 220f with super smoke".... or "Probe 1 internal temp reached Probe 2 still has 10 degrees to go"... Shut down takes 10 min.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Good analysis! So….would you buy it again?

[@fnafchannelquinn3486]

@@BehindTheFoodTV absolutely. I guarantee you will not find better in this price range. It easily holds up to other more expensive models. I wish there was a "drop in version" of the 11002b (multitasker). Zgrills has smaller models that look awesome without the legs attached (perfect for drop in or coutertop)... this is NOT one of them.

[@rsrguy]

Aggre... I love mine but the app sux and three emails to z grills got me nothing as my controller won't work without the app. My app won't allow me control of super smoke... and lately the app won't reflect what the pit is actually doing. I should probably re pair but the first time was such a GF I'm afraid to do it again. The strong suit is the price and the wall double wall construction.... I'm able to smoke all year at 5200 feet snow or no...(without chewing through pellets) can't get that for the same price or even close with a t-word. I'd buy again but beware of the lousy customer service

[@fnafchannelquinn3486]

@@rsrguy they just released new firmware. yo8u should try installing it.

[@rsrguy]

@@fnafchannelquinn3486 how

[@SDSBBQs]

Talking about the Presentation Layer... Oh the 7 layers of the OSI model... Networking class flashbacks. Seemed like a decent cook and cooker.

[@rsrguy]

Just read all the comments. Good stuff, were you able to make headway on the app issues?

[@lukejohnson9729]

Just bought this smoker. Gonna put it to the test this weekend and see if the app will work.

[@matthewmarais3922]

Hey I love your videos I find them informative but I have one request if possible. Could you at the end possibly do a rating like you give it a 4 out of 5 for example. I only say that because sometimes at the end of the video I don't truly understand where you stand with the product you are reviewing and having a numeric value will help. Thank you!

[@virginiacamper]

How about the use of a smoke tube to get some extra smoke? Or does that create a dirty smoke?

[@bobbicatton]

It's a bummer the app didn't work. Hopefully they get it resolved soon. Nice review, Al👍😊

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Hi Bobbi! Totally agree - working with them on it so hopefully we can figure it out!

[@allenbateman3518]

I'll stick with my Recteq. Now that one is built like a tank! From the tank, deflection shield, drip tray, all 304 Stainless Steel. Very heavy....

[@Hacky2447]

Looks just like the Treager Ironwood, minus the pretty stainless racks.

[@smokingtarheel3003]

It still seems like a good value for the size and build. Wifi is not a necessity when you have Thermoworks Smoke, Meater, and so many other options laying around.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

It is definitely a good value. WiFi matters less for tracking than for control - I did a pork shoulder for the family this week on the Traeger - overnight at 200F until 6am with SuperSmoke then up to 275 to finish and I didn't even have to get out of bed :-).

[@smokingtarheel3003]

@@BehindTheFoodTV Makes sense AL! I hope they fix the app. I can't afford a Traeger. I'm sporting a 8 year old Grilla Grills Silverback that is still rock solid. It works quite well.

[@matthewford3294]

I have this exact smoker and I really like how it cooks but I completely agree about the app. My app connects but if I walk away about 3-4 feet it disconnects. Called tech support and they told me to keep the phone as close as possible to keep connection. That kind of defeats the purpose of using the app to be able to go and do other things and monitor at the same time. Hopefully with some exposure they’ll get things fixed.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Their engineering team saw the video and are working with me to solve the problem now. Fingers crossed we all get a new app!

