There’s outdoor cooking, and then there’s outdoor cooking with a Camp Chef Smoker! For more than 20 years Camp Chef smokers and pellet grills have led the grilling industry with their innovative and diverse line of premium quality smokers. SMART features, sturdy design, quality construction and ease of maintenance are just a few reasons to fall in love with the Camp Chef experience.
Whether it’s spicy jerk sausages smoked to perfection or a choice cut of tender, caramelized, smoked brisket, a Camp Chef smoker is the ultimate in outdoor culinary mastery! If you’re thinking of stepping up your game and you want a pellet smoker you can count on, Camp Chef has a wide selection to choose from, so it’s a good idea to do your homework!
Read our detailed Camp Chef Smoker reviews to find out which one has all the right features for you. Our list of top picks will give you a quick snapshot of the most popular models.Table of Contents
RANK | PICTURE | NAME | SHOPS |
---|---|---|---|
№1 | |||
№2 | Versatile Slide & Grill feature for grilling or smoking | ||
№3 | Slide & Grill feature for grilling and smoking | ||
№4 | Easy to operate and maintain | ||
№5 | User friendly operating controls and maintenance features | ||
№6 | Spacious 1236” inch cooking area |
Best Camp Chef Smoker Reviews
The final selections in our review are ranked based on a comparison of the following key criteria:
- Durability
- Efficiency
- Ease of maintenance
- Temperature control
- Heat Distribution
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 51 x 21 x 45 inches
- 25,000 BTU/hr Output
- 429 sq inch cooking area
- 2 Cooking racks
- Side Shelf
- Stainless steel Sear box
- 160F - 500F Temperature control
- Auto-start ignition
- Dual Internal Meat Temperature Probe
- EZ Hopper Release
- Pellet Purge cleaning system
- Patented Ash Clean-out and grease management system
- Shutdown Mode
- 3yr warranty
Product Overview
It really doesn’t get any better than the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill. Sear it, braise it, smoke it, grill it - this thing does it all well. Earning flawless reviews for its amazing quality and performance, the SmokePro DLX stands out clearly as the top pick in our camp chef smoker review.
Combining the best of a wood stove and a propane grill, the Smoke Pro DLX is modestly sized, with about 500 sq inches of cooking surface area. Undoubtedly, there’s a bit of effort required to assemble the SmokePro DLX but it’s totally worth it.
The SmokePro DLX is built to last for years. The lid, chamber, smokestack, handles and legs are all made of quality, sturdy metal. On the side, the sear box is made of stainless steel. It weighs a hefty 140 lbs of solid cast iron and steel, but there are 2 wheels on the forward legs for easy mobility outdoors. We should mention, though, that the SmokePro DLX is prone to rust if left outside in moist or wet weather, so store it securely in dry conditions.
In addition to the 429 sq inch cooking grate, there’s an upper rack , giving you enough space to smoke a 10lb brisket, with space left over for a tray of vegetables. The SmokePro even includes a side warming shelf. They really thought of everything!
Capable of up to 25,000 BTU’s, the Smoker Pro DLX heats up in only minutes. A pellet-auger detects when pellets are needed and feeds the appropriate amount as needed to maintain consistent temperature. The propane-fueled sear box is designed to reach temperatures of 900F, and is designed for optimum heat distribution thanks to a heat deflector tray that converts the flames into infrared heat. Your food is grilled evenly through, and searing a large pork butt or smoked brisket takes only a few minutes!
Although the LED display and temperature controls are a bit retro looking, there’s nothing lacking in functionality. A digital thermometer and dual meat temperature probes give you precise control of the temperature. There’s a dial and auto-ignition which are straightforward and easy for any beginner.
There are also a few preset temperatures and modes to take the guess-work out of your grilling, and a cool-down feature to ensure the SmokePro DLX never overheats if neglected for too long.
Any experienced grilling chef knows that cleaning a pellet smoker is never fun. Camp Chef, however, has figured out a way to simplify the task. Camp Chef’s patented Ash Cleanout system makes removing the pellet ash out a painless process. You simply slide out the metal sheet under the fire pit, which releases the ash into the metal ash bucket.
