Best Traeger Grill: Top 5 Picks for Your Next BBQ [2022]

Deciding on the perfect pellet grill for your backyard cookouts? You're probably considering Traeger grills, which have been EXTREMELY POPULAR on the market for over 30 years now.

However, you should know that a pellet grill purchase is an IMPORTANT decision. Traeger grills are a huge investment, so our experts say not to pick the first decent one you find.

In a hurry?  The Traeger Pro Series 575 Grill is our Best Pick!

It comes with a wide cooking area, great heat and temperature control, allows you to cook REMOTELY, and has all the essentials of a BEAST outdoor grill!

Reviews of the 5 Best Traeger Grills

1. Traeger Pro Series 575 Grill TFB57GZEO: Best Overall

Key Features

• 575 square inches of cooking space
• Weighs 124 pounds
• 18 pounds of pellet hopper capacity
• Reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
• Features all-terrain wheels
• Built-in probe
• WiFIRE enabled controller that's compatible with the Traeger app and Amazon Alexa

The Traeger Pro Series 575 Grill deserves the top spot on this list because it's got everything you could possibly need (and want) in an outdoor grill: Convenience, versatility, quality, and GREAT capacity!

It's also one of the LATEST models in the lineup, so it's definitely one of the most advanced too.

Need proof? Here's why we strongly recommend it.

First, it provides 575 square inches of cooking space—just right for a family or a group of friends. This means it can accommodate 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, OR 4 whole chickens.

Sounds like MORE THAN ENOUGH food for a party!

Second, you aren't limited to grilling either. Using precise temperature control technology (TurboTemp) and quality wood pellets, the Traeger Pro can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ different meats to PERFECTION...Every. Single. Time.

All you have to do is pick the temperature and monitor the built-in meat probe until the food reaches your preferred doneness. It's as EASY as that.

Here's the best part: You can start cooking REMOTELY using the Traeger app or Amazon Alexa.

Yup, that's right; with WiFi, you can control your Traeger grill from ANYWHERE and even get it to start and stop automatically.

Makes cooking so much more convenient and enjoyable, right??

Pros

• Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well
• Produces quality smoke
• Convenient and hassle-free cooking

Cons

• Pricey
• Some users find it tricky to operate the grill for the first time

2. Traeger Ranger Grill TBT18KLD: Best Budget Pick

Key Features

• 184 square inches of cooking space
• Weighs 60 pounds
• 8 pounds of pellet hopper capacity
• Reaches up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• Includes a griddle
• Built-in probe
• Digital Arc Controller

Always on-the-go? If you're the type who wants to BBQ anytime, anywhere, then this Traeger grill and pellet smoker will be your PERFECT COMPANION!

With its compact and portable design, the Traeger Ranger is ideal for tailgates, balconies, or any other place where space is limited.

Now, $400 isn't exactly a low price point, but it's the most affordable among the Traeger pellet grills. Considering you get the same build quality and lots of amazing features, though, we still think it's a pretty sweet deal.

What are these features, you ask?

• First, it has a large grilling space for a portable option. On the Traeger Ranger, you can grill 1 whole rib rack, 6 burgers, or up to 10 hotdogs, which is a FEAST for a small group.
• The porcelain-coated grill grates are also INCREDIBLY EASY to clean, so you can pack up quickly once you're done.
• Although it doesn't come with WiFIRE-enabled technology, this Traeger grill has a handy Digital Arc Controller that's great for accurate temperature control.
• Temperatures can be set in 5-degree increments, so as long as you follow the cooking time, you don't have to worry about messing up your dish!
• Once you're done cooking, the pellet grill will even keep your food warm until you're ready to eat.

Who says you have to sacrifice food quality while you're 'roughing it' in the wilderness? Not us, that's for sure!

Pros

• This portable wood pellet grill is perfect for travelers
• More affordable than the full-size Traeger grills

Cons

• Still quite heavy for a portable grill
• You can't add or switch out wood pellets while cooking

3. Traeger Tailgater 20 Grill TFB30KLF

Key Features

• 300 square inches of cooking space
• Weighs 62 pounds
• 8 pounds of pellet hopper capacity
• Reaches up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• Folding legs
• Built-in probe
• Digital Arc Controller

If you want a portable pellet grill that has a larger grilling space than the Traeger Ranger, then you should check out the Traeger Tailgater 20, which boasts 300 SQUARE INCHES—more than enough room for 3 racks of ribs, 2 chickens, or 12 burgers!

