With Traeger’s Timberline series, you’re looking at some of the best pellet grills on the market. The Timberline 1300 and Timberline XL represent the pinnacle of Traeger technology and performance.
But with price tags stretching into the four digits, you’ll want to weigh your options carefully before dropping that kind of cash.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences, pros and cons of the Timberline 1300 and XL models. You’ll learn how they compare on cooking space, temperature range, construction materials, smart grill controls, and more.
With an in-depth feature-by-feature breakdown and FAQ, you’ll have all the details needed to decide if the Timberline is worth the investment over other Traeger or competitor pellet smokers.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Timberline 1300 | Timberline XL |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,300 sq. in. | 1,820 sq. in. |
| Main Grill Rack Size | 885 sq. in. | 1,300 sq. in. |
| Upper Rack Size | 415 sq. in. | 515 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | 165°F – 500°F | 165°F – 500°F |
| Construction | Double-walled stainless steel | Double-walled stainless steel |
| Smart Grill Controls | WiFIRE connected | WiFIRE connected |
| Meat Probes Included | 1 | 2 |
| Warranty | 4 years (with registration) | 4 years (with registration) |
| Price | $1,799 MSRP | $2,499 MSRP |
Key Differences Between Timberline 1300 And Timberline XL Pellet Grills
- Cooking Space and Burner Configuration
The first big difference between the Timberline 1300 and XL comes down to sheer size and cooking capacity.
The Timberline 1300 offers 1,300 square inches of total cooking space.
That breaks down into 885 square inches on the main rack and 415 square inches in the upper rack.
With nearly 22 inches of clearance between racks, you’ve got room to cook full turkeys, beer can chickens, roasts, and other sizable meats with ease.
Stepping up to the Timberline XL gets you 1,820 total square inches across the main and upper racks.
At 1,300 square inches, the main rack is 50% larger. And you still get a 515 square inch upper rack for warming, smoking jerky, or handling side dishes.
The Timberline XL can accommodate up to eight whole chickens, ten pork butts, or eight rib racks at once. If you regularly cook for large groups or meal prep, the extra room of the XL is a major perk.
Both grills use Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive to power the auger and maintain precise temperature control. The XL augments this with an additional smaller auger on the side to help feed pellets into the larger main burn pot.
This helps ensure an even burn and recovery time should temperature fluctuate.
Timberline 1300 Cooking Space
- 885 square inches main rack
- 415 square inches upper rack
- 1,300 total square inches
Timberline XL Cooking Space
- 1,300 square inches main rack
- 515 square inches upper rack
- 1,820 total square inches
Let’s compare them from other different angles!
- Temperature Range and Precision
Traeger equipped both the 1300 and XL models with its TRU Convection system. This uses a variable speed fan to circulate hot air and smoke throughout the chamber. The combination of TRU Convection and D2 Direct Drive gives these grills better temperature precision than you’ll find on most pellet grills.
Both grills share an ample temperature range of 165°F to 500°F. This gives you the flexibility to cold smoke cheese and sausage, low and slow smoke brisket or pork shoulder, or cook pizzas up to 500°F.
But thanks to the XL’s larger grill body, it’s able to recover heat faster after opening the lid. The XL also holds temps more consistently when cooking in cold weather. Owners report around 10-15 degrees better temp maintenance compared to the 1300.
- Construction Quality and Materials
Traeger built both the 1300 and XL grills to be its most durable and weather resistant models. They feature double-walled stainless steel construction on the grill body.
Not only does this look sleek, but it provides excellent heat and weather resistance compared to Traeger’s standard powder coated steel.
The grills all have a thick, insulated grill lid to maintain heat and circulating air inside. Porcelain coated grill grates make it easy to clean up after cooking. And Traeger wisely opted for stainless steel side shelves that fold down on both models.
When comparing build construction between the two, owners report excellent quality and longevity across both grills. The XL steps things up with heavier duty casters, making it easier to move around on deck or patios. Some owners add optional caster locks to keep the XL securely in place.
- Smart Grill Controls and Tech
Here’s where the Timberline series really steps ahead of past Traeger offerings. Both grills come equipped with Traeger’s WiFIRE technology for smart grill controls.
