{"id":2029209,"date":"2024-09-04T08:35:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T13:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=2029209"},"modified":"2025-02-06T10:29:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T16:29:37","slug":"best-traeger-grills","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-traeger-grills\/","title":{"rendered":"We Tested 4 of the Best Traeger Grills\u2014Here Are Our Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"Traeger Ironwood XL\" pros=\"Very roomy\" pros1=\"Useful app features\" pros2=\"Locking wheels\" pros3=\"Generous work surface\" pros4=\"Quick pellet switching\" pros5=\"Courtesy lighting\" pros6=\"Intuitive touchscreen controls\" cons=\"May be too large for some\" cons1=\"No disposable liner pan\" image=\"2038328\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Ace Hardware\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/xk0kyy\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Ironwood-Pellet-Smoker-Connectivity\/dp\/B0B9ZZ2BGW?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/JKb4r7\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/2aQe7z\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nLooking for the overall best Traeger grill for smoking, searing and serving a crowd? After testing the Traeger Ironwood XL<\/a> for over a year, Prep Kitchen Manager and grilling expert Catherine Ward<\/a> calls this pellet grill the best for a serious smoker. It boasts a behemoth 924-square-inch cooking area and two tiers of porcelain grates, offering enough room for flank steaks, fish or a bevy of burgers. In addition, a touchscreen control center makes this pick user-friendly for pellet grill newbies.\r\n\r\nTwo included probes read the temperature of onboard meats, eliminating the need for separate meat thermometers<\/a>. That saves room on the generous side table for hot dog dressings or your favorite Traeger accessories<\/a>. This Traeger also has some of the most comprehensive WiFi and app features of the bunch. It offers a pellet level gauge, temperature control and a timer. Cooks can also shut the grill down via the app or employ special cooking modes like \"Super Smoke\" and \"Keep Warm.\"\r\n\r\nFour locking wheels make moving the grill around the yard a no-sweat procedure. It also comes with courtesy lights for late-night cooks. That said, the XL doesn't include disposable drip pan liners, making cleanup a bit of a chore. This machine also emits a lot of smoke at times, but it\u2019s a rockstar with consistent, even heat. This helped it fare well in our pork chop and corn tests, where it imparted a light smoky flavor.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nLike other Traegers, this one requires assembly and some seasoning before it's ready to start smoking. Assembly takes quite a few hours since there are a lot of little parts. However, we found the instructions were pretty straightforward. Overall, the lengthy assembly is well worth it, especially given the smoky, pleasantly charred chicken it gave us in around an hour and a half of hands-off cooking. This pick was also one of the top performers in our pork shoulder test, providing us with a moist roast boasting the coveted red smoke ring.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nIn our Traeger Ironwood XL review<\/a>, Catherine notes that whether you're a newbie barbecuer or a seasoned pit boss, this model offers the best bang for your buck. \"If you\u2019re serious about smoking, don\u2019t be put off by the imposing footprint. The Ironwood XL creates shockingly little mess, so it can go on a patio, deck or even grass,\" she says after testing it for a year. Catherine is pretty impressed that it still looks this good after a year of solid use.\r\n\r\n\"If you want this stunner, you\u2019ll find the space for it! As for those just starting out with this smoky pastime, the Traeger XL is great for you, too, albeit a splurge. It\u2019s intuitive and multi-functional, and it doesn\u2019t require what I like to call 'babysitting.'\"\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain\u00a0| Weight:<\/strong> 199 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 924 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Accessory shelving; locking wheels; courtesy lighting\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 10-year limited warranty\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Beginners\" product_name=\"Traeger Tailgater\" pros=\"Portable design\" pros1=\"Fold-down legs\" pros2=\"Good size for moving, travel and storage\" pros3=\"Assembly isn't too complicated\" cons=\"Small hopper\" cons1=\"Not as stable as some grills\" cons2=\"No pellet chute\" image=\"2038330\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"BBQ Guys\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/MAnyK3\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Pellet-Grills-TFB30KLF-Tailgater\/dp\/B082N6BV3X?