8 Things To Know Before Buying a Traeger (Pros and Cons)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- Follow Balcony Barbecue on Instagram!
/ balconybarbecue
PRODUCT LINKS:
Best Thermometer:
My favorite griddle: amzn.to/3ziYpgn
Mini Cast Iron: amzn.to/3J2c3IS
Infrared Thermometer: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Griddle Grease Cup Liners: amzn.to/3D8Zwk0
What I Use For Griddle Seasoning: amzn.to/3D8PVdg
Best value skillet: amzn.to/3NbAm8L
Pigtail Flipper: amzn.to/3Fkx6G0
Favorite Traeger Pellets: amzn.to/3zn7Rz9
Favorite Traeger: amzn.to/3TL5puv
Traeger Grease Bucket Liners: amzn.to/3f9FH3P
Heat Protectant Gloves: amzn.to/3fcTE12
Budget Cutting Board: amzn.to/3THiu85
Premium Cutting Board: amzn.to/3W81GbW
My favorite brisket knife: amzn.to/3Dx9pZT
My knife set: amzn.to/3szWeRI
Classic Weber Kettle: amzn.to/3SGqUeK
Here's my Traeger smoker review! I have a Bronson 20, which is in Traeger's Junior line of pellet smokers. Here you'll find 8 things to know before buying a Traeger - a list of pros and cons that I think are essential to know before buying one. Hopefully once I upgrade I'll be able to make a Pro 575 review! Enjoy the rest of 2020! And thanks for watching Balcony Barbecue!
0:00 Intro
0:25 Pros
2:32 Cons
4:42 Outro
To fix the tiny hopper issue. Take a bucket that just covers the hopper, probably 2 gallon and cut a hole in it. Fill the hopper and then with the lid open place the bucket with the hole on it and fill the bucket. Obviously the larger the bucket, the longer the burn.
To fix temp stability drape a towel over it. Don't bother with a fire proof blanket because 275 degrees isn't going to burn cloth. Don't block the holes for the smoke to get out. Then make sure the "P" setting is correct or less than factory if you are having issues. Factory is P3 so for stability try P2. In the windy winter I run P0 and then switch to P3 for summer. I am covered up with an insulating blanket which makes the pellets last longer. Don't waste money on the Traeger blanket either.
Tried to find smoking shelves for the Junior but couldn't. Get a grate and suspend it on 4 soup or tuna cans for extra surface. If you have a family of four, I'd recommend the Pro 575. With smoking shelves, you can have 14 eight inch racks of ribs. Remove them and do 2 full turkeys. Baked beans on the bottom, chicken in the middle and ribs on top.
The best advice on here. Thanks 👍🏾👍🏾
Great video. I have that exact smoker. My biggest complaint in the six years ive had mine has been the control board. Not enough ability to fine tune youe temps and so u get these big swings. I did replace mine with a smoke daddy pellet pro control board. Bout a hundred bucks but great upgrade. Also those traegers eat fire rods about every three years. All in all tho love my smoker. Keep vids comin!
Thanks for the good info! We just bought one at a Costco road show - trying the Chicken Challenge tonight! Looking forward to getting more familiar / comfortable with it.
Great review! Thanks!
I have the same issue with the pellets not shuffling down on my tailgater. They kind make a tunnel down towards the augur. I've found if you fill the hopper and kind of make a mound over where the auger is it helps.
David Ledbetter, great review. Thanks a lot. Q: What about the smoke that produces? Any grease fire? Those temp swings spoil the cooking process?
Good info.Was and am still thinking about buying one.Thank you.
Good tips. Ive been thinkin of getting one cause your video
Thanks for posting this video. Very helpful!
Thank you! Very helpful and to the point.
Very intelligent video. Good job 👍🏼
Adorbs! Thanks
Very helpful. Thank you!
Just had my first experience with this grill at friends cookout. Burgers and brats. Do you recommend for high heat grilling. Grill never got up to proper heat for grilling. Kept hood closed as much as possible but stayed in 250-270 range and heat control turned max. Is this mainly a low and slow smoker?
Requesting video on how to make Slim Jim’s with your Traeger
Going to get me one of these bad boiz
David? Nice review thx
huge fan of your channel man! love it!
So excited just got my today for Father’s Day
I think you're mistaken. I didn't recieve a dam thing.
Treagers are great and you can use them at an apartment complex most ban grills using gas and charcoal pellet grills aren't on the list
That was really helpful.
Great video and great information, I’ve been looking a video just like this. Appreciate you and happy grilling!
This was really informative. I’m headed to go purchase a larger Traeger.
