Alternatives to the Traeger Grill: 5 Grills That Will Fit Your Budget

Regarding backyard grilling and smoking, the Traeger brand is synonymous with top-tier performance at an equally high price. But don’t worry – there are options if you’re after that same quality without breaking the bank! After days of digging through reviews and conducting research, I’m pleased to present my picks for the best alternatives on offer today. All offering features are similar to those found in their higher-priced counterparts. So let’s get cooking (or “smoking”)!

Why Are Traeger Grills so Popular?

Traeger grills have revolutionized the culinary world with their exceptional construction, effortless use, and precise temperature regulation. Cooking is made a breeze on this product thanks to its consistently reliable performance – all powered by natural wood pellets! So the competition has to be excellent if you want that same quality. Wood Pellet grills are rising in popularity; let’s get into it.

What is the benefit of Wood Pellet Grills?

Wood pellet grills offer a range of benefits to avid chefs and grilling enthusiasts, making cooking outdoors simpler and more enjoyable. Whether it’s smoking, baking, grilling, or roasting – wood pellet grills can do it all. Unlike traditional gas and charcoal barbecues, these efficient devices use a combination of precision temperature control, direct flame broiling, and natural hardwood smoke to do the job, allowing for accurate heat adjustment and flavor-filled food creation!

Not only are they known for providing convenient outdoor cooking experiences, but milder flavors from the natural wood pellets allow for flexible ingredients – perfect for varying palates. Get ready to serve some restaurant-level dishes with ease using a wood pellet grill – you won’t regret the investment in taste!

If you’re looking to cook while you’re away from home, portable induction cooktops could be a great solution. They’re compact enough to take with you in your vehicle, camper, or RV and offer exceptional safety features. They’re also very energy efficient, using up to 70% less electricity than traditional cooktops. Portable induction cooktops are ideal for camping, tailgating, or just making a meal on the go.

#1 Rec-Teq RT-340 — The Traeger Twin

Our top spot on the list is Rec-Tec’s mid-tier smoker, RT-340. Not only is this Traeger equivalent cheaper, and has Wi-Fi connectivity. Controllable with the recite App! Enjoy the ultimate grilling experience with 100% natural hardwood pellets. Not only will you achieve smoky, flavorful perfection in every bite, but you will also enjoy extensive burns that leave minimal ash – achieving cleanliness is a no-brainer!

This is one workhorse I was nothing short of impressed with. Unleash your inner chef with a smoker! You can do it all: grill, bake, sear, and smoke. Expand the range of culinary possibilities as you explore delicious new flavors! With 469 well-deserved reviews, you can count on this mighty grill!

Portability: High

GRILL COMPONENTS:

• Grate: (1) 304 Stainless Steel
• 340 sq. in. cooking space (510 with the second shelf)
• Stainless Steel barrel
• Two meat Probs

TOP FEATURES:

• Temp Range: 180-700 F
• Power Source: 110 Volt AC GFCI Outlet
• Fuel: 100% Natural Hardwood pellets
• Cooking time: 20 Hrs
• Folding Legs for portability
• Assembly:10 min

SPECS:

• Internal Cooking Space: 340″
• Rack Size: 19.5″X15″
• Hopper Size: 20 lbs
• Total Size: 42″ H X 39″ W X 19.5 D”
• Weight: 95 lbs
• Wings: 50 Burgers: 20 Ribs: 3 Butts: 2

#2 Z GRILLS-7002B2E (7002E)- Great Value

If you’re looking for a reliable, user-friendly smoker that won’t break the bank – Z GRILLS’ ZPG-7002E is worth looking at. Its simple construction, and dependable performance make it an ideal option for no-fuss barbecuing enthusiasts.

With its premium craftsmanship and heavy-duty steel construction built for long-lasting use, you can whip together unique barbecue masterpieces in a flash using the digital control board’s easy selection of your preferred cooking styles. This 8-in-1 grill is here for some serious grilling fun this season!

GRILL COMPONENTS:

• (2mm) Stainless Steel Cover for durability
• Grate and Rain cover and Assembly gloves Included
• Lower Rack: 504 Sq.In. Upper: 193 Sq. In. (697 total)
• Grill Grate: Porcelain Coated Steel

TOP FEATURES:

• Temp Range: 180-450 F
• Power Source: Power Cord
• Fuel: 100% Natural Hardwood pellets
• Digital Control Board
• 8-in-1: Grill, Sear, Bake, Barbecue, Smoke, Braise, Roast, Char-Grill

SPECS:

• Cooking Height surface to lid: 9″
• Packaging Size (in.): 33 X 22 X 25
• Dimensions (in.): 48 X 22 X 51
• Hopper Size: 20 lbs
• Weight: 112 lbs
• Chickens: 5 Burgers: 29 Ribs: 6