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"Walmart\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTraeger-Pellet-Grills-Tailgater-20-Wood-Pellet-Grill-and-Smoker-Black%2F689642658\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/e1rvX6\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe Traeger Tailgater<\/a> impressed as the best Traeger grill for newbies and travelers. Temperatures range from a low and slow smoke setting up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit\u2014perfect for searing. Despite its small 62-pound stature, it provides plenty of space for pork shoulders and chops. It also imparts the perfect amount of caramelization to chicken breasts and a nice smoky finish to fish.\r\n\r\nIt's on the small side\u2014boasting only 300 square inches of grilling surface\u2014so it's easy to build, pack up and put away. Because of this, it's our top pick for beginners, travelers and tailgaters. The legs even fold up for more compact storage. Thanks to this portable design, it costs substantially less than its pricier cousins, leaving more room in the budget for grilling accessories<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nAs you'll read in our Traeger Tailgater review,<\/a> the lower price point is especially apparent in its overall construction. Out of all the Traeger grill models we tested, this is the flimsiest. It feels less stable overall, though we didn't have any issues with pieces falling off or denting. Additionally, the smaller hopper means more refills during the cooking process. There's also no pellet chute, so it's impossible to switch pellet flavors until the hopper is empty.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"The small footprint is the perfect size for my husband and I (with space for us to cook for a few friends, too) and doesn\u2019t take up an insane amount of space on our patio. I grilled apples in a cast-iron skillet to serve with shortcake and vanilla ice cream this fall. Yum! You could really taste the smoky flavor without it being overwhelming.\" name=\"Katie Bandurski\" title=\"long-term tester, senior Shopping Editor\" \/]\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nWhat it lacks in quality, this Traeger grill makes up for in its overall convenience. It still comes with the standard temperature probe present on most models, though it doesn't offer WiFi connectivity. However, we find that's just fine for grill newbies who are just dipping their toes into Traegers. The interface is also a bit less intuitive, but that's on par for a budget grill. Just expect to learn a few control button combinations to correctly program your machine prior to grilling.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain | Weight:<\/strong> 62 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong>\u00a0 300 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>No | Special Features:<\/strong> \"Keep Warm\" mode; temperature probe\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 3-year limited warranty\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Budget\" product_name=\"Traeger Pro 575\" pros=\"Budget friendly\" pros1=\"Cleans up easily\" pros2=\"Drip bucket with disposable liners\" pros3=\"Smokestack-style chimney\" pros4=\"Keeps meat moist\" cons=\"Weak sear\" cons1=\"Small, hard-to-read screen\" cons2=\"Only one set of wheels\" image=\"2038335\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Amazon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Grills-TFB57GLEO-Grill-Smoker\/dp\/B07SJW67X2?tag=tohmke-20\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/5gWkPb\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"Home Depot\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FTraeger-Pro-575-Wi-Fi-Pellet-Grill-and-Smoker-in-Black-with-Cover-HD0038%2F325810858\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Home Depot\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/aOxRoN\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe wallet-friendly Traeger Pro 575<\/a> is the perfect option for the budget buyer. At only a fraction of the price of Traeger's luxe models, this less expensive option is anything but watered down. A handsome exhaust pipe peeks out of the top, adding a bit of interest to this otherwise stately option.