Z Grills vs Pit Boss: Which Pellet Grill Brand is Better?

When it comes to pellet grills, two names often dominate the conversation: Z Grills and Pit Boss. Both brands have earned dedicated followings by offering feature-packed, budget-friendly grills that bring smoky flavor and hands-off cooking to backyards everywhere. But if you’re torn between the two, you’re not alone. With overlapping price points and features, choosing the right brand can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide will compare Z Grills and Pit Boss across key areas from build quality and performance to pricing and customer support so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs and cooking style.

Brand Background

Z Grills

Z Grills entered the pellet grill market in 2017 but has roots that go much deeper. Originally an OEM manufacturer, Z Grills built pellet grills for other brands including industry giant Traeger before launching under its own name. This behind-the-scenes experience helped Z Grills engineer solid, reliable products with high-end performance at a more affordable price.

The brand’s mission is simple: make professional-level grilling accessible to everyday backyard chefs. Known for minimalist design and quality temperature control, Z Grills has built a reputation for offering solid value without unnecessary frills.

Pit Boss

Pit Boss, owned by Dansons Inc., was founded in 1999 as a direct competitor to Traeger. Over the years, Pit Boss has become one of the top names in pellet grilling, known for innovation, versatility, and high-performance cooking.

Unlike Z Grills, Pit Boss embraces a wider range of products, including vertical smokers, gas-pellet hybrids, and griddles. The brand is also known for aggressive pricing and unique features like flame broilers, making it a favorite among grillers who like to experiment with different cooking techniques.

Product Lineup Comparison

Z Grills

Z Grills offers a relatively simple and focused lineup that appeals to both beginners and budget-conscious shoppers. Some of the standout models include:

• Z Grills 700D4E – Mid-sized grill with a digital PID controller and dual temperature probes.
• Z Grills 450B – Compact and portable, ideal for small patios or RV travel.
• Z Grills 1000 Series – Large-capacity models for serious backyard entertainers.

Z Grills doesn’t try to wow users with an overwhelming catalog. Instead, it sticks to a few reliable designs with PID temperature control, consistent performance, and high-quality materials.

Pit Boss

Pit Boss offers one of the most diverse product ranges in the grilling world. Whether you want a vertical smoker, combo grill, or standard pellet model, you’ll find plenty of options. Popular models include:

• Pit Boss Austin XL – A behemoth with 1,000+ square inches of cooking space and flame broiler technology.
• Pit Boss Sportsman Series – Rugged, outdoor-friendly grills with advanced features like meat probes and Wi-Fi.
• Pit Boss Pro Series – Sold at Lowe’s, these are highly popular for their premium build at mid-tier prices.

The diversity of Pit Boss’s offerings means there’s something for every griller from novice to competition-level chef.

Build Quality and Design

Z Grills and Pit Boss both use powder-coated steel and heavy-duty grates, but there are some key differences.

Z Grills

• Powder-coated steel body
• Thick stainless steel lid in premium models
• Solid cart and caster wheels
• Double-wall insulation in some models

Z Grills tends to focus on clean, minimalistic designs that emphasize function over form. The construction is sturdy, and newer models feature upgraded components like reinforced lids and thicker body panels.

Pit Boss

• Heavy-gauge steel construction
• Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
• Flame broiler access panel
• Larger hoppers in many models

Pit Boss grills feel rugged and are often heavier than their Z Grills counterparts. Some models include side shelves, bottle openers, and even slide-plate flame broilers, giving a more tactical, versatile appearance.

Winner: If you want a clean and functional design, Z Grills is the go-to. For rugged versatility and extra features, Pit Boss takes the lead.

Cooking Performance

Temperature Range and Control

Z Grills features PID controllers in nearly all its newer models. This allows for precise temperature maintenance within ±10°F, making low-and-slow smoking incredibly consistent. Most models range from 180°F to 450°F.

Pit Boss offers a broader temperature range typically from 180°F up to 500°F or even 600°F in some models. However, older Pit Boss models may lack PID precision, and their analog controllers are more prone to temp fluctuations.

Heat Distribution

Z Grills’ convection-style design creates even heat across the grill, with few hot spots. However, it lacks the ability for direct flame cooking.

Pit Boss grills are equipped with Flame Broiler™ systems, allowing users to sear directly over an open flame by sliding a plate. This is a major advantage for grillers who want steakhouse-quality sears.

Cooking Capacity

Both brands offer models ranging from compact 450 sq. in. grills to massive 1,000+ sq. in. behemoths. Pit Boss usually provides more cooking area at lower price points, while Z Grills prioritizes consistency and temperature control.

