Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill Review
$999.99
The reviews for the Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill are mixed. Some users praise its convenience and cooking performance, particularly highlighting features like Wi-Fi connectivity and ease of use. They appreciate the consistent results and the ability to monitor and control the grill remotely. However, there are also several complaints about quality issues, such as damage upon delivery, difficulties with assembly, and problems with temperature accuracy. Some users find that the grill lacks the expected smoke flavor or experiences malfunctions after a period of use. Overall, opinions on this product vary, with some users highly satisfied and others disappointed with their purchase.
Description
Experience the pinnacle of outdoor cooking with the Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. This grill isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in flavor, convenience, and versatility. Crafted by Traeger, the original wood-pellet grill innovator, the Pro 780 is designed to take your grilling game to new heights.
Achieve Wood-Fired Excellence
Say goodbye to gas and charcoal grills forever. The Pro 780 delivers unparalleled wood-fired taste with precise temperature control, reaching up to 500°F for perfect sears and smoky flavor infusion every time. Its six-in-one versatility allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ with ease, all on the same grill.
Connected Home Convenience
With WiFIRE technology, take command of your grill from anywhere using the Traeger app. Adjust temperatures, set timers, and monitor your food’s progress effortlessly, whether you’re in the backyard or miles away.
Superior Design, Superior Performance
Crafted with stainless steel inner material and porcelain-coated grill grates, the Pro 780 offers durability and easy cleanup. Its D2 drivetrain ensures quicker startup, faster heating, and superior smoke quality, making it the market leader in pellet grills.
Perfect for Every Occasion
With 780 square inches of grilling space, the Pro 780 accommodates large family gatherings effortlessly. Grill up to thirty-four burgers, six rib racks, or six chickens to perfection, thanks to the built-in meat probe for precise cooking.
Features You’ll Love:
- WiFIRE Technology for remote control
- TurboTemp for faster heating
- Traeger Pellet Sensor compatibility to monitor pellet levels
- D2 Direct Drive drivetrain for enhanced power and flavor
- All-terrain wheels for easy mobility
- Locking caster wheels for stability
- Hopper cleanout for quick pellet swapping
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Pro 780 vs. Pro 575: The Pro 780 offers 780 square inches of cooking capacity, while the Pro 575 features 575 square inches.
- Searing on a Traeger: Achieve perfect sears between 350° – 500°F effortlessly.
- Smoke Flavor Control: Control smoke levels based on cooking temperatures.
- WiFIRE Connectivity: Access precision temperature control and over 1,600 recipes through the Traeger app.
- Assembly Time: Assemble your Traeger grill in just 30-60 minutes.
Warranty and Support
Enjoy peace of mind with Traeger’s 3-year warranty and dedicated customer support, available 365 days a year. Plus, take advantage of our hassle-free return policy within 45 days for a full refund or exchange.
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with the Traeger Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. Discover the unmatched flavor, convenience, and performance Traeger has to offer.
JPP –
Once it hit the 12-month mark, it began experiencing consistent failures. The grill repeatedly short circuits, functioning briefly before encountering the same issue again. This has been an incredibly frustrating ordeal. Traeger seems to distance themselves from the problem, leaving me with what feels like an $80/month rental that has now left me without a functioning grill. Thanks a lot, Traeger, for providing me with what feels like a lemon.
UPDATE
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Traeger lacks technicians in the Northern Virginia area to physically service your grill in case of a failure; only phone troubleshooting is available.
James –
What a disappointment! I went through the hassle of unpacking the entire grill and started the assembly process. Only after attaching the legs did I realize that the entire back side was dented in. Now, I have to disassemble everything and repack it in its original packaging. To make matters worse, it won’t be picked up for return until next week.
Chloe donut –
I absolutely love it! The only suggestion I have is for them to add a seal around the opening. Without it, the smoke tends to billow out all around, which could eventually cause damage if not addressed. Personally, I installed a half-inch high-temperature seal, and now there’s no more smoke leaking around the door. 👍 I highly recommend this product.