\r\n\r\nWhile it doesn't have the fancy touchscreen found on the Ironwood XL, there is an easy-to-follow (yet slightly small) LED screen. This comes coupled with a dial for switching modes and temperatures. \"Keep Warm\" and \"Super Smoke\" modes offer greater flexibility for a variety of foods. An included meat probe comes with some familiar WiFi features, including remote temperature controls. Plus, the generous 572-square-inch cooking area is spacious enough for most home cooks.\r\n\r\nWhile it imparts a pretty weak sear, that's pretty on-brand for pellet grills in general. You won't get a charbroiled finish on your pork chops, but you can expect a nice, moist chicken breast with a red and smoky exterior. Additionally, the lower temperatures lend themselves well to fish since they don't draw out as much albumin. Now is the time to perfect your salt block grilling<\/a> game.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nIn addition to chicken and fish, this pick also performed very well with our pork shoulder, producing a sweet and moist roast with a beautiful bark and interior smoke ring. A disposable drip tray with liners makes it easy to clean up afterward. Just keep an eye on the liners, as the heat can cause some warping and spillage.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nOur Traeger Pro 575 review<\/a> notes that is's also a little lighter than its pricier counterparts. That said, it still weighs a whopping 124 pounds. Two built-in wheels help it move around, but we wish there were another set for easier mobility. At a significantly lower price point than the larger, more complex grills, it's still a great deal.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200ePorcelain | Weight:<\/strong> 124 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong> 572 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> LED screen; smokestack chimney \u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 3-year limited warranty\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Splurge\" product_name=\"Traeger Timberline\" pros=\"Easy-to-use interface\" pros1=\"Large grilling area\" pros2=\"Adjustable grates\" pros3=\"Attractive kitchen-ready design\" pros4=\"Induction burner on the side\" pros5=\"Removable cutting board\" cons=\"Not the best at searing\" cons1=\"Pricey\" cons2=\"Lengthy, 20-minute shut down cycle\" image=\"2038337\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Ace \" pr_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/raz4Pj\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/4G5oaM\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Ftraeger-timberline%2F\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/traeger.uym8.net\/o4XRKo\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nFor serious grillers and pit bosses, the Traeger Timberline<\/a> is a wow-worthy upgrade. The attractive, kitchen-ready design (including wooden shelves and a magnetic cutting board) is only the tip of the iceberg. This luxe option also boasts a large 880-square-inch cooking area, adjustable grates and an induction burner on the side for glazes and side dishes.\r\n\r\n\"The Timberline looks and functions like a mini outdoor kitchen,\" says tester Sheri Kaz. \"The soft-close cabinet doors provide storage space, and the induction burner is a nice feature for creative cooks who want to keep the party outdoors.\" In addition to the grilling features, it also offers accessory hooks, courtesy lights, towel racks and a side basket accessory shelf. It even comes with a plastic cupholder for the chef's favorite brews.\r\n\r\nApart from its external upgrades, the Timberline's features go even deeper. The touchscreen control panel is simple and user friendly. Each setting has its own sub-menu that makes things feel more intuitive. As you boost the temperature, the screen automatically switches from \"Smoking\" to \"Grilling\" to \"Searing,\" which is something Catherine loves about this model.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nInside the cabinet are the combined grease pail and ashtray, which are hidden away from curious pups and kids. A pellet lever lets you quickly clear out any unused pellets after cooking or while changing the pellet flavor.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of flavor, that's exactly what the Traeger Timberline<\/a> brings to the table. The grill produced near-perfect chicken that had lots of bark and a juicy interior, with a light mahogany top and mild smoky flavor. Similarly, the pork chops received a little color along the edges, and the pork shoulder offered beautiful, complex flavors and a nice color. However, we would have loved to see a better sear on our chops.