Camp Chef Woodwind Wi‑Fi 36 Pellet Grill Review: Smarter Smoke, Bigger Batches
By Ben Carter
9.1
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 36 Pellet Grill Highlights
Big 36‑inch chamber, steady PID temperature control, Smoke Number dialing, Slide & Grill direct flame searing, and Camp Chef’s signature Ash Cleanout make this a crowd‑pleasing workhorse. The camp chef woodwind platform also plays nice with Sidekick attachments if you want propane‑powered searing or a griddle. If you’ve got the patio space—and the appetite—it’s a remarkably capable all‑in‑one.
Look, the Camp Chef Woodwind Wi‑Fi 36 hits that sweet spot where backyard ease meets competition‑grade control. It smokes low and slow with precision, flips to live‑fire sear when you want steakhouse crust, and the app actually makes weekend cooks simpler—not fussier. It’s not the cheapest big‑body pellet grill, but in 2026 it still feels like the one to beat for families and frequent hosts who care about consistency and flavor.
In-Depth Look: Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 36 Pellet Grill Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s where the Woodwind Wi‑Fi 36 earns its keep, day in and day out.
Wi‑Fi + PID Control
Set temps from your phone, monitor probes, and fine‑tune cooks; the controller holds steady heat so brisket and pork shoulder stay on script.
Smoke Number Dial (1–10)
Easily nudge smoke intensity based on meat and taste—lighter for poultry, heavier for ribs—without overthinking pellets or vents.
Slide & Grill Searing
Pull the lever for direct flame and pop steaks, chops, or smash burgers up to high, live‑fire heat—crispy edges, juicy centers.
Ash & Pellet Cleanout
Tug a lever, drop the ash, and empty pellets fast; you’ll actually keep this thing tidy because cleanup isn’t a chore.
Party‑Sized Capacity
The 36‑inch body and multi‑rack setup handle big cooks—think brisket plus sides—so you’re serving everyone hot, not in shifts.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Large Footprint
It’s a big rig and needs outdoor power, so small patios or apartment balconies probably won’t love it.
- Pellet Consumption
High‑heat searing burns through pellets faster; ongoing fuel cost is real if you grill several nights a week.
- App Hiccups Happen
Wi‑Fi is solid overall but can drop if your router’s far away; a 2.4GHz network and closer placement help.
- Price + Add‑Ons
It’s premium already, and Sidekick accessories can nudge the final bill higher—worth it for versatility, but plan for it.
Who Is the Camp Chef Woodwind Wi-Fi 36 Pellet Grill Best For?
Backyard Hosts With Big Guest Lists
You’ve got neighbors, teammates, or family rolling in—this 36‑inch chamber keeps everyone fed at once.
Set‑It‑and‑Savor Cooks
If you want brisket without babysitting, the PID controller and app monitoring keep temps locked and stress low.
Flavor‑First Tinkerers
Smoke Number control lets you dial in profile by meat and mood—fun to tweak, hard to mess up.
Weeknight Grillers Who Still Sear
Slide & Grill gives you live‑fire heat for steaks and burgers without firing up a second cooker.
Upgrade‑Ready Owners
Sidekick attachments (sear, griddle, more) turn the camp chef woodwind into a full outdoor cooking station over time.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Tight‑Space Dwellers
If your patio’s tiny, consider a smaller Woodwind 24 or a portable pellet grill to save footprint and weight.
- Stick‑Burner Purists
If you love tending logs and chasing that old‑school craft, a traditional offset will scratch that itch better.
- Budget‑First Shoppers
Need to stay well under the Woodwind’s price? Entry‑level pellet grills can deliver good food with fewer bells and whistles.
- Ultra‑High‑Heat Fanatics
If you live at 700°F+ every cook, a dedicated gas sear station or a charcoal kettle with a vortex might suit you more—though the Sidekick helps bridge the gap.
