Traeger vs Weber: Pellet Grills vs Gas Grills [2024]

If you’ve ever purchased a grill before, you’re probably familiar with the Weber brand.

If you’ve discovered the benefits of pellet grilling, then you might have heard the name “Traeger” before.

What do the two brands have in common, and how do they compare?

To find out, we’ve put together this Traeger vs Weber matchup.

In a rush? Here are the winners:

In this article, we’re going to compare the following grills:

• Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22
• Traeger Pro Series 22
• Traeger Renegade Pro
• Traeger Renegade Elite
• Traeger Texas Elite 34
• Traeger Pro Series 34
• Traeger Tailgater 20
• Weber Spirit II E-310
• Weber Genesis II E-310
• Weber Q3200

Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: The Basics

Are you having trouble deciding what type of grill you should invest in? Maybe you’ve had good luck with gas grills in the past, and are hesitant to rock the boat. Or maybe you’d like to give pellet grilling a try, but don’t know where to begin. In this section, we’ll go over the pluses and minuses of each grill type. When you’re finished reading, you should have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.

Pellet Grills

Pellets are small cylinders made of compressed hardwood sawdust. When they’re used as fuel for an outdoor grill, they imbue the food with authentic wood flavor.

Pros:

• Real smoke flavor
• Can be ready to cook within minutes
• Largely hands-free cooking operation
• Some units can be controlled remotely using WiFi technology
• Ability to choose your flavor depending on the type of wood you use
• Versatile across a wide range of cooking applications
• Can be fired up year-round

Cons:

• Most units are expensive
• Pellets can become damaged if they’re exposed to moisture
• Outside power source required

Gas Grills

These models run off either propane or natural gas, usually the former. They can be ignited with the touch of a button, so you can decide at the last minute whether or not to fire up the grill.

Pros:

• Ready to cook instantaneously
• Simple to use
• Can be fired up year-round
• No outside power source required
• Affordable units available
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Imparts minimal flavor
• Expensive fuel
• Some safety precautions are required when cooking with gas

The best reason to choose a pellet grill over a gas-fired unit is the flavor. If you typically use your grill for basic fare, such as burgers and hot dogs, you’ll probably be just as happy with a gas-powered model. Gas grills also require less overall maintenance, and are usually easier to clean. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to engage in some low-and-slow cooking methods such as southern barbecue, then you should consider choosing a pellet grill instead.

Traeger vs Weber: Product Specifications

The following lists will give you a general overview of the Traeger and Weber grills that are included in our lineup.

Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22

The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 has a small, sturdy build and a basic design. It offers 418 square inches of cooking space and a digital control panel.

Pros:

• Practical design
• Durable build
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Somewhat bulky to transport
• Inadequate cover on smoke stack
• Difficult to maintain temperature
• Doesn’t impart much smoke flavor

>> Read More <<

Traeger Pro Series 22

This unit offers 572 square inches of grilling space, making it a better fit for your deck or patio than for travel.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Versatile
• Adequate grilling space for larger families

Cons:

• Finicky temperature control
• Some shipping issues reported
• Auger prone to sticking

>> Read More <<

Traeger Renegade Pro

The Renegade series was designed for the road. The eye-catching design provides excellent protection from the elements.

Pros:

• Able to maintain consistent temperatures
• Impressive temperature range
• Solid construction
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Temperature probe doesn’t always stay in place
• Minimal cooking space
• Gets best results with Traeger pellets

>> Read More <<

Read our detailed review of the Traeger Renegade Pro.

Traeger Renegade Elite

A built-in storage rack and additional shelving give the Elite model several advantages over the Renegade Pro.

Pros:

• Lots of space for prep and tools
• Very easy to transport
• Accurate temperature control
• User-friendly design

Cons:

• Low-capacity hopper
• Relatively high price point
• Not a great deal of grilling space

>> Read More <<

Full review of the Renegade Elite here.

Traeger Texas Elite 34

If you’re in the market for a larger pellet grill that can be used for smoking, the Texas Elite 34 has you covered.

Pros:

• Generous amount of cooking space
• Impressive grease management system
• Thermometer is generally accurate at low temperatures

Cons:

• Struggles to maintain higher temps
• Gets best results with Traeger pellets
• Hopper could be larger

>> Read More <<

Traeger Pro Series 34

The Traeger Pro Series 34 offers 884 square inches of cooking space, more than any other unit listed here.

