About 700 Sq in vs 850+ Sq in Pellet Grills: Which Should You Buy?
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This About 700 Sq In vs 850 sq in pellet grill comparison helps you choose the right outdoor cooker. Both units offer substantial cooking space for families or gatherings. The Z Grills model provides a true pellet grill experience with PID control. The Masterbuilt unit is a vertical electric smoker with a larger footprint. You need to decide if you prioritize precise temperature management or maximum capacity.
Fuel
Wood Pellet
Electric
Smoker Style
Pellet Grill
Vertical
Cooking Area
About 700 Sq In
850+ Sq In
Control System
PID 3.0 Precision Control
Digital Controller
Use
Grilling, Smoker
Smoker
Choose the first if
- You want to smoke and sear with wood-fired flavor.
- You need precise temperature stability between 180°F and 450°F.
- You prefer a single unit that handles multiple cooking methods.
Choose the second if
- You need the largest possible cooking space for large batches.
- You prefer the vertical design for easy rack access.
- You want a dedicated electric smoker for long cooks.
Verdict
Choose the Z Grills if you value versatile grilling capabilities and precise heat control. Pick the Masterbuilt if your primary goal is smoking large quantities of meat in a vertical format. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize cooking variety or maximum capacity.
700 Sq In vs 850 Sq In Grills
Cooking Area
Edge: Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker offers 697 square inches of grill space. This area fits dozens of burgers, multiple racks of ribs, or several whole chickens. The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker provides 970 square inches of cooking space. This vertical design gives you significantly more room for large batches. If you frequently cook for big gatherings, the Masterbuilt unit has more capacity. The Z Grills is sufficient for standard family meals. You get more surface area with the Masterbuilt model.
Fuel Type
Edge: Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
Fuel source changes how you cook. The Z Grills model uses wood pellets as its fuel. This allows for authentic smoky flavor and versatile cooking methods. The Masterbuilt unit runs on electricity. It uses wood chips in a side loader for flavor, but the heat comes from an electric element. Electric smokers are easier to manage and do not require pellet refilling. However, pellet grills offer higher heat ranges for searing. You choose pellets for flavor depth or electricity for convenience.
Grill Type
Edge: Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
The Z Grills is a true pellet grill with PID control. It manages pellet feed and airflow automatically. This system maintains stable temperatures between 180°F and 450°F. The Masterbuilt is a vertical electric smoker. It uses a digital controller to manage the heating element. Vertical smokers cook food from the side, which differs from horizontal grilling. The Z Grills offers searing capabilities due to higher heat. The Masterbuilt is dedicated to low-and-slow smoking. You get more cooking versatility with the Z Grills pellet system.
Features
Edge: Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
The Z Grills includes a PID 3.0 system and dual meat probes. It also has a large LCD screen for monitoring. The dual-wall insulated base helps retain heat and boosts efficiency. The Masterbuilt features a side wood chip loader and chrome smoking racks. It has a digital controller for temperature management. The Z Grills offers more advanced temperature control and monitoring tools. The Masterbuilt focuses on simple operation with its digital interface. You get better precision and heat retention with the Z Grills features.
Weight
Edge: Tie
Weight affects portability and stability. The Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker weighs 120 pounds. This substantial weight helps with heat retention and stability during use. The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker does not list a weight in the provided data. You cannot compare the weight directly. The Z Grills is a heavy, stationary unit. The Masterbuilt is also large but lighter specifications are unknown. You should consider the Z Grills as a permanent setup due to its mass.
Which Grill Fits Your Cooking Needs
You want precise pellet temperature control
Our pick: Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
The Z Grills model uses a PID 3.0 system to manage pellet feed and airflow automatically. This maintains stable temperatures between 180°F and 450°F. You get consistent results for smoking or searing. The dual-wall insulated base retains heat better in cold weather. You can cook for up to 28 hours on a full hopper without refilling.
You need maximum vertical cooking space
Our pick: Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt unit offers 970 square inches of cooking space in a vertical design. This layout allows you to stack multiple racks of meat or poultry efficiently. The electric digital controller simplifies operation. You get a dedicated smoker with an offset side wood chip loader. The square shape maximizes usable area within a compact footprint for large batches.
You prefer an all-in-one grill
Our pick: Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
This pellet grill functions as an offset smoker, searing station, roaster, and baker. The 697 square inch surface handles burgers, ribs, and whole chickens. Built-in meat probes and an LCD screen let you monitor progress easily. The hopper cleanout system allows quick pellet swaps. You get versatile cooking methods in one durable 120-pound unit with bronze finish.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker | Cooking 700 square inches with PID precision | |
| 2 | Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker | Large batch vertical smoking |
Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker
Best for: Cooking 700 square inches with PID precision
- Cooking Area
- About 700 Sq In
- Temperature Range
- 180°F–450°F
- Controller Type
- LCD
- Fuel
- Wood Pellet
- Features
- Offset Smoker, Lid, Meat Probe, PID Controller
- Use
- Grilling, Smoker
This Z Grills pellet grill offers 697 square inches of cooking space, fitting the about 700 square inch category. It uses a PID 3.0 controller to maintain temperatures from 180°F to 450°F. The dual-wall insulated base helps retain heat and improve pellet efficiency. You get two built-in meat probes and an LCD screen for monitoring. The unit weighs 120 pounds and features a hopper cleanout system for easy pellet changes.
