Camp Chef Smoker Brand: History, Types, and More

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  June 1, 2022

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The Camp Chef Smoker brand is a popular subsidiary of the Jarden Corporation, which also owns Grilla and Green Mountain Grill brands. Founded in 1972 by Jim Peavy, a former executive at Sunbeam, it’s a relatively young company.

In this article, I’ll explore the company’s history and highlight some of their top products.

Camp Chef logo

Get Your Grilling Game On with Camp Chef Grills

Camp Chef is a company inspired by the love of the outdoors and the desire to create convenient and high-quality cooking products for people who love to grill. Their line of grills includes a wide variety of models, each designed to meet specific needs and offer unique features. Here are some reasons why you should choose Camp Chef grills:

  • Plenty of models to choose from: Camp Chef offers a wide range of grills, from basic entry-level models to high-end smart grills with WiFi connectivity.
  • Great value for money: Camp Chef grills are designed to offer high-quality features at a reasonable price point.
  • Smart features: Many Camp Chef grills come with smart features like WiFi connectivity, direct flow technology, and ash cleanout systems.
  • High-quality materials: Camp Chef grills are made with high-quality materials like stainless steel, porcelain-coated steel, and cast iron.
  • Designed for specific needs: Whether you need a portable grill for your camping trip or a large pellet grill for your backyard, Camp Chef has a grill designed to meet your specific needs.

Camp Chef Grill Features

Camp Chef grills offer a wide range of features, designed to make grilling easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the most important features to know about:

  • Pellet grills (it’s among the best brands): Camp Chef’s pellet grills use wood pellets to smoke and grill meat, offering a unique and delicious flavor profile.
  • Direct flow technology: This feature allows for more even cooking and better temperature control.
  • Ash cleanout system: This feature makes it easy to clean out the ash from your grill, allowing for better airflow and more consistent cooking.
  • WiFi connectivity: Some Camp Chef grills come with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your grill from your smartphone.
  • Searing boxes: These attachments allow you to sear meat at high temperatures, creating a delicious crust on the outside.
  • Sidekick attachments: These attachments allow you to add a griddle, pizza oven, or other cooking surface to your grill.
  • Porcelain-coated steel: This material is durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for grilling surfaces.
  • Stainless steel: This material is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a great choice for the body of your grill.
  • Streamlined design: Many Camp Chef grills feature a streamlined design, making them easy to use and maintain.
  • Propane grills (here are the best models): Camp Chef’s propane grills offer a convenient and portable option for grilling outdoors.

Camp Chef Grill Upgrade Options

If you already own a Camp Chef grill and want to upgrade it, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the most popular upgrade options:

  • Searing box: This attachment allows you to sear meat at high temperatures, creating a delicious crust on the outside.
  • Sidekick attachments: These attachments allow you to add a griddle, pizza oven, or other cooking surface to your grill.
  • WiFi controller: This upgrade allows you to control your grill from your smartphone, making it easier to monitor and adjust the temperature.
  • Ash cleanout system: This upgrade makes it easier to clean out the ash from your grill, allowing for better airflow and more consistent cooking.
  • Pellet hopper extension: This upgrade allows you to add more pellets to your grill, extending the amount of time you can cook without refilling.

Camp Chef Grill Shopping Tips

If you’re in the market for a Camp Chef grill, here are some shopping tips to help you choose the right one:

  • Know your needs: Think about how you will be using your grill and what features are most important to you.
  • Consider your budget: Camp Chef grills offer a wide range of price points, so consider how much you are willing to spend.
  • Read reviews: Look for reviews from other people who have used the grill you are considering to get an idea of its pros and cons.
  • Check for sales: Camp Chef grills are available at a variety of retailers, so keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
  • Consider the value: Camp Chef grills offer a great value for the features they include, so consider the overall value of the product you are considering.

Why Camp Chef Smokers are the Perfect Addition to Your Cooking Arsenal

Camp Chef started with a simple idea: to provide a better way for campers and sportsmen to cook outdoors. The company recognized that the average sportsman or camper was lacking outdoor cooking equipment, so they developed a system to help them out. Camp Chef began building high-quality grills and smokers that were designed to stand the test of time and utilize the best materials and construction elements available. The company’s reputation for consistent quality and unique designs quickly distinguished them from other brands in the market.

The Unique Features of Camp Chef Smokers

How to buy a bbq smoker video
How to buy a bbq smoker video

Camp Chef smokers are available in a wide variety of models and sizes, each designed to meet specific cooking needs. Some of the unique features that set Camp Chef smokers apart include:

  • Smart Smoke Technology: This feature allows you to control the flow of smoke and set the desired temperature with ease.
  • Ash Cleanout System: This feature makes it significantly easier to clean the entire body of the smoker and maintain consistent airflow.
  • Double-Walled Construction: This feature helps to maintain a consistent temperature and allows for better heat retention.
  • Wide Temperature Range: Camp Chef smokers offer a wide temperature range, which allows you to cook a variety of different meats and dishes.
  • Direct and Indirect Cooking: Camp Chef smokers allow you to cook with direct or indirect heat, giving you plenty of options for your next BBQ or camping trip (here are 7 hacks for cooking).

