Talk me into, or out of the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX PG24
First smoker, newb but enthusiastic, don't have a ton of time to babysit a rig. It fits my pricepoint. All of my research has pointed me at the Camp Chef above, but I need to hear from the folks out in the field, not some reviewer on a retail site. Talk me into it or out of it! Thanks new friends!
UPDATE: Thanks to the support and info from this community, I waited until a post Labor Day Sale and saved $75 on Amazon. Purchased for $425 + Tax free shipping. Starting my Sirloin Tip Roast using 36 hr dry brine and Mrs. O'Leary's Cow Crust!
Last edited by Aniean; September 15, 2018, 12:43 PM.
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This mid-sized pellet smoker is comparable in capacity to Traeger's popular Lil' Tex Elite, but much more sophisticated and easy to find for well below its list price. It's one of the few pellet smokers we've seen with an ash removal system. We tested and reviewed this innovative smoker and gave it our AmazingRibs.com Gold Medal.
Have fun. I'm sure some owners will chime in shortly.
Thank you EdF. I did see the gold rating and the review. Your other links are very helpful and I will be researching further. Thanks for the direction bud!
That being said, I'm a Pit Barrel Cooker evangelist. I'm doing cooks that rival most of the BBQ joints I've eaten at around North America, and I travel a lot.
I admire its elegant simplicity in what it does. There's nothing wrong with electronic controls, and most (all) of us here use digital thermometers, but there's something primal about letting smoke, heat and convection do its thing.
Something about the PBC is simple and sexy. I will have to research how set it and forget it is as with teenage boys and our schedule, I may end up neglecting something that requires constant attention.
It has the gold rating I would go with it so you could start cooking. Now I know nothing about pellet cookers but you said you dont want to baby sit a cook, you can do amazing things with a kettle to the point of little to no baby sitting and have more versatility at less cost. A little more of a learning curve but not hard to do with all of the info on here. Just a thought. Or a pbc like mentioned above
It seems to be a fine piece of equipment and well thought of by it's owners. I have an older Traeger pellet pooper and it is indispensable. But, I also have 2 22" Weber kettles and a gas passer that do different things and expand the possibilities. MCS: it's a curse, it's a blessing...
I have Camp Chef cast iron, Camp Chef camp stove, griddles and other accessories. All their stuff is good and their customer service is top notch. I don't hesitate to buy anything Camp Chef!
I have the Camp Chef Smoke Pro SE, the real cheap version without probes or a digital temp readout. Even without all that stuff, I have been able to make very good ribs, brisket, salmon and chicken. It is easy to use, and the cleanout for the ash pot is great.
The ability to change out the pellets would be nice, I have to vacuum mine out. I do like it, and enjoy cooking on it. Camp Chef service is great, they replaced my hood thermometer with no charge for shipping. I would suggest you scan your reciept, and keep it in case you need warranty work, they will ask for it.
I think their equipment is top notch for a reasonable price.
Last edited by bten; August 18, 2018, 11:22 AM.
Reason: spelling
So far, I haven't heard or seen a darn thing to dissuade me. Looks like Daddy is making a purchase tomorrow. Though that PBC is kinda cool....perhaps that can be a purchase for another day.
By joining the PIT you have agreed & accepted the addiction of the aforementioned MCS. You have done your research & sorta know what ya want. You will get a lot of great advice here, the biggest piece of advice would be get it all, as in all of them. Enjoy!
I think it would be a great choice. I seriously considered a Camp Chef, but had my heart set on Rec Tec, so I ended up with the RT-340 Trailblazer, which I'm extremely happy with. You might consider the Rec Tec as well. Some of the features the Rec Tec has, that I think maybe not on the Camp Chef, are: WiFi controller and app, folding legs for transport (I took mine with on trailer vacation and really enjoyed making ribs and chicken wings while clamming and at the beach). Also, the Rec Tec is stainless steel if that matters. Best of luck whatever your choice!
Also, there was a post today about a new accessory for several of the Green Mountain grills; a pizza oven insert that seems like it would work exceptionally well. If that interest you, you might want to consider Green Mountain; I believe they have a lot of happy customers as well.
I have one and I'm pizza peel challenged. I have not produced an edible pizza yet, burnt on bottom, raw on top. I have been totally pizza challenged since new oven in kitchen (non convection) and I broke my old pizza stone.
CandySueQ, what do you have? Green mountain? Green Mountain Pizza oven accessory? Camp Chef SmokePro DLX PG24?
Best get a new pizza stone - shame it broke - they are really great once they are well seasoned.
My good friend got one in the spring and I set it up for him and helped with the first few cooks.
He’s also a smoking newbie and will take the hobby somewhat casually. So far he has been extremely happy with it. I think it’s a great product at the price point and is more than adequate for most.
That being said it is not a premium product and won’t be mistaken for one. Besides the metal being thin and the whole unit having that made in China feel there are a few things to watch out for. The auger is the push type not a drop in so it is more susceptible to hopper fires. Not a great idea to leave unattended. The fire pot is central so you get more radiant heat on the food and less even cooking imo. And lastly the controller is not the most modern feeling.
If if you are comfortable at the price point and just want to go toe in this is the right unit. Just go in eyes wide open that if you enjoy the hobby you will probably be buying something else.
If budget allows you may look at Yoder YS480/640, Blaz’n Grid Irok, Grilla Silverbacor Rec Tec 700, not necessarily in that order. All of those will last you a lot longer.
The only thing you might consider is the size. Depending on how many people you might cook for, a 36 inch version might be the way to go. I use a LUX, and have the jerky racks which adds capacity. The LUX has a pellet dump, digital temp readout and 1 temperature probe.
A couple of other things to consider is an instant read thermometer and a Fireboard or a Loki. If you sign up for the camp chef smoker smokers FB group, they have discounts negotiated for the Loki.
Good luck with your purchase. Let us know what you decide.
That is the unit I cut my teeth on 9 months ago, my first smoker (and only smoker so far). I'm very happy with it. Temp varies a bit but it doesn't seem to affect the cook. I got mine on sale for just under $400. You could probably find a similar deal with Labor day coming up!
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