I believe it’s humorous that purchasing a smoker routinely makes you “that man”. You’re the dad who likes to smoke his home made brats, the cool gung-ho brisket man, or you’re the novice (like me who desires to see what all of the reward is about. Camp Chef who was variety sufficient to ship me one in every of their VersaTop 2X flat-top grills some time again got here to the rescue and despatched over their XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker. Did it impress and arguably extra importantly am I the smoked meats man now? Let’s dive into the overview and see if the XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker is a delicacies sport changer!
Meals & Cooking Content material on AllOutdoor
Specs: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
The Camp Chef XXL Professional is a vertical pellet smoker with a temperature vary of 150-350°F. It makes use of wooden pellets as its main gas however may accommodate wooden chunks or charcoal in its Smoke Field. The unit features a WiFi-enabled PID controller and varied smoking modes. Listed here are the important thing specs:
- Model: Camp Chef
- Mannequin: XXL Professional
- Temperature Vary: 150-350°F
- Gas Sort: Wooden pellets (main), Wooden chunks or charcoal (secondary)
- Controller: WIFI-enabled PID controller
- Smoke Modes: From 1 to 10
- Smoking Know-how: Smoke Field with fan mode
- Air flow: Down and out air flow system
- Dimensions: 55″H x 24″L x 15.5″W
- Cooking Rack Space: 301 sq. in. per rack
- Complete Rack Space: 1806 sq. in.
- Chamber Measurement: 7920 sq. in.
- Hopper Capability: 30 lbs
- Weight: 145 lbs
- Variety of Racks: 8
- Racks Included:
- 3 customary smoking racks
- 3 jerky smoking racks
- 1 hanging rack with 12 sausage hooks
The MSRP of the Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker stands at $899. This can be a hefty funding and I personally wouldn’t blame anybody for buying round when that sort of money is on the road. For a novice like me, this smoker appears barely overpriced. It’s large and there’s a lot of intricate psychological workings to not point out the wifi/bluetooth functionality so maybe that justifies the bump the place a very guide smoker could be nearer to the $600 mark.
Meeting: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
Placing collectively the XXL Professional isn’t rocket science, however it’s not a fast job both. The directions are generally imprecise, which could be irritating. Whereas the supplies really feel a bit flimsy, they held up nice throughout meeting. The trickiest half was putting in the pellet field. Having a second pair of palms would undoubtedly velocity issues up.
First Impressions: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
Out of the field, the XXL Professional appears to be like neat and comparatively light-weight given its dimension. The quickstart information makes operation appear easy. Nonetheless, the door’s quirky opening mechanism is straight away noticeable and takes some getting used to. The smoker arrived well-protected, which is a plus.
Execs/Cons: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
In apply, the XXL Professional is a blended bag. The 30-lb hopper capability is a standout function, permitting for 10+ hours of cooking with out refilling – excellent for these lengthy smokes.
- The ash cleanout system is a good suggestion however tends to stay between makes use of. The ash cup and grease bucket are simple to take away, generally too simple – they’ll fall off for those who’re not cautious when shifting the smoker.
- Temperature probes are correct, and the racks are simple to wash. The grease assortment system works properly when the bucket stays put. The folding facet desk is helpful however could possibly be greater.
- One notable difficulty is the door deal with. Whereas it has some type of wrapping round it, it may possibly get uncomfortably sizzling throughout lengthy cooks. This might doubtlessly be a security concern throughout prolonged use.
- The power so as to add wooden chunks or charcoal to the Smoke Field is a pleasant contact, permitting for added taste customization. Nonetheless, the WIFI/Bluetooth function has been a letdown. Regardless of following directions to the letter, it’s by no means labored. Whereas Camp Chef’s help would completely assist, I haven’t reached out. Actually, the smoker is easy sufficient to make use of, so distant monitoring isn’t essential for me. If I’m smoking one thing I’m going to be round sufficient all through the day to observe it by strolling by it.
- Sturdiness-wise, the XXL Professional is surprisingly robust. It survived a fall throughout a storm with out harm, regardless of feeling a bit cheap total. The non-obligatory cowl is price getting – it’s held up properly over a full season outdoor.
Smoke Time: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
Camp Chef was good sufficient to ship this man out at first of summer season. Excellent time for these well-planned and/or impromptu smokey snacks. The very first thing I smoked was some salmon. It solely took a number of hours altogether, I had it on smoke setting one, and it was scrumptious. The smoker did a terrific job from begin to end. Smoke degree one left a really delicate smoke taste and will have been turned as much as 2 or 3 for that precise smoke taste.
One other factor I had the pleasure of cooking up was some smoked pork chops from my pig hunt some time again. I attempted out a better smoke degree for this ( I need to say 3, 4 or 5) and the distinction in smoke style was fairly drastic in comparison with degree 1. I additionally used some applewood that Camp Chef despatched alongside and it actually accented the chops properly. They had been tender and great. This gave the grease assortment system an actual go and it was spectacular how properly it collected all of it.
The latest factor we smoked was a cooked tri-tip roast. Simply to offer it that genuine smokey taste. All events concerned had been proud of how properly the flavour soaked in and had been tempted to show up the smoke degree for future endeavors.
We’ve got had a brisket deliberate out since that’s type of the go-to pinnacle of smoked meats however time has not allowed. I’ve little doubt the XXL Professional would deal with it and excel at longer cook dinner occasions. That hopper holds plenty of pellets (thanks once more Camp Chef for sending these out) so 10-plus hours at a given smoke degree is a straightforward feat. Jerky and sausage are additionally on the wishlist however I additionally hold discovering myself eager about that salmon and actually filling this large-capacity smoker up.
Remaining Ideas: Camp Chef XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker
The Camp Chef XXL Professional is an honest entry-level pellet smoker with some flaws. Its huge cooking capability and small footprint are particular plusses, particularly for these with restricted area. The straightforward ash cleanout and long term time between pellet refills are handy options. Nonetheless, it feels a bit overpriced for the construct high quality, and the WIFI connectivity points are disappointing. Once more I’m positive Camp Chef would treatment this or tackle it if I reached out. Don’t knock it solely for my one difficulty. The new door deal with can be a priority that potential consumers ought to have in mind. Should you’re new to pellet smoking, want plenty of cooking area, and may discover it on sale, it’s price contemplating. Simply be ready for some very minor frustrations alongside the best way. Whereas it will get the job accomplished, there’s room for enchancment in future fashions.
In closing, I need to say thanks to Camp Chef for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their XXL Professional Vertical Pellet Smoker. That’s all the time vastly appreciated. The final query that is still is what do you suppose? Is the XXL Professional one thing you’ll be keen to take a position your cash in? What would you smoke up with it? What could be the very first thing you’d cook dinner on it? Tell us all your ideas within the Feedback beneath! We all the time admire your suggestions.
