We’ve previously examined a few Z Grills models, including the new 700D4E and the L6002B, so we were eager to see how the new 450B performed as the company’s most popular small pellet grill.
In this Z Grills 450B review, I’ll talk about my experience cooking on the 450B, what I enjoy about it, and where I believe it may be improved.
Z Grills provided me with this grill for free in exchange for an honest assessment. My views and opinions are all my own.
Contents
- Z Grills 450B overview & first impressions
- Unboxing and setup
- Cooking on the 450B
- Storage and prep areas
- Grill grates
- Build quality
- Cleaning the Z Grills 450B
- Testing and benchmarks
- Accessories
- Other grills to consider
- FAQs
- Are Z Grills as good as Traeger grills?
- Is Z grill worth it?
- Are Traeger and Z Grills the same?
- Are Z Grills made in China?
- What happens if Z grill runs out of pellets?
- How long do pellets last in Z Grills?
- What is the number 1 rated grill?
- What is the difference between Z Grill and Pit Boss?
- What is best to smoke on Z grill?
Z Grills 450B overview & first impressions
The Z Grills 450B is somewhat more expensive than its predecessor, the 450A, but there are a number of enhancements that justify the price difference.
The 450B is outfitted with Z Grills’ innovative PID Controller, which aids in maintaining consistent temperatures within 5 degrees Fahrenheit of the goal.
The PID controller, which stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, eliminates the large temperature fluctuations that have been seen in certain pellet grills and provides a uniform cooking temperature when it counts the most: during low and slow cooking periods.
A redesigned pellet clean-out mechanism makes emptying and exchanging pellets a breeze, and the bigger temperature display is considerably simpler to see than the 450A. A window in the hopper also indicates when you are running short on fuel.
Despite the lack of fancy wireless capabilities such as an App or internet connection, the Z Grill 450B is focused on heat management and efficiency.
The Z Grill 450B is an appealing alternative for people wishing to join the pellet grill market since it is substantially less expensive than the Traeger Pro Series.
Lets take a look at the full specs of the 450B:
| Cooking Area | 459 sq in (331 main rack + 128 top racks) |
| Pellet Hopper Capacity | 15 lbs. |
| Temp Range | 180°F – 450°F |
| Shelves & Storage | One shelf on pellet hopper plus storage cabinet |
| Construction | Coated steel |
| WiFi/App | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price | Check Latest Price |
What I like:
- Superior Temperature Control The 450B’s temperature stability is enhanced by the PID controller. This grill, like the 700D3, keeps within 5 degrees of its target. Whereas pellet grills are known to fluctuate in 15F 25F increments, Z Grills’ PID technology significantly decreases this.
- Minimalist Footprint The Z Grills 450B is a compact barbecue with a good cooking space. It is considerably simpler to store than the 700 series and takes up less patio and storage space. It is not too hefty to be properly loaded into and out of a vehicle or SUV for transportation. Just be careful not to scratch the car.
- Simple pellet hopper cleaning The pellet hopper features a little door on the rear that makes emptying and replacing pellets simple. Simply twist the clasp open to empty the pellets into a pail. Much less difficult than the 450A model.
What I don’t like:
- arduous construction I assumed that since the hopper was already connected to the body, this would be a short process, but I was mistaken. The screw holes were in difficult-to-reach places that were inaccessible even with the provided screwdriver, much alone a power drill. To reach and tighten some of the screws in close spaces, I had to use a stubby screwdriver.
- There is just one shelf area. The hopper lid serves as a shelf, but it’s the only area to put stuff. You’re better off setting up a side table and laying out everything you need.
The Z Grills 450B is reasonably priced, and latest upgrades like as the PID controller provide good value for money.
Unboxing and setup
The 450B arrived in a single huge box, partially constructed. The hopper was already connected to the cooking chamber, which is unusual. With everything out of the way, I believed attaching the legs, handles, and wheels would be a breeze.
In reality, it took approximately an hour to put together. The screw holes for the pieces were in awkward places, and reaching around certain angles with the provided screwdriver simply wasn’t cutting it.
Assembly was significantly quicker when I obtained a stubby screwdriver and was able to negotiate the tight corners and ensure that the screws were securely placed.
It was simple to complete the first burn off and get the grill going after it was assembled.
Cooking on the 450B
I wanted to check how well the grill functioned with the various temperature settings. To begin with, low and slow cooking is a great attraction with pellet grills, so let’s see how it went.
Easy to use
It couldn’t be simpler to start the Z Grill and bring it to the desired temperature. Simply open the lid and set the knob to smoke mode.
The pellets are fed from the hopper to the burn pot by the internal auger, and the fire is started by the ignition rod. When you see smoke, shut the lid and adjust the temperature.
Even in direct sunshine, the LCD temperature display is large and simple to see.
The grill has two swivel casters and two hard plastic wheels. It’s light enough to move with one hand, and the casters allow for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.
Smoking on the 450B
With their new PID controllers, Z Grills has the low and slow down pat.
That is also true of the 450B. It performs an excellent job at smoking meat over time. The smoke flavor is not as heavily integrated into the meat as a traditional wood smoker, but you can always put an accessory like a smoker tube in the chamber if you prefer a heartier smoke flavor.
I tested the smoking method on a rack of dry-rubbed baby back pork ribs. It took around fifteen minutes to reach 250°F before I added the ribs.
The 450B’s temperature control kept the cooking chamber at 250F until I opened the door every hour to spray the ribs. Within five minutes, it would be recalibrated to 250F.
