By KBC Associate 
I’ve been a big fan of Z Grills for a while now, and after using several of their smokers, I’ve come to trust their quality and consistency. The Z Grills 700D3 keeps that streak alive—it’s a solid pellet smoker built for folks who want real wood-fired flavor without the hassle. Whether I’m cooking low and slow or running a quick smoke session for dinner, Z Grills has never let me down.
What’s even more impressive is their long game. Z Grills has been manufacturing grills for over 30 years, and they back it up with one of the best programs I’ve seen in the industry. If you buy a grill through their site, you can sign up for a program where they’ll send you up to ten more over your lifetime—one every five years for free, just pay $100 shipping. Check out this program on their website.
Z Grills 700D3 Overview
The Z Grills 700D3 has a clean, tough look right out of the gate. It’s built with heavy-duty materials and dual-wall insulation that helps it hold heat steady—whether it’s a calm day or a windy one. It comes with a 3-year warranty, and it’s a great fit whether you’re just getting into smoking or you’ve been at it for years. This thing isn’t just a smoker either—it can handle baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and even chargrilling.
The lid on the 700D3 feels solid and well-built—no thin sheet metal here. The handle stays cool during cooking, and the lid lifts smoothly without any wobble or flex. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the overall build quality.
Open the lid and you get a good look at the 697 square inches of total cooking space. The main rack gives you 504 square inches to work with, and there’s another 193 square inches on the upper rack—plenty of room whether you’re smoking a few racks of ribs or loading it up for a crowd.
The heat baffle inside the 700D3 is noticeably thick and solid—definitely a step up from the thin, flimsy ones we’ve seen in some other smokers. That extra heft helps it hold and distribute heat more evenly, which means better consistency across the cooking surface.
Right under the baffle is the smoker box, and it’s easy to access and clean—something you’ll appreciate after a long smoke session. The design makes it simple to pull out the baffle and clean out any ash or buildup without making a mess.
The smoke stack sits on the right side of the 700D3 and helps control airflow and draw during your cook. It’s a classic pellet smoker design that does its job well and adds to that traditional look.
The grease bucket hangs off the side and does a good job catching drips during long cooks. I’d suggest grabbing some tin inserts for it—makes cleanup even easier since you can just toss the liner instead of scrubbing out the bucket.
The control panel on the 700D3 runs on a PID 2.0 controller, which keeps temps steady and makes low-and-slow cooks almost hands-off. It’s got a temp range from 160°F to 450°F, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you’re smoking or cranking things up to sear. The LCD screen is easy to read, even in daylight, and it shows both the grill temp and probe temps clearly. It also comes with two meat probes, which is great for monitoring multiple cuts at once without having to lift the lid.
The hopper on the 700D3 holds up to 28 pounds of pellets, which is more than enough for an all-day smoke. (According to Z Grills, a full hopper provides 28 hours of non-stop cooking.) The hopper easily fits a full standard bag, so there’s no need to measure or guess. There’s also a clean-out door on the back, which makes swapping out pellets or emptying the hopper super simple.
The front of the grill has two sturdy cabinet doors that swing open to reveal a good amount of storage underneath. It’s a great spot for keeping your pellets, tools, foil, or whatever else you use regularly. The doors close up tight and give the grill a clean look overall, while also keeping your gear out of the weather.
The grill rolls around on four casters, which also lock, making it easy to reposition when needed. I do wish the wheels were a little bigger and rolled a bit smoother, especially on uneven surfaces, but they still get the job done. Once locked in place, the grill stays put, so you’re not chasing it across the patio mid-cook.
Z Grills 700D3 Performance
This slideshow shows what I threw on for the first big cook—short ribs and chicken party wings. The “before” shots give you an idea of the prep, while the “after” shots show off that perfect smoke and color the 700D3 can deliver. The ribs came out with a nice bark and pull, and the wings had that crispy skin with juicy insides. It’s always satisfying when the results look as good as they taste.
Z Grills 700D3 Value
At $777, the Z Grills 700D3 hits a really solid price point for what you’re getting. The build quality is there—heavy-duty materials, dual-wall insulation, a clean layout, and thoughtful features that actually make your life easier. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it smoker thanks to the PID controller, and with the large hopper and consistent temps, it’s perfect for long cooks without babysitting.
Sure, I wish the casters were a bit bigger, but for most folks, that’s not even an issue—you’re probably parking this on your patio and leaving it there. Between the cooking space, versatility (smoke, roast, sear, bake—you name it), and how beginner-friendly it is, this smoker offers real value. Plus, Z Grills backs it with a 3-year warranty and that long-term loyalty program, which sweetens the deal even more.
Z Grills 700D3 Final Thoughts
The Z Grills 700D3 is everything I look for in a pellet smoker—solid build, great cooking performance, and features that make the whole process easier, not more complicated. Whether you’re just getting started with smoking or you’ve been doing it for years, this grill hits that sweet spot between ease of use and serious capability.
For under $800, you’re getting a lot: a big cooking area, reliable temp control, smart storage, and a design that feels built to last. Add in the lifetime program where you can get a new grill every five years, and it’s one of the best long-term values out there. Bottom line—if you want great results without the guesswork, the 700D3 delivers.