The decisive choice between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series and the Z GRILLS 700D6 comes down to high-heat searing versatility versus cold-weather thermal stability. While Pit Boss equips its grill with an adjustable Flame Broiler lever that exposes meat directly to open fire reaching up to 1,000°F, Z GRILLS prioritizes steady, locked-in ambient temperatures through a dual-wall insulated bottom and an algorithmic Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller.
Outdoor cooks who demand direct flame charring and higher maximum cooking temperatures should choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2. Pitmasters who prioritize automated low-and-slow temperature consistency in cold climates alongside easy pellet flavor swaps should select the Z GRILLS 700D6.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series vs Z GRILLS 700D6 at a Glance
| Feature | Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series | Z GRILLS 700D6 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 747 sq. in. | 697 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F | 180°F to 450°F |
| Direct Searing Capability | Flame Broiler Lever (up to 1,000°F) | Indirect convection only |
| Controller Type | Digital control board (5°F increments) | Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller |
| Barrel Insulation | Single-wall alloy steel | Dual-wall insulated bottom |
| Hopper Capacity / Runtime | 21 lb. hopper | Up to 28 hours (capacity not listed) |
| Pellet Cleanout System | Not listed | Twist-open rear release door |
| Included Meat Probes | 1 included (2 probe ports) | 2 included |
| Included Protective Cover | Not listed | Grill cover included |
| Warranty Coverage | 5-year warranty | 3-year quality assurance |
| Best For | Direct flame searing and versatile high-heat cooking | All-weather smoking stability and hands-off monitoring |
Searing Power and Open-Flame Grilling
Wood pellet grills traditionally cook via indirect convection, circulating hot air and hardwood smoke around a metal heat deflector plate. This design excels at tenderizing briskets and ribs, but it often struggles to produce the crisp, caramelized crust expected on steaks and burgers. When comparing the Pit Boss Flame Broiler vs Z Grills 700D6, the difference in searing mechanics is fundamental. Pit Boss tackles this traditional limitation by integrating a sliding Flame Broiler plate directly over the burn pot. By sliding the external Flame Broiler Lever, cooks open the heat shield to expose food directly to fire, generating direct flame searing temperatures up to 1,000°F.
The Z GRILLS 700D6 utilizes a closed heat shield setup without an open-flame port, channeling all heat indirectly into the barrel. Its maximum dial temperature tops out at 450°F, which relies solely on hot air convection to finish food. While this closed system works well for baking flatbreads, roasting chicken, and cooking pork shoulders, it cannot replicate the intense localized char produced by an open wood flame. Evaluating the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series or Z GRILLS 700D6 for searing reveals that the Pit Boss functions like a traditional charcoal or gas grill station whenever you open the sliding grate.
For cooks exploring versatile backyard smokers like the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs pit boss navigator 850, the signature sliding diffuser remains the brand’s primary hardware advantage. Achieving genuine reverse-seared steaks or crisp chicken skin requires no cast-iron pans or accessory sear boxes on the FB2. On the 700D6, high-heat finishing is restricted to the ambient ceiling of 450°F, meaning you must wait longer for surface browning, which increases the risk of overcooking the interior of thinner steaks.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series – The manual Flame Broiler Lever provides direct open-flame contact up to 1,000°F that indirect convection cannot match.
Temperature Range and Controller Precision
A pellet grill relies heavily on the internal logic of its control unit to feed fuel, run the induction fan, and maintain ambient chamber warmth. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 vs Z Grills 700D6 temperature range highlights distinct engineering approaches. Pit Boss equips the 700 FB2 with a dial-in digital control board that spans 180°F to 500°F in precise 5°F increment settings. This gives cooks an extra 50 degrees of ambient convection heat over the 700D6, allowing for faster high-heat baking, roasting, and crisping without even sliding the sear plate open.
Where the Z GRILLS shines is in automated thermal stability through its Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithm constantly samples chamber temperatures and uses predictive mathematical calculations to adjust the auger feed speed and internal airflow. Instead of letting temperatures swing significantly before correcting, the Z Grills 700D6 PID controller responds proactively to maintain an unwavering temperature line between 180°F and 450°F. Buyers who compare PID systems in matchups like the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs recteq patio legend 600 know that PID automation minimizes the micro-fluctuations that dry out delicate cuts during extended sessions.
Z GRILLS also adds a dedicated Feed button on the control panel. When the grill lid is opened and heat spills into the yard, pressing the Feed button prompts the system to deliver an immediate burst of hardwood fuel and active draft, accelerating heat recovery once the lid drops back down. It can also be tapped at low temperatures to trigger a heavy wave of wood smoke. The Pit Boss digital board offers reliable 5-degree steps, but lacks this specialized one-touch recovery control.
Edge: Z GRILLS 700D6 – The advanced Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller and dedicated manual feed button deliver tighter automatic temperature regulation than standard digital cycling boards.
