Ever since we discovered fire, we've never been so creative in a field other than food. We're one of the few species that actually enjoy food, other than just ingesting it for energy, and we've gotten pretty good at discovering new ways of preparing food and tasty meals.
When it comes to meat and grilling, in particular, we've found various ways of improving the taste and the quality of grilled goods, and one of the ways of achieving such perfection is by using pellet grills.
They're straightforward, easy to use, don't cost much, and the ability to grill with different types of wood pellets gives the meat a whole different flavor.
Therefore, we've asked around and found that the Camp Chef pellet grills are truly one of the best ones for the job. So, stay tuned in our Camp Chef pellet grill reviews and find the one that fits your needs.
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We'll feature 5 Camp Chef products in the review segment, but here's some additional info on our top three picks from Camp Chef.
Camp Chef Pellet Smokers and Grills - Top 5 Reviews
Naturally, we'll start things off with the best Camp Chef grill there is, and that's the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill.
One of the major issues with traditional grills and smokers, in general, is temperature and smoke control.
The key to grilling perfect steaks is to get that perfect combination of smoke control while grilling at variable temperatures, which is something that not all smokers can do. Well, that's why we're featuring the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX pellet grill.
This product features electronic auto-ignition with a temperature selection menu that's quite easy to navigate, and it helps you maintain certain temperature levels without having to worry.
Your job is simple - insert the pellets and add more once you've gone through the batch. Also, the pellet hopper has a large capacity and a cleanout system that releases the ashes with a pull of a knob into a removable cup.
The temperature range at which you can cook your tasty goods varies between 160 and 500 Fahrenheit, and it's divided into ten settings. You can track the progress on the dual-LED readout that'll deliver both food and temperature stats.
Furthermore, the grilling surface is more than enough for a weekend lunch with the entire family since it measures 19.5 x 22 inches. The design is also quite sturdy and secure with a bronze finish on top that serves as an anti-rust layer, and it looks nice.
Overall, you won't have to search for pellet smokers anymore once you've tried the SmokePro DLX pellet grill. It has no flaws, and it's quite affordable, given the average price range.
- Dual temperature readouts
- Ash cleanout system
- Ten temperature settings
- Large grilling surface
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Moving on, the next product is almost the same in quality as the previous one, and it was a tough decision to put it in second place. Nevertheless, the Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker should undoubtedly be on your radar.
Before we go over the specifications of this smoker, let's dedicate a couple of lines to talk about its design.
This heavy-duty smoker grill weighs nearly 150 lbs, 144.7 lbs to be exact, and it measures 40.5x 25x22 inches. It is a convection-style grill that transfers heat by shifting gas across the entire grill, and you'll regulate the temperature by using the rotating button and the LED readouts.
Furthermore, this grill incorporates slide and grill technology.
This type of technology that Camp Chef utilizes in many of their products allows you to control the number of flames and smokes that your food will be exposed to by using the knob on the side. You can switch it to Direct and Indirect mode to optimize your flavors.
Aside from being able to set the temperature anywhere between 160 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll also be able to manually control the smoke output thanks to the foldable front shelf.
Not only that, but having a foldable shelf also means that you'll spend less time cleaning it and more time grilling.
Thanks to the slide and grill technology, you'll be able to grill, bake, roast, and even braise since temperature and smoke control are quite flexible. Moreover, this product incorporates a Gen 2 PID controller that takes care of all the processes inside, including the fluctuations and output.
It isn't WiFi compatible, and that's probably the only flaw it has since we're getting quite used to seeing new grills with WiFi options.
Overall, as we said, it's quite good, and there's no way you'll end up regretting this purchase.
- Excellent design
- Gen 2 PID controller
- Slide and grill tech
- Ash cleanout system
- Not WiFi compatible
Even though prices don't fluctuate that much when it comes to pellet grills, it's still important to save as much money as you can since they aren't that cheap. Therefore, here's our budget recommendation, the Camp Chef PG24STX SmokePro Grill.
This pellet-powered grill is one of those products that are simply too nice to have. It has a black, metallic finish with anti-corrosive properties, it weighs 113 lbs - significantly less than the previous Camp Chef grills, and its size is perfect for small backyards and even balconies in some cases.
Even though this is our budget pick, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's technologically inferior to the previous grills that we've covered.
In fact, it has a state-of-the-art, digital control unit that successfully distributes and maintains temperature across the entire thing without you having to babysit it.
