Camp Chef has quietly become Traeger’s most credible competitor.
Utah-based since 1990, Camp Chef built its reputation on portable outdoor stoves. Their pellet grill lineup delivers direct-flame searing that Traeger charges premium tier for, at prices ~30% below the Traeger equivalent. This guide covers the Woodwind Pro line (their flagship pellet), Apex, Sherpa outdoor cooking stations, and the versatile Explorer camp stoves.
In this guide (jump ahead)
Disclosure: PitPrimer earns commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates.
The Camp Chef lineup in 2026
- Woodwind Pro (24 and 36) — flagship pellet grills with sear box, $800-1,200.
- Apex — dual-zone pellet + gas hybrid grill, $1,100-1,500.
- Sherpa Camp Table Oven — portable propane oven/stove, $400-500.
- Explorer 2X / 3X — propane camp stove stations, $180-350.
Best all-round: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24
The Woodwind Pro 24 is the pellet grill most cooks should own if they can live without Traeger’s polished app. 811 square inches, 22 lb hopper, PID controller with 10F accuracy, and the sear box (a separate propane sear station attached to the side) that hits 700F for actual steakhouse sears. Slide-and-grill smoke boost lets you dial in smoke intensity manually.
See also: Ooni Karu 12 vs Karu 16 vs Volt 12 Compared 2026: The Ooni Lineup Head-to-Head
What you give up vs Traeger Ironwood XL: the app focuses on essentials. What you get: sear capability Traeger differs from plus ~$500 in your pocket.
- Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24
- Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 (larger)
- Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 (base model)
Best hybrid: Camp Chef Apex
Innovative dual-zone design: pellet smoker on the left, gas grill on the right. Cook brisket at 225F on the pellet side while searing steak on the gas side simultaneously. $1,100-1,500 depending on size. For anyone who wants BOTH true smoking AND high-heat gas grilling without buying two units.
See also: Blackstone vs Camp Chef vs Pit Boss Griddles 2026: 28-inch Class Head-to-Head
Best portable cooking station: Camp Chef Explorer 2X
Camp Chef’s flagship 2-burner outdoor propane stove. 60,000 BTU total, adjustable legs, huge cook surface. Runs standard 20 lb propane tanks. Perfect for RV cooking, camping, and backyard overflow when the grill is full.
See also: Best Portable Camping Stove and Outdoor Cooking Station 2026: Tailgate, RV, and Backyard Party Picks
Best portable oven: Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table Oven
Genuinely unique product — a fully-functional propane oven that folds into a suitcase for transport. Bake pizza, roast a chicken, or slow-cook a pork shoulder at a campsite. $400-500.
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Cook Area | Direct Sear? | App? | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2X | 448 sq in stove top | N/A (stove) | No | $180 |
| Sherpa Oven | Oven cavity | No | No | $450 |
| Woodwind Pro 24 | 811 sq in | Yes (sear box) | Yes | $900 |
| Apex 30 | 1,236 sq in combined | Yes (gas side) | Yes | $1,300 |
Editor’s ranking
Best pellet grill from Camp Chef: Woodwind Pro 24 at $900. True sear + smoke in one unit.
Dual-fuel entertainer: Apex at $1,300. Portable outdoor cooking station: Explorer 2X at $180.
See our cross-brand pellet comparison: Best Pellet Smoker 2026.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Related PitPrimer guides
- Yoder YS640s vs Recteq RT-700 vs Camp Chef Apex Compared 2026: Enthusiast Pellet Grills Head-to-Head
- Best Traeger Grills 2026: Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and Ranger Full Lineup Guide
- Best Pellet Smoker 2026: Traeger, Weber, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, and Yoder Head-to-Head
- Traeger Ranger vs Tailgater vs Pro 22 Compared 2026: The Portable Traeger Lineup
Frequently asked questions
How were these products selected?
This guide is a research-based synthesis of product specs, brand reputation, current Amazon reviews, and category trends. It is not a hands-on review – use it to narrow options before you buy.
What price range should I expect?
Prices vary significantly across the categories above. Entry options start at the lower end of each tier listed, while premium picks can be several times more. Amazon pricing changes frequently, so confirm current numbers on the product listings.
Should I always buy the most expensive option?
Not necessarily. Premium products offer better materials, longer warranties, and higher-end features, but mid-tier picks meet the needs of most buyers. Match the pick to your actual use case rather than defaulting to the top of the price range.
How often is this guide updated?
This guide is refreshed as new products launch and older picks are discontinued. Amazon pricing and stock change daily – always confirm current price and availability on Amazon before purchase.
Where is the best place to buy?
Amazon is linked throughout this guide because it typically has broad selection, current pricing, and standardized return policies. Direct manufacturer sites and specialty retailers are also options depending on category and preference.
Related BBQ guides
Shop the Amazon Storefront
Every pellet smoker, grill, and BBQ accessory recommendation – curated in one Amazon Storefront.
Try Amazon Prime free for 30 days – fast pellet and BBQ ingredient delivery
As an Amazon Associate and Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.