8 Things To Know Before Buying a Traeger (Pros and Cons)

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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

[Todd.T]

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.

[tncatrn]

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!

[nancys.]

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.

[andresgonzalezdemori]

David Ledbetter, great review. Thanks a lot. Q: What about the smoke that produces? Any grease fire? Those temp swings spoil the cooking process?

[kevinthoy]

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.

[CalSprigs]

huge fan of your channel man! love it!

[cybernode]

As a previous Traeger user, switching to Asmoke was a game-changer for me. The Asmoke Essential Smart Pellet Grill is not just a grill, it's a complete cooking solution. The precise temperature control using the FlameTech patent was a major upgrade, and the ability to adjust temperatures remotely via the app made grilling more convenient. I noticed a significant improvement in the taste of my food due to the different flavored wood pellets available. The portable design also made it easy for me to carry on camping and road trips. I must say, the Asmoke Essential has transformed my outdoor cooking experience - it's efficient, versatile, and most importantly, it delivers delicious results every time. #Asmoke.

[gilbertb]

Good info.Was and am still thinking about buying one.Thank you.

[jjkatter]

Thanks for posting this video. Very helpful!

[hmniproductionsllc]

Good tips. Ive been thinkin of getting one cause your video

[ozzyruleshere]

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?

[scottbagley]

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

[susiewillis]

Thank you! Very helpful and to the point.

[jimmyt]

Requesting video on how to make Slim Jim’s with your Traeger

[jakekuluris]

Great video and great information, I’ve been looking a video just like this. Appreciate you and happy grilling!

[ericsmith]

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

[zu]

Hey maybe the temp fluctuations go back to what you said about the the pellet funneling.

[msi]

Can we use other than the wood pellets?

[FretzlemaniaPod]

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.

[westoniii]

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.