Traeger Renegade Input Needed

[Joemannnnn]

Hey guys, I've started looking into purchasing a pellet grill for my family of 4. My wife's a vegetarian and I have 2 young kids. So I'm not needing anything too big.

This will be my first pellet grill. Been looking at Traeger mainly because of their name. Been following them on social media, like all the recipes they put out, etc.

I see the Renegade Pro online. Does anyone have any experience with it? There's not a lot of info I can find regarding measurements, etc. Any idea how it compares to the Pro 22? Looks maybe a bit smaller and no second rack. I see a lot more info regarding last year's Renegade Ellie.

I'll take any savings I can find. This is a bit cheaper than the pro 22, also includes a free cover. However this is still a good chunk of $. So I haven't convinced myself yet. May still consider something like the junior elite or even the pit boss 820.

Appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[ross77]

My advice would be to research other brands. IMO Traeger is overpriced for what you get. No offense to Traeger owners....

Take a look at the RecTec Trailblazer. Stainless steel construction and a better controller. Costco is marking down their Louisiana Grills now as well.

 

[SonnyE]

Does she like smoked food?
(You can eat vegetarian, and smoke it. Artichokes come to mind.)

Treager was one of, if not the, first Pellet grill manufacturer. They've had a long time to get their game on.
I would not buy a Pellet Grill for smoking. It can, but smoking is not their fortay.
The Daughter and SIL have a Treager, and he does not like smoked anything. (It was given to them.) But they love using it to BBQ.
Like Ross sez, there are others, and some of those have some things you might like more. So do some hands on shopping.

 

[Joemannnnn]

Does she like smoked food?
(You can eat vegetarian, and smoke it. Artichokes come to mind.)

Treager was one of, if not the, first Pellet grill manufacturer. They've had a long time to get their game on.
I would not buy a Pellet Grill for smoking. It can, but smoking is not their fortay.
The Daughter and SIL have a Treager, and he does not like smoked anything. (It was given to them.) But they love using it to BBQ.
Like Ross sez, there are others, and some of those have some things you might like more. So do some hands on shopping.

She definitely would enjoy food off the grill. I'm sure we'll cook veggies, pizza, etc that she can enjoy. I'm also hopeful that she may get into using a pellet grill. If she can get it fired up and get food on there, all the better. She is not a fan of the Weber propane. For whatever reason she's never wanted to mess with getting that lit and grill on it. I think the pellet will be more like an oven to her and therefore not as intimidating I hope.

Regarding smoke flavor, from what I've read in my short amount of research, these pellet grills don't add too much smoke flavor to the meat. I think I prefer that. I don't like a lot of smoke flavor.

I'm really looking for something to put some ribs on, a pork butt, beer can chicken etc. I like the ease of set it and just about forget it with the pellet grills. I don't want to be constantly managing the temp.

I'll definitely read up on the other options out there. In the meantime, any input regarding that renegade is appreciated

 

[SonnyE]

She definitely would enjoy food off the grill. I'm sure we'll cook veggies, pizza, etc that she can enjoy. I'm also hopeful that she may get into using a pellet grill. If she can get it fired up and get food on there, all the better. She is not a fan of the Weber propane. For whatever reason she's never wanted to mess with getting that lit and grill on it. I think the pellet will be more like an oven to her and therefore not as intimidating I hope.

Regarding smoke flavor, from what I've read in my short amount of research, these pellet grills don't add too much smoke flavor to the meat. I think I prefer that. I don't like a lot of smoke flavor.

I'm really looking for something to put some ribs on, a pork butt, beer can chicken etc. I like the ease of set it and just about forget it with the pellet grills. I don't want to be constantly managing the temp.

I'll definitely read up on the other options out there. In the meantime, any input regarding that renegade is appreciated

Set it and forget it is the mantra of pellet grills. So I would bet your entire family would be well pleased with your new Treager. I think the Daughter and SIL's is a renegade. They mostly use it when they go out in their RV.
Pellet grills generally blow air into the chamber where the pellets are burning. So they do a clean burn. The design and function is more towards heat, than making smoke.
So just a couple of easy steps, and set your temperature, you are grillin!

Some places that come to mind are The Home Depot. I've seen a pretty extensive display of Traeger's. See if she takes to the control panel, and if you like the build of it.
It won't ever go "THUMP" or "Whoosh" starting up and scare her, like a gas grill can. ;)