If you’ve outgrown a standard vertical smoker and need to feed a crowd — or smoke multiple proteins at once — the Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker is built for exactly that job. It occupies a unique space in the market, blending the convenience of a pellet grill with the massive capacity of a traditional cabinet smoker.
With 2,408 square inches of cooking area across 7 removable racks, integrated WiFi and Bluetooth app control, and a 40,000 BTU output, it’s one of the largest and most capable vertical pellet smokers in the premium segment.
This review covers what sets the XXL Pro apart, who it’s for, and whether its premium price tag is justified for your needs.
Quick Roundup List
- Best Vertical Smoker: Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker
- Best Accessory Bundle: Camp Chef XXL PRO Accessory Bundle
Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Smoker vs. Accessory Bundle: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the base XXL Pro if you want the smoker alone and plan to source accessories over time. The XXL PRO Accessory Bundle adds the Jerky Rack Accessory and the Pellet Hook Kit — highly useful additions that maximize smoking capacity for sausage, jerky, or hanging whole cuts. For most buyers, the Bundle is the better value at first purchase.
| Product | Cooking Area | Hopper Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker | 2,408 sq in | 18 lbs | WiFi + Bluetooth App Control |
| Camp Chef XXL PRO Accessory Bundle | N/A | N/A | Jerky Rack & Pellet Hook Kit |
Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker – Best Vertical Smoker
The Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker is a premium vertical pellet smoker with 2,408 square inches of cooking area on 7 removable 24×16-inch chrome-coated wire racks. It’s designed for the serious home cook who needs to produce large quantities of smoked food with precision and ease.
A single 40,000 BTU stainless steel burner drives the pellet system, with a temperature range from 160°F to 350°F and a WiFi/Bluetooth dual-stack connection for app-based monitoring and control.
The pellet hopper holds 18 lbs of pellets for extended smokes without refills, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it machine for overnight cooks.
Highlights
- 2,408 sq in total cooking area across 7 removable racks
- 7 removable 24×16-inch chrome-coated wire cooking racks
- 40,000 BTU stainless steel burner
- Temperature range: 160-350°F
- WiFi + Bluetooth dual connectivity with Camp Chef Connect app
- 18 lb pellet hopper capacity for 20+ hour smokes without refilling
- Integrated meat probe included
- Ash cleanout system for easy cleanup
Specifications
- Total Cooking Area: 2,408 sq in
- Racks: 7 removable (24×16 in each)
- BTU: 40,000
- Temp Range: 160-350°F
- Connectivity: WiFi + Bluetooth
- App: Camp Chef Connect
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lb
Camp Chef XXL PRO Accessory Bundle – Best Accessory Bundle
The XXL PRO Accessory Bundle is the purpose-built expansion kit for the XXL Pro Vertical Smoker. It includes the Jerky Rack Accessory (CHNAP) to maximize flat rack space for small or delicate foods like jerky and sausage, and the Pellet Hook Kit (CHPHK) which lets you hang meats vertically directly inside the smoking chamber.
The Jerky Rack’s fine mesh design provides superior airflow and prevents smaller items from falling through the standard grates. The Pellet Hook Kit enables 360-degree smoke exposure for items like sausages or ribs, promoting a more uniform bark and smoke ring. Both accessories are sized and engineered specifically for the XXL Pro’s internal dimensions.
Highlights
- Jerky Rack Accessory (CHNAP) maximizes layout capacity for jerky, fish, or smaller cuts
- Pellet Hook Kit (CHPHK) allows hanging ribs, sausage, or poultry directly in the smoker chamber
- Designed specifically for the XXL Pro vertical smoker dimensions
- Bundle pricing is better value than purchasing components separately
Specifications
- Includes: Jerky Rack Accessory + Pellet Hook Kit
- Compatibility: Camp Chef XXL Pro Vertical Smoker
What Can You Cook in the Camp Chef XXL Pro?