Alyssa N –
Received my order in a damaged condition – at least three noticeable large dents and several scrapes. Additionally, two of the legs didn’t fit into the designated holes. Considering the significant amount of money spent, this experience is highly disappointing. Unfortunately, we also discovered that a few washers were missing, but it seems like too much of a hassle to go through the process of returning or replacing the item.
Paul –
Both the ambient and probe temperatures are nowhere near accurate. I tested with three different probes, and they all show consistent readings within a degree. However, the built-in smoker probes are off by 15-40 degrees. This level of inaccuracy is simply ridiculous.
Dustin Hruby –
Ideal grill for my family! As a stay-at-home mom, my wife finds it convenient to turn it on, and I can even monitor the grill from work. It’s an awesome smoker, and I highly recommend it. My only minor drawback is that the pellet hopper is somewhat small.
velerie –
Purchased this for my husband, and he absolutely loves it! Assembly required two people as per the instructions, but it didn’t take long. The initial disappointment was having to run and smoke it for about an hour and a half before the first use, which felt like a waste of pellets. However, after that initial run, it has been performing great!
Brad –
After contemplating the idea of getting a smoker for a while, I finally decided to go for the Traeger 780 Pro, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. This smoker has elevated my culinary experience, producing some of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Despite using it only a handful of times, it has excelled with ribs, wings, and even filet mignon.
The Wi-Fi feature is a standout, allowing precise control using the temperature probe, ensuring steaks are cooked exactly to your preference. The free assembly service was a nice touch, making the setup process straightforward. Now, it’s just a matter of following recipes to create delicious meals.
I’m eagerly anticipating experimenting with various meats, with plans to cook a ham for Easter, pulled pork, sausage, and brisket in the near future. I highly recommend this smoker for its ample capacity and impressive performance.
Ryan S –
I was looking for a convenient set-it-and-forget-it Wi-Fi grill that maintains a consistent temperature and allows for easy control via a mobile app, and in that aspect, this grill is fantastic. The features and the accompanying app are impressive.
However, my experiences with it, particularly during slow cooks at 225 degrees, have been disappointing. The meat consistently turns out dry, lacks color vibrancy, lacks a bark, and doesn’t capture enough smoke flavor. Even when running for hours in cold weather, the grill doesn’t produce as much smoke as expected. I’ve used Traeger Signature pellets, and I wonder if the choice of pellets contributes to the issue. Additionally, I find it lacking that this high-end model doesn’t have a Super Smoke feature, which is present in some lower-grade Traegers.
While I acknowledge there’s a chance the problem lies with my approach, I’ve come across several video reviews echoing similar concerns. As a workaround, I often find myself smoking the meat for hours on this grill and then finishing it on a gas grill for improved color and texture. It works well, but it feels like an unnecessary step for such an expensive smoker.
J.Howie –
If you happen to have an extra $1,000 lying around, and your priority is a grill with a prestigious brand name and solid durability, without much concern for smoke flavor, then this might be the grill for you. It boasts a sleek design, commendable features, but unfortunately, it falls short on delivering significant smoke flavor.
Regardless of using Traeger pellets or another brand, or opting for a quick cook or low and slow approach, the level of smoke flavor remains disappointingly low. Adjusting the smoke stack from more open to more closed doesn’t seem to make a significant difference either.
After almost a year of using this grill, while I appreciate the “set it and forget it” convenience, I find myself yearning to return to my old garbage stack smoker. Surprisingly, the flavor it produced was so much better.
On a lighter note, during a recent attempt at smoked Mac and Cheese, someone amusingly suggested, “you should consider throwing this in the smoker for a few hours next time!” At least we had a good laugh about it.
Danialle –
This is an utter waste of money and pellets. I previously had a 100 smoker and replaced it with this regrettable purchase. Despite following all their recommendations and even using their pellets, the experience has been disappointing. Surprisingly, this unit burns a staggering 2 pounds per hour of pellets. In my frustration, I reached out to customer service, only to find their assistance worthless. Their suggestion was to purchase a smoke tube for additional smoker flavor. I won’t be investing in any more accessories for this smoker, as it’s now up for sale.
