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Camp Chef's Apex 36 is a hybrid pellet grill with a built-in propane sear burner — a true two-fuel cooker. Traeger's Timberline XL is the company's flagship pellet, all-in on PID precision and induction sear plate. At similar price points, they take completely different philosophies. Here's which one wins for whom.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Apex 36 ($1,799) if you want one grill that does true gas searing AND real wood-pellet smoking without compromise. Buy the Timberline XL ($3,799) if you want the most refined, app-driven pellet experience with massive capacity and don't care about gas.
The Contenders
Camp Chef Apex 36
$1,799
Cooks who want one premium cooker that's genuinely great at both gas grilling and pellet smoking
Check PriceTraeger Timberline XL
$3,799
Pellet purists with the budget for the most refined, feature-loaded pellet grill on the market
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Searing Performance
Winner: ApexApex wins decisively. The 12,000 BTU propane sear burner hits 900°F at the grate — true steakhouse crust on a ribeye in 90 seconds per side. The Timberline XL's induction sear plate hits 500-550°F, good but not great. For anyone who cooks steaks weekly, the Apex's gas burner is a game-changer.
Smoking & Pellet Performance
Winner: Timberline XLTimberline XL edges ahead. The double-wall insulated body holds temp dead-flat in any weather, the WiFIRE app is the most polished in the category, and the 1,320 sq in capacity handles four briskets. The Apex smokes great too (450 sq in pellet zone, holds within 10°F) but the Timberline is the gold standard for pure pellet performance.
Capacity
Winner: Timberline XLTimberline XL has 1,320 sq in vs Apex's 811 sq in (combined pellet + gas zones). For people who cook for crowds or run a side business, Timberline XL's capacity is meaningful. For families of 4-6, Apex is plenty.
App & Tech
Winner: Timberline XLTimberline XL's WiFIRE app with Pop-and-Lock accessories is the most refined ecosystem in pellet grills. The Apex app (Camp Chef Connect) is functional but less polished. For cooks who live in the app, Timberline wins.
Value
Winner: ApexApex wins on raw dollars — $2,000 less than the Timberline XL for a grill that's arguably more versatile (gas + pellet). The Timberline XL is the better pure pellet grill but you're paying $3,799 for refinement, not capability the Apex lacks. For most buyers, the Apex is the smarter spend.
Final Verdict
Apex wins for buyers who want one premium do-it-all cooker. Timberline XL wins for the pellet purist with money to spend on refinement and capacity. Neither is a wrong answer — they solve different problems.
Buying Advice
If you're cross-shopping these, ask yourself: do I want to own one grill or two? If one, buy the [Apex 36](/review/camp-chef-apex-36) — gas plus pellet in one cabinet beats specializing. If two, buy a [Weber Spirit](/review/weber-spirit-e-310) for gas and the [Timberline XL](/review/traeger-timberline-xl) for pellet — better at each individual job than any hybrid.
