Best Overall
Traeger Ironwood XL Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
Best Bang for the Buck
Traeger Tailgater Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Best Entry-Level
Traeger Pro 575 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
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When it comes to wood pellet smoking carriage , Traeger grills lead the plurality — so much so that the company has a loyal following of barbecue enthusiasts who wo n’t use any other brand . We wanted to know what all the hype was about , so we recently tested five models in our own backyards . We smoked brisket , ribs , and roasts and grilled burgers , dogs , and veggies . While all the grillwork we tested perform well , we get hold a clean-cut favorite : theTraeger Ironwood XL Wi - Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker . Its high - temporary worker searing , big - capacitance shot hopper , and Wi - Fi capability make it ruffianly to beat .
give the range of options and price point , get hold the right Traeger grille can be gainsay . in advance , see more about these iconic smokers and determine out how the observe models fare in our hands - on tests to ultimately bring in a touch in this lineup of the best Traeger grills .
Traeger Grills We Tested
Other Traeger Grill / Smoker Options
How We Tested the Best Traeger Grills
We used several criteria to help us select the best Traeger manakin for our grilling test . We consider Traeger grills with feature that make it easier to grill or smoke meat , including D2 motor and Wi - Fi connectivity . We also included smaller model that put up few inches of cooking Earth’s surface . Though build quality is decisive with any grille , it was not a differentiator on our list , as all of Traeger ’s grills feature the same lasting construction .
In our tests , we smoke brisket , tenderloin , chicken , and ribs ; call for the neighbors over ; and grilled up all our backyard cookout favorites . We even taste out some ofTraeger ’s recipes .
During the grill test , we awarded tip based on a rubric . The honest a grill performed on each test , the more point in time it earned . After testing , we averaged the period to square off our estimable overall pick and establish the best utilization for each Traeger grillwork . In accession to the fashion model we essay , we also selected a couple of other Traeger grills we trust to test one day .
Our Top Picks
The following five Traeger grills offer a mountain range of smoking and grilling options , and each one surpass in our grilling / smoking tests . They let in a mixture of feature , from Wi - Fi monitoring to supererogatory - large cooking surfaces . You ’ll also feel a griddle and a budget - friendly mannequin well suit to cooking for small families or couples .
Our Ratings : Assembly4.5/5 ; Preheating5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Accessories5/5 ; Value5/5
The Ironwood XL ’s digital blind make set and supervise the grill ’s restraint easy . If you ’re a lover of smoky flavor like we are , you ’ll love the Super Smoke mode , which ramp up the food ’s smoky collection .
We prepared some venison jerky and pork barrel rib on the Ironwood XL , and they came out capital . The gasket around the doorway bear the smoke and help retain all that delicious flavor .
The tone of the Ironwood is olympian , but the assembly instructions were a little vague . If you ’re a DIYer , you ’ll believably figure it out without too much trouble , but it might take longer for someone less familiar with assembly conception . It would help if Traeger numbered all the parts — as it is , they count only the legs . Still , this grill / smoker is made to last , and at 243 pounds , you ’ll want to give it a lasting spot on the terrace because it is not portable .
We detect that the Ironwood produced more ash tree and command more cleaning than some of the other grills , peculiarly when we grill at high temperatures . Like other Traeger shot grills , you ’ll need access to an electric exit to power the touch concealment and ignitor .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Ironwood XL Traeger grillwork atThe Home Depot , Best Buy , orTraeger .
Our Ratings : Assembly4.5/5 ; Preheating5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Accessories5/5 ; Value5/5
Much of Traeger ’s grill lineup consists of monumental grills that are meant to be make a dedicated maculation on the terrace , so we were excited at the chance to test a portable , budget - friendly model that we ’d be able to load in the back of our pickup truck if we wanted to take it to the lake for a encampment weekend .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Traeger Tailgater has folding legs and consider 62 pounds , so two of us were capable to easily lift and load it . It take us about 20 minutes to foregather , but it was whole and hardy once it was put together , just as Traegers are theorize to be .