SCOTT –
Decided to give a pellet grill a try after years of using charcoal and wood in my grills and smokers. It’s not bad if you’re looking for a quicker cooking experience. While it imparts some smoke flavor, I had to adjust my cooking style. For instance, with steaks, I found it necessary to cook at around 180F for 45 minutes before cranking the grill up to 400F for a reverse sear.
However, my main gripe revolves around the difficulty I faced setting up the grill on my WiFi network with my Pixel Pro 6 (Android phone). Surprisingly, Traeger support suggested using a different phone. It’s frustrating that the app setup wasn’t smooth and straightforward, affecting the overall initial experience.
UPDATE (12/18/2022) – Tried a 14 lb brisket, starting at 180F before raising to 225F for a smoke ring and tenderness. While it turned out well, the smoke flavor wasn’t as robust as I prefer with a traditional stick burner or lump charcoal smoker. It’s good in a pinch but doesn’t quite match up.
UPDATE (2/19/2023) – Discovered a workaround for more smoke flavor by using a pellet tube. Filling it with pellets, igniting it, and placing it inside the grill resulted in a longer-lasting and enhanced smoke flavor. It’s a bit of a hack, but it does the job.
AntOB –
As someone experienced with traditional smoking methods, this Traeger was a Christmas gift to ourselves, replacing our reliable but aging Masterbuilt electric smoker. The difference is remarkable! While it does go through pellets quite rapidly, the food quality it delivers is fantastic.
marknlisa –
I appreciate the aesthetics, but unfortunately, it has had issues from day one. It doesn’t match up to the quality of the original Traeger, which was far superior. My dissatisfaction mainly stems from the fact that it’s now made in China rather than the USA. I’ve reverted back to my old Traeger, which still works perfectly. Overall, I’m very unhappy with this purchase and would advise against buying it. Traeger should consider returning to USA manufacturing for better quality.
Paige Leedy –
My husband is absolutely enamored with this appliance, and I haven’t had to cook for two weeks! 😂 He has smoked every type of meat and vegetable imaginable, even venturing into making pies. The extra cost for the Wi-Fi connectivity has proven to be worthwhile, especially when he’s smoking something for 12+ hours and I can control the temperature from my phone when I’m not at home to monitor it.
Derek McGhee –
Functions well for shorter smoking sessions, but falls short during longer smokes. Be prepared to interrupt the process midway to disassemble and clean out the impractical burn pot, which unfortunately lacks accessible dumping.
Tony The Man –
I’ve always been the type to salvage grills from the side of the road, so purchasing this Traeger was a significant decision for me. We’ve been using this smoker every week, cooking up a variety of dishes like brisket, pulled pork, burgers, and ribs – you name it, we’ve tried it. The excitement of firing up the smoker never gets old.
The accompanying app is a real game-changer, allowing me to monitor the grill while I’m at work, giving my wife the ability to check in as well. Waking up at 5 am to start our dinner, and having it ready by the time I get home, is a routine I’ve come to enjoy. The probe feature is fantastic; I can check the temperature from the app and set an alarm for the probe temp, which is quite loud, by the way. I also got a quick temp probe to cross-check since the built-in probe can be off by about 5 degrees after being in the smoker for extended periods.
Putting the smoker together took about an hour, and we wheeled it into the backyard. I extended the cable with a longer computer cable bought online to reach a bit farther. I’m considering installing an outlet by the smoker for convenience.
I’d recommend getting the pellet checker attachment, a cover, and at least two bags of pellets (I mistakenly started with only one). I use Vittles Vault 35lb, which holds two bags of pellets. I bought one vault for each type of pellets, and Remco 64003 scoops for each vault. The pellets are easily found at Home Depot or online. Protecting the investment is crucial, so I highly recommend the cover and a grill tent. I got the Master Canopy 8×5 from Amazon for around $128. Anything to shield the grill is a good idea since it’s something you’ll want to have for a long time.
