8 Camp Chef Smoker Models That Smoke the Competition

Looking for a stress-free outdoor cooking experience that delivers that delicious smoky flavor? A Camp Chef smoker may be just what the doctor ordered.

Jack's in trouble. His in-laws are coming over this weekend and Bill, his disapproving father-in-law, has zero respect for "city-slicker" ways. Jack's desperate to make a good impression on the old man, but he has zero outdoor skills. However, Jack soon discovers that Bill is a long-time smoker. No, not cigars -- meat. The old man loves to smoke some meat. Suddenly Jack has an idea; he's going to smoke the most delicious feast of meats for his in-laws and knock the old man's socks off! But, there's one problem. Jack has no idea how to smoke.

What Jack needs is a smoker that will allow an expert, or in his case a beginner, to smoke without a lot of constant monitoring. In such a case, the Camp Chef line of smokers may be just what Jack needs to earn some instant respect.

Camp Chef Smoker Tips

Person holding a grill next to a smoker

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Here are a few quick cooking tips when using a pellet grill smoker. With many high-tech pellet grills on the market today, these grills automatically detect how much pellets you need to maintain your smoke. This feature is essential for controlling heat and ensuring that your food infuses with the right amount of delicious smoky flavor.

First, it's critical to make sure your grill properly preheats. With many smoker models, there's a digital display that will tell you the grill's inner cooking temperature. Before you put food on the grill, it's also vital to make sure it reaches the correct temperature.

Additionally, some models have meat probes that allow you to know the temperature of the food as well. If your grill doesn't include this feature, you can buy probes with a remote digital readout separately. A meat probe is an excellent tool for knowing when your meat is ready to serve.

The most important tip

To ensure that your Camp Chef smoker works correctly and lasts a long time, it is vital that you practice consistent grill maintenance habits. You always want to clean the grill after every use. You also want to buy a cover for your grill, which will not only protect it from getting dirty but also offer protection from outdoor weather elements. However, if you live in an area with high humidity, especially on or near the coast, you may want to keep your grill in an indoor space. Moisture and sea salt in the air can quickly your grill. Furthermore, never store your pellets on cement. Instead, you should store them on a few pieces of 2x4s or on an elevated shelf.

Our Evaluation Process

To evaluate the Camp Chef smoker line, we compared each smoker's unique features, but we primarily focused on customer feedback. Like many smoker lines, Camp Chef smokers do not have a significant variance between them when it comes to features. That factor is why customer feedback is so valuable. Paying customers gives us insight on every aspect of the purchasing process, everything from shipping to product performance. They often tell us of the small positive and negative details that the manufacturer or retailer may fail to mention. After carefully reading numerous customer reviews we make a final decision on our most recommended model based on the highest positive customer experiences.

This Is the Champ Chef Smoker Line

We review eight of the most popular models in the Camp Chef smoker line. Except for the box smoker, these grills share a few essential features like the Camp Chef's patented Ash Can Cleanout System, automatic pellet feeding system, and warranty. However, they all have unique features such as total cooking space as well as additional accessories like warming racks and side burners. Plus, most of their grill models are fully customizable for extra functionality and value.

 Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Pellet Grill

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The first model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the SmokePro Lux 36. This pellet grill features digital controls and an electronic auto-start ignition. It has a dual-LED temperature readout that measures both internal food temperature and cooking temperatures. Also, this model includes a stainless steel probe for monitoring internal food temperature.

Additionally, this model features an advanced digital temperature chip ensuring more even heat and smoke by eliminating significant temperature swings. Camp Chef's patented Ash Can Cleanout System makes for hassle-free cleanup. Lastly, you'll have room for all your favorite foods on the grill's 875 square inches of total cooking space.

Amazon customers rated this Camp Chef smoker model 4.4 out of 5 stars. One expert griller describes food cooked on this grill as better than any you'll find at a restaurant. Another customer said he smoked perfect babybacks in less than 90 minutes on this grill.

