Buying a pellet grill is overwhelming! There are tons of brands available, each claiming that they are superior to others. In this Traeger vs Camp Chef comparison, we will focus on two of the names that you should know and some of their best models. Keep on reading and we’ll let help you decide which one is the better choice.
A Quick Comparison of Traeger vs Camp Chef
If there is one name that made pellet grills popular, it would be Traeger. Thanks to its founder, Joe Traeger, the first pellet grill was introduced in 1985. They had patented it then, which gave them a sort of monopoly in the product category. In 2006, the patent expired, and the company started facing stiff competition. They had to move their manufacturing facility in China to save cost, and since then, the quality has suffered.
Camp Chef, on the other hand, has been popular among camping enthusiasts looking for the best outdoor cooking companion. They were widely known for the introduction of the Pro 60 Stove in 1990. They may not have a diverse option as Traeger, but Camp Chef has also been gaining a solid reputation for their top-notch pellet grills, which are designed in the United States but manufactured in China.
Price
A lot of people are on a budget, and hence, the price is a major consideration when choosing a pellet grill. Between the two, it seems that Camp Chef has slightly more affordable models compared to Traeger.
Construction
Steel is the main material that is used by both brands. While they are both durable, we’d say that Traeger has an advantage. Their grills have a more premium construction, which is also one thing that will justify the high price.
Performance
These are two popular brands, so it is expected that the performance is second to none. However, even if Traeger has been in the business of making pellet grills longer, Camp Chef proved that they are a force to rival. Camp Chef grills have PID controllers, which are slightly more precise compared to the performance of the D2 Drivetrain from Traeger. Also, we like how Camp Chef has a feature that will allow you to control the level of smoke and not just the heat.
Selection
Both brands are offering a diverse selection of pellet grills. Traeger has three main product categories – Pro, Ironwood, and Timberline Series. They also have more portable grills – Scout and Ranger. They are box-type pellet grills with a handle for ease of carrying. While Traeger also has a compact and portable grill, it is a bit larger and designed with folding legs.
Warranty
It is important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer for your peace of mind. Both Traeger and Camp Chef are offering a three-year warranty. Make sure to read the terms and conditions to be eligible for the warranty coverage.
Camp Chef Woodwind v/s Treager Pro 22 Comparison & Review
Top 3 Best Camp Chef Pellet Grills Reviews 2021
Undecided about what to buy? Here is a quick roundup of some of the top products from the two brands.
1. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Outdoor cooking made easy – that is what you can expect when you buy this pellet grill. One of the best things about this product is the use of the revolutionary PID controller, which you can find in other Camp Chef grills as well. This will help in maintaining a more consistent temperature.
You will have complete control when using this pellet grill. You can experiment with different recipes. It has an adjustable temperature range between 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Even better, you can control the smoke. You can choose from one to ten, depending on the robustness of the smoky flavor that you prefer.
The digital display is also a plus. The small screen has an easy to view readout whether it is day or night. Additionally, it is also packaged with two meat probes for easy temperature monitoring.
Keeping the grill neat is easy. There is a grease management system, which will prevent it from being messy. This also means that grease will not accumulate on the grilling surface. Plus, there is a convenient cord management system.
2. Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker
With the new second generation PID controller that powers this unit, you can be confident of accurate temperature. Not only that, you can also choose the desired smoke level, which is one of the distinct advantages of Camp Chef over the grill from Traeger.
You will enjoy 811 square inches of total rack area in this model. It comes with a lower and upper rack. You can utilize the upper rack for foods that you do not want to be directly over the heat source. The hopper, on the other hand, can accommodate 18 pounds of pellets. Meanwhile, it also comes with a side shelf, which will provide addition space for warming.
Another notable feature that you will find in this product is the Slide and Grill technology, which you will find as well in other models from Camp Chef. This will allow you to take advantage of its direct flame grilling feature at a maximum of 650 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, when you use this as a conventional pellet grill, the temperature range is 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Camp Chef 36-inch Wi-Fi Woodwind Pellet Grill and Smoker
If you are looking for something large and modern, then this is one product that should be on your radar. The total cooking area is 1,236 square inches. It has an upper and lower rack so that you can efficiently utilize available space. Meanwhile, the hopper can hold up to 22 pounds of pellets, eliminating the need to refill often.
One of the most innovative features you will find in this pellet grill is its wireless control. You can connect it to your smartphone and use the latter to control the temperature and smoke levels. This means that you don’t need to be near the grill all the time when an adjustment is needed.
More so, we love how it is versatile since you can connect it with several attachments, which you have to purchase separately. You can connect it to a Searbox or Sidekick. These are accessories produced exclusively by Camp Chef.
Lastly, like the other models from Camp Chef, clean-up is a breeze. It has Ash Kickin’ Clean-out, an exclusive feature that collects ashes from burned pellets so that cleaning the unit is never a burden.
Top 3 Best Traeger Grills Reviews 2021
1. Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34-inch Pellet Grill and Smoker
It was in 2018 when this pellet grill and smoker made waves. Until now, it is still one of the favorites amongst many discerning users. The digital Pro Controller is one of its best features, which has Advanced Grilling Logic. This maintains the right temperature regardless of the external conditions.
The 6-in-1 functionality of this grill is another good reason to consider it over overs. Aside from grilling and smoking, you can also use it for other cooking applications, such as roasting and braising.
In terms of capacity, it has a total cooking area of 884 square inches. With such space, you can cook up to 40 burgers, seven rib racks, and eight chickens.
It is also worth noting that it has a durable construction. It is made of premium steel with a powder-coated finish, which will protect it against external elements that can speed up wear. Even through the years, this can withstand the test of time.
2. Traeger TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Grill
Like the other Traeger pellet grills, this is another product packed with innovative features. Among others, one of our favorites is the precise temperature control, making it as user-friendly as an oven. Forget about guesswork and enjoy more accurate control. Set the temperature and let the grill do its job!
WiFire technology is another notable feature you will love in this product. This will allow you to fire up the grill remotely. You can use your smartphone as a remote control. Download the Traeger app and you can also access multiple recipes.
The rugged design is also a plus. It can withstand the test of time with its all-steel body. This also makes it more heat efficient. Plus, there are rugged wheels, so moving it around does not have to be a burden.
3. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22-inch Pellet Grill and Smoker
For something smaller than the pellet grills mentioned above, this is an excellent alternative. It has a total cooking area of 572 square inches. It has enough space for you to cook five rib racks, four chickens, or 24 burgers. As for the hopper, it has a maximum capacity of 18 pounds.
As it is with the other Traeger pellet grills, it also has the Digital Pro Controller. The best thing about the latter is the Advanced Grilling Logic to ensure precise temperature every use. This makes it easier to guarantee consistent results with minimal effort.
More so, it comes with porcelain grill grates. The non-stick surface will make clean-up a breeze. There will be no hard deposits or residues that will accumulate on the surface. The body, on the other hand, is constructed of premium steel and comes with a powder-coated finish for better resistance against external elements that can speed up wear.
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