I’m contemplating getting the extra shelf for the front of the Traeger, even though the grill tent comes with shelves. If you appreciate the “set it and forget it” approach, I highly recommend this smoker. The only downside is that the traditional smoke flavor is less prominent with pellets, but the ease of cooking makes up for it. I’ve considered using a smoke box with wood chips inside the smoker, but so far, I haven’t been disappointed with the flavor.
In conclusion: This smoker will entice you to dine outside and spend more time in your outdoor space. Make sure to clean it thoroughly each time you go through a bag of pellets, vacuum it, and treat it with care – protecting it like it’s your first-born child ensures you won’t be disappointed!
T. Bradley –
Setting up and using the Wi-Fi app is a breeze, but unfortunately, this Traeger model struggles to produce sufficient smoke without some assistance. I had to purchase a couple of 12-inch smoke tubes from Amazon and also resort to using charcoal pellets to finally achieve a satisfactory amount of smoke. It’s worth noting that this model lacks the super smoke option, which I underestimated in importance until now.
Despite the smoke challenges, I appreciate the set-and-forget capability of the Traeger, especially compared to my now-departed Green Egg. Dealing with temperatures over 100 degrees, I found solace in the ease of use. While the smoke tubes and charcoal pellets did the trick, it still doesn’t match the smoke output of the Egg.
Ryan C –
This thing is truly incredible – set it and forget it! The app offers a plethora of recipes, down to rubs and seasonings, transforming the average Joe into a pro. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve smoked everything imaginable – ribs, steak, chicken, fish, queso, veggies – and every dish was simply out of this world. Do yourself a favor, invest once, experience a brief moment of financial pain, and indulge in the joy of smoking something remarkable. The package arrived in good condition, and the setup was so easy that even a toddler could handle it.
Daniel S. –
I’m not sure what all the hype is about with this smoker. Today is my second time using it (on the Fourth), and after finishing smoking, I increased the temperature to 450. After 30 minutes, the LED displayed a “low temperature warning.” What the heck…
I had to finish the cooking in the oven. I’ll give it another try at a later date, but if it doesn’t improve, there’s a gently used grill for sale in northern Texas.
Brian P –
After much debate between Kamado vs pellets, I ultimately opted for the Traeger. The Amazon scheduled delivery went smoothly, with the driver arriving on time, and I received a text and phone call prior to delivery. I assembled it quite easily in the garage with my 2.5-year-old, while my painter was at work on the surrounding garage walls – imagine that scene if you’re concerned about assembly difficulty. It’s surprisingly not challenging!
Starting and seasoning the Traeger was a straightforward process. Although it took two attempts to sync to Wi-Fi initially, there have been no issues since. I’ve already smoked a whole chicken, pork tenderloins, and ribs, starting with the easier recipes to get my feet wet. My neighbor has the non-Wi-Fi version, but I see the benefits of the WiFire features. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. Happy smoking!
Ryan Johnson –
The pellet grill itself is incredibly convenient and performs well. However, the temperature probe proved to be a disappointment, consistently deviating at least 15 degrees compared to three other digital thermometers I cross-checked it with. Despite attempts to calibrate it, the inaccuracies persisted. It’s frustrating to have to rely on offsets and essentially guide the thermometer on a $1000 grill.
Moreover, the ambient temperature sensor doesn’t align with my MEATER thermometer, showing a deviation of about 10-15 degrees. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to calibrate this sensor. It’s unclear whether this particular unit is a lemon or just an inherent issue.
Tnt –
Updated Review:
After initially receiving the grill with significant damage to the box, I reached out to customer service. They promptly sent a replacement grill within 2 days, which arrived in perfect condition. I’m delighted because my kids had a blast constructing and playing in their Traeger box house while we assembled the grill. Now, let’s dive into the details – this grill is AMAZING! Your culinary game takes a leap with this smoke show.
