Summer is a time many of us look forward to. Those few months during the year where everything seems carefree. The weather is finally warm enough where we can enjoy outdoor living, from everything to biking and hiking to swimming and playing ball. But the ultimate summer event is outdoor dining and nothing says summer more than barbecue.
The constant rotation of hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, and corn on the cob all roasting to perfection on the grill, perhaps a baked potato or two, defines the typical summer barbecue. Of course you can't forget the watermelon. But before this grilling perfection can commence, you first need to get a grill and with so many different kinds on the market, knowing which kinds to buy – and which ones to avoid – can be confusing.
Certain grills are surrounded by a lot of hype, like Traeger grills. But this doesn't mean they are the best ones to purchase. There are actually a lot of reasons why you might want to pass on a Traeger grill. There are other grills to consider getting that are better based on your skill set and how often you like to grill.
MomsWhoThink present this guide on why you might want to pass on a Traeger gill and 3 great alternatives.
The Reasons to Avoid the Traeger
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Two kinds of Traeger grills are most common: gas and pellet. Gas is easier to operate because all you need is a propane tank. All you do is turn on the grill, which heats it. Traegers will pellets are just as easy. You put pellets, depending on the smoky flavor you want, into the grill, giving the meat a smoky, rich flavor.
Although Traegers are easy to use, there are also some cons to consider that will give you second thoughts about buying them.
They Are Expensive
Traegers aren't always cheap. The lowest price Traeger grills are usually about $299. This is more expensive than a simple Weber charcoal grill, typically between $50 and $100.
The most expensive Traeger grill is the Timberline and Timberline XL, which hovers around $3,500 to $3,900. However, you also get all the bells and whistles with this version.
It comes with:
- Three tiers of stainless steel grates.
- Compatible with Alexa® and Google Home®
- ModiFIRE®-compatible bottom grate.
It Needs Power to Operate
You can't take Traegers to the great outdoors if you want to start a barbecue. It doesn't work that way because Traeger grills need electricity to operate. It would be best if you plugged it into an outlet for it to use effectively.
While Traegers don't typically take a lot of energy to run, they still need something to turn on and get the pellets rolling in to start the fire.
Food Takes Awhile to Cook
The food in a Traeger takes a lot longer to cook because it takes a while for a Traeger to get fully functional.
Even after you plug it in, you may have to wait 10 to 15 minutes before the grill operates at the heat you want. You must account for this waiting time when planning your meal and how long it will take to grill the food.
Avoid a Traeger Grill: What Are the Better Alternatives
If you want alternative options beyond the Traeger, consider the Weber, The Nexgrill, and The Camp Fire. These options have been around for as long as the Traeger or longer. They also have features that are equally or even better than the Traeger.
However, you'll find that these grills are sometimes just as expensive because they offer a lot more bells and whistles that make grilling easier.
The Weber
The Weber has everything from electronic ignition to side counters and storage space. It also has more history than any other grill. Founded in the late 1800s, this grill has dominated the homes of Americans as one of the most popular grills to use.
You'll find smart technology features so you can control the heat with your phone. You'll also find a diverse selection of prices that range from $50 to $3,000, depending on how many features you want and if you want a charcoal or a pellet grill.
These are considered the best Weber grills.
- Weber Spirit II E-310
- Weber Genesis E-325s
- Spirit Series
Camp Chef
Camp Chef is another great alternative to the Traeger. It also offers many top-of-the-line features that make it stand out. You'll discover smart technology features, spacious countertops, and an ash clean-out system that makes cleaning out the Camp Chef effortless. You'll also find a variety of Camp Chef grills that range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the quality you get.
Here's a list of some of the best Camp Chef grills:
- Woodwind Wi-Fi 36 With Sidekick
- SmokePro SGX 36 Wi-Fi
- Smokepro SG 24
Should You Avoid a Traeger Grill?
The Traeger offers a lot of benefits when it comes to summer grilling. But there are also some cons to consider that may make it a less-than-perfect fit for your home. Knowing your alternative options can give you a glimpse into what other grills there are and what they offer. It can also help you figure out what you need and how much you'll use it for a summer barbecue.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Catalin Boboc/Shutterstock.com.