[@bigvisk1125]

ive been thinking a pellet or one of the gravity charcoal type grills for when i dont want to manage a fire, or thinking of splitting long cooks, first half in offset and finish overnight in a pellet... hmmm

[@Keith80027]

Thanks for doing this review and what your ground rules are and I approve! Looks like a great pellet grill and I was surprised that the newer pellet grills are turning out great food. But I have a kamado and will not be looking to buy a pellet, but I still looking at pizza oven or offset.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Keith. I don't think there's any reason to switch from your kamado cooker. I have to tell you though that if I was in the market for a new cooker today it would be either an offset or one of the new pellet grills. I've been looking for a Kamado that will out-cook the KJ, but so far the KJ is the best and it's not putting out food as good as the newer higher-end pellet cookers. I have a few more to test, and the Primo guys are working with me to see if they can recover from what I found in that video so maybe - but I'm not holding my breath.

[@jacasaus100]

I would probably buy the grill, if you could do it comparison against this grill and the timberland XL where you made the best brisket ever. Do it the Goldie's way like you did on the last video, compare the two and see if this is worth the money.

[@RobSnyder]

If you decide to keep it a bit longer will you do the slice bread test across the bottom to see how even the heat is. I have a Zgrill 702something from about 3 years ago double wall solid built unit. no very even heat can not complain did not need wifi as like you have a meater that does a lot of the heavy lifting. Glad to see over wall good price to preformance.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks - working on that now with them, Rob. If they get the app fixed I'll do another cook on it and see if it can take a top billing. Fingers crossed!

[@troyv8302]

I like that style with the vents in the back. Reminds me of my SmokeFire. You would think they would have their act together already with the app, but the rest looked good. Nice review Al!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks - I like it too. That's the design Traeger went with on their new grills as well. Fingers crossed this will help them get motivated with the app right?!?!?!?!

[@troyv8302]

@@BehindTheFoodTV 100% Al. It's a pellet grill, the app should be more than an afterthought.

[@POCK81014]

weber smokefire was designed after the zgrill 11002b....

[@dennisfeldman56]

Nice candid review although not a pellet guy. Would like to see you do more on your Santa Maria Grill if possible.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Dennis. We have some good grill content coming for the summer - stay tuned!

[@TheRealBobBasher]

The biggest question I have asked myself over the years is "How Much Of This Am I Going To Use"? I have a second gen Blackstone & an off brand pellet. The only time my cooks have failed is on me. My kit has been rock solid because I've maintained them. If you got the deep pockets and want the status...go ahead. I can now, but years of experience has taught me that I don't need to. I follow Content Creators that show me "How" to do something...some of them with nothing more than a fire and a rock.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Good point. So who is your favorite fire and rock creator?

[@TheRealBobBasher]

@@BehindTheFoodTV are your being a smart ass? I've done it because I had to and didn't have a camera. Have you ever had rock fried squirrel?

[@Hello_its_me_mario]

Did you have to refill the hopper at all?

[@bobareturned]

I have read the user manual on zgrills website for this info already. Is the grill dual voltage? IE. can you use it with 110 or 220 voltage? Like traegers are dual voltage, they just need the different type of cords

[@claudebarnes6784]

From what I was reading up...i do have my own Z Grill. Z Grill manufactures the Traeger grills. Not sure if that is still true today.

[@craighebert4655]

Looks real nice brand new.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

There's something about shiny new cookers, right?

[@altongehringer9858]

Yes.

[@TheFrancisProject]

Dang I am looking for a pellet grill for some overnight smokes and with this deal at $1,088 on there websight I almost pulled the trigger. I think with some of the issues I am just going to spend the extra to get a Traeger Ironwood. Thanks for the review!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Either way you're probably making a good decision. I'm working with their tech support now to figure out the WiFi - if they get that right I think I'd be willing to overlook the crazy first fire burn-in process. But it HAS to have WiFi that works right?

