The single operational difference that decides the choice between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series and the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX is how they balance high-heat versatility against automated convenience: Pit Boss delivers an open-flame sliding broiler plate that hits 1,000°F for steakhouse searing, whereas Camp Chef integrates wireless PID precision and a dedicated lever-action ash cup to minimize maintenance.
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series if you want maximum cooking capacity, high-temperature direct flame grilling, and a substantial 21-pound hopper for extended unattended smoking sessions. Choose the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX if you want remote monitoring from your smartphone, customized smoke output density, and a zero-mess cleanout system that skips the shop vacuum entirely.
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series vs Camp Chef SmokePro DLX at a Glance
| Feature | Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series | Camp Chef SmokePro DLX |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Surface Area | 747 sq. in. (2-tier porcelain-coated steel) | Not listed |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F (5°F increments) | 160°F to 500°F (25,000 BTU) |
| Direct Flame Searing | Flame Broiler Lever (up to 1,000°F) | Not listed |
| Controller Type | LCD Digital Controller with dial adjustment | Gen 3 WiFi PID Controller |
| Wireless App Monitoring | No | Yes (Camp Chef Connect App) |
| Smoke Density Adjustment | Standard automated wood pellet burn | Smart Smoke Technology (Smoke Number 1 to 10) |
| Ash Management System | Internal firepot (manual vacuum required) | Patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system (external cup) |
| Hopper Capacity | 21 lbs | Not listed |
| Meat Probe Monitoring | 2 ports (1 meat probe included) | Not listed |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 5-year warranty | Not listed |
| Best For | Direct flame searing and large cooking volume | Remote mobile control and effortless ash cleanup |
Temperature Control and Connectivity
Wood pellet grills depend heavily on their electronic brain to meter fuel and draft air into the burn grate. In a thorough Camp Chef SmokePro DLX review, the central operational feature is the Camp Chef DLX Gen 3 WiFi controller. This system utilizes a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm to calculate temperature changes in real time, minimizing heat swings inside the chamber. Through the Camp Chef Connect App, you can track chamber temperatures, adjust setpoints, and manipulate cooking profiles directly from a mobile device without standing over the grill.
By contrast, the digital board on the Pit Boss 700 FB2 features a dial-in LCD digital controller capable of 5°F increment settings between 180°F and 500°F. While this precise incremental adjustment provides great granular control right at the grill body, the listing specifies no wireless antenna or Bluetooth capability. You must monitor cooks manually at the physical panel or rely on external timers. If remote oversight during long briskets is your goal, comparing the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs camp chef woodwind 24 shows how Camp Chef prioritizes digital ecosystem connectivity across their lineup.
The operational trade-off comes down to hands-off peace of mind versus physical interface simplicity. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX eliminates unnecessary trips outside through smartphone pairing, while the Pit Boss 700 FB2 keeps all electronics localized to a straightforward dial interface with two integrated meat probe ports to track internal meat progress.
Edge: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX because its Gen 3 WiFi PID controller and smartphone app deliver superior remote management and automated temperature stabilization.
High-Heat Searing and Flame Broiling
When deciding between the Pit Boss 700 FB2 or Camp Chef SmokePro DLX for searing, the mechanical design of the heat deflector dictates the outcome. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 flame broiler utilizes a patented sliding steel shield operated by an external lever. When engaged, this mechanism slides open the solid heat baffle to expose foods directly to the roaring wood firepot beneath, achieving direct-flame radiant temperatures up to 1,000°F. This makes cooking reverse-seared ribeyes, burgers, and pork chops straightforward on a pellet platform.
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX approaches high-heat cooking through indirect convection heat, using a 25,000 BTU burner assembly to drive internal chamber temperatures up to a maximum of 500°F. The listing does not specify any open-flame diffuser slider or direct fire access. Instead, high-heat cooking on the SmokePro DLX relies on standard convective airflow across the grates, which cooks evenly but lacks the localized radiant heat needed to produce immediate charred crusts.
If your outdoor cooking routine requires switching quickly between low barbecue smoking and steakhouse searing, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 offers genuine 8-in-1 versatility that includes char-grilling and open-flame searing. On the Camp Chef, getting an intense sear would require supplementary cast iron cookware or aftermarket cooking surfaces placed over the convective airflow.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series due to its Flame Broiler Lever that delivers direct 1,000°F open-flame heat over the firepot.
