A few decades ago, only one brand offered pellet grills – Traeger, the original pellet grill maker. They wanted to offer outdoor chefs with the rich flavor created by cooking meats using natural wood smoke and the convenience of a gas grill. They came up with the beauty that is the pellet grill. Since then, Traeger has been known to be a leader in the industry, creating pellet grills of the highest quality and performance. However, they’re not exactly cheap. Fortunately, what they offer is generally worth your hard-earned cash. Specifically, the new line they recently released that feature the WiFIRE® controller. This new technology that they’ve included in their pellet grills allow you to adjust and monitor your grill’s temperature remotely AND helps the unit maintain your desired temperature within 5 degrees. By virtue of their newest line alone, we can safely say that Traeger is better than it has ever been.
When Traeger’s patent on pellet grills expired in 2006, a lot of grill manufacturers decided to get in on the action. One of them was Camp Chef. Now, this brand doesn’t offer just pellet grills. You’ll find lots of other types of grills among their product offerings – gas grills, charcoal grills, flat top grills, etc. You could say that they’re a “jack of all trades” grill manufacturer. Despite that moniker, Camp Chef does create great grills that are known to be reliable and durable which is why they have their own loyal following. But let’s stick to pellet grills, shall we? When it comes to their pellet grills, Camp Chef keeps it simple. They have a limited number of models available (10 vs the 21 of Traeger). Unlike the newest Traeger models, they do not have WiFi. Their units feature a heat controller that is able to maintain temperature within 10 degrees of the setting. In these aspects, you can safely say that Traeger has got Camp Chef beat. But sometimes, it comes down to mano a mano. So, let’s do a one-on-one comparison to help everyone find which brand does it better for them.
Comparison 1: Traeger TFB29LZA Junior Elite Wood Pellet Grill vs Camp Chef SmokePro XT Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
- Sales Rank is560
- Department:Kitchen
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 9.0 points
Main Features
- PREMIUM TEMPERATURE RANGE From 160ºF Up to 500ºF for Slow Smoking or Quick Grilling (25,000 BTU)
- PATENTED ASH CLEAN-OUT CUP SYSTEM No More Hours-of-Vacuuming Business
- SMART SMOKE TECHNOLOGY For Minimal Temperature Swings
- DIGITAL CONTROLLER For LED Chamber and Internal Food Temp Readings
- FLEXIBLE COMPATIBILITY Trick Out Your XT With A Number of Available Camp Chef Accessories
The Camp Chef SmokePro XT Wood Pellet Grill Smoker and the Traeger Junior Elite are two great grills that are similarly priced. But which one gives you a better bang for your buck? Now, the SmokePro XT may look small but it actually offers a total grilling area measuring 570 square inches. This is because it comes with a warming rack, something that the Junior Elite lacks. With the Traeger model, you only get 300 square inches of grilling area from the easy-to-clean porcelain coated grates. Aside from more cooking space, the SmokePro XT also offers a larger hopper capacity – 18 lbs – which enables you to do long cooking sessions without having to refuel. The Junior Elite only has an 8-pound capacity. Another difference between the two is the presence of the meat probe. While both units feature a digital temperature controller that you can set and forget, only the SmokePro XT comes with a meat probe that you can use to keep a closer eye on your meat. On the other hand, you do get a grill cover with the Junior Elite which saves you some money that you can use to buy your preferred meat probe. What made the SmokePro XT really stand out for us is the availability of Camp Chef accessories to improve on what you already got – like an attachable searing station or side shelf. If it’s brand reliability, then go for the Traeger. But if it’s bang for your buck, it’s the Camp Chef model hands down.
Comparison 2: Traeger Grills TFB57PZBO Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill vs Camp Chef SmokePro Stainless DLX Pellet Grill
- Sales Rank is1
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 9.5 points
Main Features
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 22 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection
- Precision temperature control: The Digital Pro Controller rocks Advanced Grilling Logic, which maintains a +/- 15 degree F temperature control to precision grilling. 450 °F Max Temp
- Sturdy and durable: powerful Steel construction and durable powder coat finish, Easy to clean porcelain grill grates and all-terrain wheels
- Large cooking capacity: 572 sq. In. Cooking capacity that can accommodate 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs or 24 burgers.
- Sales Rank is195
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 8.9 points
Main Features
- PID controller for consistent temperatures (+/- 5ºF ), Adjustable smoke settings from 1-10, 160º F - 500ºF temperature range, Easy to use menu dial, High-visibility, low-glare digital display, Includes 2 meat probes
- Ash Cleanout System, Pellet Hopper Cleanout/Purge, Grease Management System
- Large capacity pellet hopper means less filling, more smoking
- Side attachment compatible (Sidekick or Sear Box)
- Grilling Area Dimensions: 19.5" x 22", Total Rack Surface Area: 573 sq. in, Hopper Capacity: 18 lbs. of pellets, Overall weight: 140 lbs
The Camp Chef SmokePro Stainless DLX is an upgraded version of the SmokePro XT but offered at the same price. You get a lot of the same features like the 4 legs + 2 wheels, the drip bucket, ash cleanout system, a meat probe, pellet rake, warming rack, 570 square inches of cooking space, 18-pound hopper capacity, and 3-year warranty. What makes it an upgrade is the addition of several useful features. You get a side shelf plus a larger pellet hopper lid that also functions as another shelf. Even better, you get a pellet hopper cleanout/purge that allows you change out pellets if you want to enjoy a different flavor. All good, right? Well, Traeger’s Pro Series 22 has got something better. This baby has a cooking capacity of 572 square inches, an integrated digital temperature controller, a hopper cleanout door, and all-terrain wheels. Sound similar right? Well, the main difference is the meat probe. SmokePro offers one but the Pro Series 22 gives you two. The more, the merrier! The sawhorse chassis adds style as well as stability. Plus, the high quality construction and performance really can’t be beat. For the price, we have to say, it’s Traeger all the way in this battle.
