Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill Review

If you’re looking to elevate your BBQ game with the rich, smoky flavors that only wood-fired cooking can deliver, the Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill is a solid contender. This was my ‘step up’ smoker when my very first electric smoker died on me. In about 3 years though, I put this grill through its paces, smoking everything from brisket to burgers, and I’m here to share my take on why this grill could be a game-changer for your backyard cookouts—or why it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Let’s dive into the details.

Overview

The Traeger 22 is a mid-sized pellet grill designed for versatility, offering 572 square inches of cooking space across two porcelain-coated steel racks. With a 22-inch wide grate and an 18-pound pellet hopper, it’s built to handle family-sized meals, capable of grilling up to 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, or 4 whole chickens at once. Its Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic promises temperature consistency within ±15°F, and the grill supports six cooking methods: grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and BBQ. Add in features like dual meat probes and all-terrain wheels, and it’s clear Traeger aimed for a balance of performance and convenience.

Pros

Wood-Fired Flavor: The Traeger Pro 22 delivers that great smoky taste thanks to its 100% hardwood pellet fuel. Whether you’re using hickory, apple, or cherry pellets, the flavor profiles are robust and customizable, making it a standout for low-and-slow smoking sessions.
Set-and-Forget Ease: The Digital Pro Controller makes this grill incredibly user-friendly. Set your temperature, and the grill does the rest, feeding pellets to maintain steady heat. For beginners or busy pitmasters, this takes the stress out of managing long cooks.
Solid Build Quality: With a powder-coated steel body and a sturdy sawhorse chassis, this grill feels durable and stable. The all-terrain wheels and side-lift bar make it easy to move despite its 125-pound weight.
Versatile Cooking Options: From smoking brisket at 225°F to searing steaks at 450°F, the Pro 22 handles a range of techniques. I’ve baked cornbread and roasted veggies with great results, proving its 6-in-1 versatility isn’t just marketing hype.
Easy Cleanup: The porcelain-coated grates prevent sticking and simplify cleaning. Using drip tray liners (or heavy-duty foil as a budget-friendly alternative) makes grease management a breeze, though you’ll want to vacuum the fire pot after about 20 hours of use.

Cons

Temperature Swings: The Traeger Pro 22 struggle maintaining temperatures when you’re trying to go low-and-slow (165–250°F). Ultimately, it was this issue that made me eventually upgrade my smoker. With temperatures fluctuating up and down, I wasn’t sure I was getting the best results.
Subtle Smoke Flavor: Some BBQ purists might find the smoke flavor lighter than expected, especially compared to traditional charcoal or offset smokers. For deeper smoke, you’ll need to cook at lower temps (around 180°F) or consider adding a smoke tube accessory.
No Wi-Fi Connectivity: Unlike newer Traeger models like the Woodridge Pro, the Pro 22 lacks WiFIRE app control, so you can’t monitor or adjust temps remotely. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a noticeable absence in today’s tech-driven market.
Occasional Reliability Concerns: Reading other online reviews, users report issues like flame-outs at low temps (around 225°F). I myself did not experience this and with Traeger’s 3-year warranty and solid customer service, these hiccups can be frustrating but not dealbreakers. For me, my Traeger was a solid unit.

Performance

In my testing, the Traeger Pro 22 did pretty well with everything from burgers at 400°F to a 12-hour brisket smoke at 225°F, producing a nice smoke ring and tender, juicy meat with a subtle woody flavor using Traeger’s Signature Blend pellets. Even with the temperature fluctuations, the results were always solid. The dual meat probes are a lifesaver, letting me monitor the internal temp without opening the lid and losing heat. For smoking, it’s a set-and-forget dream, but high-heat grilling requires patience and technique adjustments, like using the reverse sear method.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to many competitors, the Pro 22 is less feature-rich (no Wi-Fi or Super Smoke mode). Its 572-square-inch cooking area is smaller than most, and the some brands have more user-friendly grease management, which can be messy if knocked over. However, the Pro 22’s lower price point (often around $350–$500 on sale) and simpler design make it a great entry-level option for those new to pellet grilling or loyal to Traeger’s brand.

Who It’s For

The Traeger Pro Series 22 is ideal for:

BBQ beginners who want an easy-to-use pellet grill with minimal babysitting.
Families of 4–6 looking to cook sizable meals without needing a massive grill.
Smokers who prioritize wood-fired flavor and versatility over high-tech features.

It’s less suited for:

Pitmasters seeking intense smoke flavor, who might prefer a Camp Chef or an offset smoker.
Tech enthusiasts wanting Wi-Fi connectivity or advanced controls.
High-heat grillers who prioritize searing over smoking.

Final Verdict

The Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill is a reliable, versatile workhorse that delivers on its promise of wood-fired flavor with minimal fuss. Its ease of use, solid construction, and ability to handle everything from ribs to pizza make it a fantastic choice for casual BBQ enthusiasts or those stepping into pellet grilling for the first time. However, its lighter smoke profile, lack of Wi-Fi, and weaker high-heat performance mean it’s not the top pick for everyone in 2025, especially with newer models like the Traeger Woodridge offering more features for a slightly higher price. If you value simplicity, durability, and that classic Traeger taste, the Pro 22 is a worthy investment—just be ready to tweak your approach for high-heat cooks and consider accessories like a grill cover or drip tray liners to enhance the experience.

For its price, the Pro 22 offers great value, but it’s held back slightly by dated tech and high-heat limitations. Perfect for set-and-forget smoking, but look elsewhere if you’re after intense smoke or app-controlled convenience.