That looks like a beast. However, I would prefer getting a separate smoker, griddle, and gas grill rather than a machine that is a ‘mashup’ of all three. I would think a device designed to be a smoker would perform better than cooking appliance that dabbles part-time as a smoker - the same can be said with grilling and the griddle functions. So how well each function works should be put in a comparison test. I am no a fan of multi-functional, all-in-one devices, because of the fear that if one function breaks then whole thing cannot work - but I doubt that would be the case with the Apex considering it’s not electronics. If the smoker controls go out, that should not affect the grilling or griddle functions - or at least you would think. You’d just have to adapt that day until the smoker function gets repaired. I find the Apex limiting since you really cannot do all three jobs at the same time in the event you need to do all three at the same time, but that would be rare. Other than that, I would prefer a minimum 36” griddle and that would be a deal breaker for me. Lastly, considering I have a separate grill, smoker, a 36” griddle, and now pizza oven that takes up a bunch of space in my patio, the Apex wins the real estate battle. I think my wife would like that, plus cleaning one appliance is better than cleaning 3 separate appliances.
Thanks for your review. I don't think I'm going to run out and buy one. Camp Chef, you can do better! Quality, quality, quality and this Apex doesn't have it.
A lot of compromise with the mashup but what would keep me from buying one more than anything else is the lack of fit and finish- the grease tray doesn't work or fit well, and the grills should be the last thing that's not quite right. Maybe the next gen release will sort out these things. Great review by the way- thank you!
It’s possible, but not probable. We spent a significant amount of time adjusting on multiple different grills and found them all to have similar issues. Keep a stick lighter handy!
Well, it sounds like a jack of all trades which I do not like very much. On the other hand, it is a very efficient idea and might save some money overall. However, at this price tag I would expect a bit more sturdy material, the whole thing looks and sounds a bit "flimsy". The main grease tray looks too flexible, the interior rack sliders do not fit and the side grease tray... All those problems would probably be less severe if they had gone for thicker material. All in all, a very well done review that provided me with all information to make a solid decision about a purchase. Very well done.
After owning a Grilla grill for years, I switched up to a camp chef (after much research) I have have nothing but trouble. Hopper fires for starters. Camp Chef sent me out a whole new hopper. Still have problems. I have been maticulous about cleaning and so on. Im back to my trusty Weber kettle. $ down the drain sadly.
Thanks for the review. I will admit I was very intrigued when I saw the Apex came out. But it reminds me of the time I bought a Skeeter Fish & Ski. After a couple of years I came to the conclusion it didn't fish well and it was too small & clunky for a rec boat. The best thing I personally cook is steaks. I've pretty much mastered the sous vide method. I currently have a 4 burner Charbroil TruRed IR that I specifically purchased for searing. I've rebuild it once w/ upgrading the burners and grates. But it's still POS quality. A year ago I decided to add a Slow & Sear Egg, I've decided that either the Slow & Sear brand sucks (would not purchase again), or long slow BBQ's on an egg just aren't for me. Way too much aggravation trying to maintain cooking temp. I do utilize the small sear area for searing steaks when I really want to do it right. So I started off researching pellet smokers. Thanks to this channel I came across the Woodwind Pro w/ the wood hopper. Add on the sidekick and it should allow me to ditch the Charbroil. I can still use the Slow & Sear for fast cooks/burgers/dogs etc etc.. Maybe Gen 2 of the Apex will be the way to go. Appears to be the case w/ the Woodwind Pro.
Nice review pointing out the pro's and con's. Pretty grill
Thanks for the review something to consider
What a beautiful grill/BBQ.
That looks like a beast. However, I would prefer getting a separate smoker, griddle, and gas grill rather than a machine that is a ‘mashup’ of all three. I would think a device designed to be a smoker would perform better than cooking appliance that dabbles part-time as a smoker - the same can be said with grilling and the griddle functions. So how well each function works should be put in a comparison test.
