Traeger invented the original wood pellet grill over 30 years ago and has been leading the way in pellet grilling technology ever since. Two of Traeger’s most popular models are the Pro 575 and the Pro 22 grills.
But with so many similarities between these two grills, how do you choose the right one for you?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll cover all the key differences between the Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 22, including size, cooking capacity, features, construction, and price.
We’ll also highlight the pros and cons of each model so you can determine which Traeger Pro pellet grill is the better option for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Traeger Pro 575 | Traeger Pro 22 |
| Cooking Area | 575 sq. in. | 429 sq. in. |
| Dimensions | 49 x 27 x 51 in. | 41 x 27 x 45 in. |
| Weight | 103 lbs | 60 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 500°F | 180°F – 500°F |
| WiFIRE Compatible | Yes | No |
| D2 Drivetrain | Yes | Yes |
| TurboTemp Mode | Yes | No |
| Pellet Sensor | Yes | No |
| Construction | Double-wall steel | Double-wall steel |
| Legs | Steel | Plastic |
| Side Shelf | Stainless Steel | Wire Lower Shelf |
| Meat Probes | 2 Pro Meat Probes | 2 Pro Meat Probes |
| Ignition | Auto Electric | Auto Electric |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Price | $899.99 | $599.99 |
Overview of the Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 22
The Traeger Pro 575 is a mid-sized grill with 575 square inches of cooking space.
This gives you enough room to cook around 4 racks of ribs or 24 burgers simultaneously.
The Pro 575 features Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive drivetrain which provides faster startup and more smoke.
It also has WiFIRE technology allowing you to control the grill through your smartphone.
The Traeger Pro 22 is one of their smaller grills, offering 429 square inches of grilling space. This gives you capacity for 2 racks of ribs or 18 burgers at once.
While more compact in size, the Pro 22 still utilizes Traeger’s D2 drivetrain for optimal performance. The Pro 22 lacks WiFIRE capability found on the Pro 575.
Key Differences Between Traeger Pro 575 And Pro 22 Pellet Grills
Both grills feature porcelain coated steel construction, powder coated steel side tables, and all-terrain wheels for easy mobility. Keep reading as we do a deeper dive on how these two popular Traeger Pro models compare.
Grill Size and Cooking Capacity
The most noticeable difference between these two grills is the overall size and cooking capacity.
- The Traeger Pro 575 measures 49 x 27 x 51 inches and weighs 103 pounds. With 575 square inches of grilling space, it gives you 24% more cooking area than the Pro 22.
- The Traeger Pro 22 measures 41 x 27 x 45 inches and weighs 60 pounds. At 429 square inches, its grilling space is compact yet still spacious enough for most families.
If you regularly cook for larger groups and parties, the extra 146 square inches on the Pro 575 is valuable. You’ll be able to grill up to 6 more burgers or an extra rack of ribs simultaneously. For smaller households that mostly just need to feed 2-4 people, the Pro 22 should have ample room.
Consider how much food you realistically need to cook at once before deciding between these two grilling surface sizes. The Pro 575’s extra space is nice for flexibility but could be overkill if you don’t need it.
Temperature Range and Precision
Traeger equipped both the Pro 575 and Pro 22 with their D2 Direct Drive system. This provides precise temperature control from 180°F to 500°F. You can smoke low and slow, grill hot and fast, or anything in between.
The D2 drivetrain uses an electronic induction fan and auger to carefully regulate pellet flow and air circulation. The Pro 575 and Pro 22 will hold set temperatures within +/- 15 degrees F. This level of precision is impressive for pellet grills in this price range.
One small difference is that the Pro 575 has slightly faster temperature startup and recovery thanks to its turbotemp setting. It can get back up to cooking heat 5-10 minutes quicker after you open the lid. This improved performance is likely related to the Pro 575’s larger grilling chamber and higher power requirements.
Overall, you can expect extremely accurate and consistent temps on either Traeger Pro grill. They utilize the same precise D2 Direct Drive technology for perfect cooking performance every time.
Grill Construction and Build Quality
Both the Pro 575 and Pro 22 feature double-wall steel construction. The outer walls are made from powder-coated steel while the inner walls utilize restaurant-grade 304 stainless steel. This combination provides excellent durability and heat retention.
The two most important build quality differences are:
- Weight – The Pro 575 weighs 103 pounds fully assembled compared to just 60 pounds for the Pro 22. The heavier grill will hold temperature better in cold and windy conditions.
- Legs – The Pro 575 stands on sturdy steel legs while the Pro 22 uses plastic legs. Plastic legs are more susceptible to breaking over time, especially if you move the grill frequently.
Aside from the heavier steel construction, the Pro 575 also has some nice extras including a stainless steel side shelf and pellet sensor. The Pro 22’s wire lower shelf pales in comparison.
Overall, while both grills should last for years with proper care, the Pro 575 does edge out the Pro 22 slightly in construction quality. Its thicker steel and sturdier legs make it the more durable option.
Grill Features and Technology
Grilling technology has advanced by leaps and bounds from the original Traeger pellet smoker. Let’s look at how the smart features on the Pro 575 and Pro 22 compare:
- WiFIRE Technology – The Pro 575 is equipped with WiFIRE which allows you to control your grill from anywhere using the Traeger app. Change temperatures, set timers, and monitor pellet levels remotely. This lets you babysit your barbecue from the couch! The Pro 22 lacks WiFIRE capabilities.
