This summer, an extensive evaluation of various smart grills yielded a standout performer: the Brisk It Origin. This innovative grill transformed sporadic grilling sessions into a newfound passion for barbecuing by eliminating the usual hassles associated with outdoor cooking. At this year’s CES, Brisk It upped the ante by unveiling the Zelos, an affordable alternative that retains much of the impressive features of its predecessor.

Brisk It grills utilize wood pellets, allowing for precise smoking capabilities while also reaching higher temperatures for those looking to enjoy a less smoky grilling experience. Simply fill the grill’s hopper with pellets—a feature similar to many other smokers—and an interior auger manages the feed. Users can control the grill through its built-in display or via an app. Most will find themselves using a combination of both ways. Remarkably, the Origin has successfully ignited every time the ignition button was pressed throughout the summer, tallying around 50-60 occasions. There’s a unique thrill to firing up the grill from the comfort of a couch using the app.

Unlike many AI-assisted cooking devices, the Brisk It app delivers genuinely useful guidance. It features a vast repository of recipes that covers virtually any barbecue dish you might desire, complete with detailed preparation instructions. Regardless of whether the user strictly follows the app’s steps, the grill ensures optimal cooking results. After selecting a recipe, the instructions are sent to the grill, which alerts you when to place the food inside. With a temperature probe inserted, users can leave the grilling to the device, which manages smoke levels, adjusts temperatures, and indicates when to flip or remove the food. The grill even has the capability to shut itself off when cooking is complete.

What enhancements can we expect from Brisk It moving forward? The introduction of Vera 2.0 allows users to take photos of their ingredients, enabling the AI to recognize them and suggest relevant recipes along with optimal cooking methods. Users can photograph the contents of their fridge, pantry, or grocery shopping cart. The feature even claims to generate recipes based on images of already prepared dishes (a claim that merits further testing, as AI promises can often fall short).

An important consideration is that the Zelos is designed to be more budget-friendly compared to the Origin, which retails regularly at $849 and $1,099, currently with discounts available. In contrast, the Zelos is aimed at a price point of $399, a considerable reduction in cost without sacrificing much quality. The structural integrity appears solid, and the positioning of the display on the Zelos may even be an improvement over that of the Origin, being set slightly lower on the hopper.

This grill has made such an impression that it was named one of the top smart tech gadgets of the year. The Brisk It is a prime example of hardware technology that truly meets expectations. Whether a seasoned grill master or a novice, advanced tools like the Brisk It can significantly enhance grilling skills.