Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Review (2026)
By Ben Carter
8.5
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Highlights
The Pro Series 22 feels like that reliable friend who shows up early and stays late. With about 572 sq. in. of space, an 18-lb hopper, and a straightforward digital controller, it nails low-and-slow without drama. It warms up in a few, holds temps nicely, and rolls around on chunky wheels without a fuss. You’ll trade off app control and high-heat searing, but the payoff is dependable performance, approachable pricing, and Traeger’s broad support ecosystem. For family cooks, new pellet grillers, and anyone who wants their barbecue routine to be smooth rather than stressful, it’s an easy product to recommend from Consumer's Best.
Look, after a stack of weekend cooks and a few very late brisket nights, my take is simple: the Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker still slaps in 2026 for set-it-and-forget-it barbecue. It’s steady, friendly, and produces clean, repeatable wood flavor that’ll make you a hero with ribs and chicken. Is it the flashiest? Nope. There’s no WiFi here, and searing’s not its superpower. But if you’re sifting through traeger pro series 22 wood pellet grill reviews trying to figure out whether this proven workhorse still earns its keep, I’d say yes—especially if consistency and value beat out bells and whistles for you.
In-Depth Look: Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out the most in everyday use—little things that add up to a chill, confidence-boosting cook.
Set-it-and-forget-it temps
The Digital Pro controller holds a steady range (often within about 15°F), so briskets and pork shoulders just… cruise while you live your life.
Room to feed a crew
572 sq. in. of cooking area means four pork butts or multiple racks of ribs are totally doable—plus space for veggies on weeknights.
Real wood flavor, minus babysitting
Hardwood pellets deliver that classic, gentle smoke that flatters ribs, chicken, and salmon without turning bitter.
18-lb hopper = long cooks
Expect 10–20 hours of low-and-slow (weather depending), so overnight brisket isn’t a nail-biter.
Sturdy, roll-anywhere build
The sawhorse frame and all-terrain wheels feel rugged and make repositioning on the patio surprisingly painless.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- No WiFi/App control
There’s no Traeger WiFIRE here—plan on walking out to tweak temps the old-fashioned way.
- Limited high-heat searing
With a top end around 450–500°F, you’ll want a cast-iron skillet or a finishing sear on another burner for steakhouse crust.
- Pellet usage varies with weather
Cold or windy days burn more fuel; keep a dry stash handy and store pellets sealed to prevent swelling.
- Lighter smoke vs. offsets
Pellet grills lean clean and subtle—fantastic for many cooks, but smoke-chaser purists may want a tube or an offset.
Who Is the Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Best For?
New pellet grillers
A friendly controller and predictable temps make first briskets and ribs a lot less scary.
Busy home cooks
Minimal babysitting and reliable results—great when you’ve got kids’ schedules or guests arriving at six.
Low-and-slow BBQ fans
Brisket, pork shoulder, ribs—this is its comfort zone, and it shows.
Weeknight crowd-pleasers
Quick start-up, easy cleanup, and enough space for proteins plus sides.
Value-minded Traeger shoppers
Proven Traeger build and support without paying a premium for WiFi features.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Sear-first steak lovers
If you crave 700°F+ crust, consider a dedicated sear burner/grill or a pellet model with direct-flame access.
- Smart-home/control seekers
Want WiFi and phone-based temp graphs? Look at Traeger’s WiFIRE models like the Pro 575 or Ironwood lines.
- Frequent tailgaters
The Pro 22 isn’t tiny; portable units (think compact pellet or griddle rigs) travel easier.
- Smoke purists
If you want heavy, campfire-level smoke, an offset or charcoal smoker might fit your palate better.