The XXL Pro’s 7-rack configuration is designed for high-volume smoking, capable of handling everything from multiple briskets to large batches of jerky. Its seven removable racks allow you to configure the internal space vertically, creating clearance for whole turkeys or maximizing surface area for smaller items like sausage or salmon.
Smoking Large Cuts like Brisket and Pork Shoulder
With its massive capacity, the smoker can handle multiple briskets, full packer ribs, whole chickens, and pork shoulders simultaneously, making it ideal for large gatherings. The vertical design ensures even heat and smoke distribution from top to bottom.
The racks are fully removable, allowing you to create vertical clearance for large items like whole turkeys or tall cuts for roasting. You can also hang racks of ribs or homemade sausages using the Pellet Hook Kit accessory, which promotes even cooking and a consistent smoke flavor on all sides.
When loaded with all seven racks, the XXL Pro provides maximum surface area for small-item capacity, perfect for making large batches of jerky, smoking sausage links, or smoked salmon. The low end of its temperature range (160°F) is ideal for slowly dehydrating and smoking these delicate items.
Pro Tip: The Camp Chef XXL Pro’s versatile 7-rack system and large capacity make it perfect for smoking everything from multiple briskets for a crowd to large batches of jerky or smoking sausage.
Key Features and Performance
The Camp Chef XXL Pro stands out with its massive 2,408 square-inch capacity, dual WiFi and Bluetooth app control for remote monitoring, and a reliable 160-350°F temperature range. Features like the 18 lb pellet hopper and patented ash cleanout system are designed for long, hassle-free smoking sessions.
Cooking Area and Capacity
The primary draw of the XXL Pro is its 2,408 square inches of cooking space spread across seven 24×16-inch chrome-coated wire racks. This makes it one of the highest-capacity residential vertical smokers available, rivaling some commercial units in sheer volume.
WiFi and Bluetooth App Control
Dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allows for remote monitoring and control via the Camp Chef Connect app. You can adjust temperatures, set timers, and receive alerts from anywhere, giving you the freedom to manage your cook without being tethered to the smoker.
Temperature Range and Stability
The smoker operates between 160°F and 350°F, managed by a PID controller that makes micro-adjustments to maintain a stable temperature. This precision is crucial for consistent results over long cooks, preventing temperature swings that can dry out meat.
This range is ideal for everything from low-temperature smoking for jerky to higher-heat roasting for crispy chicken skin.
Pellet Hopper and Fuel Consumption
An 18 lb pellet grill hopper provides enough fuel for 20-24 hours of continuous smoking at 225°F, sufficient for most overnight cooks without needing a refill. The auger-fed system delivers charcoal pellets to the fire pot as needed, ensuring efficient fuel use. Check out our wood pellets guide for more.
Ash Cleanout System
Camp Chef’s patented ash cleanout system simplifies cleanup. A simple pull of a lever drops the ash from the fire pot into a removable cup below. This eliminates the need to vacuum out the burn chamber after every cook, a common chore with many other pellet grill models.
Included Meat Probes
The unit comes with integrated meat probes, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food directly from the control panel or the app without opening the door. This helps maintain a stable cooking environment and ensures your food is cooked to perfection.
Build Materials and Durability
The XXL Pro features a 40,000 BTU stainless steel burner and robust, powder-coated steel construction. This reflects Camp Chef’s reputation for building durable and reliable cooking equipment that can withstand the elements when properly cared for.
Camp Chef XXL Pro vs. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24
The primary difference between the XXL Pro and the Woodwind Pro 24 is their format and function. The XXL Pro is a dedicated high-capacity vertical smoker for low-and-slow cooking, while the Woodwind Pro is a versatile horizontal pellet grill that excels at both smoking and high-heat grilling.
Key Differences: Vertical vs. Horizontal
The XXL Pro is a specialist. Its vertical design maximizes cooking space for smoking large quantities of food at once. The Woodwind Pro 24 is a generalist, a traditional horizontal pellet grill that can smoke, roast, bake, and, with its optional sear box, achieve high-temperature grilling.
