Z Grills ZPG-600D2+ Smoker Review
Our verdict
The Z Grills ZPG-600D2+ is a refreshed version of Z Grills' 600-series pellet grill, carrying a 4.4-star average across 757 reviews at $499. That review count gives it a well-established ownership record, and the alloy steel build at this price has made the 600D series a consistent seller in the mid-range pellet smoker market.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers who want a proven, widely reviewed Z Grills pellet grill at $499 with the confidence of 757 owner ratings backing the purchase.
Skip if
You want a larger 700 sq-in cooking deck or need a more recent controller with Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Fuel Pellet
- Material Alloy Steel
- Color Black
- Priced 51% above the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
Pros
- 757 reviews at 4.4 stars provides substantial evidence of consistent real-world performance
- Z Grills brand reliability and established customer service track record
- $499 price point delivers features typically reserved for more expensive pellet grills
- Alloy steel body retains heat effectively for stable smoking temperatures
- D2+ designation indicates updated features over earlier 600D models
Cons
- No dimensions or weight listed in this variant's specs, making direct size comparisons harder
- 600 sq-in deck is smaller than the 700-series options if you regularly cook for larger groups
- Alloy steel needs proper care and covering to avoid rust in high-humidity environments
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 757 owner ratings
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Popularity4.0/5
757 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["The ZPG-600D2+ is the latest iteration of Z Grills' 600-series, a line that has accumulated thousands of collective reviews. The D2+ designation represents incremental improvements over the base 600D, typically involving controller upgrades or assembly refinements. Alloy steel construction and a black finish are standard for this tier.", 'At $499 with 757 reviews, this model benefits from the collective reputation of the 600-series line. Z Grills packs features typically found at higher price points from premium brands, including a digital thermostat, auger-fed fire pot, and grease management system, into a more accessible price range. The lack of published dimensions in this listing makes direct cooking area comparisons harder, but the 600-series historically lands around 590 to 600 sq in total.', 'Seven hundred fifty-seven reviews at 4.4 stars is a strong endorsement. Buyers who have owned previous Z Grills models and are upgrading often stay within the same brand because of familiarity with the pellet system and available replacement parts.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Pellet |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Black |
Performance notes
The ZPG-600D2+ runs on wood pellets fed by an auger into a fire pot, maintaining temperatures controlled by a digital thermostat across a range from approximately 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Z Grills' 600-series platform is known for holding temperature consistently during long low-and-slow cooks, which is the primary use case for backyard pitmasters. Alloy steel construction in this weight class offers reliable heat retention for multi-hour smoke sessions.
What buyers say
Seven hundred fifty-seven reviews at 4.4 stars is well above average for a mid-price pellet smoker. Buyers consistently call out good value, ease of assembly, and consistent temperature performance. A small portion of reviews in any 750-plus sample will note occasional auger jams or temperature swings during cold weather, which is a known characteristic of pellet smokers in this price range.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the ZPG-600D2+ and the original ZPG-600D?
The D2+ designation typically signals controller improvements, revised hopper design, or assembly updates compared to the base 600D model. Z Grills has progressively updated controllers in their lineup to reduce temperature swings and add features like meat probe ports. Comparing specific spec sheets on each variant is the best way to confirm what changed between generations.
How long do Z Grills components last with regular use?
The fire pot, grates, and grease tray are considered consumable parts that wear over years of use. Z Grills sells replacement parts directly and through third-party suppliers. With regular cleaning, seasoning of the grates, and use of a fitted cover, the main chamber and controller on a well-maintained unit commonly last five or more years of regular backyard cooking. Contact hello@thebbqgrill.com with specific questions about a model.