I’ve owned the Traeger Woodridge Pro for eight months now. I’ve smoked dozens of briskets, countless racks of ribs, and enough pulled pork to feed half my neighborhood.
Here’s the truth: this grill changed how I cook outdoors.
Before I bought it, I spent weeks reading reviews and comparing specs. I was tired of my old charcoal smoker that required constant babysitting. I wanted something that would give me real wood-fired flavor without the hassle.
The Woodridge Pro delivered on that promise. But it’s not perfect.
Let me tell you everything I’ve learned from months of real-world use.
What Is the Traeger Woodridge Pro?
The Woodridge Pro is Traeger’s middle-tier pellet grill in their new affordable lineup. It sits between the basic Woodridge ($900) and the premium Elite ($1,800) at $1,150.
This grill burns wood pellets to create heat and smoke. An electric auger feeds pellets into a fire pot automatically. You set the temperature, and the grill maintains it. Simple as that.
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I can control mine from my phone. I can start it, adjust temperatures, and monitor my food from anywhere in my house or yard. That alone sold me on it.
The cooking area is huge – 970 square inches across two levels. I can fit six whole chickens or eight racks of ribs at once. For someone who hosts regular barbecues, that space matters.
My Setup Experience
The assembly took me and my neighbor about two hours. The instructions are clear, and all the tools come in the box. The heaviest part is the main body, which needs two people to lift safely.
I made one mistake during setup – I didn’t leave enough clearance behind the grill for the lid to open fully. Learn from my errors and measure twice before you pick your final spot.
The initial seasoning run took about an hour. I fired it up to 350°F and let it burn off any manufacturing residue. The smell was strong at first but cleared up quickly.
Read more: Weber Lumin Review
Real Cooking Performance
Here’s what matters: how does it cook?
I started with a 12-pound pork shoulder. Set it to 250°F at 6 AM and walked away. The grill held temperature within 5 degrees all day. By 4 PM, I had perfectly tender pulled pork with a beautiful smoke ring.
The WiFi connection worked flawlessly. I checked the temperatures from my office during the day. The app sent me alerts when the meat hit my target temperature. No more guessing games.
My first brisket was even better. Fourteen hours at various temperatures produced the best brisket I’ve ever made at home. The Super Smoke Mode really makes a difference at low temperatures – more flavor without overdoing it.
Ribs cook beautifully on this grill. The two-tier design lets me cook different items at different heights. I put ribs on top and vegetables below to catch the drippings.
Higher temperature cooking works well too. I’ve grilled burgers, chicken breasts, and bratwurst at 400°F+. The results are good, though you won’t get the intense sear of a gas grill.
The WiFi App Experience
The Traeger app is simple and works well. I can:
- Start and stop the grill remotely
- Adjust temperatures
- Set timers
- Monitor meat probe readings
- Check pellet levels
- Access recipes
The interface is clean and easy to use. My wife figured it out in minutes. The real-time notifications are helpful without being annoying.
I do wish it had more advanced features. I can’t set cook schedules or program temperature changes automatically. For most people, the current features are plenty.
What I Love About This Grill
- Set-and-forget convenience: Once I dial in a temperature, the grill maintains it for hours. I can sleep through overnight cooking without worry.
- Consistent results: Every cook turns out predictably good. The temperature control eliminates most variables that cause failures.
- Easy cleanup: The grease management system works great. I empty the bucket after every few cooks and wipe down the grates. That’s it for regular maintenance.
- Huge cooking space: I regularly cook for 15-20 people. This grill handles those quantities easily.
- Real wood flavor: The taste is noticeably better than gas grills. Not quite as intense as charcoal, but close enough for most people.
What Drives Me Crazy
- Limited high-heat searing: I can’t get steaks as hot as I’d like. The maximum 500°F isn’t enough for restaurant-quality sear marks.
- Pellet consumption: This thing goes through pellets faster than I expected. A 20-pound bag lasts about 3-4 long cooks.
- Cold weather performance: Winter cooking requires more pellets and longer preheating times. The uninsulated design shows here.
- App limitations: I wish I could program cook schedules or set automatic temperature changes based on time or probe readings.
