Traeger Pro 575 vs 780: Choosing the Best Option for Your Grilling Needs
For those seeking a high-performance pellet grill packed with features, the Traeger Pro 575 vs 780 are two excellent options. While both provide incredible results, they each have unique differences in performance specs and design nuances that set them apart.
The Traeger Pro Series 575 and 780 are serious upgrades to previous generations of Traeger grills, and this blog post will explore the details of what sets them apart, including what features were added and what was left out compared to upgraded models like the Ironside.
By examining real-world user reviews, this post will provide valuable insight into whether the Traeger Pro 575 or 780 best fits your culinary needs and taste preferences.
Traeger Pro 575 vs 780
What Is New About the Traeger Pro 575 and 780 Grills?
The Pro Series 575 and 780 are an exceptional addition to the Traeger family as they elevate standard pellet grills with their upgraded D2 drivetrain and WiFire controller. With the same controller/motor combination as the premium Ironwood and Timberline grills, the Pro Series 575 and 780 have extensive features that bring convenience and precision cooking to your fingertips.
By employing Direct Current (DC) powered motors controlled by an advanced electronic controller, Traeger has created a new standard for temperature control, precision, and cooking efficiency.
Notably, the grill temperature can now be maintained within 5 degrees Fahrenheit, considerably improving over the standard controller’s +/- 15 degrees. Another notable feature of the new controller and the motor is the TurboTemp function which enables the grill to reach optimal cooking temperatures faster and recover quicker from heat loss.
The intelligent controller also closely monitors amp usage, ensuring the auger’s feeding mechanism is not jammed. In the event of an unusual spike, it instantly runs the motor in reverse for a minute to fix any issues and get the feeding process back on track.
Another fantastic upgrade is the Wi-Fi-enabled controller that can be controlled via the Traeger app on your smartphone. With integrated meat probes that help monitor the temperature, you can quickly set your target internal meat temperature and let the Wi-Fire app take over.
Once your desired temperature is reached, the grill strategically shifts to a warming mode that keeps your food hot but prevents overcooking. Plus, maintenance is now more effortless with the Pro Series 575 and 780’s magnetic pellet hopper clean-out door.
Backed by Traeger’s standard three-year warranty, the Pro Series 575 and 780 are a must-have for any grilling enthusiast looking for an upgraded and convenient experience that delivers precision cooking results every time.
Key Features of the Pro 575 and 780 – Differences Between the 575 and 780
The Pro 575 and 780 share many features, including an 18-pound pellet hopper, easy hopper clean-out chute, meat probe, large wheels, and a 500-degree maximum temperature.
But let’s dive deeper into the three most paramount features that separate these grills from the rest: WiFire connectivity, D2 control system, and customer reviews that are less than stellar. Below, you can find detailed specifications for both grills, making it easy to compare and contrast the key differences. Let’s get grilling!
-WiFire Connectivity
The WiFire system offers the convenience of remotely monitoring and controlling your grill by connecting it to your home WiFi system. Moreover, you can access over 1,000 recipes on the app with the system to help you cook great barbecues.
Despite the benefits of the WiFire technology, I have a conflicting opinion about it. While it allows me to keep tabs on the grill from anywhere, smoking meat is my excuse to stay home instead of going shopping with my wife, as I need to watch over the process.
Is it necessary for everything to be connected to our phones? Does observing the grill through a screen enhance the experience of smoking ribs?
-D2 Control System
Traeger’s proprietary D2 drivetrain system boasts precision temperature control, rivaling a PID Controller (+/- 5°F).
Moreover, TurboTemp mode allows the grill to heat rapidly while effectively recovering temperature after lid opening.
With its rock-solid design, the D2 system is an excellent investment.
-Customer Reviews
After scouring customer reviews from Traeger’s website, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Amazon, and other social media platforms, I’ve collected a wealth of data on the Pro 585 and Pro 780 grills. Out of 2255 reviews, both grills received a staggering 81% of five-star reviews, proving customers were more than pleased with their purchases.