I just got mine sooo excited 😆
I’m
Buying one soon. Friend told me I can set it and forget it. Put on a roast and go to work. I live almost next door so I can check it if need be.
I will say ive owned 3! all from costco, the first one caught on fire it started smoking and that was cool, but the smoke engulfed into a small fire. took it back, the second one the welding was absolutely cheap from the cheap aluminum they use, the lid just came off. the third one also from costco, is a brownish one with a lid that sits on the outside when it opens. it definitely has hot spots, top right corner always burns food way faster than the bottom left which takes a lot longer to cook. take it for what its worth, just being honest. the flavor is descent to good, not like a real piece of wood that is smoked straight to your food, the pellets are a step below.
My Ironwood 650 worked for less than one year.Then wouldn't hold the correct temp.
Changed temp probe and "new" replacement d2 controller. Still ran 10 to 15 degrees higher. Was told that's in range.
Live and learn
Thanks for sharing those pros/cons
This is super helpful. Thank you!
great video, thanks! straight to the point
Just bought a 780 pro with Wi-fire
Temp fluctuations are normal. It’s flame, it’s moving air, it’s outside weather, and even the size and temp of the meat from raw and throughout the cooking process will affect the temp readings. I also clean after every cook and I make sure to wipe down the probe and the surrounding area. This is not a crock pot. You cannot just walk away. You do need to check on the cooking progress. While doing that just take a peek at the hopper and either add or stir if needed.
Hey maybe the temp fluctuations go back to what you said about the the pellet funneling.
Yoder smokers are the best!
I didn't know Traeger made such a small unit. If you are happy with that, I'm sure I will enjoy the 885. Thanks!
Word. My Pro 780 does absolutely amazing. From Cooking a whole turkey to a full brisket
@@kingching4711 Maybe I should rethink getting the 885 if the 780 can do a whole turkeys. If size is the only difference the 780 could work for me.
I have a junior as well. Agree with your pros and cons. If you can afford a bigger Treager, go with that, but for me this was enough. Slow cooked wing, burgers chicken that takes a hour. This thing is perfect. Long slow cooks it is ok because of the reason he mentions. Temp fluctuations and pellet feed.
How do rate for cooking steaks, burgers and brats? At cookout yesterday and friend had one of these. Never got hot enough for regular grilling and after looking around for reviews I don't see much about high temp grilling for burgers and brats. He had temp all way up but stayed in 250-270 degree range and kept hood closed as much as possible.
@@ozzyruleshere If you live where it gets cold or windy don't bother. I'm extremely dissatisfied with my traeger. Bought it because if the big name and set it and forget it and no flare ups. Nope. Wrong! Mine has caught fire. Stopped working showing Ler code several times in the middle of a cook. Pellet box doesn't funnel right. Will pile up weird and maybe drop in about 2/3 of the pellets. 50 to 70 degree temp fluctuations. Hot spots. Usually top left is the hottest. Thing is great when it works but that's usually only half the time. I would NEVER consider an overnight cook even with a pellet box extension. You still want high end and pay top dollar the Grilla Grills chimp. Just a home grill that's not portable then Pit Boss. My buddy has one and it's great. And you can open it up to sear at 600 degrees or smoke at 225 all night and day. Just my experience and honest opinion bud
@@ozzyruleshere Mine has never had a issue with getting up to the 450 max temp. I don’t live up north with the real cold, so can not say how that changes things. Basic summer grilling it has been great. Long cooks I have done 4 hour ribs with temp giving issues, but ribs usually are perfect. I have learned to use the P setting (search if you don’t know) to get it to better control temp. I did a pork butt on it and it turned out good with a lot of keeping a eye on it. I would never do a brisket on it. For your list of foods, I never had a problem with them. Brother got a $800ish Treager with the Wi-Fi and other bells and whistles. That thing is spot on with temp control. After trying mine food onmy treager he got the better one and loves it. For me I have seen too much that for this price range you can do better with another brand and would follow this videos recommendations and any other you may find comparing this class. As for the upper price Treagers I have seen personally 3 of them cooking with my brothers, co workers or friends. They work great and would recommend them if you can afford. Other than than I have seen a lot of people recommend green mountain, but they are pricey like Treager. I would never recommend pit boss.
I was told by a traeger dealer to go one size bigger then whatever size your looking at just because of the cooking area that you mentioned. I ordered the ironwood 885 should be here soon, I can't wait.
How has it been 1 year later. I have looked at that one as well, but keep seeing an abundance people having issues with peeling paint when it hits 500 degrees
@@HvyMetal4Ever so far I have not had any issues. I have had it up to 450 a few times and it still looks great.
