Thoughts on Traeger Wood Pellet Grill

My brother has had one now for several years. It's very good. Well made, although the new ones are all now made in China for the last couple of years. They were made in Oregon. You would think that there could have been some kind of a price drop.

 

I was just in the market for a smoker and looked at the Traegers. Like mentioned above, the build quality is off just a hair, but they're so simple it doesn't seem to be a huge issue.

The downside to these is they are NOT a BBQ so you wont be throwing steaks or hamburgers on here. They are for cooking low and slow.
I opted for the Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) smoker as I already have a Weber gas grill.
The WSM uses charcoal instead of electricity and is much dirtier for the environment which I'm OK with.
You also have to buy charcoal briquettes, and wood and all the other peripheral items that go with using charcoal.
With the Traeger you add whatever flavor pellets you choose to use, set the temp and a timer and you're done.
With the Weber, it's more of a religious ceremony with much pomp and circumstance when the meat is done. That's how I roll.

 

I personally have two. I picked up my first one about 5 years ago and loved it so much I got the junior to have a more portable one. I had a gas grill and it was never used again. Get one and you won't be disappointed!

 

Sure cooking at 425 is going to burn more pellets, but it does make a great burger. You will also find that cooking in colder weather will do the same even when cooking at low temps. For me the flavor of wood smoke is worth the extra couple $$ you might have to spend.

 

The best possible deal you can get on one of these is when they do a "Road Show" at either Sam's Club or Costco.

When I was in the market, my wife checked their websites for the dates they would be in local stores.

Other than that, you'll find that they are priced exactly the same no matter where you buy them.

 

yup. got mine at costco for $200 off ($799). I agree that the quality is lacking since sending their stuff to China. However, their technology is top notch. One of the major reasons for buying from Costco was that they offer a 2 year, no questions asked warranty. I had something break and they had it shipped within the week. Yes, you will burn thru some pellets on high temp or in cold temps. Be prepared to burn thru an $11lb bag with a 9 hr smoke at 250 degrees. Smokers are so nice that you can set it and forget it.

If I weren't buying a Traeger, I'd buy a Green Mountain. The only two for consideration IMO. Traeger on!

 

I opted for the Green Mountain and love it. I have the WiFi version so I can control the smoker from my phone as well as get alerts and temps (grill and food).

 

Love my Traeger. Killer ribs and brisket, even in 20-degree weather. A friend got me an employee discount at ACE.

 

I saw a never ending infomercial on it and until now thought it was just a gimmick like the Ron Popeil set and forget it thing...lol

 

I've eaten from one but never "grilled" with one. Great results from minimal effort seems to be the consensus. Can't say much about current or past build quality.

"Smoking purists" would turn their nose at it, but those guys are often modding out their "drums" to also reduce the effort and headache associated with maintaining a low steady temperature for 12 hrs at a time.

I've got an offset smoker that requires a little more blood sweat and tears but it's also fun for me. There are times when I wish I could start a slab(s) or shoulder(s) overnight and still be able to sleep through it.


I say go for it!

 

The Traeger is nice and easy to use, makes great food but doesn't get as hot as I'd like. I like to sear my steaks and make my own pizza from scratch.

 

I love mine bought it this year and bought a 40 pound bag of flavored pellets. I also like the fact that it can be used as a smoker or a grille all by pellet no propane

 

You CAN and SHOULD cook steak and burgers on a Traeger. Some of the best of both I've ever had have come off a Traeger. It just takes a little longer.

 

@csuviper still liking the grill? I have a Weber l.p. and a masterbuilt elec smoker but am interested in this technology.

 

Going to spend money on a traeger might as well buy a Cajun grill. Same concept but you could use it anywhere unlike traeger you need a power supply

 

Did you take a look at any of the other pellet fired options other then treager?

 

Love ours going on two years! Enjoy Brian! We use ours more than the oven lol!

 

What model did you get?