I am no a fan of multi-functional, all-in-one devices, because of the fear that if one function breaks then whole thing cannot work - but I doubt that would be the case with the Apex considering it’s not electronics. If the smoker controls go out, that should not affect the grilling or griddle functions - or at least you would think. You’d just have to adapt that day until the smoker function gets repaired.
I find the Apex limiting since you really cannot do all three jobs at the same time in the event you need to do all three at the same time, but that would be rare. Other than that, I would prefer a minimum 36” griddle and that would be a deal breaker for me.
Lastly, considering I have a separate grill, smoker, a 36” griddle, and now pizza oven that takes up a bunch of space in my patio, the Apex wins the real estate battle. I think my wife would like that, plus cleaning one appliance is better than cleaning 3 separate appliances.
Thanks for your review. I don't think I'm going to run out and buy one. Camp Chef, you can do better! Quality, quality, quality and this Apex doesn't have it.
I like the Salt Lick T-shirt. Right down the road and my favorite BBQ!
A lot of compromise with the mashup but what would keep me from buying one more than anything else is the lack of fit and finish- the grease tray doesn't work or fit well, and the grills should be the last thing that's not quite right. Maybe the next gen release will sort out these things. Great review by the way- thank you!
Thank you for that review!! Looks like Camp Chef will need a pro version with all the kinks worked out before I purchase.
thank you for reviews something to consider ❤
Other reviewers have said you need to adjust the burners to make sure they are working. Maybe set-up improperly?
It’s possible, but not probable. We spent a significant amount of time adjusting on multiple different grills and found them all to have similar issues. Keep a stick lighter handy!
I wonder how long those LED lights will work considering the windows on smoker are useless.
I'm sure they'll work for the life of the grill in most cases. The biggest issue with them is keeping the lenses clean. They get dirty quick.
jack of all trades, master of none
Well, it sounds like a jack of all trades which I do not like very much. On the other hand, it is a very efficient idea and might save some money overall.
However, at this price tag I would expect a bit more sturdy material, the whole thing looks and sounds a bit "flimsy". The main grease tray looks too flexible, the interior rack sliders do not fit and the side grease tray... All those problems would probably be less severe if they had gone for thicker material.
All in all, a very well done review that provided me with all information to make a solid decision about a purchase. Very well done.
Where did you buy this?
How can I convert my Apex 36 inch from propane to gas? Is there a kick for this?
I know Camp Chef was working on a kit but I'm not sure if they've released it yet. I'd look on their site or email their customer support.
After owning a Grilla grill for years, I switched up to a camp chef (after much research) I have have nothing but trouble. Hopper fires for starters. Camp Chef sent me out a whole new hopper. Still have problems. I have been maticulous about cleaning and so on. Im back to my trusty Weber kettle. $ down the drain sadly.
Thanks for the review. I will admit I was very intrigued when I saw the Apex came out.
But it reminds me of the time I bought a Skeeter Fish & Ski. After a couple of years I came to the conclusion it didn't fish well and it was too small & clunky for a rec boat.
The best thing I personally cook is steaks. I've pretty much mastered the sous vide method. I currently have a 4 burner Charbroil TruRed IR that I specifically purchased for searing. I've rebuild it once w/ upgrading the burners and grates. But it's still POS quality.
A year ago I decided to add a Slow & Sear Egg, I've decided that either the Slow & Sear brand sucks (would not purchase again), or long slow BBQ's on an egg just aren't for me. Way too much aggravation trying to maintain cooking temp. I do utilize the small sear area for searing steaks when I really want to do it right.
So I started off researching pellet smokers. Thanks to this channel I came across the Woodwind Pro w/ the wood hopper. Add on the sidekick and it should allow me to ditch the Charbroil. I can still use the Slow & Sear for fast cooks/burgers/dogs etc etc..
Maybe Gen 2 of the Apex will be the way to go. Appears to be the case w/ the Woodwind Pro.
Pink Crocs, really?
Yes, really.
I k now, and the hoop earrings, hard to ignore. What look are you going for with that exactly?
I didn’t hear anything that tempt me to buy this piece of crap