The Best Traeger Grills of 2024 for Smoking and Grilling, Tested
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Outfit your next cookout with a premium grill or smoker from Traeger, and find out how their popular models fared in our hands-on tests.
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
Photo: The Home Depot
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: The Home Depot
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
Photo: Ace Hardware
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,