Most of the pellet grills in Traeger’s line-up include all of the most essential features, like easy temperature control, sizable hoppers, and wired/wireless meat thermometer compatibility. The key differences between models are size, price, and nice-to-have tech features.
Price
Because Traeger grills vary widely in price (from less than $500 up to almost $4,000), ultimately, your buying decision may start with price. Decide what your budget is and what you can realistically afford, and shop from there. If you’re looking to keep costs in check, carefully consider what features you really need. Casual backyard cooks, for example, probably don’t need a premium Traeger grill like the Ironwood (at more than $1,700), when a value model like the 575 will probably do just fine.
Size
The size of the overall cooking surface has a big impact on price. Here, again, it pays to be realistic about how much you actually need. For reference, the Traeger Tailgater boasts a 300-square-inch cooktop with enough room for three rib racks or a dozen burgers (enough space to grill for a family of 4-6), while the premium Ironwood model boasts twice as much real estate and costs more than three times as much. Larger Traeger grills are also significantly heavier. The portable Tailgater, for example, weighs just 62 pounds, while the beefy Ironwood tips the scales at 200 pounds.
Features
Some features are essential, like a low-pellet sensor (so your cook doesn’t burn out early or unexpectedly), digital temperature controls (for easy heat management), and easy-clean grates. Others are simply nice-to-have, like a full-color touchscreen display, a built-in induction cooktop, and smartphone app compatibility with integrated WiFi. Just expect to pay more—sometimes significantly more—for all these fancy tech conveniences.
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