However, things get a bit murky when digging deeper into the reviews. When looking at Home Depot’s customer reviews, it’s clear that not everyone was pleased with these grills. The Pro 780, in particular, had a concerning 11% of customers leaving one or two-star reviews. Additionally, only 67% of customers would recommend these grills to friends.
| Pro 575 | Pro 780 | |
| 5 Star | 81.49% | 81.24% |
| 4 Star | 7.05% | 5.85% |
| 3 Star | 2.89% | 3.25% |
| 2 Star | 2.76% | 3.11% |
| 1 Star | 5.81% | 6.55% |
Complaints ranged from the inability to connect to WiFi, paint burning off the smoker, no smoke flavor, poor temperature control, and various other quality issues. Obviously, there’s no one problem plaguing these grills, but instead, it’s a myriad of issues that lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Ultimately, the root of the problem here is that these grills are simply “okay” products sold at premium prices. It’s no wonder that customers are upset when faced with peeled and bubbling paint after only three uses, especially after shelling out nearly $1000.
To get a more authentic and unbiased perspective, I dove into Traeger communities on Facebook, Reddit, and other social media platforms. The verdict? While the Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 780 are well-liked, most users preferred the Pro 575 due to its lower cost, reduced pellet consumption, and smaller size. Some users did recommend the Pro 780, but only if it could be purchased at a price similar to the Pro 575.
After reviewing the customer reviews on various retailers’ websites, I was surprised that Pro 575 and Pro 780 had nearly the same rating. Ultimately, it’s a tough decision to make. However, given the lower price and operational cost, the Pro 575 is the winner.
Size Differences Between the Grills
The numerical comparison suggests that the 780 has a significantly higher capacity than the 575. However, the difference is less significant in reality as the 575 offers ample size, and the 780, while bigger, doesn’t offer a remarkably greater difference. Allow me to guide you through this analysis.
Traeger states that the grills differ in the capacity as follows:
- For Chickens – 575 can hold up to 4 birds, whereas 780 can hold up to 6 birds.
- For Ribs – 575 has a capacity of 5 ribs, while 780 can hold up to 6 ribs.
Consider your insatiable love for mouth-watering ribs; haven’t you, at least once, wished for a sixth rack to gorge on? While the 780 pellet grill is a great option for smoking two briskets simultaneously, it is unclear if the two full-packer briskets can fit.
The increased size 780 may affect its fuel consumption since it requires more pellets to establish and maintain a given temperature. Remember that the 780 is 26 pounds heavier than the 575 and has to ensure temperature regulation within a larger volume.
Watch the video below to judge for yourself before making the final call on your ideal pellet grill.
Traeger Comparison Table
Where is the Smoke Setting on the 780 and 575?
Although it may come as a surprise, the 575 and 780 models lack a Smoke setting. Fortunately, a few solutions are available if you desire a Smoke feature.
Downgrading to a Generation 1 Pro Series, such as the Pro 22 or Pro 34, is one option; you could upgrade to the Ironwood series or try an alternate brand.
Industry forums, like Reddit or BBQ Brethren, recommend keeping the grill between 165-180F for a few hours to achieve smoke production, as the rate of production declines above 180F.
Alternatively, fill a smoke tube with pellets and let them smolder while cooking.
-Generation 1 Pro Series
The Generation 1 Pro Series grills (Traeger Pro 22 and Traeger Pro 34) are older models equipped with a dial-in temperature control gauge. As a result, the price of these grills is typically $150-$200 less than that of the newer style grill.
While the body of the Pro 575 is constructed in the same way as traditional Traegers with a single wall body, chimney vent, and enameled rod cooking grates, the extra cooking capacity of the 575 and 780 over their traditional counterparts is due to the additional of a second, elevated cooking grate.
A healthy choice about which grill has the better controller/motor com could be hadbination. The Generation 1 grill has an AC-powered motor and less precise temperature control than the new grills, which can produce more smoke flavor due to the older grill’s potential for lower preThelly, the older grialso lls are equipped with a Smoke setting on the standard control panel.
-Ironwood Grills
Traeger’s new motor and controller led to a potential reduction in smoke flavor, but fear not! With the premium Ironwood and Timberline grills, Traeger has added two features to reignite your taste buds.
- Super Smoke Mode
- Rear Mounted Smoke Vents
Introducing Super Smoke Mode, a setting that increases the smoke flavor emanating from the pellets. When activated at grill temperatures between 165-225F, the Super Smoke Mode provides an extra kick to your meat.
Ironwood’s rear-mounted smoke vents allow for a unique experience. By forcing smoke down and around the meat before leaving the grill, this feature intensifies the flavors and gives that smoky taste you’ve been craving. In contrast to the Pro Series’s top-mounted smoke stack, it’s a novelty that just allows smoke to drift away.
