Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Review: The Ultimate Smoking Experience
A great grill is more than a cooking tool—it’s the centerpiece of every memorable outdoor meal. Whether you’re searing, smoking, or slow-cooking, you want something that gives you complete control and adds rich flavors. For serious grill masters, precision and ease of use are key.
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 takes grilling to another level with its advanced features and impressive versatility. With customizable smoke settings, multiple cooking fuel options, and seamless app connectivity, it’s designed to make outdoor cooking effortless. This review dives into its features, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth adding to your outdoor kitchen.
Product Details – Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill
- Grill Surface: 1236 sq. in.
- Connectivity: WiFi & Bluetooth
- Material: Stainless steel components
- Smoke Box: Wood pellets, chunks, chips, and charcoal
- Heat Management: PID temperature control
- Sidekick Compatible: Adds propane-powered accessories
- Dimensions: 26 x 50 x 44.5 inches
- Weight: 195 pounds
- Grill Type: Pellet grill and smoker
✅ Best For: Grill enthusiasts wanting precise heat control, wood-fired flavors, and tech-enabled convenience.
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Camp Chef Woodwind Pro
- ✅ WiFi Connectivity: Control your grill from anywhere with the app.
- ✅ Custom Smoke Settings: Smoke Number feature tailors smoke intensity.
- ✅ Sidekick Compatible: Expand cooking options with propane-powered accessories.
- ✅ Large Cooking Area: 1236 sq. in. gives ample space for big meals.
- ✅ Durable Build: High-grade stainless steel resists corrosion and rust.
Cons of Camp Chef Woodwind Pro
- ❗ Temperature Fluctuations: Inconsistent temps of up to 20° in some cases.
- ❗ App Glitches: Occasional connectivity issues with the app.
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill has received mostly positive reviews for its versatile smoking features and durable construction. Users appreciate its large surface area, sidekick compatibility, and seamless WiFi control.
In-Depth Review of the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill
When grilling is more than a weekend hobby, you need a reliable tool that delivers consistent performance and versatile cooking options. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 stands out with its ability to combine the flavor of traditional smoking with modern conveniences like app control and custom smoke settings. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this grill a game-changer.
Customizable Smoking with the Smoke Box
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro features an innovative Smoke Box that gives users the option to grill with wood pellets, wood chunks, wood chips, and even charcoal. This flexibility allows grill masters to customize flavors, giving them the control to craft their perfect BBQ.
With the PID temperature controller, you can also adjust the Smoke Number, allowing you to choose how much smoke flavor you want in your food. This level of customization is rare in pellet grills, making it a favorite for those who love a deep, smoky flavor.
WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
Grilling is about more than standing by the fire—it’s about enjoying the company of friends and family. With WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro allows you to monitor and adjust the grill’s temperature right from your smartphone. Whether you’re inside the house or mingling with guests, the Camp Chef Connect app gives you full control. Set timers, receive notifications, and monitor your cook from anywhere.
The app’s Smart Meat Assistant is another perk, helping you monitor your meat’s temperature and label each probe. This ensures a perfectly cooked meal every time.
Durability and Design
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro is built to last. The stainless steel components not only look great but also protect the grill from rust and corrosion. The 430-grade stainless steel inside the grill ensures heat retention, while the 304-grade stainless steel components like the butterfly valve and burn cup provide long-lasting performance.
This grill is designed for convenience, too. With four sturdy casters, moving the 195-pound unit is surprisingly easy, and assembly is straightforward with detailed instructions.
Who Is the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill Perfect For?
✅ Grillers who want to control smoke flavor and temperature precisely
✅ Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different wood types
✅ People who value convenience and love using tech to monitor their cooking
✅ Large families or frequent hosts who need a spacious grill for big meals
✅ BBQ lovers looking for a durable, high-quality grill that will last for years
Smoke and Temperature Control
The PID controller regulates the temperature of the grill with impressive accuracy, adjusting based on the Smoke Number you set. This feature gives you more control over your cooking than traditional pellet grills, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of smoke.