[@TheFrancisProject]

@@BehindTheFoodTV Also I have a request unless you have done it. Cold smoke a brisket over night in a smoker like you did the beef ribs a couple weeks ago :)

[@absoz]

Interesting review. Yeah bad form on the app. Would still have been nice to use the super smoke function, even at 160 - would the pork still have climbed to 150ish if you left it there til you woke up ?? My EX6 SmokeFire runs its smokeboost at 180 which I’ve been pretty happy with so far Of course it’s BIG test will this Friday as you well know with my attempt at the Bar A beef ribs - whilst 180 is warmer than what you’ve had your ribs cooking, the EX6 has well known variances in the grate level, which I will use to its advantage. With that massive heat shield, would the water pan have been needed ? There was a teenie little colour to it when you boated the pork. Which would then make trying to sear something harder. I’ve loved searing things on the EX6 (removing both the center flavouriser bar and burn pot cover, having the flame reach the weber circular sear grate and kissing beautifully what I want to finish off - pity about it topping out at 500 (vs my 600) too. Might struggle with pizza ? (Hmmm, something else I need to do again) Reckon this might go over $2500 here based on the ex6 pricing vs there. Good honest review that I have to agree with your thoughts on it

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Good analysis Andrew. I don't know what they sell for over there but I think you've got a solid cooker with the EX6. I can't wait to hear how those beef ribs turn out!

[@danielploy9143]

I’d probably trade the pit boss 820D for it? I don’t know ?

[@Hacky2447]

isnt Zgrills the same company that used to make the smokers for Treager?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Yup.

[@xtreemej7]

I do like a pellet grill for easy smoking. Never get the smoke flavor of an offset, but this does look like one that cooks well. I do hate the app sucks. And I think the foil boat should be used on any butt or brisket on a pellet grill.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You're right of course. I really don't like having to boat but I think that's likely where we're going to end up with all of these I think. Thanks for always watching!

[@warcraft8226]

thanks

[@papad9067]

If I can suggest... instead of trying t o use the smoke mode that you found had limitations, next cook try using a smoke tube... Jus Sayin....

[@DougWoods-l6z]

the app has to run on 2.5 wifi not 5.0 wifi that could be the reason you could not connect?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks. We tried that and a bunch of other things. Working with their support team to figure it out still!

[@crwjoe]

They probably used a cheap WiFi controller that has an issue will separating the WiFi bands. If you have 2.4 and 5ghz that's not separate that's usually why. Try to separating the bands on the WiFi router.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Still working with their support on it - stay tuned!

[@stevieg2755]

Very nice smoker but a bit on pricey side,I like the camp chef with the sliding drawer for wood chips

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

The Camp Chef is a good smoker. For me if I'm going to have to go out and add wood chunks every hour I might as well just keep my stick burner running. But it's still a contender.

[@danielhaddock5635]

Pit Boss uses a grease trap like that in its grills

[@k1llerdir]

The Pellet grill I have is the YS640 with the Maroon comp cart.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Ooooh fancy with the Maroon! How do you like it?

[@k1llerdir]

@@BehindTheFoodTV I really enjoy it. My only grips are not enough probe ports on the factory FireBoard controller and bigger hopper. I find when I overnight cook I might go through 13lb of pellets and have add some. Where I set mine for overnight cooks is 200 degrees F.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

@@k1llerdir awesome. When I had the 1500 I really wished it had a pellet dump too. But it was a tank.

[@thekiltedkamper2855]

Super smoke works past 160 with the app.

[@curtisrogers4190]

Z Grills are made in the same plant as the Grilla Grills, They use different grates and controll boards. Having bought the grilla chimp and then the Silverbac, I would rather spend my money on the Grilla Grills, better grill in my opinion.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

I've never cooked on one. What do you think makes it better?

[@lukejohnson9729]

App is working perfectly on me and my wife’s phone. Gonna super smoke a brisket.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Enjoy!

[@POCK81014]

yup, there is nothing wrong with the app....and now there is a new app out from zgrill

[@rwcah]

Really appreciate these reviews. App not connecting is not good but I don’t like super smoke restricted to 160. For my preference it has to work at 200 minimum and preferably at 225. Thanks AL for all the excellent videos you consistently put out.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks for the kind words. It's hard to argue with you. What are you cooking on?

