The Brisk It Zelos-450 is an electric pellet smoker designed for home barbecue enthusiasts. Currently, it is available for approximately $328.99, following a $121 discount from various retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Brisk It’s official site.
With 450 square inches of cooking space and the ability to reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Zelos-450 primarily operates at lower temperatures for smoking. As an electric smoker, it requires an accessible power outlet for operation.
Assembly of the Zelos-450 takes about an hour and typically requires two people. This process includes setting up an account on the Brisk It mobile app and connecting the smoker to a Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi capability allows users to control the smoker remotely from their smartphones, including igniting it, adjusting the temperature, and even shutting it down. An optional feature, the Vera AI virtual assistant, can provide recipe suggestions and automate cooking processes based on user prompts.
Users have the choice to utilize these smart features or manage the smoker manually from its control panel. However, activating app notifications for temperature alerts is recommended for effective monitoring.
The smoker has been tested with a variety of meats, such as wings, pork butt, ribs, burgers, chicken thighs, and sausage, yielding favorable results. It includes a meat probe that allows for easy internal temperature checks via smartphone alerts. For smaller items, a traditional instant-read thermometer was employed successfully.
Concerns regarding the maintenance of wood pellet supply have been mitigated, as the Zelos-450 is efficient in its usage. While smoking requires a greater time commitment, sometimes exceeding 18 hours for items like brisket, many find the end flavor to be worthwhile. Additionally, Brisk It offers a waterproof smoker cover for protection.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/766558/brisk-it-zelos-450-smart-grill-labor-day-deal-sale