-Silverton Series
As a Costco member, you’ll have access to a third series of Traeger grills – the Silverton. With all the features of the Pro 575 and a much lower cost, it’s the perfect choice.
Look at my overview of the Traeger Silverton 620 available now at Costco for an in-depth understanding of its capabilities.
-Other Grills to Consider
If you’re considering a pellet grill purchase, there are various brands available for you to choose from.
While Ironwood grills come with a heft price tag exceeding $1,000, Traegers, on the other hand, might not be a recommended option by some people.
Nevertheless, numerous loyal fans would beg to differ. You might find this article interesting if you’re among those looking for Traeger alternatives.
I suggest checking out the Z grills. Although their controllers and WiFi are not high-tech, they are still worth cooking on.
Mec grill, while not as fancy as a Trthe Rec Tec grill aeger, is still a great upgradt also boasts stunning design features.
Can you use Traeger Pro 575 without WiFI?
Yes, you can use the Traeger Pro 575 without WiFi. It has a temperature control knob to manually regulate the heat from smoke (165°F) to High (450°F).
However, if you wish to get the most out of your grill, then investing in Traeger’s Wi-Fi-enabled models will give you access to the Traeger App, which provides 6 cooking modes and a few other features, including temperature probes, timer settings, advanced grill diagnostics, and more.
If you already have the 575 models but want to upgrade its capabilities to include Wi-Fi-enabled features, consider investing in the Traeger Pro 780 instead. The Traeger Pro 780 has WiFi capabilities, allowing you to access the Traeger App and gain more control over your grill.
Does Pro 780 have super smoke?
Yes, the Traeger Pro 780 comes with a Super Smoke mode that allows you to produce more smoke flavor when cooking.
When activated at temperatures between 165°F and 225°F, this feature will provide an extra kick of flavor to your food.
It is also equipped with rear-mounted smoke vents, further intensifying the smoky flavors as they filter down and around the meat before leaving the grill.
This is a great feature for anyone looking to get that traditional, smoky barbecue flavor without investing in an Ironwood series grill.
An Interesting Alternative to the Pro 575 and 780?
If you’re here because you’re trying to choose between the Traeger Pro 575 and the Pro 780, let me throw you a curve ball: have you considered the Traeger Gen 1 Pro 34? This grill gives you the best of both worlds: size and price.
The Pro 34 is more affordable than the Pro 575 due to having an older model temperature controller that doesn’t provide WiFi, but that shouldn’t deter you. The Pro 34 maintains temperatures at +/- 15F, which is more than enough for most grilling and smoking needs.
Besides, is WiFi such a game-changer when it comes to grilling? I certainly don’t think so, and evidently, neither do 79% of Pro 34 customers who highly recommend it, versus 67% for the Pro 780.
With its better price, larger capacity, and higher customer satisfaction, the Pro 34 is hands down the best choice among the three. The only downside? No mobile app to help you smoke your meat. But really, is that worth missing out on such a great deal?
Want to learn more? Check out this comparison video from Traeger to see how our top grills stack up.
Traeger Pro 575
Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with Alexa and WiFIRE® Smart Home Technology - Black
Traeger Pro 780
Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Bundle with Cover and Signature Pellets featuring Alexa and WiFIRE Smart Home Technology - Black
Conclusion: Traeger Pro 575 vs. 780
Traeger Pro 575 vs. 780, if you’re looking for the ultimate grilling experience with all the bells and whistles (WiFi capabilities, 6 cooking modes, etc.), the Pro 780 is the ideal choice.
However, if budget is an issue and you don’t mind missing out on mobile app features, then opt for Traeger’s Pro 575 or, even better – its Gen 1 Pro 34.
The latter offers the same performance, a larger capacity, and a more affordable price tag – all without sacrificing quality.
Pitmaster Lives in Eugene, USA. Bio: I’m Billy McCallum, and I love barbecue. I’m the president and founder of Billy Mac’s Bar & Grill, with over 20 years of experience in the field. I’m an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert who uses charcoal, wood, and fire to craft extraordinary culinary masterpieces. My mission is to educate others how to master their grills and cook a diverse range of foods on them. I have extensive expertise smoking briskets, pork shoulders using charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers.
I also review kitchent appliances such as grills, smoke, and more. I’ve tried out almost every model available, so if you’re in the market for any of these items be sure to check out my reviews!