Best Traeger Grills (and a Handy Stand) You Can Actually Count On

Best Traeger Grills (and a Handy Stand) You Can Actually Count On

You ever notice how outdoor cooking Best Traeger Grills can either be the best part of the day… or the most stressful? I’ve had both. There are times when I’m sweating over coals, trying to keep the fire alive, and everyone’s inside asking, “When’s the food ready?” And then there are the good days, when the grill does most of the work and I can just relax with a cold drink.

That’s the magic of Traeger grills. They’re pellet grills, which basically means they burn little wood pellets to give you that smoky, wood-fired taste but without all the babysitting. Some of them are small and portable, others are full-on backyard beasts. I’ve put together a few of the best ones you can buy (with details straight from Amazon), plus a handy grill stand at the end that makes life even easier.

1. Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Pellet Grill

Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Pellet Grill

This one’s kind of a legend for campers and tailgaters. Officially called the Traeger Grills TFB30KLF Tailgater 20, but I just think of it as “the little guy that travels.”

  • It’s portable (foldable legs, so you can toss it in the back of a truck).
  • 300 sq. in. of cooking space → that’s like 12 burgers or 2 chickens at once.
  • Digital Arc Controller → keeps temps steady from 180–450°F.
  • 6-in-1 versatility → grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ.

I remember a buddy bringing this exact model to a fishing trip. We literally cooked ribs in the middle of nowhere. Funny thing is, it felt almost too easy just load pellets, press a button, and wait. While I was still untangling fishing line, the grill had already preheated.

2. Traeger Century 885 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker (with Cover)

Traeger Century 885 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker (with Cover)

If the Tailgater is the travel buddy, the Century 885 is the big reliable uncle. It’s stainless steel, solid, and built for people who want more cooking space.

  • Massive 885 sq. in. cooking area.
  • Same 6-in-1 versatility as other Traegers.
  • Comes with a cover (which is actually a lifesaver when you leave it outside).

Truth be told, this is the kind of grill you set up on your patio and basically keep forever. It’s not trying to be flashy just dependable.

3. Traeger Ironwood 650 (Smart Grill with Wi FIRE + Alexa)

Traeger Ironwood 650 (Smart Grill with Wi FIRE + Alexa)

Now we’re talking about the Ironwood 650. This one feels futuristic. Why? Because it connects to WiFi and even works with Alexa. Yeah, you can literally say, “Alexa, set the grill to 225 degrees,” and it listens.

  • 650 sq. in. cooking space (plenty for big family meals).
  • Max temp 500°F.
  • WiFIRE + Alexa voice control → monitor and control from your phone.
  • Upgraded D2 drivetrain → heats up faster, stronger smoke.

I’ll be honest, at first I thought, “Why does a grill need WIFI?” But then I realized: being able to check your brisket’s temp while you’re inside watching the game… is kind amazing.

4. Traeger Ironwood 885 (The Heavyweight Champ)

Traeger Ironwood 885 (The Heavyweight Champ)

If the 650 is cool, the Ironwood 885 is the beast version. Heavier, bigger, smarter. This thing is for people who want to cook like a pro without messing around.

  • Huge 885 sq. in. cooking space.
  • WiFIRE technology (phone control, alerts, recipes).
  • Built-in pellet sensor → tells you when you’re running low.
  • 6-in-1 cooking power: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ.

I’ve seen one of these at a neighbor’s BBQ. He had 5 racks of ribs smoking while still having room for sides. And the best part? He barely touched it all afternoon. Meanwhile, I was standing there thinking about my old gas grill like, “Wow… I’ve been working too hard.”

5. GFTIME Grill Stand (for Ninja, Traeger Ranger, Pit Boss, Blackstone)

GFTIME Grill Stand (for Ninja, Traeger Ranger, Pit Boss, Blackstone)

Okay, so this one isn’t a grill—but it’s worth mentioning. The GFTIME Grill Stand is basically a foldable cart with wheels, shelves, and hooks. If you’ve ever balanced tongs on the edge of a chair or tried prepping food on your lap, you’ll know why this matters.

  • Fits smaller grills like the Traeger Ranger.
  • Built-in side table + basket for spices.
  • Hooks for tools.
  • Collapsible legs for easy storage.
  • Wheels so you can roll it around.

I like it because it makes grilling less of a balancing act. You’ve got space for seasoning, a safe place for the grill, and no more juggling plates in one hand and tongs in the other.

Comparison Table of Best Traeger Grills & Stand

ProductMain AdvantagesPrice*
Traeger Tailgater 20 (Portable)– Easy to carry (foldable legs)
– Works with wood pellets for smoky taste
– 6 cooking options (grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ)
– Good for camping/tailgating
– Holds 12 burgers or 2 chickens
£562.87 (+£116.97 import charges)
Traeger Century 885– Very large cooking space (885 sq. in.)
– Stainless steel, long lasting
– Comes with cover
– 6-in-1 cooking functions
– Perfect for big family BBQs
£2,344.62 (1 new offer)
Traeger Ironwood 650– WiFi + Alexa control
– 650 sq. in. cooking space
– Heats up faster with D2 drivetrain
– Holds 8 chickens or 5 rib racks
– Max temp 500°F
£3,131.83 (1 new offer)
Traeger Ironwood 885– Biggest space (885 sq. in.)
– WiFi + app + smart alerts
– Built-in pellet sensor (never run out)
– 6-in-1 versatility
– Stronger smoke & faster heating
£3,479.83(2 new offers)
GFTIME Grill Stand– Fits smaller grills (Traeger Ranger, Pit Boss, Ninja)
– Side shelf + hooks for tools
– Portable with wheels
– Collapsible for easy storage
– Durable metal frame
£79.99 (1 new offer)

Conclusion

So, what’s the real deal here? Truth be told, there isn’t just “one best grill.” It’s more about what kind of life you’re living right now.

If you’re always on the road, camping, or tailgating, the Tailgater 20 feels like a little travel buddy that never complains. Big family parties? The Century 885 or the Ironwood 885 will feed everyone without breaking a sweat. And if you’re into tech yeah, the Ironwood 650 is basically a smart grill. You can boss it around with Alexa while you sit inside watching the game. Funny world we live in.

I remember standing at a BBQ once, sweating over a basic charcoal grill, while my cousin’s Traeger just purred along like it was no big deal. He was laughing with friends, I was fighting smoke in my eyes. And that’s when it clicked: grilling doesn’t have to be painful. It can be simple, easy, even fun.

About Author

Ethan Caldwell

Hi, I’m Ethan Caldwell, a professional chef and recipe blogger with a passion for creating simple, flavorful meals. I’ve trained at Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America, earning diplomas in Culinary Arts and International Cuisine. After working in kitchens across Europe and the U.S., I now share my favorite recipes, tips, and cooking hacks on my blog. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, I’m here to make cooking fun and approachable.

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