Comparison 3: Traeger Grills TFB65LZBC Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill vs Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill with Sear Box
- Sales Rank is
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 8.7 points
Main Features
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste
- Assembled Grill Dimensions: 54" W x 22" D x 49" H | Weight: 125 lbs
- Versatile Barbecue Cooking: Hot and fast, or low and slow, the Texas Elite 34 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and bbq food to juicy perfection
- Protect Your BBQ Grill at All Times: Made of heavy-duty, all-weather material to protect your grill from rain, sun, and snow
- Avoid Water Damage: Water resistant to ensure your grill stays dry
- Expand Your Working Area: Perfect for prep space and as a landing pad for finished food
- Never in the Way of Your Cooking: Conveniently folds down when not in use
- Sales Rank is113
- Department:Kitchen
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 9.0 points
Main Features
- True Seasoned Finish cast iron
- Comfort design handles
- Lid can be used as a skillet/griddle
The Texas Elite 34 Pellet Grill is a pellet grill after our own heart. It has a cooking surface that measures 646 square inches – good enough to feed family and friends when they come over. It has double steel construction and durable powder coat finish for improved durability. The porcelain grill grates are easy to clean. The large hopper has a capacity of 18 pounds for long cooking sessions. The Digital Elite Controller helps you set and maintain temperature throughout your cookout. It’s definitely a great entry-level pellet grill fit for a large family. But if you’re thinking there might be something better, then it’s the Camp Chef Woodwind SG wood fire pellet grill you’re looking for. This compact grill actually offers 811 square inches of cooking space – enough to feed your local football team and then some. It also comes with a Sear Box that can reach up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from the usual Camp Chef pellet grill features, this unit also comes with the revolutionary Slide & Grill Technology that allows you to use the grill as a smoke and a grill. With the pull of a knob, you can slide the deflector plate in place for smoking meats or slide it out for direct flame grilling. Plus, this grill features a hopper capacity of up to 22 lbs of pellets which means longer cook sessions, less refueling. While we really love Traeger, we can’t deny that Camp Chef has got this one beat.
Comparison 4: Traeger Grills TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill vs Camp Chef Woodwind SG 24 Pellet Grill with Sidekick Stove
- Sales Rank is936
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 9.5 points
Main Features
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste.
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Renegade Pro pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection.
- Precision temperature control: The Digital Pro Controller rocks Advanced Grilling Logic, which maintains a +/- 15 degree F temperature control to guarantee precision grilling.
- Sturdy and Durable: Powerful steel construction and durable powder coat finish, easy to clean porcelain grill grates and all-terrain wheels.
- Perfect size for the at-home cook: 380 sq. in. cooking capacity that can accomodate 2 chickens, 3 racks of ribs or 12 burgers.
- Exterior Dimensions: 27" D x 39" W x 50" H
- Sales Rank is
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 8.9 points
Main Features
- Camp Chef Woodwind SG 24 Pellet Grill and Sidekick Stove/Griddle Accessory (PG24SGWWSK)
- Removable 2-piece Nickel Plated Upper Rack & 2-piece Enameled Steel Lower Rack
- Electronic Auto-Start Ignition, Dual LED temperature display
- Smart Smoke Technology, Slide and Grill Technology
- Includes Sidekick Stove/Griddle Accessory (PG14) and Compatible Griddle (SG30)
Comparison 5: Traeger Grills TFS60LZC Select Elite Pellet Grill and Smoker vs Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill with Sear Box (Woodwind)
- Sales Rank is
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 8.7 points
Main Features
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Select Elite pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection
- Precision temperature control: The Digital Elite Controller rocks Advanced Grilling Logic, which maintains a +/- 20 degree F temperature control to guarantee precision grilling
- Sturdy and Durable:Includes stainless steel side shelves, dual door storage cart and increased pellet hopper capacity
- Large cooking capacity: 589 sq. in. cooking capacity that can accomodate 4 chickens, 4 racks of ribs or 20 burgers
- Sales Rank is
- Department:Lawn & Patio
- Weight:
Our Summary Score: 9.0 points
Main Features
- SMART SMOKE TECHNOLOGY- The digital temperature control and automatic auger feed pellets into the grill to maintain the heat for you and produce the optimal amount of smoke. Just set it and let it—no more babysitting.
- ENDLESS VERSATILITY- Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue all your favorite foods with premium wood-fired flavor on a single grill. Cook how you want with a huge temperature range at your fingertips, from 160° F up to 500° F.
- HUGE COOKING AREA- 570 square inches of cooking surface area and a removable upper warming rack give you enough room to cook for the entire neighborhood. Load up the grill with whole chickens, brisket, jerky, and more.
- PATENTED ASH CLEANOUT- Cleaning between cooks is as easy as pulling a lever, thanks to the exclusive Ash Cleanout system you won’t find on any other grill. That means less time wrestling with the vacuum and more time enjoying heavenly food.
- PERFECT SEARED FINISH- The included Sear Box reaches temperatures up to 900° F for a crisp, caramelized sear. Smoke burgers, steaks, chicken, and more on the grill, then transfer to the propane-fueled Sear Box to finish.