I've been shopping and watching reviews for a new pellet rig since all these Memorial day sales are happening. Your review is awesome and keep up the great vids! I'm trying to decide between three different rigs, but I am leaning towards the Woodwind Pro because of the smokebox feature. This review vid helped my decision making process, thank you!
Thanks for watching! If you decide to pick up a Camp Chef, help me out and use my affiliate link. That would make me a few bucks. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Nice pro and con video. I have one coming in a few days and cant wait to fire it up and start experimenting, the 24 pro model with the flat top which I have seen videos of used as a sear after smoke appliance. Pricey but if it is as good as you and other pit masters have demonstrated worth every penny for us folk that love great barbeque.
I have been researching over the course of the last month for my first pellet grill. Came across these last week and I have not stopped watching videos on them. The sidekick that you can get with it is pretty cool as well. After watching this video I think I’ve finally made up my mind on a 24” grill.
I have the 24" woodwind wifi (no smoker box 😔) and wish I had bought the 36. The setup and tech is nice but wish i had more space. When I do rib, I can do 2 full racks on the bottom and 2 more on top...but using both racks makes it challenging to move around stuff on the bottom AND stuff on top racks cooks a little faster. Not saying it's bad but keep in mind some of those subtle things
I agree with everything you said. I have the pitboss vertical smoker and that badboy holds a lot of pellets. I also have the pitboss 850 which is giving me issues but they sell an attachment so you can add more pellets. Hopefully they make one for this Campchef to make overnight cooks easier.
I’ve had my pro since they first came out and one of my biggest cons is that the discharge shoot to switch out the pellets is so close to the leg. When I hang my bucket on there to catch the pellets once the bucket starts getting full the pellets will hit the rim of the bucket and be all over the place if I’m not paying attention. I also lost faith in the 4 meat probes that come with it.
Nice Zack, I sure like the controller and the ash clean out! A lot nicer than getting out the little shop vac. would you do a review on your nice vertical pit boss?
I’ve got a playlist dedicated to that smoker. With tons of great reviews, tip, tricks, and advisories. Here is. Link to the playlist. th-cam.com/play/PL6r92n5iP7mZviHYfdR8jtcEpe8FwjP__.html&si=L1eJsu-Vzs6vwRDj
I think this will be my smoker of choice. Been looking for something with a propane secondary. There's just some days we want to quickly burn a few burgers, vs. a long smoke.
Oh yeah! That’s great. Nothing better than a new smoker. Come over to my Facebook group, American Smoke Carnivores, and share your cooks sometime. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
I’m sure that would help a ton. That chamber is so big, I’ve just been able to put my big cuts elsewhere on previous cooks with no problems. Only when I cover it with chicken do I need to shuffle around a bit
hey Zack, love your videos. I started watching your videos because we were both using the Pitt Boss Vertical. Now atching your 6 month review of the Woodwind Pro and your pork spare rib video, it appears to me that the Woodwind Pro would be much better for smoking (ribs, brisket, chicken) than the Pitt Boss Vertical. I would really appreciate your opinion on that. I've made a lot of great bbq on the vertical but I'd like to get a little more smoke flavor on the meat. What say you?
I honestly like both. The Camp Chef comes up to temp faster and the chamber temps are a little more reliable. That’s literally why I use it more. I have a very cluttered schedule. Honestly though, I like them both. I’ve had people argue the Pit Boss makes better bbq. They are that close. If the Camp Chef is in your budget, you will not regret the purchase, but if you got a PB you like and it functions reliably, I would stick with it. If you decide to go with the Camp Chef, do me a favor and use my link. That would help me make a few bucks. I hope this helps! Smoke on!!!
My green mountain Daniel Boone finally took a dump . Got the 24 woodwind pro only concern after I put it together is the hotspot . Thinking it makes the bottom rack useless with baby backs . I knew the green mountain like a glove and I used the hotspot to my advantage one I figured it was on the end right side. Woodwind looks like you can’t do that since it’s essentially in the middle .
You can always alternate from front of grate to back of grate. If it’s one rack you could split the rack pre cook and keep the ribs to either side of the hot spot. I would just do a few cooks on it first though. You may find it’s not as big of a deal as you think.
Thinking about getting one of these. I feel like I'd be fine with the 24-inch version but I don't want to get it and regret not getting more space. I think the most I'd ever be cooking at once would be 2 briskets or a few racks of ribs. Any recommendation on which to go with?
