Is the Traeger Timberline XL All Hype? 1st Cook & Impressions

Traeger doesn’t even know I’m making this review video - but they sent me the grill for next week’s brisket video so why not do a deep dive review and a pork shoulder first cook right?

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[BehindTheFoodTV]

What do you think - should I keep this grill around and do more cooks on it?

[markwoodside]

I have been using my Traeger Timberline XL for over a year now and it has been great. Yes expensive but a huge upgrade over my previous pellet grill which I did also like, I just wanted bigger.

[brian]

Great video Al! I’m surprised how happy you were with the results! That’s an impressive smoker!

[Lbaez]

Keep it!
I love my XL! I would love to see more vids on a Traeger! I’ve done brisket goldees method I love the bark on it.
Recommend 225 SS overnight then morning once your up crank it up 275 till finish. Too bad I can’t share my finish brisket so you can see how great the bark looks!

[jessesmith]

Great Review Al! Always in depth and the video quality is excellent. Can’t wait to see more!

[williamwilson]

That's definitely the luxury car of grills. Very nice! Great video as usual, Al.

[PapaShongo]

I have the Timberline 1300 and it’s a beast. Extremely well build

[charliethompson-mb]

I have this same Traeger. The problems I’ve had are cooking at a higher temperature for steak or pork chop or chicken, the “dialed-up” temperature is not accurate. It’s approximately 50-70 degrees lower. I use an oven thermometer that sits on the grill grate and I can use it to cook at these higher temperatures. Also, you have to keep the drippings cleaned up after a slow cook like a brisket. If not, the next time you fire up the grill for steaks, the drippings could catch fire.

[tonyle]

What type of black gloves are you using?

[okiepitat-town]

I’ve had a Traeger 575 pro for a couple of years and love it. That said, I not only do not need a smoker that size I am not willing to pay that much for one either.

[BenFeldman-kzgt]

Al,
Thanks! I suppose it is important to compare it to other pellet smokers. At least they are listening to consumer feedback.
Keep up the great content! 👍

[SchoolHardKnocks]

Al great video & great channel. If you do decide to keep the Traeger, low & slow cooks would work better (in my opinion) on the second rack, with a water pan under the meat. Three benefits: water pan captures drippings for easier clean up, adds moisture to the cook chamber, and acts as a heat sync to help stabilize the chamber’s temperature.

In my experience with a pellet grill, the long low start of the cook seems to help retain more moisture in the meat (pork & beef). Once the meat pushes past the stall (165 - 175) and the bark is where you like it, increase temperature to help render the remaining fat and get the meat to probe tenderness (like you did in this video).

Lastly the brand of pellets is so important. Tested a lot of brands for the past two years. Most brands introduce little smoke flavor, but brands like Knotty Wood & Smokin Peacan Shells tend to add move smoke flavor. Also as a side note starting the cook with the meat cold (right out of the refrigerator) and spraying the meat early helps to enhance the smoke flavor.

Keep up the great job!

[VillanuevaMedia]

I’ve been looking at the Traeger for a while now ready to see the next cool.

[desert_dom]

I have the XL and my cooks come out great! Great video. I want to dabble in offset next. Once I got my first smoker in 2020 when COVID hit ACH’s I’d be home all the time it became a passion.

[pizzapaul]

Definitely keep it! I think most people, like myself, use pellet smokers at home since they don't take up a lot of space.

[BV]

Try and use the middle rack next time. I love my Traeger grill, the old model timberline and will upgrade to the one you have later this year. I am looking forward to your video on cleaning the grill!

[michaelnance]

Good video! Could we see a head to head with this grill against the Woodwind Pro in the background?

[calvinedwards]

Keep the Traeger for sure. I'm a BGE guy but have been considering a smoker for ease of use and this Traeger looks great. Use until you can highlight some downsides to it.

[Keith]

Hey Al, I have two feet of snow outside if you want to test in cold weather. Looks very well built and very well thought out for features. I like the double top and the basic idea of smoke flow. I will will now watch to see what the taste was like. Even if it does come close to the offset, I think you should cook a few more items to see if you can improve the flavor.

Well it looked fantastic and was juicy for sure. If you liked it, I would like it too. Looks like a winner! I was surprised that it had great smoke because pellet smoked meat I eaten in the past was great but light on smoke flavor.

[toddbaroody]

Thanks very informative i appreciate it BTW i just bought one for built in kitchen