Best Beginner PelletPellet Grill

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24

4.5/5
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Last Updated

ReviewedThis review was last reviewed on July 20, 2026.
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 pellet grill product photo

Exactly Which Model This Is

Manufacturer
Camp Chef
Product name
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24
Model number / SKU
SmokePro DLX 24

How We Evaluated Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24

Researched / Not Personally Tested

This review is based on the manufacturer's published specifications, the published documentation for the model listed above, and analysis of owner feedback. It is not a hands-on test, and no measurements on this page were taken by GrillWizardOz.

This assessment is based on published specifications, manufacturer documentation and aggregated owner feedback. We have not owned or cooked on this unit, and nothing here should be read as a first-hand ownership report.

The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 is the pellet grill I recommend to first-time pellet buyers more than any other model. It's the grill that gets the fundamentals right — clean PID temperature control, a thoughtfully designed ash cleanout, and Camp Chef's well-earned reputation for build quality — without the premium price that scares off newcomers.

What We Love

  • +Patented Ash Cleanout system empties the firepot in seconds
  • +PID digital controller holds temps within ±20°F
  • +573 sq in cooking area with secondary upper rack
  • +Sidekick attachment port lets you add searing/griddle accessories later
  • +Heavy 18-gauge steel construction at a sub-$500 price
  • +Two meat probes included standard

Watch Out For

  • −No WiFi or app connectivity (not surprising at this price)
  • −Maximum temp tops out around 500°F — true searing requires accessories
  • −Hopper holds 18 lbs (smaller than premium pellet grills)
  • −Sidekick accessory is a separate purchase

Specifications

Cooking Area

429 sq in main + 144 sq in upper rack (573 sq in total)

Temp Range

160°F – 500°F

Hopper

18 lbs

Controller

PID digital with dual meat probes

Construction

18-gauge steel cabinet, porcelain grates

Weight

127 lbs

Warranty

3 years

The Full Review

Camp Chef built its reputation on the SmokePro line, and the DLX 24 remains the best entry into the brand. This is the grill that introduces new pellet cooks to the platform without overwhelming them with features they don't need yet.

The Ash Cleanout system alone justifies the brand premium. Every other pellet grill in this price range requires you to shop-vac the firepot every few cooks. The Camp Chef has a small lever under the firepot — pull it, and ash falls into a removable cup below. This is a 30-second job versus a 15-minute pellet grill cleaning ritual.

The PID controller is the other unexpected win. At $479, you typically get a basic thermostat that ramps temps in 20-25°F oscillations. The Camp Chef's PID holds ±20°F or better across long cooks. Owners running 12-hour pork shoulder cooks in near-freezing spring weather report 225°F held within a 15°F window throughout.

What you give up at this price is connectivity and peak temperature. There's no app. The grill maxes out around 500°F (genuinely useful for chicken skin but not for steakhouse searing). For that, Camp Chef sells the Sidekick — a propane sear box that bolts to the side port and hits 900°F+.

Build quality is genuinely Camp Chef. The cabinet is heavy 18-gauge steel. The grates are porcelain-coated steel that handles years of weather without rusting. Covered storage is the main variable in how these hold up outdoors; the powder-coated body resists weathering well when it is kept covered.

How Does It Compare?

At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.

GrillRatingPriceBest For
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 (this) 4.5$479The entry-level pellet grill that quietly punches above its price.
Z Grills 700D 4.3$469The Amazon best-seller that punches above its weight — 694 sq in, PID controller, and a price that undercuts everyone.
Z Grills 7002B 4.2$429The best-selling budget pellet grill on Amazon — 694 sq in, $429, and 4.

Who Is It For?

First-time pellet grill buyers who want to learn the platform without overspending. Backyard cooks who already own a separate gas grill for searing. Anyone who appreciates that Camp Chef builds value into the parts that matter (controller, construction) rather than gimmicks.

Final Verdict

The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 is the smartest sub-$500 pellet grill purchase you can make. The ash cleanout, PID controller, and Camp Chef build quality combine into a grill that genuinely competes with $800 models. If you're new to pellet cooking, start here. Want to compare against Traeger's entry point? Read our [Traeger vs Pit Boss vs Camp Chef breakdown](/compare/pellet-grill-vs-gas-grill).

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 worth the price?
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 is the smartest sub-$500 pellet grill purchase you can make. The ash cleanout, PID controller, and Camp Chef build quality combine into a grill that genuinely competes with $800 models. If you're new to pellet cooking, start here. Want to compare against Traeger's entry point? Read our [Traeger vs Pit Boss vs Camp Chef breakdown](/compare/pellet-grill-vs-gas-grill).
Who is the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 best for?
First-time pellet grill buyers who want to learn the platform without overspending. Backyard cooks who already own a separate gas grill for searing. Anyone who appreciates that Camp Chef builds value into the parts that matter (controller, construction) rather than gimmicks.
What are the biggest strengths of the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24?
Patented Ash Cleanout system empties the firepot in seconds; PID digital controller holds temps within ±20°F; 573 sq in cooking area with secondary upper rack.
What are the downsides of the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24?
No WiFi or app connectivity (not surprising at this price); Maximum temp tops out around 500°F — true searing requires accessories; Hopper holds 18 lbs (smaller than premium pellet grills).
What's the warranty on the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24?
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX 24 ships with a 3 years warranty. Coverage varies by component, so check the manufacturer's current terms for what is covered and for how long.