GMG vs Z Grills

Quick Verdict

Two mid range grills, two very different approaches. The GMG Daniel Boone Prime Plus wins thanks to WiFi connectivity and an app that actually works well. The Z Grills 700E offers more cooking space and a lower price with a cover included, which makes it a strong value play. But WiFi changes how you use a pellet grill. Being able to monitor and adjust temps from inside the house (or from bed during an overnight cook) is a feature you will not want to give up once you have it.

Temperature Control

Both use PID controllers, and both hold temps reasonably well. The GMG hit 500F max while the Z Grills tops at 450F. Not a huge difference for smoking, but the GMG gives you a bit more headroom for higher heat cooking.

Where the GMG pulls ahead is the WiFi factor. I set a brisket on the GMG at 225F and monitored the temp graph from my phone all night. At 3am I noticed a 10-degree dip (wind picked up) and bumped the setpoint to 230F from bed. On the Z Grills, I would have had to walk outside to check and adjust. That convenience matters on long cooks.

The Z Grills holds temps within about 10 degrees, which is acceptable for the price. The GMG holds within 5 to 7 degrees. On calm days, both are steady enough that you will not taste the difference in the finished product.

Build Quality and Durability

The Z Grills 700E is heavier at 106 lbs and feels more substantial. The steel is thicker, the legs are sturdier, and the whole unit has a planted feel. The GMG at 68 lbs is noticeably lighter. Good for portability, less good for the sense of permanence you want in an outdoor appliance.

The GMG's peaked lid is a nice design touch. It improves convection airflow and prevents dripping on the meat. But the thinner construction means it loses heat faster in cold or windy conditions. During a February cook at 35F, the GMG used about 15% more pellets than usual. The Z Grills barely noticed the cold.

Both carry 3-year warranties... wait, actually the GMG only has 2 years. That is shorter than the Z Grills' 3. For a grill that costs more, the shorter warranty is a knock against GMG.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

The Z Grills offers more primary cooking space: 694 sq in versus 458. If you cook for a family of six or entertain regularly, the Z Grills fits more food. I got three full racks of baby backs on the Z Grills and only two on the GMG main grate. The upper rack helps, but it is not the same as main grate space.

Smoke flavor at 225F was comparable between both grills. The GMG's peaked lid seemed to circulate smoke slightly better, giving a marginally more even smoke ring across a pork shoulder. But I am nitpicking here. Both produce great smoke at low temps.

For chicken and quicker cooks, the GMG's ability to reach 500F is handy. I finished chicken thighs at 450F for crispy skin, and the results were good. The Z Grills topped out at 450F as well, but took longer to get there.

Features and Tech

WiFi is the headline. The GMG app connects quickly, provides real time temp graphing, and lets you set alerts. I can start a cook, go inside, and know exactly what is happening. The Z Grills 700E has no WiFi and no Bluetooth. You are checking temps by walking to the grill and looking at the controller display.

Is WiFi worth the price premium? I think so. Once you have monitored an overnight cook from your phone, going back to no WiFi feels like going back to a flip phone. It is not about laziness. It is about making better decisions with real time data.

The Z Grills counters with a cover included in the box. That saves you the cost of buying a separate cover for the GMG. The Z Grills also has a grease bucket system that is simple and effective.

Value for Money

The Z Grills 700E is the better raw value. More cooking space, lower price, cover included, longer warranty. On paper, it wins this category. But value is not just about specs on paper.

The GMG's WiFi connectivity is a daily quality of life improvement. It changes how you cook. If you value convenience and tech, the GMG delivers something the Z Grills simply cannot offer at any price in the 700E model. Is WiFi worth the extra cost? For me, absolutely.

Use Case Showdown

• For tailgating: GMG wins at 68 lbs. You can lift it into a truck bed without help.
• For large families: Z Grills wins with 694 sq in of primary cooking space.
• For overnight cooks: GMG wins. WiFi monitoring from bed is a game changer for long smokes.
• For budget buyers: Z Grills wins. Lower price with a cover included.
• For apartment balconies: GMG wins. Lighter, smaller footprint, and WiFi means less time standing next to it.

The Verdict

Buy the GMG Daniel Boone Prime Plus if WiFi connectivity and portability matter to you. The app is solid, the grill is light enough to move, and the smoke quality is excellent. You sacrifice cooking space and pay a premium, but the tech makes every cook more enjoyable.

Buy the Z Grills 700E if you want maximum cooking space and value on a tight budget. It is a reliable, no frills pellet grill that does the job well. Just know that you will be walking to the grill every time you want to check temps.