The Traeger Costs $699. This Z Grills Does 90% of the Same Job for $449 — Here's What You're Actually Giving Up
Every pellet grill forum has the same thread: “Is Z Grills just a cheap Traeger clone?” The honest answer is: mostly yes — and that's not an insult. The ZPG-700E uses the same PID controller technology, the same auger-fed fire pot mechanism, and produces the same indirect heat and smoke. It has 697 sq in of cooking space (more than the Traeger Pro 575's 575 sq in). And it costs roughly $250 less.
So why doesn't everyone just buy the Z Grills? Because the things you give up are real: no WiFi monitoring, thinner steel construction, less polished fit-and-finish, and a customer service experience that can't match Traeger's. For some buyers, those tradeoffs matter. For others — particularly first-time pellet grill buyers who don't want to drop $700 on a cooking method they've never tried — they don't.
2,500+ verified buyers at 4.1 stars. This page breaks down exactly what the Z Grills 700E does well, where it falls short, and whether the $250 savings over a Traeger Pro is worth it for your specific situation.
Z Grills ZPG-700E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker — 697 sq in · PID Controller
Is This Page For You?
- ✓You want a pellet grill but don't want to spend $700+ — the 700E delivers the core pellet grill experience (set temp, walk away, smoke for hours) at roughly half the price of a Traeger Pro 575.
- ✓You're buying your first pellet grill and want to test the cooking method — if you've never cooked on a pellet grill before, starting with a $400-450 unit makes more sense than committing $700 to a style of cooking you may not prefer.
- ✓You care about cooking results, not brand names — the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork coming off a 700E taste the same as what comes off a Traeger. The smoke is the same. The heat is the same. The mechanism is the same.
- ✗You want WiFi and app control — the 700E has no WiFi. If monitoring your cook from inside is important, look at the Traeger Pro 575 or Camp Chef Woodwind.
- ✗Build quality and aesthetics matter a lot — the 700E is functional, not refined. Thinner steel, visible welds, and a less polished finish versus Traeger or Camp Chef. If you want a showpiece for your patio, this isn't it.
How the Z Grills 700E Stacks Up
Side-by-side against the three grills most buyers compare it to. Prices fluctuate — check Amazon for current pricing.
| Spec | Z Grills 700E | Traeger Pro 575 | Pit Boss 700FB | Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 697 sq in | 575 sq in | 700 sq in | 811 sq in |
| Temp Range | 180–450°F | 180–450°F | 180–500°F | 160–500°F |
| Controller | PID Digital | PID (WiFIRE) | PID Digital | PID (WiFi) |
| WiFi | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 lbs | 18 lbs | 21 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Weight | ~80 lbs | ~68 lbs | ~71 lbs | ~140 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1★ (2,500+) | 4.5★ (8,000+) | 4.3★ (5,000+) | 4.4★ (2,000+) |
| Sear Capability | No direct flame | No direct flame | Direct flame access | Slide and Grill |
Specs sourced from manufacturer listings. Review counts and prices are estimates and may vary. Always verify on Amazon.
What 2,500+ Verified Buyers Report
“Smokes as well as my friend's Traeger”
The most common comparison in reviews. Buyers who've used both a Traeger and the 700E report nearly identical smoke rings, bark quality, and flavor. The PID controller holds temperature within the same ±10-15°F window. Multiple buyers describe doing blind taste tests with Traeger-owning friends — no one can tell the difference.
“Assembly was rough — budget 2-3 hours”
The single most cited negative in reviews. Instructions are vague, some holes don't align perfectly, and you'll likely need to drill or file one or two spots. Buyers consistently say the end result works fine — but getting there requires patience and basic tool skills. This is where you're paying $250 less.
“Clean the fire pot every 3-4 cooks or you'll get flameouts”
The #1 maintenance tip across reviews. Ash builds up in the fire pot and blocks airflow. Buyers who vacuum the fire pot regularly report zero issues. Buyers who skip maintenance get temperature drops and flameouts mid-cook. This applies to all pellet grills, but the 700E seems less forgiving than Traeger or Camp Chef when maintenance is neglected.
“Get a cover — the paint chips if left exposed”
The exterior finish is the most visible quality difference versus Traeger. Several buyers report paint chipping or surface rust within the first year if the grill is left uncovered outdoors. A $30-40 grill cover solves this entirely. Buyers who cover their 700E consistently report it looking fine after 2-3 years.
“Best value in pellet grills, period”
The consensus among positive reviews. Buyers who understand they're getting a utilitarian tool — not a premium appliance — rate it highly. The phrase “for the price” appears in hundreds of reviews. Buyers who expected Traeger-level fit and finish at half the price were disappointed. Buyers who expected a functional smoker that makes great food were not.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07GBPXVMZ |
| Brand | Z Grills |
| Model | ZPG-700E |
| Cooking Area | 697 sq in (total across 2 tiers) |
| Temperature Range | 180°F–450°F |
| Controller | PID digital controller with LCD display |
| WiFi / App | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Hardwood pellets (any standard brand) |
| Weight | ~80 lbs |
| Versatility | 8-in-1: Grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, BBQ, char-grill |
| Construction | Steel body with porcelain-coated grates |
| Ignition | Auto-start electric ignition (hot rod) |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer warranty |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1★ · 2,500+ reviews |
Specs sourced from manufacturer listing. Review counts are estimates. Verify current details on Amazon.