The Smoke Box: The Woodwind Pro’s Flavor Advantage
The most significant difference is the Woodwind Pro’s integrated smoke box. This patented drawer allows you to burn wood chunks, wood chips, or even charcoal directly over the fire pot, alongside the charcoal pellets. This hybrid approach generates a deeper, more complex smoke flavor that many purists feel is superior to that of smoking with pellets alone.
The Camp Chef XXL Pro, as a pure pellet smoker, does not have a smoke box. It relies entirely on wood pellets for both heat and smoke generation. While convenient and consistent, it cannot replicate the specific flavor profile created by smoldering wood chunks.
Which Model is Right for You?
Choose the XXL Pro if your primary goal is smoking large quantities of food with set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Choose the Woodwind Pro if you want a versatile all-in-one unit for both grilling and smoking, and you prioritize achieving the most authentic smoke flavor possible from a pellet-driven cooker.
Who Should Buy the Camp Chef XXL Pro?
This vertical smoker isn’t for the casual griller. It’s a specialized piece of equipment designed for a specific type of user who values capacity and consistency above all else. You’re the ideal candidate for the XXL Pro if you fit one of these profiles:
- The Entertainer: You frequently host large backyard parties, family reunions, or neighborhood cookouts and need to smoke multiple briskets, pork butts, or racks of ribs at once.
- The Meal Prepper: You smoke large batches of food like jerky, smoked sausage, bacon, or fish to stock your freezer for weeks or months at a time.
- The Aspiring Caterer: You’re starting a small catering business or cooking for events and need a reliable, high-capacity smoker that delivers consistent results without constant supervision.
- The Competition Cook: You need a dependable unit for competition barbecue, either as a primary smoker or as a high-volume holding and finishing oven to keep meats warm and ready.
Setting Up the Camp Chef XXL Pro
Setting up the Camp Chef XXL Pro involves straightforward assembly, a crucial initial seasoning cycle to burn off manufacturing residues, and pairing the unit with the Camp Chef Connect app. Following these steps ensures the smoker is properly prepared for its first cook and ready for remote monitoring via your smartphone.
Assembly and First Steps
Assembly is straightforward, but due to its size and weight, having a second person is recommended. The main tasks involve attaching the legs, handles, and control panel, then installing the internal racks and heat diffuser. Always consult the manual for the correct sequence.
How to Season the Smoker
Before your first cook, it’s crucial to season the smoker. This process burns off any residual manufacturing oils and coats the interior with a protective layer of smoke. Run it empty at 350°F for 45-60 minutes to prepare the interior surfaces for food.
Pairing with the Camp Chef Connect App
Download the Camp Chef Connect app for iOS or Android before you begin. The initial pairing process is done via Bluetooth, which establishes a direct connection. After that, you can connect the smoker to your home WiFi network for remote access from anywhere with an internet connection.
Tips for Your First Cook
Pitmaster Tip: After the proper seasoning burn-off, run a second session with a small amount of inexpensive pork fat trimmings before your first real cook. The rendered fat accelerates the break-in and coats the interior walls with a thin layer of seasoning that improves smoke adherence on subsequent cooks.
Is the Camp Chef XXL Pro Worth the Price?
The XXL Pro offers immense volume and advanced connectivity: 2,408 sq in of cooking space, 7 racks, WiFi monitoring, and Camp Chef’s build quality justify the investment for serious home smokers who cook in quantity. Its value is directly tied to your need for capacity.
If you only smoke occasionally for small groups, a smaller, more affordable pellet smoker will do the job at a lower price point. But if you consistently find yourself running out of space on a standard pellet grill, the XXL Pro is a worthy and powerful upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker, including capacity, pellet compatibility, temperature range, and warranty coverage.
How much meat can the Camp Chef XXL Pro hold?
With all 7 racks loaded, the XXL Pro can hold 4-6 full packer briskets, 8-10 full racks of ribs, or 6-8 whole chickens simultaneously. For jerky or small items, all 7 racks can fit 20+ lbs of product per cook. It’s one of the highest-capacity residential vertical smokers available.
