Traeger vs Z GRILLS vs 8-in-1 Electric Pellet Grills

Shopping for a new pellet grill can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, but you’re in the right place. Whether you’re eyeing the Traeger Pro 34 or the Z GRILLS 2025, both promise wood-fired flavor with modern convenience — things like PID temperature control, meat probes, and roomy cooking areas make backyard smoking and grilling more reliable and fun. I’ll help you compare what matters most so you can pick the one that fits your cooking style and space.

Pellet grills have been around since the mid-1980s when Traeger popularized the idea of using compressed hardwood pellets with an auger-fed system to combine smoky flavor with consistent heat. Since then, advances like PID controllers, insulated bodies, and easy hopper clean-outs have made these units more precise and user-friendly. Owning one gives you the flexibility to smoke low-and-slow, high-heat sear, or anything in between, while saving time with set-and-forget temperature control and less fuss over charcoal or propane. In the article, you’ll get a closer look at each model’s cooking area, temperature range and control, build features, and extras (covers, probes, insulation), so you can confidently decide which grill suits your backyard and your cooking goals.

Traeger Pro 34 Electric Wood-Pellet Grill & Smoker — Bronze, 884 sq in cooking area, up to 450°F, includes meat probe, 6-in-1 BBQ Grill

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If you want to move beyond gas or charcoal and bring authentic wood-fired taste to your backyard, the Traeger Pro 34 is built for you. It’s ideal if you host family gatherings, entertain friends, or cook regularly for a medium-to-large household. You’ll especially appreciate it if you like the flexibility to smoke low-and-slow one day and crank up the heat for searing the next.

You can use this grill to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ — the true 6-in-1 versatility makes it a one-stop solution for most outdoor cooking needs. Expect to turn out pulled pork, brisket, ribs, roasted vegetables, wood-fired pizza, and burgers with consistent results. With 884 sq. in. cooking capacity, you can cook large batches (think up to 40 burgers or 7 racks of ribs) without needing multiple heat sources.

What stands out is the genuine wood-pellet grill flavor. When you use the Traeger Pro 34, your food benefits from a subtle smoky complexity that gas or electric grills struggle to match. The ability to shift from low-and-slow smoking to hot-and-fast searing gives you freedom to experiment with recipes and techniques.

You don’t have to babysit the fire. The Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic manages the auger and fan to maintain precision temperature control (within +/- 15°F). That reliability means you can plan your cook times and trust the grill to hit the temperature you set, freeing you up to socialize or prep sides.

The Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is designed to replace multiple outdoor cooking appliances. Its primary purpose is to deliver authentic wood-fired flavor while offering the convenience of digital temperature control and a spacious cooking area. It’s meant to be the center of your outdoor kitchen — efficient, versatile, and dependable.

• Wood-pellet fuel: Unlocks that characteristic smoky flavor that elevates meats and vegetables.
• 6-in-1 cooking capability: Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ in one unit.
• Digital Pro Controller: Features Advanced Grilling Logic to maintain a stable temperature within +/- 15°F, so your cook outcomes are consistent.
• 450°F Max Temp: Hot enough for searing steaks and achieving nice grill marks.
• Large cooking capacity: 884 sq. in. of cooking space — enough for multiple dishes at once.
• Sturdy construction: Steel body with a durable powder coat finish and porcelain grill grates for easier cleaning and longevity.
• Meat probe: Included for monitoring internal temperatures without opening the lid and losing heat.
• All-terrain wheels: Move the grill around your patio with minimal effort.

You load hardwood pellets into the hopper, set your desired temperature on the Digital Pro Controller, and the grill’s auger feeds pellets to the firepot as needed. The controller and fan work together to regulate the burn and airflow, achieving steady heat and smoke. The integrated meat probe helps you track internal doneness without constant lid opening.

The Traeger Pro 34 feels solid and thoughtfully engineered. The steel construction combined with a powder coat finish gives the grill a sturdy, long-lasting exterior that stands up to regular outdoor use. The porcelain grill grates not only resist sticking but also make cleanup much easier compared to bare steel grates.

Temperature control is the Pro 34’s sweet spot. The Digital Pro Controller keeps temps steady, which is crucial for smoking long cuts like brisket or for maintaining consistent bake temperatures. The 450°F max temp is respectable for a pellet grill — you can achieve good sear marks and finish steaks nicely, though if you’re chasing extremely high-heat searing you may notice limits compared to a dedicated high-BTU gas sear station.

