With barbecuing season in full swing, you may be looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup with a shiny new pellet grill. Traeger is one of the most popular brands when it comes to pellet grills, and two of their most popular models are the Mesa and the Fremont.
But what’s the difference between these two grills, and which one is right for you?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Traeger Mesa and Fremont pellet grills. We’ll compare grill sizes, construction materials, temperature ranges, cooking areas, hopper capacities, and other important factors.
We’ll also highlight the pros and cons of each model to help you determine which Traeger pellet grill is the best option for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Traeger Mesa 22 | Traeger Fremont |
| Total Cooking Area | 618 sq. in. | 804 sq. in. |
| Main Grilling Rack | 424 sq. in. | 534 sq. in. |
| Upper Rack | 194 sq. in. | 270 sq. in. |
| Construction | Porcelain-coated steel | Powder coated steel |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 500°F | 165°F to 500°F |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Dimensions | 45 x 41 x 27 in | 45.5 x 41 x 27 in |
| Weight | 103 lbs | 114 lbs |
| Controller | Digital Elite | Digital Elite |
| Meat Probe | No | Yes |
| Downdraft Exhaust | No | Yes |
| Side Shelf | Stainless steel | Stainless steel w/ hooks |
| Wheels | EZ-Roll locking | All-terrain |
| Ignition | Auto Start | Auto Start |
| Drivetrain | Standard | D2 Direct Drive |
| MSRP Price | $699.99 | $999.99 |
Overview of the Traeger Mesa Pellet Grill
The Traeger Mesa is a mid-sized pellet grill, offering 618 square inches of total cooking area. This grill features porcelain-coated steel construction for durability and ease of cleaning. The hopper holds up to 18 pounds of wood pellets, giving you ample space for longer smoking sessions.
Some of the key features and specs of the Traeger Mesa include:
- Cooking Area: 618 square inches (424 sq. in. main rack, 194 sq. in. upper rack)
- Construction: Porcelain-coated steel
- Temperature Range: 180°F to 500°F
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lbs of pellets
- Dimensions: 45 x 41 x 27 inches
- Weight: 103 lbs
The Mesa uses Traeger’s Digital Elite Controller to regulate temperature and smoke.
This digital controller allows you to set precise temperatures between 180-500°F. The grill also features an automatic auger that feeds pellets from the hopper into the fire pot to maintain consistent heat.
One thing that sets the Mesa apart is Traeger’s trademark wood pellet flavoring system. The grill uses pure hardwood pellets to infuse your food with delicious smoky barbecue flavor.
Flavor options include hickory, maple, cherry, and more. This gives your meat and veggies an authentic, mouthwatering smoky taste.
Overview of the Traeger Fremont Pellet Grill
The Traeger Fremont is a step up from the Mesa, offering 804 total square inches of grilling space. This mid-sized grill boasts powder coat steel construction and 8-in-1 versatility to smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbecue, char-grill, grill, and BBQ your food.
Here are some key specs for the Fremont:
- Cooking Area: 804 sq. in. (534 sq. in. main rack, 270 sq. in. upper rack)
- Construction: Powder coated steel
- Temperature Range: 165°F to 500°F
- Hopper Capacity: 18 lbs
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 41 x 27 inches
- Weight: 114 lbs
Like the Mesa, the Fremont uses Traeger’s Digital Elite Controller and auger system to maintain precise temperature control.
The larger grilling area provides extra space when cooking for groups or parties.
And with the wide temperature range, you can smoke specialty meats at low temps or sear steaks at high heat.
The Fremont also features Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive drivetrain which increases efficiency and reduces pellet consumption.
Additional features include a stainless steel side shelf, all-terrain wheels, and EZ-drain grease management system.
Key Differences Between Traeger Mesa And Fremont Pellet Grill
Grill Size Comparison
One of the biggest differences between these two Traeger grills is the overall size and cooking capacity.
The Traeger Mesa offers 618 total square inches of space. That consists of a 424 square inch main grilling rack and a 194 square inch upper rack. This provides ample room for about 6-8 chicken breasts, 4 racks of ribs, or 3 tri-tip roasts.