Their EZ Hopper system holds close to 20 lbs of wood pellets at a time, which is really convenient and allows the SmokePro to maintain consistent temperatures while smoking or grilling. Any excess pellets fall conveniently into the hopper through a drain chute.
To sum it up, you won’t find a pellet smoker with more features that performs as well and is built to last than the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX.
Pros:
- Powerful 25,000 BTU/hr output
- Easy to clean and use
- Sturdy, durable metal design and parts
Cons:
- Prone to rust in wet or moist weather
If you’re considering the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, you might also find our Camp Chef SmokePro XT Pellet Grill review useful.
Key Features:
- Weight: 187 lbs
- 811 sq inch cooking area
- Slide & Grill Technology
- Removable upper warming rack
- SMART Digital Temperature Control
- Dual Meat Probes
- Auto-Auger Pellet Feed system
- 160° F up to 500° F Temperature Range
- Propane fueled Sear Box reaches temperatures up to 900° F
- Patente Ash Cleanout system
- 4 Wheels
- Bottle Opener
- 22 gallon capacity pellet tank
Product Overview
With almost twice as much cooking surface as the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill is bigger and heavier.
Like the SmokePro DLX, the Woodwind Pellet Grill is made of durable, quality metals inside and out. From its stainless steel lid, to its sturdy castor wheels, the Woodwind makes quite an impression. There are 4 wheels instead of 2, making it even more portable despite its weighty 187 lbs. There’s a large cooking grate and an upper warming rack for added space.
You can easily transition from grilling to slow smoking using the Woodwind’s Slide and Grill technology. There’s a metal plate directly over the flames that slides in and out. You just pull the indirect plate out by sliding a knob out or in, as needed to expose the flame below By the way, the stainless steel sear box is the same as the SmokePro, with a searing plate large enough to accommodate 2 beefy steaks at one time.
Loading and changing pellets is a breeze with the Woodwind too. The Auto-pellet auger feeds wood as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Thanks to the Ash Cleanout system, all you really need to do is some light dusting inside the cooking chamber and firepit once the ash is removed.
You’ll find the Woodwind uses the same temperature control and LED display system as the SmokePro. Both are super easy to use, with a temperature dial, presets and modes. The auto-ignition and Shutdown feature make the Woodwind easy to operate safely.
Users are frequently impressed by the Woodwind’s fuel efficiency. The 20 gallon hopper holds your standard pellet bag so you can load it once and forget about it. The auto shut-off feature means you can smoke your brisket over 15 hrs, or overnight, and be assured the smoker will turn off if it overheats.
Pros:
- Versatile Slide & Grill feature for grilling or smoking
- Easy cleaning and maintenance features
- Large 811 sq in cooking surface area
Cons:
- Prone to rust in wet or moist weather if left unprotected
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 38 x 18.5 x 32 in
- Weight: 100 lbs501 sq-inch Rack Surface Area
- Electric Auto-Igniter
- Automatic Auger
- Temperature Select System
- Dual Meat Probes with Dual LED Temperature Display (Internal Cooking and Food Temps)
- Patented Ash Clean-out
- 10 lb Pellet Hopper
Product Overview
Camp Chef has designed a number of portable pellet smokers, and even though they’re heavy, you can’t beat the price and performance.
Take our next pick, the Camp Chef Pursuit Portable Pellet Grill Smoker. At 100 lbs, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it’s sturdy metal construction makes it extremely durable. Featuring the same Slide and Grill Technology as the Camp Chef Woodwind, the Pursuit 20 gives you the versatility of the Woodwind on the road.
Load it on your RV, your yacht, or take it to your cottage, the Pursuit 20 haul easily thanks to 2 large rear wheels and collapsible legs. You’ll find that all the parts - hopper, auger, hot section, drip pan, control unit, stainless lid, and latches are excellent design. The wheels, however, can get a bit wobbly.