[@bigal7373]

You missed a big step. Take some of the juice from the drip pan and add to the pulled pork. Rookie move! :)

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Haha no I didn't :-). That's why I dropped the boat in a drip pan - the one on the bottom shelf was water and whatnot, but all of that rendered fat and connective tissue got picked up in the boat and the drip pan. That's why it was juicy AF! :-)

[@MrChops442]

Looks EXACTLY like a Weber Smokefire EX6....but with a grease tray

[@POCK81014]

smokefire was designed after the 11002b....

[@freddixon2902]

Why's the controller showing the WiFi symbol?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

It shows that symbol when it's trying to connect.

[@deadly559]

I put my phone in airplane mode to set up the app for some reason that worked

[@07slowbalt]

Fathers day sale is doing a buy 1 get 10 free of this brand grill. Seems like a sketchy offer.

[@mrjeffry25]

Interesting the one I bought from them had an open flame design that does not have that future

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Which one did you get?

[@mrjeffry25]

@@BehindTheFoodTV I bought ZGrill 600D3E this one have open flame and it is good I can sear on it

[@dres-bbq3569]

Love your honest reviews, i own 2 pellet grills and love them.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Dre! Which ones do you own?

[@dres-bbq3569]

@@BehindTheFoodTV My first one was a Burnhard Flint. great cooking space and good flavor. My second one is a Green Mountain grills Daniel Boone. This one is one of the best out there in my opion. The new models even got better. Check em out some times, its an American brand with even there own great pellets. I use there brand in both my pelletgrills. Try fruitwood, i prommis you will like it.

[@cameronbragg3612]

I believe z grills made traeger back in the day before traeger wanted to make there own for the public

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You are correct!

[@lancedean5987]

Love watching The Gallery Backyard BBQ, Tommy is awesome!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

How could you not love Tommy! He's one of the best!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

@@BehindTheFoodTV Thanks-.... I think we're all pretty great!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

thanks bud.

[@blackshirt5530]

Love the hair cut!!! Waayyyyy better imho

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks! Still growing it out some. Wish my GF like it…….

[@heatherl9247]

I still miss the red hair…and your curls!!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

@@heatherl9247 the curls will be back soon baby!

[@blues-city]

Seems you really didn’t want to do this; or maybe you are grumpy like me 😂

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

LOL I'm often grumpy.......but no I definitely wanted to do this. And I gave it a fair review, and if they fix these 2 things they will get a solid endorsement from me. They are working on the WiFi fix now. Stay tuned!

[@alexaquino975]

I feel its a knockoff version of the timberline 1300, and definitely looks like a pain in the ass videos like this made me go with my recteq dualfire but thank you for all your videos i love them:)

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

It definitely appears to be based on the Ironwood series. LMK how you like your RecTeq when you get it!

[@jpyornoc]

Your, your, your, hair. It changed.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

lol where ya been? You might be the only one to miss the video where I unveiled the no more red hair! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rOd52prb6skK8

[@danielhaddock5635]

Camera makes it look dry...

[@millironcraig]

For these prices; weber all day

[@joelblair8339]

Good review, but you whine about some dumb things, you got a free grill but no cover, I had to do a couple of extra steps in the burn in to make sure everything is working like it should, but it was to inconvenient that you would never buy another one?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

I call 'em like I see 'em Joel. I'm still working with them on getting the WiFi and app working - so you may get to see a redemption video. Without a burn-in :-)

[@dtrain3319]

Z grills is owned by Traeger.

[@dtrain3319]

Or at least use to make them for Traeger.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

They used to manufacture for a number of brands including Traeger. Now they are independent.

[@nodak911]

It’s not a recteq.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Correct.

[@j2tus2000]

The CNN banner at the bottom is kind of pathetic.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

There's no banner at the bottom. Maybe you have a computer virus.

[@j2tus2000]

@@BehindTheFoodTV It was wild. I was watching some other vid and it put the comment on this on. Great review btw