Traeger Pro 22 – Are The Gen 1 Models Still Worth It?


The Pro 22 is a cost-effective pellet grill that offers exceptional value for its price. While it may not have the advanced features of the Gen 2 Pro Series, this Gen 1 model still has the capability to produce delicious smoked meats. Ideal for beginners in pellet grilling, the Pro 22 is a high-quality grill that does not compromise on taste and flavor despite its affordable cost.

The Pro 22 is a cost-effective pellet grill in the Pro Series offered by Traeger. It is considered a Gen 1 model, lacking some of the advanced features found in the Gen 2 models, but still offers a great value for its price. It has a 572 sq in cooking area, weighs 103 lbs and has dimensions of 41x49x27 inches. It also features 2 meat probes, an 18 lbs pellet hopper, and a temperature range of 180-500°F. It can be used to smoke a wide variety of meats and foods, but is not ideal for steaks.

The Pro 22 can accommodate a normal-sized family’s needs, but if you need to cook for a crowd, consider upgrading to the Pro 34, which has 312 sq in more cooking area, weighs 33 lbs more, and is 9 inches wider.

The Pro 22 is considered a bare-bones pellet grill, lacking features such as TurboTemp, D2 Drivetrain and a better sealed lid. It also does not have wifi connectivity or Traeger app integration.

However, it still has a pellet-sensing technology, easy to use digital controller, side-lift bar, and EZ-drain grease system. It is a great choice for those just starting out with smoking and grilling, particularly if it’s on sale.

Key Points

  • The Pro 22 is Traeger’s most affordable pellet grill in Pro Series
  • A Gen 1 model without technology of Gen 2 models but still considered a good value
  • Grill area: 572 sq in, weight: 103 lbs, dimensions: 41x49x27 inches, 2 meat probes, 18 lbs pellet hopper, temp range: 180-500°F
  • Can cook a wide variety of meats and food, not ideal for steaks
  • Grill space enough for 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, 4 whole chickens, or a large brisket/2 big pork butts
  • Ideal for normal-sized family but not big enough for cooking for a crowd, consider upgrading to Pro 34
  • Pro 34 adds 312 sq in of cooking area, weighs 33 lbs more, and is 9 inches wider
  • Pro 22 is bare bones pellet grill without features of other Traeger models, e.g. TurboTemp, D2 Drivetrain, better sealed lid
  • No wifi connectivity or Traeger app integration
  • Pro 22 still has pellet-sensing technology for consistent cooking temperatures, easy to use digital controller, side-lift bar, and EZ-drain grease system
  • Worth considering Pro 22 for its affordability and simplicity, especially if on sale
  • An ideal entry-level pellet smoker for those just starting out with smoking and grilling.

The Pro 22 Features

  • The Pro 22 is Traeger’s most affordable pellet grill in Pro Series
  • Gen 1 model without technology of Gen 2 models but still a good value
  • Grill area: 572 sq in, weight: 103 lbs, dimensions: 41x49x27 inches, 2 meat probes, 18 lbs pellet hopper, temp range: 180-500°F
  • Can cook anything from brisket, pork butt, turkey, sausage, burgers, chicken wings
  • Can cook low-and-slow or hot-and-fast with wood fired smoke, not ideal for steaks
  • Grill space enough for 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, 4 whole chickens, or a large brisket/2 big pork butts
  • Pro 22 ideal for normal-sized family but not big enough for cooking for a crowd, consider upgrading to Pro 34
  • Pro 34 adds 312 sq in of cooking area, weighs 33 lbs more, and is 9 inches wider
  • Pro 22 is bare bones pellet grill without features of other Traeger models, e.g. TurboTemp, D2 Drivetrain, better sealed lid
  • No wifi connectivity or Traeger app integration
  • Pro 22 still has pellet-sensing technology for consistent cooking temperatures, easy to use digital controller, side-lift bar, and EZ-drain grease system
  • Worth considering Pro 22 for its affordability and simplicity, especially if on sale
  • Pro 22 is an ideal entry-level pellet smoker for those just starting out with smoking and grilling.

Pro 22 Specs

Traeger Pro 22Specifications
Grill Area572 square inches
Weight103 lbs
Width41 inches
Height49 inches
Depth27 inches
Meat Probes2
Pellet Hopper18 lbs
Temperature Range180-500°F

What Can You Cook On The Pro 22?

You can cook anything from a brisket, pork butt, turkey, sausage, burgers, chicken wings—you name it. Pellet grills are at their best cooking low-and-slow in the 225° F to 300 F range.

But you can also cook smaller cuts like burgers or chicken wings hot-and-fast with wood fired smoke. Pellet grills aren’t really designed for steaks, although a reverse-sear works amazingly well on a pellet grill—although you will need to finish the steaks in the pan for a few minutes.