Once you load up the pellets, the grill will automatically insert more into the fire pit to adjust to the temperature that you had previously set. We don't even have to mention that the smoke is more than satisfactory and that your food will be extra delicious. Well, we did it anyway.
It comes from the same series of Camp Chef products as the previous one, which means that it has the patented ash cleanout system that empties the remains with a simple pull of a lever. It helps you save time cleaning up, and there's no need to stop grilling if it's full; just empty it and insert the cup quickly afterward.
We'd also like to mention that the cooking surface is 429 square inches, which is probably more than you'll ever need. It can fit three to four jumbo-sized steaks without having to cut them before putting them on the grill.
We didn't have the chance to assemble this grill ourselves, but we did see several reviews from customers where they complained that the entire process is rather long and tedious. It is troublesome, but you'll do it once, and then you'll be set up.
- Compact and lightweight
- Patented ash cleanout system
- Digital temperature control
- Smoke adjustment
- Large cooking surface
- Tedious to set up
When you examine the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill at first glance, you'll probably be shocked by its price. It is expensive based on the average pellet grill prices, but you'll understand why the price is what it is once you hear about its features. So, without further ado, let's see what this grill's all about.
So, what's there to justify the cost of this pellet grill?
Well, the temperature control is phenomenal. Thanks to the slide technology, you'll be able to reach temperatures up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than the average 500-550 degrees you're used to seeing.
Moreover, the process of setting and maintaining temperature levels has never been easier with the WiFi and BlueTooth controls that this grill is equipped with. You'll receive four stainless steel probes that'll transfer all the info you need over the controls.
It has that classic Camp Chef's design that isn't too bulky, but it still weighs 132 lbs. You can fit it in the backyard or the terrace and still have enough space to maneuver around. Speaking of maneuvering, the entire cooking surface combined amounts to 1236 square inches - more than you'll ever need.
Smoke controls are incredibly easy to use since they've been simplified to the point that your job is to set the strength somewhere in the range between 1 and 10, and that's it.
Camp Chef Woodwind grill is undoubtedly one of the smartest, if not the smartest, grill that we've seen so far from Camp Chef.
Aside from the price of this pellet grill, there truly weren't any flaws that we could've seen. We've tested it out, and it works like a charm - the steaks are great, juicy, and smokey!
- The best WiFi-operated grill
- 650 degrees maximum temperature
- 1236 square inches of surface
- Quality smoke controls
- Expensive
We've reached the end of this review segment, and before we dive into the buyer's guide, we have one more Camp Chef grill to present to you. So, without further ado, here's the Camp Chef PG24XT SmokePro Pellet BBQ.
You can see in the heading that we've named this grill the best versatile product on our list, and the reason for it is simple.
No matter what type of cooking you prefer or the food you plan on making, this grill will deliver. Even though it doesn't have a very spacious cooking surface, its compactness and fast-paced grilling allow it to make quick and tasty meals with a ton of smoke.
The model itself has a black coating, a sturdy construction, and it even features a slide plate.
When you receive it from Amazon, you'll also get all the instructions for the assembly process, but you probably won't need them since it takes less than 20 minutes to get everything set up.
Naturally, it has the patented Camp Chef's ash cleanout system that rids you of any troubles post-grilling. When the removable cup is full, take it out and empty it, and you'll be good to go.
Moreover, it has the same patented smoke control technology that the previous products had. This means you'll be able to set the smoke and temperature controls via the digital controller, and this unit even features an LED display to help you track the progress and the levels.
If we compare this pellet grill to the previous ones, the lack of innovation and authentic features are the only things that really bother us.
It's still a class product that you should undoubtedly put on your list as a potential purchase, but knowing that you won't get anything new out of it is a bit disappointing.
- Versatile
- Easy to set up
- Patented Camp Chef pellet grill features
- Smoke control technology
- Similar to the earlier units
Camp Chef and Its Products - Everything There Is to Know
We've covered some of the most popular pellet grills that Camp Chef has to offer, but you probably won't purchase a product from a manufacturer that you know nothing of.
Therefore, we'll introduce you to the brand of Camp Chef, the story behind them, and share some of our experiences with testing out their products.
Stay tuned!
1. The Background
Experienced chefs and cooking enthusiasts know Camp Chef very well, and they've probably used their products once or twice. They're known for their quality, terrific customer service, and excellent durability.
However, how did it all start and reach this point?