However, users have noted that the temperature can fluctuate by up to 20°F at times, especially due to the sensor’s placement near the grill’s wall. While this may not be a deal-breaker for most, those who need precise temperature control might find this to be a drawback.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
✅ Users who prioritize absolute temperature consistency for precise grilling
While the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro is an excellent choice for most grillers, those who rely heavily on pinpoint temperature accuracy may want to explore other options.
Customer Experiences – Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill
We’ve researched honest customer experiences to give you an inside look at what users think about the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro.
- ✅ Users love the customizable smoke settings and how they can easily control the flavor profile of their BBQ. The Smoke Box is a major highlight, allowing them to experiment with different wood types, resulting in deeper and richer smoke flavors.
- ✅ Most users found the Camp Chef Connect app to be convenient, especially with features like probe labeling and meat type selection. The ability to control and monitor the grill from their phone added ease to their cooking experience.
- ✅ The large cooking surface is another big win. Users appreciate the 1236 sq. in. of space, making it perfect for smoking large cuts of meat or cooking for groups.
- 🚫 Some users experienced temperature inconsistencies, especially when using the app. They noted fluctuations that sometimes affected the cooking time, though they still achieved good results overall.
- 🚫 A few customers mentioned that the assembly instructions could be clearer, especially the picture-based steps, which caused minor frustration during setup.
Value Analysis – Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill is an investment, but for grillers who value versatility and control, it’s well worth the price. Here’s why:
Key Strengths: Customization and Durability
- Custom Smoke Settings: The ability to control smoke levels and use various wood types makes this grill stand out in its class. Whether you’re using wood pellets or charcoal, the Smoke Box feature enhances the flavor of your meals significantly.
- Durability: Made with high-grade stainless steel, this grill is built to resist corrosion and withstand harsh weather conditions. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro will hold up well over time, making it a great long-term investment.
- Large Cooking Area: With over 1200 sq. in. of cooking space, this grill is perfect for big gatherings or smoking large cuts of meat.
Considerations: Price and Temperature Control
- Price: At $1,499, this grill is not cheap, but given the features it offers, including WiFi control, a large cooking area, and versatile smoking options, it provides great value for serious grillers.
- Temperature Inconsistencies: While the PID controller offers precision, some users found temperature swings of up to 20°F. This isn’t ideal for those who need a grill with consistent heat.
Final Remarks: Is the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Worth It?
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill is a versatile, tech-enabled powerhouse that delivers excellent smoke control and a large cooking surface. Its customizable Smoke Box and WiFi connectivity make it perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, though temperature fluctuations might be a downside for precision-focused grillers.
FAQs – Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill
Does the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro come with WiFi?
Yes, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro comes equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Users can monitor and control the grill from their smartphones through the Camp Chef Connect app, available for both iOS and Android.
Can I use charcoal in the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro?
Yes, you can use charcoal in the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro’s Smoke Box. This grill offers versatility with various fuel options, including wood pellets, chunks, chips, and charcoal, making it easy to customize your smoke flavors.
How does the Smoke Number feature work on the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro?
The Smoke Number feature on the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro allows you to adjust the level of smoke flavor in your food. A higher Smoke Number results in more smoke output, while a lower Smoke Number keeps the temperature tighter but with less smoke.
Is the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro difficult to assemble?
While the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro generally comes with clear instructions, some users found the picture-only assembly guide a bit challenging. However, most users report that with patience, assembly is straightforward and manageable.
Can I add a Sidekick to the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro?
Yes, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro is Sidekick Compatible, allowing you to attach a propane-powered accessory like a flat top grill or sear box. This enhances the versatility of the grill, giving you more cooking options.
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Review – Conclusion
The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Grill is a versatile, high-tech outdoor cooking solution for those who love to control every aspect of their BBQ experience. With its innovative Smoke Box, customizable settings, and seamless app connectivity, it offers a superior grilling experience. Though the price tag may be steep, the grill’s durability and feature set make it a solid investment for serious grillers.