The 5 Best Traeger Alternatives We’ve Tested in 2024

collage showing z grills, grilla and camp chef pellet grills

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Traeger invented pellet grills way back in 1986, and nearly four decades later they’re still the market leader.

Just because they have an unlimited marketing budget, that doesn’t make them the best option for your hard-earned dollars.

After testing dozens of different pellet grills from leading brands like Camp Chef, Weber, Pit Boss, Z Grills, and Yoder, here are the best Traeger alternatives.

5 Alternatives if you aren’t ready to join the ‘Traegerhood’

Let’s get one thing straight. We don’t consider ourselves Traeger haters. I’ve been cooking on a Pro 575 for a couple of years. On our team, Jordan has made plenty of recipes on his Timberline, and Nick is a fan of the portable Ranger (especially for wings!)

But over the years, we’ve found pellet grills that are better value, more feature packed, or better built.

1. If you want better value than a Traeger – Z Grills 700D4E

Read our full Z Grills 700D4E review.

One of the worst-kept secrets in the industry is that Z Grills used to manufacture grills for Traeger.

Since they started selling direct to the public, Z Grills has earned a reputation for offering great value.

For less than the bottom-of-the-range Traeger Pro 575, you can get the Z Grills 700D4E, which gives you more room to cook on, an enclosed cart for storage, more meat probes, and a bigger hopper.

You’ll even get a free cover included, which would run you an extra $70.00 from Traeger.

Z Grills has recently added WiFi connectivity to their smoker, although the Traeger app is one of our favorites, and it’s still much nicer to use.

We would also give a slight advantage to Traeger when it comes to build quality.

Z Grills 700D4ETraeger Pro 575
Cooking Area697 sq in (504 main + 193 top rack)572 sq in (418 main + 154 top rack)
Pellet Hopper Capacity20 lbs18 lbs
Temp Range180°F – 450°F180-500°F
Shelves & StorageOne shelf on pellet hopper plus storage cabinetFront folding shelf costs extra
Temp Probes
twoone
WiFi/App
NoYes
Warranty
3 year3 years
PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

We’ve got a video review of the 700D4E you can check out to see it in action.

My Favorite Entry Level Pellet Grill - Z Grills 700D4E Review

Still on the fence? One of our readers, Matt, left this comment about his experience:

“After researching pellet smokers for almost 3 weeks, I finally pulled the trigger on the Z Grills 700D4E. It has blown my expectations away, from the durable build quality, ease of use, and flawless operation.”

Matt

If you don’t mind sacrificing app quality for a larger grill with better storage for less money, then the Z Grills 700D4E is a great option.

2. If you want more versatility than a Traeger – Camp Chef Woodwind

Read our full Camp Chef Woodwind review.

For the same price as the Traeger Pro 780, you can pick up a Woodwind 24 from Camp Chef with more grill area, adjustable smoke levels, slide and grill capability, and a side shelf included.

Those would be enough reasons to go for the Camp Chef, but we haven’t even mentioned the SideKick.

This replaces your side table with a propane burner which can connect to a griddle, searing station or pizza oven to turn your pellet grill into a fully featured outdoor kitchen.

While the Traeger is a capable smoker, it struggles to grill and sear. This can be a problem when reverse searing a large steak or prime rib.

With the Woodwind, you can smoke your protein and then slap it on the searing station to get a beautiful crust.

Getting the Woodwind + Sidekick will set you back more than the Treager, but you can always add the SideKick on later and still create a small sear zone with the slide and grill option.

Camp Chef WoodwindTraeger Pro 780
Cooking Area811 sq in (429 main + 382 upper rack)780 sq in (570 main + 210 top rack)
Pellet Hopper Capacity22 lbs18 lbs
Temp Range160°F – 500°F (up to 650° with direct flame grilling)180-500°F
Shelves & StorageTwo side shelves, one front shelfFront folding shelf costs extra
Temp Probes
FourOne
WiFi/App
YesYes
Warranty
3 year3 years
PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

There are plenty of other things we love about the Woodwind, including the ash cleanout feature that makes it easy to drop burnt ash into a cup for easy removable.

If you’re willing to spend even more, you could also upgrade to the Woodwind Pro which has better build quality insulation and includes a built-in smoke box for burning wood chunks or charcoal for enhanced smoke flavor.

That would make the Traeger comparison downright unfair.

