If you’re shopping for a reliable pellet grill that won’t destroy your budget, you’ve probably seen the Z Grills 700D and 700E pop up everywhere. I’ve cooked on both models over multiple seasons – from low-and-slow briskets to weeknight burgers – and today I’m giving you the straight truth about how they actually perform in real backyard conditions.
This isn’t a spec-sheet copy-paste. This is a real owner’s breakdown of what matters, what doesn’t, and which grill makes sense depending on how you cook.
Design & Build – Where the Real Difference Lives
The biggest difference between the Z Grills 700D and 700E isn’t technology – it’s appearance and materials.
The 700D uses a high-temp powder-coated steel lid with a bronze finish. The 700E upgrades that lid to stainless steel. That’s it. Same body, same controller, same cooking system.
In practical terms:
- The 700E’s stainless lid resists rust better, especially if you live near the ocean or in humid climates.
- The 700D’s bronze finish looks classy and hides fingerprints better.
Performance? Identical. Heat retention? Identical. Cooking results? Identical.
This is not a “newer model vs older model” situation. Z Grills updates both lines at the same time. The letters refer to styling, not technology upgrades.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Z Grills 700D | Z Grills 700E |
|---|---|---|
| Lid Material | Powder-coated steel (bronze finish) | Stainless steel |
| Cooking Area | 700 sq in | 700 sq in |
| Controller Type | Standard digital (unless PID version) | Standard digital (unless PID version) |
| Pellet Hopper | 20 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 450°F | 180°F – 450°F |
| Cart Style | Enclosed cabinet | Enclosed cabinet |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Weight | Approx 146 lbs | Approx 146 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Z Grills 700D – Real World Experience
The 700D is what I call a “workhorse grill.” Nothing flashy, but it gets the job done every time.
With 700 square inches of cooking space, I can easily smoke:
- 3 full racks of ribs
- 2 large pork butts
- Or a full packer brisket plus sides
The main grate is huge, and the upper warming rack is perfect for finishing chicken wings or keeping food warm while you sear.
Temperature Control (Honest Truth)
This is where many reviews get misleading. The standard controller on older 700D models is NOT PID. That means:
- You can see temperature swings of 20–30°F.
- It’s normal behavior, not a defect.
- For smoking meat, this is completely fine.
If you want tighter control, Z Grills now sells PID versions of both models. Always check the box or product listing to confirm.
Smoke Flavor
Smoke output is solid. Not overpowering like a stick burner, but noticeably stronger than Traeger entry models. For me, hickory pellets produced excellent bark on brisket.
Build Quality
Heavy steel construction. This grill feels solid. The cabinet underneath is a huge plus – I store:
- 40 lb pellet bags
- Gloves
- Foil
- Meat probes
Most brands skip this at this price point.
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Strong smoke flavor
- Enclosed cabinet storage
- Reliable ignition
- Great value for money
Cons
- Heavy to move
- Non-PID models swing in temp
- Assembly takes time
Z Grills 700E – Real World Experience
The 700E cooks exactly like the 700D. Same burn pot, same auger, same controller. The only meaningful upgrade is the stainless lid.
If you grill outdoors year-round or live in a coastal region, this matters. Salt air destroys powder coating over time.
Heat Retention
Both grills hold heat well. Thick steel body = stable temps once heated.
Ease of Use
- Turn dial
- Set temp
- Walk away
That’s it. No flare-ups. No babysitting.
Pellet Efficiency
I average:
- 1 lb pellets per hour at 225°F
- Up to 20 hours per full hopper
Much cheaper than propane.
Pros
- Stainless lid resists rust
- Same strong performance as 700D
- Large cooking space
- Great smoke flavor
- Strong value
Cons
- Costs slightly more
- No WiFi
- Same temp swings on non-PID models
Important Buyer Warning (Read This)
Z Grills sells multiple versions of these grills.
If you want:
- Tighter temperature control
- Less fluctuation
You MUST look for models labeled:
- PID Controller
- 700D4E
- 7002C2E
Older stock is still sold with standard controllers.
Always check the product listing carefully.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 700D if:
- You want the best price
- You like the bronze look
- You grill occasionally
Buy the 700E if:
- You live in humid/coastal areas
- You want rust resistance
- You prefer stainless aesthetics
Cooking performance is identical. Choose based on environment and style.
My Final Verdict
After owning both, I can confidently say:
Neither is “better” – they’re the same grill in different outfits.
If Z Grills were charging double for stainless, I’d say skip it. But the price difference is usually small, so if you grill year-round, the 700E makes sense.
For most backyard cooks, the 700D is the smarter buy and saves money without sacrificing performance.
Both are excellent pellet grills that outperform many big-name brands at this price point.
