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When it comes to wood pellet smokers, Traeger grills lead the pack—so much so that the company has a loyal following of barbecue enthusiasts who won’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 grills we tested performed well, we found a clear favorite: the Traeger Ironwood XL Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker. Its high-temp searing, large-capacity pellet hopper, and Wi-Fi capability make it tough to beat.
Given the range of options and price points, finding the right Traeger grill can be challenging. Ahead, learn more about these iconic smokers and find out how the following models fared in our hands-on tests to ultimately earn a spot in this lineup of the best Traeger grills.
Traeger Grills We Tested
- BEST OVERALL: Traeger Ironwood XL Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Traeger Tailgater Portable Wood Pellet Grill
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ENTRY-LEVEL: Traeger Pro 575 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GRIDDLE: Traeger Flatrock 3-Zone Propane Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE-CAPACITY: Traeger Timberline XL Wi-Fi Wood Pellet Grill
↓ Jump to Review
Other Traeger Grill/Smoker Options
- BEST PORTABLE: Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill and Smoker
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR A SMALL FAMILY: Traeger Ironwood 650 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Traeger Grills
We used several criteria to help us choose the best Traeger models for our grilling tests. We considered Traeger grills with features that make it easier to grill or smoke meat, including D2 motors and Wi-Fi connectivity. We also included smaller models that offer fewer inches of cooking surface. Though build quality is critical with any grill, it was not a differentiator on our list, as all of Traeger’s grills feature the same durable construction.
In our tests, we smoked brisket, tenderloin, chicken, and ribs; invited the neighbors over; and grilled up all our backyard cookout favorites. We even tried out some of Traeger’s recipes.
During the grill trials, we awarded points based on a rubric. The better a grill performed on each test, the more points it earned. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and establish the best use for each Traeger grill. In addition to the models we tested, we also selected a couple of other Traeger grills we hope to test one day.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | Several yummy weeks |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Average price | $550 to $3,000 |
Our Top Picks
The following five Traeger grills offer a range of smoking and grilling options, and each one excelled in our grilling/smoking tests. They include a variety of features, from Wi-Fi monitoring to extra-large cooking surfaces. You’ll also find a griddle and a budget-friendly model well suited to cooking for small families or couples.
Best Overall
Traeger Ironwood XL Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
Our Ratings: Assembly 4.5/5; Preheating 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Accessories 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: Rack 1: 594 square inches; rack 2: 330 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 22 pounds
- Additional features: Wi-Fi-enabled monitoring, 2 meat probes, WiFire, extra shelf, grilling light
What We Like
- Digital screen makes it easy to monitor temps and offers a level of convenience
- Super Smoke mode infuses the food with a rich, smoky flavor
- Build quality is exceptional: sturdy, stable, and durable
What We Don’t Like
- Vague assembly instructions could be improved
- Notable ash production; requires more cleaning, particularly when grilling at high temps
The Ironwood XL’s digital screen makes setting and monitoring the grill’s controls easy. If you’re a fan of smoky flavor like we are, you’ll love the Super Smoke mode, which ramps up the food’s smoky appeal.
We prepared some venison jerky and pork ribs on the Ironwood XL, and they came out great. The gasket around the door contained the smoke and helped retain all that delicious flavor.
The quality of the Ironwood is exceptional, but the assembly instructions were a little vague. If you’re a DIYer, you’ll probably figure it out without too much trouble, but it might take longer for someone less familiar with assembly concepts. It would help if Traeger numbered all the parts—as it is, they number only the legs. Still, this grill/smoker is made to last, and at 243 pounds, you’ll want to give it a permanent spot on the patio because it is not portable.
We noticed that the Ironwood produced more ash and required more cleaning than some of the other grills, especially when we grilled at higher temperatures. Like other Traeger pellet grills, you’ll need access to an electrical outlet to power the touch screen and igniter.
Get the Ironwood XL Traeger grill at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Traeger.