I think I could get by with the 24. But, If space isn’t an issue and you’re worried you will need the space then Get the larger unit. It’s a big beast though. Let me know and I can probably get you a discount.
Question: I'm using the Traeger Pro 575. I put a temp inside my smoker to see the ambient temp. Multiple t-stats read 15-20 degrees lower than what the Traeger says. Should I worry about that? Is this normal? I called Traeger but they were ZERO help of course.
That is completely normal. These are convection cookers so with all the air churning around, you’re going to get temp swings. If you see differences of more than 50, you may have faulty thermostat or control board.
I can’t speak to the quality of grilla but at this price point I can say that the Woodwind pro is very solid. The ability to burn the whole wood chunks is a huge bonus. It holds temp well and gets there fast as well.
6 mo in on the WWP 24 (the baby version of this). I think the hopper is ideally sized for the 24, and will happily do an 18 hour cook. Things I would like: I would like the safety guard on the pellet hopper to be something you can raise manually. I see you did not install yours at all, which I get, and many folks do the same. I also think that the pellets funnel down to the auger without draining to the last pellet. Not a big deal if you never empty it fully out, but it's annoying. On the top deck - I've yet to find a need for the half-rack to be removed, so I would have liked that to be a single piece of steel, and then make the bottom deck steel as well. On the ambient probe, as that's a critical temperature, I would like for that to be 3 or 4 ambient probes, with a warning if one is drifting too far off the others (e.g. getting dirty). On the controller - I'd like a mode for pellets run out mid cook, to guide you through what to do. (For reference - take the food to an oven or a warm cooler box, to keep warm for 15 mins, immediate power off, as the shutdown happened when you starved it of fuel, then power up, feed cycle, then startup, and back up to cook).
When you mention the pellet usage, my 24 doesn't seem to have the same problem. Just to let you know since you mentioned you thought that might be the case.
@@carlhelton408 It is for me and my needs. I really only use it for me and the youngins. If I had friends coming over or something it might not depending on the size of the gathering. But the 36 would be too much for me.
I wanted to add one more con, as a guy who just put this grill together and used it for the first time today - the stupid sticker on the front of the burn box. It says "Remove" but the adhesive is impossible to get off. I see your grill still has it too. What is wrong with them? It looks like crap.
@@TheAmericanSmoke @andrewkowalewski7380 you can also use starting fluid (ether) to safely remove the adhesive. Obviously ether is extremely flammable so use only when unit is off and cool.
Unfortunately, Camp Chef did not extend a discount through my code last year when I got this thing. I did just reach out to them and request one. I’ll let you know if they respond. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
@JoshuaJSpringer the Woodwind Pro is extremely solid. I’ve enjoyed every cook. It’s a solid recommendation. Update: I did hear from Camp Chef and they aren’t currently offer any discounts. My link will just take you to their site and if you decide to purchase it will pay me a fraction of the purchase price. That’s up to you though. Thanks for watching! Good luck and Smoke on!!!
Naw. You don’t have to. It’s already burning wood pellets and you have the ability to adjust the smoke setting from 1-10 with just pellets. The extra burn pot just allows you to burn chunks, which is unique in the pellet smoker industry. That option gets this smoker one step closer to offset stick burner quality bbq.
This video is 🔥Zach!
I’m proud to be able to brag on my Woodwind Pro! It’s the best pellet smoker on the market.
Smoke on!!!
Thank you and community for helping make the choice between 36 or 24. Im going with 24 and all the accessories
That’s great! Smoke on!!! I think I have an affiliate code you can use for a discount if you would like to use it.
Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
I've been shopping and watching reviews for a new pellet rig since all these Memorial day sales are happening. Your review is awesome and keep up the great vids! I'm trying to decide between three different rigs, but I am leaning towards the Woodwind Pro because of the smokebox feature. This review vid helped my decision making process, thank you!
Thanks for watching! If you decide to pick up a Camp Chef, help me out and use my affiliate link. That would make me a few bucks. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Nice pro and con video. I have one coming in a few days and cant wait to fire it up and start experimenting, the 24 pro model with the flat top which I have seen videos of used as a sear after smoke appliance. Pricey but if it is as good as you and other pit masters have demonstrated worth every penny for us folk that love great barbeque.
Exactly! Are you in my Facebook group? American Smoke Carnivores
I have been researching over the course of the last month for my first pellet grill. Came across these last week and I have not stopped watching videos on them. The sidekick that you can get with it is pretty cool as well. After watching this video I think I’ve finally made up my mind on a 24” grill.