Although the Camp Chef Pursuit 20 isn’t as large as the Woodwind, the cooking rack is large enough to grill 4 racks of ribs. The auto-auger feeder uses pellets efficiently to keep the temperature consistent, and uses the same retro-looking LED display and temperature control unit.
The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 is a breeze to clean and maintain because it has the same patented, hassle-free, Ash Cleanout system as their other pellet smokers. There is a grease bucket as well, but it blows in the wind and chaffs against the legs. A more tight-fitting lid for the cleanout pan and top grate would also be an improvement to the grease management system.
Ultimately, the Camp Chef Pursuit 20 is a beast of a portable pellet smoker, with the same awesome Slide & Grill Technology as earlier Camp Chef pellet smokers in our review. Another great pellet smoker at a great price!
Pros:
- Slide & Grill feature for grilling and smoking
- SMART temperature control and LED display
- Convenient ash cleanout system
Cons:
- Wheels and legs are a bit wobbly
- Grease bucket does not attach securely
- Some difficulty to assemble
Key Features
- Dimensions: 18 x 38 x 54.5 in
- Weight: 136 lbs 35,000 BTU/hr
- 150ºF - 350ºF temperature range
- 2400 sq inches total cooking surface area
- 4 Smoking Grill Grates
- 3 Jerky Racks
- 2 Temp Read Probes
- 1 Hanging Rack w/ 12 Sausage Hooks
- LED Digital Display
- Camp Chef Grease Mgmt System
- 18 lb Pellet Hopper capacity and Pellet Hopper Purge,
- Smart Smoke Technology
- Ash Cleanout System
- Swivel castor wheels
Product Overview
The Camp Chef XXL is a mammoth among pellet smokers, and a premium product at a great price. Loaded with features like the Camp Chef SmokePro, the Camp Chef XXL is meant for serving large outdoor gatherings.
There are 4 cooking grates, 3 jerky racks and a hanging rack with 12 sausage hooks. That’s plenty of space for grilling seasoned jerk chicken breasts, spicy frankfurters and an 8 lb smoked Boston butt or smoked brisket - all at the same time!
No need to reload the hopper. The 18 lb capacity pellet hopper dispenses pellets as needed to maintain a consistent temperature, utilizing the same SMART technology as other Camp Chef smokers like the Woodwind.
Dual temperature probes monitor internal meat temperature and the internal temperature of the cooking chamber. The dial allows for precision temperature control and includes the same preset features and modes as the SmokePro and other Champ Chef pellet smokers reviewed previously.
Overall, the Camp Chef XXL does everything a pellet smoker and grill should do and more at a great price. Use it at your next fundraiser or company event and you won’t be disappointed!
Pros:
- Easy to operate and maintain
- SMART Smoke Technology maintains consistent heat temperature
- Larger 2400” inch cooking surface area
Cons:
- Legs are a bit unstable
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 40.6 x 22.5 x 25.2 inches
- Weight: 140 lbs
- 2 Cooking racks
- 570 Sq in total cooking surface area
- 18 lb Pellet Hopper
- Dual Meat Probes
- Dual LED Display
- Auto-auger Dispenser
- Electronic auto-start ignition
- Induction fan helps grill reach up to 600 degrees
- Slide & Grill Technology
- Magnum Pellet Smoker Manual Includes Camp Chef Smoker recipes
Product Overview
For those of you who may be new to the smoking and grilling world, but still adventurous, the Camp Chef PG24MG is designed for you. It’s a dual grill and pellet smoker, so you have the versatility of a wood stove, and the unique grill experience of a propane grill in one.
The temperature controls are extremely user-friendly and straightforward, with a dial, presets, and dual LED readouts for the dual meat probes. These are, of course, standard features for most Camp Chef pellet smoker and grill combos, but always impressive.
With easy to read displays, precision temperature control, and the patented Ash cleanout system, the Camp Chef Magnum would be a steal, but it also features the Slide & Grill Technology that makes other Camp Chef smokers such a great value. Simply pull a knob, and you can expose your favorite choice cut of meat to a searing open flame, or switch to smoking low and slow.
