So I bought a Z Grills ZPG-7002F grill on sale late last year based on the "we built them for other people" narrative and some long-term reviews. I am new to pellet smoking but have tried a brisket and also a chuck roast for shits and giggles. Brisket first and chuck roast second. Used Traeger Texas beef blend. Smoked at 225 until the probe hit mid 190s then manually checked the meat starting at around 200.
Brisket came out good not great. Smoked until probe easily slid in/out at about 202. Had a really nice bark, was not the least bit dry, and had the right dangle. I know the smoke ring is primarily aesthetic, but was disappointed at its penetration. Overall, I would rate this BBQ that I'd be very happy with from a BBQ joint, but kinda disappointed with if I got it from a place I heard was really good. Provided I have time to do more smoking/prep, I'll probably not bother with run-of-the-mill BBQ places when I have this machine at home, but still spring for really good places.
This was a chuck roast I did, just because I've seen that it's an alternative to brisket. Good smoke ring, not great bark, and it cooked up a LOT quicker because there's so much less intramuscular fat. Would not make for myself, but if I knew I'd have a few "eww, fat..." people coming out, I'd definitely throw one on.
Overall, the quality of the machine itself seems average. It seems like they poured resources into what matters but not the extras or non-core items. Lower gauge steel on the lid, a number of cheaper plastic handles, wheels, etc., and the included cover didn't even last 6 months before tearing in a few places from the wind. But the controller unit and hopper do a really good job and I'm pretty happy for dipping my toes in the water with a relatively cheap machine. I feel like I got a 6/10 machine and paid for a 3/10 machine, which is really good for my scenario. *If* I stick with this a few years -- who knows, right? -- and it becomes a hobby, then at that point I'll spring for a nice one. Based on build quality and my above average use and care standards, I'd guess useful life on this is like 3-6 years.