The WiFire feature is fantastic, particularly for those lengthy cooks or for anyone lacking the time to babysit their grill. I recommend getting a pellet sensor (sold separately) to avoid running into “pellet panic” mid-cook. The WiFire feature enables you to monitor and adjust grill and food temperatures, set cook and food probe timers, shut down your grill, etc., all through the Traeger app on your smartphone. The Traeger app also offers helpful tips and a plethora of recipes. The recipes are endless, absolutely fabulous, and linked with a “make now” feature to send automatic cook commands to your grill.
I suggest reading recipe reviews, as there are a few adjustments that have proven helpful in some recipes I’ve tried. A must-try recipe is the Smoked Cajun Chicken Wings. There’s hardly anything negative I can say about this grill. Welcome to the Traegerhood, and happy Traegering!
Original Review:
I was eagerly anticipating this grill; however, upon delivery, the box was significantly damaged. Typically, the delivery driver takes a picture when items are delivered, but I noticed there wasn’t a picture for this item. Upon inspection, I found the entire end of the box torn down, and the ends were slightly crunched, as if it was placed on its side. Given the hefty price, I hesitated to open and assemble it, fearing potential damage during shipment that could cause issues down the road.
Adding to the frustration, the grill was initially scheduled for delivery on Monday but was rescheduled for Wednesday without an explanation. I submitted a replacement order for a new delivery on Friday, cutting it close since we planned to use it on Sunday for Easter. Hoping for no issues with the replacement and that it arrives on time. I’ll provide a review of the grill once the replacement safely arrives and everything is assembled. Fingers crossed!
Greg Smith –
My first cook yielded no smoke flavor at all. I prepared a whole chicken and a small pork loin at 200°F until reaching the desired temperature, yet there was no hint of smoke flavor. I had to resort to adding two smoke tubes to achieve the desired smokiness. It’s disappointing to have to purchase a smoke tube for a $1,000 smoker. If you’re in search of an overpriced oven, this might fit the bill.
On a positive note, the auger motor went out, but Traeger’s customer service proved exceptional. I messaged them through the app, and they promptly sent me a new one without any questions. I’ve updated my rating to 5 stars because a friend of mine is facing challenges getting a part for his new Pit Boss.
Craig D. –
Delivery: Arrived on schedule.
Assembly: Two delivery personnel unboxed and assembled the grill within 40 minutes. They efficiently took away the packaging, leaving the grill ready for use.
Learning Curve: Having used a homemade smoker for years, transitioning to this Traeger grill with its set-it-and-forget-it functionality through the Traeger phone app was a breeze. However, careful reading of the provided instructions is crucial to avoid any hiccups. For WiFi connectivity, ensure both your phone and the grill are on the same non-5G WiFi network.
Final Thoughts: While Traeger grills may be on the pricier side, the investment is well worth it – once you own one, you’ll likely fall in love with it.
Dan –
Considering the $1,000 price tag, a shelf should be included. Unfortunately, the grommet for the food probe promptly fell into the grill and under the auger assembly, posing potential melting and burning issues over subsequent cooks. The app leaves much to be desired – you can’t turn the grill on with it, and the controls for the grill seem less prioritized compared to other features. While Traeger pioneered wifi grilling, the app falls short, and there’s room for improvement. Additionally, I had to order another grill to get a good seat, as this one just doesn’t cut it; the GMC Daniel Boone I replaced had no issues with searing. Overall, a bit disappointed.
Dan diehl –
Assembled it myself, took around 45 minutes. The grill is quite heavy, so having some help might be beneficial. It feels like a shelf should come with it, but aside from that, it’s very sturdy. Seasoned it and cooked reverse-seared ribeyes on the first night, and they turned out fantastic. For the Super Bowl, I did 60 wings. Slow-cooked until around 160°F, pulled them, then cranked it up to 450°F to crisp them up – solid results. I opted for foil instead of liners; it’s a grill, getting it dirty adds flavor. The app is good. The wings were at 180°F; I bumped up to 220°F on the app, never opened the door, and then pulled them at the desired temperature. At 450°F, it sounds like a jet – and I love it!