Designed with auto-start and auto-auger feed features, the Camp Chef is extremely efficient at keeping high temperatures consistently. Although the temperature control reaches a maximum 500F, the Camp Chef Magnum also has a special, built-in induction fan that can increase the temperature to 600F. So even though it doesn’t have a sear box like the SmokePro DLX, for example, it can still generate enough heat to sear your meat.
We really couldn’t find a downside to the Magnum, and you probably won’t either. The Camp Chef Magnum Outdoor Pellet Smoker is a great way to start your pellet smoker experience, but pitmasters and grilling enthusiasts of all levels can easily find something to love about it as well.
Pros:
- User friendly with convenient Ash Cleanout system and grease management system
- Precision temperature control features and Dual LED display
- Slide & Grill Technology for versatility
Cons:
Key Features:
- Dimensions:52 x 25 x 22 in
- Weight: 177 lbs
- 1,236 sq-inch Rack Surface Area
- Electric Auto-Igniter
- Automatic Auger
- 160F - 500F Temperature range
- Simple Temp Select System
- Dual Meat Probes and Dual LED Temp Readout (Internal Cooking & Internal Food Temps)
- Patented Ash Clean-out
- Pellet Hopper Clean-out
- 22 lb Pellet Hopper Capacity
Product Overview
Loaded with a ton of features, the newly released Camp Chef SmokePro SGX Wood Pellet Grill takes the SmokePro series to a whole new level of awesome.
Available in both 36” and 24’, this hefty 177 lb dual pellet smoker and grill includes the Slide & Grill Technology Camp Chef smokers are famous for. Crank the temperature control up to a maximum 500F and the Camp Chef SGX’s Smart Smoke technology will keep the temperature just where you want it.
There are dual meat probes for monitoring the internal meat temperature and internal chamber temperature so you don’t risk overcooking, braising, or grilling your bbq dishes in between prep and other tasks.
And, like other pellet smokers in the Camp Chef SmokePro series, cleaning up is fast and hassle-free thanks to the Ash Cleanout system. An additional feature is the pellet hopper clean out. The hopper not only accommodates a 20 lb bag of pellets, but it also allows for easy cleaning thanks to a device called the Pellet Hopper Cleanout.
Although there’s no sear box, you can purchase one separately and attach it easily to the Camp Chef SmokePro SGX. The 1236 sq. inches of cooking surface area make it more than 2x the size of the SmokePro DLX, and much more suitable for large family gatherings or a company bbq.
All in all, you won’t be disappointed in either the price or performance of the Camp Chef SmokePro SGX. You get all the great Camp Chef features and a whole lot of space to discover new vistas of bbq culinary bliss!
Pros:
- Spacious 1236” inch cooking area
- Slide & Grill technology
- EZ Pellet Hopper cleanout system
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a sear box
5 Camp Chef Pellet Smoker Accessories
Enrich your pellet grilling and enjoy new levels of smoked goodness with these suggested pellet smoker accessories from Camp Chef.
Camp Chef Bag of Premium Apple Smoker Chips
- 100% food-grade apple wood pellets for enriched, apple flavor
- 20 lb bag
- No fillers or additives
- Suitable for all pellet grills
Camp Chef PLCY Cherry Premium Hardwood Smoking Cooking Pellets
- 100% natural cherry wood flavor to infuse all your smoked dishes with sweetness
- 20 lb bag
- No fillers or additives
- Suitable for all pellet grills
Camp Chef Pellet Grill & Smoker Collapsible Front Shelf
- 22 x 14 x 2.5 inches
- Provides additional grilling space
- Attaches easily to front of grill
- Suitable for Camp Chef pellet smokers
Camp Chef 36 Inch Pellet Grill and Smoker Jerky Rack
- 3 removable jerky racks
- Provides additional cooking space
- Suitable for 36” inch pellet grills
- Easy to install
The Complete Wood Pellet Barbeque Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide and Recipe Book for Wood Pellet Grills
- Written by Bob Devon, grilling and BBQ aficionado with over 35 years of culinary experience
By the way, if you love smoked brisket recipes, you might also be interested in how to make a perfect brisket for a grill or smoker.