Camp Chef Woodwind 24
4.6
Pros:
  • Adjustable smoke levels
  • Sidekick adds versatility
  • Ash cleanout system
Cons:
  • No cabinet door
CHECK CAMP CHEF PRICE CHECK AMAZON PRICE

3. If you want something unique – Grilla Grills Alpha Connect

Read our full Grilla Grills Alpha review.

When we review grills, we tend to get stuck into the nitty gritty. Comparing features, build quality, and performance.

We forget that the grill can be the centerpiece of your outdoor area, and it should look impressive, too.

While there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with Traeger’s design, you can’t deny there’s nothing interesting about them. Especially when you can spot on in pretty much every backyard and patio across the country.

Unlike most Traeger alternatives we’ve looked at, the Alpha doesn’t beat the Traeger in price or size.

With the Grilla Alpha, you’re getting something unique that will really elevate your outdoor space. Even the gorilla logo doubles as a window through to the firepot. A nice touch that provides ambiance while you’re cooking at night.

Grilla started as a direct-to-consumer start-up, but sold in 2022 to American Outdoor Brands, the parent company who owns Meat Your Maker!

Grilla Grills Alpha ConnectTraeger Pro 575
Cooking Area488 sq in (346 main + 142 top rack)572 sq in (418 main + 154 top rack)
Pellet Hopper Capacity20 lbs18 lbs
Temp Range180°F – 500°F180-500°F
Shelves & StorageOne rear shelfFront folding shelf costs extra
Temp Probes
Oneone
WiFi/App
YesYes
Warranty
4 years3 years
PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

If you’re worried about space, you could also consider the Silverbac, but you would miss out on that unique design.

One big advantage with the Grilla is its superior heavy-steel construction. For a smaller grill you are looking at 145 lbs total weight vs 124 lbs for the larger Traeger.

Grilla Grills Alpha Connect Wood Pellet Smoker
4.5
Pros:
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Easy to open/close lid
  • Generous smoke output
  • Steady temperature
  • Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
  • Difficult to utilize side trays
  • Basket-shaped drip can
  • Small cooking chamber
Check Latest Price at Grilla Grills

4. If you aren’t 100% sold on pellets – Masterbuilt Gravity Series

Read our full Masterbuilt Gravity review.

Most people looking for a pellet grill are willing to trade depth of smoke flavor for more convenience.

What if I told you that you could get charcoal flavor, with the convenience of a pellet grill? The Masterbuilt Gravity smoker uses a charcoal hopper with a fan and thermometer so you can set your temperature and sit back and relax.

You can get the gravity in three sizes, starting with the 560, followed by the 800 and finally the range-topping 1050 which we review in more detail in our guide to the best gravity-fed smokers.

The 800 would be the sweet spot for most people, and will set you back around the same as the Traeger Pro 575.

For that price you get more storage and cooking space, a griddle insert and the option to smoke or sear.

Masterbuilt Gravity 800Traeger Pro 575
Cooking Area800 sq in (346 main + 142 top rack)572 sq in (418 main + 154 top rack)
Hopper Capacity16 lbs briquettes or 10lbs lump for up to 10 hours cooking18 lbs
Temp Range180°F – 700°F180-500°F
Shelves & StorageFront and side shelfFront folding shelf costs extra
Temp Probes
Oneone
WiFi/App
YesYes
Warranty
1 years3 years
PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

Before you rush out to buy a pellet grill, you need to consider a gravity fed charcoal smoker.

5. If you want to buy made in the USA – Yoder YS640S

Read our full Yoder YS640S review.

If you aren’t happy that Traeger moved manufacturing to China and want to buy a pellet grill that’s made in the USA the Yoder YS640S is one of your best options.

These grills look more like an old fashioned offset smoker. Built out of 10-gauge steel, the YS640S weighs in at 335 lbs, a whopping 68% heavier than the comparably priced Traeger Ironwood XL!

The Yoder will set you back a few hundred more than the new Ironwood, but is still $1,000 cheaper than the top of the line Timberline.

Yoder YS640STraeger Ironwood XL
Cooking Area1,070 sq in (Four 8”x19.75′ main + 15.5×28′ slide out)616 sq in (396 main + 220 top rack)
Pellet Hopper Capacity20 lbs22 lbs
Temp Range150°F – 600°F180-500°F
Shelves & StorageTwo side shelves, one front shelfSide shelf included, optional front shelf
Temp Probes
TwoTwo
WiFi/App
YesYes
Warranty
3-10 years10 years
PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

For once Traeger includes a side shelf in the base price, but the additional side and front shelves will cost you extra. The Yoder has the front and side shelf included, plus space on top of the hopper for resting a cutting board. Both grills have an open style cart with space for storage.