Why Camp Chef Smokers are the Best Choice for Your Outdoor Cooking Needs

Camp Chef Smokers are known for their ability to provide consistent and remarkable cooking results. Whether you’re a novice or an expert chef, these smokers offer the perfect way to add natural wood smoke flavor to your food. With the SmokePro PID and SG versions, you can set the temperature and let the smoker do the rest, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.

Wide Variety of Products and Designs

Camp Chef is a dedicated manufacturer of outdoor cooking products, and their smokers are no exception. They offer a wide variety of smoker types, including pellet, electric, and traditional wood smokers. Depending on your needs, you can choose from large or small smokers, with different technical features and accessories included. The designs are unique and suitable for different kinds of people, making it a great brand for everyone.

Easy to Use and Clean

One of the reasons people love Camp Chef Smokers is because they are easy to use and clean. The set-up process is straightforward, and the smoker is easy to operate, even for beginners. The parts are easy to remove and clean, making maintenance a breeze.

Proud and Reliable Manufacturer

Camp Chef is a reliable manufacturer that has been making outdoor cooking products for years. They are proud of their products and stand behind them, offering great customer service and technical support. If you ever need to buy parts or accessories, you can do so directly from the manufacturer, ensuring that you get the best quality products.

Great Value for Money

Compared to other brands, Camp Chef Smokers offer great value for money. They come with a variety of features and accessories included, making them a great investment for anyone looking to add a smoker to their outdoor cooking arsenal. The brand is generally known for making high-quality products that are built to last, so you know you’re getting the best.

Important Note: Andrew’s Camp Chef SmokePro SG Review

If you’re looking for a great smoker, Andrew’s Camp Chef SmokePro SG review is a must-read. He goes into detail about the features and benefits of this smoker, and his personal experience using it. He notes that the smoker is convenient and enjoyable to use, and the natural wood smoke flavor is a true game-changer. He also mentions that the smoker is suitable for both camping and outdoor cooking at home, making it a versatile option.

Where Are Camp Chef Grills Made? The American-Made Quality You Can Trust

Camp Chef is a brand that is dedicated to creating the best outdoor cooking products for its customers. The company maintains its operations in Cache Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Bear River mountain environment. The majority of the production of Camp Chef grills and related products takes place in the company’s factory in Utah.

American-Made Quality

Camp Chef is known for its American-made quality, which means that the company uses only the best materials to ensure that its products are of the highest level. The company has branched out from its traditional pellet grills and now offers a range of gas grills, burners, and fire pits, all designed to make outdoor cooking easy and convenient.

Testing and Quality Control

Camp Chef maintains strict quality control measures to ensure that its products are of the best quality. Each product is fully tested before it is released to regular customers. The company has also acquired exclusive guides to help its customers maintain their products at the desired level.

Smart Design and Control

Camp Chef grills are designed to elevate your outdoor cooking game. The company’s pellet grills have a smart control system that allows you to maintain the heat evenly, resulting in better-cooked meat and vegetables. The upper rod allows excess heat to be released, making it ideal for creating a great sear on your food.

Pricing

Camp Chef grills are generally priced in the mid to upper range, but the company’s products are extremely popular among outdoor cooking enthusiasts. The ability to control the heat and cook food evenly makes Camp Chef grills a great investment for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.

Exploring the Different Types of Camp Chef Smokers

The SmokePro series is one of the most popular models from Camp Chef. It offers a wide range of products suitable for people with different needs. The SmokePro series is known for its ability to control the temperature and smoke with ease. It offers a PID controller that makes it easier to connect with the technical aspects of smoking. The SmokePro series comes with a range of accessories that make smoking a bit easier and tighter. The series includes different versions such as the SG, DLX, and SE models. Depending on your needs, you can choose the best one for you. The SmokePro series is a good option for those who are looking for a dedicated smoker.

Pellet Grills

Camp Chef is also known for its pellet grills. The pellet grills come in a variety of different kinds, each suited for different numbers of people. The pellet grills are generally good for slow cooking and are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. The pellet grills offer a wide range of temperature control and are known for their ability to run fast and clean. The pellet grills come with a warranty that ensures that you are able to buy with confidence. The pellet grills are a good option for those who are looking for a backyard smoker.

Camp Chef Stove

Camp Chef started as a manufacturer of stoves, and over the past few years, they have grown to offer a remarkable range of smokers and grills. The Camp Chef stove is an amazing option for those who are looking for a versatile cooking solution. The Camp Chef stove is known for its ability to cater to the needs of social outdoor enthusiasts. The stove comes with a range of accessories that make it easier to cook outdoors. The Camp Chef stove is a good option for those who are planning to go camping and grilling.

Important Note

When choosing the best Camp Chef smoker, it’s important to note that the best one for you depends on your needs. Some people may prefer the SmokePro series, while others may prefer the pellet grills. It’s important to know the different types of smokers and grills that Camp Chef offers to make sure you choose the one that’s best for you.

Conclusion

So, that’s what the Camp Chef brand is all about. They’re known for their high-quality grills, smokers, and cooking accessories, and they’ve been in the business for over 50 years now. 

You can’t go wrong with a Camp Chef product, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Plus, with their affordable prices, you can afford to upgrade your grilling game more often!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.