Best Bang for the Buck
Traeger Tailgater Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Our Ratings: Assembly 4.5/5; Preheating 5/5; Performance 5/5; Accessories 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 300 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 8 pounds
- Additional features: Foldable legs, meat probe, Digital Arc controller, Keep Warm mode
What We Like
- Foldable legs and light weight make it a viable option for camping and tailgating
- Solid and sturdy construction despite relatively low weight
- Larger cooking capacity than most portable pellet smokers and grills
What We Don’t Like
- Does not have the advanced features of other higher-end Traeger grills
Much of Traeger’s grill lineup consists of massive grills that are meant to be given a dedicated spot on the patio, so we were excited at the opportunity 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 camping weekend.
The Traeger Tailgater has folding legs and weighs 62 pounds, so two of us were able to easily lift and load it. It took us about 20 minutes to assemble, but it was solid and sturdy once it was put together, just as Traegers are supposed to be.
Although the Tailgater is portable, it still offers 300 square inches of cooking space, so we were able to grill and smoke various meats, veggies, and side dishes. Nothing beats the smoky flavor a Traeger adds to your food, and we kept coming up with new items to cook just so we could keep testing this small smoker grill. We were impressed with how Traeger cut down on the size of the grill without sacrificing quality.
Get the Tailgater Traeger grill at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Entry-Level
Traeger Pro 575 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Preheating 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Accessories 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 575 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 18 pounds
- Additional features: D2 controller, WiFire Wi-Fi technology
What We Like
- Ample cooking surface; can cook 20 burgers with room to spare
- Wi-Fi technology allows users to monitor cooking temp without opening grill
- Large-capacity hopper holds 18 pounds of wood pellets
What We Don’t Like
- While the Pro 575 is fueled by pellets, an electrical outlet is required for the controls
Considering its host of high-end features, ample cooking surface, and middle-of-the-road price tag, it’s no wonder the Pro 575 has been one of Traeger’s best-selling grills for years. Its 575 square inches of cooking space make it suitable for most grilling needs. We cooked 20 burgers and had room to spare.
We really appreciated the grill’s Wi-Fi connectivity, as we didn’t have to open the lid to monitor the internal temperature. We adjusted the ideal temperature for the meats we were cooking and relaxed while the Pro 575 did all the hard work.
This Traeger pellet smoker has an ample 18-pound hopper that supplies enough fuel to keep the grill going for up to 9 hours on a single load at high heat. The price point and ease of use make this an excellent entry-level grill/smoker for those looking to plunge into the highly flavorful world of food smoking.
Get the Pro 575 Traeger grill at Amazon, Ace Hardware (bronze color), or The Home Depot.
Best Griddle
Traeger Flatrock 3-Zone Propane Griddle
Our Ratings: Assembly 4.5/5; Preheating 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Accessories 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 594 square inches
- Hopper capacity: No hopper; powered by propane
- Additional features: 3 cooking zones, wind blocking
What We Like
- Ideal for cooking items like pancakes, eggs, and hash browns
- Multiple cooking zones allow user to save propane by heating just 1 or 2 zones
- Sturdy, top-notch build quality
- 594 square inches of cooking capacity offers enough space to cook lots of food
- Wind-blocking feature is a boon for cooking in breezy conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Cost is higher than competitive flattop griddles, but quality is exceptional
Traeger grills and smokers are great, but what if you want to whip up some pancakes, eggs, 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 incredibly impressed with the Flatrock. Its quality is top-notch. We did a side-by-side comparison in Ace Hardware and found that the Flatrock was sturdier than other top-name griddles. It provides an impressive 594 square inches of cooking surface, but what really stood out was its three-zone capability, as this allowed us to heat just one or two zones to avoid wasting propane.
Seeing as we live on a mountain where it’s frequently breezy, one of our favorite features was FlameBlock, Flatrock’s wind-blocking feature; it kept the wind from blowing out the cooking flame. We also liked the griddle’s propane indicator, which told us when the propane level was getting low.
One thing to note: While this is a propane griddle, the ignitor is electric and requires access to an outlet.
Get the Flatrock Traeger grill at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Best Buy.
Best Large-Capacity
Traeger Timberline XL Wi-Fi Wood Pellet Grill
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Preheating 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Accessories 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 1,320 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 22 pounds
- Additional features: Induction burner; ample storage; prep shelves, hooks, and bins
What We Like
- Massive cooking surface can support loads of food at once
- Wi-Fi and touch-screen controls make setting temperature and monitoring food easy
- Induction burner for searing meat or cooking side dishes
- Includes an abundance of storage space and prep surfaces
What We Don’t Like
- Not a portable pick at 289 pounds, so designate a permanent spot on the patio
Traeger’s largest (and most expensive) grill offers a massive cooking surface, two additional burners, and loads of storage space. We love this smoker and now we’re using it every week.
