Hands-On Review: Traeger Woodridge WiFi Pellet Grill
I’ve been using the Traeger Woodridge WiFi Pellet Grill for a couple of months now, and I think I’ve finally found my grilling soulmate. After years of fumbling with charcoal and propane grills that left me with either burnt or undercooked meals, this technological marvel has transformed my backyard cooking experience. It’s not perfect – nothing ever is – but what it brings to the table (quite literally) might just be worth the investment for many outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
The Woodridge represents Traeger’s commitment to blending traditional wood-fired flavor with modern convenience. I’ve put it through its paces in everything from summer cookouts to chilly fall evenings, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned.
- Premium Wood-Fired flavor: Infuse elite wood-fired taste into brisket, burgers, pizza, and more with the Traeger Woodridge Elite wood pellet grill, built for serious grillers who want superior performance and versatile outdoor cooking.
- Grill Body Insulation: Cook all year long with durable construction and insulation that helps maintain consistent heat on your electric smoker grill, delivering reliable results for winter grilling, backyard parties, and holiday meals.
- Side Sear Station: Unlock high-heat searing with the built-in side burner on the Traeger Woodridge Elite pellet smoker grill, perfect for scorching steaks, sautéing vegetables, simmering sauces, and expanding your outdoor cooking options.
- Large Cooking Capacity: With 970 sq. in. of grilling space, this Traeger pellet smoker grill handles up to 7 chickens, 9 rib racks, or 7 pork butts, making it easy to serve meals for family dinners, sporting events, and celebrations.
- Smart Features and Monitoring: WiFIRE technology, digital pellet sensor, Bluetooth meat thermometer compatibility, and Keep Warm Mode help you control your outdoor smoker grill from anywhere using the Traeger app.
Built Like a Tank
The first thing that struck me about the Woodridge is its substantial construction. This isn’t your flimsy backyard grill that’ll rust out after a couple of seasons. The double-wall insulated construction feels incredibly robust and helps maintain consistent temperatures even when the weather isn’t cooperating. I recently smoked a brisket during an unexpected rain shower, and the internal temperature barely fluctuated – something my old grill would never have managed.
The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that doesn’t feel out of place in my modestly landscaped backyard. The hopper design is thoughtful, with easy access for adding pellets and a viewing window so you can check pellet levels at a glance. Perhaps the most impressive design element is how they’ve managed to pack so much cooking space into a footprint that, while substantial, doesn’t completely dominate my patio.
Smart Grilling Evolution
The WiFIRE technology is truly a game-changer for someone like me who’s always multitasking. Connecting the grill to my home network was surprisingly simple – I was controlling temperatures from my phone within minutes of setup. The app interface is mostly intuitive, though there are a few quirks that took me some time to figure out.
Temperature control is impeccable. I’ve tested it with slow smokes at 225°F and high-heat sears approaching 500°F, and it consistently holds within about 5-10 degrees of the set temperature. The built-in meat probes have transformed how I cook larger cuts – no more guesswork or constantly opening the lid to check doneness.
Cooking performance is where this grill really shines. The indirect heat system produces evenly cooked food with that distinctive wood-fired flavor that you just can’t replicate with other fuel sources. I’ve made everything from 14-hour pork shoulders to quick-grilled burgers, and the results have been consistently impressive. The smoke production seems better managed than on earlier Traeger models I’ve used at friends’ houses – noticeable but not overwhelming.
The Technical Breakdown
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | TFC97XLH |
| Total Cooking Space | 976 square inches |
| Temperature Range | 165°F – 500°F |
| Hopper Capacity | 22 lbs |
| Construction | Double-wall insulated steel |
| Connectivity | WiFi + Bluetooth (WiFIRE Technology) |
| Grill Dimensions | 53″W × 27″D × 48″H |
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The Good and The Bad
Pros:
- Exceptional temperature control and consistency
- Intuitive WiFi control system makes monitoring cooks effortless
- Insulated construction provides all-season performance
- Generous cooking surface handles large gatherings
- Superior smoke flavor compared to gas grills
- Build quality suggests excellent longevity
- Efficient pellet consumption in normal conditions
Cons:
- Significant initial investment compared to traditional grills
- WiFi connection occasionally drops in certain parts of my yard
- Pellet costs add up over time
- Heavy and difficult to relocate once assembled
- App has experienced occasional glitches requiring restart
- Steep learning curve for pellet smoking beginners
What Users Are Saying
After reading through dozens of reviews on Amazon, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The Woodridge currently holds a 4.7-star average rating, with most users praising its temperature consistency and build quality.
One verified purchaser noted: “This grill is an absolute beast. I’ve cooked in 20-degree weather with no problems maintaining temperature. The insulation is worth every penny if you live in a place with real seasons.”
Another reviewer mentioned some initial challenges: “The WiFi setup was frustrating at first, but once configured properly, it’s been rock solid. Customer service was extremely helpful walking me through troubleshooting.”
The few critical reviews mainly center around shipping issues or specific component failures rather than the overall design or functionality.
Who Should Buy The Traeger Woodridge?
For Beginners: If you’re new to smoking and grilling and have the budget, this could actually be an ideal starting point. The precision controls and app guidance take away much of the guesswork that frustrates beginners. However, it’s a significant investment if you’re not sure how often you’ll use it. Maybe start with something more basic unless you’re certain about your commitment.
For Intermediate Users: This is where the Woodridge really shines. If you already know you enjoy outdoor cooking and are looking to upgrade from a basic grill or smoker, the technology and build quality represent a substantial improvement that you’ll immediately appreciate.
For Advanced Users: Serious grillers and smokers will appreciate the consistent results and convenience features, though some purists might prefer more hands-on equipment. The insulation and capacity make this particularly suitable for competition-style cooking or frequent large-family gatherings.
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Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking Today!
The Traeger Woodridge represents a significant investment in your outdoor cooking journey, but after months of testing, I believe it delivers value that matches its premium price point. If you’re ready to take your grilling and smoking to the next level with rock-solid reliability and modern convenience, this might be the perfect time to make the leap.
- Premium Wood-Fired flavor: Infuse elite wood-fired taste into brisket, burgers, pizza, and more with the Traeger Woodridge Elite wood pellet grill, built for serious grillers who want superior performance and versatile outdoor cooking.
- Grill Body Insulation: Cook all year long with durable construction and insulation that helps maintain consistent heat on your electric smoker grill, delivering reliable results for winter grilling, backyard parties, and holiday meals.
- Side Sear Station: Unlock high-heat searing with the built-in side burner on the Traeger Woodridge Elite pellet smoker grill, perfect for scorching steaks, sautéing vegetables, simmering sauces, and expanding your outdoor cooking options.
- Large Cooking Capacity: With 970 sq. in. of grilling space, this Traeger pellet smoker grill handles up to 7 chickens, 9 rib racks, or 7 pork butts, making it easy to serve meals for family dinners, sporting events, and celebrations.
- Smart Features and Monitoring: WiFIRE technology, digital pellet sensor, Bluetooth meat thermometer compatibility, and Keep Warm Mode help you control your outdoor smoker grill from anywhere using the Traeger app.