Jeremy V. –
I am a beginner when it comes to smoking meat, and this smoker turned me into a pro from my very first use! I’ve only used it four times so far, but we absolutely love it! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a smoker, even if they have no prior experience smoking meats.
bottleofred –
This smoker is fantastic, but what truly impressed me was the delivery and assembly service. I ordered it to be delivered and put together on Christmas Eve, not really expecting it to happen smoothly. However, it was on time, and the two men who assembled it were very professional and did an excellent job.
AyalaFam –
Purchased this grill for my husband in August 2021, and only used it twice since then. On January 16, 2022, when we attempted to grill/smoke ribs for a family gathering during Sunday football, the Traeger Controller screen failed to light up, preventing us from setting the temperature for smoking the ribs. I immediately contacted Traeger for a replacement grill, as my husband was understandably upset that this expensive grill had malfunctioned after only two uses. Unfortunately, Traeger was unwilling to replace it. Overall, I rate it 1 star. For those considering an electric smoker, you might want to explore PitBoss, which is more affordable and has received no complaints from a family member who owns one. We are considering making the switch.
Alyssa M –
While there may be some superior electric pellet smokers available, the Traeger doesn’t disappoint. It’s incredibly user-friendly, and the WiFi features make it convenient to monitor the cooking process from inside the house. The flavor it imparts to the food is truly amazing.
However, considering the price, it’s a bit disappointing that it doesn’t come with the front shelf (which is a must-buy accessory). Additionally, I observed that the included thermometer is slightly off compared to my thermapen, so calibrating it is likely necessary to ensure accurate cooking temperatures.
Richard V. Carlyle –
I’ve owned this smoker for less than 2 weeks and have already smoked ribs, meatloaf, steaks, and brisket in this unit with fantastic results. I highly recommend this smoker. The only issue I’ve encountered is the cost of the wood pellets. Traeger pellets are approximately $19 for a 20lb bag, while Pit Boss wood pellets are $15 for a 40lb bag. I plan to try Pit Boss pellets and will post an update.
Lisa –
I purchased this smoker grill for my son for Christmas, and he assembled it quickly and with ease. On the first night, he made NY strip steaks and pizza, both cooked to perfection. Since then, he has smoked various meats, including smoked salmon and a 15 lb. brisket. The grill’s Bluetooth and online recipes make it simple to cook anything in a step-by-step manner. It’s only been a couple of weeks, and my son is cooking like a professional! While there are less expensive smoker grills on the market, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with Alexa and WiFIRE Smart Home Tech makes the process easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend this grill.
KDM83 –
I had a Pitboss for about 4 years, but it unexpectedly went up in flames, taking a brisket with it. The temperature was always a roller coaster and worsened during long cooks. Unfortunately, Pitboss customer service offered little assistance.
Since getting the Pro 780 in November, I’ve used it a few times, including a 13-hour, 12lb brisket cook on New Year’s Eve. Despite the cold and rainy weather, I set up a canopy and tarp to shield it from precipitation, and the result was perfect. I also tried some bacon burnt ends, and the temperature never varied more than +/-10 degrees throughout the entire cook. I couldn’t be happier.
Linda –
A gift for my son, and it’s awesome! Easy to assemble and program with his smartphone. He is extremely happy with this product and is excitedly honing his cooking skills, especially in terms of temperature and timing. Great product, and so far, so good.
George L Ipock –
So far, I have cooked a Boston Butt, ribs twice, chicken wings, and prime rib – all were fantastic. The phone connection and recipes are wonderful features. Thanks to this grill, I have become the premier cook in my house. It’s so easy to make great food!!!! I love the Traeger!!
Grace –
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to fully test this out yet. During the seasoning process, we discovered that our smoker was unable to reach or maintain the temperatures we set. Upon contacting Traeger, we were informed that we likely have a faulty thermocouple. They are sending a new thermocouple, but it won’t arrive until after the new year. Hopefully, this part resolves the issue, and I can update the review accordingly.
Mircea –
This smoker is incredible. It’s so easy to use and produces an amazing finished product, whether it’s pork, beef, chicken, fish, etc. My only regret is not going for the Ironwood instead. Once you start using this, you’ll wish you had a bit more control. My advice is to go for the better one from the beginning, and you’ll never regret it.