Traeger has built a strong ecosystem of accessories and a wide pellet flavor selection, making it easy to customize your cooks. Replacement parts and customer support are generally accessible, and the Traeger name carries weight in the pellet grill market for reliability and ongoing firmware improvements.

• Bold, authentic wood-fired taste that transforms everyday dishes.

• 6-in-1 versatility lets you replace multiple appliances with one grill.

• Digital Pro Controller provides precision temperature control (± 15°F) for dependable results.

• Large 884 sq. in. cooking capacity is great for families and entertaining.

• 450°F top temperature is sufficient for many searing and grilling tasks.

• Sturdy steel construction and durable powder coat finish help longevity.

• Included meat probe and easy-to-clean porcelain grill grates add convenience.

• All-terrain wheels make the unit reasonably mobile.

• Pellet grills run on electricity and pellets, so you’re tied to pellet availability and power access.

• While 450°F is good for most applications, very high-heat searing (e.g., extremely thin steaks or restaurant-style crusts) may not be as intense as on some high-BTU gas burners or dedicated infrared searers.

• Pellets add ongoing operating cost compared to propane or charcoal per cook.

• At its size and weight, the grill isn’t as compact or portable as some smaller smokers or tabletop units.

• Initial assembly can take time; you’ll need a little patience the first time you set it up.

Use this grill if you want dependable, repeatable results with true wood flavor and the convenience of digital control. The Traeger Pro 34 makes it easy to host, experiment, and elevate your outdoor cooking, whether you’re smoking brisket for hours or flipping burgers for a crowd.

Electric wood pellet smoker and 8‑in‑1 outdoor grill — auto-feed with PID temperature control (180–450°F), 456 sq in cooking area, includes rain cover — great for backyard or housewarming gifts

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This Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill 8-in-1 is built for backyard cooks who want the hands-off convenience of an electric smoker with the versatility to grill, smoke, roast, and sear. If you love hosting weekend gatherings, smoking brisket low and slow, or searing steaks to finish, this unit gives you a single tool to handle all of that. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of pellet fuel, the convenience of auto feed, and the control of a PID temperature controller.

Use this grill when you want to:

• Slow-smoke ribs or a whole brisket for several hours with steady heat.
• Sear steaks at higher temperatures after a low-and-slow smoke.
• Grill burgers, chicken, or vegetables for family meals.
• Roast or bake sides and casseroles while smoking meats alongside. With 456 sq. in. of cooking area, you can tackle a feast — think a whole brisket, 3–4 racks of ribs, plus sides — without juggling batches.

You’ll notice the difference quickly because this pellet grill prioritizes control, efficiency, and build quality. The standout items are the PID digital controller for precise temperature stability, the auto-feed pellet system that keeps smoke consistent, and the efficient pellet usage (just 1–2 lbs/hour) so you’re not constantly refilling mid-cook. These features combine to give you reliable results every time.

• The PID controller means less babysitting. You set a temp between 180°F and 500°F, and the grill holds it steady, which is great for long smokes.
• The auto feed keeps smoke consistent and lets you walk away without worrying the fire will die.
• With durable materials like stainless steel construction and heavy-duty cast iron grates, the grill feels solid and ready for regular use.
• The included extras such as a rain cover, meat probe, pull-out fuel tank, and sturdy wheels make setup, mobility, and year-round use easier for you.

This unit is designed to be a versatile, user-friendly pellet grill that covers multiple cooking styles under one hood. It’s meant to simplify outdoor cooking by giving you accurate temperature control and automatic pellet delivery so you can focus on seasoning and timing rather than tending a fire. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic charcoal grill or stepping up from a small electric smoker, this grill aims to be the central piece of your backyard kitchen.

• PID Digital Controller — provides precise temperature control and consistent results from 180°F to 500°F.
• 8-IN-1 Efficient Wood Pellet Smoking — engineered for multiple cooking methods while using only 1–2 lbs/hour of pellets.
• 456 sq. in. Cooking Area — primary and secondary racks give you room to cook larger cuts and multiple items at once.
• Durable Stainless Steel Construction — sturdy body, thickened insulated lid, and heavy-duty cast iron grates for reliable heat retention and longevity.
• Hassle-Free Cleanup — dedicated ash clean-out system, removable grease tray, and auto shut-down feature to simplify maintenance.
• User-Friendly Extras — comes with a rain cover, meat probe, pull-out fuel tank, and wheels for mobility.
• Customer Support & Community — they emphasize support, promising prompt resolution for issues and a community-oriented experience.

