{"id":2032478,"date":"2024-08-30T12:09:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T17:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=2032478"},"modified":"2025-04-14T06:53:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T11:53:31","slug":"traeger-vs-recteq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/traeger-vs-recteq\/","title":{"rendered":"Traeger vs. Recteq: Who Makes the Better Pellet Grill?"},"content":{"rendered":"Nothing beats pulling apart a juicy pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches or taking a bite out of a smoked chicken drumstick with your favorite barbecue sauce<\/a>. But meat isn't the only thing you can make on a pellet grill. Try smoking enchiladas for even more flavor, browning the fluffiest biscuits or even baking an apple pie. Pellet grills are incredibly versatile, infusing food with wood-fired flavor along the way. It's a taste that gas<\/a> and even charcoal grills<\/a> can't beat. And there are two key brands to consider when you're trying to find the best fit for your needs: Traeger<\/a> and Recteq<\/a>.\r\n\r\nOur Product Testing Team put 11 pellet grills, including options from both brands, to the test. Which came out on top? Here are the main differences between Traeger and Recteq based on insights from firsthand testing.\r\n

Traeger vs. Recteq: At a Glance<\/h2>\r\nTraeger<\/a> and Recteq<\/a> are two of the most popular pellet grill brands on the market. Both have a variety of models and sizes at a range of price points. Recteq currently has 11 pellet grill models in its repertoire, while Traeger offers nine, along with a gas-powered griddle series. The two brands are comparable in performance and price, though Recteq models can reach higher cooking temperatures.\r\n\r\nRecteq is backed by a six-year warranty, while Traeger pellet grills come with a seven- or 10-year warranty, depending on the model.\r\n\r\n\"Both brands make excellent pellet grills and have loyal followings,\" says Wes Wright, Founder and CEO of CookOut News<\/a>. \"When you compare the two, Traeger is almost like Apple or Peloton of the pellet grill space. They also have some of the most loyal fans, called 'The Traegerhood,' of any pellet grill company.\"\r\n

Our Top Picks<\/h2>\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT product_name=\"Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill\" image=\"2036061\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"BBQ Guys\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/nXPPz9\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/recteq-Flagship-Pellet-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Cooking\/dp\/B0CKJ7V9ZX\/?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/e1eej6\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop at Ace Hardware\" \/]\r\n\r\nOut of all the pellet grills we tested, the Recteq Flagship 1100<\/a> earned our top accolade. For starters, it's huge. Over 1,000 square inches of cooking space ensure this bad boy is present at every backyard party.\r\n\r\nThe shelf under the unit is equally roomy and wide, perfect for storing prepped patties and dog dressings. There's even an electric outlet on the back if you want to whip up some grill-side margs. A gigantic hopper fits about 40 pounds of pellets, and two built-in meat probes provide quick temp readings.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT product_name=\"Traeger Pro 575\" image=\"2036063\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"The Home Depot\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/homedepot.sjv.io\/MAQxoJ\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on The Home Depot\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/5gWkPb\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"Walmart\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTraeger-Pro-Series-575-Wood-Pellet-Grill-Black%2F499169582\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_4_name=\"Traeger\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traeger.com%2Fpellet-grills%2Fpro%2F575-bronze\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" \/]\r\n\r\nThe Traeger Pro 575<\/a> is a great choice for buyers on a budget. While it lacks a touchscreen, it features an intuitive LED display and a variety of temperature settings. Features include a meat probe, WiFi connectivity and a 572-square-inch cooking area.\r\n\r\nOur tests on this model delivered delicious results. Cleanup is simple with a disposable drip tray and liners, though we found they can warp and spill with heat exposure. We also wish it had an additional set of wheels for easier mobility, but at $800, this grill offers solid value with a few minor quirks.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT product_name=\"Traeger Ironwood XL\" image=\"2036065\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"The Home Depot\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/homedepot.sjv.io\/9Lnrj3\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on The Home Depot\" retailers_2_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/xk0kyy\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_3_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/JKb4r7\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Ironwood-Pellet-Smoker-Connectivity\/dp\/B0B9ZZ2BGW?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nPrep Kitchen Manager and grilling expert Catherine Ward<\/a> has used the Traeger Ironwood XL<\/a>\u00a0for over a year, and it's our top choice for dedicated smokers. It boasts a spacious cooking area, two tiers of grates and a touchscreen control center. It also comes with two temperature probes. As with other Traegers, assembly is time-consuming, and the grill requires seasoning before use.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT product_name=\"Traeger Timberline\" image=\"2036932\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traeger.com%2Fpellet-grills%2Ftimberline\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" retailers_2_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/4G5oaM\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_name=\"The Home Depot\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/homedepot.sjv.io\/kO9N1d\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on The Home Depot\" retailers_4_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/zxegK0\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" \/]\r\n\r\nFor serious grillers and pitmasters, the Traeger Timberline<\/a> is worth the splurge. Its sleek, kitchen-ready design\u2014with wooden shelves and a magnetic cutting board\u2014is just one smart feature. This premium model also features a spacious 880-square-inch cooking area, adjustable grates and a side induction burner. The touchscreen control panel is both intuitive and user-friendly.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the food results were among the best of all the grills we tested. However, like most of the Traegers, we were disappointed by the lack of searing on the chops. And, like the Ironwood, the cleanup process was also more cumbersome than expected.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT product_name=\"Traeger Tailgater\" image=\"2036088\" image_credit=\"DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Traeger\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traeger.com%2Fpellet-grills%2Fportable%2Ftailgater-black\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Traeger\" 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&amp;xs=1&amp;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=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/MAnyK3\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" \/]\r\n\r\nLast but not least, the Traeger Tailgater<\/a> shows that a small size can still deliver a big flavor. This compact pellet grill reaches up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and weighs just 62 pounds, yet it offers ample cooking space. The foldable legs make it even more portable. At just $480, it's also the most affordable Traeger. However, there are some trade-offs. It\u2019s the least sturdy of the models we tried, and the smaller hopper requires more frequent refills during cooking.\r\n