The Fremont provides 804 total square inches of grill space. The main rack offers 534 square inches while the upper rack provides 270 square inches. This increased capacity lets you cook up to 8-10 chicken breasts, 6 racks of ribs, or 4 tri-tip roasts simultaneously.
So if you’re cooking for larger groups or making food for meal prep, the Fremont definitely gives you more grilling real estate. But the Mesa still has decent capacity for a mid-sized family.
Construction Quality
In terms of build quality, both pellet grills use steel construction but with slightly different finishes.
The Traeger Mesa features porcelain-coated steel for enhanced weather resistance and easy cleaning. The porcelain enamel finish holds up well against outdoor elements. This also lets you simply wipe down the grill grates after each use.
The Fremont uses powder coated steel which provides excellent rust protection. The powder coated surfaces resist chips, cracks, and abrasions. This durable finish allows the Fremont to handle frequent use year after year.
One benefit of the Fremont is that the entire grill is powder coated steel, while the Mesa uses porcelain enamel only on the grill grates. Overall, the Fremont offers slightly more heavy-duty construction. But both grills are built to last using quality materials.
Temperature Range
Here’s a look at the temperature range on each grill:
- Traeger Mesa: 180°F to 500°F
- Traeger Fremont: 165°F to 500°F
Both grills utilize Traeger’s Digital Elite Controller which lets you dial in precise temperatures from smoke mode at lower temps up to high heat searing. This precision control allows you to slow smoke brisket and jerky at 180°F or 500°F sear steaks with grill marks.
The one difference is that the Fremont has a slightly lower minimum temperature of 165°F compared to 180°F on the Mesa. Those extra 15 degrees on the low end give you a bit more flexibility when cold smoking items like cheese, nuts, or salmon. But both grills have extremely wide and useful temperature ranges overall.
Hopper Capacity
When it comes to hopper capacity, the Mesa and the Fremont are evenly matched:
- Traeger Mesa Hopper: 18 lbs
- Traeger Fremont Hopper: 18 lbs
The generous 18 pound pellet hoppers provide hours of continuous cooking time before you need to add more fuel. This capacity reduces the chore of frequently refilling the hopper during longer smoke sessions.
With 18 pounds of pellets, you can smoke a couple pork shoulders or a full packer brisket without interruption. And Traeger’s D2 drivetrain on the Fremont helps maximize efficiency and get the most out of every pellet.
If you do a lot of overnight smoking or need extended runtime, Traeger also offers grill models with larger 24-30 lb hoppers. But for most purposes, the 18 lb hoppers on the Mesa and Fremont offer plenty of space.
Grill Footprint & Weight
Let’s look at the overall footprint and dimensions of each grill:
Traeger Mesa
- Dimensions: 45 x 41 x 27 inches
- Weight: 103 lbs
Traeger Fremont
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 41 x 27 inches
- Weight: 114 lbs
As you can see, the dimensions are nearly identical with the Fremont being just slightly larger. In terms of footprint, these two grills will take up about the same amount of patio or deck space.
The Fremont weighs in at 114 lbs compared to 103 lbs for the Mesa. Those extra 11 pounds give the Fremont a little more stability and durability. But both models have a similar profile and reasonably lightweight construction for a pellet grill.
Ease of Use
Traeger pellet grills in general are known for their simplicity and ease of use. But let’s look at some of the user-friendly highlights of the Mesa and Fremont models:
- Easy Temperature Control – The Digital Elite Controller lets you simply dial in your ideal temp from 180°F up to 500°F. No complicated settings to deal with.
- Large Capacity Hopper – The 18 lb pellet hopper only needs to be refilled every 10-15 hours on average. Less time refueling means more time enjoying those smoky flavors.
- Auto-Start Ignition – The electric auto-start ignition allows fast and convenient startups. No messy charcoal or lighter fluid required.
- Versatile Cooking Options – Both grills allow you to smoke, bake, roast, braise, grill, and BBQ giving you diverse cooking functionality.
- Precise Auger System – The automatic auger evenly feeds pellets from the hopper into the fire pot for consistent temperatures. No temperature fluctuations or hot spots.
- D2 Direct Drive (Fremont only) – The D2 drivetrain increases pellet efficiency allowing you to get more cook time per pound of fuel.
Overall, Traeger grills live up to their reputation for ease of use. Even beginners will find the Mesa and Fremont grills simple to operate and master.