The main cooking area is divided into three racks that provide a whopping 1,320 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough to handle 16 racks of ribs, 12 chickens, or 12 pork butts for pulled pork. The hopper can handle 22 pounds of pellets, allowing it to smoke for long periods before needing a refill.
Like other Traeger models we tested, the Timberline XL has other high-end touches, including touch-screen controls, downdraft exhaust, and a Super Smoke mode for increased flavor.
This grill offers ample storage and prep space, including multiple shelves, accessory hooks, a roll rack, a storage bin, and a foldable front shelf. If you’re into smoking and grilling and you want a lot of room, the Timberline XL just might be the Traeger you’ve been looking for. It’s incredibly well built and durable, so users can expect to enjoy it for many years to come.
Get the Timberline XL Traeger grill at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or BBQGuys.
Other Traeger Grill/Smoker Options
While we didn’t personally test the following Trager combination smoker/grills, they are on our shortlist for future testing. If you’re still looking for a Traeger grill that meets your cooking needs after browsing the favorites we tested, one of these models might be just what you’re looking for.
Best Portable
Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill and Smoker
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 176 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 8 pounds
- Additional features: Latched lid, digital thermostat, meat probe
What We Like
- Can fit inside a car trunk with room to spare
- Latched lid keeps grill contents from spilling out during transport
- Includes same digital controls found on Traeger’s full-size pellet grills
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller cooking surface limits how much you can cook at one time
We think this pellet grill’s compact size would make it a great companion for camping trips or tailgating outings. While it weighs 60 pounds, it measures just 13 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 20 inches deep, making it small enough to fit in a car trunk with room for other luggage. The lid secures to the base for transport, while the large feet provide enough buffer underneath the grill to allow it to sit safely on a tabletop.
Despite its small size, it still has 176 inches of cooking surface, which is large enough for six burgers or a rack of ribs. Its 8-pound hopper provides up to 8 hours of heat. As with Traeger’s full-size pellet smokers, this portable model includes features that make it easier to cook with, including a digital thermostat and a meat probe.
But be aware that although this compact grill is pellet-powered, you’ll need access to an electric outlet to run the igniter and the pellet auger. If your campsite doesn’t offer one, consider taking a portable power station along.
Get the Ranger Traeger grill at The Home Depot or Best Buy.
Best for a Small Family
Traeger Ironwood 650 Wi-Fi Pellet Grill
Product Specs
- Cooking capacity: 650 square inches
- Hopper capacity: 20 pounds
- Additional features: Meat probe, Super Smoke mode, Wi-Fi connectivity
What We Like
- Can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing users to monitor the grill via a smartphone app
- 4 wheels make it easy to move around a deck or patio
- Large hopper capacity extends the time between pellet refills
What We Don’t Like
- Not as much cooking surface as some of Traeger’s larger models
The Ironwood 650 may not offer the expansive cooking surface of some of Traeger’s other models, but we think it’s more than enough for a family of four. Its 650 square inches of cooking surface can hold up to five rib racks or six pork butts.
As with Traeger’s other pellet grills, it features a large 20-pound-capacity hopper with high-end touch-screen controls. Built-in Wi-Fi on the hopper allows the chef to monitor and control the Ironwood from a smartphone. There’s also a large side shelf for 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 smaller decks and patios that may not have the space to give it a permanent home.
Get the Ironwood 650 Traeger grill at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Traeger Grill
Traeger has been producing premium smokers and grills for more than 35 years. Although all its models are highly regarded for quality construction and digital controls, the company offers a broad range of grills, from smaller tailgating models to behemoths with enough cooking capacity to feed the whole neighborhood. To pick the best Traeger grill for your needs, a few details are worth considering.
Material
The company’s grills are made of solid steel and have a weather-resistant powder-coated finish.
Since many Traeger smokers weigh between 150 and 250 pounds, they’re typically fitted with heavy-duty wheels, which make them easier to maneuver on a deck or patio.
