Watch This Before Buying A Pellet Smoker | Z Grills 700D3 Review

[@rgr120560]

great review! i have ordered it and let them know it was because of this review!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the support

[@rgr120560]

I am 63 years old and my husband is disabled. He read the instructions and I put it together. I could even pick up the barrell. The instructions are excellent. Easy to use and loving it!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats awesome! im glad it was easy to assemble for you, Its a great pellet grill. Enjoy!

[@SmokeEater509]

Great review. I owned a Pit Boss for years and it finally bit the dust. I just got a Z Grills pellet smoker and can't wait to use it.

[@SmokestackJoes]

You will love it. I think it is the most underrated pellet grill out there. Mine has been extremely reliable. I just did an overnight pork butt on it this past weekend and it ran flawlessly.

[@kee7678]

How you like it so far...I'm shopping around on what to buy...

[@i.follow.jesus.christ]

Thinking about getting the 500B2 model

[@SmokestackJoes]

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the models they offer. I have a video coming out today where I reviewed the 7002C2E

[@bigbird5090]

Love my Z-grill and I always do this method for my steaks. I have the optional cast iron skillet which works great for this. I run mine on the 160° / smoke setting until the sear. This allows for more smoke time as pellet grills don't lay down the same amount of smoke as my offset does. Also, try making a smoked salt and pepper rub and let it camp out on a rack in the fridge for a few hours first. Still love my offset but these are good grills for all the reasons you describe.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have never actually used the smoke setting on mine, I was curious what the temp runs at in that setting. I am going to have to give that method a try. Thanks for the comment!

[@bigbird5090]

@@SmokestackJoes Just did a couple of prime strip steaks tonight - Let them sit in the fridge for about 5-6 ours with smoked salt and some cracked pepper. smoked on the Z-grill on the smoke setting (160°) until 110°. Then seared till 128-130°. Did some smoked butter shrimp with a rub and diced garlic and ginger as an appetizer. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls for a side with plum sauce and siracha. Perfection. 🙂

[@keithtrosen7954]

Good cook. That Z Grill is amazingly similar to my 12 year old traegar pro 22. Only difference I see is the stainless steel diverter and drip pan. Price looks great and if mine ever dies I will replace it with that same model you tested. Nice job, keep up the great videos.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it

[@WhyetD]

My 22 controller just died… $165 or new grill that is the question!

[@johnfortney224]

had mine for a year, already changing. thermostat and temp sensor. 3 year warranty just wait to you try to get to there customer service, JOKE.

[@Dougy_Fresh]

That's because Z grills made built Traeger grills for Traeger from the beginning. Then after the patent expired they started selling their own brand.

[@bm1588]

I’ve been considering one of the Z grills. This was a great review to watch. Yeah, I think I’m gonna end up going with the Z grill.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I cant say enough good things about my Z grills. I have had 2 and they both have been great.

[@user-mybigtruck]

I bought one just waiting for it to be delivered. Can't wait to use it..

[@SmokestackJoes]

They are great, I cant recommend them enough

[@user-mybigtruck]

I got the ZPG 600 2B2

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats a nice one, hope you enjoy it

[@ginojeffries4285]

I’m now in the market for a pellet smoker. I have a Masterbuilt electric smoker with the cold smoke attachment for it. I do use wood chips. I also have a Webber 22” kettle for charcoal

[@SmokestackJoes]

I cant recommend the z grills enough, they are a great price and work flawlessly

[@Robbie6603]

Just got this model on their black friday promo. Buy one get a free one every 5yrs. Thanks for the video, gonna be good.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah there new deal is crazy. This is such a great model. mine has been awesome for 3+ years now.

[@nikbadshah]

So searing on this hot cast iron pan vs the searing on flame ( with pitboss). Is the idea same? Definitely liking these zgrills but just wondering on that flame searing feature that pitboss offers. Thanks

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes the cast iron sear is the same idea as a flame sear. The z grills does not have that option on this grill but I cover my drip tray with foil so if it did it would be covered anyway

[@nomdeplume404]

how fast do these consume pellets? Like how long with average use would a 40lb bag keep you going?

[@SmokestackJoes]

These do not consume a lot of pellets at all. I have filled the hopper and done an overnight pulled pork and brisket and after cooking all night it only used about half the hopper. That was at 225 though. when you run hotter temps it will use more pellets.