TRADE-OFFS:

• Assembly 30-60 min
• No Wi-Fi connections

#3 Green Mountain Trek Prime- Best Tailgater: Portable and Affordable

This small but mighty grill is the cheapest pellet grill while maintaining quality. The efficiency of the GMG Grill is perfect for small families, campers, tailgaters, and RVers. Further flexing its muscles – with GMG Smart Control, you can adjust smoke & grill temperatures from 150°F up to 550°F via five-degree increments and monitor food temperature through your phone thanks to their dedicated App. A great bonus (for a price) is the attachments available, including a cart or extension legs for height and a wood-fired pizza attachment: a great tool that is rare among grills and makes your grill more versatile grill.

GRILL COMPONENTS:

• 13 gauge steel grease tray
• Variable Speed Fan
• Cooking Space: 219 Sq.in.
• Auger Motor RPM: 4.7-5.2
• Meat Probe
• Custom Cooking Profile

TOP FEATURES:

• Temp Range: 150-550 F
• Power Source: 12 V or 120 AC
• Igniter: 100 W
• Fuel: 100% Natural Hardwood pellets
• Wi-Fi Smart Control (GMG App)
• “Keep Warm” Mode

SPECS:

• Cooking Height surface to lid: 8″
• Dimensions (H X W X D in.): 24 X 32 X 16
• Hopper Size: 9 lbs
• Weight: 63 lbs
• Ribs: 2 Steaks: 4-6 Burgers: 8

TRADE-OFFS:

• Small (but maybe that’s a “Pro” for some people)

#4 PIT BOSS NAVIGATOR 1150- Reliable Alternative

This grill has massive cooking space! The most significant grill and cooking space and quality that matches. The Pit Boss 1150G Navigator Series is the perfect companion for modern chefs. This advanced grilling powerhouse utilizes an ergonomic design so that there’s less strain on your body when using it, along with a Flame Broiler Lever™ offering instant direct or indirect heat capabilities ranging anywhere from 180°F up to 500°F.

Not only will this grill provide excellent results in terms of flavor, but also, thanks to its 100% natural hardwood pellet fuel and digital control board plus stainless steel meat probes allowing you to monitor temperatures without hovering over your meal, Bigger Hotter Heavier® has never been easier nor tastier at home than right now!

GRILL COMPONENTS:

• Two adjustable cooking grids made with porcelain-coated cast iron
• Two meat probe ports optimize temperature
• Side shelf for prep space
• Built-in tool hooks
• Front folding Shelf- options for additional space
• Grill Cover Included

TOP FEATURES:

• Temp Range: 180-500 F
• Fuel: 100% Hardwood pellets
• Digital Control Board, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth control
• Pellet View window, door clean out,
• Five-year warranty
• High Temp Powder Coat Finish
• Searing with open flame up to 1,000 F

SPECS:

• Internal Cooking Space: 1158″
• Hopper Size: 32 lbs
• Total Size (LxWxH in.):64x37x47
• Weight: 185.19 lbs
• Burgers: 46

TRADE-OFFS:

• Foil liners for pellet box not included
• Heavy

#5 Rec Teq -2500 BFG- The Upgrade

Think you can guess what ‘BFG’ stands for? Let us hint – it’s not “Big Friendly Giant”! With this tricked-out grill, size does matter. It may carry the most expensive price tag, but with its superior features and craftsmanship, there’s no doubt that BFG is worth every penny!

Are you ready to take your grilling game up a notch? BFG, the most expensive grill on our list, promises unbeatable performance and features. Consider this grill if you host parties, love grilling, or have a big family. You can fit a whole hog in this grill!

This big freaking grill is an absolute beast that won’t disappoint – power-packed with plenty of space for all those mouthwatering Grill Master creations! It’s worth every penny – unleash pro-grade cookouts now! (now with a six-year warranty!!)

GRILL COMPONENTS:

• Three racks, with the top and middle racks adjustable
• Stainless Steel barrel
• Three meat Probs
• Dual Interior lights
• PID Smart Grill Tech
• 304 Stainless steel

TOP FEATURES:

• Temp Range: 180-650 F
• Power Source: 110 Volt AC GFCI Outlet
• Wi-Fi control with the Recteq app
• Fuel: 100% Natural Hardwood pellets
• Cooking time: 53 min
• Assembly: 90 min.

SPECS:

• Internal Cooking Space: 2535!!
• Rack Size: Each rack is 43″x17.5.”
• Hopper Size: 53 lbs
• Total Size : 57.5×65.5 x 36 (WxHxD)
• Weight: 560 lbs
• Wings: 300 Ribs: 30 Butts: 30 Pork Loins: 24 130lb Whole Hog!

Trade-Offs

• Expensive
• Massive