Some Traeger models can sear steaks. Models like the Timberline allow you to lower the bottom grate to cook over the flames. However, the Pro 22 doesn’t have that feature. 

How Much Can You Cook On A Pro 22?

The Pro 22 pellet grill has a grilling space of 572 square inches, making it suitable for cooking a meal for a normal-sized family.

However, if you need to cook for a larger crowd, it may be worth upgrading to the Pro 34, which offers 312 additional square inches of grilling space. This extra space can be used to cook an extra 16 burgers, two extra racks of ribs, or four extra whole chickens.

The Pro 34 also comes with an additional cost of $100. If you’re considering purchasing the Pro 22, but need to cook for a larger group, it’s worth considering whether the extra cost is worth it for the additional grilling space. Alternatively, if you come across a sale on the Pro 22, you can always cook in batches to feed a larger group.

Size and Weight

The Pro 22 is ideal if you don’t want a grill taking up an enormous chunk of your deck or patio. The Pro 22 only weighs 103 pounds, so it’s easy to move around. 

It’s only 41 inches wide and sits 49 inches high. It has a depth of 27 inches. 

The Pro 34 weighs an extra 33 lb, which is the equivalent to a cinder block, or 7 rims of copy paper. The Pro 34 is also 9 inches wider than the Pro 22, which is about the size of two smartphones. So there’s not a great deal of difference in the size. 

Pro 22 vs Other Models

Traeger ModelDescription
RangerPortable, basic features, affordable
TailgaterPortable, basic features, affordable
Pro 22Small grill, entry-level with basic functions, affordable
Pro 34Medium grill, entry-level with basic functions, affordable
Pro 575Small grill, high-tech, some extra features, affordable
Pro 780Medium grill, high-tech, some extra features, affordable
Ironwood 650Medium to Large grill, high-tech, extra features, expensive
Ironwood 885Large grill, high-tech, extra features, expensive
Timberline 850Large grill, high-tech, loads of extra features, very expensive
Timberline 1300XL grill, top-of-the-line model, very expensive
Timberline ( 2nd Gen ) Large grill, top-of-the-line model, very expensive
Timberline XL The largest Traeger grill, and the most expensive

Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Traeger – 9 Differences

The Pro 22 is a budget-friendly option for those looking to enter the world of pellet grilling. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its more advanced counterparts, the Pro 22 still delivers on its primary function of smoking meat to perfection.

Let’s take a closer look at the features and capabilities of the Pro 22, as well as what sets it apart from other Traeger models.

Turbo Temp

The Pro Series 2nd Gen model, the Pro 575 and Pro 780, have a function called TurboTemp. This function kick starts the grill much faster, allowing you to cook sooner. TurboTemp also helps your grill recover after you’ve opened the lid and let heat escape. While a nice feature, it is not essential.

The 1st Gen Pro 22 has the old temperature controller

The D2 Drivetrain

Another major feature of the Gen 2 Pro Series, and the Ironwood and Timberline, is the brushless motor. The Pro 22 and Pro 34 have less power than the newer models, with a brushless motor being more durable and powerful. It is this powerful motor that helps TurboTemp perform.

The D2 drivetrain is a technology developed by Traeger that is used in some of their higher-end pellet grills. It is essentially a more advanced controller that helps to regulate the temperature and flow of wood pellets in the grill.

The D2 drivetrain allows the grill to start up faster, recover more quickly from temperature changes, and maintain more consistent temperatures. This helps to make grilling and smoking more precise and efficient.

It also allows you to have greater control over the grilling process, giving you the ability to cook hotter and faster, or low and slow, depending on your desired results.

In simple words it’s an upgraded controller that helps to improve precision and efficiency of the grilling process, providing a greater control over the temperatures and burn rate of the wood pellets.

Better Sealed

The Pro 575 and Pro 780 are well-constructed and have better lid seals. This allows them to retain heat better than the Pro 22 and Pro 34. Pellet grill models that are better sealed, have thicker metal, and are better constructed have several advantages. These include:

  1. Temperature Control: A better sealed grill allows for more precise temperature control by minimizing the amount of heat and smoke that can escape. This helps to ensure that the food is cooked evenly and that the smoke flavor is infused throughout.
  2. Durability: Thicker metal and better construction make a grill more durable and able to withstand high temperatures and regular use. This means that the grill will last longer and require less maintenance.
  3. Heat retention: The thicker metal and better construction retain heat better, allowing you to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, which is important for certain type of meat that need a specific cooking temperature.
  4. Smoke control: Better sealing and construction also help to control the amount of smoke produced by the grill. This means that you can produce less or more smoke depending on the recipe, this can be especially important for some BBQ competitions where certain smoke levels are required for some categories.
  5. Energy efficiency: A grill that is better sealed and insulated will use less fuel and be more energy-efficient. This means that you’ll need fewer wood pellets to maintain your desired cooking temperature, which can save you money over time.
  6. Smoker Performance: A well-constructed, sealed and insulated smoker will allow you to achieve a more consistent, high-quality product. You’ll be able to produce more flavorful and juicy meat by controlling temperature, smoke and humidity. This can make a big difference when cooking a low and slow BBQ.