\r\n\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThat said, there are a few things we didn't like. Namely, cleanup. The cleaning experience was on par with the Ironwood\u2014gross. It involves lots of spraying, scrubbing and wiping with paper towels to eliminate all the grease. The chamber itself was filled with grease, so expect to spend more time with a grill brush<\/a> and a bottle of Dawn Powerwash<\/a> than you'd expect.\r\n\r\nOverall, we found this to be the best Traeger grill for someone who wants to fully experience everything the brand has to offer. Between the user interface, performance and gorgeous look, this is truly a luxe option for the dedicated barbecue fanatic.\r\n\r\nGrate materials:<\/strong> \u200eStainless steel\u00a0| Weight:<\/strong> 238 pounds | Cooking area:<\/strong>\u00a0 880 square inches | WiFi\/Bluetooth connectivity?: <\/strong>Yes | Special Features:<\/strong> Touchscreen; two wireless probes; two wired probes; induction cooktop\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0Warranty:<\/strong> 10-year limited warranty\r\n\r\n
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What To Look for When Buying a Traeger Grill<\/h2>\r\n\"Traeger\r\n\r\nThose choosing a new grill<\/a> have undoubtedly heard of gas<\/a> and charcoal grills<\/a>. However, plenty of true pros prefer pellet grills. Boasting barrel-like construction, built-in temperature controls and sometimes even WiFi connectivity, Traeger pellet grills are the perfect bridge between the convenience of gas and the flexibility of charcoal. (For full comparisons, read up on pellet vs. gas<\/a>\u00a0and pellet vs. charcoal<\/a> distinctions.)\r\n\r\nSearching for the best Traeger grill involves many of the same considerations as shopping for the best pellet grill. Unlike gas or charcoal grills<\/a>, pellet grills are set-it-and-forget-it grills. Aside from flipping the food, they don't require much maintenance during cooking. Onboard controls keep temperatures consistent, and the use of wood pellets imparts a woody, smoky flavor. Therefore, the best Traeger grill for you mostly depends on your space and existing know-how.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"Pellet grills are incredibly versatile, allowing you to braise, smoke, grill or bake food. They can be set at a specific temperature to ensure cooking is consistent and efficient, and with no open flame or direct heat, you don\u2019t have to worry about flare-ups charring your food.\" name=\"David Rose\" title=\"Omaha Steaks Executive Chef\" \/]\r\n\r\nIf you're new to grilling, we recommend choosing an option with intuitive controls and fewer features. This helps avoid overcomplicating your cooks. Similarly, those in smaller spaces should opt for a Traeger grill with a smaller footprint. While the behemoth Ironwood XL may be appealing, it simply won't fit into compact areas like apartment balconies.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, consider your WiFi connection. While testing, we ran into some issues operating our grills' app outside. We recommend only splurging on WiFi-friendly grills for that feature if your internet allows it.\r\n\r\n\"While you can\u2019t go wrong with a Traeger, I found some more appealing than others,\" says Catherine. \"All tested produced moist proteins\u2014the Pro 575 and Timberline had the best moist factor with smoked salmon. The Tailgater is great for portability, but the collapsible legs make it a little unsteady on its feet when grilling and smoking. So, use care when turning bigger pieces of meat.\"\r\n\r\n\"If style is your thing, the Timberline will turn heads while still bringing home the bacon with performance. But I\u2019m a go-big-or-go-home gal. If I\u2019m taking the time to smoke, and it does take time, I\u2019m going to make enough to feed a crowd or to fill the freezer. So my overall Traeger pick is the Ironwood XL for capacity and performance,\" she says.\r\n\r\nWhile Traeger grills differ in setup and size, Traeger is a well-loved brand with an excellent reputation. No matter which model you choose, rest assured you'll be pleased with the quality of your barbecue.\r\n

How We Found the Best Traeger Grills<\/h2>\r\nOur Product Testing Team first looked at bestsellers with excellent reviews. Primary testers include Dylan Fischer<\/a>, Sheri Kaz<\/a> and Prep Kitchen Manager Catherine Ward<\/a>. We used Pit Boss Apple Blend pellets<\/a> for all these tests.\r\n\r\nDue to internet limitations, these grills were connected to Wifi and paired indoors<\/em><\/span>, so the grills were not ignited or running during connection. Unfortunately, that means we could not use most of the features. Throughout this test, we smoked 115 pounds of pork shoulder, plus chicken breasts, salmon, corn and pork chops. All in all, our testers:\r\n