One size bigger lmao. That makes me cry laughing. You know you have a problem with your product when that’s the advice you give. These things are a joke.
GOOD INFO THANKS...VID WELL DONE TOO!
Got a busted one for 40 bucks. Had a power wire pop off lol. This thing is weird compared to conventional charcoal/wood. Trying to get some ideas.
Great video.
I have the smaller Traeger like yours.
Loved it when I got it.
But after having it for a few years. The burn chamber is on the left side of the grill. Just below the thermostat. Causing the wires to it to show burn marks. The temps range +|- 35 deg sometimes. The temp on the left verses right is off by 50 deg. The drip plate is very thin and rusting over the burn chamber. They don’t have replacements in stock. Amazon is my only option. The drip bucket failed the first year with rusting. The pellet box only holds about 5 lbs of pellets. The Auger jammed twice causing fire to fill the chamber, if I was not watching it, it could have set the box on fire. The temperature jumps from 375 to 450. With no in between. And last the weather plastic cover only lasted a year being water proof.
So with so many flaws and costing $450 I am looking at a new smoker.
I have the exact same issues. Ler codes all the time also
They are crap guys. Just say it. The money you spent, and to get that? Plus all the extra money for pellets? Traeger has failed they’re followers big time. It’s getting way out of hand these days. So many more issues to bring up.
These are the issues I like real Traeger users to talk about….instead of going with the big name Traeger I’m leaning more into the Weber Smokey Mountain for around the same price range. The majority of users of the WSM rave about it.
@@scottfletcher1956Extra money for pellets?
You mean like extra money for natural gas or propane or charcoal or wood or electricity? 🙄
You may. Insider stepping up to the Ironwood model. Mine is 5 years old, cooked 1,000’s of pounds of meat and countless pies, potatoes and veggies with no issues. Keep mine covered when not in use.
I found a Traeger Tailgater (TFB30LVB) at Home Depot for 56.25, I'm curious if it's worth it. Might give it a shot
*”the Treager”
Can we use other than the wood pellets?
Good review young man! You convinced me to go for one ;)
Bringing home a Traeger tomorrow that belonged to my friends dad.
Rip Hutch, I am going to learn pellets 😁🙏👍
I will be watching all your videos man, thank you
Good Video. Grills are like anything else, NEVER SKIMP,ALWAYS BUY THE BIGGEST AND BEST THAT YOU CAN AFFORD,YOU'LL ALWAYS BE HAPPY,SO WHAT IF YOU NEED TO SAVE A LITTLE LONGER!!!!! YOU'LL NEVER HAVE BUYERS REMORSE!!!!!!
how much smoke do these put out? apartment living here
Neat!
My new one turned $180 if food into hockey pucks.
Get a different smoker.
Perhaps you need to learn how to cook on it. Their is a learning curve with them; can’t imagine using a Webber where you have no control of temperature. Kind of like driving my dad’s Oldsmobile.
How’s the flavor on that vs a regular grill/smoker?
Light but good. It has a more subtle smoke flavor compared to an offset - which some people (usually non BBQ enthusiasts) actually prefer
The best bang for your buck with pellet grill/smoker is pitboss 1100 absolutely the best versatile and big cooking space for the cost
Thank you! Mine just arrived today (a 575).
The junior lineup has pretry large temperature swings. This is due to how this series of grills works. Essentially it detects the need for heat, dumps a bunch of pellets in the fire pot, and when the temperature hits the set temperature value the auger stops pumping pellets. At this point you have to wait for the pellets to burn down and during this time you get a temperature swing above your set point. I cooked 2 years like this, then upgraded to a smoke daddy pid. Almost no temp fluctuations with this pid.
Better yet, get a Recteq !!
I have a Traeger Lil' Tex Elite. It's the perfect size for feeding 2-4 people, even 6 sometimes. I was thinking of getting the next size up but am glad I didn't.
Great video but I think that your 'cons' are a bit off. First one that you mention is the small size, that's not a con, you bought a grill that was too small for your needs. Simple.
The second one about the pellet feed, I have the same problem. All I do is stir the pellets up every hour or so. I have heard of this problem on other makes also.
You shouldn't leave your grill alone for hours anyway due to a 'flame out.' Read up on that, very dangerous.
As for the third one, again this is a common problem with many smokers. Impossible to keep a constant temperature. Mine varies 20-30 degrees also, especially when the auger slows down and the smoke starts every so often.
Enjoy smokin'.
