Camp Chef vs Z Grills
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 vs Z Grills 700E compared. Is the premium price worth it, or does the budget option close the gap? Tested both.
Quick Verdict
Camp Chef Woodwind 36 is the better grill, and it should be at this price difference. But the Z Grills 700E is the better value, and for many people, that matters more. Camp Chef wins on searing, temp control, features, and build quality. Z Grills wins on price by a country mile. The question is whether you need what Camp Chef offers or if "good enough" at a fraction of the cost makes more sense.
| Feature | Winner  Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 36 Camp Chef |  Z Grills 700E Z Grills |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.7/5 | ★★★★ 4.4/5 |
| Cooking Area | 811 sq in | 694 sq in |
| Temp Range | 160-500F | 180-450F |
| WiFi | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 106 lbs |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Controller | PID | PID |
| Construction | Steel with powder coat | Steel |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Temperature Control
Camp Chef holds tighter. Its PID controller kept within 5 degrees during a 12-hour pork shoulder cook. The Z Grills drifted about 10 degrees in the same conditions, which is still fine for most cooks. Where the gap widens is wind. On a breezy day, the Z Grills swung 15 to 20 degrees while the Camp Chef barely flinched.
For low and slow in calm conditions, both produce great results. I cooked pulled pork on both the same weekend and could not tell the difference in the finished product. The Camp Chef just requires less babysitting.
Build Quality and Durability
You can feel the price gap here. The Camp Chef has thicker steel, smoother hinges, and the Ash Kickin cleanout system that makes post cook cleanup take about 30 seconds. The Z Grills requires scooping ash manually, which is messier and slower.
The Camp Chef's locking casters are beefy and stable. The Z Grills has two casters that work but feel cheaper. After six months, both grills are holding up fine with covers on. The Z Grills shows more wear around the fire pot area, but nothing that affects performance.
Cooking Performance and Versatility
Slide and Grill is the headline. Camp Chef lets you sear steaks over direct flame at 650F+. I cooked ribeyes that rivaled my charcoal setup. The Z Grills maxes out at 450F with indirect heat only. If you want to sear, you need a separate grill with the Z Grills.
Camp Chef also has 811 sq in versus 694 sq in. Not a huge difference, but it means fitting one more rack of ribs or a second chicken. The Camp Chef's Sidekick compatibility adds a propane burner, griddle, or pizza oven (sold separately), giving it a modularity the Z Grills cannot match.
Pure smoking performance is closer than you would expect. The Z Grills produces a solid smoke ring and good bark. It is not as refined as the Camp Chef, but blind taste tests with friends came out 3 to 2 in favor of Camp Chef. Not a blowout.
Features and Tech
Camp Chef has WiFi. Z Grills does not. That is the biggest feature gap. If monitoring your cook from the couch (or bed at 3am) matters to you, Camp Chef is the only option here. The Z Grills requires you to walk outside and check the dial.
Camp Chef's app is not perfect. It drops connection occasionally and the interface could be smoother. But having remote monitoring at all is a major convenience upgrade over no connectivity.
The Z Grills does include a cover in the box, which is a nice touch. You will spend extra for a Camp Chef cover.
Value for Money
The Z Grills 700E might be the best value in pellet grilling right now. It smokes well, it is easy to use, and the price makes pellet grilling accessible to almost anyone. For a first grill or a budget setup, it is tough to beat.
Camp Chef earns its price through versatility. Smoke, grill, sear, expand with Sidekick. If you want one outdoor cooker that replaces two or three, the Woodwind 36 pays for itself in the gear you do not need to buy separately.
Use Case Showdown
How these two compare for specific cooking scenarios.
- For brisket: Camp Chef wins because tighter temp control and WiFi monitoring make 14-hour cooks less stressful. The Z Grills produces good brisket too, but you need to babysit the temperature more.
- For beginners: Z Grills wins because the simple controls and low price make it the safest starting point. Learn the basics, then upgrade.
- For searing: Camp Chef wins outright. Slide and Grill gives you direct flame at 650F+. The Z Grills maxes at 450F indirect and cannot sear at all.
- For overnight cooks: Camp Chef wins with WiFi monitoring and 22 lb hopper. The Z Grills has no WiFi, so you set alarms and walk outside to check.
- For portability: Z Grills wins at 106 lbs versus 150 lbs. It is easier to move and fits in a truck bed for tailgating.
The Verdict
Buy the Camp Chef Woodwind 36 if you want a do everything grill with WiFi, direct flame searing, and room to grow with the Sidekick system. You are paying more, but you are getting a grill that can replace your entire outdoor cooking setup.
Buy the Z Grills 700E if you want to smoke great food without spending a fortune. It is the perfect entry point into pellet grilling, and the money you save can go toward premium pellets and better cuts of meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camp Chef worth three times the price of Z Grills?
It depends on what you value. Camp Chef gives you WiFi, Slide and Grill searing, better temp control, and the Sidekick ecosystem. If you use those features regularly, the price is justified. If you just want to smoke meat on weekends, the Z Grills does that well for a lot less.
Can you sear on a Z Grills 700E?
Not really. The 700E maxes out at 450F and uses indirect heat only. You cannot sear a steak with a good crust at that temperature. The Camp Chef Woodwind 36 can sear over direct flame at 650F+ with its Slide and Grill feature.
Which is better for a beginner, Camp Chef or Z Grills?
The Z Grills 700E is the better starter grill. It is simpler to operate, costs much less, and produces great smoked food. You can always upgrade to a Camp Chef later once you know pellet grilling is for you.
How much do pellets cost for each grill?
Both use the same standard hardwood pellets, so the fuel cost is identical. A 20 lb bag typically lasts 2 to 4 cooks depending on temperature and duration. The Z Grills 700E is slightly more efficient on pellets due to its smaller cooking chamber.
Can you add a Sidekick to the Z Grills?
No. The Sidekick attachment is exclusive to Camp Chef grills. Z Grills does not offer any accessory attachments. If you want a modular system with a griddle, pizza oven, or propane burner, Camp Chef is the only option here.