You can pair the grill with Traeger’s app to monitorcooks remotely. Adjust and monitor temperature, timer settings, and more straight from your phone. The system lets you schedule cooks up to 4 days in advance so you can truly “set it and forget it” until the food’s ready.
While WiFIRE works the same on both grills, you do get an additional meat probe with the Timberline XL. This lets you monitor two different temperatures simultaneously – super handy when cooking large batches or items like poultry and roasts where you want to track both internal and grill temp.
- Warranty Comparison
All Traeger grills come with a strong 3-year warranty that covers both parts and labor. The Timberline models also add a bonus 1-year extended warranty when you register your grill online.
This gives you a total of 4 years of worry-free coverage should any part of the grill fail or break down. Between high quality materials and excellent construction, most owners enjoy their Timberlines for years without issue. But the included protection provides nice peace of mind on the investment.
- Price and Budget
With their premium construction and packed feature sets, the Timberline 1300 and XL carry premium price tags.
The Timberline 1300 retails for $1,799. Considering you can find basic Traeger models around $600, the 1300 commands a sizable step up.
The Timberline XL takes another big jump with an MSRP of $2,499. That puts it firmly in high-end grill territory.
You may find some discounting depending on the Traeger dealer, time of year, and if any promotional financing is available. But expect to spend $1,500+ for a Timberline 1300 and $2,200+ for the XL.
That’s a lot of cash, but thousands of happy owners swear the Timberline models are worth every penny. For the grilling enthusiast who wants a pellet smoker that truly excels at all functions, these represent great long-term investments. But more casual grillers will find better value in cheaper Traeger or competitor options.
Timberline 1300 Or XL Pellet Grills: Hands-On Review and Recommendation
To make the choice easier, here’s a high-level hands-on review and recommendation between the two Timberline models:
The Timberline 1300 provides all the excellent construction quality, temperature precision, and smart controls that make this series so great.
While not as massive as the XL, 1,300 square inches of total cooking space can still accommodate very large cooks.
Unless you routinely need capacity for larger gatherings, the 1300 hits the sweet spot for most people.
However, the Timberline XL does justify its upgraded price tag in a few areas. You’ll appreciate the huge 1,820 total square inches of cook space if cooking frequently for big groups.
The additional side pellet auger helps fine tune pellet delivery for optimized burns. And upgraded components like heavier duty casters and extra meat probe add nice functionality.
Overall, the Timberline 1300 delivers better value for most people. But we recommend the XL for those who can utilize the larger capacity and appreciate finer tuned performance upgrades. Either model stands as an excellent, albeit pricey, pellet grill that’s built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences come down to cooking space, construction, and price. The Timberline XL offers around 500 more total square inches than the 1300. It also has heavier duty components like casters and an extra pellet auger for improved performance. But these upgrades add around $700+ to the price. Both share core features like stainless steel build, WiFIRE smart controls, and precise temperature regulation.
There are currently no indications that Traeger plans to discontinue the Timberline 1300. It remains one of their most popular and highly rated current models. With its 2022 introduction, it is still relatively new to the lineup. Traeger seems committed to the Timberline series as their flagship for the foreseeable future.
The Ironwood XL is another excellent Traeger option, but the Timberline models do justify their higher pricing. The Ironwood XL is around $1,000 less than the Timberline 1300, but is built with powder coated rather than stainless steel. It also lacks the TRU Convection system for airflow and temperature precision. Owners report the Ironwood XL doesn’t hold temps as evenly. Go Timberline if your budget allows, but the XL is a great alternative if aiming for under $1,500.
The Timberline XL offers a total cooking space of 1,820 square inches. That’s comprised of 1,300 square inches on the main rack, and 515 square inches on the upper rack. This gives you 50% more total capacity than the smaller Timberline 1300 model.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to take your grilling game to the next level, the Timberline series represents the pinnacle of Traeger engineering and performance. Both the 1300 and XL models provide excellent construction quality, precise temperature control, and smart technology integration.
While the XL justifies its higher price tag for some, the 1300 hits the sweet spot for most people searching for a premium pellet smoker.
Whichever model you choose, you can expect years of loyal service and some extremely tasty cooks. Traeger Timberline owners rave about the consistent results, juicy smoky flavor, and convenience of these exceptional pellet grills.
If you’ve got the budget, join the club and take your barbecue abilities to the next level.