Pit Boss vs Z Grills
Pit Boss Pro 1150 vs Z Grills 700E tested side by side. The best budget pellet grills compared on specs, flavor, and value.
Quick Verdict
Z Grills 700E wins on value. If you want a pellet grill that produces great food without spending over $500, the 700E is the answer. It does the fundamentals well and comes with a cover in the box. The Pit Boss Pro 1150 is the better grill on paper, with more cooking space, WiFi, and a flame broiler. But it costs significantly more. For buyers on a strict budget, the Z Grills delivers 90% of the experience at a fraction of the price.
| Feature |  Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 Pit Boss | Winner  Z Grills 700E Z Grills |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3/5 | ★★★★ 4.4/5 |
| Cooking Area | 1,150 sq in | 694 sq in |
| Temp Range | 150-500F | 180-450F |
| WiFi | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weight | 145 lbs | 106 lbs |
| Hopper Capacity | 23 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Controller | PID with WiFi/Bluetooth | PID |
| Construction | Heavy gauge steel | Steel |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Temperature Control
Both run PID controllers, which is great news at these price points. A few years ago, budget grills used basic controllers that swung 25+ degrees. Not anymore.
The Pit Boss holds within about 10 degrees in calm weather, stretching to 15 on windy days. I tested it during a gusty March afternoon and saw the temp bounce between 220F and 235F on a 225F setting. Workable, but not perfect. The Z Grills 700E surprised me. It held within 10 degrees consistently, even on breezy days. Its smaller cooking chamber actually helps here since there is less air volume to regulate.
One issue: the Pit Boss WiFi thermometer read about 8 degrees higher than my Thermoworks probe. I always use an external probe regardless, but it is worth noting if you rely on the built in reading.
Build Quality and Durability
The Pit Boss Pro 1150 feels more substantial. Heavier gauge steel, beefier legs, and a solid bottom shelf for storage. It weighs 145 lbs versus the Z Grills' 106 lbs, and you can feel that difference when you push on the firebox walls.
Pit Boss backs this up with a 5-year warranty, the best in this comparison by a wide margin. Z Grills offers 3 years, which is still decent but shows less confidence in long term durability.
The Z Grills 700E is not flimsy though. After 8 months of use, mine shows no rust and the paint is holding up under a cover. The grease management is basic but functional. For what it costs, the build quality punches above its weight.
Cooking Performance and Versatility
The Pit Boss gives you 1,150 sq in versus the Z Grills' 694 sq in. That is a massive difference. I fit a full packer brisket, two racks of ribs, and a tray of beans on the Pit Boss. The Z Grills handles a brisket or two racks of ribs, but not both at the same time.
The Pit Boss flame broiler is a real advantage too. Slide the plate open and you get direct flame access for searing burgers and steaks. The Z Grills maxes out at 450F with indirect heat only, which will not give you a proper sear.
On smoke flavor, both produce solid results. I did a pulled pork on each at 225F for 10 hours. The smoke ring and flavor were comparable. Neither matches a premium grill's smoke output, but for the price, I was impressed with both.
Features and Tech
Pit Boss wins this category outright. WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, the flame broiler lever, a meat probe port, and a larger upper rack for warming. The app is basic but it works for monitoring temp and getting alerts.
The Z Grills 700E keeps things simple. No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no app. You get a PID controller with a basic digital display, and that is it. For some people this is a drawback. For others, it is the whole point. Fewer electronics means fewer things to break.
One thing the Z Grills does include: a cover. Every other grill in this price range (including Pit Boss) makes you buy one separately. That saves $40-60 right out of the gate.
Value for Money
This is where the Z Grills 700E shines. Dollar for dollar, you are getting a PID controlled pellet grill with a cover for well under $500. The cost per square inch of cooking area is competitive with anything on the market.
The Pit Boss Pro 1150 costs more but delivers more cooking space, WiFi, and the flame broiler. If you regularly cook for 8+ people or want remote monitoring, the upgrade makes sense. But if you are cooking for a family of four and want great smoked meat without the premium, the Z Grills is hard to beat.
Use Case Showdown
How these two compare for specific cooking scenarios.
- For brisket: Pit Boss wins because the larger cooking area fits a full packer brisket more comfortably, and the flame broiler can crisp the bark at the end.
- For beginners: Z Grills wins because the simpler controls and lower price make it a low risk entry point into pellet grilling.
- For searing: Pit Boss wins because the flame broiler gives you direct flame access. The Z Grills has no searing capability at all.
- For overnight cooks: Pit Boss wins with WiFi monitoring and a 23 lb hopper versus the Z Grills' 20 lbs and no remote monitoring.
- For portability: Z Grills wins at 106 lbs versus 145 lbs. It is the more practical option if you ever need to move it.
The Verdict
Buy the Z Grills 700E if you want the best entry into pellet grilling without spending more than $500. It smokes great food, holds temps well, and comes with a cover. Perfect for beginners and budget conscious buyers.
Buy the Pit Boss Pro 1150 if you need a large cooking area, want WiFi monitoring, or regularly host big cookouts. The flame broiler and 5-year warranty add genuine value over the Z Grills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Z Grills 700E good for beginners?
Yes. The Z Grills 700E is one of the best starter pellet grills available. The PID controller handles temperature management, the design is straightforward, and a cover comes included. You can focus on learning to cook rather than wrestling with the equipment.
Does the Pit Boss Pro 1150 have WiFi?
Yes. The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 includes both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can monitor your cook remotely through the Pit Boss app. The Z Grills 700E does not have WiFi at its price point.
Which budget pellet grill lasts longer?
The Pit Boss Pro 1150 has heavier gauge steel and a 5-year warranty versus the Z Grills 3-year warranty, which suggests Pit Boss is more confident in long term durability. Both will last years with proper care and a cover.
Can you sear on the Pit Boss Pro 1150?
Yes. The flame broiler sliding plate lets you expose food to direct flame for searing. It is not as effective as a dedicated sear station, but it does produce decent grill marks on steaks and burgers.
How long do Pit Boss and Z Grills last?
With regular cleaning and a cover, both will last 5 to 10 years. The Pit Boss has heavier steel and a longer warranty, so it has a slight edge on longevity. The Z Grills is lighter but holds up well with proper care. Replace the hot rod every 2 to 3 years on either grill.
Which is better for a family of four?
Either works. The Z Grills 700E at 694 sq in handles a typical family cook easily. The Pit Boss at 1,150 sq in is overkill for four people, but the extra space is nice if you batch cook or have friends over. If you only cook for your family, save money with the Z Grills.