- D2 Direct Drive – As mentioned earlier, both grills utilize Traeger’s D2 drivetrain for precise temperature control. The Pro 575 gains a slight edge in startup and recovery time thanks to its TurboTemp mode.
- Pellet Sensing System – The Pro 575 has an advanced pellet sensor that alerts you when fuel is running low via the Traeger app. The Pro 22 doesn’t have any pellet level monitoring system.
- Meat Probes – Both grills come with Traeger’s new Pro Meat Probes. These Bluetooth wireless thermometers monitor internal food temps with precision. You can track temps via the app on your mobile device.
For smart grillers who want maximum technology and connectivity, the Traeger Pro 575 is the clear winner here. Its WiFIRE enabled control along with pellet sensing and TurboTemp mode give it an edge over the basic Pro 22.
Ease of Use
Traeger pellet grills are designed to make barbecuing incredibly simple, even for beginners. Here are some of the user-friendly highlights:
- Electric Auto-Start Ignition – Turn the Pro 575 or Pro 22 on and it will automatically light itself. No more dealing with lighter fluid and charcoal.
- Precise Temperature Control – Set your ideal temp on the digital display and let the D2 drivetrain do the work. No fiddling with air vents or constantly checking your grill.
- Hopper Cleanout – Emptying the pellet hopper is a breeze thanks to the quick-release design on both grills. No more vacuuming out sawdust.
- All-Terrain Wheels – Each grill sits on rugged wheels so you can roll it around your patio with ease. The Pro 575 has slightly larger wheels for dealing with bumps and uneven terrain.
- Side Tables – The Pro 575 has a handy stainless steel side table while the Pro 22 comes with a basic wire lower shelf. Extra space to prep food and set plates is always useful.
Overall, Traeger perfected the user-friendly pellet grilling experience. Even cooking novices will have an easy time using the Pro 575 or Pro 22 to make amazing wood-fired meals.
Grill Prices and Warranty
As you would expect, the larger Pro 575 does cost more than the compact Pro 22. Here’s a look at the MSRP pricing for each grill:
- Traeger Pro 575 – $899.99
- Traeger Pro 22 – $599.99
You can sometimes find these models at a $50-100 discount through various retailers. Look for Traeger sales around major holidays for the best deal.
Both grills come with a 3-year warranty that has you covered for defects in materials and workmanship. The long warranty period gives you peace of mind on your investment. Traeger is known for excellent customer service support as well.
If you plan to grill frequently and want maximum versatility, the Pro 575 is likely worth the extra $300. For smaller households that just need a basic pellet grill, save yourself some money and opt for the Pro 22.
Pros and Cons of the Traeger Pro 575
Pros
- Large 575 sq. in. grilling area
- WiFIRE app control and monitoring
- Pellet sensor alerts you when low
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Precise temps from 180°F to 500°F
- Faster startup and recovery with TurboTemp
Cons
- Higher price than smaller grills
- Requires more pellets to operate
- Heavier and less portable than Pro 22
- More expensive replacement parts
Pros and Cons of the Traeger Pro 22
Pros
- Compact 429 sq. in. cooking space
- Perfect size for smaller households
- Highly affordable price point
- Precise D2 Direct Drive temp control
- Easy to transport and move around
Cons
- Less cooking space than Pro 575
- No WiFIRE or app connectivity
- Basic legs and wire shelf construction
- Slower temp startup and recovery
- No pellet level sensor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the Pro 575 and Pro 22 are two distinct pellet grill models in Traeger’s Pro series lineup. The Pro 575 is a larger mid-sized grill while the Pro 22 is a more compact portable grill. They utilize similar core technology but have big differences in size, features, and pricing.
The Mesa 22 was Traeger’s old name for their entry-level 400-series grill, now rebranded as the Pro 22. So while the naming is different, the Mesa 22 and Pro 22 refer to the same compact 429 square inch pellet grill.
Absolutely, the Traeger Pro 22 is excellent for smoking all types of meat, fish and veggies. Its D2 drivetrain provides precise temperature control down to 180°F. You can safely cold smoke items like cheese or slowly smoke ribs and pork shoulders at 225°F just like the pros.
No, only the larger Traeger Pro 575 model is equipped with WiFIRE technology that allows it to connect to home WiFi and be controlled via the Traeger app. The Pro 22 lacks WiFIRE capabilities but still delivers precise cooking performance thanks to the D2 drivetrain.
The Verdict
When it comes down to it, your choice between the Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 22 really depends on your budget and how much grilling space you need.
If you host larger gatherings and want maximum cooking capacity, the Pro 575 is easily the better option. You get 146 extra square inches of grilling area plus handy extras like WiFIRE and the pellet sensor.
For couples or small families who just need a solid, compact pellet grill, the Pro 22 will do the trick and save you $300. You still get Traeger’s proven cooking technology in a smaller package.
Hopefully this detailed comparison of the Pro 575 vs Pro 22 features, construction, and performance helps you pick the right Traeger pellet grill for your needs. Both are amazing grills, so you really can’t go wrong here. Just decide what size and features make sense for your budget.
Happy grilling!
