Are Traegers worth it?

[Cbinderjr]

In 2012 when I was doing research before I got my pellet grill I heard a lot of bad things about the tragers, most of the complaints where about the controller not holding temp and electrical failures if I remember right im sure they have improved since then due to the popularity growing..
For a budget pellet smoker green mountain grills has always had a good reputation, if your willing to put out a bit more cash I can highly recommend the Yoder ys640, got mine in 2013 and it has been awesome it gets a lot of use for both grilling and smoking sometimes everyday of the week.

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[elk yinzer]

I generally like my GMG. I shopped around a good bit and came away feeling that Traegers have that "Yeti pricing model" going on, paying a hefty premium for the name to subsidize all their ads and influencers. I am a bit of a contrarian though and the most popular/advertised/influencer brands I rarely own.

Mechanically, they aren't really that complicated a device and a lot of the product differentiation is in add ons and accessories. I like to make pizza so the GMG pizza attachment really sold me as well.

Overall pellet grills are kind of a jack of all trades, master of none. The Camp Chef sear boxes are another good idea. You'll definitely want to consider that or some easy alternative to do steaks and things decently well. I also detect zero smoke flavor when I smoke with just the pellets unless I supplement with an additional smoke box.

 

[Hardly_Hangin]

Check these out. They are worth every penny and built to last many years. I lived just a short drive from there facility and have received amazing customer service with them... great people to deal with!

They are actually doing a great sale right now also.

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Thanks for the link! I like the cabinets on the silverbac, I bet those are handy

 

[Pooh]

I use my little 18 weber to feed a family of 6 at least once a week. For larger projects I use my 22 with a slow and sear. There's also temp controllers out there.

I don't really care for my Traeger there's no direct heat. Think of them as a pellet fired outdoor oven, they're not a grill imo. My wife likes it though cause it's more convenient.

 

[Apex7]

I use my little 18 weber to feed a family of 6 at least once a week. For larger projects I use my 22 with a slow and sear. There's also temp controllers out there.

I don't really care for my Traeger there's no direct heat. Think of them as a pellet fired outdoor oven, they're not a grill imo. My wife likes it though cause it's more convenient.

That's why I got a Pit Boss it has a place to sear the meat. It does it all and I love it.

 

[Patriot38]

Love the traeger but hate that it doesn't get hot enough. Granted I have the junior (base model). Hotest I've ever seen is 403° but thats rare. Typically it only gets to 375°. That's fine for most stuff but it will never get a crispy sear. If the traeger could hit 500° it would be amazing

In general, wood pellet grills are awesome

 

[RainingBlades]

I have a “grilla grills” And it’s makes a mean pastrami. No WiFi, just solid metal and high quality guts.

 

[dplouns]

Or is there a better bang for your buck option?

I have a RecTec and love it and they have top notch customer service! My buddy has a Traeger and a RecTec, he will be selling the Traeger.

 

[ThumbsMcGee]

Big benefit of no WiFi, you have a reason to drink beer and “watch” the grill/smoker all day.


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[jasondittus]

I have a “Z grill” and they have fantastic customer service , warranty, and products. Last year they were having 2-4-1 grill sales that were crazy. Used it right beside a treagar, and I’ll just say I’m glad I had the z grill that day


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[IrishnId]

Most people here have had Traegers, and when they end up needing a new pellet grill everyone I know has went to the Camp Chef models.

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[Sziggy2.0]

I bought a pitboss a couple weeks ago and love it so far. Traeger was was a more expensive, less quality choice I looked at.

 

[Hardly_Hangin]

Thanks for all the input, my aunt bought one refurbished and decided to sell it so i got it half off retail - will post follow follow up foodie picks!!

 

[Jbiehn]

I have had the Traeger Ironwood for almost a year and a half and i really enjoy it. I use it 2-3 times per week year round in New England. Mine will heat to 500 degrees and sears meat as needed. It does a nice job on the slow cook and offers a nice smoke ring. It pulls hardly any electric and as another commented the parts/accessories are easy to find. The wifi is convenient but I’ve found the preprogrammed cook setting to be unreliable.

I’d also point out that it does require a fair bit of cleaning. I use a small shop vac and vaccum it out and change the drip tray liner every 3-5 uses. I have found if I don’t the grease can catch fire when i use temps above 450 (grilling burgers). I also have never had the luck with the stock thermometer and there customer service hasn’t been helpful.

all said, if mine were to go out. I would buy it again.

good luck!

john

 

[Hardly_Hangin]

I have had the Traeger Ironwood for almost a year and a half and i really enjoy it. I use it 2-3 times per week year round in New England. Mine will heat to 500 degrees and sears meat as needed. It does a nice job on the slow cook and offers a nice smoke ring. It pulls hardly any electric and as another commented the parts/accessories are easy to find. The wifi is convenient but I’ve found the preprogrammed cook setting to be unreliable.

I’d also point out that it does require a fair bit of cleaning. I use a small shop vac and vaccum it out and change the drip tray liner every 3-5 uses. I have found if I don’t the grease can catch fire when i use temps above 450 (grilling burgers). I also have never had the luck with the stock thermometer and there customer service hasn’t been helpful.

all said, if mine were to go out. I would buy it again.

good luck!

john

Thanks! The one i bought is a ridgeland 572

John

 

[ShooterMike]

It’s probably the thing I enjoy the most, when it comes to making food. I have an Ironwood 885. Actually using it right now. Making a Tomahawk steak and smoked Mac & cheese.

Semper Fi,
Mike
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[Dgolden01]

I enjoy my Traeger, wifi works well, maintains temp well, and easy to use. My only complaints are mine does not have the high smoke option and that its not American made.
When I have to do it again, hopefully several years from now I would get a Yoder, but I have eaten good meat off the Pit Boss.

 

[Hardly_Hangin]

It’s probably the thing I enjoy the most, when it comes to making food. I have an Ironwood 885. Actually using it right now. Making a Tomahawk steak and smoked Mac & cheese.

Semper Fi,
Mike
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Nice! I am probably most excited to try the mac and cheese

 

[Aeds151]

I have had a Rec Teq for a few years. A lot of warranty issues


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[ShooterMike]

I have had a Rec Teq for a few years. A lot of warranty issues


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The Traeger has them too? But I’m still happy with it. The lid leaks horribly if you don’t seal it with BBQ gasket felt. It doesn’t grill as well as it will smoke, as the heat will warp the lower half of the barrel ok the left side.


Semper Fi,
Mike
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