Both grills offer a variety of customization options. For the Yoder you’ll be able to option various features including stainless steel grease shield, door temperature gauge and cast iron griddle.

With the Ironwood you’ll be using the P.A.L ‘Pop-And-Lock’ system of components including storage options, accessory hooks and cast-iron griddle.

The Yoder is only available to purchase through their network of dealers, while the Traeger can be ordered off their website or found at your local hardware stores.

Yoder YS640s Pellet Grill

The YS640s is an ultra high quality pellet grill that performs just as well at home as on the barbecue competition circuit where it was designed to compete.

Check Latest Price

Honerable mentions

We left some popular grills off this article to avoid double-ups and because we didn’t want it to get too long.

If you’re budget-conscious and don’t want to go Z Grills, you could also look at Pit Boss. If you want something between a Pro and an Ironwood, then the Weber SmokeFire keeps getting better, especially the latest Stealth edition.

Recteq has legions of fans that swear they beat the pants off a Traeger, and Green Mountain Grills are competitive when they aren’t being sued by Traeger, that is…

If you’re still on the fence, let us know what grill you are trying to decide between in the comments, and we’ll try and help you make up your mind.

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13 Comments

  1. Chuck Rittiman says:

    Interesting read on your comparison, however one that should have been included was RecTec. They are super and have an excellent warranty.

    1. Randy A Masker says:

      I agree wholeheartedly with your comment!!! It’s very well made, and I very much LOVE my RecTec!!!!!!!

  2. Dyrek Litzenberger says:

    I now have a Memphis Pro. Any thoughts on this one? So far I have found it quite good. Not quite as easy (for my particular location on my deck) to fill as my former Traegar, but higher temps and Way more consistent temps.

  3. Ray Villasenor says:

    Thanks! Great info, but what out best quality and best smoke flavor? Is there a review and which grills offer best overall build quality and which grills give the best Smokey flavor? Thanks again for all the great info.

  4. I have a new Camp Chef Woodwind 36 (NOT the PRO Model which I considered but chose against.) My son has a Z Grill which he likes, but wishes he’d gotten the Camp Chef with the Sidekick. The Sidekick provides separate propane fired sear, BBQ grill, and pizza oven which can be used either while smoking or separate. The front shelf is an available accessory for the Woodwind, but not the Pro model as the wood chip shelf conflicts with its space. The wood chip shelf also does not allow the slide sear shelf that lets you sear from the pellet grill itself. The slide sear provides a louvered drip pan inside to allow the fire pit to provide direct heat. Mine also has the Gen 2 PID which is very accurate in its function. I am more than amazed that neither Lowes nor Home Depot carry the Camp Chef in stock, although they can be ordered. The two big box stores need to wake up and smell the Camp Chef smoke!

  5. Scott A Van Nierop says:

    Hey Guys,
    Have been a subscriber of yours for the last 2 years since I got me first pellet grill,
    an Expert Grill, from Walmart. Just curious if you have heard of this line and had gotten any feedback on them. I love it, since I was unable to afford any other brand at the time, and am glad I switched from a propane grill.
    P.S. Really appreciate the cooking tips and recipe ideas in the emails, keep them coming.

  6. Mike Wilson says:

    I Purchased seven triggers almost every model they had after 10 years that all been thrown in the garbage they did not stand by their products I would never buy a Traeger I would warn my friends not to buy Traeger friends don’t let friends by traders

    1. you bought 3 they all broke and decided to buy 4 more….

  7. I have a PitBoss that works perfectly for 4 years now. no problems ,no cheap metal and easy to use. Paid $600.00 for it . No regrets. A-1 pellet grill.

  8. J C O’Donnell says:

    I have a Louisiana pellet smoker. I’m still trying to under stand how to work it.
    Pellets feed, in amounts as required by thermostat, but on cold days it loads a lot of pellets until thermocouple reaches temperature. Then I have fire in the burn box at a very scary level. What lm I doing or not doing.

  9. How about a model that won’t require me to get a second mortgage?

    1. I mean the the first option in the guide costs $749.00 so if you need a second mortgage for that you may have more important problems than buying a smoker. Two more of the 5 options are also under $1,000 so I don’t really understand your comment.

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