How many fit
Only 5 of the 22 models checked meet every need here: “Give burgers a direct-flame finish”.
5 models fit, out of 22 checkedPicked for one job
Best pellet grill for searing
Top pick
Z GRILLS 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access
When a direct-flame finish is required and a 20-pound hopper still matters, Z GRILLS 600D3E is the strongest patio fit in this set.
Why it suits this job
- Cooking area comes to 572 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 20 pounds of pellets.
- The catch
- The controller setpoint stops around 450 F, although direct flame can give a hotter finish in one spot.
- Go with Pit Boss 500FB2 Wood Pellet Grill if
- finishing burgers over direct flame is your deciding need
More reasons we picked it
- Its top listed setting is 450°F.
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When a direct-flame finish is required and a 20-pound hopper still matters, Z GRILLS 600D3E is the strongest patio fit in this set.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the pellet grills and smokers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Worth knowing
Z GRILLS 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access lists 572 sq in for listed cooking area, 14% below the 665 sq in median.
- Z GRILLS 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access
- 572 sq in
- Typical (median)
- 665 sq in
- Models with this figure
- 17 of 22
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Give burgers a direct-flame finish”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
How we calculatedFigures are the maker's total cooking area. Upper racks and odd-shaped layouts do not give you the same direct-grate space. The median draws on the 17 of 22 models that publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z GRILLS 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access |
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| Pit Boss 500FB2 Wood Pellet Grill |
|
| |
| Pit Boss Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill |
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|
Decision guide
How to choose for this job
Z GRILLS 600D3E fits a patio best here if you need a direct-flame finish and still care about a 20-pound hopper.
What this choice hinges on
Cooking area comes to 572 square inches. The controller setpoint stops around 450 F, although direct flame can give a hotter finish in one spot.
What puts 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access ahead
Cooking area measures 572 square inches, and the pellet hopper holds 20 pounds.
When another grill is the better fit
Pit Boss 500FB2 Wood Pellet Grill is the alternative if finishing burgers over direct flame is your deciding need. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill fits the same need.
What this page can’t tell you
- Weather and temperature change pellet use.
- Upper racks may be counted in published grate area.
- Searing performance can't be read from maximum temperature alone.
3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Z GRILLS, ZPG-600D3E
600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access
Cooking area measures 572 square inches, and the pellet hopper holds 20 pounds.
Top pick ifcook weeknight dinners for two or feed a family of four
Key facts
- Cooking area comes to 572 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 20 pounds of pellets.
The catch
The controller setpoint stops around 450 F, although direct flame can give a hotter finish in one spot.
Pit Boss, PB500FB2
500FB2 Wood Pellet Grill
Its cooking area measures 518 square inches, and the pellet hopper holds 5 pounds.
Pick this instead iffinishing burgers over direct flame is your deciding need
Key facts
- Cooking area comes to 518 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 5 pounds of pellets.
The catch
Long cooks mean watching the 5-pound hopper, so don't count on going all night without a refill.
Pit Boss, PB850M
Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill
Its 932 square inches of cooking area come with a pellet hopper that holds 30 pounds.
Pick this instead iffinishing burgers over direct flame is your deciding need
Key facts
- Cooking area comes to 932 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 30 pounds of pellets.
The catch
It is a big patio grill and not a portable or tabletop unit.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Z GRILLS 600D3E Pellet Grill with Direct Flame Access
Cooking area comes to 572 square inches.
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Pit Boss 500FB2 Wood Pellet Grill
finishing burgers over direct flame is your deciding need
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money