Pit Boss 1600 vs Z Grills 11002b | Which Is The Better Pellet Grill

[@thomaskloszewski]

I think that Z GRILLS has more usable options just a much better controller. Thankyou for taking the time to explain both grills.

[@stevefowble]

Hey Tommy, After hearing your thoughts on the PB Pro and ZGrill over the past few weeks, I have sold my PB Austin XL and purchased the ZGrill 11002B. Excited for it to be delivered.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

WOW..... AMAZING!!! Your going to love it

[@prephampaulk5vop320]

I'm going from my first smoker, Mastercraft electric, to a pellet and I appreciate your time and effort on this video. So far I have seen good reviews and such for zGrill and I'm no pro so I'll go with the Z and save a little money! Thank you!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Awesome. Any questions. LMK [e-mail]

[@tommybarnes3511]

I'm doing the exact same thing...masterbuilt electric to a Z-Pellet Grill. Good Luck!

[@genemcgrath4931]

After ordering this z grills pellet smoker this morning and seeing this comparison I'm glad I still went with the z grills!!! The wheels was no big deal and I already have the 700d from z grills!!! And even though the new one doesn't have the bottom cabinet I'm glad it doesn't. My 700d has one and I never kept nothing down there cuz it always got so hot under there it be more like keeping food warm instead of storing stuff!!! The seer plate would have been great but I can do without that too!!! Great video and I appreciate it thank!!!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks-. PS.... I sold my PB1600 right after filming!

[@2chrisward]

How is the cleaning and maintenance looking between the two? Similar?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Very simalar. Both need the proper vacuuming of the barrel.

[@2chrisward]

@@thegalleryBBQ Thanks for the comment and great video!

[@Bobsbbq]

They have just come out with a Pitt Boss Pro V3, with new 4+" touch screen controller, back to the straight bar type bottom rack, and a few others. I'm wondering if these new version 3 will tip the scales to the Pitt Boss? I haven't found any comparison of the new version.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Ive not seen that pit. Cheers. PS.... This 11002b is a killer pit.

[@thekiltedkamper2855]

I have the 11002b. Other than no sear center its awesome compared to my pitboss

[@mikemcmanus858]

I like the Z grill double wall- price and construction after 20 plus years of smoking meat I now have a 450 A for 6 years and the new multitasker. 11002B. Just did 30 plus lbs of country style on the 11002 then I did 9 racks of ribs at once. Thanks for doing the comparison 👍

[@thegalleryBBQ]

heck yeah. AGREED

[@double2706]

1:46 so when the video came on and he starts talking i was like. Hes doing a macho man rabdy savage thing. Then at 1:46 he drops an "oh yeah" and now no matter what he has my attention 😂😂

[@thegalleryBBQ]

My man......

[@troyv8302]

Really like these side by side comparison videos, keep 'em coming Tommy.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks, will do!

[@Bobsbbq]

Yeah it would be nice to see a head to head with the newer Pit Boss 1600 Pro Series Elite PSE.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

My Halo will up them all.

[@Jeeptj1300]

GREAT BREAKDOWN TOMMY ,I LIKE THE HONEST COMPARISON , I GOT THE PITBOSS 1100 NOW BUT IN 8 WEEKS MY LOANSTAR PELLET WILL BE HERE , I BELIEVE IT WILL MEET ALL MY NEEDS

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I believe you to be correct! lol

[@egviking1]

Thanks for taking the time to produce all these videos Tommy! I just purchased a Z Grill 1000d3 and have found that there is a 40 degree difference in the temp setting on the controller versus what my own ambient bbq probe shows regardless of what temp I set it to. Did you experience that in your testing in this video? I contacted customer service and they said it's normal, which I disagree with.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

There is always a difference in temps from the control panel. That goes for any pit including the Masterbuilt. Z, Pit Boss, makes no difference. That said. Give it a few cooks to settle down as these PID controllers have a little AI built in.

