Traeger Texas Elite 34 Vs. Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill

Pellet grills have become extremely popular in recent years, and Traeger is one of the top brands in this category. Two of Traeger’s most popular mid-range models are the Texas Elite 34 and the Pro Series 34.

Deciding between these two grills can be tough. While they share similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and performance of the Texas Elite 34 and Pro Series 34 to help you determine which Traeger pellet grill is best for you.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Texas Elite 34	Pro Series 34
Cooking Space	646 sq. in.	884 sq. in.
Construction	Steel with powder coat finish	304 stainless steel
Temperature Range	180°F to 450°F	165°F to 500°F
Temperature Control	Digital Elite Controller	D2 Direct Drive + WiFi
Pellet Hopper Capacity	34 lbs	18 lbs
Maximum Temperature	450°F	500°F
Grates	Porcelain-coated steel	Porcelain-coated steel (upgradeable to stainless steel)
Side Shelf	No	Yes, stainless steel
Warranty	3 years	4 years
MSRP	$800	$1000

Overview of the Texas Elite 34 and Pro Series 34

The Texas Elite 34 and the Pro Series 34 are both mid-sized pellet grills from Traeger, a company that pioneered the pellet grill and smoker category. They are priced similarly, making it a difficult decision for many buyers. Here is a quick overview of each grill:

Texas Elite 34

• 646 sq. in. grilling area
• Steel construction with powder coat finish
• Digital Elite Controller with LED display
• Convection fan for even cooking
• Maximum temperature of 450°F
• Porcelain coated grill grates
• 34 lb. pellet hopper capacity -dimensions: 73″ x 53″ x 22″

Pro Series 34

• 884 sq. in. Total cooking area
• 304 stainless steel construction
• D2 Direct Drive drivetrain system
• Downdraft exhaust design
• WiFi connectivity and app control
• Maximum temperature of 500°F
• Porcelain coated grill grates
• 18 lb. pellet hopper capacity
• Dimensions: 62” x 46” x 22”

Key Differences Between Traeger Texas Elite 34 And Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill

Both grills use 100% natural hardwood pellets for fuel and have porcelain-coated steel grill grates. At first glance, the Pro Series 34 looks more powerful, while the Texas Elite 34 offers more cooking space. Let’s take a deeper look at how they compare.

• Construction and Build Quality

One of the biggest differences between these two grills is their construction.

The Texas Elite 34 has a steel construction with powder-coated paint finish. This makes it fairly durable, though not to the level of stainless steel. The materials are decent but nothing fancy.

The Pro Series 34 steps it up with a 304 stainless steel construction. 304 stainless steel is commercial grade, extremely durable, and rust resistant. This boosts the overall build quality and weather resistance significantly over the Texas Elite 34.

The Pro Series 34 also has a sleeker and more high-end look thanks to the stainless exterior. If top-notch construction is your priority, the Pro Series 34 is the clear winner.

• Grill Space

The Traeger Texas Elite 34 has a total cooking space of 646 square inches, which is spread over two main cooking grates. This gives you ample room to grill, smoke, or slow cook several racks of ribs, multiple pork butts, or dozens of burgers. You can cook for large groups easily with all that space.

The Pro Series 34 offers 884 total square inches of cooking space. That’s about 240 more square inches than the Texas Elite 34. The Pro Series achieves this with its wider main grate plus an upper rack.

If maximum total cooking capacity is the most important factor for you, the Pro Series 34 is the way to go. However, both grills still have ample space for most home cooks.

• Temperature Range and Control

The Texas Elite 34 uses Traeger’s Digital Elite Controller coupled with an LED display.

This allows you to adjust the temperature in 5-degree increments between 180°F and 450°F, giving precise control over low and slow smoking all the way up to hot fast grilling.

The Pro Series 34 has an upgraded D2 Direct Drive control system.

This lets you dial in the temperature anywhere from 165°F to 500°F in 5-degree increments.

So it gives you a wider temperature range, with the ability to sear at higher heat.

The Pro Series also includes Traeger’s advanced PID technology that actively monitors and adjusts the temp for maximum stability. You don’t have to worry about big temperature spikes and swings.

For most people, the Texas Elite 34’s temperature range will cover all their grilling and smoking needs. But the Pro Series 34 does offer more flexibility if you want to sear steaks or cook pizzas at very high heat.

• Ease of Use and Technology

With the Texas Elite you are getting Traeger’s tried and true digital controller technology. It holds temperature well and the LED screen makes it easy to monitor at a glance.