Technology and Features

Z Grills

• PID Controller: Standard on most models
• Dual meat probes: Available in many models
• Pellet cleanout: Rear hopper release in some designs
• Basic display: No app or Wi-Fi connectivity (in most models)

Pit Boss

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Connectivity: Available in Pro and Sportsman series
• Flame Broiler™: Enables direct searing
• Meat Probes: Included in most models
• Larger hoppers: Up to 30 lbs in some grills

Pit Boss is the clear winner when it comes to tech features. Its smart grills support remote temperature monitoring and adjustments through the Smoke IT™ app, a major plus for busy pitmasters.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Startup and Shutdown

Both brands use a one-button ignition system. Z Grills models are known for easy startup and shutdown cycles, with minimal ash leftover due to efficient combustion.

Ash Cleanout and Maintenance

Z Grills models require manual cleaning of the firepot, as most don’t have ash cleanout systems. However, ash buildup is minimal, and cleanup is manageable with a shop vac.

Pit Boss has an edge here. Some models offer slide-out ash cleanout trays, making it easier to dispose of ashes after long cooking sessions.

Grease Management

Both brands use a sloped grease tray that funnels drippings into a catch bucket. Pit Boss’s trays are generally easier to remove and clean, but Z Grills designs are just as effective in managing grease.

Customer Service and Warranty

Z Grills and Pit Boss both offer 3-year warranties, which is the industry standard for pellet grills. However, the support experience can vary.

Z Grills

• Responsive customer service team
• Easy part replacements
• Helpful online guides and community forums

Pit Boss

• Mixed reviews on customer support wait times
• Excellent replacement part availability
• Strong support through Lowe’s and big box retailers

If you value customer support, Z Grills is slightly more consistent. But Pit Boss benefits from a larger retail presence, making in-person returns or exchanges easier.

Pricing and Value

Z Grills positions itself as a budget-conscious option, with most models priced between $300 and $700. You get strong core features without paying for unnecessary bells and whistles.

Pit Boss covers a wider range from budget grills around $300 to premium Wi-Fi enabled models above $1,000. You get more features, but it can come at the cost of long-term reliability depending on the model.

If you’re looking purely at cost-to-performance, Z Grills gives exceptional bang for your buck. If you want more premium features and versatility, Pit Boss justifies the extra cost.

Here’s a detailed comparison table for Z Grills vs Pit Boss, summarizing key differences:

Feature	Z Grills	Pit Boss
Founded	2017 (OEM roots with Traeger)	1999 (Owned by Dansons Inc.)
Build Quality	Powder-coated steel, minimalist design	Heavy-duty steel, rugged design
Temperature Control	PID controller in most models (±10°F accuracy)	Basic dial control (older models), PID in newer ones
Temperature Range	180°F – 450°F	180°F – 500°F (up to 600°F on some models)
Direct Flame Searing	❌ Not available	✅ Available (Flame Broiler™)
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	❌ Generally not available	✅ Available in Pro & Sportsman Series
Cooking Capacity	450 – 1056 sq. in.	500 – 1150+ sq. in.
Hopper Capacity	8 – 20 lbs	8 – 30 lbs
Ease of Use	Simple controls, beginner-friendly	Slightly steeper learning curve
Ash Cleanout System	Manual (vacuum recommended)	Slide-out tray (in select models)
Grease Management	Standard drip tray to bucket	Standard drip tray to bucket
Product Variety	Fewer models, focused lineup	Wide variety: pellet grills, vertical smokers, griddles
Warranty	3 years	3 years
Price Range	$300 – $700	$300 – $1,200+
Best For	Budget-conscious beginners, set-it-and-forget-it cooking	Grillers who want searing, versatility, smart features

Pros and Cons Summary

Z Grills Pros

• PID temperature control standard
• Consistent performance
• More affordable
• Great for beginners and intermediate users

Z Grills Cons

• No direct flame searing
• Limited high-tech features
• Fewer model options

Pit Boss Pros

• Offers direct flame searing
• Wide range of sizes and features
• Smart grill capabilities (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)
• Larger cooking space options

Pit Boss Cons

• Temperature swings in non-PID models
• Slightly higher pellet consumption
• Some customer service concerns

Best for Whom?

Choose Z Grills If:

• You’re a beginner or intermediate pitmaster
• You want a reliable smoker with consistent temps
• You’re on a budget but want quality
• You prefer “set-it-and-forget-it” smoking

Choose Pit Boss If:

• You want flame-searing capability
• You like experimenting with grilling styles
• You want Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity
• You need a grill for large gatherings

XI. Final Verdict

Z Grills vs Pit Boss isn’t a battle of good vs bad it’s more about which grill suits your style. Z Grills is the quiet performer affordable, reliable, and great for beginners who want consistency. Pit Boss, on the other hand, is the versatile workhorse feature-rich, capable of open-flame searing, and ideal for adventurous grillers.

If budget and simplicity are your priorities, Z Grills is a fantastic option. But if you crave more tech, bigger capacity, and want to play with flames, Pit Boss is likely your winner.

Whichever you choose, both brands deliver incredible value in the pellet grilling world just be sure to match the grill to your cooking personality.