Camp Chef vs Pit Boss
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 vs Pit Boss Pro 1150 tested side by side. Searing, temp control, build quality, and which one earns its price.
Quick Verdict
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 takes this one, but it is closer than you might expect. The Slide and Grill feature gives Camp Chef a searing capability that the Pit Boss cannot match. But the Pit Boss Pro 1150 fights back with 1,150 sq in of cooking space, a 5-year warranty, and a price that makes Camp Chef look expensive. If versatility is your priority, Camp Chef wins. If raw cooking space and value matter more, Pit Boss makes a strong case.
| Feature | Winner  Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 36 Camp Chef |  Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 Pit Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.7/5 | ★★★★ 4.3/5 |
| Cooking Area | 811 sq in | 1,150 sq in |
| Temp Range | 160-500F | 150-500F |
| WiFi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 145 lbs |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Controller | PID | PID with WiFi/Bluetooth |
| Construction | Steel with powder coat | Heavy gauge steel |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Temperature Control
Camp Chef's PID controller holds tighter. During a 12-hour pulled pork cook, it stayed within 5 degrees the entire time. The Pit Boss drifted 10 to 15 degrees on a breezy afternoon, which is its biggest weakness. Calm days, the Pit Boss holds fine. But if you cook in any kind of wind, you will notice the difference.
The Pit Boss recovers slower after lid opens too. About 12 seconds slower than the Camp Chef in my tests. For quick checks that is fine, but if you are basting or rotating meat, those seconds add up over a long cook.
Build Quality and Durability
Camp Chef feels more refined. The Ash Kickin cleanout system is brilliant. Pull a lever, ash drops into a cup, done. The Pit Boss requires more manual cleanup around the fire pot. After a month of heavy use, this difference in convenience becomes very apparent.
The Pit Boss uses heavy gauge steel and feels solid, but the Camp Chef's fit and finish are a step up. Tighter seams, smoother lid action, heavier duty locking casters. The Pit Boss lid has a slight wobble that the Camp Chef does not. Pit Boss counters with a 5-year warranty versus Camp Chef's 3 years, which shows confidence in their build even if the finish is rougher.
Cooking Performance and Versatility
Slide and Grill is the game changer. I seared NY strips directly over flame at 650F+ on the Camp Chef. Perfect crust, no need for a separate grill. The Pit Boss has its flame broiler lever, which does allow direct grilling, but the coverage is less even and the heat distribution is not as controlled.
Where Pit Boss fights back is cooking space. 1,150 sq in is enormous. I fit four racks of ribs, a whole chicken, and a pan of beans on the Pit Boss in one cook. The Camp Chef at 811 sq in would have needed me to choose between the chicken and one rack of ribs. For hosting, that extra space is a real advantage.
Camp Chef also supports the Sidekick attachment for a propane burner or pizza oven. More versatility, if you are willing to pay for the add on.
Features and Tech
Both have WiFi. Camp Chef's app can be glitchy (dropped connection twice during a brisket cook), while the Pit Boss app with Bluetooth backup has been more reliable for me. Neither app is great, but the Pit Boss dual WiFi/Bluetooth approach means you have a fallback when WiFi drops.
Camp Chef's 22 lb hopper and Pit Boss's 23 lb hopper are close enough that it does not matter. Both will get you through an overnight cook without refilling.
Value for Money
Pit Boss is the value play. You get significantly more cooking space, a longer warranty, and a lower price. For large families or anyone who hosts cookouts regularly, the math favors Pit Boss.
Camp Chef earns its premium through Slide and Grill, better temp control, and easier cleanup. If you cook for four or fewer people most of the time and want one grill that smokes, grills, and sears, the Camp Chef is worth the extra money.
Use Case Showdown
How these two compare for specific cooking scenarios.
- For brisket: Camp Chef wins because tighter temp control (within 5 degrees) keeps the cook consistent, and Slide and Grill can crisp the bark at the end.
- For beginners: Pit Boss wins because the lower price and 5-year warranty provide a safety net while you learn. The massive cooking area is also forgiving for spacing out food.
- For searing: Camp Chef wins. Slide and Grill at 650F+ produces a real steakhouse crust. The Pit Boss flame broiler works but is less controlled.
- For overnight cooks: Pit Boss wins slightly with a 23 lb hopper and dual WiFi/Bluetooth monitoring. The Camp Chef's 22 lb hopper and WiFi only connection are close behind.
- For portability: Pit Boss is 145 lbs, Camp Chef is 150 lbs. Basically a tie. Neither moves easily.
The Verdict
Buy the Camp Chef Woodwind 36 if you want the most versatile pellet grill on the market. Slide and Grill for searing, Sidekick compatibility for expansion, and rock solid temp control. Best for cooks who want one grill that does everything.
Buy the Pit Boss Pro 1150 if you need maximum cooking space at a competitive price. The 5-year warranty is the best in this comparison, and 1,150 sq in means you can feed a crowd without cooking in batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camp Chef worth the extra money over Pit Boss?
If searing and cooking versatility matter to you, yes. The Slide and Grill feature gives Camp Chef a capability that Pit Boss cannot match. But if you prioritize cooking space and value, the Pit Boss Pro 1150 offers 1,150 sq in and a 5-year warranty at a lower price.
Which has more cooking space, Camp Chef or Pit Boss?
Pit Boss wins here by a wide margin. The Pro Series 1150 offers 1,150 sq in compared to Camp Chef Woodwind 36 at 811 sq in. That is over 300 extra square inches for large cookouts.
Can you sear on a Pit Boss Pro 1150?
Yes. The Pit Boss has a flame broiler lever that slides open to expose food to direct flame. It works, but it is not as refined as Camp Chef Slide and Grill system, which provides more even direct flame coverage.
Which grill is better for large families?
Pit Boss Pro 1150 by a wide margin. With 1,150 sq in of cooking space versus Camp Chef at 811, you can fit four racks of ribs plus sides on the Pit Boss. For families of 6 or more, or anyone who hosts regularly, the Pit Boss has the space advantage.
Which brand has better pellet consumption?
Both use about 1 to 2 lbs of pellets per hour at 225F. The Camp Chef is slightly more efficient because its PID controller and tighter temp management waste fewer pellets. The difference is small, maybe a half pound over a 10-hour cook.