That's around DOUBLE the capacity of the Ranger!

Unfortunately, given the larger cooking space, this wood pellet grill is also a bit bulkier and heavier too.

As the name suggests, it's best for tailgating and intimate cookouts when you don't need an industrial-level appliance.

Here's a bonus: The pellet grill has foldable legs, so you can set it on the ground or plop it on the back of your truck.

Now, like the Traeger Ranger, the Tailgater 20 Grill offers superb temperature control, a handy 'Keep Warm' mode, and easy-to-clean porcelain-coated steel grills. Cooking with this will be a breeze, even for beginners!

Although this pellet smoker model is a tad bit more expensive than the previous option, it's WORTH IT if you usually cook bigger batches of food.

A few extra dollars will save you a lot of time and energy, so pick this up if it's better suited to your needs. Although, we would've hoped this Traeger grill had a hopper cleanout feature to make cleaning more accessible.

Pros

• This wood pellet grill is easy and convenient to use
• Large capacity for family outings or camping trips
• The grill heats up quickly

Cons

• Heavy
• No hopper cleanout feature

4. Traeger Ironwood 885 Grill TFB89BFLC

Key Features

• 885 square inches of cooking space
• Weighs 175 pounds
• 20 pounds of pellet hopper capacity
• Reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
• Features all-terrain wheels
• Built-in probe
• Pellet sensor
• Downdraft Exhaust, TRU Convection System, and 'Super Smoke' mode
• WiFIRE enabled controller that's compatible with the Traeger app and Amazon Alexa

BBQ fanatics, you should DEFINITELY check out this Traeger grill and pellet smoker.

It's humongous; it boasts crazy-advanced technology, and it's high-quality—perfect for when you want to take your cooking to the next level. (Just know this is reflected in its steep price tag as well!!)

Where to start with the Ironwood 885 Grill??

Well, unlike more basic Traeger pellet grills, this Traeger grill has special features to make sure your cooking results in PERFECTION every single time:

• Its Downdraft Exhaust System and Super Smoke Mode work together to produce THE MOST delicious, smoky flavor from the fire pot while you cook your food.
• The TurboTemp and TRU Convection Systems optimize cook times and temperature control so the grill heats up faster, cooks more efficiently, and reduces potential flare-ups.
• Its adjustable grates allow you to position your food further from the heat when slow-cooking.
• When wood pellet levels are low, the built-in sensor will inform you through the app that it's time to add more pellets.

With user-friendly features like that, you can (almost) ignore the fact that it costs almost $1500, am I right? Plus, it's perfect for a HUGE party or gathering, as 885 square inches is big enough to smoke 7 racks of ribs, roast 10 whole chickens, and grill 9 pork butts!

Sure, its major drawbacks might be the price and how bulky and heavy it is, but...

Clearly, this pellet grill is a luxury, and it's undoubtedly excellent and grill-tastic to have if you've got the budget! Smoking, grilling, and cooking will never be easier!

Pros

• Great quality
• Easy to control and maintain cooking temperature
• Huge grill size
• Lots of useful functions

Cons

• Most expensive option
• The biggest and bulkiest pellet grill
• A bit of a learning curve involved

5. Traeger Pro Series 22 Grill TFB57PZBO

Key Features

• 572 square inches of cooking space
• Weighs 103 pounds
• 18 pounds of pellet hopper capacity
• Reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
• Features all-terrain wheels
• Built-in probe
• Digital Pro Controller

Unlike the other Traeger grills on this list, this pellet grill comes from the brand's older Pro Series line, which means it's also more affordable than its 2nd generation counterpart.

Another popular model from the 1st generation lineup is the Lil Tex Elite, which has similar functionality. However, Pro Series Traeger Grills have more accurate temperature control, so we prefer them over Lil Tex Elite Traeger grills.

With that said, if a new, full-size Traeger grill isn't within your budget, this Pro Series 22 pellet grill is a rockin' solid (and VERY functional) option.

At 572 square inches, it can easily cook 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs, or 24 burgers—more than enough for your family!

Now, just because it's an older model doesn't mean it has subpar grilling performance, though. This pellet grill features a Digital Pro Controller with precise temperature control, so it will still maintain the set temperature quite well while you cook, roast, or grill.

A difference of +/- 15 degrees Fahrenheit may seem like a lot, but it won't greatly impact the flavor or cook of your meat.

That means a little manual operation goes a long way. For an experienced cook, this is easy. Just make sure to watch the heat carefully while cooking/grilling!