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Rear door on hopper for easy cleanout
• Generous amount of cooking space
• Good maneuverability

Cons:

• Huge, bulky design
• Hopper is too small for a unit of this size
• Doesn’t get hot enough for searing

>> Read More <<

Traeger Tailgater 20

With just 300 square inches of cooking space and a hopper with 8-pound capacity, Tailgater is Traeger’s most portable model.

Pros:

• Efficient temperature control
• Easy to put together
• User-friendly

Cons:

• High price point
• Facing legs are slightly wobbly
• Short electrical cord
• Hook for grease bucket is chintzy

>> Read More <<

Weber Spirit II E-310

This three-burner unit is one of the most affordable full-sized models in Weber’s lineup.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Imparts excellent flavor for a gas grill
• Relatively low price point

Cons:

• Some shipping issues reported
• Difficult to assemble
• Doesn’t get hot enough to achieve a proper sear

>> Read More <<

Related article: Weber Spirit E-210 review

Weber Genesis II E-310

This Weber Genesis II E-310 offers 513 square inches of cooking space. Unlike the Spirit model, it includes a removable warming rack to give you two separate grilling zones. —3-burner cooking chamber with 513 square inches of grilling space

Pros:

• Efficient grease collection system
• Excellent heat output
• WiFi feature available (gear sold separately)

Cons:

• Assembly can be time-consuming
• Slightly high price point
• Grease pan is exposed and accessible to small children and pets

>> Read More <<

Weber Q3200

The Q series represents Weber’s entry into the portable-grill race.

Pros:

• Easy to transport
• Even heat distribution
• Fast assembly
• Attractive design
• Impressive amount of prep space for a travel grill

Cons:

• Some shipping issues reported
• Relatively small cooking space
• Grilling area can become cramped when warming rack is added

>> Read More <<

Read our full review of this grill here.

Traeger vs Weber: Features & Benefits

Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 418 square inches of grilling space
• Barrel-shaped cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge steel with a powder finish
• Hopper with 18-pound capacity
• Digital Elite Controller
• Straight legs with two sturdy wheels
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket

While the Lil Tex Elite 22 doesn’t come cheaply for a travel grill, it’s versatile enough to be used as a home unit as well. It’s the perfect size for a family of four or a couple that enjoys more than one grilled component with their meals. With a temperature range of 180 to 450 degrees, it’s best suited for smoking and simple grilling methods.

Check Price on Amazon

Traeger Pro Series 22

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 572 square inches of grilling space
• Barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 18-pound capacity
• Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Sawhorse chassis design with two all-terrain wheels

Though this unit can be used as a travel grill, it’s a bit cumbersome to move around, especially with an 18-pound hopper. While the temperature readout isn’t always as accurate as we would like, the grill is extremely user-friendly. The auger component is efficient, too, burning through one pound of pellets per hour on average.

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Traeger Renegade Pro

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 380 square inches of grilling space
• Barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 18-pound capacity
• Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Sawhorse chassis design with two all-terrain wheels
• Heatproof handle

This unit is set at a lower price point than the Lil Tex Elite 22, but we think it’s a better grill overall. The temperature control is accurate, the build is impressively sturdy, and the sawhorse chassis gives it extra stability. If you can get by with just 380 square inches of cooking space, then this could be the right fit for you.

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Traeger Renegade Elite

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 380 square inches of grilling space
• Barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 10-pound capacity
• Digital Elite Controller
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Straight legs with two durable wheels
• Heatproof handle
• Removable wire rack
• Front-facing shelving with built-in utensil hooks

This unit represents a step up from the Pro model in several respects. First of all, it’s easier to transport. Second, the shelves and utensil hooks give it an “all-in-one” quality. Finally, and unfortunately, it’s also more expensive. However, if you can afford to shell out a bit more, the Renegade Elite is worth it.

Check Price on Amazon

Traeger Texas Elite 34

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 646 square inches of grilling space
• Oversized barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 18-pound capacity
• Digital Elite Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Straight legs outfitted with wheels for ease of transport

Shoppers looking for a full-sized grill will find plenty to love about the Texas Elite 34. It does an admirable job at maintaining steady temperatures for smoked meats, and the size is generous enough for hosting neighborhood gatherings. Unfortunately, it’s not the greatest when it comes to achieving perfect grill marks. Like the other Traeger models, its temperature range is on the narrow side—just 180 to 450 degrees. Fans of high-heat cooking applications would do better to look elsewhere.

