Honest Review Of The Z-Grills Cruiser 200A Portable Pellet Grill / Product Overview and First Cook!

[@michaelpawelski8444]

Great clip, I own a A-smoke AS-350, These portable pellet smoker/grills are the bomb. Everyone who loves to BBQ should own one.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Michael! Appreciate the feedback

[@donmitchell493]

Hi, Tom I just bought the upgraded "Pro" version of this. PID controller and temp probe included. $228, as part of Amazon Day Can't wait to try it. This video helped make my decision easy.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Don! Enjoy!

[@sail72]

Wonderful video Tom, Can't believe it worked so well in such cold temps!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! I was amazed!

[@jaybooth4815]

Great review of the ZGrills portable pellet grill Tom! Performed really well especially in that cold temperatures. I like the 8 lb. hopper and grease system. That meatloaf turned out amazing! ( I’m smoking some stew meat for chili on the Memphis Pro, it’s about 8 degrees outside and watching this video.) thanks for sharing Tom!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Jay! Chili sounds awesome on a day like today

[@jaybooth4815]

Tom, it should be delicious! Smoking the beef really adds a deep flavor. Cheers!

[@scottd143]

Thanks Tom for a great review and meatloaf recipe. Looks like the grill performed well. I hope you can do a comparison with the RecTec in the future

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Scott! I dot think Rec Tec has something like this

[@j-clevesque7007]

Tom have you done a temperature test with your pucks to see what actual temps are vs controller settings? Thanks!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! I don’t think I did, but I believe it was pretty consistent. Most of the smaller portables over shoot when you start them up, but as long as the lid stays closed most of the time they dial themselves in pretty well

[@j-clevesque7007]

Thank you!

[@j-clevesque7007]

Do you have a preference on any of the portable pellet grills that you have had a chance to use? I am in the market for one and value your opinion.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

The Pit Boss

[@randycoker3551]

That little smoker is awesome! Great job

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Randy!

[@rickcormier9160]

Can you compare the quality of ZGrills Cruiser to the Pit Boss’s table top pellet grill. It also looks like the Cruiser’s grate could handle a frozen pizza! I have a GMG Davy Crockett but it weighs almost 75 pounds which is getting a little harder to handle at 65 years old.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Rick! Don’t have the cruiser anymore. I believe though that it was bigger in size the grease tray was much better too. I think the Pit Boss has slightly better temp control. Other than that they both perform well

[@guythecookingsam2588]

I just bought one of these. I'm wondering, why are there vents in the bottom half on the hopper side, but not the cooking side?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! The bottom half of the hopper side is where the blower and auger motor is located. Vent most likely is for ventilation

[@guythecookingsam2588]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Good point. Thanks!

[@jackwebb5917]

Tom, you’re going to have to get a bigger “land of grills”! 🤣😎

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jack! You are correct!

[@waynethompson4315]

Tom, I’ll try to keep this short. We currently live in our RV and I have a PK grill that I love. The issue I have is the park we spend six months in when we winter in Arizona does not allow open fires including charcoal grills. I am considering the Z grills Cruiser. I have the PK Littlemore Grid for my PK to expand my cooking area. From what I can tell the Littlemore will fit in the Cruiser. Do you have a Littlemore from the PKs you have used? Does it fir in the Cruiser? Know anyone who could use a PK YX? Lol! Love your videos!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Wayne! I don’t have the little more anymore, it may fit, but I doubt their would be much space left on top, maybe enough for ribs, but that would be about it. Have you considered the Ninja WoodFire might also be a good alternative

[@waynethompson4315]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Thanks Tom. I’ll give the Ninja some consideration.

[@WeberEnthusiast]

Great reviews Tom 👌👌

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@theobserver9565]

Got a link to where that table is available?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! The table is a Weber product, not made anymore

[@purleybaker]

Thanks for the video Tom. Solid as always. This seems like a good design. The meatloaf certainly turned out well, especially given the outdoor temps. It looks very evenly cooked. I haven't tried your approach to molding meatloaf but it's on the list of things to make, probably on a PK because I don't have a pellet cooker. Yet.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! The Meatloaf is super simple to do!