What Buyers Like
- ✓Smoking and grilling results match grills costing $250+ more
- ✓697 sq in cooking area — larger than Traeger Pro 575
- ✓PID controller holds temperature consistently after initial startup
- ✓20 lb hopper means fewer refills on long smokes
- ✓8-in-1 versatility — handles everything from low-and-slow brisket to 450°F grilling
- ✓3-year warranty matches Traeger's coverage period
What to Know Before Buying
- ✗Assembly is frustrating — plan 2-3 hours, watch YouTube tutorials first
- ✗No WiFi — you cannot monitor or adjust temp from your phone
- ✗Thinner steel and rougher finish than Traeger or Camp Chef
- ✗Paint chips if left uncovered — budget $30-40 for a grill cover
- ✗Fire pot requires regular cleaning or you'll get flameouts
- ✗No direct-flame searing — Pit Boss and Camp Chef offer this, Z Grills does not
Z Grills vs Traeger: The $250 Question
This is the comparison every budget pellet grill buyer is actually making. Here's the breakdown — not brand loyalty, just what the money buys you.
What's the same (the 90%)
- • Cooking mechanism: Both use an auger-fed fire pot with indirect heat. Same smoke. Same convection.
- • PID controller: Both maintain temperature digitally. Both hold within ±10-15°F.
- • Temperature range: Both do 180-450°F. Identical smoking and grilling range.
- • Food quality: Blind tests in buyer reviews consistently show no detectable difference in smoke flavor, bark, or tenderness.
- • Warranty: Both offer 3-year coverage.
What the extra $250 gets you with Traeger
- • WiFIRE app control: Monitor temp, adjust settings, get alerts from your phone. Genuinely useful for overnight cooks and multi-hour smokes.
- • Build quality: Thicker steel, better paint, tighter tolerances. The Traeger will look better on your patio in year 3.
- • Assembly: Traeger goes together in 45-60 minutes with clear instructions. Z Grills takes 2-3 hours with frustration.
- • Customer service: Traeger has a responsive support team. Z Grills support is slower and less consistent in buyer reports.
- • Brand ecosystem: Traeger app recipes, pellet subscriptions, accessories designed to fit. Z Grills is more DIY.
The honest recommendation
If you've never owned a pellet grill and want to try the cooking method without a $700 commitment, the Z Grills 700E is the rational choice. You get the same food. If you already know you love pellet grilling and want the premium experience — particularly WiFi control and a grill that looks great on your patio for 5+ years — the Traeger is worth the premium. Neither answer is wrong. It depends on whether you're buying a tool or an appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Z Grills a good brand or just a cheap knockoff?
Z Grills is a legitimate manufacturer — they actually OEM pellet grills for several well-known brands. The ZPG-700E uses the same PID controller technology as Traeger and Camp Chef. With 2,500+ reviews at 4.1 stars, the consistency of positive feedback rules out fluke quality. What you give up versus Traeger: WiFi connectivity, slightly thicker steel gauge, and brand-name customer service. What you keep: the same smoking mechanism, similar temperature consistency, and comparable cooking results.
Can the Z Grills 700E hold temperature as well as a Traeger or Camp Chef?
The PID controller in the 700E maintains temperature within ±10-15°F in most conditions, which is comparable to Traeger's PID performance. In cold weather (below 35°F) or high wind, you may see wider swings — a thermal blanket helps. Buyers consistently report that once the grill stabilizes after 10-15 minutes, it holds steady. The main temperature complaint in reviews is the startup cycle, not sustained cooking.
How long does the Z Grills 700E last?
Based on buyer reviews spanning 3+ years, the 700E typically lasts 3-5 years with regular use and basic maintenance. The most common failure point is the hot rod igniter (replaceable, ~$15). The fire pot needs cleaning every 3-4 cooks to prevent ash buildup. Buyers who cover the grill and clean the fire pot regularly report the longest lifespans. Z Grills offers a 3-year warranty.
Does the Z Grills 700E need WiFi to work properly?
No — the 700E does not have WiFi, and it does not need it. It uses a PID digital controller with a dial and LCD screen. You set your temperature, and the controller maintains it. WiFi on pellet grills (like Traeger's WiFIRE) lets you monitor and adjust remotely via phone, which is convenient but not essential. Most pellet grill cooking involves setting a temperature and walking away for hours. If remote monitoring matters to you, consider the Traeger Pro 575 or Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi models.
What is the best wood pellet flavor for the Z Grills 700E?
The 700E works with any standard food-grade hardwood pellets. Most buyers start with a competition blend (hickory/maple/cherry mix) for versatility. For beef and pork, hickory or mesquite provides stronger smoke flavor. For chicken and fish, apple or cherry gives a milder, sweeter profile. Z Grills sells their own pellets, but Lumberjack, Bear Mountain, and CookinPellets all work identically. Avoid pellets with fillers or binding agents — 100% hardwood only.
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