With eight smoke racks and over 33,000 BTUs of power, there’s a lot to love about the Camp Chef Vertical Pellet Smoker. But how does it compare to other cheap pellet grills? Find out everything you need to know with our Camp Chef XXL review.
Quick Check
The Camp Chef XXL offers plenty of space for smoking on its eight grills. Packed with 33,000 BTUs of grilling power and precise temperature control that compares greatly to many of its competitors in pellet smokers. One of the best budget smokers today.
Cooking with wood pellets has brought grill fans an improvement over gas or charcoal, and Camp Chef XXL continues that tradition. Its vertical pellet smoker design offers more cooking space than most other backyard stoves.
With its 2,408-square-inch cooking cavity and 22-gauge powder-coated steel frame, the Camp Chef XXL is built for grilling. Combined with excellent heat retention, this superb and impressive pellet smoker will impress novice and seasoned professionals with exceptional results.
Dual-probe thermometer and a PID controller maintain temperatures within 5°F, while its convection fan stabilizes heat during unpredictable weather periods. Its large 18lb hopper capacity keeps it running for up to 12 hours and the ash removal system makes cleaning up after each use a breeze.
– 150 – 350°F(65°C – 176°C) slow smoke temperature range with 33,000 BTU equivalent power – 18 lb. Wood pellet hopper capacity and two meat probes
– Ash cleaning system
Build and Construction
The XXL is constructed from 22 gauge powder coated steel with a stainless steel door for optimum corrosion resistance. This thing is built to last.
The grill comes in black and looks like it’s from the old days. From the outside it looks like a cupboard, but when you open it you will find more than seven iron racks on which you can put the meat to cook. It is large and roomy with room for different meats. It’s a thoughtful design. The grill can heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about average for a pellet grill.
At the bottom of the meat cabinet is a drawer used to collect ash and fat. There is a shelf on the left side of the grill to keep your marinades and condiments close by. At the bottom of this shelf, an automatic dial is used to control the temperature of the smoke inside. The entire product stands on four legs, each with a wheel. This means that you can move the grill around quickly and without much effort.
Features
Grease Management System
Due to the vertical design of the grill, the accumulation of fat due to gravity is quick. If the fat falls, it collects in the ash pan at the bottom. It works to make it an easy to clean and maintain on-the-go product. When you’re done, when & YOU just clean the iron grates that the meat WILL be kept on and empty the contents of the ash rack. Cleaning a grill is one of the main reasons people don’t enjoy grilling. The process can be complicated and exhausting.
Smart Smoke Technology
This grill gives you access to your Smart Smoke technology. Camp Chef argued that this feature has the power to make it a seasonal favorite among your guests. Many cooks will say that smoking food is an art that takes practice. Too much smoke can make food unhealthy, and too little smoke can result in people not eating. Finding the right balance is essential to preparing a good meal.
With Smart Smoke technology, you don’t have to worry about how much smoke there is because the grill will strike the perfect balance. No more sitting by the grill constantly checking to make sure it’s not overcooking, just relaxing with friends while your food cooks nice and slow.
Cooking Space
I wouldn’t normally include it as a grilling feature, but it excels at just that. The space on this grill is fantastic. It quickly happens whatever you want to grill and can serve everything at the same time. You get up to 8 large 21″ racks to put meat on. There are also 12 hooks on the top of the shelf for hanging sausages.
It’s nice and tidy so you can keep track of which meat to put in first and which needs to be ready soon. The space in this product makes it worth the price. Perfect for on the go when the whole family is there for a barbecue.
One thing to note with concern is that the product is not double insulated. That means if your art touches the outside of the grill, it could seriously damage yourself. It gets stiff to drive and you should be careful to stay away from people.
Specifications
| Body Dimensions | 24″L x 36″H x 15.5″W |
| Cooking Rack Dimensions | 21.5″ x 14″. |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs. of pellets |
| Height of Grill | 55 inches |
| Weight of Grill | 145 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Total Output | 33,0000 BTUs/HR |
Final Verdict
Considering the price of this product and what it can do, it’s a steal. Camp Chef has delivered a top quality product that is highly appreciated by its customers. The precision with which such large quantities of food can be cooked is unmatched. It gives you the ability to host many guests without breaking a sweat. This also applies to cleaning the grill. It’s pretty easy, given the included ash rack.
– 150 – 350°F(65°C – 176°C) slow smoke temperature range with 33,000 BTU equivalent power – 18 lb. Wood pellet hopper capacity and two meat probes
– Ash cleaning system
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Easy To Set Up?
On average you need about 2 hours to receive this product. It is recommended to do this with the help of another person. Follow the guide step by step and you shouldn’t need a professional to help you.
Can I Use it Inside?
Smoke is handled exceptionally well, but an unexpected amount can escape the grill. That means if you used it indoors, you would fill your house with smoke or set off the fire alarm.
Writer & content creator. BBQ fanatic!