- PID 3.0 precision control maintains stable temperatures between 180°F and 450°F
- 697 square inches of cooking space fits multiple racks of ribs or whole chickens
- Dual-wall insulated base locks in heat for better efficiency
- Includes two built-in meat probes and an LCD screen
- Hopper cleanout system allows quick pellet swapping
- 697 square inches is smaller than the 850+ square inch option
- 120 pounds weight adds bulk compared to lighter models
- Limited to 180°F to 450°F temperature range
- You need about 700 square inches of cooking space
- You want precise temperature control with a PID system
- You value heat retention for consistent smoking results
- You require more than 850 square inches of cooking area
- You prefer a lighter grill for easy transport
- You need temperatures above 450°F for high-heat searing
Verdict: Z Grills 700 Sq In Pellet Grill suits cooks who want precise PID control and solid heat retention in a compact 697 square inch footprint. It is ideal for those who do not need the larger capacity of the 850+ square inch models.
Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
Best for: Large batch vertical smoking
- Cooking Area
- 850+ Sq In
- Fuel
- Electric
- Smoker Style
- Vertical
- Features
- Offset Smoker, Digital Controller
- Color
- Black
- Shape
- Square
This vertical electric smoker offers 970 square inches of cooking space. It features a digital controller and a side wood chip loader for steady smoke. The unit measures 25.6 by 19.9 by 41.3 inches. Its square shape and chrome racks fit large batches of meat. You should choose this if you need high capacity and precise temperature management for smoking.
- 970 square inches of cooking space
- Digital controller for temperature management
- Side wood chip loader
- Chrome smoking racks
- Electric fuel source limits outdoor placement options
- Vertical design requires more floor space than horizontal grills
- 41.3 inches height may not fit low-clearance areas
- You need to smoke large quantities of meat at once
- You prefer digital temperature control for consistency
- You have ample floor space for a vertical unit
- You only have a small balcony or patio area
- You prefer charcoal or wood pellet fuel sources
- You want a horizontal grill for direct heat searing
Verdict: Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker fits smokers who prioritize capacity and digital control over compactness. It is ideal for large batches but requires significant floor space.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Z Grills 700 sq in Pellet Smoker | Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 697 sq in | 970 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | 180°F–450°F | – |
| Controller Type | LCD | – |
| Fuel | Wood Pellet | Electric |
| Smoker Style | – | Vertical |
| Features | Offset Smoker, Lid, Meat Probe, PID Controller | Offset Smoker, Digital Controller |
| Use | Grilling, Smoker | Smoker |
| Color | Bronze 700D6 | Black |
| Shape | – | Square |
| Weight | 120 pounds | – |
| Dimensions | – | 19.9 × 25.6 × 41.3 inches |
| Size | 697 SQ.IN | 40-inch Digital |
| Model | VC-700D6 | MB20072918 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a 700 square inch pellet grill handle large family dinners?
Yes, the Z Grills 700 sq in model fits dozens of burgers or several whole chickens. Its 697 square inch footprint balances capacity with space efficiency. You get precise PID control for consistent results without needing the larger footprint of an 850+ square inch unit.
Is the Masterbuilt 40-inch smoker a true pellet grill?
No, it is an electric smoker. It uses electric heating elements rather than wood pellets for fuel. This unit prioritizes large batch vertical smoking with a digital controller. It suits smokers who need capacity over the specific heat retention and pellet flavor of a true pellet grill.
How much floor space does a 700 square inch pellet grill take?
The Z Grills model measures 697 square inches of cooking area and weighs 120 pounds. It offers a compact footprint compared to larger units. You save space while still getting enough room for multiple racks of ribs or several whole chickens for gatherings.
What is the weight difference between these two grills?
The Z Grills pellet grill weighs 120 pounds. The Masterbuilt electric smoker has dimensions of 25.6 inches wide, 41.3 inches high, and 19.9 inches long. The pellet grill is a single heavy unit, while the electric smoker is a vertical tower designed for stationary outdoor use.
Do both grills offer digital temperature control?
Yes, both feature digital interfaces. The Z Grills model uses a PID controller to manage pellet feed and airflow automatically. The Masterbuilt unit includes a digital controller for its electric heating system. Both allow you to set specific temperatures for consistent cooking results.
Can I use the Z Grills for both grilling and smoking?
Yes, it is designed for both grilling and smoking. The PID system maintains stable temperatures between 180°F and 450°F. You can smoke low and slow or grill at higher heat. The offset smoker design and meat probe help you manage different cooking methods effectively.
Which grill is better for large batch vertical smoking?
The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker is ideal for this. It offers 850+ square inches of cooking area in a vertical square shape. This design fits large batches efficiently. It prioritizes capacity and digital control over the compactness and pellet-specific features of the 700 square inch grill.
See also
Prices and specifications on this page are read from the Amazon product listing and can change at any time. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback. Nobody at this site handled or measured these products.