[@AntonSolo]

Thanks for the review Tom, I've been thinking about finding a compact grill that would allow me to cook on an apartment patio without having to deal with the restriction for propane and charcoal grills. One question, how is the pellet ash removed??

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Tony! Once cooled down usually the next day, I use a small shop vac to vacuum out the ash

[@Brandon-jy2yl]

Tom, do you happen to have a link for the grill mat used on the meatloaf?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Brandon! Got it a bunch of years ago, can’t remember where…

[@alvincatraz]

How fast does it heat up to 380?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! About 15 minutes

[@spacegirl106]

Tom Horseman can you please review the Lotus Grill

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Keith! I’ll look into that grill, haven’t seen it yet…

[@spacegirl106]

Thanks tom I would appreciate it.I love your reviews!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks Keith!

[@Popeye67]

Rate this vs Treager Ranger & the Halo battery powered portable. I’ve been a Treager guy for years, but the Ranger looks a bit too small for a pizza.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! Don’t have the Ranger or the Halo, the grease tray setup is the same, zgrills is cheaper in price I believe

[@johnjensen1307]

Been looking at this pellet grill. Like Traeger ranger but too heavy for me to lug around. Actual question. Does it smoke? Didn't see any references about that.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching John! Yes, the lower temp settings 180 -275ish it will smoke

[@kristiansfoodnetwork7362]

​@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQso only smokes on lower settings or any?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! More visible smoke on lower settings

[@kristiansfoodnetwork7362]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ hi do you know where I can get pit boss PORTABLE BATTERY POWERED WOOD PELLET GRILL in Australia?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Sorry, I have no idea….

[@JimNapaCA]

All I can say is Wow! Thanks Tom

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jim!

[@whyme3286]

Do a review on the GMG Trek portable grill please.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Time will tell….

[@jluksenberg]

Thank you Tom, great review. In your opinion, what is the Best Portable Pellet Grill out there?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jake! Z grills….kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZS5mq2laZh1ibs

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Hmmm... Looks intriguing. My first experience with a "portable pellet grill" was the ASMOKE 300. That was a total disaster. It was defective from Day 1. When I called ASMOKE, they were less than receptive. Needless to say, I dont have that unit any longer. I would like to get one, maybe this one might the "the one", time will tell!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Donny! I was pretty impressed on first try especially because of the wind and the cold, 19 to start 10 at the end. Performed well. But you are correct, time will tell….

[@gotcheese9163]

Donny look at pellet pro and there side kick. By far the best portable pellet grill on the market. Love mine.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching!! Appreciate the feedback

[@Rbouch]

Seems like a nice portable pellet grill!!! Great review

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Robert! Worked very nicely!

[@tedz.]

Traeger, A Smoke, Z Grills, Country Smokers all of them are basically the same with a few unique features for the pricier China made options. If you're looking to give one a try, the Pit Boss version is $197 at Walmart. The Pellet Pro is the highest price one in this category and is not made from the same mold as the others. IMHO it has features that justify the premium price. BTW: I have one of the original A Smoke models. Got it for $150 with a bunch of extras during their crowd funding campaign. I doubt I'd get one at their current price tag. However, it does have a few design changes.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching and commenting Ted! The Pit Boss is an older model that they are getting rid of. I just saw the new all black one at Lowe’s last week it was in the $300,s

[@williambelott1897]

Tommy b oy, but you can't sear?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching William! Yes you can ….kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6izg2Cee7SGe80

[@fishindoc6025]

Tom I watched your review of the pellet pro sidekick. Could you compare that to this?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Geoff! The Pellet Pro is Heavy Duty all the way and is heavier than the Z-Grills. The Z-grills is more portable has a regular controller that worked pretty good. The Pellet Pro has the PID controller and a huge pellet hopper. They both work very well, it’s really up to what your needs are and which one fits them the best.

[@gotcheese9163]

Side kick vs cruiser?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! They both perform well! You can’t go wrong with either

[@djaric]

I was curious if this could do a pork butt. Good review!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! A small one

[@bradybisgard]

Looks nice but for the price I would do the GMG Trek for just a few bucks more and lot more space.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Brady! Appreciate the feedback

[@christhorne116]

Hilarious, great review, but why smoke a steak substitute?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Chris! Huh?