The founder of this company, Ty Measom, graduated from Utah State University as a mechanical engineer, and prior to founding Camp Chef, he worked at a fabrication company as an engineer. Naturally, he had the knowledge and the skills to start a business like this, but what separated him from the rest was a vision.
He recognized that there was a demand for brand new grills, griddles, and cooking appliances since all the units that were sold at that time were outdated. Therefore, in 1990, he started the company and produced propane stoves until the company was large enough and gained enough publicity and funds to start working and designing the products we know of today.
One of the first cooking appliances that he designed was the famous Pro 60x with two burners. It is a transportable grill that starts almost instantly, and it even features built-in leg levelers.
Nowadays, the company has expanded to the point that there are a series of grills and griddles that are improved every year with countless new features.
Now, enough of the background, and let's talk about these features that separate Camp Chef products from the rest.
2. Features
Ash Cleanout System
As we mentioned in the reviews, the first thing that you'll see in almost every Camp Chef pellet grill is the ash cleanout system.
It is a practical solution to some of the common issues that we all face with outdated grills, especially the traditional ones where you'd have to throw in the logs in the firebox and clean out the ash frequently.
This system allows you to chill out while the meat is cooking and relax somewhere nearby while the controls are doing everything for you.
You can set the temperature and the smoke levels to your preferences, while the integrated auger system will automatically insert the pellets to maintain the levels.
You'll be notified once the cup is full of ash, and all you have to do is empty it and put it back in.
Control
Most of the Camp Chef products also utilize Gen 2 PID controls that are a true signature of premium products.
Thanks to the controller, there's no need to check the readouts every couple of minutes since it'll take care of all the fluctuations, temperature variations, and the overall flow of the smoke.
A Lifetime Warranty
Another thing that we truly value about Camp Chef is that almost all products that they offer come with a limited lifetime warranty and a no-hassle deal that ensures you won't be hanging dry.
Their service is great, and they're always there to help no matter what.
Cost
You've most probably glanced at the prices of each of the products that we reviewed, and you're right to be worried a bit. It's not that they are overpriced, but the quality comes with a cost.
You can always find cheaper products on the market and on Amazon, but purchasing a pellet grill from Camp Chef is a sure deal.
Their prices are astronomical in some cases, but these products are extremely durable, protected, and they'll probably last you for decades if you clean them regularly and take care of them after each grill session.
Overall, we'd always recommend them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Camp Chef pellet grills any good?
This is a no-brainer - absolutely YES! They've been on the market for more than thirty years, and they're still growing as a world-class company.
We had the pleasure of trying out a grill or two, and it's been more than a weekend brunch; it was a wholesome experience.
Is Camp Chef better than Traeger?
It's hard to say considering they're both premium brands, and they put a lot of thought and hard work into designing their products.
Practically, Traeger has been out there for a couple of more years, and they've delivered some innovations that Camp Chef products haven't, but it is rather inconclusive.
However, we are fans of Traeger wood pellets and the smoke they bring to the table.
Which is better - Camp Chef or Pit Boss?
It is a similar story to the previous one, but there are some clear-cut differences in this case. For example, Pit Boss pellet grills are much larger and offer the user more cooking space.
On the other hand, their products are quite bulky, and they're probably not for everyone, so it basically revolves around your preferences.
These are just some of the generalizations based on the average Camp Chef and Pit Boss grills, but they're both premium brands in the end.
What's the best Camp Chef pellet grill?
There are truly some high-quality pellet grills that Camp Chef has produced, such as the Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker, which is the best WiFi-operated grill, and the Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker with the slider technology.
However, we feel that the best one by far has to be the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill.
It's versatile, easy to use, produces quality flames, and the end result is always perfect.
Can you use Pit Boss pellets in a Camp Chef?
Yes, hardwood pellets can fit any smoker grill, including Camp Chef.
It doesn't refer solely to Pit Boss pellets - you can also use Traeger, Rec-Tec, or even Weber pellets and still get the same result.
Final Thoughts - Summary
There are many quality brands of pellet grills out there - Traeger, Weber, Pit Boss, Rec-Tec, and so on. It all depends on your preferences and past experiences with these companies and their products, but the thing we know for sure is that you'll never regret purchasing Camp Chef products.
And if you want our recommendation on the best Camp Chef pellet grill, it is the Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill.
Test it out, cook some smokey steaks, and see for yourself! If you don't like this one, make sure to try out the Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker or the Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker.
Either way, you won't regret the decision to purchase them.