Check Price on Amazon

Traeger Pro Series 34

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 884 square inches of grilling space
• Oversized barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 18-pound capacity
• Digital Pro Controller
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Sawhorse chassis design outfitted with four wheels

This unit has much in common with the Texas Elite 34, but it boasts a great deal more cooking space. Perhaps because of its size, it doesn’t perform that well at high temperatures, especially for baking pizzas and flatbreads. For huge batches of burgers and dogs, though, it will get the job done. It also offers a rear door on the hopper, so you can switch the pellets out while cooking. That helps to offset the relatively small hopper size.

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Traeger Tailgater 20

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 300 square inches of grilling space
• Barrel-style cooking chamber made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel
• Hopper with 8-pound capacity
• Digital Elite Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic
• Dual meat temperature probes
• Grease management system with attached drip bucket
• Folding legs with two sturdy wheels

If you have your heart set on a Traeger pellet grill but balk at the high price tags, then the Tailgater might be the unit for you. While it has a small cooking surface, it’s sufficient for families of two to four people, especially if you’re willing to get creative. The design is well-suited for camping and tailgating. The one thing we wouldn’t recommend it for is baking, since the grill doesn’t get hot enough to function as an oven. Also, be aware that the legs have difficulty staying in place once they’ve been folded down.

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Weber Spirit II E-310

• 3-burner cooking chamber with 529 square inches of grilling space
• Cart-style design with two wheels and lower shelf for storage
• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grilling grates
• 30,000 BTU-per hour output
• GS4 grilling system with infinity ignition and Glamorizer bars
• Grease management system
• Built-in thermometer

Anyone who complains that gas grills don’t impart enough flavor has never tried the Spirit II E-310. These units are equipped with an innovative grilling system that could fool even the most die-hard charcoal enthusiast. As the meat cooks, the drippings drop onto the “Glamorizer” bars, which are coated with flavor-boosting properties. The resulting smoke delivers the flavor and texture you would expect to get from a charcoal– or pellet-burning unit. The Spirit series is also less expensive than some of the other Weber grills you’ll find.

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Weber Genesis II E-310

• 3-burner cooking chamber with 513 square inches of grilling space
• Cart-style design with two wheels and lower shelf for storage
• Side shelves for prep space
• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grilling grates
• Removable warming rack
• 39,000 BTU-per hour output
• GS4 grilling system with infinity ignition, Glamorizer bars, and grease management system
• Built-in thermometer

Unlike the other Weber models we’ve listed, this one is equipped with WiFi capability. This will allow you to control the temperature via your tablet or smartphone. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay more for the equipment, but it’s a nice benefit nonetheless. This grill burns much hotter than the Spirit II E-310, and the removable warming rack makes it more versatile.

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Weber Q3200

• Two-burner cast aluminum cooking chamber with 393 square inches of grilling space
• Removable warming rack
• Innovative design with two oversized wheels for maneuverability
• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grilling grates
• 21,700 BTU-per hour output
• Two side shelves offer storage and prep space

For a portable grill, the Q3200 boasts an impressive amount of grilling space. Setup is simple and straightforward, and the porcelain-coated cooking grates can be cleaned in a matter of minutes. This model is in the same price range as the Traeger Tailgater 20, its closest competitor in this race.

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Traeger Grills: Customer Response

When we searched the Web for consumer responses to the Traeger models, we found a number of positive reviews. The grills are considered user-friendly and easy to assemble. People who are new to pellet grilling appreciate the intense flavor that the units provide. The larger models give outdoor chefs plenty of room to experiment—one user reported using the Texas Elite 34 to cook a whole hog.

Weber Grills: Customer Response

How did the Weber grills stack up against the competition? The Weber Q3200 garnered particularly good responses, with users claiming that it provides grilled meats with an excellent sear. The ignition systems on all the grills also received high marks for their smooth startup. Though some shoppers were unnerved by the prices, most claimed that the Weber products were worth the money.

The Verdict

After taking a closer look at the pellet grill vs gas grill matchup, do we have a clear winner? The answer was difficult to come by, but we managed to narrow it down to a single unit in the end.

For affordability, portability, and temperature accuracy, the Traeger Renegade Elite checks off all the boxes. It contains more storage space than the Pro model, giving it higher marks when it comes to convenience. Unless you’re looking specifically for a unit with at least 400 inches of cooking space, the Renegade Elite is an efficient and attractive option.

Of course, if you’d prefer to stick with gas grills, I recommend the Weber Spirit II E-310. Also, Weber Q3200 provides a great alternative. It’s even more portable than the Renegade Elite, and it gets hot enough to turn over large quantities of food in a short period. Though it doesn’t impart the same smoky flavor as the pellet grills, it’s a solid gas-powered alternative.

Best of luck in your grilling adventures!