Nice! Feel free to use my affiliate link. I sure would appreciate it. Good luck and smoke on!!!
I'm looking to get this one as well
Let me know if you have any questions
I have the 24" woodwind wifi (no smoker box 😔) and wish I had bought the 36. The setup and tech is nice but wish i had more space.
When I do rib, I can do 2 full racks on the bottom and 2 more on top...but using both racks makes it challenging to move around stuff on the bottom AND stuff on top racks cooks a little faster.
Not saying it's bad but keep in mind some of those subtle things
@WhereHasMySanityGone excellent feedback. Thanks for sharing
I agree with everything you said. I have the pitboss vertical smoker and that badboy holds a lot of pellets. I also have the pitboss 850 which is giving me issues but they sell an attachment so you can add more pellets. Hopefully they make one for this Campchef to make overnight cooks easier.
It would for sure benefit from a larger hopper. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Man, I love your videos! Definitely my go to for smoking recipes and tips. Keep up the good content. 🤌
You made my day! Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Big like 😊
I’ve had my pro since they first came out and one of my biggest cons is that the discharge shoot to switch out the pellets is so close to the leg. When I hang my bucket on there to catch the pellets once the bucket starts getting full the pellets will hit the rim of the bucket and be all over the place if I’m not paying attention. I also lost faith in the 4 meat probes that come with it.
Yup
Nice Zack, I sure like the controller and the ash clean out! A lot nicer than getting out the little shop vac. would you do a review on your nice vertical pit boss?
I’ve got a playlist dedicated to that smoker. With tons of great reviews, tip, tricks, and advisories.
Here is. Link to the playlist. th-cam.com/play/PL6r92n5iP7mZviHYfdR8jtcEpe8FwjP__.html&si=L1eJsu-Vzs6vwRDj
I see that mix of wood and chacoal pellets, I do the same!
I think this will be my smoker of choice.
Been looking for something with a propane secondary. There's just some days we want to quickly burn a few burgers, vs. a long smoke.
I think you will be happy with this choice. The side burner is a separate purpose though. FYI.
Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
I have the 24 with out the extra burn pot,just put it together waiting on this weather to cooperate to get it outside and fire er up
Oh yeah! That’s great. Nothing better than a new smoker. Come over to my Facebook group, American Smoke Carnivores, and share your cooks sometime.
Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Nice vid Zack. Did you try putting a water pan over the hotspot to see it that will fix it at all for say a brisket?
I’m sure that would help a ton. That chamber is so big, I’ve just been able to put my big cuts elsewhere on previous cooks with no problems. Only when I cover it with chicken do I need to shuffle around a bit
hey Zack, love your videos. I started watching your videos because we were both using the Pitt Boss Vertical. Now atching your 6 month review of the Woodwind Pro and your pork spare rib video, it appears to me that the Woodwind Pro would be much better for smoking (ribs, brisket, chicken) than the Pitt Boss Vertical. I would really appreciate your opinion on that.
I've made a lot of great bbq on the vertical but I'd like to get a little more smoke flavor on the meat. What say you?
I honestly like both. The Camp Chef comes up to temp faster and the chamber temps are a little more reliable. That’s literally why I use it more. I have a very cluttered schedule. Honestly though, I like them both. I’ve had people argue the Pit Boss makes better bbq. They are that close. If the Camp Chef is in your budget, you will not regret the purchase, but if you got a PB you like and it functions reliably, I would stick with it.
If you decide to go with the Camp Chef, do me a favor and use my link. That would help me make a few bucks.
I hope this helps! Smoke on!!!
My green mountain Daniel Boone finally took a dump . Got the 24 woodwind pro only concern after I put it together is the hotspot . Thinking it makes the bottom rack useless with baby backs . I knew the green mountain like a glove and I used the hotspot to my advantage one I figured it was on the end right side. Woodwind looks like you can’t do that since it’s essentially in the middle .
You can always alternate from front of grate to back of grate. If it’s one rack you could split the rack pre cook and keep the ribs to either side of the hot spot.
I would just do a few cooks on it first though. You may find it’s not as big of a deal as you think.
Thinking about getting one of these. I feel like I'd be fine with the 24-inch version but I don't want to get it and regret not getting more space. I think the most I'd ever be cooking at once would be 2 briskets or a few racks of ribs. Any recommendation on which to go with?
I think I could get by with the 24. But, If space isn’t an issue and you’re worried you will need the space then Get the larger unit. It’s a big beast though. Let me know and I can probably get you a discount.