The Pro Series 34 takes it to the next level with WiFi connectivity and Traeger’s app. You can control and monitor your grill right from your phone or tablet. Change temps, set timers, and check food doneness from anywhere. It adds a ton of convenience and control.

The Pro Series 34 also has Traeger’s advanced PID temperature regulation for incredible precision. This eliminates large swings and hot spots – the grill maintains steady heat for uniform cooking.

For most basic grilling and smoking tasks the Texas Elite is simple and effective. But the Pro Series unlocks next level control and convenience thanks to WiFi/app connectivity.

• Fuel Efficiency

With its 34 pound hopper capacity, the Texas Elite 34 can hold enough wood pellets to provide all-day smoking at low temperatures without refilling. This is roughly 12 hours of runtime. The larger hopper gives you the flexibility for overnight smoking sessions.

The Pro Series 34’s hopper is smaller at just 18 pounds. With lower temperature smoking this will limit your runtime to 6-8 hours before having to add more pellets. You lose some convenience having to refuel more often.

When cooking at higher temperatures both grills will burn through pellets quicker – but the Texas Elite 34’s larger hopper maintains the upper hand. You won’t have to babysit it as much during longer cooks.

• indirect Vs. Downdraft Heat Flow

Traeger pellet grills use an auger to deliver wood pellets from the hopper into the firepot, where they are ignited and produce smoke and heat. How the heat then flows into the cooking chamber plays a big role in temperature regulation.

The Texas Elite 34 uses an indirect heat flow design. After being ignited in the firepot, heat and smoke are pulled through the back and bottom of the grill before circulating around the food from the side. This allows large pieces of meat to cook evenly without getting direct exposure to the fire.

The Pro Series 34 employs a different downdraft system. The heat and smoke are directed down a chimney that vents right above the food before getting pulled underneath. This applies heat directly where it’s needed for faster searing and more efficient cooking.

The Pro Series downdraft method is superior for searing and retaining moisture in foods. But the Texas Elite’s indirect heat is also effective for traditional bbq and smoking.

• Durability and Reliability

Traeger pellet grills in general are known for their durability and solid construction. The Texas Elite 34’s powder coated steel housing allows it to withstand the outdoor elements fairly well. With proper care taken, it can provide years of reliable service.

Being made entirely from 304 stainless steel, the Pro Series 34 is extremely durable and weather resistant. The high quality materials and solid build mean it can be left outdoors and perform for ages while resisting corrosion.

When it comes to reliability, the Pro Series also gains an edge from its Downdraft design and PID controller. These help prevent flame outs and temperature swings that can cause headaches during long smoking sessions.

• Ease of Cleaning

Keeping your grill tidy after many smoking sessions can be a chore. Here is how these two models compare when it comes to cleanup.

Both grills have porcelain coated steel grates that easily wipe down after cooking. However, the Texas Elite 34’s powder coated steel construction can be harder to keep clean looking over time compared to the Pro Series stainless housing.

The Pro Series 34’s down firing heat system helps reduce grease flare ups and accumulation inside the barrel for somewhat easier cleaning. Its stainless steel body also shows fewer smudges and fingerprints.

Neither grill has a complex design with tons of nooks that are hard to reach. Simple soap, water, and a grill brush are about all you need to keep them clean. But the Pro Series 34’s stainless steel construction gives it a small advantage.

• Warranty Comparison

The warranty coverage offered on each grill provides insight into how long they are designed to last.

Traeger provides a 3-year warranty on the Texas Elite 34. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.

For the Pro Series 34, the warranty is bumped up to 4 years. The extra year demonstrates the brand’s confidence in the durability and longevity of this higher-end grill.

Both warranties are strong for pellet grills in this price range. But the extra year offered on the Pro Series is nice assurance of its quality.

• Grill Grate Material Comparison

The cooking surface is one of the most important parts of any grill. Both the Texas Elite 34 and Pro Series 34 come with porcelain-coated steel grill grates.

This porcelain coating prevents food from sticking while minimizing rusting and heat transfer issues associated with bare steel. The coating is durable and makes it easy to scrape and clean the grates after extended use.

While porcelain-coated steel is ideal for most home grillers, the Pro Series 34 optionally allows you to upgrade to stainless steel grates for even greater durability and performance (this costs extra).

If you want the highest quality grates, the Pro Series 34’s upgrade path to stainless steel is a nice bonus. But the standard porcelain coated grates on both grills are heavy duty and deliver great cooking results.