C. Patrick –
My friend got a Traeger 570 last year, and I was so impressed that I was on the lookout for an excuse to get a smoker myself. After watching numerous video reviews of different brands, I kept coming back to Traeger. I settled on the 780 Pro for the WiFire capability and larger cooking area. I scheduled a delivery on a Friday afternoon, assembled it with a little help from my wife to ensure I didn’t injure myself while standing it back up on its legs, and completed the seasoning process in about 2 hours.
Despite some complaints about the Wi-Fi connection process, mine went smoothly and connected on the first attempt (make sure your phone is on the 2.4GHz network you want the grill to be on; it’s easy). I woke up at the crack of dawn the next morning, set the grill for 275 to preheat, trimmed and seasoned the Boston butt. The 780 reached the set temperature in about 20 minutes, even though it was 29 degrees outside when I started. I put the meat on, smoked it, then wrapped it for about 9 hours total. I used a smoke tube of pellets to add extra smoke since the 780 doesn’t have the “super smoke” option like the Timberline models. Temperatures never fluctuated more than about 8 degrees up or down according to the app, and the probe alarm notified me when we hit 205. Even my wife was highly impressed with the flavor and tenderness of the pork. So far, I’m really happy with my purchase and looking forward to smoking the Thanksgiving turkey this year!
SK –
The assembly was a breeze, and it’s as easy to use as your indoor oven. It doesn’t damage pans or cookware, and the food tastes amazing. The temperature probes ensure that the meat is perfectly cooked based on temperature. The new wheel design makes it easy to transport around the house.
Jason M Higley –
I initially thought this Traeger was made in the USA, but after some research, I found out it’s outsourced. Despite the high price tag, I discovered the Pitt Boss Laredo 1000 Pallet grill offers more features at a lower cost. It includes a front shelf, side shelf, a light inside, searing plate, and is larger with three shelves. Additionally, it has a bigger hopper that can accommodate over 20 pounds of pellets, compared to Traeger’s 18 pounds. Pitt Boss has better reviews on YouTube and seems to offer better value. Although there are concerns about rusting and the Wifi app not being as good, it’s a tempting alternative. I’ll stick with Traeger for now, but if Pitt Boss reviews hold up, I might consider switching in the future.
Regarding the delivery, the box arrived damaged with parts exposed, but fortunately, there were no missing parts or scratches. It’s advisable to purchase from a local Ace Hardware, where they even assemble it for you. Despite the delivery issues, the Traeger’s performance is satisfactory. However, it takes a considerable amount of time to reduce heat, around 30 minutes to go from 350 to 180°F.
Michael –
I’m a newcomer to smoking meats and cooking with pellets, but this grill is simply amazing! From my first attempt at ribs, chicken, to lobster, everything turned out perfectly smoked with a smooth, smoky taste. Assembly was surprisingly easy, even when done alone. Setting up the WiFi was a breeze; I followed the instructions on the Traeger app, and it worked perfectly. The WiFi monitor on my phone is a game-changer, allowing me to control and monitor the grill with incredible convenience. If you don’t own one of these, you’re missing out—I feel like I wasted part of my life not experiencing smoked food like this before. I’m already joking about forgetting what propane is! The only downsides are needing a power cord and WiFi, but that’s not a significant drawback. Also, customer service is fast, friendly, and they even offer live video chat to assist with any problems. Overall, it doesn’t get much better than this. Check out my video to feel the excitement and happy grilling to all!
David rosin –
This grill/smoker has failed to live up to the hype. It’s genuinely an overpriced and underperforming smoker. On the first day, I smoked a tri-tip, and while it had the seasoning flavor, there was no smoke flavor. On the second day, I smoked a whole chicken without seasoning, aiming for nothing but smoke flavor. Unfortunately, I couldn’t achieve any significant smoke flavor, and there was no smoke ring on the chicken meat. Currently, I’m smoking an unseasoned pork butt for almost 8 hours, giving this grill one last chance, though I’m not optimistic.