Heat Retention and Barrel Insulation
Thin metal construction is a notorious vulnerability in outdoor pellet cookers, causing fuel consumption to spike drastically when chilly winds or winter conditions strike the grill body. The Z GRILLS 700D6 counters this vulnerability by incorporating a dual-wall insulated bottom into its barrel design. This lower double-layer alloy steel construction creates an insulating thermal barrier directly around the fire basin, preventing cold ambient air from quenching the heat before it circulates up into the cooking chamber.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 relies entirely on single-wall alloy steel across its main drum assembly. While rugged and coated for outdoor use, single-wall steel allows thermal energy to radiate outward quickly on breezy days. In cold climates, the 700 FB2 burns through hardwood pellets at a faster rate to keep the chamber at your target setting. This dynamic frequently comes up when studying barrel efficiency in tests like the pit boss 850 navigator series vs z grills 700d6, where insulated bottoms prove essential for winter smoking consistency.
Beyond fuel efficiency during active cooks, the dual-wall construction of the 700D6 retains warmth inside the chamber after the grill finishes running. This insulated profile holds resting meats at safe, warm temperatures longer if dinner is delayed. The added steel in the Z GRILLS design pushes the unit’s total weight to 132 pounds, compared to the 119.1 pounds of the 700 FB2, underscoring the denser physical mass built into the 700D6 frame.
Edge: Z GRILLS 700D6 – The dual-wall insulated bottom retains heat far better, improving pellet efficiency and maintaining cooking stability in cold or windy weather.
Low-and-Slow Smoking and Pellet Management
Long cooks require dependable fuel reserves, steady smoke generation, and hassle-free maintenance between sessions. Deciding between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series or Z GRILLS 700D6 for smoking involves evaluating how each unit feeds and empties its fuel supply. Pit Boss arms the 700 FB2 with a 21-pound capacity hopper. Because standard hardwood pellets are sold in 20-pound bags, this 21-pound bin easily swallows an entire brand-new bag without leaving awkward leftover partial bags sitting in your garage to absorb ambient moisture.
Z GRILLS does not state the exact pound capacity of the 700D6 hopper, but specifies that a full hopper provides up to 28 hours of continuous cooking under low-and-slow conditions. More importantly for maintenance, the 700D6 includes a twist-open hopper cleanout door built into the rear of the unit. Rotating this release hatch empties the unused hardwood pellets directly into a bucket below. This feature simplifies switching between different wood varieties, such as dumping hickory to swap in applewood, and prevents auger jams caused by wet pellets if the grill sits idle for extended periods.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 listing does not specify a quick-dump cleanout chute, meaning cooks must scoop unused pellets out manually from above or burn through the contents of the hopper before loading a different wood profile. In head-to-head operational comparisons like the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs camp chef smokepro dlx, dedicated pellet cleanout doors save significant labor. However, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 guarantees enough raw hopper volume to handle uninterrupted overnight cooks without topping off.
Edge: Tie – Pit Boss guarantees a complete 21-pound bag capacity, but Z GRILLS features a dedicated twist-open cleanout chute and provides up to 28 hours of continuous runtime.
Cooking Capacity and Grate Architecture
Usable surface area dictates how easily a pellet grill handles large family gatherings, holiday roasts, or weekly batch meal prep. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 provides a total of 747 square inches of cooking space distributed across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel cooking racks. This bi-level configuration allows you to spread briskets, pork butts, and sides across separate elevation zones, keeping meats away from the direct bottom heat deflector while maximizing usable cubic volume.
The Z GRILLS 700D6 delivers 697 square inches of grilling area. While slightly smaller in total square inches than the Pit Boss, Z GRILLS provides concrete real-world metrics for what this surface accommodates: up to 30 standard burger patties, 6 full racks of ribs, or 5 whole chickens simultaneously. This volume handles large neighborhood barbecues with ease. Shoppers who study intermediate capacity classes in comparisons such as the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs z grills zpg-450a2 know that moving into the 700-class range provides ample clearance for full packer briskets without trimming the flat to fit the barrel.
Porcelain coatings on the Pit Boss cooking racks prevent sticky barbecue glazes from baking into bare metal and resist rust when wiped down after hot cooks. Z GRILLS does not specify the exact coating material of the 700D6 grates in its listing. Pit Boss secures a modest 50-square-inch advantage overall, giving cooks slightly more breathing room when organizing bulky multi-rack meals.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series – Offers 747 square inches of bi-level porcelain-coated steel cooking area compared to 697 square inches on the 700D6.
Included Hardware, Accessories, and Warranty Protection
Outfitting a backyard grill station often requires purchasing secondary accessories to monitor meat internal temperatures and protect the investment from weather. The Z GRILLS 700D6 arrives with two meat probes included in the carton, which plug directly into the large front LCD screen for simultaneous internal monitoring of two separate meat cuts. Additionally, Z GRILLS bundles a custom-fit, weather-resistant grill cover directly in the package, eliminating the need to search for a compatible third-party cover.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 digital control board features two integrated meat probe ports, but the manufacturer includes only one meat probe in the box; a second probe must be acquired separately if you want to track multiple roasts. On the structural side, Pit Boss includes a solid steel bottom shelf spanning the legs beneath the drum, providing an open storage platform for extra bags of hardwood pellets, grilling utensils, or cast-iron pans. The Z GRILLS listing does not show or specify a lower utility storage shelf.
