Camp Chef Woodwind 36 Review: Is This The King of Smart Grilling?
In the world of outdoor cooking, the debate between convenience and flavor has always been the dividing line. Purists stick to offsets, while the busy backyard chef leans toward gas. But for the last decade, pellet grills have bridged that gap. Among the crowded market, one contender claims to not just bridge the gap, but to close it entirely: the Camp Chef Woodwind 36.
If you have been researching the Camp Chef Woodwind vs Traeger Ironwood, you already know that this isn’t just a grill; it’s a cooking system. With its massive cooking area, PID controller precision, and the optional (but essential) Sidekick attachment, the Woodwind 36 promises to replace your smoker, your gas grill, and even your pizza oven.
But does bigger always mean better? Does the Wi-Fi connectivity actually work, or is it just a gimmick? In this comprehensive review, we are putting the Camp Chef Woodwind 36 through its paces—smoking ribs, searing steaks, and testing the tech—to see if it truly deserves a spot on your patio.
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Product Overview and Specifications
The Camp Chef Woodwind 36 is the largest model in the Woodwind WiFi series. It is designed for those who cook for crowds. Whether you are prepping for a 4th of July block party or doing a massive meal prep for the month, this unit offers real estate in spades.
Unlike traditional smokers that require constant babysitting, the Woodwind series utilizes a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller. In plain English? It’s a computer that constantly calculates exactly how much fuel and air the fire needs to hold a specific temperature, usually within +/- 5 degrees.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 1,236 sq. in. (Lower Rack + Upper Racks) |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 160°F to 500°F (Direct Flame up to 650°F+) |
| Controller Type | PID Color Screen with WiFi & Bluetooth |
| Connectivity | Camp Chef Connect App |
| Smoke Settings | Adjustable Smoke Number (1-10) |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Deep Dive Review: Design and Build Quality
When you first assemble the Woodwind 36, the sheer size is imposing. The “36” refers to the width of the cooking chamber in inches. It sits on four sturdy legs with a bottom shelf that provides structural rigidity. The lid is stainless steel, which not only looks premium but aids in heat retention.
One aspect we appreciate is the attention to detail in the Ash Kickin’ Cleanout System. If you have ever owned an older pellet grill, you know the pain of taking apart the grill grates and heat deflector just to vacuum out the firepot. Camp Chef solves this with a simple trap door lever. Pull the lever, and the ash dumps into a cup underneath. However, don’t let this feature make you lazy; you still need to follow key maintenance requirements for barbecues to ensure the rest of the chamber stays clean.
The Controller and Connectivity
The brain of the operation is the color screen PID controller. It is weatherproof and easy to read in direct sunlight. The interface is intuitive—a rotary dial allows you to scroll through temperatures and settings.
The standout feature here is the Smoke Number setting. Most pellet grills have a standard smoke profile. Camp Chef allows you to toggle between Smoke Level 1 and 10.
- Level 1: Keeps temperature tightest, less smoke (good for baking).
- Level 10: Allows slight temperature variance to smudge the fire, producing maximum smoke output.
The Camp Chef Connect App allows you to monitor your cook from the grocery store or the couch. You can change temperatures, adjust smoke levels, and set probe alarms. During our testing, the connection was stable, though like all IoT devices, it depends heavily on your home Wi-Fi signal strength near the grill.
Cooking Performance: Smoking, Grilling, and Searing
A spec sheet is nice, but how does it cook? We tested the Woodwind 36 across three main categories.
1. Low and Slow Smoking
We loaded the hopper with hickory pellets and threw on a full packer brisket. Setting the Smoke Number to 10 and the temp to 225°F, the grill chugged along happily. The smoke ring produced was distinct and deep. Because of the massive 1,236 square inches of space, the airflow is excellent, ensuring convection covers every inch of the meat.
If you are wondering what to cook first, check out our guide on the best smoker for ribs and brisket to see why capacity matters so much for these cuts.
2. The “Slide and Grill” Feature
Standard pellet grills struggle to sear. They are essentially wood-fired convection ovens. Camp Chef addresses this with the “Slide and Grill” lever. By pulling a knob, you slide the heat deflector out of the way, exposing the food directly to the firepot flames.
This mimics a gas grill setup but with wood flavor. It works well for burgers and finishing off chicken wings, getting the grate temperature upwards of 650°F directly over the firepot.