The Camp Chef Smoker Experience: Quality and Versatility
Pellet smoker reviews often include at least one Camp Chef product and with good reason. You can certainly find pellet smokers more economical in price, but Camp Chef equipment isn’t for your average or casual bbq user.
Established in 1990 and headquartered in Cache Valley, Utah, Camp Chef has been an industry leader in camping and grilling equipment for over 20 years. Their hiqh quality products are often favorably compared to brands such as Traeger and Weber, which are also US brands.
The defining feature of every Camp Chef pellet smokers and grills is versatility. No other grilling or smoker product offers the same versatile application as the Camp Chef Smoker Pro series, for example, which combines grilling and smoking in one. Grill, bake, sear, smoke, braise or roast, Camp Chef pellet smokers can do it all.
Camp Chef grilling appliances and equipment are typically made of durable material such as cast iron and stainless steel. Assembly is required and some directions can be fairly difficult, but Camp Chef smokers and grills are built for longevity and easy maintenance.
Camp Chef Smokers also include unique, patented features such as:
- Slide & Grill Technology: switch to open flame or smoke with the pull of a knob
- Attachable Sear Box: can be purchased for most Camp Chef pellet smokers
- Ash Cleanout System: traps ash neatly in a metal bucket that is removable and easily washed
- EZ Hopper Loading System: top-loading or side-loading, simple to clean
How To Use The Camp Chef Pellet Grill Sear Box
The rich flavor of crusted, seared meat cooked just right can only be achieved on a bbq grill or smoker. While a pellet smoker is great for smoked dishes, the internal temperatures aren’t high enough to sear meat. Wood pellet smokers are designed for cooking low and slow. A sear box, however, is built for high-temperature grilling.
In maintaining their industry-leading status, Camp Chef has designed a pellet grill sear box that can either be attached to your Camp Chef wood pellet smoker or included with your grill. Instead of needing both a grill and a smoker to sear your food, models like the Camp Chef Pro allow you to do both with just one grill.
Compact and sturdy, the stainless steel sear box attaches easily to your Camp Chef pellet grill. It also includes 180 sq inch of enamel coated, durable cast iron grates and uses propane.
A 16,000 BTU burner and heat deflector tray converts the heat to infrared, providing better heat distribution and temperatures as high as 900F to ensure your meat is seared properly.
If you’ve never seared meat before, the video below demonstrates how well the Camp Chef Smoke Pro performs:
Camp Chef Maintenance And Cleaning Tips
There’s no doubt a Camp Chef pellet smoker is worth the investment, but with a little effort you can extend the life of your new smoker for many years.
The user manual for your smoker includes assembly instructions as well as important do’s and don’ts. Read through it thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s advice. In the event that your Camp Chef Smoker malfunctions, the damage is only covered if you have complied with the user manual.
There are several maintenance features that make any Camp Chef smoker fairly easy to maintain, but these additional tips are a useful guide to get you started:
Wash cooking grates and racks after each use to avoid heavy food build-up.
Always let the cooking grates cool before removing them from your Camp Chef pellet smoker or grill. Keep the lid open and allow the smoker to completely cool before attempting to clean the cooking chamber.
When your Camp Chef smoker is not in use, it’s always best to cover the appliance. If you live in temperate climate zones with high humidity or rain, definitely keep it covered and in a dry place.
Remember to always unplug your grill before cleaning, servicing, or storing it away.
Avoid storing pellets in the hopper for extended periods of time. The pellets can absorb moisture and clog the auger.
According to Camp Chef user instructions, you should also Inspect the grease duct every 50 hours for any grease and/or creosote build-up. If you notice grease or creosote, remove it with dishwashing soap, warm water, and scrubbing utensils.
Do not remove the auger guard from the hopper while your Camp Chef pellet grill is in use.