Warranty terms reveal another notable divergence. Pit Boss backs the 700 FB2 with an extensive 5-year warranty covering components and craftsmanship. Z GRILLS backs the 700D6 with a 3-year quality assurance warranty. While Z GRILLS delivers higher immediate out-of-the-box accessory value with two probes and a protective cover, Pit Boss provides two additional years of manufacturer warranty protection alongside functional under-grill shelf storage.
Edge: Tie – Z GRILLS includes two meat probes and a protective grill cover in the box, but Pit Boss delivers a solid bottom shelf and two extra years of warranty coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series
Pros
- Direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- Higher 500°F ambient temperature ceiling
- Generous 747 sq. in. cooking area
- Full 20-lb bag fits in 21-lb hopper
- Comprehensive 5-year warranty protection
Cons
- Lacks dual-wall barrel insulation
- Only one meat probe included in box
- No twist-open hopper cleanout chute
View Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series on Amazon
Z GRILLS 700D6
Pros
- Dual-wall insulated bottom for cold weather
- Automated Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller
- Twist-open rear hopper cleanout door
- Includes grill cover and two meat probes
- Feed button for quick heat recovery
Cons
- No direct open-flame searing capability
- Lower 450°F maximum temperature limit
- Shorter 3-year warranty period
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series If
- You want direct open-flame searing up to 1,000°F for steaks, pork chops, and burgers via the Flame Broiler lever.
- You require a maximum ambient convection temperature of 500°F for faster roasting and high-heat baking.
- You prefer an entire 20-pound bag of hardwood pellets to empty fully into a 21-pound hopper without leftovers.
- You value the long-term protection of a comprehensive 5-year manufacturer warranty and lower storage shelf utility.
Choose the Z GRILLS 700D6 If
- You frequently grill or smoke in cold, windy conditions where a dual-wall insulated bottom saves fuel and keeps heat steady.
- You want set-and-forget cooking automated by a predictive Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller with an instant Feed button.
- You plan to switch pellet woods often and want the convenience of a twist-open rear hopper cleanout door.
- You want a complete setup out of the box with two meat probes and a fitted grill cover included.
Final Verdict
Any comprehensive Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series review shows that its primary strength lies in uncompromising grilling versatility. By combining 747 square inches of porcelain-coated cooking racks with an innovative Flame Broiler Lever, it effortlessly shifts from smoking ribs at 225°F to searing steaks directly over live wood fire at 1,000°F. Backed by a 21-pound hopper, a 500°F ambient ceiling, and a generous 5-year warranty, the 700 FB2 is the definitive pick for backyard cooks who want one freestanding cooker that handles direct-flame charring just as competently as slow barbecue.
Conversely, an analytical Z GRILLS 700D6 review highlights a platform tailored specifically for thermal discipline and effortless operation. While it tops out at 450°F and cannot sear over open fire, its dual-wall insulated bottom, Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller, rear hopper cleanout door, and 28-hour run capacity make it exceptionally reliable for low-and-slow barbecue in cold environments. If you already own a dedicated gas grill for high-heat searing and need an automated, fuel-efficient smoker that holds precise temperatures through rain, wind, and winter chills, the Z GRILLS 700D6 is the superior tool.
FAQ
Can the Z GRILLS 700D6 sear steaks like the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series?
No. The Z GRILLS 700D6 relies solely on indirect convection heat up to 450°F because its heat shield remains fully closed over the fire pot. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 features an adjustable Flame Broiler Lever that slides the heat shield open, exposing steaks directly to live wood flames reaching up to 1,000°F for authentic high-heat charring.
What is the difference in temperature range between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 and Z GRILLS 700D6?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 operates across a digital range of 180°F to 500°F in 5°F increments, in addition to reaching 1,000°F when using the direct Flame Broiler. The Z GRILLS 700D6 operates from 180°F to 450°F under the management of its automated Z-Ultra PID 3.0 controller.
How many meat probes are included with each grill?
The Z GRILLS 700D6 comes with two meat probes included in the box, allowing you to monitor two separate cuts of meat simultaneously on its LCD screen. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 controller board features two probe ports, but only includes one meat probe with purchase; a second probe must be acquired separately.
Does either grill feature a pellet hopper cleanout door?
Yes. The Z GRILLS 700D6 features a twist-open hopper cleanout door located on the back of the hopper assembly, making it easy to drop unused pellets into a bucket when changing wood flavors or preparing the grill for storage. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 listing does not specify a quick-release hopper cleanout chute.
How does the dual-wall insulation on the Z GRILLS 700D6 work?
The Z GRILLS 700D6 features a dual-wall insulated bottom that surrounds the lower burn basin. This two-layer alloy steel construction prevents cold ambient air and winds from absorbing heat from the combustion zone, which improves fuel efficiency, reduces pellet consumption in winter, and maintains stable cooking temperatures.
Which grill provides a longer manufacturer warranty?
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty, offering extended coverage on its digital control board and structural components. The Z GRILLS 700D6 is backed by a 3-year quality assurance plan.