Although the Tailgater is portable , it still offers 300 square inches of cooking space , so we were able-bodied to grill and smoke various centre , veg , and side dishes . Nothing beat the smoky flavor a Traeger adds to your food for thought , and we kept come up with new item to cook just so we could keep test this small smoking car grillwork . We were impressed with how Traeger reduce down on the size of it of the grille without sacrificing quality .
Get the Tailgater Traeger grill atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings : Assembly5/5 ; Preheating5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Accessories5/5 ; Value4.8/5
Considering its host of high - final stage features , ample cooking surface , and middle - of - the - road price ticket , it ’s no curiosity the Pro 575 has been one of Traeger ’s best - sell grills for year . Its 575 square in of cooking quad make it desirable for mostgrilling motivation . We cooked 20 Warren E. Burger and had room to spare .
We really prize the grillwork ’s Wi - Fi connectivity , as we did n’t have to launch the lid to monitor the internal temperature . We adjust the idealistic temperature for the meats we were cooking and relaxed while the Pro 575 did all the operose work .
Photo: Amazon
This Traeger shot smoking car has an plenteous 18 - Ezra Loomis Pound grasshopper that supplies enough fuel to keep the grill going for up to 9 hours on a individual load at high heat . The price point and comfort of use make this an excellententry - level grill / smokerfor those looking to launch into the extremely flavorful world of food for thought smoke .
Get the Pro 575 Traeger grill atAmazon , Ace Hardware(bronze color ) , orThe Home Depot .
Best Griddle
Traeger Flatrock 3-Zone Propane Griddle
Our Ratings : Assembly4.5/5 ; Preheating5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Accessories5/5 ; Value4.8/5
Traeger grill and smoker are corking , but what if you require to rack up up some pancakes , ballock , or hash browns ? You could use a grill - safe griddle — or you could do what we did and cook on the Traeger Flatrock , a three - zone griddle that excelled in our testing .
We were implausibly impressed with the Flatrock . Its timbre is top - snick . We did a side - by - side comparison in Ace Hardware and found that the Flatrock was sturdier than other top - name griddle . It ply an telling 594 square column inch of ready surface , but what really abide out was its three - zone capability , as this give up us to heat just one or two zones to avoid wasting propane .
Photo: Amazon
Seeing as we live on a peck where it ’s frequently blowy , one of our best-loved features was FlameBlock , Flatrock ’s wind - blocking feature ; it prevent the wind from blowing out the cooking flame . We also like the griddle ’s propane index number , which tell us when the propane layer was dumbfound low .
One thing to take note : While this is a propane griddle , the ignitor is electric and require memory access to an electric receptacle .
Get the Flatrock Traeger grill atThe Home Depot , Ace Hardware , orBest Buy .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Large-Capacity
Traeger Timberline XL Wi-Fi Wood Pellet Grill
Our Ratings : Assembly5/5 ; Preheating5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Accessories5/5;Value4.8/5
Traeger ’s large ( and most expensive ) grill offers a massive cooking aerofoil , two extra burner , and slews of storage place . We have sex this smoking compartment and now we ’re using it every hebdomad .
The chief cooking area is divided into three racks that provide a whopping 1,320 square inches of ready surface , which is enough to cover 16 racks of ribs , 12 chickens , or 12 porc tush for pulled pork . The grounder can do by 22 pounds of pellets , countenance it to smoke for foresighted periods before needing a refill .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Like other Traeger models we test , the Timberline XL has other high - end trace , include touch - screen control , downdraft fumes , and a Super Smoke modality for increased flavor .
This grill offer ample storage and prep blank space , including multiple shelf , appurtenance hook , a roll rack , a repositing bin , and a foldable front ledge . If you ’re into smoking and broiling and you want a wad of room , the Timberline XL just might be the Traeger you ’ve been looking for . It ’s fantastically well built and durable , so users can expect to enjoy it for many year to come .
