Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
Score: 74/100
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 Weber 14-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a compact charcoal smoker with dual grates and a built-in thermometer, offering solid heat retention in a lightweight package. Its limited cooking area and need for careful temperature management may restrict larger gatherings. Ideal for beginners and space-conscious users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1.99 sqft | 4.84 sqftbest | |
— | 450 °Fbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 23 lbbest | 84 lb |
| ↓ lower better | 14.75 inbest | 51 in |
| ↓ lower better | 14.75 inbest | 22 in |
| ↓ lower better | 31.4 inbest | 48 in |
2best | 2best | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 5 °Fbest |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Cooking Area (Total) (sqft) | 1.99 sqft | 4.84 sqft |
Fuel Type | Charcoal | Wood Pellet |
Build & Design(6) | ||
Weight (lb) | 23.0 lb | 84 lb |
Height (in) | 14.75 in | 51 in |
Width (in) | 14.75 in | 22 in |
Length (in) | 31.4 in | 48 in |
Construction Material | Porcelain-enameled | Stainless steel |
Grate Material | Plated steel | Porcelain-coated steel |
Controls(1) | ||
Control Type | Manual | Digital PID |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional sources highlight the Weber 711001's solid construction, built-in thermometer, and user-friendly damper system, noting it as a reliable entry-level smoker that delivers consistent results despite its modest size.
Everyday users praise its ease of use for beginners, straightforward cleaning, and compact size that fits small patios, while recurring feedback mentions the need for attentive temperature management and limited capacity for larger groups.
“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.
