Head-to-head · Best Pellet Grills Under $1000

Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker vs Traeger Pro 780

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Traeger Pro 780 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Serious home cooks wanting large batch and smart control — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Pellet Grills Under $1000

Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

4.4

$497

The Traeger Pro 22 delivers reliable wood-fired cooking for backyard cooks who value simplicity over smart features. Reviewers noted its straightforward operation with the Digital Elite dial controller, which requires no app pairing or complex setup. The grill produces consistent, mild smoke flavor ideal for traditional BBQ, though it experiences temperature fluctuations typical of older pellet grills. While it's well-suited for small to medium families and beginners, precision-focused pitmasters or those wanting WiFi connectivity should look elsewhere. The build quality is solid with powder-coated steel construction and porcelain grates, though it lacks modern conveniences found in newer models.

Strengths

— Simple digital elite dial controller is beginner-friendly with no menu navigation or app pairing required
— Produces consistent, authentic wood-fired flavor without overpowering food
— Generous 18-lb hopper capacity suitable for most family cooking sessions

Watch-outs

— Temperature swings of 20-30°F from target make it unsuitable for precision cooking or competition use
— No WiFi or app control features that newer Traeger models offer

$497 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Pellet Grills Under $1000

Traeger Pro 780

4.5

$699

The Traeger Pro 780 delivers exceptional value as a large-capacity pellet grill designed for family entertaining. iMore praised it as 'the best backyard grill you could ever want' for its 780 square-inch cooking space and ease of use, while GrillGuru awarded it a 9.6/10 rating for overall performance. The Wi-Fi connectivity and companion app are highlighted as game-changing features that allow remote temperature control and cooking notifications. However, the need for electricity and Wi-Fi connectivity may limit its appeal for users seeking traditional, non-connected grilling experiences. This grill is ideal for serious home cooks who want professional-grade results without constant monitoring.

Strengths

— Roomy 780 square-inch cook space allows for large batch cooking including 34 burgers, six rib racks, and six chickens at once
— Wi-Fi connected companion app enables precise temperature and timer control with notification alerts when cooking is complete
— Easy at-home setup with most components pre-assembled and included must-have accessories

Watch-outs

— Requires electricity to operate the auger and heating element, limiting use to areas with power access
— App connection requires Wi-Fi, which may be problematic in remote outdoor locations without internet

$699 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

The Traeger Pro 22 offers a simpler user experience with its Digital Elite dial compared to the smart features of the Pro 780, but it suffers from significant temperature swings of 20-30°F, unlike the Pro 780's precise Wi-Fi control. It also has a smaller hopper capacity than the Pro 780 and lacks the large 780 sq in cooking space, making it less ideal for family gatherings.

Traeger Pro 780

The Pro 780 outperforms the Pit Boss models in terms of cooking space (780 vs 482-518 sq in) and hopper capacity (18 lbs vs 5 lbs), making it ideal for large gatherings. However, it requires electricity and Wi-Fi, unlike the portable Pit Boss models, and lacks the direct flame searing capabilities of the PB440FB1 and LG300SL.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker	Traeger Pro 780
Total Cooking Area	572 sq in	780 sq. in
Temperature Range	180°F-450°F	165°F to 500°F
Hopper Capacity	18 lbs	18 lbs
Control System	Digital Elite dial	WiFIRE Digital Control
Construction	Porcelain-enameled steel	Stainless Steel
Weight	105 lbs	146 lbs
Dimensions	53.5 x 26.5 x 52.5 in	29.5" x 28.5" x 52.5"
Warranty	3-year limited	3-Year Limited

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