Z GRILLS - Classic Model 697 sq. in. Pellet Grill and Smoker, 8-in-1 BBQ Grill with Rain Cover - Silver

This is my first pellet grill and I have used it numerous times over the past two months I've had it. Produces a nice smoke, doesn't seem to burn through pellets too fast. Easy to fill pellet hopper, smooth auger action, and even burn. Visible thick smoke starts to dissipate the higher the temps are set, but it still provides adequate smoke to whatever you're cooking. Assembly wasn't too bad, but the right side of the grill was bent (from the factory) and doesn't provide a complete seal around the bottom right of the lid - as smoke escapes. I took a pair of pliers and gently bent the outer lip back in to place, not perfect, but does the job. Cons - temp seems to fluctuate wildly the first 30-45 minutes. I would recommend to start preheating the pellet grill to your desired temp with roughly that much time prior to placing your meat and starting your grilling/smoking. After about an hour the temp seems to stabilize. It will swing up and down from your preset anywhere from 5-20 degrees. My controller seems to run about 20 degrees hotter than the present temperature. The digital LCD provides a quick and easy readout, but compare it to the preset on the knob. I have also checked with a separate digital thermometer, and depending on placement, they are very similar. This has not greatly affected my cooking/smoking as I measure to internal temp of the meat. Overall, I am pleased with this product and would probably recommend it to others. If you could snag a Pit Boss for around the same price and size, it may be worth it over the Z Grill. The free cover was a nice addition, although it is very tight getting on and over the hopper and smokestack. My guess is, it will eventually tear and wear out before a complete year's use.

[Employee of bestbuy] We have had this over a year now and it's been wonderful. It may not be top of the line or have a ton of fancy bells and whistles but it makes incredibly tasty and easy food!! Great for beginners on up to the pros. Great recipes can be found on meat church's you tube! Not sponsored, just great tutorials you cant go wrong with! Would highly recommend this smoker. We love it. Just get you a digital blu tooth thermometer and some good pellets and youre all set!

The item came damaged. This grill has good reviews elsewhere, unfortunately since it is damaged, the lid does not shut. It appears to has sustained damage in manufacturing/packaging, as the box did not sustain major damage during delivery. The front right edge of the drum is bent, leaving 2 folds in the steel causing the door/lid to not shut. This was a fathers day gift, so very embarrassing, as it was noticed after it was built. My husband is too excited to wait another 2 weeks and rebuild it again. Best buy had terrible customer service, it took 3 calls to talk to someone, the first 2 calls, I was disconnected, the first guy had my number but did not call back, the second disconnected while waiting to talk to someone. All in all, I am having to purchase a high temperature gasket to seal the lid, so the smoke does not poor through the lid, where the gaps from the bends are. I am uploading pictures. Best buy was not even interested in seeing the pictures of the damage.

I made this purchase to replace a vertical smoker. I always had problems with wood, flame, flare-ups and inconsistent temperature control. This pellet smoker has done such a great job in maintaining temperature. I have used it five times in the first week. I had it and every meal came out perfect. This is easy to clean and maintain, temperature control was a breeze and the assembly instructions were very clearly laid out.

Works beautifully. Easy to assemble. Great price.