Or Whatever You Do received a Z Grills L6002E wood‑fired pellet grill for testing and review. We were not paid for this review, and all opinions are entirely our own.
2020 Z Grills Pellet Grill Review
We’re big fans of pellet grills and have several models in our collection, including Traeger, Camp Chef, and a Louisiana vertical pellet grill. When Z Grills offered us the chance to test one of their units, we accepted and spent time putting the L6002E through a variety of cooks. Below is our full, honest review based on assembly, startup, everyday use, and overall value.
Delivery and unboxing
The outer shipping box arrived with visible damage, which is always worrying. Fortunately, Z Grills packages the unit well: interior foam protected all components, and nothing shifted dangerously inside. Despite heavy disassembly inside the box, all parts were present and intact.
Preparing the grill for first use required more assembly than some other brands I’ve built, but the process was straightforward and orderly.
What makes assembly easy?
Clear instructions
The instruction manual is thorough and easy to follow. Steps are laid out logically, so you rarely need to guess the next action.
Helpful illustrations
Good diagrams accompany the text, making it easy to visualize how parts fit together—especially useful when written directions alone can be ambiguous.
Finished metal edges
All visible edges were finished, which reduces the risk of cuts during assembly. This attention to detail helps speed up the build and keeps it safe.
Parts fit and alignment
The pre‑drilled holes lined up well and bolts threaded smoothly. Proper manufacturing tolerances make assembly faster and prevent frustration from misaligned hardware.
No damaged or missing parts
Everything arrived in usable condition with all required hardware. Replacements for missing or damaged parts can take time from the manufacturer, so receiving a complete kit is a big advantage.
Tools included
The package included two matched wrenches needed for assembly, though you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver from your own toolset. Needing one extra hand tool isn’t a deal breaker.
Overall, the assembled grill felt sturdy and well‑built. Some panels, like the lid and shell, are thinner than premium models, while components like the stainless steel firebox and grease tray felt robust. As a whole, the unit gave an above‑average impression for the price point.
The next step after assembly is the initial startup and seasoning of the grill.
Startup and seasoning
Initial startup follows the usual pellet grill routine: fill the hopper, set the grill to the smoke setting, and allow it to run through its startup cycle. Manufacturers commonly recommend a few start‑stop cycles, then a longer high‑heat burn to remove manufacturing oils and residues.
Expect about 30–45 minutes to reach operating temperature, followed by an additional 45‑minute burn to ensure any factory coatings are fully burned off. Proper seasoning prevents off‑flavors on your first cooks.
First cooks and temperature performance
For the initial cooks I prepared chicken legs and thighs on the high setting. With the controller set to 450°F, the grill held around 443°F—an accurate reading given ambient conditions and wind. The chicken developed crispy skin and cooked through evenly, with good flavor.
One observation: the grill loses heat noticeably when the lid is opened. That’s true for most grills, but the drop felt a bit quicker on this model. Still, it recovered and performed well once closed.
HIGH TEMPERATURE COOKING = PASS
I also cooked fish—salmon and dogfish—both of which turned out fine, with the salmon flaking nicely.
On the smoke setting, the unit stayed around 160°F and we did not experience flameouts. Flameouts occur when an auger feeds pellets too slowly and the firebox consumes the pellets faster than they’re replenished; this model handled low‑and‑slow smoke reliably in our tests.
SMOKE SETTING = PASS
The L6002E functions as more than a smoker; it can bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char‑grill as well. Additional testing across these modes will be added as we spend more time with the grill.
Summary
Our overall impression of the Z Grills L6002E is very positive. It delivers solid performance, reliable temperature control on both high and smoke settings, and a sturdy assembled build. The L6002E offers roughly 600 square inches of cooking area at a price under $500, which represents good value compared with some competitors.
The grill includes convenient extras such as a bottle opener and utensil hangers. While those features don’t affect cooking performance, they add practical convenience for everyday outdoor cooking.
Notes and considerations
Two things to be aware of: the grill experiences a noticeable temperature drop when the lid is opened, more so than some other models, and assembly requires time and patience. If you’re not comfortable with appliance assembly, the disassembled package might feel overwhelming at first. Still, the clear instructions make the process manageable.
If you’re shopping for an affordable wood‑fired pellet grill that balances cost and performance, Z Grills is worth considering.
Interested in a Z Grills pellet grill?
If you’re ready to buy, look for the 10002E model and check current retailer listings for availability and pricing. Promotional codes and special offers sometimes apply—if you find one, compare the deal to other available options to make sure it’s the best value for your needs.
Use code: FBzgrills10002E