Smoke Control and Low-and-Slow Smoking Performance
Evaluating the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX vs Pit Boss 700 FB2 for smoking highlights two opposing design philosophies regarding combustion and wood flavor generation. The SmokePro DLX features Camp Chef’s Smart Smoke Technology, giving you a selectable Smoke Number ranging from 1 to 10. Adjusting this smoke setting deliberately modifies the pellet burn cycle to smolder extra wood at lower temperatures, letting you dictate whether a delicate fish fillet gets a whisper of smoke or a pork butt gets intense smoke ring penetration. It also drops down to a 160°F minimum baseline for true low-temperature smoking.
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 runs its lowest baseline temperature at 180°F, driven by an automated auger feed calibrated to maintain steady thermal consistency. While it does not include an arbitrary smoke intensity dial, it compensates for marathon cooks with a massive 21-pound pellet hopper capacity. This generous reservoir accommodates entire standard 20-pound bags of wood pellets in a single dump, ensuring enough fuel runs uninterrupted for overnight cooks without refueling. Those considering alternatives often research the camp chef woodwind 24 vs smokepro dlx to weigh similar hopper and smoke features.
The SmokePro DLX grants precise control over flavor intensity through digital smolder cycles, whereas the Pit Boss 700 FB2 relies on fuel reserve volume and mechanical endurance. The 20°F lower floor on the Camp Chef is valuable for delicate curing and jerky production, though the Pit Boss 700 FB2 maintains rock-solid thermal mass across standard 225°F smoking routines.
Edge: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX due to its low 160°F starting range and adjustable Smoke Number settings from 1 to 10.
Cooking Space and Capacity
Grill real estate dictates how easily you can entertain gatherings or batch-cook weekly meals. Any Pit Boss 700 FB2 review will emphasize the generous Pit Boss 700 FB2 cooking space, which supplies 747 square inches distributed across two tiers of porcelain-coated steel cooking racks. This layout provides ample primary deck clearance for expansive briskets while allowing secondary racks to hold rows of ribs, vegetables, or appetizer trays simultaneously.
Regarding the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX, the manufacturer listing does not specify the exact square inches of total cooking space or grate tier configurations for this specific Gen 3 revision. While built on a standard freestanding barrel chassis, buyers seeking verified cooking capacity numbers may find this absence problematic when planning massive cookouts. If expansive grates are critical, buyers often compare the pit boss 700 fb2 series vs recteq patio legend 600 to check exact grate footprints.
Having confirmed physical rack dimensions gives the Pit Boss a practical edge. The porcelain coating on the dual steel racks aids cleanup and resists rust, while the bi-level spatial arrangement allows for natural heat distribution where you can smoke ribs up top while char-grilling sides along the bottom deck.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series thanks to its verified 747 square inches of dual-tier cooking surface.
Cleanup and Ash Maintenance
Wood pellets inevitably produce ash, and how a grill manages that residue determines whether routine cleanup is painless or messy. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX ash cleanout system solves one of the biggest complaints in pellet grilling. Equipped with the patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout mechanism, a simple pull of an external knob drops residual ash from the internal firepot directly into a removable underneath cup. You simply dump the cup into the trash without taking apart the cooking chamber or hauling out a shop vacuum.
Maintenance on the Pit Boss 700 FB2 follows traditional pellet grill procedures. Because it lacks an external cleanout trapdoor, accessing the firepot requires removing the porcelain-coated steel cooking grates, lifting off the heavy multi-piece flame broiler slider, and vacuuming the accumulated wood ash from the bottom of the drum. While this process is manageable, doing it after every few cooks adds repetitive physical effort.
Shoppers frequently cross-shop models like the camp chef smokepro dlx vs recteq patio legend 600 specifically to evaluate firepot access. The external cleanout cup on the DLX encourages frequent clearing of the burn pot, preventing improper airflow and failed ignitions that occur when ash accumulates over time.
Edge: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX due to its patented external pull-knob ash drop system that eliminates the need to tear down the interior grates.
Build Materials, Weight, and Storage
Physical longevity and patio footprint play critical roles in long-term owner satisfaction. The Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series is constructed from heavy-duty alloy steel, tipping the scale at a sturdy 119.1 pounds. Measuring 26.8 inches deep by 43.7 inches wide and 47 inches high, it features a solid bottom shelf integrated between the legs, offering practical utility for holding spare wood pellet bags or cast-iron pans. Pit Boss backs this rugged frame with an extensive 5-year warranty.
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX lists a specific material composition of 70% stainless steel, 25% steel, 4% electronics, and 1% rubber for its outer and inner assemblies. The extensive incorporation of stainless steel offers built-in resistance against moisture and humidity on outdoor patios. However, the listing does not specify a lower storage shelf, total weight, or specific warranty period. Those researching long-term durability in this category frequently explore the camp chef smokepro dlx vs z grills 700d6 to see how structural components stack up across brands.
