Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker
Score: 80/100
Z Grills Wood Pellet Smoker Grill 8in
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Z Grills ZPG-7002E is an 8-in-1 wood-pellet grill with a spacious cooking area, rapid heat-up, and precise ±5°F PID temperature control. Its considerable weight and initial heavy smoke are notable drawbacks. Best for intermediate to advanced home cooks who value performance and have space for a larger, heavier grill.
The Cuisinart COS-244 is a 36-inch vertical propane smoker offering a generous 784 sq in cooking area and solid temperature control. Its heavy weight and the need for a separate propane tank make it less portable. Ideal for beginners to intermediate smokers who prioritize capacity over mobility.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5.45 sqftbest | 4.84 sqft | |
— | 450 °Fbest | |
15,000 BTU/hbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 40 lbbest | 84 lb |
| ↓ lower better | 38.6 inbest | 51 in |
| ↓ lower better | 19.3 inbest | 22 in |
| ↓ lower better | 18.1 inbest | 48 in |
4best | 2 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Cooking Area (Total) (sqft) | 5.45 sqft | 4.84 sqft |
Fuel Type | Propane | Wood Pellet |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (lb) | 40 lb | 84 lb |
Height (in) | 38.6 in | 51 in |
Width (in) | 19.3 in | 22 in |
Length (in) | 18.1 in | 48 in |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Racks | 4 | 2 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors emphasize the COS-244's straightforward propane hookup, large cooking capacity, and convenient dual-door design, noting it delivers reliable temperature control and ample space for party-size smoking sessions.
Everyday users appreciate the smoker's ability to impart a wonderful smoky flavor, its ease of use for beginners, and the flexibility to handle both short and long smoking sessions, while recurring concerns focus on its heavy weight and the need to purchase a propane tank separately.
“Heavy smoke during initial burn-in and first cook on the ZPG-7002E.”
Professional reviewers acknowledge the ZPG-7002E's solid build quality, large cooking area, and precise digital temperature control, but criticize the heavy smoke produced during the first burn-in and the absence of smart-app connectivity.
Everyday users generally praise the generous cooking surface and the convenience of automatic temperature regulation, while recurring complaints focus on the heavy initial smoke output and the unit's considerable weight, which makes moving it cumbersome.
