Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 Review: The “Swiss Army Knife” of Pellet Grills
In the crowded world of pellet grills, most brands force you to choose: Do you want a high-tech smoker that connects to your phone, or do you want a grill that can actually sear a steak? Usually, you can’t have both without spending a small fortune.
Enter the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24. This grill claims to bridge the gap between low-and-slow BBQ and high-heat grilling through its innovative “Slide and Grill” technology and optional Sidekick attachments. It’s a mid-sized unit packing features that rival grills twice its price.
But does it deliver? Is the WiFi connectivity stable? Does the “Smoke Number” control actually change the flavor? In this deep-dive review, we are breaking down everything you need to know before you buy.
Product Overview
The Woodwind WiFi 24 is Camp Chef’s flagship mid-size pellet grill. It replaces the older Woodwind Classic, upgrading it with a PID controller, a full-color screen, and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed for the backyard cook who wants the convenience of “set it and forget it” smoking but doesn’t want to own a separate gas grill for burgers and steaks.
| Total Cooking Area | 811 sq. inches (Lower + Upper Racks) |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 160°F to 500°F (Direct Flame up to 650°F) |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lbs |
| Controller Type | PID with WiFi/Bluetooth |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Key Features Deep Dive
PID Controller & Smoke Control
The heart of this grill is the PID controller. Unlike older timers, this computer constantly calculates fan speed and auger feed to hold temperatures within +/- 5°F. Unique to Camp Chef is the Smoke Number (1-10) setting. You can dial up the smoke intensity independently of the temperature, giving you more control over flavor profile than almost any other grill in this class.
Slide and Grill Technology
Most pellet grills are just outdoor ovens. The Woodwind features a knob that slides the heat deflector plate out of the way, exposing the fire pot directly to the grates. This allows flames to lick your food, letting you achieve a decent sear without needing a secondary grill.
Camp Chef Connect App
The WiFi connectivity allows you to monitor cooks from the grocery store. You can change temps, adjust smoke levels, and set timers. It also includes four meat probe ports (and comes with four probes!), which is double what most competitors offer.
Ash Kickin’ Cleanout
Cleaning is the worst part of pellet grilling. Camp Chef solves this with a patented cup under the fire pot. Pull a lever, and the ash dumps into the cup. You can clean the fire pot in 5 seconds without removing the grates or using a shop vac.
If you are wondering how this tech compares to the competition, see our detailed head-to-head battle in Camp Chef Woodwind vs Traeger Ironwood.
Performance Evaluation
The Smoking Experience
We tested the Woodwind with a classic brisket cook. Setting the Smoke Number to 10 produces a thick, blue smoke that is surprisingly potent for a pellet grill. The bark formation was excellent, rivalling dedicated vertical smokers. The temperature stability is rock solid; once it hits 225°F, it stays there.
The Grilling Experience
With the “Slide and Grill” engaged, the center of the grate gets hot enough to char burgers and hot dogs. However, the “direct flame” area is relatively small (about 6-8 inches wide). For true edge-to-edge searing, we highly recommend the Sidekick attachment.
The Sidekick: A Game Changer
The Woodwind is compatible with the “Sidekick”—a propane burner that attaches to the side shelf. It can be fitted with a flat-top griddle (great for smash burgers), a pizza oven, or a grill box. This essentially turns your pellet grill into a full outdoor kitchen.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
The Good
- Versatility: Between Slide & Grill and the Sidekick, it does everything.
- Ash Cleanout: The easiest maintenance system in the industry.
- Smoke Control: Adjustable smoke levels actually work.
- Value: Includes upper racks and 4 probes (extras usually cost money elsewhere).
- Connectivity: Reliable app with historical data graphing.
The Bad
- Insulation: The body is single-walled steel. In freezing winters, you will need an insulated blanket.
- Grease Tray: It’s flat and requires foil lining for easy cleanup.
- Direct Flame Area: The searing zone inside the grill is small.
Before firing it up for the first time, make sure you read our guide on how to season a new BBQ grill to burn off manufacturing oils and cure the paint.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Camp Chef Woodwind vs. Traeger Pro 575
The Traeger Pro 575 is often the direct price competitor. The Traeger has a slightly better app interface and brand recognition. However, the Camp Chef beats it on features: the Traeger lacks the slide-out ash cup, the direct flame option, and the ability to add a propane side burner.
Camp Chef Woodwind vs. Pit Boss
Pit Boss grills are generally cheaper and also offer a flame broiler slider. However, Camp Chef’s build quality, PID controller precision, and Ash Cleanout system are superior. For a broader look at brands, check out our Pit Boss vs Traeger comparison.
Final Verdict
The Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 is widely considered the “best bang for your buck” in the premium pellet grill market. It isn’t just a smoker; it is a modular cooking system.
If you are a tech-savvy cook who wants granular control over smoke flavor and hates cleaning up ash, this is the grill for you. While the single-walled construction is a slight knock for winter grilling, the addition of a Sidekick makes this arguably the most versatile cooker you can buy under $1,000.
Rating: 4.8/5 Stars – Highly Recommended for versatility and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Woodwind WiFi 24 come with the Sidekick?
No, the Sidekick is an optional attachment sold separately. It replaces the standard side shelf. However, you can often find bundles that include it.
Can I leave the Camp Chef Woodwind outside?
Yes, it is built with stainless steel components, but because it has electronics (the PID controller), we highly recommend buying a waterproof cover. Moisture is the enemy of the pellets in the hopper.
How many burgers fit on the Woodwind 24?
With the upper and lower racks combined (811 sq. inches total), you can fit approximately 30-35 standard burger patties, making it plenty big enough for large family gatherings.
Is the WiFi connection difficult to set up?
Early models had some teething issues, but recent firmware updates have made the Bluetooth-to-WiFi handshake much smoother. You will need a standard 2.4GHz WiFi signal available near your patio.