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Traeger Woodridge vs. Woodridge Pro
| Feature | Traeger Woodridge | Traeger Woodridge Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Space | 860 sq. in. | 970 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 24 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F - 500°F | 180°F - 500°F |
| Controller Type | WiFIRE Digital Controller | WiFIRE Digital Controller, with Pellet Sensor |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel | Powder-coated steel |
| Grease & Ash Cleanup | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg |
| Side Shelf | No | Folding Side Shelf included |
| Wheels | All-terrain wheels | All-terrain wheels |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Traeger Woodridge Pro vs. Woodridge Elite
| Feature | Traeger Woodridge Pro | Traeger Woodridge Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Space | 970 sq. in. | 970 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 24 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F - 500°F | 180°F - 500°F |
| Controller Type | WiFIRE Digital Controller, Pellet Sensor | WiFIRE Digital Controller, Pellet Sensor |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel | Powder-coated steel with Added Insulation |
| Grease & Ash Cleanup | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg |
| Side Shelf | Folding Side Shelf | Folding Side Shelf with Side Sear Station |
| Wheels | All-terrain wheels | All-terrain wheels |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Traeger Woodridge Pro vs. Ironwood 885
| Feature | Traeger Woodridge Pro | Traeger Ironwood 885 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Space | 970 sq. in. | 885 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F - 500°F | 165°F - 500°F |
| Controller Type | WiFIRE Digital Controller | D2 Direct Drive Controller with WiFIRE |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel | Double-walled interior for insulation |
| Grease & Ash Cleanup | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg | Hopper Cleanout |
| Internal Features | Super Smoke Mode, Pellet Sensor | Downdraft Exhaust, TRU Convection System, Super Smoke Mode, Pellet Sensor |
| Wheels | All-terrain wheels | All-terrain wheels |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Traeger Woodridge Pro vs. Ironwood 650
| Feature | Traeger Woodridge Pro | Traeger Ironwood 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Space | 970 sq. in. | 650 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 20 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F - 500°F | 165°F - 500°F |
| Controller Type | WiFIRE Digital Controller | D2 Direct Drive Controller with WiFIRE |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel | Partially Insulated Cooking Chamber |
| Grease & Ash Cleanup | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg | Hopper Cleanout |
| Internal Features | Super Smoke Mode, Pellet Sensor | Downdraft Exhaust, TRU Convection System, Super Smoke Mode |
| Wheels | All-terrain wheels | All-terrain wheels |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Traeger Woodridge Pro vs. Recteq Backyard Beast
| Feature | Traeger Woodridge Pro | Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Space | 970 sq. in. | 1,220 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F - 500°F | 180°F - 700°F |
| Controller Type | WiFIRE Digital Controller | PID Controller with Wi-Fi |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel | Stainless steel |
| Grease & Ash Cleanup | EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg | External grease bucket |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 6-year limited warranty |
Maintenance Reality
I clean the grill after every 3-4 uses. This involves:
- Brushing the grates
- Emptying the grease bucket
- Wiping down the interior
- Vacuuming ash from the fire pot
Monthly deep cleaning takes about 30 minutes. I scrape built-up grease from the interior and check all the moving parts.
The fire pot needs occasional deep cleaning to prevent ash buildup. I vacuum it out every few weeks during heavy use periods.
Parts availability is excellent. Traeger stocks everything from igniters to temperature probes. I’ve replaced the meat probe once after accidentally leaving it in too long.
Accessories Worth Buying
I’ve bought several accessories that improve the experience:
- Traeger grill cover: Essential for protecting your investment. The official one fits perfectly.
- Extra meat probes: Having multiple probes lets me monitor different cuts simultaneously.
- Front shelf: Adds crucial prep space. Should have been included from the factory.
- Pellet storage system: Keeps pellets dry and makes refilling easier.
- Pizza stone: Works surprisingly well for homemade pizzas, though temperature limitations apply.
Who Should Buy This Grill
This grill fits several types of cooks perfectly:
- Busy professionals: Set it Saturday morning, go run errands, come home to perfect barbecue.
- Entertainers: The large cooking surface handles parties easily.
- Beginners: The learning curve is gentle. Hard to mess up basic recipes.
- Tech enthusiasts: The app integration feels modern and useful.
- Consistency seekers: If you want the same results every time, this delivers.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Skip this grill if you:
- Need high-heat searing: Gas or charcoal work better for steaks and burgers.
- Cook mostly for 1-2 people: The size and pellet consumption make it overkill.
- Prefer hands-on cooking: If you enjoy tending a fire, this removes that element.
- Have a tight budget: Pellet costs add up over time.
- Cook in very cold climates: Performance suffers below 35°F.
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
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FAQs
- What is the total cooking area of the Traeger Woodridge Pro?
The Traeger Woodridge Pro has a total cooking area of 970 square inches, split between a main grate and a secondary, upper rack.
- What is the maximum temperature of the Woodridge Pro?
The maximum temperature is 500°F (260°C).
- Does the Traeger Woodridge Pro have a “Super Smoke” mode?
Yes, the Woodridge Pro model includes a Super Smoke Mode, which is designed to enhance the wood-fired flavor, especially at lower temperatures.
- How does the WiFIRE® technology work?
WiFIRE® technology connects your grill to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control and monitor your grill’s temperature, set timers, and check pellet levels from anywhere using the Traeger app on your smartphone.
- How do I clean the Woodridge Pro?
The grill features an EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg, which is a single container that collects both grease and ash, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Can I use the grill without a Wi-Fi connection?
Yes, you can operate the grill manually using the digital controller, but you will not have access to the remote monitoring and control features of the WiFIRE® technology.
- How much do wood pellets cost?
The cost of wood pellets varies depending on the brand and type, but a 20-pound bag is typically enough for several cooks, depending on the temperature and length of your cook.
- Is the Woodridge Pro a good choice for searing?
While the grill can reach 500°F, it is not ideal for high-heat searing and may not produce the desired crust on meats. For better searing results, some users recommend using a cast iron grate or a side burner accessory.
- How long does it take to assemble the grill?
Assembly typically takes 1 to 2 hours with the help of a second person. The instructions are generally clear, but the grill is heavy.
- What is the warranty on the Woodridge Pro?
The Traeger Woodridge Pro comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Eight Months Later: Final Verdict
I’m happy with my purchase. This grill does what I bought it to do – produce consistently good barbecue with minimal effort.
The flavor is excellent. The convenience is unmatched. The results are predictable.
Would I buy it again? Yes, without hesitation.
The Woodridge Pro hits the sweet spot between features and price. It gives me 90% of what the expensive Traeger models offer at 60% of the cost.
Is it the perfect grill? No. But it’s pretty close to how I cook.
If you want wood-fired flavor without the hassle of traditional smoking, this grill delivers. Just understand its limitations going in, and you’ll be happy with the results.
After eight months and probably 100+ cooks, I still look forward to firing it up every weekend. That says something about how much I enjoy using it.
The Traeger Woodridge Pro earned its permanent spot on my patio. I think it’ll earn one of yours too.
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