[@egviking1]

@@thegalleryBBQ Thanks Tommy - I decided to replace the built in temp probe and it now tracks way better. I'll be smoking this weekend!

[@hazman440]

Good honest side by side brother, I looked at them both when shopping for mine and was impressed, but ended up doing a 360* and purchased a Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Choice which was super easy to put together ... did the burn-in yesterday and put a butt on it this morning.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Ive heard nothing but good things about that GM Pits. Good choice my man.

[@shutsquad]

Please add price as a comparison category for these. It would help with understanding the differences in amount of features versus overall value. Otherwise great video!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Noted... Thanks for watching!!

[@mikemcmanus858]

Zgrill at Sam's Club $699

[@muskyhunter47]

What are your thoughts on the pit boss 1600 Elete

[@thegalleryBBQ]

AMAZING!

[@LewisTopher]

I want the Pit Boss 1600 but can't decide between the Pro or the Elite series. $400 difference and only a small amount of feature differences. Can you help me decide?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Tough call...

[@fastfrank-ca1936]

Hey Tommy, thanks for taking the time to do this comparison. 😀 Especially when you have your Friday night simulcast (which was cool)👍to do yet. Never seen you talk less. Lol. It was obvious you were hugging the grill to stay warm. Everyone else was in T-shirts...Best of health & Best 👌 Regards...ff 😎

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I do tend to ramble on 😂😃😂😃😂😃😂

[@patrickwhittaker6170]

I just bought that zgrill 1102b and I love how heat up fast and the Smoker work great. I bought at Rural King for$899 and I don’t think anything can beat it for money.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Patrick, welcome to the Z family! Thats an awesome price for this Tank of a machine. Ill have another video out this Wednesday. I hope to see you there!

[@dmdassow]

Sams club has it for 499....definitely gonna pull the trigger

[@grncreek]

Hi Tommy, really appreciate all the in depth reviews you do. I'm sure its a ton of work. I decided to move from a vertical to either a pellet or a gravity grill. For me its between the MB gravity 800 series and the Zgrills 11002b. Couple questions if you dont mind. I live in a somewhat colder climate and love smoking in the winter even when its below zero outside and I am admittedly lazy. Between the two which one in your opinion would be the best set and forget for longer smokes? and also in your opinion which makes better bbq food? Thanks really appreciate your opinion.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thats a tough one. The MB is amazing but may struggle a tad in colder climates. Do you or the family like smoky food? My wife prefers the z for a more mild smoke and its built like a tank. If you like heavy smoke the MB is a good choice. For a tad less try that Z... The Z will be more set it and forget it.

[@grncreek]

Thanks Tommy, appreciate your reply. I'm going to give the Zgrills a shot. Seems like I might run into less issues with it especially when it's really cold. I do love a lot of smoke flavor but if it's just a tad less the rest of my family would probably like the flavor of the Z more. Thanks again man, I do appreciate it.

[@darekforeman535]

Wow that Pit Boss took forever. I have the 850 Pro Series 2 and it never takes that long to start, reach temp, and it holds temps very well.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

They have 100% improved over these models shown!

[@UABFWSS]

How would you rate smoke flow/output of the Z, compared to a W SmokeFire?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

To me a pellets a pellets. Mostly all the same!

[@PAPATexas]

Nice job Tommy. I have the ZGRILLS

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I'm digging this pit for sure-.

[@SimplisticsBBQ]

Great review im a Zgrills fan, I have 2 700's and looking at getting the 1102b soon. Im not a traeger fan.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Good to see you brother, hope your doing well. If you do deside on a 1102b reach out for a code.

[@hookedm]

I wish you could get yer hands on the new RecTeq 1250

[@thegalleryBBQ]

So do I..... Ive heard nothing but good things!

