Some of the Best Grills on the market today aren’t just grills; they’re also smokers. Camp Chef is a popular brand among many lists for the best pellet smoker, and the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill makes it easy to see why. Although this smoker features some of the same fantastic features as its pricier, pro-level counterparts, the DLX costs a fraction of the price. It is on the smaller side for a pellet grill, but 570 square inches is still large for most newcomers to the smoking game. The cost/quality ratio is outstanding: this grill will make many buyers happy, whether it’s their first cook or their thousandth.
Why We Like It – Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a stellar choice for newcomers to smoking or pretty much anyone that doesn’t need the largest cooking area money can buy. It may be small, but this pellet smoker cooks up some incredible food with very little effort.
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- PID temperature control keeps temperatures consistent
- Exclusive ash cleanout system makes cleanup a breeze
- Includes two meat probes
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- Wood pellets may swell and jam auger in moist areas
- A bit small for some tastes
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Power/Heating
One of the greatest features touted by pellet smoker enthusiasts about their favorite grill is that it offers “set it and forget it” style cooking. But this could be a stressful prospect if you don’t trust your pellet grill to keep its temperature. Fortunately, most reviewers for the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill find that the set temperature and the actual temperature consistently stay within the advertised +/- 5 degrees F range. Some buyers find this Camp Chef pellet grill can’t hold its cooking temperature in colder climates, but others claim to use this grill in the cold quite successfully. Speaking of temperature, the Camp Chef DLX has a wide temperature range, from 160-500 degrees Fahrenheit: the same as the Traeger Pro 575 but at almost half the price.
Size/Versatility
One of the only major downsides of Camp Chef’s DLX pellet smoker is its relatively smaller size. At 570 total square inches of rack surface area, this smoker is dwarfed by something like the Camp Chef SmokePro 36 SGX. That being said, not every chef needs the biggest possible cooking area on their pellet grills. If the size is alright with you, the versatility of the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX promises to make outdoor cooking a vital part of your food-prep routine. Pellet smokers are generally great for various cooking methods like braising, grilling, smoking, and more. You can’t sear on the main surface, but Camp Chef does sell an attachable sear box that’s simple to install and use. Try the Camp Chef SmokePro 36 SGX for a great price/size ratio.
Durability
Many a Camp Chef DLX Pellet Grill review mentions that this grill has stood the test of time. Even for those who don’t quite have this experience, a good portion of reviewers found Camp Chef’s customer service to be extraordinary in replacing and repairing a broken machine. The attractive stainless steel exterior holds up for many reviewers as well, though it will inevitably collect its fair share of dents and scratches if you have it long enough. One unfortunate, though not uncommon, the issue comes from the pellet hopper. If you leave wood pellets in the hopper and they get wet, they will expand and gum up the auger, which might lead to some hefty repair fees.
Ease of Use
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a dream to use for novices to the pellet smoker game. Experts will notice Camp Chef’s attention to detail in crafting a solid machine that makes smoking your favorite foods as easy as “set it and forget it.” Thanks to the attached temperature probe, you’ll always know precisely how your food is doing. Because this is an older model, it doesn’t feature WI-FI like the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crocket pellet smoker, but that feature may not be necessary for your setup. Not only is this grill easy to use while cooking, but cleanup is also a breeze, thanks to the exclusive ash cleanout system. Overall, this pellet smoker’s ease of use and quality makes it a popular choice among novices of the craft.
Value
For less than $500, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is an absolute steal. This machine functions excellently, managing to match up to the higher-priced competition. The Camp Chef comes equipped with not one meat probe but two. Camp Chef manages to pack in great pro-level features for the budget buyer when combined with the exclusive ash cleanout system and pellet purge system. If you plan to cook with this grill a lot, you might benefit from adding on the additional Sear Box or Sidekick, which will set you back about an extra $100-$200. A good quality cover is also not a bad idea, especially if you’re in an area prone to high moisture.
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill Wrap Up
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a favorite among pellet smoker newbies and veterans alike, and it’s easy to see why. The PID temperature controller maintains an even cooking temperature from start to finish to smaller details like the attached temperature probes and ash cleanout system. This smoker was designed and made with the utmost care. As with any pellet smoker, be sure not to let moisture into the hopper, avoid jamming the auger, and calculate exactly how much cooking space you need. Otherwise, though, these are minor complaints about a pellet smoker that offers high-quality at a reasonable price.