Traeger vs. Recteq: What's Different?<\/h2>\r\n

Technology<\/h3>\r\n\"Traeger's tech is arguably better than Recteq's both in terms of the tech on the grill itself and execution on their mobile app,\" says Wright, who has used pellet grills from both companies and is very familiar with their product line-ups and what differentiates the brands. \"The Traeger Ironwood and Timberline have some of the nicest color touchscreen controllers in the industry. The Woodridge, one of their newest grills, has some of the best all-around specs.\"\r\n

Construction<\/h3>\r\n\"On the other hand, Recteq is known for its quality and customer service. They use more stainless steel components than Traeger, or the rest of the mainstream brands for that matter,\" Wright adds. He suggests that this can lead to Recteq pellet grills having a longer lifespan. The stainless steel construction not only provides durability but also excellent heat retention. Traeger pellet grills are constructed from powder-coated steel.\r\n\r\n\"It's worth noting that the styling of Recteq grills isn't for everyone. Rather than a conventional bar-style handle, their grill lids have two stainless steel bull horns,\" says Wright. \"Some people will think it's cool, while others will find it garish.\"\r\n\r\nEach Traeger model is built similarly. A side hopper feeds wood pellets to ignite and produce indirect heat with airflow, similar to a convection oven. Each Traeger grill also includes a grease and ash keg to easily dump excess grease that collects throughout cooking. But you'll find variances between Traeger models when it comes to special features such as WiFi capabilities, shelving and interior lighting.\r\n\r\nRecteq grill models also vary in terms of WiFi controls, hopper capacity for wood pellets, interior lights and the number of adjustable interior racks.\r\n

Grill Space<\/h3>\r\nThe smallest and most portable Recteq grill offers 340 square inches, while the largest has a very spacious 2,535 square inches. That wide size range makes it possible for you to find the ideal fit for your space and needs. One of Traeger's smallest grills, the simple Traeger Pro 575<\/a>, offers 575 square inches of cooking space, which is quite a bit bigger than the smallest, portable Recteq grill. The Traeger Timberline XL<\/a> offers 1,320 square inches. So, you'll find both smaller and larger cooking spaces from Recteq grills.\r\n

Traeger vs. Recteq: What's Similar?<\/h2>\r\nIn 2009, two former roommates (and avid grillers) launched Recteq. Even with growing popularity, the brand continues to focus exclusively on pellet grills.\r\n\r\nTraeger is the original name in the pellet grill space, and their dominance continues to grow. Our Product Testing Team reviewed one model from each of the three main Traeger pellet grill<\/a> series\u2014Pro, Ironwood and Timberline<\/a><\/span>\u2014plus one of their portable options. Since the brand's conception, it has also been focused exclusively on pellet grills.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Heating Capabilities<\/h3>\r\nAll Recteq pellet grills<\/a> can reach up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can go all the way up to 1,000 degrees. This temperature versatility is just one of the many features that impressed our Product Testing Team.\u00a0All Traeger grills, similarly, can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.\r\n

Pricing<\/h3>\r\nRecteq sells its pellet grills for $450 to $2,200 on\u00a0its website<\/a>, as well as at retailers such as\u00a0Ace Hardware<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Amazon<\/a>. The company also has its own line of wood pellets, barbecue sauces, rubs and grilling accessories.\r\n\r\nTraeger pellet grills range in price from portable grills under $500 to large stationary grills topping $3500. They are sold on Traeger's website<\/a>, along with retailers such as Ace Hardware<\/a>, The Home Depot<\/a>, BBQ Guys<\/a>, Williams Sonoma<\/a> and Amazon<\/a>. Traeger also has its own line of wood pellets, sauces, rubs and an extensive selection of Traeger grilling accessories<\/a>.\r\n

How We Tested<\/h2>\r\nDuring our pellet grill review, we put Recteq and Traeger grills to the ultimate test. We gauged every pellet grill on six key considerations:\r\n