Weber vs Camp Chef

Quick Verdict

This is a searing showdown between two grills that both claim to bridge the gap between pellet smoker and grill. After testing both extensively, the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 36 wins. The Slide and Grill feature is simply a better searing solution than the Weber's 600F max temp. Direct flame contact at 650F+ beats indirect 600F every time. Add in the Ash Kickin cleanup, Sidekick compatibility, and lower weight, and the Camp Chef is the more complete package. The Weber counters with more cooking space and a higher overall build quality, but for the searing focused buyer, Camp Chef delivers.

Temperature Control

Both grills use PID controllers and hold temps within 5 degrees during normal conditions. The Weber has a wider range on paper: 150 to 600F versus Camp Chef's 160 to 500F. That 600F ceiling is impressive, and I used it regularly for reverse seared steaks (smoke at 225, then crank to 600 for the sear).

But here is the thing. The Camp Chef's Slide and Grill bypasses the temperature dial entirely. Open the slider and you are cooking directly over the fire pot flame. I measured grate temps above 650F in that zone. No controller needed, just raw flame. So while the Weber wins on max dial temp, the Camp Chef wins on actual max searing heat.

At the low end, both hold 225F without drama. The Camp Chef stabilized about 30 seconds faster in my tests, but that is splitting hairs.

Build Quality and Durability

The Weber feels premium. At 178 lbs, it is planted firmly on heavy duty locking casters. The porcelain enameled steel resists corrosion better than the Camp Chef's powder coat finish. After six months of Florida humidity, the Weber shows no rust anywhere. The Camp Chef developed a small chip on the side shelf that I sealed with high temp paint.

The Camp Chef's legs and casters feel solid, though not quite at Weber's level. Where Camp Chef wins on build is the Ash Kickin cleanout. Pull a lever, dump the ash into a cup, done. Cleaning the Weber requires removing the grates and porcelain heat deflector, then vacuuming. I dread Weber cleanup days. The Camp Chef takes 30 seconds.

Both carry 3-year warranties. Standard for premium pellet grills, nothing remarkable from either brand here.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

I ran the same searing test on both: two identical ribeyes, room temp, salt and pepper, 3 minutes per side. The Camp Chef on Slide and Grill produced a darker, thicker crust with visible char lines. The Weber at 600F produced great grill marks but the crust was thinner. Direct flame wins. Period.

For smoking, both perform well at 225F. The Weber's larger cooking area (1,008 vs 811 sq in) means you can fit more food. On a rib cook, I got four full racks on the Weber and only three on the Camp Chef. If you regularly cook for crowds, that extra space matters.

The Camp Chef's Sidekick accessory port is a wildcard. I added the propane burner attachment and used it to boil a pot of beans while smoking a pork shoulder. The Weber has no equivalent. That modularity gives Camp Chef a versatility edge that is hard to ignore.

Features and Tech

Weber Connect has a clever feature that Camp Chef lacks: step by step grilling assist. It walks you through cooks in real time with alerts for when to flip, when to pull, and estimated done times. For beginners, this is gold.

Camp Chef's WiFi app is functional but less polished. It occasionally drops connection, especially at the edge of my WiFi range. The Weber Connect app stays connected more reliably in my testing. Neither app is as good as Traeger's WiFIRE, for what that is worth.

The Weber's hopper and Camp Chef's hopper both hold 22 lbs, so overnight capacity is identical. Neither grill includes a pellet sensor, which is a miss at this price tier.

Value for Money

The Camp Chef Woodwind 36 typically costs less than the Weber SmokeFire EX6. Factor in the Slide and Grill feature, Ash Kickin cleanup, and Sidekick compatibility, and you are getting more functionality per dollar. The Weber justifies its price with better build materials and more cooking space, but the Camp Chef offers more versatility.

If you already own Camp Chef accessories from previous grills, the Woodwind 36 is a no brainer. Everything is compatible. Weber's ecosystem is smaller in the pellet grill space.

Use Case Showdown

• For searing steaks: Camp Chef wins. Slide and Grill over direct flame produces a better crust than the Weber at 600F indirect.
• For large cookouts: Weber wins with 1,008 sq in. You can fit four racks of ribs instead of three.
• For easy cleanup: Camp Chef wins decisively. Ash Kickin takes 30 seconds versus 15 minutes on the Weber.
• For beginners: Weber wins slightly thanks to the step by step grilling assist in the app.
• For expandability: Camp Chef wins. The Sidekick system adds a propane burner, griddle, or pizza oven.

The Verdict

Buy the Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 36 if searing is your priority and you want a grill that does everything without needing a second cooker. The Slide and Grill is the best searing solution on any pellet grill we have tested, and the cleanup system is a daily quality of life win.

Buy the Weber SmokeFire EX6 if you need maximum cooking space and trust the Weber name. The Gen 2 is a genuinely good grill with the highest dial temp in the pellet world. Just know that the Camp Chef sears better where it counts.