[@cybernode33]

I've been an avid griller for years and a loyal Traeger+ user, but after switching to Asmoke, I've never looked back. The precision and control Asmoke offers are unrivaled. The digital controller and FlameTech patent genuinely provide a temperature control within 5°F. This precision has significantly improved my grilling results, allowing me to cook my meats exactly how I want them. Plus, the distinct flavors Asmoke allows with their various wood pellet options have really taken my BBQs to the next level. My favorite has to be the applewood; it gives such a unique and enhanced taste to my food. I also love the convenience of the Asmoke Essential being battery-powered. I've used it at a few tailgating events, and it's been a game-changer. Truly, Asmoke has revolutionized my grilling experience. #Asmoke

[@JamesMcCabe703]

So with all that resting, how warm is the meat when you finally eat it? I don't like cold or semi-warm meat.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Its still plenty hot especially when the meat is as thick as the one I cooked in this video

[@brandanbutler8789]

Just got a zgrill! Fricken love it!

[@SmokestackJoes]

The Z grills are great. I have enjoyed both of mine without any issues and there prices are great. Enjoy cooking some great food on it!

[@kenk8072]

The controller looks almost identical to the one on my pit boss. As far as that smoke flavor, I've found the right pellet blend can get you great smoke flavor.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Having the right pellets definitely helps. I was thinking of trying a smoke tube out as well but I haven't really thought I've needed it yet.

[@UnearthlyDust1]

I been eyeballing Z Grills for 2.5 years. Finally pulled the trigger on the 700d3.... this video was the icing on the cake for me. I couldn't be happier with the purchase! Thanks for this review, I have added the 5th grill to my deck. Lol. (not including the griddle)

[@SmokestackJoes]

It is such a great grill, I use mine so much! I am glad the video was beneficial to you. It sounds like your deck is a lot like mine lol you can never have enough grills!

[@ba2342-k9s]

What pellet flavor do you recommend?

[@SmokestackJoes]

I haven’t notice much difference when using different flavors, it’s more about what brand. I would suggest using bear mountain pellets they burn the best for me. But when I look for a flavor I usually go with a mixed blend. Sometimes it’s called a competition blend, it has a few different flavors in 1 bag.

[@danwillis8008]

Would thinner steaks grill at the 450f? Just for quickness and convenience? As in, does it grill like a conventional bbq as well?

[@SmokestackJoes]

This is something I have never tried. I think they would cook fine but I don't think they would get a sear. I guess I will have to try

[@lsayles30]

I have a Z Grills, got mines September 22nd, a few years ago in 2021, I was looking for a pellet grill to buy, I seen a Z Grills, I was gonna order it but I changed my mind, and said to myself, it's probably a grill nobody ever heard of, probably not a name brand grill, so I ordered the Masterbuilt pellet grill, a few months ago in July I left my Masterbuilt pellet grill uncovered in the rain with pellets in it 3 times, it rained heavy those 3 times, when I got ready to use it in August, it wouldn't work, so I waa gonna save up and buy a new hopper for it, but I changed my mind, and decided to buy a whole new grill cause it cost bout the same as a hopper, i was gonna save up and get a pellet grill from Walmart, a brand i never heard of called king chii, i got tired of saving to ordered it, and i wanted it by my 44th birthday in November, so I went on Fingerhut on September 16th, ordered a Z Grills with no payments for 4 months, it arrived on September 22nd, assembly it that same day, used it on that Saturday, didn't like it at first cause it wasn't like my Masterbuilt pellet grill, but the more I kept using it, the more I fell in love with it and wish I had of bought one back then instead of that Masterbuilt pellet grill, the Z Grills gave my meat more flavor than my Masterbuilt pellet grill, i said to myself maybe it was a reason I never covered it up when we got heavy rain 3 times in July so i could get a new pellet grill.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Everything happens for a reason! The Z grills is great, I love mine. I am surprised they aren't more popular. Thanks for the comment!

[@lsayles30]

@@SmokestackJoes right, I love my Z Grills too, I like how much flavor it puts on my meat, I have a offset smoker I had before I ever got a pellet grill, I'm trying to figure out how to smoke on it, one day I put a slab of rib on my offset smoker and one day I put one on my Z Grills pellet grill, and I use the same flavor of wood cherry, and I noticed on my Z Grills it gave out as much flavor as my offset smoker, I'm trying to learn how to smoke on my offset smoker so I can use my pellet grill and electric smoker less, cause lots of KZbin videos I been watching on offset smoker, they been saying if you want that true Texas bbq you have to use a offset smoker.

[@johnknapp6328]

Great Video

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks!

[@rashad8957]

Have anyone smoked a brisket or did burnt ends?

