Camp Chef Sidekick Sear Review – Searing Power for Pellet Grills
Introduction
Tired of pellet grill limitations? Many pellet smokers excel at low-and-slow cooking, producing incredible smoky flavor, but often fall short when it comes to achieving a perfect sear. Flare-ups are common, and achieving restaurant-quality crusts can feel like an elusive dream. The Camp Chef Sidekick Sear tackles this problem head-on, bringing the power of a high-heat sear to your existing pellet grill setup. It’s the solution for backyard cooks who demand versatility and a serious upgrade to their outdoor cooking repertoire.
Overview
The Camp Chef Sidekick Sear is a propane-powered sear box accessory designed to work seamlessly with most Camp Chef pellet grills (and many others with a 14” cooking system). It’s not a grill replacement, but rather a powerful addition that expands your cooking capabilities. This compact, stainless steel unit adds a searing burner and a dedicated grilling surface, effectively transforming your pellet grill into a dual-purpose cooking powerhouse. The Sidekick Sear is perfect for the pellet grill enthusiast who wants to elevate their grilling game and produce consistent, high-quality results without investing in separate equipment. It’s designed for those who appreciate convenience, versatility, and a truly customizable cooking experience.
Features
Propane Powered Convenience: Utilizing propane power means you don’t have to worry about fluctuating pellet temperatures or adjusting airflow to achieve searing heat. The readily available propane fuel source allows for precise and immediate control over the searing process.
High-Heat Searing Burner: This isn’t your average grill burner. The Sidekick Sear boasts a single, powerful propane burner that delivers intense heat—perfect for achieving a rapid, even sear on steaks, chicken, or vegetables. The focused heat ensures quick caramelization without drying out the food, resulting in a delectable crust and juicy interior.
Effortless Compatibility & Attachment: Designed for ease of use, the Sidekick Sear quickly and securely attaches to most Camp Chef pellet grills. Its universal design also ensures compatibility with many other 14” pellet grill models, making it a truly versatile addition to your outdoor cooking setup.
Integrated BBQ Box: The included BBQ box isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s crucial for the searing process. It houses the burner and provides a dedicated grilling surface, acting as a heat shield and concentrating the intense heat for optimal searing. This design maximizes the effectiveness of the sear, allowing you to achieve a far superior crust compared to directly grilling on your pellet grill grates.
Benefits
Expand Your Pellet Grill’s Versatility: Transform your existing pellet grill into a true all-in-one cooking system. The Sidekick Sear unlocks a whole range of new cooking possibilities, from searing steaks to grilling vegetables with that smoky pellet flavor.
Unlock Searing Perfection: Say goodbye to uneven searing and hello to restaurant-quality crusts. The Sidekick Sear delivers consistent, rapid searing every time, adding a whole new dimension to your grilling abilities.
Effortless Cleanup: The stainless steel construction is not only durable but also easy to clean. A quick wipe-down after each use is all it takes to keep the Sidekick Sear looking and performing its best.
Save Space & Simplify Your Setup: Rather than cluttering your patio with separate grills, the Sidekick Sear offers a compact and convenient solution. It seamlessly integrates with your existing pellet grill, minimizing space and streamlining your outdoor cooking setup.
Combine Smoke and Sear: Master the art of the reverse sear—smoke your meat low and slow for incredible flavor, then quickly sear it for a perfect crust. The Sidekick Sear simplifies this technique, ensuring a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Usages
Impress at Your Next BBQ: Show off your grilling skills by effortlessly producing perfectly seared steaks and other dishes that will wow your guests.
Crispy Grilled Vegetables: Elevate your vegetable game with a quick sear on the Sidekick Sear. Asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini will develop a delicious char and enhanced flavor.
Fast Weeknight Chicken Dinners: Skip the oven and quickly grill chicken breasts or thighs to juicy perfection, finishing with a sear for a crispy skin.
Perfect Reverse Sear Steaks: Smoke your favorite cuts—ribeyes, New York strips, or tenderloins—to a perfect internal temperature, then finish with a quick sear on the Sidekick Sear for an irresistible crust.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-heat searing capability
- Seamless integration with Camp Chef pellet grills
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Compact and space-saving design
- Versatile cooking options
Cons
- Requires a propane tank (sold separately)
- Primarily a searing accessory—not a replacement for a grill
- Limited cooking area compared to a full-sized grill
- Compatibility can be an issue with grills outside of the Camp Chef ecosystem
FAQs
Can I use this to smoke food?: The Sidekick Sear is primarily a searing accessory. It’s designed to be used in conjunction with a pellet grill for smoking and then quickly searing your food for a perfect finish.
How easy is it to clean?: The stainless steel construction makes cleaning a breeze. A simple wipe-down with soap and water after each use will keep it in excellent condition.
Is the Sidekick Sear compatible with all pellet grills?: It’s specifically designed for most Camp Chef pellet grills and other models with a 14” cooking system. Check your grill’s dimensions to ensure compatibility.
What fuel source does the Sidekick Sear use?: The Sidekick Sear uses propane. A standard 16.4oz propane cylinder is recommended (sold separately).
What is the cooking area of the Sidekick Sear?: The Sidekick Sear features a 14” grilling surface, providing ample space for searing multiple items at once.
Product Specifications
| temperatureRange | Up to 600°F (Searing) |
| grateMaterial | Stainless Steel |
| wheelsMobility | N/A |
| cookingArea | 14 inches |
| ignitionSystem | Propane Burner |
| materialType | Stainless Steel |
| weight | 42.4 pounds |
| BTUs | N/A (Propane Burner) |
| fuelType | Propane |
| includedAccessories | BBQ Box, Propane Regulator |
| warranty | 1 Year |
| hopperCapacity | N/A |
| dimensions | 22.1 x 19.3 x 20.1 inches |
Ratings
| easeOfUse | 4.7 |
| searingPerformance | 4.8 |
| durability | 4.5 |
| valueForMoney | 4.3 |
| overall | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Camp Chef Sidekick Sear is a must-have accessory for any pellet grill enthusiast looking to expand their culinary horizons. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ champion or a weekend grilling aficionado, this searing powerhouse will elevate your outdoor cooking game. Its seamless integration with Camp Chef grills and its impressive searing capabilities make it a clear winner.
If you’ve ever felt limited by the searing capabilities of your pellet grill, the Sidekick Sear is the perfect solution. It’s a smarter and more convenient alternative to investing in a separate searing grill, offering exceptional versatility and performance. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your outdoor cooking routine.
Conclusion
The Camp Chef Sidekick Sear isn’t just an accessory; it’s a game-changer for pellet grill owners. It delivers powerful searing capabilities, expands your cooking versatility, and simplifies your outdoor cooking setup. While it requires a propane tank and is primarily a searing accessory, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re serious about your pellet grill game, the Sidekick Sear is an investment you won’t regret.
