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The Traeger Pro Series 22 (Gen 1) wood pellet grill and smoker is a classic backyard pellet cooker built for people who want wood-fired flavor with straightforward digital temperature control. Model TFB57PZBO combines 572 square inches of cooking space, an 18-pound pellet hopper, porcelain-coated steel grates, and a maximum temperature of 450°F.
Traeger Pro Series 22 at a Glance
- 572 sq. in. total cooking area
- 418 sq. in. main grate plus 154 sq. in. upper grate
- 18 lb wood-pellet hopper
- Maximum temperature: 450°F
- Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic
- Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates
- Hopper clean-out door
- All-terrain wheels and sawhorse-style chassis
- No WiFIRE connectivity
572 Square Inches of Cooking Space
The Pro 22 provides 572 square inches of total cooking space across two levels. That includes a 418-square-inch main grate and a 154-square-inch secondary grate. Traeger positions this capacity for everyday family cooking as well as larger weekend barbecue sessions.
Wood-Pellet Cooking and 6-in-1 Versatility
Pellet grills combine an electrically powered feed and control system with hardwood pellets as the cooking fuel. The Pro 22 is designed for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and barbecue-style cooking. Its range extends from low-and-slow smoking temperatures to a maximum of 450°F, giving it considerably more flexibility than a dedicated smoker.
Digital Pro Controller
The Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic manages pellet feeding and cooking temperature, reducing the amount of manual fire management required compared with traditional charcoal or offset smokers. An included meat-probe connection also lets you monitor internal food temperature without repeatedly opening the lid.
18-Pound Pellet Hopper
The 18-pound hopper provides room for a substantial supply of hardwood pellets. A hopper clean-out door makes it easier to empty pellets when you want to change wood flavors or store the grill. Actual pellet consumption varies with cooking temperature, outdoor conditions, pellet quality, and cook duration.
Porcelain-Coated Grates and Cleanup
Two tiers of porcelain-coated steel grates provide the cooking surface. The coating is intended to simplify cleanup compared with unfinished steel, though routine brushing and proper maintenance are still important. Pellet grills also require periodic removal of ash and grease to maintain safe, consistent operation.
No WiFIRE: Simple or Outdated?
One important distinction is that the Gen 1 Pro 22 does not include Traeger’s WiFIRE connectivity. You cannot control this model through the Traeger app the way you can with newer connected models. For buyers who prefer straightforward onboard controls, that may not matter. If remote temperature adjustments and app monitoring are priorities, a newer WiFIRE-equipped Traeger may be a better fit.
Build, Size, and Mobility
Traeger lists assembled dimensions of approximately 41 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 49 inches high, with an assembled weight of about 102.5 pounds. The sawhorse-style chassis and all-terrain wheels help when repositioning the grill around a patio or yard, although this is still a full-size cooker rather than a portable camping grill.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 572 sq. in. of cooking space
- Versatile grilling and smoking capability
- 18 lb pellet hopper
- Digital temperature controller
- Included meat-probe support
- Hopper clean-out simplifies pellet changes
- Porcelain-coated grates
Cons
- No WiFIRE or app control
- 450°F maximum is lower than some newer pellet grills
- Requires electricity as well as wood pellets
- Regular ash and grease cleanup is necessary
- Large and heavy compared with portable grills
Who Should Buy the Traeger Pro 22?
The Pro 22 makes sense for backyard cooks who want a proven pellet-grill format, enough space for family meals and barbecue, and simple onboard digital controls. It is particularly attractive if smoking, roasting, and low-maintenance wood-fired cooking matter more to you than smartphone connectivity.
Who Should Skip It?
Shoppers who want Wi-Fi/app control, a higher maximum temperature, or the newest pellet-grill features should compare newer models. It also may not suit anyone who wants a grill that can operate without access to an electrical outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooking space does the Traeger Pro 22 have?
It has 572 square inches of total cooking space: 418 square inches on the main grate and 154 square inches on the upper grate.
How large is the pellet hopper?
The hopper holds up to 18 pounds of wood pellets.
What is the maximum temperature?
Traeger lists the Pro 22’s maximum temperature at 450°F.
Does the Traeger Pro 22 have WiFIRE?
No. This Gen 1 Pro 22 is not equipped with WiFIRE connectivity.
Does a pellet grill need electricity?
Yes. The Pro 22 uses electricity to power its controller, auger, ignition, and other operating components while hardwood pellets provide the cooking fuel.
Final Verdict: Is the Traeger Pro 22 Worth It?
The Traeger Pro Series 22 remains a practical choice for cooks who value straightforward pellet-grill operation over connected features. Its 572-square-inch cooking area, 18-pound hopper, Digital Pro Controller, and 450°F maximum give it the range needed for smoking, roasting, grilling, and everyday backyard cooking. The biggest tradeoff is the lack of WiFIRE, so buyers who want app control should look toward newer models. For a traditional pellet-grill experience with simple controls, however, the Pro 22 still has plenty to offer.
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