Barrel Size

One key difference between the Pro 22 and the newer Pro 575 and 780 models is the shape of the barrel. The Pro 22 and Pro 34 have a narrow barrel, which is more typical of traditional pellet grills.

This shape provides a more limited cooking area, particularly in the vertical direction. However, the Pro 575 and 780 have a more oval-shaped barrel, which provides more cooking area and more flexibility in terms of how you can arrange your food on the grill.

This makes the newer models more suitable for cooking larger cuts of meat and larger quantities of food, but also making it slightly harder to move around.

Thermometer Probe

One advantage of the Pro 22 is its two meat probes. This allows you to monitor two different pieces of meat at the same time, which can be helpful if you’re cooking different types of meat with different cooking times.

On the other hand, 2nd Gen Traeger’s only have one probe, meaning you can only monitor one piece of meat at a time. However, if you have a separate meat thermometer, this is not a problem.

Wi-Fi

Another significant difference between the Pro 22 and the 2nd Gen Pro 575 is the Wi-Fi controller. The Pro 22 and Pro 34 have a regular digital controller, which allows you to set the temperature, turn the grill on and off, and adjust the cooking time.

In contrast, the Wi-Fi controllers can connect to the Traeger App, allowing you to control the grill with your smartphone. This means that you can remotely adjust the temperature, start and stop the cooking process.

The 2nd Gen Pro Series has the new Wi-Fi controller

The Traeger App

The Traeger App is an application that can be downloaded on smartphones, it allows you to control your Traeger pellet grill remotely, once connected to the app, you can monitor the cooking process, adjust temperature, and even see real-time temperature readouts.

The app also offers a lot of features such as recipes, notifications, and other helpful information to help you cook your food to perfection. Additionally, the app can also provide you with recommended settings for your specific food item.

In-Built Recipes

With the new Pro Series, you get access to hundreds of recipes via the App that can be downloaded directly onto your pellet grill. These recipes provide you with step-by-step instructions and a list of recommended settings for your specific food item, making it easy for you to produce delicious meals.

Price

Another important consideration when choosing between the Pro 22 and Pro 575 is the price difference. The newer Pro Series 575 typically costs around $350 more than the Pro 22.

The Pro 575 typically ranges from $900 to $1000, while the Pro 22 will cost around $650 to $700. While the Pro 22 is a more affordable option, the Pro 575 comes with a lot of advanced features that make it a more versatile and efficient grill.

Read the full comparison here: Pro 22 vs Pro 575 : We Compare The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Models

Is the Price Difference Worth It? Pro 22 vs Pro 34

In terms of cooking space, there isn’t much difference. The Pro 22 is longer, but the Pro 575 will give you more vertical cooking space. More than anything, you’re paying the extra money for the technology.

If you were to buy a decent Wi-Fi meat thermometer alone, it would cost $200 to $300. The Fireboard Drive gives you the same Wi-Fi is the most advanced thermometer on the market, and can do more than the Traeger controller. 

The Pro 22 can only reach 450°F. The Pro 575 can reach 500° F. So the newer models are 50° hotter. However, if you mostly cook in the 220°F to 300°F range, then the extra 50°F won’t matter. 

How Much Does The Pro 22 Cost?

Traeger ModelPrice
Ranger (portable)$449 (see latest)
Tailgater (portable)$529 (see latest)
Pro 22 (Gen 1) $599 (see latest)
Pro 34 (Gen 1) $699 (see latest)
Pro 575$899 (see latest)
Pro 780$999 (see latest)
Ironwood 650$1399 (see latest)
Ironwood 885$1599 (see latest)
Timberline 850 (Gen 1) $2099 (see latest)
Timberline 1300 (Gen 1) $2299 (see latest)
Timberline $3499 (see latest)
Timberline XL$3799 (see latest)
Traeger Pellet Grill Price Comparison

Pro 22 vs The Tailgater

When deciding between Traeger models in this price range, it’s down to the Pro 22, the Pro 34, or the Pro 575. Another Traeger grill worth considering is the Tailgater.