Question: I'm using the Traeger Pro 575. I put a temp inside my smoker to see the ambient temp. Multiple t-stats read 15-20 degrees lower than what the Traeger says. Should I worry about that? Is this normal? I called Traeger but they were ZERO help of course.
That is completely normal. These are convection cookers so with all the air churning around, you’re going to get temp swings. If you see differences of more than 50, you may have faulty thermostat or control board.
Would this be your top choice for a newbie in the current market (Florida) so don’t need the extra insulation ? Also looking at Grilla
I can’t speak to the quality of grilla but at this price point I can say that the Woodwind pro is very solid. The ability to burn the whole wood chunks is a huge bonus. It holds temp well and gets there fast as well.
Thank you for the quick response! All super helpful info.
Do you soak your wood chunks before adding them for more smoke??
I don’t. Is that something you’ve tried? I’ve soaked wood chips before, but never chunks.
I have not . I guess I’m looking for info on what others do
@timplummer8995 just ignite the wooden chunks and let them smolder. That’s the common practice with these units
6 mo in on the WWP 24 (the baby version of this). I think the hopper is ideally sized for the 24, and will happily do an 18 hour cook. Things I would like: I would like the safety guard on the pellet hopper to be something you can raise manually. I see you did not install yours at all, which I get, and many folks do the same. I also think that the pellets funnel down to the auger without draining to the last pellet. Not a big deal if you never empty it fully out, but it's annoying. On the top deck - I've yet to find a need for the half-rack to be removed, so I would have liked that to be a single piece of steel, and then make the bottom deck steel as well. On the ambient probe, as that's a critical temperature, I would like for that to be 3 or 4 ambient probes, with a warning if one is drifting too far off the others (e.g. getting dirty). On the controller - I'd like a mode for pellets run out mid cook, to guide you through what to do. (For reference - take the food to an oven or a warm cooler box, to keep warm for 15 mins, immediate power off, as the shutdown happened when you starved it of fuel, then power up, feed cycle, then startup, and back up to cook).
Man, that’s some great insight on these units. Thanks for sharing. Smoke on!!!
@@TheAmericanSmoke Any time, friend!
When you mention the pellet usage, my 24 doesn't seem to have the same problem. Just to let you know since you mentioned you thought that might be the case.
I appreciate you confirming that for me! Thanks for watching and Smoke on!!!
@@TheAmericanSmoke You're most welcome.
Is the 24” big enough?
@@carlhelton408 It is for me and my needs. I really only use it for me and the youngins. If I had friends coming over or something it might not depending on the size of the gathering. But the 36 would be too much for me.
Are you putting the fat cap up or down?
Pin this unit, since the heat source is below the brisket, I tend to go fat cap down. Fat towards the heat help protect the meat.
I wanted to add one more con, as a guy who just put this grill together and used it for the first time today - the stupid sticker on the front of the burn box. It says "Remove" but the adhesive is impossible to get off. I see your grill still has it too. What is wrong with them? It looks like crap.
I been meaning to get that off. Get you some goo be gone
@@TheAmericanSmoke @andrewkowalewski7380 you can also use starting fluid (ether) to safely remove the adhesive. Obviously ether is extremely flammable so use only when unit is off and cool.
Thinking of one of these. What's the price with your affiliate code?
Unfortunately, Camp Chef did not extend a discount through my code last year when I got this thing. I did just reach out to them and request one. I’ll let you know if they respond.
Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!
Thank you, are still enjoying it the same as when you made this video?
@JoshuaJSpringer the Woodwind Pro is extremely solid. I’ve enjoyed every cook. It’s a solid recommendation.
Update: I did hear from Camp Chef and they aren’t currently offer any discounts. My link will just take you to their site and if you decide to purchase it will pay me a fraction of the purchase price. That’s up to you though. Thanks for watching! Good luck and Smoke on!!!
I’d find it annoying to have to refill the smoke box every hour during a cook. Takes the convenience of a pellet smoker out of it
Naw. You don’t have to. It’s already burning wood pellets and you have the ability to adjust the smoke setting from 1-10 with just pellets. The extra burn pot just allows you to burn chunks, which is unique in the pellet smoker industry. That option gets this smoker one step closer to offset stick burner quality bbq.
As good as the woodwind pro is, I just cant bring myself to buy a pellet smoker 😁
I get it. To each their own. Smoke on!!!
Sounds like you are in a colder climate...Get yourself the Camp Chef blanket and you'll save on pellets
Great advice! Thanks for watching. Smoke on!!!