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have a video doing a brisket on this smoker, be sure to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4fZgo2iZZh0acU

[@bluesky8500]

Purchased June 19, 2021 ZPG-10002E. Unit worked fine for two years, July 2023, and then all hell broke loose. The temp started to swing from 225 to 350 and burned some ribs. Customer service was real nice and sent a temp rod to replace. I replaced it and unit worked fine for one cooking and burned some more ribs. Customer service was real nice and sent a temperature controller for me to replace. I spent most of the afternoon replacing it. Unit worked fine for one cooking and burned some more ribs and chicken. Customer services wants to send me a hopper replacement. This is getting extremely frustrating. These units should last longer than two years. Before you buy, do your research and buy a unit that lasts. These are temporary and disposal grills.

[@SmokestackJoes]

That is definitely frustrating for sure. I wouldn't be happy about all the burnt food and down time with the smoker. I haven't dealt with their customer service so its good to hear they are at least trying to help. I haven't had this smoker too long so I cant comment on the longevity of it but its been flawless for the 6 months I have had it. The first Z grills I had for about 3 years and I never had any issues with it though. It was a smaller model so maybe it had less parts to go wrong with it. I hope you can get it fixed so you can keep smoking some good food! Thanks for the comment

[@jam1644]

ok, smoker... would recommend Traeger especially for Customer Experience. I had paint bubbles shrugged off by Z Grills customer service, leaking grease from poor seam welds, and the temperature can fluctuate 20 plus degrees from selected temp and external temp probes. Customer service pushed my concerns with so many "try this" or "see if it continues, when you...." finally the warranty ran out and that was the last excuse they needed.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats too bad you had so many issues with your z grills and a bad customer service experience. My Z grills has been nothing but great. I cant comment on customer service because I havent needed them. Thank you for the comment

[@SoSpiteful]

I had a Traeger and it bit the dust in a year even after being maintained like crazy. Overpriced garbage

[@barbru3598]

Butter burns at 350 degrees F, --adding oil and butter still burns at 350*F.

[@Faultyappliances4]

What model Z grill ? Thanks

[@SmokestackJoes]

It is a 700D3

[@kielcummings4749]

would recommend buying pretty much any other brand. customer service is awful. they sent me a grill that the controller was broken. after weeks of trying to get ahold of customer service they sent me the wrong controller and then said they were sold out of the controller for the grill I bought and then said i would have to be on a waiting list to get one. please just buy any other smoker. or buy one from a local place that you can return it.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats too bad you had to deal with all of that. I havent had any issues luckily so I havent had to deal with there customer service so I cant comment on that

[@TroyRuby]

Nice job!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks!

[@barbru3598]

Great job cooking the steak.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks 👍

[@mikekennedy3848]

Tired of these fake reviews, basically a paid advertisement, anyone here actually buy their grill and has an honest unbiased opinion

[@SmokestackJoes]

I understand why you feel that way. I did buy my first Z grill pellet smoker and it was and still is great, I use this new one now so the old one doesn’t get use. My honest opinion is that the 2 z grills pellet grills I have are great. I haven’t had any issues with the new one and I use it at least 1 time a week but usually 2-3 times a week. I do clean it every week though which needs to be done to avoid issues. But that’s my honest review if you decide to believe me. If you have any questions please ask

[@johnfortney224]

Heres one, Z GRILL SUCKS! how that for honesty. changing parts in the second year. China JUNK for every one of them.

[@Abapollyon]

I have the 700d6 it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, my previous smoker was wood chip smokehouse vertical smoker. Between the two the d6 is more consistent on heat and easier to use. It holds the heat better and I can run it while I sleep and don’t have to babysit it.

[@Abapollyon]

My only real complaint is the cleaning on it is annoying the fire box is not removable so you need a shop vac to get the ash out

[@peterabrahamson576]

Guys trust me don't buy this grill. Id be giving great reviews if i got it for free. They are very cheaply made. I bought one brand new, got it setup and didn't work. ER1 code, contacted support they sent me a new thermostat. Took apart and got it re-setup. Now no error codes but the feeder gives me problems, it ONLY works when you hold the feed button down and goes way to slow. Once you release the button it keeps going for 5-10 more seconds and then shuts off. Oh yeah, not to mention my grill doesn't heat up. Had it for one year and haven't even gotten to use it once. The grill cover is super cheap also, I kid you not after only 1 YEAR, the cover tears like paper and is discolored in the parts where the sun hits directly. The parts of cover where the sun doesn't touch is still back. Trust me you will regret buying the grill. At least customer service was good and would always send me parts even after warranty but you don't want this headache of a product