Does the Camp Chef XXL Pro use pellets or wood chips?
Pellets only. The XXL Pro uses a standard wood pellet auger system. You cannot use wood chips, as they will jam the auger mechanism.
Load the 18 lb hopper with any brand of food-grade hardwood pellets. Camp Chef sells their own Competition Blend pellets, but the system is compatible with any standard 40 lb bag of pellets.
What is the temperature range of the Camp Chef XXL Pro?
160°F to 350°F. This covers cold-smoke-adjacent low cooks (160°F for jerky and fish), standard low-and-slow smoking (225-275°F for brisket and ribs), and higher-temp poultry cooks (325-350°F for chicken skin crispness), ensuring poultry is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F [USDA].
Does the Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi work without the app?
Yes. The smoker operates fully from the front control panel without the app. WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are optional — they add remote temperature monitoring, probe alerts, and cook scheduling, but are not required for normal operation.
How long can the Camp Chef XXL Pro run on one hopper load?
An 18 lb pellet hopper load typically delivers 20-24 hours of continuous smoking at 225°F depending on pellet type and ambient temperature. For overnight brisket cooks, this is sufficient to complete most low-and-slow schedules without refilling.
What accessories are compatible with the Camp Chef XXL Pro?
In addition to the XXL PRO Accessory Bundle (Jerky Rack and Pellet Hook Kit), Camp Chef sells weather-resistant covers, insulating blankets for cold weather, and additional probe kits compatible with the XXL Pro. Check Camp Chef’s accessory page for the current compatibility list, as not all Camp Chef accessories fit the vertical smoker format.
Is the Camp Chef XXL Pro discontinued?
No. The Camp Chef XXL Pro is not discontinued. It remains a core part of Camp Chef’s vertical smoker lineup, highly sought after for its large cooking capacity and advanced pellet-fed temperature control.
Is Camp Chef or Traeger better?
It depends on what you value most. Traeger is known for its polished ecosystem, solid construction, and premium reputation. Camp Chef often provides more innovative features, like the patented ash cleanout system, at a competitive price point.
For dedicated vertical smoking capacity at scale, the XXL Pro is hard to match; those wanting a traditional horizontal pellet grill with broad ecosystem support may prefer Traeger’s lineup.
Is Camp Chef better than Pit Boss?
Generally, Camp Chef occupies a higher price and quality tier than Pit Boss. Pit Boss specializes in budget-friendly, high-value pellet grills and smokers with robust cooking space at lower price points.
Camp Chef, especially models like the XXL Pro, features superior temperature stability, more advanced app integration, and convenience features like the ash cleanout, making it a step up in performance and build quality.
What is the absolute best pellet smoker?
There is no single ‘best’ pellet smoker for everyone, as the ideal choice depends on your needs. For sheer cooking volume, the Camp Chef XXL Pro is a top contender.
For the most authentic smoke flavor from a pellet cooker, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro is often cited due to its innovative smoke box that can use wood chunks and charcoal.
Other brands like Traeger excel in user experience, while Pit Boss offers great value.
How much does XXL Pro cost?
The price of the Camp Chef XXL Pro can vary based on the retailer, season, and any ongoing promotions. We do not list specific prices as they change frequently and can become outdated. To see the most current cost, we recommend clicking the links in this article to view the product directly on Camp Chef’s website.
Take Home Message
The Camp Chef XXL Pro WiFi Vertical Smoker is an excellent choice for serious smokers needing high capacity and advanced features. Its expansive cooking area, precise temperature control, and smart connectivity make it a standout in the premium vertical smoker market. It is a specialized tool that excels at its primary job: smoking a lot of food consistently.
While a significant investment, its performance and convenience justify the cost for those who frequently smoke large quantities of food. For the greatest versatility, we recommend the Camp Chef XXL PRO Accessory Bundle to maximize its capabilities from day one.