As I said in the video - it fits my needs perfectly. I was just listing this as a potential downside for someone looking to buy. In fact, all of these downsides are more informative for potential buyers, rather than deal-breaking complaints for me personally. I will say that I wish the hopper could run longer on its own. If I don’t shuffle mine down by an hour at the latest, it will run out and needs to be restarted. I would prefer a slightly longer runtime
@@david.ledbetter
Ok, but I think that you should allow others to decide what is right for them. I looked at the next size up when I was shopping but made the choice to get the smaller one and have never been sorry. As for the pellet feed in the hopper, I also have to "swish" the pellets around every hour or so as they tend to make a "funnel effect" and a void forms in the middle. A bit of a bug but liveable. They need to redesign the shape of the hopper in my opinion to stop the problem. One other thing I'm going to try is buying a different brand of pellets, I have seen and read that Lumberjack have more smoke flavour than Traeger.
Have a good smoke David.
@@tazman5722 You as well! I have not used lumberjack yet but I hear they work great. I’m currently using Kingsford’s new line of hardwood pellets and they’ve made for great flavor so far 👍
@@david.ledbetter
I just watched a UA-cam video that showed them being used in a taste test among 6 brands. Traeger came in last and second to last in three tries, although I have used only Traeger since 2013 I still like the flavor. Everybody will have their own opinion on each brand
It’s funny that the more expensive versions have the vent out the back, yours has it. The Pro series do not lol, interesting.
I gave away a small Traeger to a friend's son, going off to college. Not to date myself, but back in my day, rent parties. I gave him the Traeger so he can have rent parties to raise money to pay rent and books. Mother told me that Traeger didn't disappoint, but 21st century pups don't say ' rent party'. 🤪
Thanks! What sort of gloves do you use?
These www.amazon.com/dp/B0112VMC3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JW0HQTDKZ7B5VHPXDDF2
Covered with these www.amazon.com/dp/B07MVWY6XR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AYCR62Z7QN7AHK240P71
isn't the temp fluctuation intentional to generate the smoke?
Not necessarily. The smoke comes from the burning of wood pellets inside the bottom of the grill. That burning is also the heat source - so essentially the higher you set the temperature, the faster the grill will dispense pellets to burn.
the smoke you see rolling during start up and temp climbs is not the actual hardwood smoke that is being applied to the food. the normal smoke on pellet grills is translucent blue, almost invisible to the naked eye because it's pure hardwood smoke not dirty smoke
"Fluctating" temps are no good. No good at all!! LOL
The temp will always be a problem with any grill
no smoke stack????
Your the only one here who mentions this. No wonder the temperature fluctuates
Temp issue is due to your P setting being too high. My Tailgater is on P5 now and went from 150 degree swings to 20. It was in P1 when I got it.
I usually keep my p setting right in the middle, so I’m not sure! The fluctuation changes depending on the weather that day
Me: If I can afford to buy a Microtech Combat Troodon, I can afford to buy one of these! But will I hate myself for it in the morning’s the question. 🤔
A man of good taste I see ;)
@@dylankaylor842 I ended up going with the recteq 700 bull.😅 Really happy with that decision.
@@ThurstonHowell3rd well I am just looking to get my dad a smoker for Father's day. But I just bought a Kiser Feist Blade HQ limited edition the other day :)
I had a tough time spending $700 on a Treager that is made in China and will be left outside. My Weber kettle for $100 does a good and is still made in the USA
Matthew/// I HAVE A GMG THAT'S MADE IN AMERICA AND IT HAS NEVER SET OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT,IT'S ALWAYS STORED INSIDE WITH A COVER ON IT!!!!!! MY WOOD/STICK BURNERS STAY OUT AND COVERED UP BUT THEY DON'T HAVE ELECTRONICS!!!!!!
Can't remember the last time I seen anyone cook rice and noodle on a grill. just say'n.
However you probably typed this comment on a $1000+ phone made in china…..lol
Sadly my pro22 is junk paint falling off after 8 months they say too bad so sad so much for a premium grill try another brand and look at their forums before you spend your money.
I would have titled this "8 Things To Know Before Buying a (tailgater) Traeger" because the majority the content here regards it's size.
If you’re tired of the grease pail, we’ve got your fix!
Now I need to smoke 3 briskets, see what you did
I'm planning to get a pro 780. That's why I came here
Ummm... I thought setting it and leaving it with the ability to maintain consistent temperature were supposed to be hallmarks of a Traeger?
Found one used for $75
F... the HOA...
Buy a REC-TEQ better quality, better grill!
the cheapest version is 999 Euros here.. damn
LOL I love it. First pro is the first con. For me, the second pro, is the second con haha.
Last con. Doesn't sear. And an oven pie and a smoker pie taste the same. Good unit but not unicorns and fairy dust. It's a smoker that's it.
I think the tech is cool but not worth the cost. I think I will just make one myself.