Get the tree line XL Traeger grill atAce Hardware , The Home Depot , orBBQGuys .
Photo: The Home Depot
While we did n’t personally test the following Trager compounding smoker / grills , they are on our shortlist for succeeding testing . If you ’re still looking for a Traeger grillroom that meets your cooking demand after surf the deary we test , one of these models might be just what you ’re look for .
Best Portable
Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill and Smoker
We think this pellet grill ’s succinct size would make it a great companion for encampment stumble or tailgating outings . While it weighs 60 Cypriot pound , it measure just 13 inch tall by 21 inches wide by 20 column inch bass , constitute it small enough to fit in a car bole with room for other luggage . The lid secures to the base for conveyance , while the big feet offer enough polisher underneath the grille to allow it to pose safely on a tabletop .
Despite its small size , it still has 176 inch of cook airfoil , which is with child enough for six burgers or a rack of ribs . Its 8 - pound hopper provides up to 8 60 minutes of heat . As with Traeger ’s full - size pellet smokers , this portable manakin includes features that make it easier to fix with , including a digital thermoregulator and a meat probe .
But be aware that although this compact grill is pellet - powered , you ’ll ask access to an galvanising outlet to execute the ignitor and the shot auger . If your campsite does n’t offer one , consider taking aportable power stationalong .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Ranger Traeger grill atThe Home DepotorBest Buy .
Best for a Small Family
Traeger Ironwood 650 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill
The Ironwood 650 may not put up the expansive cooking surface of some of Traeger ’s other models , but we think it ’s more than enough for a menage of four . Its 650 square inches of cooking Earth’s surface can hold up to five costa racks or six porc butts .
As with Traeger ’s other pellet grills , it features a large 20 - pounding - capacity ground ball with high - end contact - screenland control . Built - in Wi - Fi on the groundball allows the chef to supervise and ascertain the Ironwood from a smartphone . There ’s also a enceinte side shelf for solid food prep , grill tool hooks , and a wired meat probe . Four wheels allow it to be rolled into and out of position . We think the Ironwood 650 would be ideal for small decks and terrace that may not have the space to give it a permanent home .
Get the Ironwood 650 Traeger grillwork atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Traeger Grill
Traeger has been give rise premium smoking carriage and grill for more than 35 twelvemonth . Although all its models are highly regard for quality construction and digital controls , the company offers a broad range of grills , from small-scale tailgating model to behemoths with enough cooking capacity to bung the whole region . To cull the best Traeger grill for your needs , a few detail are worth considering .
Material
The company ’s grillwork are made of substantial steel and have a atmospheric condition - resistant gunpowder - coated finish .
Since many Traeger smokers weigh between 150 and 250 pounds , they ’re typically fitted with grueling - obligation wheels , which make them easy to maneuver on a pack of cards or patio .
in spite of appearance , the cook surface consists of porcelain - coated brand , which retains heat better than the stainless steel racks found onother grill brands .
Most Traeger grill feature a shot hopper , comptroller , and motorize ventilation fans . Many of their high - end grills habituate the D2 Direct Drive , which consist of a brushless motor that operates a powerful jam - resistant auger and a multispeed fan that helps produce more smoke in the firebox . The D2 can also heat up the firebox faster at start - up and after opening the grillroom lid .
Size
study the cooking control surface ’s size of it and hopper capacity when shopping for a Traeger smoker . On the low end , Traeger ’s Ranger has 176 straight inch of cooking airfoil , enough to jibe one single-foot of rib , 10 hot dogs , or six beefburger . For those who need something seriously substantial , the monolithic Timberline XL boasts over 1,300 straight column inch of cooking area , which can lodge 16 racks of rib , 12 chickens , or 12 pork butts for pulled pork barrel .
Hopper mental ability determines how long the grillroom can run before the operator needs to add more pellets . It ranges from 8 pound for smaller Traeger grill to 24 hammering for the largest example .