The grill is solidly built with stainless steel panels and a reinforced, insulated lid that helps maintain steady temperatures and improve fuel efficiency. Cast iron grates are a pro for heat retention and creating great sear marks, though they do require a bit of seasoning and care. The construction feels like it’s designed to withstand regular outdoor use; the included rain cover and robust wheels help protect your investment and make it easy to move it out of the elements.

Performance-wise, the combination of PID control and auto feed works well to deliver consistent smoke and heat. For low-and-slow cooks you’ll see stable temps and consistent smoke flavor, while higher temp ranges let you finish with a sear. Pellet efficiency is impressive at 1–2 lbs/hour, so long smokes are economical. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the ash clean-out and removable grease tray, which means you’ll spend more time enjoying food and less time scrubbing.

Expect a slight learning curve as you dial in pellet types, temperature settings, and cooking times for your favorite recipes, but that’s true for any pellet grill. The included meat probe is handy for precision, and the pull-out fuel access simplifies refilling.

• Precise PID control for consistent temperatures and repeatable results.

• Auto feed pellet system reduces hands-on work and keeps flavor steady.

• Efficient pellet usage (1–2 lbs/hour) for cost-effective long cooks.

• 456 sq. in. cooking area — ample space for family-sized meals or entertaining.

• Durable materials: stainless steel body, insulated lid, and cast iron grates.

• Easy maintenance with ash clean-out, removable grease tray, and auto shut-down.

• Useful accessories included: rain cover, meat probe, pull-out fuel tank, and wheels.

• Friendly customer support and a community-first approach to service.

• The unit may not include integrated Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth app control, which some modern grills offer for remote monitoring and alerts.

• Cast iron grates are great for searing but need periodic seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust.

• If you live in a very small space or balcony-restricted environment, the footprint might be too large.

• While 1–2 lbs/hour is efficient, very long cooks still require planning for pellet supply, especially if you like multi-day low-and-slow sessions.

• You may find a brief learning curve dialing in exact temps and pellet blends to match your preferred smoke intensity.

If you want a versatile, well-built pellet grill that takes a lot of the guesswork out of smoking and grilling, this 8-in-1 electric pellet smoker is a solid option. You get precision, efficiency, and practical accessories that make outdoor cooking more enjoyable and less labor-intensive. It’s a particularly good pick if you value consistent results, easy cleanup, and the ability to cook for groups without constantly tending the fire.

Z GRILLS 2025 Electric Pellet Grill & Smoker — 700 sq. in. cooking area, PID V2.1 controller, dual-wall insulation, meat probes, easy hopper clean-out, includes cover (8-in-1)

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You’ll reach for the Z GRILLS 2025 Electric Pellet Grill & Smoker when you want a single cooker that can handle everything from low-and-slow barbecue sessions to quick searing and even wood-fired baking. This model is designed for backyard cooks who want a hands-off experience without sacrificing flavor. With a 700 sq in cooking area, you can easily feed a family, host a weekend party, or prep multiple dishes at once — think 30 burgers, 6 racks of ribs, or 5 whole chickens.

• Low-and-slow smoking (brisket, ribs)
• Indirect roasting (chicken, turkey)
• High-heat searing for steaks and chops
• Baking and roasting (pizza, casseroles)
• Versatile 8-in-1 functions that include smoking, searing, baking, grilling, and more

You’ll appreciate how the Z GRILLS 700D6 balances convenience with real wood-fired flavor. The standout pieces are the precision temperature control and the thoughtful insulation design, which means you get consistent results without babysitting the grill. The smart design choices — including the PID V2.1 Controller, dual meat probes, and an easy hopper clean-out — make the cooking experience straightforward for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters.

• Set a temp and walk away: the PID 2.1 TECHNOLOGY keeps temps steady between 180°F and 450°F.
• Less fuss with pellets: the hopper clean-out makes pellet swaps and storage a breeze.
• Consistent results: dual-wall insulation improves heat retention and pellet efficiency where it matters most.
• Quick recovery: press the Feed button to boost smoke or speed temperature recovery after opening the lid.

