Is Z Grills or Pit Boss better?

Neither wins outright — it depends on your priority. Z Grills (the 700D4E) is the better pick for tight temperature control and value per dollar, with a PID controller that holds within about 10-15°F. Pit Boss (the Navigator 850) is the better pick for sheer cooking capacity and searing, giving you ~849 square inches and higher top-end temps. Choose Z Grills for steady low-and-slow smoking; choose Pit Boss for feeding a crowd and grilling hot.

Which has more cooking space, Z Grills or Pit Boss?

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 wins on capacity with around 849 square inches versus roughly 697 on the Z Grills 700D4E — about 150 more square inches, enough for an extra rack of ribs or a second pork butt. If you regularly cook for a crowd, the Pit Boss has the edge.

Which is better for searing?

Pit Boss. Its grills reach higher top-end temperatures than most pellet grills, so you get a better crust on steaks and burgers directly on the grates. The Z Grills 700D4E is tuned more for low-and-slow smoking and will need a cast-iron finish for a hard sear.

Which holds temperature better?

Z Grills. The 700D4E's PID controller settles in and holds within roughly 10-15°F, slightly tighter than the Pit Boss in most conditions. For long, precise low-and-slow cooks, that consistency is the Z Grills' advantage.

Which is the better value?

Both are strong values. The Z Grills 700D4E is a bit cheaper (~$399) and edges out on temperature control; the Pit Boss Navigator 850 (~$479) gives you significantly more cooking space for the extra money. If you want the lowest price and steady temps, Z Grills; if you want maximum capacity per dollar, Pit Boss.

Z Grills vs Pit Boss: Which Budget Pellet Grill Wins in 2026?

Z Grills vs Pit Boss: The Bottom Line

These are two of the best budget pellet grills you can buy, and they win in different ways. The Z Grills 700D4E (~~$399) is the value and temperature-control champion. The Pit Boss Navigator 850 (~~$479) is the capacity and searing champion.

Pick the Z Grills if your priority is steady low-and-slow smoking at the lowest price. Pick the Pit Boss if you want the most cooking space and a better sear for feeding a crowd. There's no wrong answer here — both deliver real wood-fired results for far less than premium brands.

Side-by-Side Specifications

Feature	Z Grills 700D4E	Pit Boss Navigator 850
Rating	4.0	4.2
Price	$399	$479
Cooking Area	~697 sq in	~849 sq in
Hopper Capacity	~20 lbs	~28 lbs
Max Temperature	~450°F	~500°F
Controller Type	Digital PID	Digital PID + WiFi
WiFi Connectivity	WiFi on latest version	WiFi/app on current versions
Warranty	3-year limited	Limited
Weight	~84 lbs	~150 lbs
Construction	Single-wall steel	Single-wall steel
Ash Cleanout System	Manual	Manual
Pellet Sensor	No	No
Side Shelf	Yes (work shelf)	Yes
Meat Probes	Included	Included
	Check Price	Check Price

Temperature Control & Smoking

Z Grills takes this round. The 700D4E's PID controller settles in and holds within about 10-15°F, which is excellent at this price and exactly what you want for long brisket and pork cooks. The Pit Boss holds well too, but tends to swing slightly more, especially in wind or cold. For precise low-and-slow work, Z Grills is the safer bet.

Cooking Capacity & Searing

Pit Boss takes this round. The Navigator 850's ~849 square inches is roughly 150 more than the Z Grills — an extra rack of ribs or a second pork butt — and its higher top-end temperature gives you a noticeably better sear directly on the grates. If you grill hot and feed crowds, the Pit Boss earns its slightly higher price.

Value & Build

Both are single-wall budget grills that trade premium polish for price. The Z Grills is a bit cheaper and a touch better-controlled; the Pit Boss gives you more grill for a little more money. Neither will match a premium grill's cold-weather performance or app refinement, but both punch well above their price.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Z Grills 700D4E for the lowest price and the steadiest temperatures — the better pure smoker.
Buy the Pit Boss Navigator 850 for maximum cooking space and a better sear — the better grill-and-entertain machine.

See where both land against every brand in our best pellet grills roundup and best pellet grills under $500.

Best Budget Value: Z Grills 700D4E

Steady PID temperature control and wood-fired flavor around $399. Check the current price.

Check Z Grills 700D4E Price