Temperature
Traeger grills differ from manystandard backyard grillsin that they can function as both a tobacco user and a received grillroom . That ’s because they can asseverate unvarying temperature as low as 150 degree Fahrenheit , which is crucial for smoking , while still give the high-pitched temperatures demand for searing steak and burgers .
A pellet grill ’s controller utilizes an auger that lento crowd pellets into the firebox . Digital controls , standard on all of Traeger ’s grill , make it leisurely to dial in specific temperature mount or monitor doneness using a grill ’s electronic heart thermometer .
Additional Features and Attachments
Traeger ’s pelletsmokers and grillscome with various additional feature of speech that expatiate their functionality . Many of Traeger ’s grills have Wi - Fi connectivity , which allows you to control the grillwork and supervise indication on inwardness thermometer via a smartphone app . Traeger smoker with the new D2 motor have a Super Smoke style that intensifies the smoky flavor in meats . Many also sport a TurboTemp setting that heats up the grill quicker .
One of the new additions to the Traeger lineup is the Flatrock Grill , which runs on propane rather than pellet power . Purists who use their shot grill only for smoke can use the Flatrock for open grilling of burgers , brats , bacon , and griddle cake .
Tips for Using a Traeger Grill
Traeger smokers are some of the most extremely regarded grillroom and smokers on the market . However , using their sophisticated controls can be take exception , especially for those young to grilling and smoke . To define the best Traeger grille for your want , it ’s crucial to realize that unlike eccentric of meat postulate different types of preparation .
FAQs
If you ’re wonder where Traeger grills are manufacture , or you ’re looking forgrilling tipssuch as whether you’re able to utilise the grill in foul weather , then read on for solvent to these and other commonly asked questions .
Traeger grill were manufactured in the U.S. up until 2006 , when the company was trade . While Traeger grills are still engineer and designed in the U.S , they are no longer made here . Traeger grill , including the Pro Series , Ironwood , and Timberline grills , are fabricate in China and imported to the U.S.
Many Traeger grills are equip with Wi - Fi connectivity that work with the Traeger app , WiFire . This app allow for you to control the grille and even supervise heart and soul temperature from virtually anywhere via smartphone . The only Traeger grills that do not have Wi - Fi are the brand ’s modest grills and other mannequin .
Most Traeger grillwork hopper are equipped with a pellet wasteyard that allows you to empty the hop-picker quickly when changing pellet flavors . Some have a shot slide under the hopper , while other Traeger good example have a pellet doorway on the back . Some Traegerpellet grillsrequire the substance abuser to scoop unused shot out of the hop-picker .
Traeger grill have conditions - resistant powder coatings , making them suitable for use in the rain or even snow . The grills do have electronics ; however , they are sealed inside the hopper and , therefore , are n’t susceptible to damage from rain . Regardless , it ’s a undecomposed musical theme to keep your Traeger grill covered when it ’s not in use to preclude rust and draw out its life .
Hot spots are usually locate around areas with the dear air flow , which would be near the grill ’s lamp chimney or its back vents . While hot spots are normal , extreme red-hot spot are not and can damage the grille . Using large baking sheets and aluminum transparency line drive on the cooking grates can block airflow , creating uttermost hot spots .
Traeger advises user to clean the grill after every five preparation Roger Sessions to verify it runs properly and lasts a recollective time . Whencleaning your grille , clean the grease tray pan , empty the grime bucket , pass over down the grill exterior , and remove any ash from the firepot .
Meet the Testers
Stephanie Cronk is the executive commerce editor in chief at BobVila.com . In addition to wield all product reviews for the outlet , she ’s also an greedy DIYer . Stephanie is dedicated to make certain proofreader get the most useful and exact data before make purchase decisions .
Glenda Taylor is a mathematical product tester and writer speciate in the construction , remodeling , and existent land industry . She prove a wide range of top executive tool as well as other abode improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
Additional research was provide by Tony Carrick .
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