[@jamieclary5350]

I bought the twin to the 11002b which is the 7052b and it’s a BEAST !!! Love it better than the grilla alpha and the trager

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Jamie get ready to kick azzzzzz.... Any questions. LMK

[@mervmellinger5433]

The control panel on the 1600 could definitely be better but mine gets to temp faster than yours does but I also leave the lid open when I fire it up until all smoke is clear don’t know if that makes a difference or not I’m also. Using knotty wood pellets they are much better than what I was using before

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Merv. Im trying to get the new modal of the 1600 as ive heard of many improvements. That said. This 1600 makes amazing food. I love it!

[@johndorsey7510]

I just purchased the ZGrills 1102b for $499 at Sam’s club. It’s a steal.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

You gonna love that pit!!

[@johndorsey7510]

@@thegalleryBBQ I hope so. This will be a companion to my MB 1050.

[@meals24u]

What about temp differences on the inside of the pit? I’ve seen 50 degree differences on the Pitboss from left to right, and that frightens me as my old old OLD Traeger is very even across the pit.. Thanks for doing these detailed breakdowns! Appreciate it

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Get the 11002b on sale at Sams for 499.00

[@meals24u]

@@thegalleryBBQ yessssss I’ve been eye ballin that but no Sams Place near me and no membership.. I need more friends 🤣🙌

[@stevehilliard1495]

Chargrill 980 superior? I’m not much on pellets

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Yes depending if you want that smoke flavor. My wife prefers pellet!

[@garryhammond3117]

That was an awesome comparison Tommy! Obviously each unit has it's pros and cons - too bad tou couldn't combine the best of both! 😉 I hope you continue to compare even more smokers to these. - Thanks for mentioning the Smoke-Fire, which would be in 3rd place I guess?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

For me it would. That said. Others love that Weber pit as it makes some amazing food.

[@ryanwhite2606]

Great content, I would love to see you review the Camp Chef Woodwind 36. I look forward to the next one. Stay safe our there.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks Ryan! Unfortunately, I have no relationship with Camp Chef. That said. I have an Oklahoma Joe Ryder DLX 1200 coming soon!

[@ryanwhite2606]

@@thegalleryBBQ Cool thanks

[@lawdogdaddyusa1255]

Doesn't z grill sponsor you?? Are they both double wall?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I actually get sponsored from Z grills and Pit Boss.

[@bobbicatton]

You were very fair. Great comparison video👍😊

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks Bobbi!

[@Stringerbell5]

Price points would be a good addition to the comparison, are they same or is the big z more dinero

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Depending on sales pretty close. I love my Z and sold my 1600...

[@jimjulias2510]

@The Gallery Backyard BBQ & Griddle i am looking at my first pellet smoker, and was wondering if you have tried the 1600 elite, it looks like it has all the upgrades you like about the z grill.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

@@jimjulias2510 thats an awesome pit!

[@petergunczy2497]

Great review Tommy, wish we had the opportunity to get these grills in Australia.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Peter. Maybe one day brother!

[@adammccammack8181]

Hey brother, thanks for the video! Trying to decide on a pellet grill and am leaning towards the Pit Boss.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Adam. If you have any questions. LMK [e-mail]

[@user-et3kk4tn4s]

did you go with the 1600?

[@markrambow8615]

Nice video Tommy I really like my 1600 it really runs good even in below 0 temps thanks for the great video

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Mark. One of the best pellet grills ive ever owned.

[@FritzFrank]

Awesome review video as usual! 👍👏🍻

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I appreciate that

[@Theoddless]

what was the prices?

[@ScottysBackYardBBQ]

hard to beat the pit boss. i love mine. my smoke fire is ready to go. Z grill has weber smoking chamber. all pits have grease fire. why true pit masters use drip pans.. great video. nice job both pits are tanks for sure..

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Cheers.

[@craigb5507]

purchased zgrill 11002b and it broke after one use control board died come to find out they have that problem and now the control ,boards are back orders..one cook and dead what a wast of money

[@thegalleryBBQ]

That sucks. Can you return it?