  • The Tailgater is Traeger’s portable grill series. Also, there’s only about a $100 difference between the Tailgater and the Pro 22. 
  • The Tailgater can only cook 12 burgers, or 3 racks of ribs on its 300 square inches of grilling space. You can cook a brisket, but I’d have to be a small one, maybe 10 to 15 lb. 
  • Compared to the Pro 22, the Tailgater can cook 24 burgers and 5 racks of ribs which is quite a lot more. 
  • The main reason you would choose a Tailgater over the Pro 22 is the portability. 
  • The Tailgater only weighs about 62 lbs, so it’s easy to pick up and throw on the back of an SUV or pickup truck. The Tailgater only has a small 8 lbs pellet hopper, which means you have to constantly keep topping up the wood if you’re doing a brisket. T
  • The Pro 22 has an 18 lb Pellet hopper, which is enough to smoke a huge pack of brisket for several hours. 
  • One of the biggest problems with the Tailgater is the temperature fluctuations. The Pro 22 is better constructed, so it won’t fluctuate anywhere near as much. 

Traeger Spec Comparison

SpecsTimberline
1300
Ironwood
885
Pro 780
Price2k$2900 (latest)1k
Grill Space 1343 Sq.In885 Sq.In780 Sq.In
Size58 W x 51 H
x 28 D
53 W x 47 H
x 27 D
49 W x 55 H
x 27 D
Weight255 lbs170 lbs145 lbs
Max
Temp
500 F°500 F°500 F°
Pellet hopper
Capacity
242018
Grill Grate322
Wi-Fi ControllerYesYes Yes
Extra InsulationDouble-Wall, Hood and Back InteriorDouble Side-Wall InteriorNo
Downdraft ExhaustYesYesNo
Bottom Sear GrateYesYesNo
Side ShelfYes YesNo
Front ShelfYesNoNo
Grill GratesStainless SteelPorcelain Coated SteelPorcelain Coated Steel
Meat Probe Storage BoxYesYesNo
Magnetic Bamboo Cutting BoardYesNoNo
Keep Warm ModeYesYesYes
Super Smoke ModeYesYesNo
Turbo TempYesYesYes
TRU Convection SystemYesYesNo
Concealed Grease PanYesNoNo
Pellet SensorYesYes
Hopper CleanoutYesYesYes
DC Brushless MotorYesYesYes
Variable Fan SpeedYesYesYes
Power Cord HookYesYesNo
Locking CastersYesYesYes

How Pellet Grills Work

Pellet grills, like the Pro 22 Traeger, use small, compressed sawdust pellets made from various types of wood, such as hickory, mesquite, and maple, as fuel to generate heat and smoke.

The pellets are stored in a hopper attached to the grill, and an auger, which is a screw-like device, transports the pellets from the hopper to the firepot, where they are ignited.

The Pro 22 Traeger grill has a digital controller that allows you to set the cooking temperature, usually within a range of 180°F to 500°F.

The controller regulates the temperature by adjusting the amount of pellets that are fed into the firepot using the auger. When you set the temperature, the controller sends a signal to the auger to release the appropriate amount of pellets into the firepot.

The grill also has a built-in fan, which is used to circulate the smoke and heat around the cooking chamber. This helps to ensure that the food is cooked evenly and that the smoke flavor is infused throughout.

Once the temperature is set and the pellets are ignited, the grill will start producing heat and smoke. The food is placed on the grill grates, and the lid is closed to trap the smoke inside.

The smoke, combined with the heat generated by the burning pellets, cooks the food and gives it a unique, smoky flavor.

As the food cooks, the grill will continue to feed pellets into the firepot to maintain the set temperature, creating a low and slow cooking process. Once the food is cooked, you can turn off the grill and let it cool down before cleaning it.

How Does Meat Cooked on Pellet Grills Compare?

Pellet grills, like the Pro 22 Traeger, can produce food with a unique, smoky flavor that is different from that of other types of meat smokers.

The use of wood pellets as fuel allows for a wide variety of flavors to be infused into the food, depending on the type of wood pellets that are used. Additionally, the low and slow cooking process that pellet grills are known for can help to tenderize meats and infuse the flavors more deeply.

That being said, the taste of food produced by pellet grills may be subjective and is dependent on personal preference. Some people may prefer the taste of food smoked in traditional wood or charcoal smokers, while others may prefer the taste of food smoked using a pellet grill.

Additionally, a meat smoker with a better insulation, seals and exhausts than other, could produce better results.

Overall, it is worth experimenting with different types of grills and smoking methods to find the one that you prefer. And it is also important to remember that there are other factors like the type of wood, rubs, marinades and cuts that also impact the final flavor of the meats.

Damien

Author and founder at Meat Smoking HQ

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