Camp Chef Smoker

[pg77]

Hi all, I’m looking to purchase a new smoker. Anyone have any opinions or advice on the CAMP CHEF XXL wood pellet smoker? I currently have a Masterbuilt dual fuel 2 door smoker. On my 3rd year. Rotting a b it and think it’s time for an upgrade.

 

[ffergie]

I have had my Camp Chef for 3 years now. Got it cheap but it is worth its weight in gold! No issues at all. I have done ribs, chicken, pork loin, salmon and about 100 pounds of bacon. Love it!

 

[pg77]

Sounds good thx. I’m seeing some in about the $550-$600 range? Quick question, do you live in a climate that gets cold? I saw a review that said it doesn’t hold up well in wind or cold.

 

[ffergie]

I am in New Brunswick, Canada so yes, we see cold and wind. I don't do a lot of cold weather smoking but I do in the wind. Just yesterday, I did 15 pounds of bacon on a VERY windy day. I have a welding blanket expressly for this purpose, I throw it over the grill and it cuts the wind nicely, it can be a bit messy but it works. I also helps hold the heat as long as it is not really cold.

 

[kruizer]

I have been a Camp Chef owner for about 3 yrs now and I love mine.

 

[pg77]

Great thx. Any issues with lack of smoke or loss of
Smoke?

 

[BC Buck]

Do a search on this forum. Many people having issues with CC products.

 

[smokepuppet]

Just received and assembled a Camp Chef DLX pro. Did the initial burn in yesterday and went through the shutdown mode. After it cooled down I tried to slide out the ash catch to clean out the ashes left. It will not slide out now to open it. Any comments??

 

[BC Buck]

Just received and assembled a Camp Chef DLX pro. Did the initial burn in yesterday and went through the shutdown mode. After it cooled down I tried to slide out the ash catch to clean out the ashes left. It will not slide out now to open it. Any comments??

Thats another issue with CC smokers. The clean out plate is to thin and warps from the heat. I had to pull my plate off the smoker and hold on flat surface use a hammer to flatten plate back out. Once you get it working freely try running it up to high temp again. If warps again return smoker. Yes they are nice on phone and will keep sending you free replacement parts till you can disassemble and reassemble your smoker with your eyes closed.

 

[pg77]

Just received and assembled a Camp Chef DLX pro. Did the initial burn in yesterday and went through the shutdown mode. After it cooled down I tried to slide out the ash catch to clean out the ashes left. It will not slide out now to open it. Any comments??

 

[pg77]

I haven’t bought mine yet. Seeing these issues with the camp chef’s I may rethink buying one. Anyone have any other suggestions on upright pellet smokers?

 

[smokepuppet]

Thats another issue with CC smokers. The clean out plate is to thin and warps from the heat. I had to pull my plate off the smoker and hold on flat surface use a hammer to flatten plate back out. Once you get it working freely try running it up to high temp again. If warps again return smoker. Yes they are nice on phone and will keep sending you free replacement parts till you can disassemble and reassemble your smoker with your eyes closed.

Wow thanks, hope all that nonsense doesn't happen. Doing first smoke on it today and will check further. Thank you for your reply BC!!!

 

[dubob]

Just received and assembled a Camp Chef DLX pro. Did the initial burn in yesterday and went through the shutdown mode. After it cooled down I tried to slide out the ash catch to clean out the ashes left. It will not slide out now to open it. Any comments??

I had the same issue with my Woodwind SG last year when I bought it. CC sent me a new plate assembly and instructions on how to replace it. The original plate was bent/warped in one corner causing the plate to be very difficult to move. The replacement part is still working as it was designed to do. I had 3 other malfunctions in the first 3 month's of use and CC was very quick to get me replacement parts and all has been 100% since the last part was replaced. It is sad that the CC pellet products seem to have so many manufacturing issues (made in China), but they do offer excellent customer service to resolve the issues. And my Woodwind SG has worked flawlessly since the last replacement part was installed. I will probably order the WiFi retrofit controller sometime this year. They are currently out of stock on the kit and about 5 weeks out on getting them in stock. Cost is about $200, but has some really nice upgrade features.