Inside, the cooking surface consists of porcelain-coated steel, which retains heat better than the stainless steel racks found on other grill brands.
Most Traeger grills feature a pellet hopper, controller, and motorized ventilation fans. Many of their high-end grills use the D2 Direct Drive, which consists 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 grill lid.
Size
Consider the cooking surface’s size and hopper capacity when shopping for a Traeger smoker. On the small end, Traeger’s Ranger has 176 square inches of cooking surface, enough to fit one rack of ribs, 10 hot dogs, or six hamburgers. For those who need something seriously substantial, the massive Timberline XL boasts over 1,300 square inches of cooking area, which can accommodate 16 racks of ribs, 12 chickens, or 12 pork butts for pulled pork.
Hopper capacity determines how long the grill can run before the operator needs to add more pellets. It ranges from 8 pounds for smaller Traeger grills to 24 pounds for the largest models.
Temperature
Traeger grills differ from many standard backyard grills in that they can function as both a smoker and a standard grill. That’s because they can maintain constant temperatures as low as 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is crucial for smoking, while still reaching the high temperatures needed for searing steaks and burgers.
A pellet grill’s controller utilizes an auger that slowly pushes pellets into the firebox. Digital controls, standard on all of Traeger’s grills, make it easy to dial in specific temperature settings or monitor doneness using a grill’s electronic meat thermometer.
Additional Features and Attachments
Traeger’s pellet smokers and grills come with various additional features that expand their functionality. Many of Traeger’s grills have Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control the grill and monitor readings on meat thermometers via a smartphone app. Traeger smokers with the new D2 motor have a Super Smoke mode that intensifies the smoky flavor in meats. Many also feature a TurboTemp setting that heats up the grill faster.
One of the newer additions to the Traeger lineup is the Flatrock Grill, which runs on propane rather than pellet power. Purists who use their pellet grill only for smoking can use the Flatrock for open grilling of burgers, brats, bacon, and griddle cakes.
Tips for Using a Traeger Grill
Traeger smokers are some of the most highly regarded grills and smokers on the market. However, using their sophisticated controls can be challenging, especially for those new to grilling and smoking. To determine the best Traeger grill for your needs, it’s crucial to understand that different types of meat require different types of cooking.
- Use the best cooking type for the type of meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness.
- Use the upper racks for convection cooking.
- When smoking meat, keep it refrigerated until it’s time to place it on the grill.
FAQs
If you’re wondering where Traeger grills are manufactured, or you’re looking for grilling tips such as whether you can use the grill in foul weather, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.
Traeger grills were manufactured in the U.S. up until 2006, when the company was sold. While Traeger grills are still engineered and designed in the U.S, they are no longer made here. Traeger grills, including the Pro Series, Ironwood, and Timberline grills, are manufactured in China and imported to the U.S.
Many Traeger grills are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity that works with the Traeger app, WiFire. This app allows you to control the grill and even monitor meat temperature from virtually anywhere via smartphone. The only Traeger grills that do not have Wi-Fi are the brand’s smaller grills and earlier models.
Most Traeger grill hoppers are equipped with a pellet dump that allows you to empty the hopper quickly when changing pellet flavors. Some have a pellet slide under the hopper, while other Traeger models have a pellet door on the back. Some Traeger pellet grills require the user to scoop unused pellets out of the hopper.
Traeger grills have weather-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, aren’t susceptible to damage from rain. Regardless, it’s a good idea to keep your Traeger grill covered when it’s not in use to prevent rust and prolong its life.
Hot spots are usually located around areas with the best airflow, which would be near the grill’s chimney or its back vents. While hot spots are normal, extreme hot spots are not and can damage the grill. Using large baking sheets and aluminum foil liners on the cooking grates can block airflow, creating extreme hot spots.
Traeger advises users to clean the grill after every five cooking sessions to make sure it runs properly and lasts a long time. When cleaning your grill, clean the grease tray pan, empty the grease bucket, wipe down the grill exterior, and remove any ash from the firepot.
Meet the Testers
Stephanie Cronk is the executive commerce editor at BobVila.com. In addition to managing all product reviews for the outlet, she’s also an avid DIYer. Stephanie is dedicated to making sure readers get the most useful and accurate information before making purchase decisions.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research was provided by Tony Carrick.
