Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the season for outdoor grilling. There's nothing quite like the aroma of juicy meats sizzling over an open flame. While traditional grilling has been around for centuries, the debate still rages on about which method of cooking produces the best results.
With so many options available, selecting the right grill can be a daunting task. Two popular models that often come up in conversations are Traeger and Napoleon. In this article, we'll take a closer look at these two grills and compare their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision when shopping for a new grill.
Traeger Grills
Traeger is a well-known name that carries a lot of brand recognition and weight in the grilling world. These grills are known for only using wood pellets which are tiny scraps of wood compacted into small pellets. These pellet smoker grills provide an inexpensive and effective method to quickly heat up your grill. The pellets that Traeger offers are not the common ones that can be purchased at your local grocery store.
The brand has spent many years mastering the development of hardwood pellets to produce just the right amount of moisture content to maintain the perfect smoke-to-burn ratio. Its pellets are made in the USA from 100% natural, cooking-quality hardwood. These grills are also extremely versatile as you can roast, smoke, barbecue, braise, or even bake. Whichever method you choose, your food will be infused with an amazing wood-fired flavor that is unique to Traeger grills.
Traeger Grill Models
Traeger Grills deliver a variety of grill series to match your cooking style. Here are the most popular; Traeger Timberline Series, Traeger Ironwood Series, Traeger Pro Series, and Traeger Ranger Series. These series feature the following innovative grilling features and more:
• Three tiers of stainless steel grates for the biggest meals
• The ability to cook in any weather
• WIFIRE technology that lets you monitor your cooks, adjust temperatures, and access over 1,600 recipes
• Downdraft Exhaust
• Super Smoke Mode allows you to enhance the flavor profile
• Pellet Sensor to alert you when pellet levels get low
• Dual-position bottom grate to improve searing
Traeger Pro Series
This is the most popular Traeger grill model and comes in several sizes ranging from 575 square inches to 780 square inches of cooking space. The Pro Series grills have a digital controller that allows you to easily set precise temperatures, making it a great grill for both beginners and experts. This series also comes with a “Keep Warm” mode and a “Super Smoke” mode that is perfect for smoking meats.
Traeger Ironwood Series
The Ironwood Series is a step up from the Pro Series and is available in two sizes, 650 and 885 square inches of cooking space. This series comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control the grill from your smartphone or smart device. The Ironwood also comes with a “Turbo Temp” feature that quickly heats up the grill so you don’t have to sit around and wait before starting to cook.
Traeger Timberline Series
The Timberline series is the premium line of Traeger grills and comes in the following three sizes: 850, 1,300, and 2,000 square inches of cooking space. The Timberline grills offer a double-walled stainless steel interior, making them highly durable and better at retaining heat. This series also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and a “Smoke Science” feature that maintains a consistent temperature, resulting in perfectly cooked meats every time.
Traeger Ranger
The Ranger is a portable, compact grill that is perfect for tailgating, camping, or any other travel/outdoor adventure. It has a 184 square-inch cooking surface and comes with a digital controller that allows you to precisely set the temperature. The Ranger also has a “Keep Warm” mode as well as a “Meat Probe” feature that lets you monitor the internal temperature of your meats.
Napoleon Grills
Napoleon offers gas-fueled grills that will perfectly fit your outdoor kitchen. Napoleon's line of gas grills is known for its ability to provide precise temperature control so you can easily slow roast, smoke, and bake just about anything. These grills are packed with innovative features to ensure you'll always have a grill you can rely on no matter what you are wanting to cook.
Thanks to the instant JETFIRE ignitor, your Napoleon gas grill will light up on the first try, every time. Cross-lighting action ensures that in the unlikely event that a burner goes out or fails to light, your grill will automatically relight. For those who love having a delicate wood smoke flavor on their food, an integrated smoker tray and dedicated burner will ignite smoker chips to add that delightful touch of smokiness to your meals. Napoleon grills deliver one of the most efficient barbecues thanks to their airflow, airtightness, and fuel management.
Napoleon Grill Models
Napoleon offers a wide range of series of built-in and freestanding gas grills. Here are their most popular series; Rouge Series, Prestige Series, Travel Series, and BBQ Series. These series feature the following innovative grilling features and more:
• JETFIRE ignition system for quick and easy start-ups
• Stainless steel sear plates for even heat distribution
• Rear rotisserie burner for restaurant-style meals
• Infrared SIZZLE ZONE side burner for high heat searing
• Integrated wood chip smoker tray for added flavor
• Night Light control knobs for easy visibility in low light
Rogue Series
The Napoleon Rogue Series is a popular line of gas grills designed for quick and easy cooking. These grills offer high heat output, precise temperature control, and a range of cooking options. The Rouge Series is available in different sizes such as the compact 365 Rogue and the larger 825 Rogue. What makes this series unique is its durable construction with stainless steel burners, sear plates, and grates.
Prestige Series
The Napoleon Prestige Series is a premium line of gas grills designed for serious grillers. These grills offer a range of advanced features, including rotisserie burners, smoke tubes, and infrared burners. This series is available in different sizes such as the Prestige 500 and 825. They also offer a high-quality construction build with stainless steel features and offer a range of cooking options.
Travel Series
The Napoleon Travel Series is a line of portable grills designed for convenient on-the-go cooking. These grills are compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping, tailgating, and picnics. This series has two options available, the TravelQ 285 and the TravelQ Pro 285. What makes these grills unique is their lightweight construction, crafted with a durable cast aluminum body and foldable legs for easy storage.
Napoleon BBQ Series
The Napoleon BBQ Series is a line of charcoal grills designed to deliver the best traditional charcoal cooking experience. These grills offer a range of features, including adjustable vents, built-in ash pans, and cooking grates. The 22” kettle grill offers ample space for you to comfortably grill your favorite BBQ meals, is constructed with a durable porcelain enamel body, and cast iron cooking grates that are built to last.
Napoleon vs Traeger: Which Is Right For You?
Napoleon is known for its high-quality construction and innovative features. Their gas grills offer powerful heating and precise temperature control, while their charcoal grills provide the authentic aroma and taste of charcoal cooking. Their portable grills are also highly popular options for on-the-go grilling. On the other hand, Traeger is known for its wood pellet grills that infuse food with a unique smoky flavor and versatility as it can be used for smoking, roasting, and grilling.
You may be wondering which brand or grill model is best suited for you. If you prioritize convenience and precision cooking, a Napoleon gas grill such as the Prestige or Rogue series would be excellent options to consider. However, if you are looking for the authentic taste and smoky flavor of wood pellet grilling, Treager is a great option. Their wood-fired grills such as the Pro and Timberline Series are especially popular due to their precise temperature control and versatility. Both brands offer amazing grills with unique features and advantages. The best choice for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Let’s Get Grilling!
Queen City has everything you need for you to get grilling on your next backyard cookout. Browse through the best Pellet, Pro Style, LP Gas, Charcoal, Natural Gas, and Built-In grills from top brands like Napoleon, Traeger, Wolf, Kamado Joe, and more! Stop by any of our grill store locations in Charlotte, Salisbury, Morganton, Monroe, Pineville, or Winston-Salem to get professional help from our product experts.
Queen City strives to be the best cooking appliance and grill store in all of North Carolina. We care about helping you build your perfect home and outdoor oasis, for all of your kitchen appliance and grill needs, we are here to help!
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