Traeger vs Z Grills
Premium vs budget pellet grill showdown. Traeger Ironwood XL vs Z Grills 700E compared on performance, features, and whether the price gap is worth it.
Quick Verdict
This is a David vs Goliath matchup, and Goliath wins. The Traeger Ironwood XL is the better grill, full stop. But "better" comes with a massive price premium. The Z Grills 700E does 80% of what the Traeger does at a fraction of the cost. If budget is not a concern, buy the Traeger. If you want the best value in pellet grilling, the Z Grills punches way above its weight.
| Feature | Winner  Traeger Ironwood XL Traeger |  Z Grills 700E Z Grills |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.6/5 | ★★★★ 4.4/5 |
| Cooking Area | 880 sq in | 694 sq in |
| Temp Range | 165-500F | 180-450F |
| WiFi | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weight | 175 lbs | 106 lbs |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Controller | D2 Direct Drive | PID |
| Construction | Steel with powder coat | Steel |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Temperature Control
Both run PID controllers. The Traeger's D2 Direct Drive is more refined. It recovers faster after lid opens (about 8 seconds quicker in my tests) and holds tighter in windy conditions. During a brisket cook on a gusty March afternoon, the Traeger stayed within 5 degrees. The Z Grills drifted 10 to 15 degrees in the same conditions.
For calm weather cooking, the difference shrinks. The Z Grills held 225F within 7 degrees on a still day during a 10-hour pork shoulder. That is perfectly acceptable. You will get great results either way.
Build Quality and Durability
You can feel the price difference the moment you touch these grills. The Traeger's lid is heavier, the hinges are smoother, and the powder coat is thicker. The Z Grills 700E is solid for its price, but the steel is thinner and the legs feel less sturdy.
After six months, the Traeger still looks almost new. The Z Grills has some minor paint discoloration near the fire pot, which is normal wear. Both have held up fine with regular use and a cover. The Traeger will likely last longer, but the Z Grills is not falling apart either.
Cooking Performance and Versatility
Super Smoke mode is the Traeger's biggest advantage. It produces thicker, more flavorful smoke at temperatures below 225F. I did a side by side rack of ribs, same rub, same pellets, same cook time. The Traeger ribs had a deeper smoke ring and more complex flavor. My family noticed the difference without being told which was which.
The Traeger also gives you 880 sq in versus 694 sq in on the Z Grills. That is nearly 200 extra square inches. Enough for an extra rack of ribs or a second chicken. For big cookouts, the Traeger's extra space is a real benefit.
The Z Grills maxes out at 450F versus 500F on the Traeger. Neither is great for searing, but that 50-degree gap limits the Z Grills a bit more on high heat cooks.
Features and Tech
No contest here. The Traeger has WiFi with a polished app, a pellet sensor that warns you before the hopper runs empty, and a meat probe port. The Z Grills has... a dial. That is the reality of the price gap.
If you want to monitor a brisket from bed at 3am, you need the Traeger (or a third party thermometer with the Z Grills). If you are the type who sets it and checks on it every hour or so, the Z Grills' simplicity might actually be a plus. Fewer things to break.
Value for Money
The Z Grills 700E is one of the best values in pellet grilling. Period. It includes a cover in the box, produces good food, and costs a fraction of the Ironwood XL. For someone entering the pellet grill world, it is hard to argue against starting here.
The Traeger justifies its premium with better smoke flavor, WiFi, more cooking space, and superior build quality. If you cook every weekend and pellet grilling is your hobby, the Ironwood XL is worth saving up for. If you cook monthly or are trying pellet grilling for the first time, the Z Grills is the smarter play.
Use Case Showdown
How these two compare for specific cooking scenarios.
- For brisket: Traeger wins because Super Smoke mode adds deeper smoke flavor and the D2 controller holds 225F within 5 degrees for 14+ hours.
- For beginners: Z Grills wins because the low price reduces risk and the simple controls have zero learning curve. Start here, upgrade later.
- For searing: Traeger wins slightly at 500F versus 450F, but neither grill delivers a true sear. You will want a separate grill or cast iron.
- For overnight cooks: Traeger wins with WiFi monitoring and a pellet sensor. The Z Grills requires you to set an alarm and physically check the hopper.
- For portability: Z Grills wins at 106 lbs versus 175 lbs. It is significantly easier to move around your patio or load into a truck.
The Verdict
Buy the Traeger Ironwood XL if you are serious about smoking, want WiFi monitoring for overnight cooks, and value Super Smoke mode for the deepest possible flavor. It is a premium grill that performs like one.
Buy the Z Grills 700E if you want to get into pellet grilling without a massive investment. It delivers solid results, it is simple to operate, and the money you save can go toward pellets and meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Traeger Ironwood XL worth the price over a Z Grills 700E?
If you smoke regularly and want WiFi monitoring, Super Smoke mode, and a pellet sensor, yes. But if you are new to pellet grilling or cook occasionally, the Z Grills 700E delivers solid results at a fraction of the cost.
Does the Z Grills 700E have WiFi?
No. The 700E uses a standard PID controller without WiFi or Bluetooth. You need to be near the grill to monitor and adjust temperature. For many backyard cooks, this is perfectly fine.
Which makes better brisket, Traeger or Z Grills?
The Traeger Ironwood XL produces a noticeably better brisket thanks to Super Smoke mode, which adds extra smoke below 225F. The Z Grills makes good brisket too, but the smoke flavor is milder by comparison.
How long does a Z Grills 700E last?
With proper maintenance and a cover (included in the box), the Z Grills 700E will last 5 to 8 years of regular use. The steel is thinner than premium grills, so keeping it covered and cleaning the fire pot regularly makes a real difference in longevity.
Can you add WiFi to a Z Grills 700E?
Not directly. The 700E does not support aftermarket WiFi controllers. You can add a wireless meat thermometer (like a Thermoworks Signals) to monitor food temps from your phone, but you cannot control the grill remotely. If WiFi is a must, you need a different grill.