You can’t grill on them they don’t get hot enough to sear. I have had mine for 10 years and love it but will go with Pit Boss whenever this dies. Better price and more heavy duty.
I've been on the fence about that too, but I've seen ALOT of reviews from people mentioning the pit boss grills not performing as well and needing replacement parts after 3-5 years. I haven't really came across that complaint of the traeger line. I don't have either but that is my biggest concern, anything over $500 is considered an investment (at least to me anyway) and I'd believe I'd be way more comfortable knowing it'll last 10 years. I don't have either yet but will before next weekend gets here; been stick smoking for 5 years now and am simply ready to let the new age, automatic technology take over most of the smoking so I've been all in the reviews. I see all the complaints about wifi capabilities but honestly, I have know intentions of starting a cook then going on am 8 hour trip anywhere. I'm perfectly fine with going out to check on it every hour or 2 as opposed to making sure enough wood is in the box every 15 minutes haha
@@davidhunt4129 I have no need for a WiFi smoker either hahahahah.....
Get some grill grate sear stations... Problem of grilling temps solved
My Niehbor gave me one for 120 bucks
You went full blown Traeger, never go full blown Traeger....
Sorry, 400 to 500 isn't really that affordable for many people. Save some cash ($100) and buy a Pit Boss. Most people prefer these to Tragers also. )
I bought one a couple years ago. Worst purchase ever. Auger is always clogging and fire moving into the Pettit box.
I’m curious - why are you watching a review on one?
bigger is better
You should rediscribe it to things you should know before buying a SMALL Treager
Wait so he bought a small grill but he’s mad that it’s small? 🤣
Metal is so thin temperature very and cooking take longer then you think and rust stated in a month. Try to use four four months and took it back aka china made cheap made and over priced 2021 November Thur 2022 march 👎
The most important thing you need to know before buying a treager is that you should have bought a camp chef.
The design is superior to traegar offerings
Music is annoying.
So don’t buy a small grill.
These things are garbage if you’re used to charcoal and real wood. Nothing beats the real thing. I’ve been a charcoal guy for decades, finally got a gas grill and decided to expand my bbq game to include a Traeger pellet grill. So now I have 1 charcoal, 1 gas, and 1 pellet grill. The charcoal grill gets the best results 99% of the time. The gas grill is great for heating up some burgers or carne asada. The pellet grill isn’t good at anything so far. I’ve tried roast, sausages, and steaks. I’ve never been so disappointed by a bbq. I can’t even call it a bbq, a grill, or a smoker. It’s an outdoor oven. Maybe it’s good for making bread, but that’s about it
The 22' Weber Smokey Mountain is the best smoker I have ever used. Love hanging my ribs and chicken on hooks!
That’s not realistic imo. That tiny grill being 4-500 dollars is ridiculous. I want one, but not that bad. You know you’ve reached an insane level when ur grill costs more than your rent payment, in the 2nd most expensive city in the US. The prices are insulting. Ive seen what they’re made of and it’s so overpriced. I just left Costco today and the prices have skyrocketed. When you factor in pellets it’s really bad. One thing that doesn’t sit well with me is that you have to pay way to much to get an insulated model? Traeger let me do you a favor. Start making all your models with insulation and I’ll believe your not trying to corner the grill pellet market. I could go on and on but this is already a long winded rant. I could go on for paragraphs. Traegers are nice, but not 4500$ nice. It’s still insane for me to see people are still buying them. Another manufacturer is gonna do it better and cheaper and traeger will be that over priced model soon. Watch.
so this is a video about your specific model, make sure to reflect the title next time.
Grilling on a balcony like that is a fire code violation. Shame. Lol
“Mostly affordable” $400-$500 for a grill, any grill is NOT mostly affordable.
You know what’d be great? If my Traeger grill held a temp - any temp - at any time. I’ve suffered through over a year of this stupid thing and put it in the trash can yesterday. I’d rather screw around with charcoal than ruin one more pork butt or end up burning my house down. What a piece of garbage!
If you use this to smoke meat and I’m invited to your gathering, I’m not gonna be impressed. Its a freaking easy bake oven. 🤣You’ll never come close to stick burning results. 4th con is you obviously wear skinny jeans while using these. 🤣💀
Pellet grills are like easy bake ovens for little girls 😂🤣
Found the chomo
@@jasondyer3262
Found the hhhhhomo!
Brother all it is a big fucking oven, they suck you can,t get any smoke flavor.Over price
No PID controller no thank you
Biggest thing to know..... Don't buy a pellet grill/smoker.
Overpriced over Rated, sooo many better smokers out there for the same price, look around!
Such as?