At six hours, the ribs were done to my satisfaction, with a lovely mahogany bark and just the proper amount of smokey flavor.
In comparison to bigger smoke chambers, the 450B’s smaller cooking chamber helps maintain the heat at the correct temperature. It returns to the target temperature quickly and effectively, with no significant overshoot.
Grilling on the 450B
Grilling went well, which I credit to the small cooking chamber. That is not to imply it is tiny, but it enables the heat to be maintained without turbulence or temperature fluctuations.
Grilling burgers at 450F produced some faint grill marks that I don’t often see with pellet smokers. The firebox is closer to the grates in the 450B than in bigger models, and you may move food to the borders for indirect heat if it begins to overcook.
There are no particular cooking capabilities, such as the slide and sear system seen on Pit Boss and Camp Chef grills, so if you want to do a lot of grilling, you may want to consider other choices.
Storage and prep areas
As previously stated, there is a dearth of shelves and prep space. Because you just have the top of the hopper to lay your food and beverages on, a foldable table works beautifully. A second shelf would be ideal in this situation.
Grill grates
Cleaning the porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates is a breeze. You get one bottom grate and one top grate that clean up quickly after cooking. If you have tough, stuck-on food, switch the grill to high and use a damp towel to deglaze the chunks from the grates.
Build quality
The 450B is built of thin-walled steel, yet when completely assembled, it is solid and feels robust. It’s small enough to be portable and mobile enough to move about the campground.
Check out the Cruiser if you want a more portable barbecue.
The high-heat powder coating provides further weather and corrosion protection, while a cover is still required if left out in the elements.
Cleaning the Z Grills 450B
There are several features that make cleaning the 450B a snap.
First, Z Grills suggests draping aluminum foil over the top of the grease pan. This is by far the most convenient technique to assist with cleaning. After cooking, just wrap the foil in foil and discard it.
However, I would want to see a better technique of grease management. A drip pan capable of holding water in the cooking chamber would be ideal. Let’s check it out, Z Grills!
When required, clean the grease bucket with soap and water, or use Z Grills foil bucket liners.
Remove the tray and baffle plate and clear up all of the pellet ash in the burn box with a shop vac. Make sure to do this on a regular basis to prevent your fire from being smothered and burning out due to ash buildup.
Because moist pellets might clog the auger mechanism, Z Grills recommends discarding any unused pellets after each roast.
With the new pellet clean out function, this is considerably simpler than prior versions. Simply open the hopper’s rear door and collect the pellets in a bucket.
Testing and benchmarks
Let’s have a look at some basic benchmarks to evaluate how quickly the grill reaches target temperature and how much variation you may anticipate.
Time taken to get to temp
According to the PID controller, the grill took 12 minutes to reach 225F on first starting.
While the grill was recording 225F, the centre of the grill was already at 225F. This might be due to the firebox being closer to the center of the room.
It took roughly 22 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 450F after starting up. Because the cooking chamber is smaller, I anticipated it to heat up fast, and it did not disappoint.
Temperature variance and accuracy
I utilized the ThermoPro TP27 Long Range Wireless Meat Thermometer and placed two probes at grate level in the centre and right sides of the grill to evaluate temperature accuracy throughout the cooking chamber.
The temperature probe on the Z Grills is linked to the controller on the far left of the cooking chamber.
| Grill Setting | Left | Middle | Right |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 225°F | 227°F | 225°F |
| 450°F | 452°F | 452°F | 450°F |
In terms of temperature fluctuation and precision, this grill surpassed my expectations. The difference between each probe and the built-in thermostat was insignificant.
The PID controller conducts its job by regulating temperatures within a 5F range. With the Z Grills 450B’s long-term temperature precision, you can rest easy.
Accessories
Z Grills sells their own grilling accessories in addition to branded cooking equipment and pellets. With their branded product options, they have your culinary requirements covered, from grill mats to prep items.
When keeping your grill outdoors, the covers are highly recommended and nearly a need. You’ll want to safeguard your investment from the weather so it lasts beyond the 3-year guarantee period.
Z Grills also manufactures its own patented pellets in a range of hardwoods and mixes. I liked how these pellets burned cleanly, with little to no ash floating about in the cooking chamber. I’ve used pellets that were quite ashy and would sit on the meal as it cooked, which Z Grills’ product does not have.
Other grills to consider
As previously said, the pellet grill industry is crowded, which is beneficial for consumers.
If you need wifi connectivity, the Traeger Pro series is an excellent choice.
Furthermore, products such as Pit Boss and Green Mountain Grills should not be overlooked. They all produce high-quality pellet grills. Conduct your study and determine what best meets your requirements.
Final verdict
The Z Grills 450B is a dependable and precise smoker that eliminates the need for manual fire control. Although the 8-in-1 promises are accurate, I don’t obtain the peak heat I’d want for searing a steak. It’s a terrific smoker with grilling qualities, in my opinion.
There is no question that Z Grills provides some of the greatest value for money in the pellet grill market. Although wifi technology is not yet available, just integrating PID technology adds so much value to their goods.
You may be certain that you are receiving a high-quality, high-performing product at an affordable price.
Z Grills is rapidly expanding, and their offers improve with each model generation. When you purchase straight from Z Grills’ official website, you will get additional bonuses like as a cover and pellets. It’s a wonderful touch to not having to go out for fuel or a cover when setting up a new grill. Visit Z Grills 700E Wood Pellet Grill Review for more detail.
Please share your thoughts about Z Grills or pellet grills in general in the comments section below, and thank you for reading.