This pellet grill is built to be a versatile outdoor cooker that replaces multiple appliances. It’s an 8-in-1 outdoor BBQ that lets you smoke, grill, sear, bake, roast, braise, and more — all with the convenience of electric pellet feeding and intelligent temperature control. You’ll get authentic wood-smoke flavor without having to manually tend coals or wood chunks.

• PID V2.1 Controller / PID 2.1 TECHNOLOGY: Intelligent temperature control automatically adjusts fuel supply and airflow for precise regulation between 180°F and 450°F, keeping your cook consistent.
• 700 sq in Cooking Area: Large capacity allows you to cook for gatherings or multiple items at once.
• Dual-wall insulation: Targeted insulation around the lower chamber reduces heat loss and improves pellet efficiency — useful in cooler weather or long smokes.
• 2 Meat Probes + Large LCD: Monitor internal meat temps and grill temps simultaneously; preset your desired temperature and let the grill handle the rest.
• Hopper Clean-out: Quickly empty unused pellets or switch flavors without a messy process — twist the door and dump.
• Fast Heat Recovery & Feed Button: Quickly add pellets for more smoke or to recover temperature after lifting the lid.
• Included accessories: Comes with a grill cover and a 3-year quality assurance from Z GRILLS, backed by 30+ years of company experience.

You’ll notice the grill’s attention to practical durability. The dual-wall insulation is one of the newer upgrades and it’s applied where it matters most — the lower chamber — so you get better heat retention with less wasted fuel. The construction feels solid enough for regular backyard use, and the large LCD/control panel is readable and intuitive.

Thanks to the PID 2.1 control, temperature swings are minimal, which translates to more reliable cooks and fewer dry or undercooked results. The dual meat probes let you monitor two different cuts at once, perfect when you’re roasting a large bird and doing a brisket. When you open the lid, the fast heat recovery helps you get back up to temp quickly, and if you want an extra wood-smoked hit, the Feed button makes it simple.

Z GRILLS offers 3-year quality assurance, and their long presence in the pellet market means replacement parts and customer service are generally accessible. If you ever need help, their support tends to be responsive and geared toward getting you back to cooking.

• Precise temperature control with PID V2.1 for consistent cooks

• Large cooking area (700 sq in) to handle big meals or multiple dishes

• Dual-wall insulation improves heat retention and pellet efficiency

• 2 meat probes and large LCD for convenient monitoring and presets

• Hopper clean-out makes pellet swaps and maintenance effortless

• Fast heat recovery and Feed button for extra smoke or quick temp climbs

• 8-in-1 versatility covers smoking, searing, baking, grilling, and more

• 3-year warranty backed by decades of Z GRILLS experience

• It’s still an electric pellet grill, so you’re tied to a power source — not ideal for truly off-grid cooking.

• While the dual-wall insulation is a great upgrade, the insulation is targeted to the lower half, so extreme cold may still require more attention or more pellets.

• Some users who want ultra-high sear temps (above typical pellet grill ranges) may find the maximum of 450°F limiting for perfect restaurant-style crusts without additional searing tools.

• The unit size means it’s not as compact as a small portable grill; it takes up a fair amount of backyard real estate.

If you want a user-friendly pellet grill that blends wood-fired flavor, automated temperature management, and useful modern features like meat probes and hopper clean-out, the Z GRILLS 700D6 is a compelling option. You’ll get a versatile, reliable cooker that reduces the workload while giving you consistent, tasty results.

Comparison — quick overview

Here’s a friendly, side-by-side look at how the three pellet grills compare so you can decide which one fits your needs: Traeger Pro 34, the Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill (8‑in‑1), and the Z GRILLS 700D6. Below I explain the main specs and give a clear table so you can quickly scan differences.

At-a-glance spec table

Explanation of key specifications (what they mean for you)

• Cooking area: Measured in square inches — a larger area (Traeger) means you can cook more items at once (great for parties or batch smoking).
• Temperature range / Max temp: Tells you how hot the grill will get. Higher max temp is useful if you want to sear steaks; steady low temps are important for smoking.
• Controller type / PID: PID controllers actively adjust pellet feed and fan speed to hold a tight temperature. Traeger’s Advanced Grilling Logic is reliable, but the PID-equipped grills (the middle model and Z Grills) typically give tighter, steadier temps — helpful for long smokes.
• Cooking modes (6‑in‑1 vs 8‑in‑1): Marketing labels, but they indicate versatility — whether you can smoke low-and-slow, roast, bake, or sear.
• Construction & insulation: Stainless steel and dual-wall insulation retain heat better and improve pellet efficiency, especially in colder weather. If you grill year-round, insulation matters.
• Hopper clean-out / ash removal: Makes swapping pellet flavors and cleaning easier. If you like changing wood types, a hopper clean-out is a real time-saver.
• Meat probes: Included probes let you monitor internal meat temperature without guessing — two probes let you cook multiple cuts simultaneously.
• Accessories & warranty: Included rain covers, wheels, and warranties reduce extra cost and hassle. Z Grills’ 3-year assurance is notably solid.