• Side Shelf and Storage

Having ample prep space and storage options built into your grill makes cooking more convenient. Here is how the Texas Elite 34 and Pro Series 34 compare in these areas:

The Texas Elite 34 does not come with any side tables or extra storage features. You will have to purchase a foldable front shelf separately if you need more work space.

The Pro Series 34 comes standard with a sturdy stainless steel side shelf that provides extra room for prepping food, setting down plates and tools, and placing foods as they come off the grill. It doesn’t offer storage in the form of cabinets or drawers. But the shelf is a welcome addition that the Texas Elite lacks.

Neither grill has outstanding storage options. But the Pro Series 34’s side shelf does provide more built-in workspace.

• Size and Portability

When evaluating the size, keep in mind that the Texas Elite 34 provides more cooking space in a similarly sized body:

• Texas Elite 34 dimensions: 73” (H) x 53” (W) x 22” (D)
• Pro Series 34 dimensions: 62” (H) x 46” (W) x 22” (D)

The Texas Elite 34 takes up slightly more overall footprint. But in terms of sheer cooking capacity, it gives you more space to work with compared to the body size.

Both grills have two locking caster wheels on one side to aid in mobility. Thanks to these quality wheels and the fairly compact dimensions, either choice can be moved reasonably well in your backyard or rolled in/out of storage.

Overall the size and portability is quite comparable. The Texas Elite 34 will take up more surface area, but its cooking area is larger relative to its footprint. Both offer decent maneuverability.

• Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when operating a pellet grill. Here are some key safety features in each model:

• The auto-start ignition lets you safely fire up the grill with the touch of a button. No more dangerous lighter fluids required.
• If the flame goes out, the auger automatically stops feeding pellets to prevent a hazardous pellet overflow.
• The convection fan prevents buildup of combustible gases inside the grill.
• Heat diffuser protects the firepot components from grease damage.
• Exterior surfaces stay cool to the touch for safety.

Both the Texas Elite 34 and Pro Series 34 have identical safety mechanisms in place. You can feel confident in their ability to operate securely.

• Price and Value Comparison

The Traeger Texas Elite 34 typically costs around $800 at major retailers. For the features it includes, this represents a solid mid-range price point in the pellet grill world. The steel construction helps balance performance and affordability.

With an MSRP of $1000, the Pro Series 34 costs a couple hundred dollars more upfront. The upgrade in materials to stainless steel does come at a price. However, the WiFi connectivity, PID controller, and overall step up in durability and quality make this a grill that will last for years. For many buyers, the Pro Series 34 offers better long term value despite the steeper initial investment.

When it comes to pure cooking ability, the two grills are close. The Pro Series 34 pulls ahead in construction, technology, durability, and components. For these reasons, it justifies the higher price tag and delivers excellent value. But the Texas Elite 34 remains a quality mid-priced option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Verdict – Which Is Better For You?

So when all the facts are weighed, which pellet grill comes out on top – the Traeger Texas Elite 34 or the Pro Series 34?

For most backyard grillers, the Pro Series 34 is the best option if it fits your budget. The stainless steel build quality, WiFi/app connectivity, PID temperature control, and upgraded components push it over the top. This grill simply has better materials, technology, durability, and performance.

However, the Texas Elite 34 remains an excellent choice for a mid-priced pellet smoker. It has ample 646 square inches of cooking space, Traeger’s proven temperature controller, all-steel construction, and large pellet hopper. If you want a quality pellet grill without breaking the bank, the Texas Elite 34 won’t disappoint.

Here is a quick summary of the key differences:

Traeger Pro Series 34 Advantages:

• Higher quality stainless steel construction
• WiFi connectivity and app control
• PID temperature control
• Downdraft exhaust design
• Wider temperature range (165°F – 500°F)
• Stainless steel side shelf for extra workspace
• Longer 4-year warranty
• Higher maximum temperature for searing
• Higher overall performance and durability

Traeger Texas Elite 34 Advantages:

• More total cooking space (646 vs. 884 sq. in.)
• Larger pellet hopper (34 lbs. vs. 18 lbs.)
• Lower price point

For most people, the upgraded performance and quality of the Pro Series 34 are worth the higher price. But you can’t go wrong with the Texas Elite 34 either if you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Both pellet grills produce incredible wood-fired flavor and provide years of loyal service.

Pick the one that best fits your budget and needs.