Home LivingGardenBarbequeTraeger vs Masterbuilt: battle of the best smokersTwo leading smoker manufacturers go head to head for Pit Master supremacyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingGardenBarbequeTraeger vs Masterbuilt: battle of the best smokersTwo leading smoker manufacturers go head to head for Pit Master supremacyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Two leading smoker manufacturers go head to head for Pit Master supremacy
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Traeger)
(Image credit: Traeger)
Jump to category:Traeger vs Masterbuilt: company profilesWhat is a smoker?Prices and availabilityThe best models to chooseWho has the best app?Final verdict
Jump to category:Traeger vs Masterbuilt: company profilesWhat is a smoker?Prices and availabilityThe best models to chooseWho has the best app?Final verdict
Traeger and Masterbuilt are hugely popular US companies that specialise in the design and production of BBQ smokers in a wide variety of sizes and price points. And when it comes to choosing the best smoker for your needs, chances are you will alight on these two brands along with the likes of Broil King, Pit Boss and Weber.
The interesting thing about Traeger and Masterbuilt is that each company commits its products to running on specific heat sources. In Traeger’s case, its grills are almost entirely wood pellet based while Masterbuilt prefers the use of charcoal and electricity. Both fuels have their pros and that’s partly what we’re looking at in this guide, along with a good glance at these companies’ respective product lines and why one brand may be better for you than the other.
You see, when it comes to selecting the best smoker and the best fuel for that smoker, it’s often dependent on whether the buyer is already well versed in the art of smoking or whether he or she is a complete novice who hasn’t a clue which way to turn.
If you’re already a seasoned Pit Master, chances are you will already know what’s what but if you’re a complete novice and not sure whether you should opt for a Traeger pellet grill or a Masterbuilt charcoal/electricity option, this guide is for you. But first a little bit of history…
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: sterling smokers one and all
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: company profiles
Traeger started the whole pellet grill thing in 1985 when its founder Joe Traeger produced his first pellet grill using a then new type of cheap heating fuel – compressed wooden pellets – that was created as a result of the 1973 oil crisis. Fast forward 39 years and the US company has grown from strength to strength with a healthy roster of high-quality pellet grills in all sizes and price points. Granted, the company recently started dabbling in gas for the very first time with the launch of its Flatrock griddle series but the brand is ultimately committed to using wood pellets as its products’ main source of fuel.
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Traeger vs Masterbuilt: what is a smoker?
(Image credit: Weber)
(Image credit: Weber)
Charcoal is usually the preferred fuel of most experienced Pit Masters, but it’s a very difficult and volatile fuel to work with, especially if you’re a complete novice using a complicated offset smoker – the type that looks like an old steam engine – for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be like that, at least not if you’re lucky enough to be using one of Masterbuilt’s sterling range of gravity smokers. Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series quite literally takes the guesswork out of both smoking and grilling and you can read more about it in the next chapter.
Electricity is another popular choice of fuel for smoking, not least because it runs for as long as you keep paying the bill. It’s the cheapest form of smoking, too. Masterbuilt is far-and-away the market leader in this regard which isn’t surprising since they invented the electric smoker. Granted, some may argue that electricity could never provide the same level of smokiness and deep flavour profile of wood pellets or charcoal but Masterbuilt have sold so many electric smokers that they must be doing something right. And besides, since all electric smokers feature a small wood chip box near the heat source, the food is still infused with aromatic smoke, so what’s the difference?
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: prices and availability
Want to try smoking meats the authentic way using charcoal? Head straight for the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560. This set-and-forget model retails between £399 and £580, and is available fromAmazon,Pro SmokeandMarks Electrical.
If a pellet grill sounds more up your garden path, try the portable Traeger Ranger which retails at around £549 and is available fromThe BBQ Shop,AmazonandBBQ World.
Fancy pushing the boat out and having the best pellet grill in the neighbourhood? That’ll be the new, humongous Traeger Timberline. VisitJohn Lewis & PartnersandThe BBQ Shopwhere this sterling beauty is selling for £2,999.
If three grand is several steps too far, try the much cheaper Traeger Pro 575 instead. You’ll find it atJohn Lewis & Partnersfor a much more reasonable £899.
Finally, you won’t find a cheaper way to smoke meats than on an electric model and that’s where the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Electric Smokercomes in. Want one? TryBBQ World(£249) orAmazon, where it’s shifting for a knockdown £219.
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: the best models to choose
The Traeger Ranger is a brilliant portable pellet grill for balconies and small patios(Image credit: Traeger)
The Traeger Ranger is a brilliant portable pellet grill for balconies and small patios
The Traeger Ranger is a brilliant portable pellet grill for balconies and small patios
(Image credit: Traeger)
Now you know the ins and outs of smoking with pellets, charcoal and electricity, let’s take a look at some of the best models in each disciple, starting with Traeger.