Quick recommendations for your needs

• If you want maximum cook space (you often cook for a crowd): Traeger Pro 34 (884 sq in) — lots of room and a proven platform.
• If you want stainless construction, easy cleanup, and accessories included (rain cover, ash cleanout): Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill (8‑in‑1) is compact and convenient.
• If you want tight temperature control, good heat retention, and a solid warranty: Z GRILLS 700D6 — PID 2.1 + dual-wall insulation and a 3‑year guarantee.

If you want, I can narrow the choice further based on how many people you usually cook for, whether you grill year-round, or which features matter most (searing vs long smokes vs portability).

Conclusion

You’ve looked at three solid electric pellet grill options, each aimed at slightly different users. All three give you the flavor benefits of wood pellets with the convenience of electric PID temperature control and auto-feed systems, but they differ in size, insulation, features, and target use.

Quick summary of each grill

• Traeger Pro 34 (884 sq. in., 450°F, meat probe, 6-in-1)
  You get a roomy cooking area from an established brand that’s known for user-friendly controls and a broad accessory ecosystem. Good for weekend hosts who want consistent smoking and grilling without a steep learning curve.

• Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill (8‑in‑1, 456 sq. in., PID 180–450°F, auto-feed, rain cover)
  This smaller, more compact unit is great as an entry-level or gift option. It covers the basics — smoking, grilling, and convenience features — while fitting well into tighter outdoor spaces and budgets.

• Z GRILLS 2025 / 700D6 (700 sq. in., Dual-wall insulation, PID V2.1, meat probes, easy hopper clean-out)
  You get a large cooking area, better insulation for temp stability, and an improved PID controller and maintenance features. It’s built for heavier use and for cooks who host larger gatherings or want steadier temps for long cooks.

Drawbacks to keep in mind

• Temperature ceiling: Most of these grills top out around 450°F, so if you want high-heat searing (700–900°F), you’ll need a separate sear station or cast-iron technique.
• Pellet dependency and power: They need pellets and electricity — not ideal if you want purely passive, wood-only cooking or off-grid use.
• Maintenance: Augers, fans, and controllers need occasional care. Expect ash cleanup, hopper maintenance, and possible repairs over many seasons.
• Size and storage: Larger units (Traeger Pro 34, Z GRILLS 2025) require more backyard space and can be heavy to move. The smaller 456 sq. in. model limits how much you can cook at once.
• Brand/quality variance: The Traeger is a known brand with a mature ecosystem; generic models can offer value but may vary in fit-and-finish or long-term support.

Who should buy which

• Choose the Traeger Pro 34 if you want a trusted brand, large cooking area, and a user-friendly experience with lots of accessory options. Ideal for families and weekend hosts who value convenience and support.
• Choose the 456 sq. in. 8‑in‑1 electric pellet smoker if you’re new to pellet grilling, have limited space, want an affordable gift, or primarily cook for 2–4 people. It’s the most beginner-friendly, budget-conscious pick.
• Choose the Z GRILLS 2025 if you want the best mix of value, larger capacity, and temperature stability (thanks to dual-wall insulation and PID V2.1). It’s great for serious backyard cooks who host often and want consistent long cooks without paying top-brand premiums.

Final recommendation

If you want a single, practical recommendation: pick the Z GRILLS 2025 for the best balance of size, temperature stability, and value. If brand reputation and accessory ecosystem matter most to you, go with the Traeger Pro 34. If you need a compact, budget-friendly starter or a nice gift for a new homeowner, the 456 sq. in. 8‑in‑1 model is the right call.

Whichever you choose, keep in mind pellet quality, routine maintenance, and whether you’ll want an extra searing solution for steaks — and you’ll be set to enjoy reliably great smoked and grilled meals in your backyard.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.