[@tripla22]

Thank you this is what I was looking for. I have the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series and I agree the wheels when moving on soft surfaces are great, however my Pit also lollygags its way to temp (with the new controller), I actually don't like the sear section or the diamond grates, so I use my Gravity Series 800 for steaks and burgers (it also has a griddle). I really wanted to know how well the 11002B smoked and you helped me with my choice of purchase, as I don't like the vertical smokers. I think I might move to purchase the Z-Grill, I do feel if you have one grill then the Pit Boss is the best in price and class as it has multiple features.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Aaron. I love the z grill 11002b. Have you seen this cook.? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZSXgYOjpZimpNE

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Also. If you deside on the 11002b email me and ill give you a link and 50.00 off :)..... You'll love this pit!! [e-mail]

[@BehindtheGarageBBQ]

Cool comparison video Tommy! That z grill hits the ground running and gets that temp up quickly, both look like soild cookers 👍 thanks for sharing brother, have a great weekend, you all stay safe!👍🍻👊🍺

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Its a bad boy pit thats for sure-. It may not do all what the PB does but what it does it does it well.

[@ericporter2373]

@@thegalleryBBQ which one has the easiest cleanout?

[@thegalleryBBQ]

@@ericporter2373 Id call it even. I mean. The PB has that pull down but more parts inside that need to be moved.

[@jasonspencer127]

Hey Tommy, Sam's Club has the Z 11002b on sale for 499. I just bought a Z 7002c2e this past April. My wife is gonna kill me if I do what I'm thinking about doing. But seriously the 11002b for 499...I don't think I can pass that up!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Jason. What a steal that is!!!!

[@brianrico9569]

I just bought mine from sams club. What a deal!

[@Willplunk]

When I first saw the photo, I thought I was looking at the Tommy Twins, LOL. No side shelf, more room for more pits. A 1 inch piece of metal beside the grates for the Pit Boss. The Cons are small and the Pros are big, Just my thoughts.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Good points Will.

[@Mankitchenrecipes]

Nice thorough review Tommy! I've heard that the 1600 takes a long time to heat up and that's one reason I have not bought one. My brother in-law has one and the lid seems to be a little on the heavy side? Not sure that's the best descriptive, but the lid seems a little cumbersome to open. I have a PB PS1100 and I absolutely love the sear option! One thing Z Grills could have done to really up it's game on the 1200! I think both fail on the front shelves, as both are too narrow in the front! All in all an awesome review!👍👊

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Good points. I hope to bring the updated 1600 to the channel and see if they have improved on a few things

[@frankriek1139]

Thanks Tommy, great and honest review. I have a Green Mountain Davy Crockett Model which is for me, an entry level but not nearly enough room as I thought it would have. I really like it though. Would the Pit Boss be good step up as it’s a lot less money? Keep up the good work.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Frank with the Pit Boss and that sear plate it's a tough one to beat. IMHO!

[@cjr4497]

I have had the 1600 for over a year and have cooked on it almost weekly. It is a great pit. I have the updated controller which is much better than the old. The heat up time greatly depends on the pellets. Pure hickory gets the hottest and heats up the quickest. Taking out that flimsy pan that goes in the bottom also helps heat time and air flow. It is not needed. I am still in love with the size of it. It is perfect. The racks slide and tilt to check meat. They also have enough spacing to not burn you hands while cooking if you don't want to slide them out.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

cjr..... All great points brother! That said. I am loving this Z....

[@Monrob2424]

Thanks for the comparison Tommy and including the speed to temp! I agree that the Pit Boss has a lot of bells and whistles but I do like the simplicity of the Z Grills. As you know I’m trying to move on from a small vertical smoker and a gas grill to a combo unit. It sounds like the Z Grills might be better to do quick grills when I want that. And of course the wife is questioning whether I need this large of a pit. Lol. Do they both have ash clean outs? Anyways great review.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

The PB has an easy drop-down clean output in reality it still neds to be vacuumed.

[@doublem9810]

Bottom line is the turnout of the food. It’s nice to have all the bells and whistle‘s but the bottom line is the food, and from what I can tell from the video the Z grill will produce better smoke, has better temperature control, and likely as a result- better food at the end. Would you agree or disagree with that statement? Thx Tommy

[@thegalleryBBQ]

DoubleM honestly the pit boss has that sear plate, I love that thing!!!

