1. The Pellet Grill Landscape: Beyond Traeger

For years, if you wanted a pellet grill, you bought a Traeger. But as patents expired and the market exploded, two brands emerged to challenge the throne by offering similar performance for a fraction of the cost: Z Grills and Pit Boss.

Both brands target the “value” segment, offering grills in the $300 to $700 range that compete with $1,000+ units. But they take very different approaches. Z Grills (originally a manufacturer for other major brands) focuses on affordability and simplicity—giving you a pure smoking experience at a rock-bottom price. Pit Boss, owned by Dansons (who also own Louisiana Grills), focuses on versatility and ruggedness, famous for their ability to sear over an open flame.

In this 2026 showdown, we break down the build quality, cooking performance, and warranty support to help you decide which budget beast belongs on your patio.

2. At a Glance: Z Grills vs. Pit Boss

Before diving deep, let’s look at the raw specs that differentiate these two brands.

3. Pit Boss Overview: The Versatile Heavyweight

Pit Boss has built its reputation on one major feature: the Flame Broiler. Unlike traditional pellet grills that act solely as convection ovens, Pit Boss grills feature a sliding plate over the firepot. When you slide this open, your food is exposed to the direct flame of the burning pellets, allowing temperatures at the grate to reach 1,000°F.

This versatility bridges the gap between pellet grills and gas grills, giving you the ability to smoke a brisket low-and-slow for 12 hours, and then crank the heat to sear burgers for dinner.

4. Z Grills Overview: The Value Disruptor

Z Grills burst onto the scene by offering what essentially looked like older Traeger clones at half the price. They have since evolved, introducing PID controllers (for precise temperature) and modern features. Z Grills are fantastic “pure” smokers. They are designed to hold a steady temperature for hours on end, making them ideal for beginners who want a set-it-and-forget-it experience.

While they generally lack a direct flame option (meaning searing is harder), they excel at consistency. They are also known for bundling tons of accessories (covers, mats, tubes) with their grills, increasing the value proposition.

5. Feature Battle: Searing & Flame Access

This is the biggest differentiator. If you want to replace your gas grill entirely, Pit Boss is the winner. The Flame Broiler is a simple lever that slides a metal shield away from the fire pot. This exposes the meat to direct fire. It is perfect for reverse-searing steaks or getting char on chicken wings.

Z Grills relies on indirect heat. Even at their “High” setting (usually 450°F), you are baking the meat, not grilling it. To get a sear on a Z Grill, you typically need to use a cast-iron skillet or GrillGrates to amplify the heat.

Winner: Pit Boss (by a landslide).

6. Feature Battle: Technology & Controllers

In 2026, WiFi connectivity is becoming standard. Pit Boss uses their Smoke IT technology on Pro Series and newer models, allowing you to control temps from your phone. The app has had growing pains but is functional.

Z Grills has recently introduced WiFi on models like the 700D4E and Multitasker. Their PID controllers are excellent at maintaining temperature within +/- 5 degrees, which is crucial for baking or long smokes where fluctuations can dry out meat. Pit Boss controllers (especially on older models) are known to have wider temperature swings (25+ degrees), which produces more smoke but less precision.

Winner: Z Grills for Temp Stability, Pit Boss for App Ecosystem.

7. Build Quality & Warranty

When you assemble these grills, you feel the difference. Pit Boss grills are heavy. The steel feels thick, the legs are sturdy, and the barrel has heft. They back this ruggedness with a 5-year warranty, which is one of the best in the business.

Z Grills are lighter. This makes them easier to move around the patio, but they can feel “tinny” in comparison. Their 3-year warranty is decent but lags behind Pit Boss. However, Z Grills often feature fully enclosed storage cabinets (like on the 700 series) which keeps your pellets dry and your patio tidy, whereas many Pit Boss models just have a shelf.

Winner: Pit Boss (for durability).

8. Top Models Compared

Here is a direct comparison of the most popular units from both brands:

Z Grills 700 Series (700D4E / 7002C)

This is the Z Grills “Gold Standard.” It features ~700 sq inches of cooking space, a PID controller, and an enclosed cabinet. It is a fantastic dedicated smoker. If you want to smoke ribs, brisket, and pork butt without fuss, this is the machine. Check out our guide on best smokers for ribs to see why stability matters.

Pit Boss Pro Series / Sportsman

The Pro Series (often found at Lowe’s) and the Sportsman/Navigator lines are the direct competitors. They offer the Flame Broiler, heavy-duty wheels, and large hoppers. They are better “all-in-one” cookers for families who want to grill burgers on Tuesday and smoke a brisket on Saturday.

9. Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The battle is close, but the choice depends on your cooking style.

Choose Pit Boss If:

• You want a single grill that can smoke AND sear steaks/burgers.
• You value a longer warranty (5 years).
• You prefer heavy-duty construction over portability.
• You are upgrading from a Traeger and want flame access.

Choose Z Grills If:

• You are on a strict budget (Z Grills often has aggressive sales).
• You primarily want to smoke (ribs, brisket, pork butt) and have a separate gas grill for searing.
• You want an enclosed cabinet for storage.
• You prefer a lightweight unit that is easier to assemble and move.

10. Frequently Asked Questions