Disappointed in Camp Chef

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BaldEagleOne

Smoke Blower
Original poster
SMF Premier Member
May 10, 2018
83
35
I've had my CC for over 2 years and have had over 150 sessions. A couple of weeks ago, I had to reboot the controller because it wouldn't hook up to my WiFi and it didn't record the session (Graph). It did so for the session, but failed on the next -- yesterday. I called today to relate the problem and was told it was the firmware. When I asked if others were having the same problem, I was told a few. Well, that doesn't sound like a firmware problem if only a few are having the problem. The agent didn't know when any firmware update would be available. Seems like CC is devolving to just another product in the pack of pellet smoker manufacturers. I'm now looking to dump this and find a more reliable smoker. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I'm now looking to dump this and find a more reliable smoker. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Just remember anytime you have electronics and/or moving parts there is a good chance something will fail. This is a fact that you must be willing to accept if you go this route. No matter who the mfg'er is.

Stick burners, Kettles, WSMs, BGEs are all very reliable and less likely to fail.

Chris
 
May be the app. The one on my Galaxy phone acts kind of wonky sometimes, but the one on my Galaxy tablet works fine.

I couldn't even make temp or smoke level adjustments from my phone for a long time. Deleted and reinstalled the app several times on my phone to no avail. Delete the app from your phone, along with any saved data and reinstall fresh. It fixed mine.
 
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It may be your wireless router. May be over loaded with new gadgets. Wireless range is always subject to change on a day to day basis.
 
May be the app. The one on my Galaxy phone acts kind of wonky sometimes, but the one on my Galaxy tablet works fine.

I couldn't even make temp or smoke level adjustments from my phone for a long time. Deleted and reinstalled the app several times on my phone to no avail. Delete the app from your phone, along with any saved data and reinstall fresh. It fixed mine.
I think you're right. I delete the app from my iphone then reload it, and it works -- at least for the current smoke. Then I have to do it for the next, then the next, etc. I called CC, but didn't have any satisfaction. Was just told it might be the firmware but they didn't have any idea when there would be an upgrade.
 
I think you're right. I delete the app from my iphone then reload it, and it works -- at least for the current smoke. Then I have to do it for the next, then the next, etc. I called CC, but didn't have any satisfaction. Was just told it might be the firmware but they didn't have any idea when there would be an upgrade.
Thank you guys. Appreciate the feedback. I'm looking at the Lone Star Grillz. Everything is made in the US. Anyone have one?
 
If the cooker is cooking properly and you are satisfied with pellet smoked meat then perhaps running without the APP or buying a cheap set of wireless probes might also come under consideration, no?
 
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Has worked for me since I bought my CC 3 years ago. I don't need no stinkin' wi-fi to smoke meat. :emoji_laughing::emoji_laughing::emoji_laughing:

PS: Meant to be humor! :emoji_wink:
But doesn't it piss you off when you pay for something and it doesn't work?
 
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The one brand that consistently is recommend by many here on SMF is RecTec. Over the years I can't remember reading any negative comments about them. On the other hand there a number of brands that seem to pop up with people having issues. As Chris - gmc2003 gmc2003 pointed out, I too would recommend you go with one of those with proven track records.
 
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The problem with the phone apps is that the phones are constantly updating. Those updates can sometimes break the app. And it's not just the updates but how they interact with each new model of phone.

What apps worked on iPhone 13 might not work on iPhone 15, even though they both are running the latest updates from Apple. Works the same with all the other phone mfgs.

So getting a different grill doesn't guarantee you won't have the same experience in the future.
 
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Only thing I ever question is if units have no problems how does anybody know how well customer service is?
 
Only thing I ever question is if units have no problems how does anybody know how well customer service is?
I can attest to Rec Teq CS. I called about my probes when they were about 8 years old - they worked but I thought maybe there was an issue. He asked me one question: "what is your address?" " I shipping two new ones out today". years past warranty. thats good service!

Ive called them a few time with question about setting and whatnot - they took the time to explain everything to me in a way I could grasp easily. when I got on a chat, they called me right away. emailed, they emailed less than 24 hours later. thats good service.
 
I know others on here have had issues with CC, but I have had about 5 issues with mine (wi-fi not being one of them) and their CS has been good so far. I think for the price point of the CC models, they are good choices. But of course there are better quality brands available, but likely at a higher price point. CCs and Req Teqs now top out at about $1600. Lone Star at about $3900. Still plenty of entry levels below a grand.

One thing I've noticed on here and other websites is that wi-fi function is almost always an issue with almost every brand. That's one of the reasons I don't use mine.
 
I think you're right. I delete the app from my iphone then reload it, and it works -- at least for the current smoke. Then I have to do it for the next, then the next, etc. I called CC, but didn't have any satisfaction. Was just told it might be the firmware but they didn't have any idea when there would be an upgrade.
I just deleted the app and all its data along with it once from my Galaxy S23 and reinstalled. It works, mostly, but still does stupid crap like reporting the grill on standby when it's actually running. If I close the app and restart, it usually straightens up.

The app on my Galaxy tab S9 FE hasn't had this problem and always works correctly.
 
The problem with the phone apps is that the phones are constantly updating. Those updates can sometimes break the app. And it's not just the updates but how they interact with each new model of phone.

What apps worked on iPhone 13 might not work on iPhone 15, even though they both are running the latest updates from Apple. Works the same with all the other phone mfgs.

So getting a different grill doesn't guarantee you won't have the same experience in the future.
Agaian, thank you guys for your feedback. The CC really holds temperature and provides good smoke. The results have been excellent and the grill is sturdy. No complaints except the controller. My wife's iphone is a newer model. I'll try it for the nex few smokes.
 
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