However, not every customer had the same positive experience. One customer said the grill did not smoke as well as other grills but was better at other forms of cooking.

This Camp Chef smoker model can cost $800 to $1000 and includes a three-year warranty.

Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill Without Sear Box

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The next model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the Woodwind Classic 24. This pellet grill features Smart Smoke technology with digital temperature control. It also has an automatic auger that feeds pellets into the grill, thereby maintaining the heat you need for the optimal amount of smoke. This model has limitless versatility that lets you smoke, grill, roast, braise, bake, and BBQ all your favorites on a spacious 570-square-inch cooking surface area.

Additionally, it features a removable upper warming rack. Plus, pellet hopper cleanout has never been more accessible. Merely open a pour spout and empty the pellets into a container. Finally, messy cleanup is a thing of the past with the Camp Chef's patented Ash Cleanout System that lets you pull a lever to empty the ash.

Amazon customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.2 out of 5 stars. One customer praised the grills easy cleanup and ability to deliver a delicious smoky flavor to any meal.

However, another claimed that the Ash Cleanout System was a joke and that you still needed to use a vacuum to clean out the grill.

This Camp Chef smoker model retails between $700 to $1,200 and includes a three-year limited warranty.

Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill with Sear Box

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The third model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the Woodwind SG 24. This pellet grill features a sear box that can reach temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, delivering a wonderfully caramelized sear. Smoke your favorite meats and transfer them to the propane-fueled sear box for the perfect finish. The SG also features Smark Smoke technology, which allows you to maintain consistent heat using its digital control and automatic auger that feed the right amount of pellets into the grill for the optimal amount of smoke. The patented Ash Cleanout System makes dumping used ash as easy as the pull of a lever. Lastly, enjoy endless versatility as you bake, grill, smoke, roast, BBQ, and braise on the SG's large 811-square-inch cooking surface.

On Amazon, customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.2 out of 5 stars. One customer called it the "best of both worlds" and raved over its fast start performance and smoky flavored cooking results.

However, another customer noted that the grill's "flame feature" would not stop turning on during startup and the temperature gauge was far from accurate.

This Camp Chef smoker model costs between $900 to $1000 and includes a three-year limited warranty.

 Camp Chef Smoke Pro DLX Pellet Grill

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The fourth model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the SmokePro DLX 24. This pellet grill features a simple temperature selection system that maintains perfect heat. Also, it has an automatic auger that distributes the right amount of pellets needed for greater smoker efficiency. Furthermore, it includes a meat probe and warming rack. The dual-LED temperature readout displays both internal food and cooking temperatures, and the electronic auto-start ignitions make for quick startups every time. Also, this grill features Camp Chef's exclusive Ash Cleanout System and a quick hopper cleanout feature that ensures hassle-free cleanup. Finally, you can cook up a storm using 570 square inches of total cooking surface, allowing you to deliver some legendary feasts.

Amazon customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.5 out of 5 stars. One customer said the cleanout system was terrific and he praised the grills cooking versatility.

However, another customer complained about temperature readouts that were incredibly inaccurate.

This Camp Chef smoker retails between $500 and $600 and includes a three-year limited warranty.

Camp Chef SmokePro SG Wood Pellet Grill Smoker,

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The fifth model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the SmokePro SE 24. This pellet grill features Camp Chef's patented Ash Cleanout System along with a high-capacity pellet distributor that automatically delivers the right amount of pellets during cooking. There's also a bottom utility rack, great for storing extra supplies and cooking tools. Built-in temperature controls allow you to monitor internal cooking temperatures accurately. Also, the Easy Temperature system takes the guesswork out of setting the correct cooking temperature. Lastly, you have a full cooking heat range of 160 to 500-degrees Fahrenheit on a large 429-square-inch cooking surface.

Walmart customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.4 out of 5 stars. One customer described the grill as the perfect "set and walk away system" that maintains heat and smokes like nobody's business.

However, another customer complained of wild temperature swings that required constant attention.