[@danimal107]

I see the weight is only 40#. To me this is the best thing about this grill. I have a GreenMountain Davey Crokett and it weighs near 80 # which to me is too heavy to be called a portable grill. If your going to advertise a grill as being portable you should make it light enough to earn that description imho.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Daniel! 40 pound without the pellets, but you are correct it easy to carry around

[@thomaskenny8879]

Tom, I was looking for a portable pellet grill to used at home and my seasonal RV site. I enjoyed this and your other videos on the Cruiser. I used your affiliate link to buy one last Sunday, and it arrived yesterday (Saturday). Unboxing was a little awkward because the grill was loosely wrapped in a plastic bag, and I wanted to save the box. I'm glad I did, because when I did the initial startup with an empty hopper per the instructions, the auger stopped working after a quarter rotation or less. I did multiple on/off cycles and the auger never budged. I emailed customer service and am waiting for their reply. I'm pretty disappointed and plan to return it for a refund. On a side note, I read a review of the the Traeger Ranger that reported the same problem.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Thomas! Appreciate the feedback. The auger doesn’t turn all the time. Did you let it run thru it’s cycle. In startup and as it’s running the auger turns on and off as it would on all pellet grills

[@thomaskenny8879]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQHi Tom, thanks for replying! I found your channel last weekend and have enjoyed binge watching your videos. I'm kind of envious of your grill collection, but I would have a hard time choosing between all of those great grilling options. I ran the startup procedure a few times, letting it run 4-5 minutes each time. The auger rotated 1/4 turn or less on the first attempt, stopped after about 10-15 seconds, and never moved again. I might give it one more try. The engineer in me wants to take it apart to find/fix the problem, but the other part of me just wants a refund. I just gave it one last try and let it run 10 minutes. The auger never moved. I suspect that the motor is burned up by now.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Ok, gotcha, sorry you had an issue, I’ve not had any with mine. Maybe customer service will be able to help, it is one of the better portable pellet grills on the market

[@thomaskenny8879]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Hi Tom. After several emails back and forth with customer support and two calls, it looks like my controller is defective or damaged. The part is out of stock, and it could be weeks for one to arrive from overseas. I've been waiting for a week for authorization to return it for a refund. I have a feeling that I'm stuck with a $330 doorstop and am considering swapping out the controller with a different model. I'm concerned that the tuning will be all wrong for this small grill. Might you have any suggestions for a different controller? Thanks.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

The best I could recommend would be from Smoke Daddy Inc. www.smokedaddy.com

[@txfieros]

Awesome little machine.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! I was impressed how well it did on a cold January day!

[@TonyRatkovicDC]

Thanks.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@averageoutdoorguy2737]

Very nice

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching!

[@EricPetersen2922]

Wow what a nice meatloaf 😋

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Eric! Thank you! Yes it is…. I appreciate you Watching and supporting!

[@chrisccb]

1:00 Price: $329 was $329 struck out. Haha. Fake sale prices from Z Grills.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Chris! Not sure what you are referring to

[@armysheep75]

$199 at Walmart right now

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Mike! Thanks for sharing

[@armysheep75]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Thanks for consistantly, not only making really good and well thought out reviews of grilling equipment, but consitantly making them about the specific things I'm interested in. It really helps the shopping and buying process if you don't have the resources and time to buy 152 different grills or pizza ovens or whatever, or just are curious how an oddity in the grilling world actually performs.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks Mike! Appreciate the support! Thank you

[@maille5243]

Too much money for what you get !!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Michael! Please advise …

[@peterprescott4136]

This is a direct rip off of a Traeger ranger. No shame. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Peter! Lots of similarities, no doubt, although z grills used to make the for Traeger

[@peterprescott4136]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ exactly! When they lost their contract to manufacture Traeger products they simply took all the physical and intellectual property and started building them under their own badge without any of the up front cost of R&D. Supporting companies with this sorta track record and policies isn’t for me. It’s unAmerican IMO. To each their own.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Ok, Thanks for sharing Peter, have a great day!