Sourcing for American-made pellet grills isn’t easy for any grill master enthusiast. It must deliver precise cooking for all kinds of meat cuts. The hopper must have sufficient space for large and small meals alike. Plus, we all want a convenient unit that is portable, and easy to clean and maintain.
It’s a challenge that we welcome. That’s why, after lots of research and testing, we present an in-depth review of two of Camp Chef pellet grills today. We hope to save you time and money as you scout for good smokers for the money.
Camp Chef Magnum vs Woodwind Comparison:
Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill with Sear Box
Whereas most pellet grills are unable to sear food using direct flames, the Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill with Sear Box provides a quick solution to this. Indeed, this mid-range grill utilizes smart smoke technology to achieve higher temperature searing than other pellet smokers in its category.
It also features intuitive temperature settings that give you the freedom to grill, sear, barbecue, bake, smoke, braise, or roast at whatever temperature you want. More so, hardwood fuel emits smoke through the woodwind system to infuse and bring out the best flavor for your steaks. Hence, this pellet grill is about convenience and taste.
Past consumers praise the pellet grill’s ability to sear the steak in a timely fashion. It allows for multitasking when you want to burn, bake, grill, or smoke at the same time.
If you prefer grilling your meats over a wood fire, then this unit is your right pick. More so, if you enjoy such cooking more often, then the pellet grill guarantees your quality for longer. It is an excellent choice for anyone making a transition from beginner grilling to an expert grill master.
Features
- Construction: The pellet grill weighs 35 pounds and measures 52 inches by 50 inches by 25 inches. At this size and weight, it features a convenient port for the meat probe. Extra storage space is catered for at the bottom of the grill. Plus, there is a firepot, a stainless steel cover, and a patented Ash Cleanout System to keep your cooking clean and tidy. The thought-out design guarantees satisfactory grilling for a seasoned cook.
- Temperature range: The pellet grill has a temperature range of between 160° F and 500° F, whereas the sear box temperature can go as high as 900° F. This wide range accommodates all types of cooking styles for your meat. That way, there are no mishaps due to insufficient heat reaching the inner sections of your cuts.
- Type of controller: The Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill with Sear Box uses the Smart Smoke Technology that achieves optimal heat and smoke to bring out the best tastes in your steaks. This technology incorporates digital temperature settings coupled with an automated auger feed system for one’s convenience.
- Price and Warranty: For a pellet grill that retails with an optional sear box at a fraction of its original price, this unit offers excellent value for your money. The unit retails with a three-year manufacturer warranty.
- Hopper Size and Cooking Area: This pellet grill has a bigger hopper size than its predecessor models. In particular, it includes a 570-square-inch cooking area for large portions. Further, one can get rid of the warming rack and create more space for the roast. That way, the 40% extra space saves on time cooking all your meats in one go.
Benefits
- A superior smoker and searing grill
- Includes an optional sear box for a fraction of the price
- Uses stable, heavy-duty legs with wheel casters
- Aesthetic stainless steel lid
- Easy to clean ash cleanout system
- Higher meat probe for durability
- Uses Smart Smoke Technology for the best cooking and taste
- Automated fuel feeding system for your convenience
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Reservations
- This pellet grill is convenient for intermediate grilling skills. It may not suit a pro seeking premium features for that added cooking thrill.
Camp Chef Magnum Pellet Grill
Like the Camp Chef Woodwind Classic Pellet Grill with Sear Box, the Camp Chef Magnum Pellet Grill uses wood pellets for healthier and tastier cooking. Also, it uses the slide and grill technique when shifting from searing secondary smoke to direct flames.
Yet, this unit retails without a sear box. Hence, it’s the pricier of the two pellet grills. That notwithstanding, the Camp Chef Magnum Pellet Grill has dual meat probes. And, you can always add a sear box if you so wish.
Past consumers find this pellet grill beginner-friendly.
The Camp Chef Magnum has standard features that are quite simple. Hence, a beginner grill enthusiast can opt for this unit and start his cooking experience on a high.
Features
- Construction: The Camp Chef Magnum Pellet Grill is far much more massive, yet smaller than the Woodwind units. Yet it has dual meat probes for consistent grilling. Second, there is a warming rack for your ready meal that awaits serving. And, the lower shelf has a 429 square inches storage area. Next, the grill uses a convenient cleanout system, an auto-start ignition unit, and an induction fan that raises the heat to 600 degrees.
- Temperature range: The Magnum pellet series from Camp Chef uses an automatic auger that feeds wood pellets into the grill, achieving a temperature range of up to 600° F. It does so using its induction fan that speeds up the lighting. Hence, one uses the grill for a variety of cooking, including slow smoking, steak searing, and grilling.
- Type of controller: For monitoring the internal temperature of the food, this pellet grill uses a controller display for both the internal food and grill temperature changes. Both displays make it easy to master your grilling skills. Next, a pellet window and hopper clean-out ensure you don’t have to open any lid to monitor your cooking. Plus, there is an electric auto ignition unit to switch the on and off the grill remotely.
- Price and Warranty: This pellet grill is a bit pricey when compared to the Woodwind series. For, it lacks the optional sear box. Yet, like the Woodwind pellet grill, this grill retails with a three-year manufacturer warranty.
- Hopper Size and Cooking Area: The Camp Chef Magnum pellet grill uses a hopper accommodating 18 pounds of pellets. This hopper has an automatic cleanout system for your convenience. The pellet window ensures you don’t have to open the hopper to check on the level all the time. Plus, its cooking area is 570 square inches allowing for more substantial portions per cooking.
Benefits
- Brings out the savory flavors in food
- Has a direct heat feature that achieves the highest temperatures for searing
- Ample cooking area for more substantial portions
- Easy to use, ideal for a newbie
- Removable racks make it easy to clean in a dishwasher
- Includes a convenient pellet window
- Sturdy construction
Reservations
- Often, the internal temperature may get too hot.
Insights and Takeaways
Both the Camp Chef Magnum and the Woodwind Pellet Grill offer a spacious cooking space for a large family gathering. The two units have automated functions that ensure you can control the temperature settings remotely. Also, their construction is robust, lasting through the 3-year warranty period.
Still, if you are a beginner, Camp Chef Magnum would be appropriate for you. For, the grill achieves high temperatures on direct searing, yet all it uses is an induction fan to achieve this. Also, it automates your lighting and switches off the flames.
But, if you have a bit of grilling experience, then consider upgrading to the Woodwind pellet grill as you perfect your skills to become an expert. The two units are easy to use, clean, and store. They have an attractive design for middle-priced grills.
The pellet grills from Camp Chef are a must-have for anyone into barbecuing. Each model has unique features to suit your pocket and personal preferences. Hence, opt for a model that will address your needs the most.
