Barbecue tech startup Brisk It has made a significant splash at CES with the unveiling of its latest smart grill, the Zelos 450, which harnesses the power of generative AI to automate cooking and create personalized recipes. Priced at $399, this electric wood pellet smoker boasts 450 square inches of cooking space and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to remotely adjust settings and monitor food as it cooks via a mobile app.

The Zelos 450 is a game-changer in the smart grill market, offering a unique combination of affordability and advanced features. In comparison, the cheapest Wi-Fi-controlled offering from Traeger starts at $800, and that doesn't include any generative AI cooking features. Moreover, the Zelos is substantially cheaper than previous AI-powered grills from Brisk It, which start at $849.99.

The real innovation behind the Zelos 450 lies in its Vera 2.0 AI model, which provides a range of generative AI features for automating cooking and recipe creation via Brisk It's smartphone app. The AI can "monitor, control, and automate the cook for you" at the push of a button, sending users notification updates on the cooking progress and reminders to perform tasks like wrapping or spritzing ribs with water. If these prompts are missed or ignored, the AI will automatically adjust the grilling temperature to prevent food from being ruined.

While some may question the need for AI to intervene in the grilling process, Brisk It's earlier models have received positive reviews for their helpful automation. The Vera 2.0 model takes this to the next level with features like Smart Image Recognition, which uses photos of ingredients to generate recipes, and Recipe Re-creation, which can turn existing recipes into versions that can be automated on the grill.

In terms of specifications, the Zelos 450 has a temperature range of 180–500 degrees Fahrenheit, supporting both slow cooking and high-heat grilling. The grill will be available to purchase at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and the Brisk It Grills webstore sometime in Q1 2025.

The implications of Brisk It's Zelos 450 are significant, as it democratizes access to smart grilling technology and opens up new possibilities for home cooks and professionals alike. As the smart home market continues to evolve, innovations like the Zelos 450 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cooking and food preparation.

With its unique blend of affordability, advanced features, and AI-powered automation, the Zelos 450 is poised to make a significant impact in the smart grill market. As consumers increasingly turn to smart home technology to simplify and enhance their daily lives, Brisk It's latest offering is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.