This Camp Chef model sells for between $300 to $500 and includes a three-year limited warranty.

Camp Chef SmokePro ZG Pellet Grill

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The sixth model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the SmokePro ZG. This pellet grill features Slide and Grill technology that lets you seamlessly switch back and forth between direct and indirect flame broiling mode, delivering two amazing flavor profiles in one grill. You also get Camp Chef's exclusive Ash Cleanout and pellet cleanout systems that save you time and clean up hassles. The automatic auger releases the right amount of wood pellets to maintain your smoke, drastically reducing your babysitting time. Stable temperature regulation and dual-LED temperature control let you set and monitor internal cooking and food temperatures. Also included is a large-capacity hopper, two meat probes, a warming rack, and electronic auto-start ignition system. Finally, using 776 square inches of cooking surface, you can feed your entire neighborhood.

Dick's Sporting Goods customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most customers were delighted with the grill's outstanding cooking performance. Moreover, one customer described the ZG as the best grill he's ever owned.

However, one customer complained that his grill stopped working after three months.

This Camp Chef smoker can cost between $500 and $750. It includes a three-year limited warranty.

 Camp Chef SmokePro XT Wood Pellet Grill Smoker

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The seventh model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the SmokePro XT 24. This pellet grill features a premium temperature range that allows you to cook from 160 to 500-degrees Fahrenheit for slow smoking or 25,000 BTU for quick grilling. It also comes with Camp Chef's exclusive Ash Cleanout System that does away with hours of vacuuming. Control unstable temperature swings like never before with the XT's built-in Smart Smoke technology. Plus, a digital controller and LED readout lets you control and monitor the internal food temperatures. You can also customize this grill with numerous Camp Chef accessories. Finally, you will always have the right amount of smoke with the XT's automatic pellet distributor which allows you to smoke for hours without the need for constant supervision.

Customers on Amazon rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.7 out of 5 stars. Most customers loved the grill's easy cleanup and overall fantastic cooking performance.

The lone complaints were that it leaked smoke and that its inner cooking temperatures can swing wildly on windy days.

This Camp Chef smoker retails between $450 and $575. It also has a three-year limited warranty.

  Click image to open expanded view Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24"

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Our final and most-unique model in our Camp Chef smoker lineup is the 24-inch Smok​​e Vault. This model was born to do one thing, and that is to smoke. It comes with a heavy-gauge wood chip tray, one jerky smoking rack, a water pan for additional flavoring and moisture, plus a removable porcelain base tray for stress-free cleanup. You also have three adjustable damper valves, one at the top and one on either side. Also, it has an easy to read door thermometer that shows from 50 to 350-degrees Fahrenheit and 900 square inches of cooking surface. Lastly, it features a protected burner drum for optimal heat control and convenient matchless snap-ignitions for quick startups. Furthermore, it has a very cool-looking vault design.

Home Depot customers rated this Camp Chef smoker 4.4 out of 5 stars. The majority of customers said this smoker was easy to assemble and raved over the smoker's delicious cooking results.

However, a few customers noted some drawbacks. Customers said the smoker had very touchy temperature controls and needed constant monitoring. Some also reported that the flames would continuously go out and have to be re-lit a few times and it loses smoke through the door.

This Camp Chef smoker model retails between $200 and $370. It includes a three-year limited warranty.

The Camp Chef Smoker Line: Who's the Camp Chef Champ?

Barbeque sticks with meats and vegetable on top of a grill

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Our top recommendation from the Camp Chef smoker line is the SmokePro ZG Pellet Grill. This grill features the unique Slide and Grill technology feature that allows you to transition between two different cooking modes easily. Most importantly, it is one of the highest rated and best customer-reviewed models we evaluated. Good old Jack would have that grouchy father-in-law literally eating out of his hand if he owned this grill. Also, we can confidently recommend the Smoke Vault if you're in the market for a stand-alone smoker. We hope this information assists you in your search. Good luck, and remember to smoke 'em if ya got 'em.