Camp Chef DLX 24 vs Z Grills 700E

Quick Verdict

The two best budget pellet grills on the market, and the decision is closer than I expected. The Z Grills 700E wins for most budget buyers. It delivers more cooking space (694 vs 570 sq in), a lower price, and includes a cover in the box. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 counters with the Ash Kickin cleanout, a higher max temp (500F vs 450F), and better brand reputation. But on pure value, the Z Grills gives you more grill for less money. That is what the budget category is all about.

Temperature Control

Both use PID controllers without WiFi. You set the temp on the grill and walk away. The Camp Chef holds 225F within 5 degrees, which is impressive for the price. The Z Grills holds within about 8 degrees, which is slightly less precise but still produces great results on long cooks.

The Camp Chef reaches 500F max. The Z Grills tops at 450F. That 50-degree gap shows up when you want crispier chicken skin or decent grill marks on burgers. At 500F, the Camp Chef produces noticeably crispier skin than the Z Grills at 450F. For smoking at 225F, both perform identically.

Startup times are similar. Both reach 225F in about 10 minutes from cold. The Camp Chef recovers slightly faster after lid openings, probably due to its slightly more aggressive auger feed. But we are talking 10 to 15 seconds of difference. Not meaningful in the real world.

Build Quality and Durability

The Camp Chef is heavier at 119 lbs versus the Z Grills at 106. It feels more planted. The powder coat is thicker and more even. Camp Chef has been making outdoor cooking equipment for decades, and the fit and finish shows.

The Z Grills is lighter and the steel is thinner. It is not flimsy, but side by side with the Camp Chef, you can feel the difference. The legs are slightly less sturdy. The lid does not have quite as tight a seal. These are budget grills, so some compromise is expected, but the Camp Chef compromises less on build.

Both carry 3-year warranties. A tie here. Both brands have decent reputations for warranty service.

The Z Grills includes a cover, which protects the grill from weather and extends its life. That alone could make up for thinner steel. A covered grill lasts longer than an uncovered one, regardless of gauge thickness.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

The Z Grills has 694 sq in versus the Camp Chef's 570. That extra 124 sq in means an additional rack of baby backs or six more burgers. For a family of five or six, the Z Grills' larger grate makes weekend cookouts more relaxed. No more rotating food in batches.

Smoke quality at 225F is comparable. Both produce solid smoke rings and good wood fired flavor. I ran identical racks of baby backs on both grills (same rub, same temp, same cook time) and the results were nearly indistinguishable. Slightly better bark on the Camp Chef, possibly due to a tighter lid seal retaining more smoke. But it was marginal.

The Camp Chef includes a meat probe. A small thing, but if you do not already own a decent thermometer, that saves you a separate purchase. The Z Grills does not include a probe.

Features and Tech

Neither grill has WiFi. Neither has Bluetooth. You are walking to the grill to check and adjust. This is fine. Pellet grills worked perfectly for years without phone apps. But if WiFi matters to you, neither of these is your grill.

The Camp Chef's standout feature is Ash Kickin cleanout. Pull a lever, dump the ash cup, done. Thirty seconds. The Z Grills requires removing the heat deflector, pulling out the fire pot, and vacuuming. It takes 10 to 15 minutes. Over a year of weekly use, the Camp Chef saves you hours of cleanup time.

The Z Grills includes a cover in the box. Fitted, branded, decent quality. A separate cover for the Camp Chef costs extra. The Z Grills also has a grease bucket system that catches drippings cleanly.

Hopper capacity is close: Z Grills at 20 lbs, Camp Chef at 18. Both are fine for day cooks but will need a refill during overnight smokes.

Value for Money

The Z Grills 700E is the better raw value. More cooking space, lower price, cover included. Dollar for dollar, you get more grill. That is the whole point of the budget category.

The Camp Chef DLX 24 costs more but gives you better build quality, the Ash Kickin cleanout, a higher max temp, and a meat probe. If you are willing to spend a bit more for quality of life features, the Camp Chef rewards that investment. But the Z Grills makes a strong argument that you can get great smoked meat for less money.

Use Case Showdown

• For tightest budget: Z Grills wins. Lower price with a cover included.
• For families of five plus: Z Grills wins with 694 sq in of cooking space.
• For easy cleanup: Camp Chef wins. Ash Kickin saves you real time every cook.
• For crispy chicken: Camp Chef wins. 500F max versus 450F makes a noticeable difference on poultry skin.
• For first time pellet grill buyers: Z Grills wins. Lower commitment, easier to learn, cover included so you are set from day one.

The Verdict

Buy the Z Grills 700E if you want the most pellet grill for the least money. More space, lower price, and a cover in the box. It smokes beautifully and has earned its reputation as the budget king.

Buy the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 if you are willing to spend a bit more for Camp Chef's build quality and the Ash Kickin cleanout. The higher max temp is also a real advantage if you cook chicken regularly. It is the better grill. The Z Grills is the better deal.