There’s something magical about wood-smoked meat wafting through your backyard on a weekend afternoon. Camp Chef has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative pellet grills that combine set-it-and-forget-it convenience with authentic wood-fired flavor that BBQ enthusiasts crave. Their Woodwind pellet grill series stands out as a versatile lineup offering everything from WiFi-enabled smokers to premium stainless steel models with advanced features designed for serious outdoor cooks. Whether you’re comparing Camp Chef pellet grills to a traditional propane grill or upgrading from charcoal, these pellet grills deliver consistent results with less effort.
Quick Roundup List
- Best Overall: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24
- Best Value: Camp Chef Woodwind 24
- Best for Large Cooks: Camp Chef Woodwind 36
- Best Add-On: Camp Chef Sidekick Flat Top
Looking for the best Camp Chef pellet grill for your backyard? This comprehensive guide covers the top Camp Chef Woodwind pellet grill models currently available, breaks down their unique features and specifications, and helps you choose the right Chef pellet grill for your outdoor cooking needs and budget. From the flagship Woodwind Pro to the versatile Woodwind 24, we’ll help you find the perfect Camp Chef smoker.
What to Look for in a Camp Chef Pellet Grill
Cooking Area and Capacity
The 24-inch Camp Chef Woodwind models offer approximately 570 square inches of main grate space, with total cooking area reaching 811-972 square inches when including upper racks. The larger Woodwind 36 provides even more room for big cooks. This accommodates multiple racks of ribs, a full brisket, or several chickens simultaneously. When choosing a Chef Woodwind pellet grill, consider how much food you typically prepare and whether standard or expanded configurations suit your needs better.
WiFi Connectivity and App Control
All current Camp Chef Woodwind pellet grill models include WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity through the Camp Chef Connect app. This allows you to monitor temperatures, adjust settings, and receive alerts from anywhere. Woodwind Pro models feature full-color controller displays, while standard Woodwind models use a more basic interface. Remote temperature control proves invaluable during long smoking sessions when you want to relax inside while your Camp Chef pellet grill does the work.
Sidekick Compatibility
Camp Chef’s modular Sidekick system transforms your Woodwind pellet grill into a complete outdoor kitchen. The propane-powered attachment accepts flat top griddles with cast iron cooking surfaces, pizza ovens, and sear boxes for expanded cooking options. The Sidekick is sold separately, allowing you to add it when you’re ready to expand your setup.
Slide and Grill Technology
This signature Camp Chef feature allows direct flame access by sliding the heat deflector plate aside with a lever. Unlike a standard propane grill, your Camp Chef pellet grill can achieve searing temperatures exceeding 650°F without removing grates or food, enabling restaurant-quality crusts on steaks and burgers while maintaining pellet grill convenience.
Pellet Purge System
Changing pellet flavors between cooks is simple with the convenient pellet purge door located at the bottom of the hopper. Empty current pellets quickly and refill with a different wood variety to match your next recipe.
Camp Chef Woodwind Comparison Table
| Model | Cooking Area | Hopper | Temp Range | Controller | Probe Ports | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodwind Pro 24 | 972 sq in | 22 lbs | 160-500°F | Full-Color WiFi | 4 | Serious Pitmasters |
| Woodwind 24 | 811 sq in | 22 lbs | 160-500°F | Standard WiFi | 1 | Best Value |
| Woodwind 36 | 1,236 sq in | 22 lbs | 160-500°F | Standard WiFi | 1 | Large Cooks |
| Sidekick Flat Top | Accessory | N/A | High-Heat | Propane | N/A | Searing & Griddle |
Best Camp Chef Pellet Grills for 2025
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 – Best Overall
The Woodwind Pro 24 represents Camp Chef’s flagship Chef pellet grill for serious outdoor cooks. This premium Woodwind pellet grill combines stainless steel construction with advanced temperature control technology for consistent results every time.
The full-color WiFi controller serves as the command center, providing an intuitive interface for monitoring and adjusting your cook remotely. Four meat probe ports allow simultaneous tracking of multiple proteins during complex cooks. The Slide and Grill system enables quick transitions between low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing.
Highlights
- Full-color WiFi controller with premium touchscreen display
- Slide and Grill technology for direct flame searing to 650°F
- Four meat probe ports for monitoring multiple items simultaneously
- Stainless steel construction for enhanced durability
- 22-pound hopper capacity for extended cooking sessions
- Patented ash cleanout system for easy maintenance
- Sidekick compatible for adding flat top griddle or sear box
Specifications
- Temperature Range: 160°F – 500°F
- Hopper Capacity: 22 lbs
- Total Cooking Area: 972 sq. in.
Customer Reviews
- “The Pro version is worth the extra cost. Stainless steel holds up better and four probe ports let me cook multiple items at different target temps.”
- “Temperature stays rock solid throughout long smokes. Full-color display is easy to read even in bright sunlight conditions.”
- “Best Camp Chef pellet grill I’ve owned. The Slide and Grill feature is a game changer for getting perfect sear marks on steaks.”
Camp Chef Woodwind 24 – Best Value
The Camp Chef Woodwind 24 delivers the core Woodwind pellet grill experience at a more accessible price point. This Chef pellet grill includes WiFi connectivity, Slide and Grill technology, and the ash cleanout system that Camp Chef is known for, with stainless steel construction for lasting durability.
The PID controller maintains temperatures within 5 degrees of your target for consistent results. This Woodwind model offers all essential pellet grill cooking functionality with room to expand later by adding a Sidekick attachment.
