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Traeger is an American company that manufactures wood pellet grills. They were founded in 1985 by Joe Traeger in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Traeger grills are now the world’s #1 selling wood-fired grill.

Traeger grills use real wood pellets to create a smoky, flavorful crust on food. This is a major difference from gas and charcoal grills, which can’t produce the same level of wood-fired flavor. Traeger grills can also be used to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. This makes them a very versatile cooking tool.

Traeger grills are easy to use. They have digital controls that make it easy to set the temperature and forget about it, while the grill does the work. Traeger grills are also relatively easy to clean. The grease and ash collect in a drip tray that can be easily removed and emptied.

Traeger grills are made from high-quality materials and are built to last. They come with a warranty of up to 5 years.

Traeger grills are a popular choice for outdoor cooks because they offer great flavor, versatility, ease of use, cleanliness, and durability. If you’re looking for a grill that can do it all, then a Traeger grill is a great option.

Understanding the Traeger grill lineup

Shopping for a Traeger grill can be overwhelming due to the extensive range of models and versions available. Currently, Traeger offers four primary models of pellet grills, each with distinct features and capabilities:

• The Traeger Pro Series: This is a popular mid-range option that now includes Wi-Fi connectivity to the Traeger app.
• The Traeger Ironwood Series: Positioned as a step up from the Pro series, it offers slightly larger sizes and incorporates innovative features such as DownDraft Exhaust and TRU convection to enhance cook times. Additionally, it includes Super Smoke mode for increased smoke production at the push of a button, and it features a built-in pellet sensor.
• The Traeger Timberline Series: The 2022 update introduces two sizes, including a massive 1320 square inches cooking surface. It comes with a new cart, a touchscreen interface, and a built-in induction cooktop, providing advanced functionality.
• The Traeger Tailgater: As the name suggests, this model is portable, offering 300 square inches of cooking space. While it has fewer tech features, it’s designed for convenient on-the-go use.

Since 2019, the number in the product name corresponds to the cooking surface area. For instance, the Pro 780 has 780 square inches of cooking surface.

To assist you in choosing the best Traeger grill for your needs, we’ve conducted reviews on our top model picks. Additionally, we offer a comparison tool that proves highly useful for comparing the various Traeger models and their features. This tool can aid in finding the grill that aligns with your preferences.

Best Traeger Grill Review

Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill

The Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, mid-range wood pellet grill. It has a cooking surface of 575 square inches, which is large enough to cook for a crowd. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use and versatile, such as a PID controller, a smoke setting, and a WiFire controller.

Here are some of the features of the Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill:

• Cooking Area: The Pro 575 offers a generous cooking area, typically around 575 square inches, which is suitable for grilling, smoking, roasting, and even baking. This size allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously.
• Digital Pro Controller: The Pro 575 comes equipped with Traeger’s Digital Pro Controller. This digital temperature control system allows you to set your desired cooking temperature with precision and maintain it throughout the cooking process. This feature helps achieve consistent results and takes the guesswork out of cooking.
• 6-in-1 versatility: The Traeger Pro 575 can be used to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. This makes it a very versatile cooking tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
• WiFIRE Technology: One of the standout features of the Pro 575 is its WiFIRE technology. This allows you to control and monitor your grill remotely using a smartphone app. You can adjust the temperature, check the cooking progress, and receive notifications right from your phone.
• Wood Pellet Auger: The grill uses a wood pellet auger to automatically feed the hardwood pellets into the firepot. This ensures a steady and consistent supply of fuel, maintaining the desired temperature and giving your food that delicious wood-fired flavor.
• Versatility: As with other Traeger grills, the Pro 575 is versatile and can be used for various cooking techniques. You can sear steaks, smoke ribs, roast a turkey, bake a pizza, and more, all with the distinct wood-fired taste.
• D2 Direct Drive: The Pro 575 might feature Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive technology, which provides faster startup, better smoke production, and improved temperature control.
• Construction: Traeger grills are typically built to be durable, with a sturdy construction designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
• Accessories: Traeger offers a range of accessories that can enhance your grilling experience, such as grill covers, shelves, additional racks, and more.

Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill

The Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill is a high-end wood pellet grill that is known for its precision temperature control, smoke flavor, and large cooking surface. It has a cooking surface of 672 square inches, which is large enough to cook for a crowd. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use and versatile, such as a PID controller, a smoke setting, and a WiFire controller.

Here are some key features and details about the Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill:

• Cooking Area: The Ironwood Series offers a range of cooking areas, typically starting from around 650 square inches and going up depending on the specific model. This ample space allows you to grill, smoke, roast, bake, and more, accommodating various food items simultaneously.
• 7-in-1 versatility: The Traeger Ironwood can be used to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, and sear. This makes it a very versatile cooking tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
• WiFIRE Technology: Similar to the Pro Series, the Ironwood Series grills feature Traeger’s WiFIRE technology. This advanced feature allows you to control the grill remotely using a smartphone app. You can adjust the temperature, monitor the cooking process, and receive notifications on your phone.
• D2 Direct Drive: The Ironwood grills might come equipped with Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive system, which provides improved temperature control, faster startup, and more consistent smoke production.
• Super Smoke Mode: The Ironwood Series often includes a “Super Smoke” mode, which intensifies the amount of smoke produced, allowing you to infuse your food with a deeper smoky flavor during specific phases of the cooking process.
• Digital Controller: The grills come with a digital controller that lets you set your desired cooking temperature precisely. This helps maintain consistent heat levels and ensures your food is cooked to perfection.
• Pellet Sensor: Some Ironwood models may feature a pellet sensor, which notifies you when your pellet supply is running low, helping you avoid interruptions during longer cooking sessions.
• Versatility: Like other Traeger grills, the Ironwood Series is versatile and can handle various cooking methods, from low and slow smoking to high-temperature grilling. The hardwood pellets used in these grills infuse a rich smoky flavor into your food.
• Accessories: Traeger offers a range of accessories compatible with the Ironwood Series, such as grill covers, additional racks, shelves, and more.

Traeger Timberline Wood Pellet Grill

The Traeger Timberline Wood Pellet Grill is the most premium wood pellet grill that Traeger makes. It is known for its precision temperature control, smoke flavor, large cooking surface, and durable construction. It has a cooking surface of 1,300 square inches, which is the largest of any Traeger grill. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use and versatile, such as a PID controller, a smoke setting, a WiFire controller, and a stainless steel construction.

Here are some of the features of the Traeger Timberline Wood Pellet Grill:

• Cooking Area: The Timberline Series offers a spacious cooking area, typically starting from around 850 square inches and going up depending on the specific model. This larger space allows you to cook a substantial amount of food, making it suitable for hosting gatherings or preparing meals for a larger family.
• WiFIRE Technology: Like other advanced Traeger models, the Timberline Series grills come equipped with WiFIRE technology. This allows you to control the grill remotely using a smartphone app. You can adjust the temperature, monitor the cooking process, and receive notifications on your phone.
• D2 Direct Drive: The Timberline grills feature Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive system, which provides better temperature control, faster startup, and more consistent smoke production. This technology contributes to precise cooking results.
• Super Smoke Mode: The Timberline Series often includes a “Super Smoke” mode, which enhances smoke production for a more robust smoky flavor, perfect for infusing that distinctive wood-fired taste into your food.
• Triple-Walled Stainless Steel Construction: Timberline grills are known for their durable and robust construction. The triple-walled stainless steel design helps with heat retention, making the grill efficient and capable of maintaining consistent temperatures.
• Pellet Sensor: Some Timberline models may feature a pellet sensor, which alerts you when the pellet supply is running low. This feature ensures that you’re always aware of the pellet levels during longer cooking sessions.
• Versatility: The Timberline Series is designed to be highly versatile, suitable for various cooking methods. You can grill, smoke, roast, bake, and more, all while enjoying the unique flavors provided by hardwood pellets.
• Accessories: Traeger offers a range of accessories compatible with the Timberline Series, such as grill covers, additional racks, shelves, and more.

Tailgater Portable Pellet Grill

The Traeger Tailgater Portable Pellet Grill is a small, portable wood pellet grill that is perfect for camping, tailgating, or RVing. It has a cooking surface of 22 square inches, which is enough to cook for a small group of people. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use and versatile, such as a PID controller, a smoke setting, and a Keep Warm Mode.