Pros

• Affordable
• Heavy-duty and good quality

Cons

• This pellet grill doesn't have the advanced features of newer Traeger grills

Traeger Grill Buying Guide

Now that you've seen our favorite Traeger grills, how do you determine the best one for you?

Check out the characteristics of the best pellet grills below to figure out which ones are most important for your needs and lifestyle.

Size

Firstly (and most importantly), how much GRILLING SPACE do you need?

Traeger grills come in a variety of sizes ranging from 184 square inches of grilling space all the way up to 1300 square inches of cooking space, depending on the capacity you want.

If you usually cook for large parties, then larger pellet grills will be WAY more convenient and efficient.

However, if you don't really cook large batches of food at a time, then these heavier, bulkier, and pricier grills are probably unnecessary investments.

Features & Technology

Next, let's talk about the FEATURES and TECHNOLOGY of Traeger grills.

Most of its pellet grills boast advanced features such as WiFi connectivity [1], app functionality, and precise temperature control. These help you have a convenient, hassle-free, and successful cooking/grilling experience using your Traeger, no matter your skill level.

However, other models (the pricier Ironwood and Timberline ones, especially) may have additional functions that make grilling or smoking all the more easier.

For instance...

• Advanced models have systems that improve insulation, smoking flavor/consistency, and heat circulation, among others.
• On the other hand, 1st generation models usually feature only a simple control panel with no WiFi connectivity. Their basic and straightforward functions may be ideal for users who don't like having all the extra bells and whistles, though.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which features are essential and which ones are simply nice to have. Of course, if you have the budget for the most luxurious options, why not, right?

Ease of Use

Is the pellet grill you're eyeing user-friendly? After all, the most advanced features won't mean much unless they make your life easier!

For us, the best pellet grills are the ones that are easy to set up, operate, and clean.

For Traeger grills, look out for options that have Traeger pellet sensors, hopper cleanouts, grease pans, and extra work space (such as a prep rack).

These are a BIG HELP because grilling/smoking can be a long and messy process.

If you have fewer things to worry about (like when to refill your wood pellets, how to collect trash and drippings, etc.), then you'll have a much more enjoyable experience at the end of the day.

Remember, besides creating an amazing final product (the food, of course!), the best pellet grill should make every part of the process pain-free for the user.

Price

Lastly, how much are you willing to spend on a Traeger grill? These pellet grills are not cheap, as even the budget option can set you back $400.

However, we will say that you get a lot of bang for your buck. Just determine the characteristics of a pellet grill that are most important to you, and keep these in mind when choosing which one to buy.

Just because the expensive options have more functions doesn't mean that they're better! At the end of the day, your lifestyle, needs, and preferences dictate the best wood pellet grill for you.

Our advice? Research thoroughly and think clearly before making a purchase.

About the Traeger Brand

Why should you trust the Traeger brand? Let's take a look at how they've been doing over the years.

History

Did you know that the first pellet grill was created by Joe Traeger in 1985 while he was experimenting with wood-burning stoves?

After he filed a patent for the concept in 1986, Traeger grills enjoyed 20 years in the market with zero competition.

By conceptualizing a product that was easy to use, safe to operate, and great at grilling/smoking different meats, Joe Traeger fulfilled a basic consumer need and enjoyed great success with his grills.

Technology

Through the years, the technology behind Traeger grills has improved immensely as well.

In the beginning, each grill only had a basic controller that toggled between low, medium, and high heat.

Now, you can select specific temperatures and cook times based on the type of food you're grilling/smoking!

And, as we mentioned earlier, Traeger has also added useful features like temperature control, WiFi connectivity, and easy clean-up, making it much less intimidating for anyone to start cooking on the grill.

Just make sure to check the specific characteristics of the grill you want since other models may have special features unique to them!

Brand Reputation and Competitors

Nowadays, Traeger is known to be a premium brand that sells high-quality and user-friendly grills.

Although other brands such as Z Grills, Green Mountain Grills, and Camp Chef have popped up in the market, a Traeger grill still has a different effect on consumers in terms of trustworthiness and brand perception.

This is not to say those companies are less reliable, though. In fact, Z Grills' products are quickly gaining popularity for being cost-effective (BUT STILL quality) options for those on a budget!

Again, it all depends on your specific wants, needs, and lifestyle!

Explore the Traeger Lineup

Each grill in this lineup represents Traeger's 2nd generation models.