Unique Features
Beyond the core features, here are some unique attributes of each grill:
Traeger Mesa
- Stainless Steel Side Shelf – Provides extra prep space and fold-down storage
- EZ-Roll Locking Caster Wheels – Allows easy maneuverability on flat surfaces
Traeger Fremont
- Downdraft Exhaust – Improves smoke circulation and infuses flavor
- TurboTempTM Internal Meat Probe – Lets you monitor internal meat temp from the controller
- Stainless Steel Side Shelf w/ Tool Hooks – Offers prep space plus handy tool storage
The Fremont definitely provides a few more convenience features. But the Mesa still has versatile functionality for a mid-priced pellet grill.
Pros and Cons Comparison
To summarize the key advantages and downsides of the Traeger Mesa and Fremont, here’s a pros/cons rundown:
Traeger Mesa Pros:
- Porcelain coated steel construction
- Spacious 618 sq. in. total cooking area
- Precise temperature control from 180°-500°F
- 18 lb pellet hopper capacity
- Stainless side shelf for extra workspace
- Electric auto-start ignition
- Hammock mesh covering protects components
Traeger Mesa Cons:
- Lower capacity than Fremont
- No internal meat probe
- Porcelain coated grates only, not full enclosure
- Lacks downdraft exhaust design
Traeger Fremont Pros:
- 804 total sq. in. cooking surface
- Downdraft exhaust for better smoke circulation
- Built-in meat probe for monitoring doneness
- D2 Direct Drive increases pellet efficiency
- Powder coated steel construction
- Wide temp range from 165°-500°F
- Stainless side shelf with tool hooks
Traeger Fremont Cons:
- Higher price tag than Mesa
- Slightly heavier than Mesa
Overall, the Fremont stands out with extra cooking capacity, more advanced features, and slightly more durable construction. But the Mesa provides excellent value with proven Traeger performance at a more budget-friendly price point.
Grill Prices
Here is a look at the MSRP pricing for each grill:
- Traeger Mesa 22: $699.99
- Traeger Fremont: $999.99
As you’d expect, the larger higher-end Fremont comes with a higher price tag. The Mesa 22 offers an impressive 618 square inches of grilling space at a more affordable sub-$700 price point.
Of course, you can often find these grills at a discount from various retailers. The Mesa in particular goes on sale frequently throughout the year, sometimes over $100 off for major holidays.
So the price gap between the two models may be closer depending on when you purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Traeger Fremont is a mid-sized pellet grill offering 804 total square inches of cooking space. It uses powder coated steel construction and Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive for increased efficiency. Key features include precise temperature control from 165°-500°F, 18 pound pellet hopper, downdraft exhaust, and built-in meat probe.
No, the Fremont and Pro 22 are different Traeger pellet grills. The Pro 22 is a former model that has now been discontinued. The Fremont replaced the Pro 22 in Traeger’s current lineup. The Fremont provides more cooking space at 804 square inches compared to 784 square inches on the Pro 22. It also adds new features like the D2 drivetrain.
No, the Mesa 22 is not the same grill as the now discontinued Pro 22. The Mesa 22 offers 618 total square inches which is less capacity than the old Pro 22. The construction is also different with the Mesa using porcelain coated steel rather than powder coated steel. They share some similarities but are distinct models.
Traeger’s current top-of-the-line pellet grill is the Timberline series. The Timberline grills use a dual-walled stainless steel construction with 885-1300 square inches of cooking space depending on the model. They provide the most cooking capacity and most premium build quality in Traeger’s lineup. But they also come at a high price ranging from $1700-$4000.
Final Thoughts
For most backyard grillers, we think the Traeger Mesa 22 offers the best blend of cooking performance, features, and affordability. The porcelain-coated steel construction provides durability at a reasonable price point.
Over 600 square inches of grilling space can handle family meals with room to spare. And time-tested Traeger quality ensures years of grilling enjoyment.
However, the Traeger Fremont undoubtedly provides larger capacity, premium construction, and useful extras like the meat probe and downdraft exhaust. If you host larger gatherings and need maximum space, or simply want those bonus features, the Fremont is a great step-up choice.
You can’t go wrong with either one of these capable Traeger grills!
