Outdoor cooking changes once you move from gas or charcoal to a wood pellet grill. The flavor becomes deeper, the control becomes smarter, and the experience becomes far more hands-off. After spending real time cooking on both the Traeger Pro 22 and the Traeger Pro 575, the difference between these two grills becomes clear very quickly. They share Traeger DNA, but they are built for very different types of grillers.
This comparison is not about specs on paper. It is about how these grills actually perform during long smokes, weekday dinners, weekend BBQs, and everything in between.
Key Difference Between Traeger Pro 22 and Traeger Pro 575 Electric Wood Pellet Grill
The core difference between the Traeger Pro 22 and Pro 575 comes down to technology and control philosophy.
The Traeger Pro 22 is a traditional pellet grill experience. It relies on Traeger’s Digital Pro Controller for stable temperature control without WiFi or app connectivity. You set the temperature manually, monitor food directly at the grill, and manage the cook yourself.
The Traeger Pro 575, on the other hand, is built around WiFIRE technology and a D2 direct drive system. It allows full remote control through the Traeger app, more powerful pellet feeding, faster heat recovery, and higher maximum temperatures. The Pro 575 is designed for convenience, precision, and modern grilling workflows.
If you value simplicity and hands-on grilling, the Pro 22 feels right at home. If you want smart control, automation, and the ability to manage cooks remotely, the Pro 575 clearly pulls ahead.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using the Traeger phone app. Adjust temps, set timers, and...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your Traeger smoker grill using the integrated meat probe....
Comparison Table: Traeger Pro 22 vs Pro 575
| Feature | Traeger Pro 22 | Traeger Pro 575 |
| Cooking Area | 572 sq. in. | 575 sq. in. |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 500°F |
| Controller | Digital Pro Controller | D2 Direct Drive Controller |
| WiFi/App Control | No | Yes (WiFIRE) |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Meat Probe | Included | Included |
| Weight | 125.4 lbs | 149 lbs |
| Temperature Precision | ±15°F | Highly precise |
| Best For | Traditional pellet grilling | Smart, remote-controlled grilling |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review (First-Person Experience)
Design and Build Quality
Using both grills side by side, the difference in build philosophy becomes obvious.
The Pro 22 feels rugged and straightforward. The powder-coated steel body, porcelain-coated grates, and sawhorse chassis give it a classic Traeger look. It feels solid without being bulky, and moving it around the patio is easy thanks to the large wheels and balanced frame.
The Pro 575, however, feels noticeably more substantial. It is heavier, taller, and gives the impression of a premium upgrade. The added height improves lid clearance, and the chassis feels more rigid. While both grills use alloy steel construction, the Pro 575 simply feels more refined in daily use.
Winner: Pro 575 for premium feel, Pro 22 for simplicity and maneuverability.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using the Traeger phone app. Adjust temps, set timers, and...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your Traeger smoker grill using the integrated meat probe....
Ease of Use and Setup
The Pro 22 is incredibly easy to live with. You turn the dial, set your temperature, and start cooking. There is no app pairing, no firmware updates, and no connectivity setup. Everything happens at the grill itself, which I found refreshing during casual cooks.
The Pro 575, however, shines once you embrace its smart features. Pairing the grill to the Traeger app takes a few minutes, but once connected, it changes the entire experience. Adjusting temperature from indoors, checking pellet levels, setting timers, and receiving alerts removes the need to hover around the grill.
For longer smokes, the Pro 575 is significantly less demanding.
Winner: Pro 22 for simplicity, Pro 575 for convenience.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
Temperature Control and Performance
This is where the Pro 575 pulls clearly ahead.
The Pro 22 maintains temperature well, but there is some fluctuation, especially during cold or windy conditions. For smoking ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, it performs reliably, but you need to keep an eye on it.
The Pro 575’s D2 direct drive system is noticeably stronger. Heat recovery is faster when the lid opens, pellet feeding is smoother, and temperature stability is excellent. It also reaches 500°F, which allows better searing compared to the Pro 22’s 450°F limit.
Winner: Traeger Pro 575
Cooking Versatility and Capacity
Both grills offer 6-in-1 versatility: grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and BBQ. Capacity is nearly identical, easily handling burgers, ribs, or whole chickens for family gatherings.
Where the Pro 575 gains ground is consistency. Baking pizzas, roasting vegetables, or smoking fish feels more controlled due to tighter temperature management. The Pro 22 can do all of this, but requires more manual monitoring.
Winner: Traeger Pro 575
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using the Traeger phone app. Adjust temps, set timers, and...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your Traeger smoker grill using the integrated meat probe....
Pellet Efficiency and Hopper Performance
Both grills feature an 18-lb hopper, which is enough for long overnight cooks without refilling.
The Pro 22 burns pellets efficiently, but the Pro 575’s D2 motor feeds pellets more precisely. During long cooks, I noticed slightly better fuel efficiency and steadier burns on the Pro 575.
Winner: Traeger Pro 575
Connectivity and Smart Features
This category is not even close.
The Pro 22 has no connectivity, which may be exactly what some grillers want. It keeps things traditional and distraction-free.
The Pro 575’s WiFIRE system allows remote control, temperature adjustments, recipe downloads, and alerts. Once you experience starting a cook from inside your house or checking meat temps from your phone, it is hard to go back.
Winner: Traeger Pro 575
Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
Pros:
- Simple, no-nonsense pellet grilling
- Reliable temperature control
- Solid build quality
- Lower price point
- Ideal for traditional BBQ enthusiasts
Cons:
- No WiFi or app control
- Lower max temperature
- Less precise temperature recovery
Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using the Traeger phone app. Adjust temps, set timers, and...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your Traeger smoker grill using the integrated meat probe....
Pros:
- WiFIRE app control
- D2 direct drive system
- Higher max temperature
- Excellent heat consistency
- Ideal for long, unattended cooks
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Heavier and less portable
- Requires WiFi setup
Final Verdict and Recommendation
After cooking extensively on both grills, the choice becomes very clear based on how you like to grill.
If you enjoy hands-on grilling, manual control, and a classic pellet grill experience without apps or connectivity, the Traeger Pro 22 is still a fantastic option. It delivers excellent wood-fired flavor and dependable performance at a more accessible price point.
However, if you want maximum convenience, smarter control, and modern pellet grilling, the Traeger Pro 575 is the better long-term investment. The WiFIRE technology, D2 drivetrain, and higher temperature ceiling noticeably improve both cooking results and overall experience.
My recommendation leans toward the Traeger Pro 575 for most buyers, especially anyone who values consistency, remote monitoring, and stress-free long cooks.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using the Traeger phone app. Adjust temps, set timers, and...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your Traeger smoker grill using the integrated meat probe....
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does the Traeger Pro 575 cook better than the Pro 22?
Yes, mainly due to better temperature precision, faster heat recovery, and higher maximum heat.
Q2. Is WiFIRE worth it on a pellet grill?
If you do long smokes or multitask while cooking, WiFIRE makes a noticeable difference.
Q3. Can both grills smoke low and slow?
Absolutely. Both handle low-temperature smoking very well.
Q4. Which grill is better for beginners?
The Pro 575 is easier for beginners due to automation and app guidance.
Q5. Is the Pro 22 still worth buying?
Yes, especially if you prefer simplicity and a lower price.