Here are some of the features of the Traeger Tailgater Portable Pellet Grill:

• Cooking Area: The Tailgater offers a cooking area that is typically around 300 to 350 square inches, providing enough space to grill or smoke food for small gatherings or a few people. While it’s smaller than some of the larger Traeger models, it’s still capable of handling a variety of foods.
• Portability: One of the main features of the Tailgater is its portability. It’s designed to be compact and easy to transport, making it ideal for taking with you on outdoor adventures or to events like tailgate parties.
• Digital Controller: The Tailgater typically comes with a digital controller, allowing you to set and maintain the cooking temperature with precision. This feature helps you achieve consistent results whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting.
• Wood Pellet Fuel: Like all Traeger grills, the Tailgater uses hardwood pellets as the fuel source. This imparts a rich and smoky flavor to your food, giving it that distinctive taste associated with wood-fired cooking.
• Versatility: Despite its smaller size, the Tailgater is versatile and can handle a wide range of cooking styles. You can grill burgers, smoke ribs, roast chicken, and even bake desserts, all with the convenience of a portable grill.
• Sturdy Construction: While portable, the Tailgater is built to be durable and sturdy. It’s designed to withstand outdoor conditions and provide reliable performance.
• Accessories: Traeger may offer a selection of accessories that can enhance your Tailgater experience, such as grill covers, portable folding shelves, and more.
• Ease of Use: The Tailgater is often praised for its user-friendly design, making it a suitable option for both experienced grillmasters and those new to pellet grilling.

Where are Traeger grills made?

Traeger grills are currently made in China. Traeger was founded in the United States in 1985, but the company moved its manufacturing to China in 2006 in order to reduce costs. Traeger still has a headquarters in the United States, but all of its grills are now made in China.

There are a few reasons why Traeger moved its manufacturing to China. First, labor costs are much lower in China than in the United States. This allows Traeger to produce its grills at a lower cost, which helps to keep prices down for consumers. Second, China has a large and skilled workforce that is experienced in manufacturing wood pellet grills. This allows Traeger to produce its grills with high quality control standards.

While some people may be disappointed that Traeger grills are no longer made in the United States, it is important to remember that the quality of the grills has not changed. Traeger still uses the same high-quality materials and manufacturing processes in China as it did in the United States. So, if you are looking for a great wood pellet grill, a Traeger is still a great option, even though it is made in China.

Other brands to consider

There are several other reputable brands in the grilling and outdoor cooking industry that you might consider, depending on your specific preferences, needs, and budget. Here are some well-known brands that offer a range of high-quality grills and outdoor cooking equipment:

Weber: Weber is a renowned brand known for its durable and reliable grills. They offer a wide variety of gas, charcoal, and electric grills, as well as accessories.

Big Green Egg: If you’re looking for a versatile ceramic kamado-style grill, the Big Green Egg is a popular choice. It’s known for excellent heat retention and the ability to grill, smoke, bake, and roast.

Napoleon: Napoleon grills are known for their innovative features and high-performance. They offer a range of gas grills, charcoal grills, and outdoor kitchen equipment.

Green Mountain Grills: Green Mountain Grills specializes in wood pellet grills, similar to Traeger. They offer a variety of models with different features, sizes, and temperature control options.

Char-Broil: Char-Broil offers a range of affordable gas, electric, and charcoal grills. They are known for providing good value for the price

REC TEC Grills: REC TEC is another brand that focuses on wood pellet grills. They’re known for their robust build quality and consistent performance.

Broil King: Broil King offers a variety of gas grills, including models with excellent heat distribution and features for versatile cooking.

Masterbuilt: If you’re interested in smokers, Masterbuilt is a brand to consider. They offer electric and propane smokers suitable for home smoking.

When choosing a grill, it’s essential to consider factors like the type of fuel you prefer (gas, charcoal, wood pellets, etc.), the size and cooking area you need, your cooking style (grilling, smoking, etc.), features, and budget. Reading reviews, comparing specifications, and visiting local retailers to see the grills in person can help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.