Updated Sep. 07, 2024
Add an outdoor kitchen to the backyard with no build-out required with the Traeger Timberline. Here's our full review on this splurge-worthy pellet grill.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Traeger has earned its reputation as one of the top producers of pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers, for decades. The construction of these grills is designed to last, withstanding the outdoor elements while providing an excellent cooking space. Whether you’re trying your hand at smoking brisket, grilling burgers or even baking the perfect batch of fluffy biscuits, a Traeger grill is the key to wood-fired flavor.
Our Product Testing team recently put 11 pellet grills to the test, with grilling expert Catherine Ward leading the charge. That test included multiple Traeger models, along with Pit Boss, Recteq, Weber and Yoder units. The Traeger Timberline impressed the team with its large grilling area, special features and easy-to-use interface.
As a grilling enthusiast, I’ve also tested the Timberline firsthand and continue to use it in my backyard. I’ve cooked everything from fresh apple crisps to pulled pork, smoked chicken drumsticks and enchiladas. Here’s what we learned about this top pellet grill (which is worth the splurge!) while testing.
The Traeger Timberline is so much more than a standard pellet grill. It’s essentially a smoker and outdoor kitchen in one. The Timberline runs on wood pellets and allows for cooking food in a temperature range of 165 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The excellent versatility makes it possible to roast, smoke, grill and even bake food using indirect heat. The grill’s design also includes a storage cabinet below with soft-closing doors, two side shelves underneath the grill, an induction cooktop and a removable cutting board top shelf. It’s an all-in-one outdoor cooking solution—without spending tens of thousands on a custom build.
On the front, there’s a touchscreen and temperature dial knob for easy control, along with WiFi and Bluetooth capability so you can connect to the Traeger app to control your cook session. Inside, there’s a cooking area of 880 square inches with three different stainless steel grates, two of which are adjustable. That’s plenty of room for most users, but Traeger also has a larger version—the Timberline XL—with the same exact features but 1,320 square inches of cooking space.
The unit is built from powder-coated steel, making it incredibly durable and weather-resistant, with four locking wheels to keep it in place.
VIA MERCHANT
We tested the Traeger Timberline as part of our batch pellet grill test in July 2024. Overall, the Timberline proved to offer great performance with plenty of helpful upgrades and special features. It comes in at a high price point, but for those looking for a multi-use grill, it’s worth the splurge.
Before you can start cooking, the Timberline requires assembly. It’s important to note that this grill is incredibly large, and it arrives at your door on a wood pallet. The directions are easy to follow, and the kit comes with an Allen wrench and screwdriver. However, the process still takes a lot of time and effort. “For how large this beast of a smoker is, the assembly is pretty straightforward and feels sturdy,” says Test Kitchen studio assistant Ben Landwehr. “Definitely a team lift for the main grill section, but overall, not a bad process thanks to the very good and detailed instructions.”
Once the grill is upright, it’s simple to lift the lid for the hopper and fill it with pellets. A standard 20-pound bag of wood pellets can fit in the hopper with a bit of room to spare.
The Product Testing Team cooked the same food items on each of the 11 pellet grills: salmon, corn, pork shoulder, pork chops and chicken. First, we smoked salmon at 190 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours, which produced beautiful filets with great moisture and smoky flavor. Next, we cooked chicken breasts at 225 degrees, yielding incredibly moist meat with a mild smoky flavor and nice bark. We slow-cooked pork shoulder at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for nine hours, producing beautiful color and flavor. Our pork chop test was the only flop. Our attempt to sear the chops at higher temperatures, upwards of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, was difficult, as the temperature fluctuated considerably. While the Timberline can go up to a max temperature of 500 degrees, it performs better at lower temperatures.
Throughout the cooking process, the Product Testing Team found the interface very easy to use. As the temperature climbs, the touchscreen switches to show smoking, grilling or searing. The app, which can control temperature, was also easy to use. We found the induction burner was a bit less intuitive but still performed well and made for a nice bonus feature. “The Timberline looks and functions like a mini outdoor kitchen. The soft-close cabinet doors provide storage space, and the induction burner is a nice feature for creative cooks who want to keep the party outdoors,” says Product Tester Sheri Kaz.
When it came time to clean the Timberline, there was a lot of grease in the chamber, which required plenty of scrubbing and wiping with paper towels. The Testing Team found the process required a bit more effort than desired, especially given the price point.
Cleaning a Traeger is important to keep it in tip-top shape. The interior of the grill requires frequent cleaning, including scrubbing the grill grates. You can do this with dish soap, but to really cut through grease, Traeger’s grill cleaner is the most helpful Traeger grilling accessory. The Timberline is also designed with an ash and grease keg, which funnels debris into a catch in the left cabinet. Empty it when full.
The Taste of Home Product Testing Team tested the Traeger Timberline, along with other Traeger grill models, including the Traeger Pro, Traeger Ironwood XL and Traeger Tailgater, with grilling expert Catherine Ward taking the lead. The pellet grill was thoroughly evaluated for ease of assembly, cooking performance, design, special features and ease of cleaning.
I am a writer specializing in food and lifestyle, with a specific passion for outdoor cooking and grilling. While I love to keep my eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, I focus on established products so I can recommend items that are worth the investment and will last, including pizza ovens, fire pits, grills and smokers. The Traeger Timberline is also a grill I have personally tested and used for two years in my backyard.
VIA MERCHANT
Ready to cook your first brisket or make smoked burgers for friends and family? The Traeger Timberline is available on Traeger’s website for $3,300. It can also be found at The Home Depot, BBQ Guys and Ace Hardware.
Originally Published: September 07, 2024
