Thinking about the Traeger Pro 575? We tested it for months. Read our honest review on performance, features, and real-world value to see if it lives up to the hype for serious BBQ enthusiasts.
Traeger Pro 575 Review (2025): Is This Pellet Grill Worth The Hype?
In the world of barbecue, few names are as well-known as Traeger. The brand’s marketing is everywhere, and its signature orange logo has become synonymous with easy, wood-fired flavor. But with a brand that’s so ubiquitous, a key question arises: is the Traeger Pro 575 truly worth the investment, or are you just paying for the name?
Our first impressions were positive. The grill arrived in a heavy but well-organized box, and the unboxing was surprisingly straightforward, with clear instructions that had us up and running in under an hour.
Over several months of testing, we put this pellet grill through its paces, from low-and-slow cooks to high-heat searing. In this review, we’ll cut through the marketing to deliver a straightforward, real-world assessment of the Traeger Pro 575’s performance, build quality, and features. Our goal is to help you decide if this grill is the right fit for you.
This review is for the home cook who wants “set-it-and-forget-it” convenience and classic wood-fired flavor without the learning curve of an offset smoker.
Specs At A Glance: What You Get
Here’s a quick look at the features and specifications of the Traeger Pro 575.
- Cooking Area: 575 sq. inches
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lbs
- Temperature Range: 165°F to 500°F
- WiFi Connectivity: Yes, with Traeger’s App
- Controller: Digital Pro Controller with PID
- Key Features: “Keep Warm” mode, TurboTemp mode
- Price Range: $$$ (Positioned as a premium mid-size grill)
In-Depth Analysis: Pros & Cons
The Pros (Where It Shines)
- User-Friendly & Tech: Traeger has built its reputation on ease of use, and the Pro 575 is a prime example. The WiFi connectivity is a game-changer, allowing you to monitor and adjust your cook from anywhere using the polished, intuitive Traeger app.
- Consistent Temperature Control: The PID controller is a standout feature. It excels at maintaining a steady temperature, with very minimal fluctuations. This is crucial for long cooks like brisket or pork butts, where consistency is the key to a tender result.
- Brand Reputation & Support: Traeger’s extensive network means you have access to a wide array of branded accessories, readily available replacement parts, and reliable customer support should you ever need it.
- The “Traeger Flavor”: While the smoke profile is lighter than a traditional offset smoker, it is reliable and consistent. It produces a clean, wood-fired flavor that’s a significant step up from propane or electric smokers.
The Cons (Where It Falls Short)
- Price Premium: There’s no getting around it—you are paying a significant amount for the Traeger brand name. Direct competitors often offer similar specs and features for a lower price point.
- Max Temperature Limitations: While it can technically reach 500°F, this grill is not a high-heat searing machine. It struggles to put a deep, hard crust on steaks and burgers, and the results won’t compete with a dedicated gas grill or charcoal kamado.
- Build Quality Quibbles: Compared to some competitors in a similar price range, the Traeger Pro 575 has a thinner gauge of metal on some parts of the body. The powder coat finish, while attractive, can be prone to rust in certain climates if not cared for meticulously.
Performance Test: How It Handles Real BBQ Jobs
- Low & Slow (225°F): We cooked a 12-lb pork shoulder over 12 hours. The temperature remained incredibly stable, with the PID controller expertly holding the set point. Pellet consumption was efficient, and the smoke was clean and consistent, producing a fantastic smoke ring.
- Poultry (350°F): We tested a whole chicken at 350°F. The Traeger’s heat distribution was even, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown skin. While not as crispy as a roasted chicken, the skin was firm and flavorful.
- High-Heat Grilling (450°F+): When we tried to sear steaks, the grill struggled to maintain a consistent high temperature with the lid open. While it can produce a decent crust on burgers and steaks, it won’t give you the deep, hard sear of a dedicated high-heat grill. The “Super Smoke” mode did produce a noticeable difference in the smoke flavor on these shorter cooks.
Key Feature Deep Dive: The Traeger App
The Traeger app is the centerpiece of the Pro series experience. Its functionality is robust and intuitive. Setting temperatures, monitoring your food probes, and receiving real-time alerts is seamless. The integrated recipe library is a massive win for beginners, providing a wealth of proven, step-by-step instructions. During our months of testing, we experienced no significant connectivity issues or bugs.
The Competition: How It Stacks Up
- vs. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro: The Camp Chef’s “SmokeBox” is a major feature advantage for anyone who wants a much more intense smoke flavor. The Woodwind Pro’s searing capabilities also generally outperform the Traeger.
- vs. Pit Boss Pro Series: Pit Boss often offers significantly more cooking space and features for the same price point as the Traeger, but often at the cost of a less refined controller and a clunkier app experience.
- vs. GMG Daniel Boone: The Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone positions itself as a direct, and often cheaper, competitor with similar features, including WiFi. It’s a solid choice for the value-conscious buyer.
Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Traeger Pro 575
- Worth It For: The Traeger Pro 575 is an excellent choice for the beginner or intermediate home cook who values ease of use, reliability, and a seamless app experience above all else. If you are willing to pay a premium for the brand name and the peace of mind that comes with it, the Traeger is a fantastic grill.
- Not Worth It For: This grill is not for the budget-conscious buyer seeking the most features per dollar. It is also not for the “tinkerer” or expert who wants maximum smoke flavor and doesn’t need hand-holding tech. Finally, if you rely on high-heat searing for your grilling, this grill won’t be a primary solution.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
- Ease of Use: 10/10
- Tech/App: 9/10
- Build Quality: 7.5/10
- Value: 7/10
- Flavor Output: 8/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the Traeger Pro 575 really sear a steak? A: It can get hot enough to put a decent crust on a steak, but it won’t compete with a dedicated gas grill or a charcoal chimney. For the reverse searing method, however, it is a perfect tool.
Q: Is the WiFi connection reliable? A: In our testing, yes. The connection was stable and the app alerts were timely with minimal to no disruptions.
Q: How often do you have to clean it? A: We recommend vacuuming the fire pot and grease tray every 20 hours of cook time to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential grease fires.
Where to Buy:
- Check Current Price on Amazon
- Check Price at Home Depot
- Buy Direct from Traeger