If you want to give smoking a go but don’t want to spend too much, your first port of call should be the portableTraeger Ranger. Although it requires an electricity source to function, this cracking model is a brilliant performer that is perfect for beginners. Simply load it with pellets, fire it up and it will smoke and grill anything you put on it. It’s brilliant for slow smoking ribs or a leg of lamb and it makes a better roast chicken than your indoor oven.
When it comes to increased meal estate, the Traeger Pro 575 is a perfect sized pellet grill for most people(Image credit: Traeger)
When it comes to increased meal estate, the Traeger Pro 575 is a perfect sized pellet grill for most people
When it comes to increased meal estate, the Traeger Pro 575 is a perfect sized pellet grill for most people
(Image credit: Traeger)
Assuming you’re able to increase the budget a little, we’d suggest opting forTraeger’s Pro 575which provides much more meal estate for not too much of a price increase. This model also works with Traeger’s brilliant app that lets you command and monitor the pellet grill without having to stand next to it. Again, this is a set-and-forget grill that’s very difficult to burn food on.
The new Traeger Timberline XL. You know you want one(Image credit: Traeger)
The new Traeger Timberline XL. You know you want one
The new Traeger Timberline XL. You know you want one
(Image credit: Traeger)
If only the very best in smoking and grilling will do, there are very few models out there that come even close to the stunning Traeger Timberline for design, function and outright performance. This handsome brute is like having a kitchen in the garden and features an induction hob on the side for numerous other cooking disciplines – including searing steaks – one of the prettiest TFT controller displays and enough cooking space on its vast grate for nine whole chickens.
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is a sterling charcoal smoker and grill in one(Image credit: Derek Adams)
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is a sterling charcoal smoker and grill in one
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is a sterling charcoal smoker and grill in one
(Image credit: Derek Adams)
Charcoal smoking is a completely different kettle of beef and very tricky to pull off using a standard kettle grill. What you need is a charcoal grill that works like a pellet grill. And here it is – the all-singingMasterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Charcoal Grill & Smoker.
With this system you simply fill the hopper from the top with about five kilos of charcoal and a few hickory wood chunks and light it using a couple of fire lighters. Now head over to the controller and select a temperature for the style of grilling – around 105˚C for smoking, 200˚C for grilling and around 370˚C for rapid searing – and close the lid. The 560 will stay at whatever temperature you select, just like a pellet grill.
Electricity is the cheapest way to smoke without the rigmarole. The Masterbuilt 710 is an excellent contender in this regard(Image credit: Masterbuilt)
Electricity is the cheapest way to smoke without the rigmarole. The Masterbuilt 710 is an excellent contender in this regard
Electricity is the cheapest way to smoke without the rigmarole. The Masterbuilt 710 is an excellent contender in this regard
(Image credit: Masterbuilt)
If the electricity method seems better for your needs, consider one of Masterbuilt’s electricity models. There are loads to choose from but in our opinion you can’t go wrong with the keenly-priced Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Electric Smoker. This digital smoker is truly hands off because you can control it from the Masterbuilt app. Simply set your desired smoking temperature and the oven will hold that temperature for as long as you want to smoke. It comes with a wood chip tray, a removable water bowl for keeping meats moist throughout the long smoking process, an integrated meat probe to keep track of the meat’s internal temperature and acres of space for a banquet. If you want to give electric smoking a try but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Masterbuilt 710 is a brilliant place to start.
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: who has the best app?
Whatever BBQ you have, nothing beats the Traeger app for recipes and tips(Image credit: Traeger)
Whatever BBQ you have, nothing beats the Traeger app for recipes and tips
Whatever BBQ you have, nothing beats the Traeger app for recipes and tips
(Image credit: Traeger)
Most Traeger and Masterbuilt grills and smokers are app enabled which means you can monitor the whole cooking process remotely and easily adjust grill temperatures, set reminders to turn the food and receive notifications when the cook is complete. From my experience the Traeger app is easily the best BBQ app of any out there. It’s literally jam-packed with great recipes no matter what type of barbecue you have. Traeger also produces a range of truly outstanding rubs and spices that are worth checking out.
Traeger vs Masterbuilt: Final verdict
(Image credit: Traeger)
(Image credit: Traeger)
If you want to enjoy fuss-free smoking and grilling using a tried-and-trusted fuel source, a Traeger pellet grill is well worth investigation. However you will need to fork out a sizeable sum for the privilege. Alternatively, an electric or charcoal smoker from Masterbuilt will provide the same hands-off experience for a fraction of the price. Whichever manufacturer you go for, you can be sure you’ll have chosen wisely. However, in terms of outright style and incredible build quality, Traeger just pips Masterbuilt to the post.
For more outdoor cooking advice, check outT3’s Outdoor Living Month.
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