[@Aski247]

You never mentioned the fire pot ash dump on the 1600. I don’t know if the Z has that feature or not. But that’s a super convenient feature.

[@Aski247]

Need to try it vs the 1600 elite now, it has all the stainless, brushless motors for auger and fan, new controller, the new pit boss VST(smoke setting) Mine just came in today. So I’m excited to get it together and get a cook going on it.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Id disagrees because you still have to unload the barrel and vacuum the bottom. At least that's the way I do it..

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I love the look of that 1600. Keep me posted!

[@meals24u]

*Bells n Whistles, performance this or that, really at the end of the day, it is the “Feeling” that you described that it comes down to and the food it produces.* I for one don’t care for the bells n whistles, my brushes don’t hang on my grills, I don’t use the sear feature, the bottle opener, the griddle (got a 36”), I don’t like the diamond shaped grates, generally I don’t need more than 2 probes and if I do, I have wireless ones, I definitely never use the bottom shelf under the grill and I always have a stainless Cart next to me for extra counter space and cutting board etc.. I also don’t move my grills around much, and ever since owning a pitboss I’m no longer a fan of folding shelves either haha.. So needless to say, I am now looking at potentially investing in a new ZGrills 🤣 Not for the bells and whistles, but for the experience and results that others are getting from theirs, and then sharing it.. I am also looking at getting a proper Sear Box like an Otto Wilde or a Blazing Bulls, and then my outdoor kitchen should be fairly complete with charcoal, pellets, propane, 36” griddle, Airfryer and happy wife! Let’s goooo 🙌🙌

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Check out the 11002b on sale at Sams for 499.00. Thats a total steal.

[@meals24u]

@@thegalleryBBQ big facts!! 🙌🙌

[@Rbouch]

Loved the comparison, Tommy, Zgrill I think might edge out pit boss but either one is great!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Robert. With all those extras it was so close.

[@lx2nv]

I really thing if the Z-Grill had a sear zone, then there would be a no brainer! I have the OG Z-Grill 700 and what a nice pit for the price. I think MSRP between the two should play a factor as well. Good video as usual!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Great point! Thanks-.

[@thebackyardgriller9076]

Great job!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks!

[@Bobbybear92]

I have owned that z grills for just over a year it is far superior to my pit boss 1100 pro if I could give any advice stay away from pit boss in general I have the 1100 pro right out the gate it could not hold a steady temp it would be set at 225 and would be up to 350 most of the time one could argue I had a defect but a buddy bought the Austin xl and another bought the 700 all had exact same problems another big issue is that sear plate box what not that’s a big problem for flare ups hosting 4th of July cooking up burgers and when I opened the lid to flip because you can’t close off to direct flame the whole pit went up in a grease fire that the only thing I could do is let it burn itself out

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Agreed. I love my Z GRILLS 11002b.....(I sold my PB1600)

[@mikehalfmoonmullins404]

This is gonna be good ......

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Oh yeah...

[@ignatiusl.7478]

Dang! Z grill it is.

[@WHATTADOO-ge7hm]

Zgrill is made in the same factory as grilla grills but is lower quality material. Still does a good job but overpriced just like traeger.

[@lmdrn06]

Inyards 😂 and to think I always pronounced it innards, lol

[@thegalleryBBQ]

lol

[@kraigchinn747]

You didn’t pick a winner

[@thegalleryBBQ]

I Laid out all the pro's and con's of both pits. The choice is yours!

[@maille5243]

The ONLY THING that matters is how they cook !! Everything else is BS ...

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Agreed!!!

[@dannyallen9804]

Why are we whispering. Are you wanted by the police and their only identifier is your normal voice

[@lisagill9971]

💞👼🏻💐

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Your a great supporter. Cheers

[@TheKneipenhocker1337]

Dont do drugs