Z Grills ZPG-450A Smoker vs Charbroil 4184804P06 Smoker
The Z Grills ZPG-450A and the Charbroil 4184804P06 sit at opposite ends of the smoker market. The ZPG-450A is a full-size pellet-fed smoker rated 4.4 stars across 6,400 reviews and priced around $359. The Charbroil 4184804P06 is a compact cast-iron charcoal smoker box, weighing just 3.6 lb and priced under $12, with 5,000 ratings also at 4.4 stars. One replaces your current cooker, the other adds smoke to a grill you already own. Understanding that difference is the whole comparison.
Quick winner
The Z Grills ZPG-450A wins for anyone who wants a standalone smoker; the Charbroil 4184804P06 wins for anyone who already has a gas grill and wants charcoal smoke flavor added to it at minimal cost.
Key differences, measured
- The Charbroil 4184804P06 is 97% cheaper ($10.89 vs $359.10).
- The Z Grills ZPG-450A is 81.4 lb heavier (85.0 lb vs 3.6 lb).
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Z Grills ZPG-450A Smoker | Charbroil 4184804P06 Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.10 | $10.89 |
| Rating | ||
| Fuel | Pellet | Charcoal |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Cast Iron |
| Color | Black 459 Sq In | Black |
| Dimensions | 28 X 45 X 49 In | 30 X 8 X 6 In |
| Weight | 85.0 lb | 3.6 lb |
The two contenders
Z Grills ZPG-450A Smoker
The Z Grills ZPG-450A is a pellet smoker built from alloy steel, measuring 28 x 45 x 49 in and weighing 85 lb. Its color listing notes a 459 sq in cooking surface. At $359, it draws 6,400 customer reviews at a 4.4-star rating, which signals a large, satisfied owner base. Pellet fuel means you load hardwood pellets, set a temperature dial, and the auger feeds fuel automatically, keeping the cook hands-off compared to charcoal. It is a genuine replacement for a dedicated outdoor smoker.
Buy this if: Buy the Z Grills ZPG-450A if you want a dedicated, full-size pellet smoker that can handle brisket, ribs, or a whole chicken without needing another grill. It suits backyard cooks who want set-and-hold temperature control and a proven track record backed by 6,400 reviews.
Check price on AmazonCharbroil 4184804P06 Smoker
The Charbroil 4184804P06 is a cast-iron smoker box measuring 30 x 8 x 6 in and weighing 3.6 lb. At under $12 it is one of the lowest-cost entries in the smoker category and carries 5,000 reviews at 4.4 stars, showing it delivers on its narrow job. You fill it with charcoal or wood chips and set it directly on a gas grill grate or burner, converting your existing grill into a smoke-producing cooker. It has no stand, no cooking grates, and no temperature control of its own.
Buy this if: Buy the Charbroil 4184804P06 if you already own a gas grill and want to add charcoal smoke flavor to your cooks without buying a second cooker. At under $12 and 3.6 lb, it is the most affordable path to wood-smoke flavor and stores in a kitchen drawer between uses.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can the Charbroil 4184804P06 be used as a standalone smoker?
No. At 3.6 lb and 30 x 8 x 6 in, the Charbroil 4184804P06 is a smoker box, not a standalone cooker. It has no cooking grates, no legs, and no lid of its own. It needs to sit inside or on top of an existing grill to function.
What fuel does the Z Grills ZPG-450A use?
The ZPG-450A runs on hardwood pellets. An electric auger feeds pellets from a hopper to a fire pot automatically, so you set a target temperature and the grill manages fuel delivery on its own. You do not add charcoal or liquid propane.
How do the ratings compare between these two?
Both products share a 4.4-star rating. The ZPG-450A has roughly 6,400 reviews and the Charbroil 4184804P06 has around 5,000 reviews. The near-identical scores across very different price points suggest both products meet buyer expectations for their respective use cases.
Which one is easier to store when not in use?
The Charbroil 4184804P06 is far easier to store. It weighs 3.6 lb and measures 30 x 8 x 6 in, so it fits in a cabinet or drawer. The Z Grills ZPG-450A weighs 85 lb and measures 28 x 45 x 49 in, so it stays outdoors or in a garage and is not a unit you move frequently.