Although some older types can still be found on their website and purchased through online retailers, most have been discontinued, so they are excluded from this list.

Traeger Pro Series Grills

In our opinion, the Pro Series line is the best representation of the Traeger brand. These grills are convenient, easy to use, and offer great value for money, as they have all the features you could possibly need for a BBQ cookout.

They may lack the more advanced functionality of the Timberline and Ironwood options, but we don't think the add-ons are absolutely necessary for the average Joe.

Pro Series Grill Models

• Pro Series 575
• Pro Series 780

Pro Series Grill Features

• WiFIRE technology for remote control via the Traeger application or Amazon Alexa
• D2 controller with digital display (temperature can be adjusted in 5-degree Fahrenheit increments)
• Built-in meat probe to monitor food temperature without having to lift the lid
• Durable wheels to withstand rocky or rough terrains
• Hopper cleanout trapdoor for easy swapping of pellets

Traeger Town & Travel Grills

On the other hand, the Town & Travel grills are best for outgoing individuals who want good food on-the-go.

These models are very portable and easy to use, so you can cook up some great-tasting meat/fish even when you don't have access to a big space or a fully-stocked kitchen.

Town & Travel Grill Models

• Tailgater
• Ranger

Town & Travel Grill Features

• D2 controller with digital display (temperature can be adjusted in 5-degree Fahrenheit increments)
• Folding legs (for Tailgater models) for portability
• Built-in meat probe to monitor food temperature without having to lift the lid

Traeger Ironwood Grills

An Ironwood grill is an upgrade from the previous lines because it boasts advanced technology that'll help you refine your grilling techniques.

These are great if you've been smoking/grilling your own meats for a while and you're now looking for more capacity and functionality in your home grill.

Ironwood Grill Models

• Ironwood 650
• Ironwood 885

Ironwood Grill Features

• WiFIRE technology for remote control via the Traeger application or Amazon Alexa
• D2 controller with digital display (temperature can be adjusted in 5-degree Fahrenheit increments)
• Grill insulation to maintain high temperatures even during cold weather
• Built-in meat probe to monitor food temperature without having to lift the lid
• Durable all-terrain wheels to withstand rocky or rough terrains
• Automatic alerts when pellets are running low
• Exhaust system for a smoky and impeccable flavor
• Super Smoke mode for maximum wood-fired flavor
• Dual-position smoke/sear bottom grate to control heat exposure
• Hopper cleanout trapdoor for easy pellet swapping

Traeger Timberline Grills

Finally, the last (and most expensive) line consists of the most advanced Traeger grills to date. The hefty price tag isn't for everyone, but it's an amazing purchase if grilling is a MAJOR activity in your life.

Timberline Grill Models

• Timberline 850
• Timberline 1300

Timberline Grill Features

• WiFIRE technology for remote control via the Traeger application or Amazon Alexa
• D2 controller with digital display (temperature can be adjusted in 5-degree Fahrenheit increments)
• Grill insulation to maintain higher temperatures even during cold weather
• Built-in meat probe to monitor food temperature without having to lift the lid
• Durable wheels to withstand rocky or rough terrains
• Automatic alerts when pellets are running low
• Exhaust system for fresh-flowing smoke and impeccable flavor
• Super Smoke mode for maximum wood-fired flavor
• Dual-position smoke/sear bottom grate to control heat exposure
• Hopper cleanout trapdoor for easy pellet swapping
• Extra attachments to create additional work space

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Pellet Grills?

Unlike a charcoal grill or a gas grill, pellet grills utilize wood pellets to impart a unique and smoky flavor onto everything you cook.

These also help you create consistent results, as they're less likely to flare up and change temperatures erratically.

Is a Traeger Pellet Grill Worth Buying?

If you're serious about grilling, then we think a Traeger grill is well worth the investment.

The brand has spent years perfecting the technology behind their products, so you can be sure their grills are safe, durable, and high quality.

Which Is the Best Traeger Grill?

In our opinion, the Traeger Pro Series 575 Grill TFB57GZEO is the best among all the Traeger grills because it performs well in all the important aspects: Quality, functionality, value for money, and convenience.

For an average-sized family, it's the perfect all-around appliance!

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you learn more about Traeger grills and how to determine the best one for you. Remember to invest in one you can see yourself using for years to come!

Now have fun testing out all your favorite recipes on your new Traeger grill!

We reviewed more grills to give you more options. Read some of our roundups below!

• The Best Gas Grills
• What are the Best Electric Grills?
• The Six Best Portable Grills