Highlights
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity via Camp Chef Connect app
- Slide and Grill direct flame access for searing
- Stainless steel construction for weather resistance
- Patented ash cleanout system for easy maintenance
- Pellet purge system for quick flavor changes
- Sidekick compatible for future expansion options
Specifications
- Temperature Range: 160°F – 500°F
- Hopper Capacity: 22 lbs
- Total Cooking Area: 811 sq. in.
Customer Reviews
- “WiFi connectivity is a game changer. Monitor brisket from inside the house and get alerts when it hits temp. Cleanup is easy with ash cleanout.”
- “Temperature holds steady throughout long cooks. Pellet purge makes switching flavors between cooks simple.”
- “Great entry point into Camp Chef pellet grills. Has all the important features without the premium price of the Pro models.”
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 – Best for Large Cooks
The Camp Chef Woodwind 36 offers the same premium features as its 24-inch siblings but with significantly more cooking space. This larger Chef Woodwind pellet grill is ideal for those who regularly cook for crowds, host backyard parties, or simply want extra room for multiple proteins during competition-style cooks.
With the expanded cooking surface, you can smoke multiple briskets, several racks of ribs, or a full spread of meats simultaneously. The 36-inch model maintains all signature Camp Chef features including WiFi connectivity, Slide and Grill technology, and the convenient ash cleanout system.
Highlights
- Expanded 36-inch cooking chamber for large capacity
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring
- Slide and Grill direct flame searing technology
- Stainless steel construction for durability
- Patented ash cleanout system
- Pellet purge for easy flavor changes
- Sidekick compatible for even more versatility
Specifications
- Temperature Range: 160°F – 500°F
- Hopper Capacity: 22 lbs
- Total Cooking Area: 1,236 sq. in.
Customer Reviews
- “The extra space is incredible. I can fit two full briskets plus a rack of ribs without any crowding. Perfect for competition prep.”
- “Upgraded from a 24-inch pellet grill and the difference is night and day. Never running out of space again.”
- “This Camp Chef pellet grill handles holiday cooking like a champ. Did a full turkey and ham at the same time with room to spare.”
Camp Chef Sidekick Flat Top – Best Add-On Accessory
The Camp Chef Sidekick Flat Top transforms any Woodwind pellet grill into a complete outdoor cooking station. This propane-powered attachment mounts to the side of your Camp Chef pellet grill and delivers high-BTU output for searing, sautéing, and griddle cooking on its cast iron surface.
Smoke ribs on the main pellet grill while preparing breakfast on the flat top, or reverse-sear steaks to perfection. The Sidekick also accepts other Camp Chef accessories like pizza ovens and sear boxes for maximum versatility.
Highlights
- Propane-powered high-BTU burner for intense heat
- Cast iron flat top griddle surface included
- Compatible with all Woodwind pellet grills
- Accepts additional attachments (pizza oven, sear box)
- Enables reverse searing and griddle cooking
- Creates complete outdoor kitchen setup
Specifications
- Fuel Type: Propane
- BTU Output: High-heat capable
- Surface: Cast iron griddle
Customer Reviews
- “This accessory is a must-have. Smoke on the main grill while making pancakes on the griddle. My family loves weekend cookouts now.”
- “The Sidekick replaced my old propane grill. One station does everything – smoke, sear, griddle. Perfect addition to my Woodwind.”
- “Reverse searing steaks has never been easier. Smoke low on the pellet grill, then hit it with high heat on the Sidekick for the perfect crust.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Woodwind Pro 24 and Woodwind 24?
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 features a full-color controller display, four meat probe ports instead of one, and premium stainless steel construction upgrades. The standard Woodwind 24 uses a more basic controller but includes all core Chef pellet grill cooking features like Slide and Grill and WiFi connectivity at a lower price point.
How do I start a Camp Chef pellet grill?
Fill the hopper with pellets, set the dial to “Feed” mode to prime the auger for 5-7 minutes, then set your desired temperature and wait for ignition and smoke production.
Is the Sidekick attachment worth it?
Yes, if you value cooking versatility on your Camp Chef pellet grill. The Sidekick enables high-heat searing on cast iron, griddle cooking, and accepts additional attachments like pizza ovens. It significantly expands what you can do with your Woodwind.
How does Slide and Grill technology work?
A lever on the Camp Chef pellet grill slides the heat deflector plate aside, exposing food directly to the flame. This enables searing temperatures exceeding 650°F without removing grates or food – something no propane grill can match while also smoking.
How do Camp Chef pellet grills compare to charcoal or propane grills?
Camp Chef pellet grills offer superior temperature control compared to charcoal, with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Unlike a propane grill, pellet grills deliver authentic wood-fired flavor. The trade-off is slightly slower heat-up times, but features like Slide and Grill close the searing gap.
Should I get the 24-inch or 36-inch Woodwind?
Choose the 24-inch models if you typically cook for 4-6 people or have limited patio space. The 36-inch Woodwind 36 is ideal for large families, frequent entertainers, or competition cooks who need to prepare multiple proteins simultaneously.
Conclusion
Camp Chef’s Woodwind pellet grill lineup offers excellent pellet grills across price points. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 suits serious pitmasters who demand the best Chef pellet grill experience with its full-color controller and four probe ports. The Woodwind 24 delivers outstanding value for those new to pellet grills without sacrificing essential features. For maximum cooking capacity, the Woodwind 36 handles large cooks with ease. Add a Sidekick with its cast iron cooking surface to create a complete outdoor kitchen. Any Camp Chef pellet grill means quality engineering, excellent temperature control, and convenient WiFi monitoring for wood-fired results that surpass what a traditional propane grill can deliver.
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