3. The Sidekick Attachment (The Game Changer)
This is where the review shifts from “good” to “exceptional.” The Woodwind 36 allows you to mount a Sidekick unit on the right shelf. This is a 28,000 BTU propane burner that accepts various accessories:
- The Griddle: Perfect for smash burgers and breakfast.
- The Pizza Oven: Reaches 700°F+ for artisan crusts.
- The Grill Box: For classic steakhouse grill marks.
If you are debating the Woodwind 24 vs the 36, remember that the Sidekick fits both, but looks more proportional on the 36. It solves the biggest complaint of pellet grill owners: the lack of a true, violent sear.
Check Price on AmazonComparison: Woodwind 36 vs. Competitors
The market is flooded with high-tech smokers. How does the Camp Chef stack up against the heavy hitters?
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 vs. Traeger Ironwood 885
Traeger is the household name, and the Ironwood series is the direct competitor. Traeger’s D2 drive train and WiFIRE technology are incredibly polished. However, the Traeger lacks two things the Camp Chef has: the direct flame option (Slide and Grill) and the Sidekick compatibility.
If you want a pure, “set it and forget it” smoking experience, Traeger is fantastic. But if you want a complete outdoor kitchen in one footprint, the Camp Chef wins on versatility.
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 vs. Woodwind 24
The internal technology is identical. The choice comes down to space. If you regularly cook for more than 4 people or like to cook full holiday meals (turkey + sides), get the 36. If you have a small patio, the 24 is sufficient. Note that the 36 consumes pellets slightly faster due to the larger volume of air it needs to heat.
Pros and Cons
✅ The Pros
- Massive Capacity: 1,236 sq. in. fits multiple briskets, pork butts, and sides simultaneously.
- Sidekick Compatible: Turns the unit into a hybrid gas/pellet station.
- Ash Kickin’ Cleanout: Easiest cleanup in the industry.
- Smoke Control: Ability to toggle smoke intensity is a feature usually reserved for custom builds.
- Stainless Build: Lid and internal components are highly rust-resistant.
❌ The Cons
- Price: When you add the Sidekick and accessories, it gets expensive.
- Pellet Consumption: The large chamber burns more fuel in cold weather.
- WiFi Setup: Initial pairing can be finicky depending on your router band (2.4GHz required).
- No Full Insulation: Unlike some competitors, the lid isn’t double-walled, meaning you might need a thermal blanket for winter cooking.
Who Should Buy the Camp Chef Woodwind 36?
The Woodwind 36 is not for the person who just wants to grill a hot dog once a month. It is designed for:
- The Entertainer: You host the Super Bowl party and need to feed 20 people.
- The Experimenter: You want to smoke cheese at 160°F and sear steaks at 700°F (via Sidekick) on the same machine.
- The Tech Lover: You appreciate data, graphs, and controlling your grill from your smartphone.
However, if you are strictly looking for the flavor profile of charcoal and don’t care about convenience, you might want to look at a Kamado style grill instead.
Get the Camp Chef Woodwind 36 HereFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Sidekick worth the extra money?
Absolutely. Without the Sidekick, the Woodwind is a fantastic smoker. With the Sidekick, it becomes the only cooker you need in your backyard. It eliminates the need for a separate gas grill or flat top.
Can I leave the Woodwind 36 outside in the rain?
While the stainless steel fights rust, the controller is electronic. We strongly advise using a high-quality cover. Moisture in the hopper can also ruin your pellets, causing an auger jam. See our guide on how to season and protect your new grill for more tips.
Does the slide and grill feature cause flare-ups?
It can. When you expose the firepot, fat dripping directly onto the flame will catch fire. This is desirable for searing steaks but requires attention. For fatty foods like chicken thighs, we recommend keeping the slide closed or using the upper rack to avoid burning.
What pellets should I use?
Camp Chef recommends their own brand, but the grill will feed any standard hardwood pellet. Hickory and Apple are great starters. Just avoid heating pellets meant for stoves, as they contain harmful additives.
Final Verdict
The Camp Chef Woodwind 36 is a powerhouse. It successfully balances the ease of a pellet grill with the searing capability of a gas grill (especially with the Sidekick). While the price point is an investment, the build quality and feature set justify the cost.
For the barbecue enthusiast who refuses to compromise on capacity or versatility, the Woodwind 36 is currently one of the best value propositions on the market. It takes the stress out of smoking while putting the fun back into grilling.
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