The Pit Boss offers exceptional physical stability and confirmed under-barrel storage utility along with a five-year factory backing. Meanwhile, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX brings corrosion-resistant stainless steel across 70% of its construction, which benefits coastal or high-humidity backyards.
Edge: Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series for its confirmed 5-year warranty, integrated bottom storage shelf, and heavy alloy steel frame.
Pros and Cons
Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series
Pros
- 1,000°F direct flame broiler lever
- 747 square inches over two tiers
- Generous 21-pound pellet hopper capacity
- Five-year manufacturer warranty backing
- Solid bottom shelf storage
Cons
- No wireless or mobile app control
- Requires vacuum to clean firepot
- Heavier alloy steel footprint
View Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series on Amazon
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX
Pros
- Gen 3 WiFi PID app control
- Patented pull-knob ash cleanout system
- Ten adjustable smoke number settings
- Low 160°F smoking starting temperature
- High 70% stainless steel build
Cons
- Cooking surface area not specified
- No direct flame searing mechanism
- Hopper capacity not listed
View Camp Chef SmokePro DLX on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series If
- You want direct 1,000°F open-flame searing for steaks and burgers using an external lever control.
- You need confirmed capacity of 747 square inches over two tiers to feed large groups.
- You prefer a long-haul 21-pound hopper that swallows a whole pellet bag for overnight briskets.
- You value a 5-year manufacturer warranty and a solid bottom shelf for accessories.
Choose the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX If
- You demand mobile app connectivity and PID precision to monitor cooking temperatures remotely.
- You hate cleaning internal firepots and want an external pull-knob ash dump system.
- You want granular smoke intensity management using Smart Smoke settings from 1 to 10.
- You cook delicate meats like fish or jerky that benefit from a low 160°F smoking floor.
Final Verdict
When assessing whether the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX vs Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series gives you the better outdoor cooking experience, your choice hinges on cooking technique versus operational convenience. For most backyard cooks who want one single cooker to handle every meal, the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series is the more well-rounded machine. Its 747 square inches of porcelain-coated steel grates, massive 21-pound hopper, and sliding Flame Broiler that hits 1,000°F direct flame provide true 8-in-1 versatility that pellet grills traditionally struggle to deliver.
Conversely, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX is clearly the superior option if you prioritize low-maintenance smoking and digital conveniences. Its Gen 3 WiFi controller eliminates the stress of hovering over the patio, the Smoke Number algorithm gives you fine-tuned control over bark and flavor, and the Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system removes the most tedious chore in pellet grilling. If you already own a dedicated searing grill and want an effortless dedicated smoker, the SmokePro DLX justifies every bit of attention.
FAQ
Is Camp Chef SmokePro DLX worth it over standard non-WiFi pellet grills
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX provides substantial modern value by combining a Gen 3 WiFi PID controller with its patented ash drop system. Being able to regulate heat, alter smoke production levels from your phone, and dump the firepot with a pull knob eliminates the two biggest headaches of pellet grilling: manual temperature surveillance and constant vacuum cleaning.
How hot can the Pit Boss 700 FB2 flame broiler get for searing
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 features a sliding heat shield operated by an external lever that uncovers the firepot. When opened for direct flame exposure, radiant heat reaches up to 1,000°F directly at the grate level, while indirect convection cooking maxes out at 500°F when the flame broiler plate is closed.
Can you connect the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series to a mobile phone app
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 listing does not specify any WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. The unit features a digital control board with an LCD display and dial selector configured for 5°F increment manual adjustments, along with two meat probe ports for on-grill temperature monitoring.
How does the Camp Chef Smoke Number setting work on the DLX
The Smart Smoke Technology on the Camp Chef DLX allows you to select a Smoke Number from 1 to 10. Lower numbers burn hotter and cleaner for steady heat, while higher numbers deliberately increase wood pellet smoldering to infuse heavier wood smoke flavor into the meat without requiring wood chips or external smoke tubes.
How do you clean ash out of the Pit Boss 700 FB2 compared to the Camp Chef DLX
Cleaning the Pit Boss 700 FB2 requires you to lift out the porcelain-coated cooking grates and remove the alloy steel flame broiler plates to access the bottom firepot with a utility vacuum. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX features an external Ash Kickin’ Cleanout pull knob that drops spent ash directly into an underneath cup for fast disposal.
What size pellet hopper does the Pit Boss 700 FB2 Series have
The Pit Boss 700 FB2 includes a 21-pound capacity wood pellet hopper. This allows you to empty a standard 20-pound commercial pellet bag completely into the bin with room to spare, supporting long, low-and-slow cooks without frequent fuel replenishment.
