Can a Robot Cook Your Meat?

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Many grilling aficionados love the tender, rich, juicy taste of smoked meat, and for some the slow process of setting and tending the meat for hours as its smokes is part of the enjoyment. For others, the process of setting up a smoker, choosing the correct temperature, and determining exactly how to monitor and maintain the temperature and timing of the smoking process is intimidating (or just tedious). Brisk It offers a line of smoker grills enhanced with a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) assistant named Vera. The company claims that by using an app, those who want to produce beautifully smoked meats and vegetables can use natural language to ask Vera to help—and she’ll take it from there, requiring almost no input or adjustments from a human. I tested the Brisk It Zelos-450 to see if a smart grill smoker could really handle the process, and was rewarded with delicious results. 

After unboxing the Zelos-450, I set to assembling it, which took me about an hour—nothing too intimidating. The instructions were clear, the pieces well-labeled, and everything came together without drama. Once I had the smart grill set up on my patio, I downloaded the Brisk It app, connected the grill to Wi-Fi with no problems (thanks to its oversized antenna), and got started. Even out in the yard, the connection stayed solid, which matters, because that app is where the magic happens.

Rating: 4.8/5

Vera, the AI assistant incorporated into the app, is basically a personal pitmaster living in the phone. Users can interact with Vera by typing, using voice commands, or even sending photos of the food. When I asked, “Help me cook my 4-pound pork butt,” Vera responded with a full recipe and step-by-step instructions. I followed her suggestions: 4 hours smoking, a quick wrap in foil, then 2 more hours smoking. The PID-enabled controller handled the temperature perfectly at Vera’s direction while I stayed cool inside during the brutal Florida heat. Once I loaded the hopper with pellets and placed the meat inside with the included thermometer, Vera—and the grill—did the rest.

With 450 square inches of cooking space, the Zelos-450 is compact but efficient. It easily fit my pork butt, with room on the small upper rack for a side dish. When planning to host large gatherings, Brisk It also offers models featuring the same smarts with more space. The 12-pound pellet hopper on the Zelos-450 kept the cooking going without needing a refill, and the temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit gives users plenty of flexibility—from low-and-slow to a quick sear. The steel construction and high-temp powder coat finish feel solid and durable, and the grease collection system makes cleanup simple.

The real highlight is the complete hands-off experience. I’ve used it several times over the past month for pork, chicken, and even vegetables, and everything’s turned out juicy, tender, and smoky. I never had to hover or fuss with dials—I just check my phone now and then while Vera keeps everything on track. The Brisk It app even sends notifications when it’s time to wrap the meat, remove it, or let it rest, and Vera adjusts accordingly even if users miss a notification.

My only real gripe is the wheels—there are two all-terrain wheels, which do their job, but they feel more like something off a plastic toy than a high-end smart grill. I wouldn’t want to roll this over gravel or soft ground very often.

Still, that’s a minor issue in the grand scheme. The Brisk It Zelos-450 has made smoking meat in Florida’s summer heat feel downright luxurious. I’m officially converted—and my pork butt has never been better.

Where to Buy the Brisk It Zelos

Get the Brisk It Zelos at:

 

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