Z Grills VC-700D vs Realcook REALCOOK-17 Smoker
These two smokers sit at opposite ends of the backyard-smoking spectrum. The Z Grills VC-700D is a pellet-fed unit priced at $538.98, weighing 120 lb, with a 697 sq in cooking surface and alloy steel construction in a 48 x 22 x 51 in footprint. The Realcook REALCOOK-17 is a compact vertical charcoal smoker at $84.99, weighing just 18.6 lb, measuring 17 x 22 x 35 in. Both carry a 4.4 star rating, but the Z Grills VC-700D has earned that rating across 6,475 reviews while the Realcook has 3,900. The choice really comes down to fuel preference, budget, and how much cooking space you actually need.
Quick winner
The Z Grills VC-700D wins on capacity, review volume, and automation; the Realcook REALCOOK-17 wins on price and portability.
Key differences, measured
- The Realcook REALCOOK-17 is 84% cheaper ($84.99 vs $538.98).
- The Z Grills VC-700D is 101.4 lb heavier (120.0 lb vs 18.6 lb).
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Z Grills VC-700D Smoker | Realcook REALCOOK-17 Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $538.98 | $84.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Fuel | Pellet | Charcoal |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Bronze 697 Sq In | 17" Charcoal |
| Dimensions | 48 X 22 X 51 In | 17 X 22 X 35 In |
| Weight | 120.0 lb | 18.6 lb |
The two contenders
Z Grills VC-700D Smoker
The Z Grills VC-700D runs on wood pellets, so temperature is dialed in by an auger-fed controller rather than by manually adjusting vents. At 697 sq in of cooking area and 120 lb, this is a full-size unit meant to stay put on a patio. Alloy steel construction at 48 x 22 x 51 in gives it a solid, weather-ready stance. With 6,475 ratings averaging 4.4 stars, it has one of the larger review bases in the pellet smoker category at this price point. At $538.98 it asks for a real budget commitment, but you get a set-and-monitor cook rather than a hands-on charcoal session.
Buy this if: Buy the Z Grills VC-700D if you want pellet convenience, a large cooking area for feeding a crowd, and a smoker you can load up and walk away from for long cooks.
Check price on AmazonRealcook REALCOOK-17 Smoker
The Realcook REALCOOK-17 is a vertical charcoal smoker that keeps things simple: load charcoal at the bottom, hang or rack meat above, manage heat through the vents. At 18.6 lb and $84.99, it is easy to move around the yard or take to a campsite. The 17 x 22 x 35 in footprint fits on a small deck or in a truck bed without trouble. Alloy steel construction is standard for this price class. Its 3,900 reviews averaging 4.4 stars show it performs consistently for weekend cooks who are comfortable working a charcoal fire.
Buy this if: Buy the Realcook REALCOOK-17 if you prefer charcoal flavor, are working with a tight budget, or need a compact smoker you can move or store easily.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Which smoker is better for beginners?
The Z Grills VC-700D is generally easier to start with because the pellet feed and temperature controller handle most of the fire management for you. The Realcook REALCOOK-17 requires more hands-on attention to charcoal and vent control, which suits people who enjoy the process but can frustrate newcomers trying to hold a steady temperature.
Is the Realcook REALCOOK-17 large enough for a family cookout?
The 17-inch cooking diameter works for two to four racks of ribs or a modest brisket flat, which is enough for a small family meal. If you regularly cook for six or more people, the 697 sq in surface of the Z Grills VC-700D gives you considerably more room to work with.
Does the Z Grills VC-700D justify its price over the Realcook?
The $454 price gap is significant. The Z Grills adds pellet automation, a much larger cooking surface, and a heavier-duty build. If those features match how you cook, the premium is reasonable. If you only smoke occasionally and enjoy tending a charcoal fire, the Realcook delivers solid results at a fraction of the cost.
Can either smoker double as a grill for direct-heat cooking?
Pellet smokers like the Z Grills VC-700D can sear at higher temperatures, though they are optimized for low-and-slow indirect heat. The Realcook REALCOOK-17 is designed as a vertical smoker and is not well suited for direct grilling. If you want to both smoke and grill directly, a dedicated combo unit or a separate grill alongside the Realcook would be more practical.