Whether you’re planning to smoke a turkey or grill the briskets, choosing a good pellet grill should be your top priority. Serious BBQ lovers know the value of a nicely-smoked meal; just a little overcooking, and the original taste of your food spoils instantly.
That’s why choosing the best pellet grill is so essential.
So if you find yourself confused between the two giants of the pellet grill industry – Traeger vs Camp Chef – this article will give you all the reality checks you need.
From the best features to specifications, and downsides to stand-out qualities, read on and know everything you should consider before buying a pellet grill.
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Camp Chef Pellet Grill vs Traeger Pellet Grill
To start with the Traeger vs Camp Chef battle, we have picked two of their best models; Traeger Pro Series 575 and Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI SmokePro SG.
First, let’s have a look at both models’ specifications.
Camp Chef 24 in, WIFI SmokePro SG
Previously, the Camp Chef SmokePRO SG 24 had comparatively lesser modern features, like WiFi. However, the newer model comes with an updated Gen 2 WIFI Controller that helps you manage the smoke comfortably.
For that, you have to first download the Camp Chef app on your smartphone, which then lets you control, manage, and even set timers without you babysitting your grill.
Camp Chef’s pellet grills are always user-friendly, and this particular model comes with an easy-to-use menu dial.
Apart from that, you’ll find a PID controller that automatically maintains the cooking temperature of 2 meat probes.
What’s best in this model is its efficient Ash Cleanout System, which eliminates all the vacuuming needs. So when you’re done smoking the briskets, just tap the grill into Shutdown mode, and the firebox will empty the ash.
Temperature-wise, this model stands out with a minimum of 160º F (71°C) for smoking and a maximum of 500ºF (260°C) for grilling.
Plus, the SmokePro SG gives you a total cooking surface area of 811 sq. in. and a direct flame grilling experience of 650°F with the Slide and Grill Technology.
Key Specifications
- A total cooking area of 811 sq. in. consisting of an upper and lower rack.
- A total chamber capacity of 4,850 cubics in. with a hopper capacity of 22 lbs. of pellets.
- Overall height and weight of 42 in. and 150 lbs, respectively.
- It’s compatible with side attachments and comes with 2 meat probes, a warming rack, and a side shelf.
- An adjustable smoke setting starting from 1 to 10, and a temperature range of 160º F – 500º F, which is way higher than its vertical smokers.
- Has WiFi control, high-visibility, and low-glare digital display.
- Efficient Ash-Cleanout System makes grilling better than ever.
- A 3-year warranty.
Traeger Pro Series 575
Just like Camp Chef’s SmokePro SG, the Traeger Pro Series 575 also allows you to connect, monitor, and adjust your grill from the Traeger app. Traeger came up with the WiFIRE technology years before Camp Chef introduced it.
Traeger’s model, in particular, uses a powerful D2 Drive for precise temperature control to give you the trademark wood-fired taste, just like their wood pellets.
In collaboration with the TurboTemp feature, this palette grill heats up ultra-fast.
The stand-out feature of the Pro 575 grill is its mind-blowing versatility. You will have a 6-in-1 option to either grill, braise, bake, smoke, roast, or BBQ your meal.
With the grilling area of 575 sq. in., you can treat your whole family with a smoked turkey this Thanksgiving comfortably.
Like Camp Chef, the Traeger Pro Series 575 also uses a dial to adjust the temperature within the maximum 500º F (260°C).
Key Specifications
- A total grilling area of 575 sq. in., consisting of an upper and lower rack that can accommodate 24 burgers, 5 rib racks, or 4 chickens effortlessly.
- A total pellet hopper capacity of 18 lbs and a total weight of 124 lbs.
- A temperature control system of maximum 500º F.
- Comes with WiFIRE connectivity, a grill cover, and 2 signature blend pellet bags.
- A 3-year warranty.
Camp Chef vs Traeger: Which Is Better?
We will be judging the two grills on 6 factors, based on different Camp Chef pellet grill reviews and Traeger pellet grill reviews.
So let’s begin with the one-on-one.
The Temperature Control System
Over the years, the Traeger Pro Series 575 has received problematic customer reviews regarding its inconsistent temperature control system.
The Pro WiFire Controller was meant to keep the temperature swings in control while holding a +/- 10º F temperature, but it failed to do so.
While on the other hand, Camp Chef has gathered huge appreciation from the customers for its consistent temperature controlling system.
Their controllers hold a temperature of +/- 5º F, and the pellet grills come with the Smart Smoke Technology. This feature controls the temperature and maintains the smoke production effortlessly.
Both models surely eliminate the need for a smoker thermometer, but Camp Chef has definitely got a lead over Traeger here. All credits go to Smart Smoke Technology!
The Cleaning System
The Traeger vs Camp Chef head-to-head score stays even here, as both the pellet grills have efficient ash cleanout systems.
If you’re someone who considers the messiness of the pellet grills a huge turn-off, you’ve got two pellet grills with the best cleanout systems to pick between.
All you have to do is pull a lever, and the grill will empty all the waste from the bottom, which you can then clean easily.
The Pellet Hopper Capacity
The Camp Chef model stands at 22 lbs pellet hopper capacity, while the Traeger’s has an 18 lbs capacity. This definitely gives the Camp Chef another lead, but we can’t ignore the magic of Traeger’s new Pro D2 Direct Drive.
So what is this new feature? Actually, the Pro D2 Direct Drive, along with the Turbotemp feature, can get the grill to heat up faster.
Plus, it also increases the number of pellets even if the lid stays open. Well, it comes to the point where you’ve to see what you need.
Where the Camp Chef’s hopper capacity is the perfect choice for a big family get-together, the Traeger’s Pro D2 Direct Drive compensates for the 4 lbs it lacks.
Warranty
Both pellet grills offer a 3-year warranty, so the score stays even.
Appearance
For people who are suckers for good looks, you have not much to decide from. Both the models are very similar to each other in design. However, the Taeger Pro 575 comes in two colors; black and bronze.
WiFi and App
Of course, technology-wise, Traeger Pro 575 was having a lead over Camp Chef SmokePro SG a few years ago. But now, the Camp Chef has also incorporated an efficient WiFi system into their pellet grills.
Both of these models can be functioned through applications just by sitting on your couch.
However, Traeger’s app has an edge in the form of cooking guides with over 1,500 recipes.
Where WiFi technology has made life easier, customers have been complaining about the sudden temperature fluctuations of Traeger grills.
So this round concludes in a tie.
Final Thoughts
Camp Chef might not have been your priority a few years ago; the SmokePro SG has indeed proved the company’s worth.
On the other hand, Traeger has regained its falling reputation with the Pro 575 model. Besides, it’s easy to resolve Trager pellet grill problems which people complained about.
All in all, both models are the best pellet smoker under $1000.
However, if you’re low on budget, both companies have economical pellet grill under $500 as well. Also, you can go for other brands like Z Grills, Rec Teq, and Pit Boss.
So have a hassle-free BBQ experience with the pellet grill of your choice!
