Green Mountain Grill VS Traeger – A Detailed Review

One of the greatest tastes you can ever get from preparing food in your backyard is – smoking it over a wood pellet fire. Nowadays, many people are switching from gas and charcoal grills to wood pellet grills. 

These grills are quickly becoming popular as an easier way to grill all your favorite BBQ staples. Their ability to evenly distribute heat also makes them very similar to convection ovens. Unlike conventional charcoal or wood-fired grills, they emit less acrid smoke and give a wood-fired taste.

The two major brands dominating the pellet grill industry are Green: Mountain Grills and Traeger. Both these brands are well-known in their respective fields of grills and smokers.

However, each brand makes high-quality products using advanced design concepts. Therefore, choosing one when you plan to buy a pellet grill can be difficult. So, we have researched and reviewed both brands for you to help you choose between these brands. 

Take a look at the main features to determine which is best suited to your needs!

Green Mountain Grill VS Traeger – General Brand Overview

Green Mountain Grills 

Green Mountain Grill, aka GMG, has been around since long ago. The company became a worthy competitor after it pioneered the idea of Wi-Fi accessibility for pellet grills. They included this feature in three of their top grills from the very beginning. 

However, finding this brand online may not be easy, as GMG prefers to focus on its dealer network.

Traeger Grills

Traeger was the first-ever company to introduce pellet grills in the market. It was founded in the 1980s by Joe Traeger. After the invention became a hit, Traeger enjoyed complete dominance on this market for 20 years. 

Currently, Traeger is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pellet grills and sells products worth $300 million per year.

Green Mountain Grill VS Traeger – Comparing Top Features

It is challenging to compare grills from the two top leading companies, as they keep improving to outdo one another. 

	Green Mountain Grill	Traeger Grill
Cooking surface area (sq in)	340 square inches	300-square-inch
Pellet Hopper Capacity	22-pound	20-pound
Temperature Range	180°F to 500°F	160 and 500°F
Construction Material	All Steel	All Steel
WiFi	Yes	Yes
Direct flame	No	No
Digital Control	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price

We have compiled some of their most significant features to help you understand how these top models differ. You can analyze your specific grilling needs to determine which company and model are right for you.

Pellet Grill Capacity

Green Mountain Grills and Traeger differ primarily in the number of pellets they can hold. 

• Green Mountain has 340 square inches of grilling area. 
• The Traeger Grill has a 300-square-inch cooking area.

Pellet Hopper Capacity

If the capacity of the hopper is large, you can store more pellets without having to refill them frequently.  

• Green Mountain comes with a 22-pounds hopper capacity.
• Traeger Grills are equipped with a 20-pound hopper capacity.

Automatic Auger Feeding System

Both brands feature an automatic auger feeding system that ensures pellets are delivered at a consistent rate without interruption. 

You can choose to feed at either a high (18+/-) or a low (8-10 +/-) setting, all of which will maintain a steady grill.

Temperature Control

Both brands offer digital temperature controllers that allow you to control the temperature while cooking. You can adjust the heat levels on both brands in 10-degree increments, so you can find the right temperature for whatever you are cooking.

Temperature Range

There are also differences between Green Mountain and Traeger regarding the temperature range.

• You can grill at 180°F to 500°F with Green Mountain. 
• On the other hand, Traeger grills are capable of temperatures between 160 and 500°F.

Construction Materials

In terms of construction materials & durability, both brands use all-steel construction. There is, however, one difference worth mentioning – Traeger’s grill handles are plastic, whereas Green Mountain’s are wooden. 

Before you make a purchase decision, consider whether you want metal or plastic handles!

Fuel

Pellets are the fuel used by both brands, so there is no difference between them. However, the types of pellets you can use vary by grill – you cannot use any kind of pellet with Traeger, while you can use any pellet you like with Green Mountain Grills.

Legs & Wheels

There is another difference worth noticing – Green Mountain Grills have wheels, while Traeger does not. Choose Green Mountain if you need to move your grill around (or vice versa, depending on where you place it).

Accessories

With Green Mountain Grills, you’ll find a much broader range of accessories, including a cover, jerky gun, digital probe thermometer, and more. 

On the other hand, Traeger offers an easy-to-clean drip pan and griddle.

Versatility

Both, Green Mountain grills and Traeger, are designed to be versatile. Their technology uses the same auger feeding system, ensuring a steady supply of pellets without interruption for cooking all types of food.

Ease Of Use

Both brands are very easy to use, with clear instructions and straightforward designs. To cook food to perfection, you simply have to set the temperature, place it on the grill, and wait.

Maintenance

Both brands are also easy to maintain. To keep your cooking grate clean, remove it and simply brush it with hot water. However, if you wish to prevent grease accumulation, you should always brush a little vegetable oil on the grates before you begin grilling.

Style and Comfort

The grills of both brands have an all-steel cabinet, which makes them look tough and durable. While each brand claims to meet high standards for design comfort, some key differences could influence your choice. 

•  Both can be fitted with wheels for easy movement, but only Traeger has side shelves. 
• Traeger is 52 x 22 x 49 inches in size and weighs 214 pounds. 
• On the other hand, Green Mountain is 44 x 25 x 41 inches and weighs 125 pounds. 

Traeger grills are good if you need more storage space or like to move your grill easily.

Extra Features

Traeger grills have an array of extra features that set them apart from the competition. Wi-Fi, meat probes, and digital controllers are a few features. With Wi-Fi, you can remotely monitor your grill’s temperature and cooking progress. Using the meat probe and digital controller ensures perfect cooking every time.

On the other hand, Green Mountain grills also come with a variety of extra features. A porcelain-enameled cooking grate, an ash catcher, and a heat deflector are among them. The porcelain-enameled cooking grate prevents food from sticking to the grill with its ash catcher. Heat deflectors keep your grill’s temperature constant, so food cooks evenly every time.

Customer Support

Make sure to look up this factor before making an investment, even if it is not the most important factor in determining which brand offers better features. However, in any case, both brands have received several positive reviews from their customers so far, with no major complaints reported.

Based on our results, we would say that both brands offer great quality at a good value for money, offering advanced grilling technology so that you can be sure you get high-quality results every time!

Price

Both brands are pretty much on the same level when it comes to price. At $399, Green Mountain is the cheapest option, while Traeger will cost you $499. 

However, Traeger seems to be the better choice if you want more advanced features, such as Wi-Fi functionality and digital cooking controls.

Green Mountain Grills VS Traeger – Popular Models

• Green Mountain Grills Popular Models

Daniel Boone

• The most popular and best-selling model of all time among Green Mountain Pellet grill vs. Traeger grill.
• Large cooking area measuring up to 458 square inches.
• There is enough space to cook a whole turkey with 13.5 inches of headroom.

Davy Crockett

• It is a portable pellet grill among the best on the market.
• It is durable, long-lasting, and has excellent construction.
• A digital thermostat lets you regulate the temperature precisely.

Jim Bowie

• Also referred to as the Big Daddy of the GMG (Green Mountain Grills) family.
• A massive 658 square inch cooking area.
• Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone have similar characteristics.

• Trager Popular Models

Traeger Tailgater

• A Traeger grill that can compete with Davy Crockett’s portability.
• Cooking space of up to 300 square inches.
•  It doesn’t have as many advanced features as Davy Crockett.

Traeger Pro Series

• It comes in two sizes.
• It features Wi-Fi connectivity
• In terms of price, it is between Daniel Boone and Jim Bowie, depending on size.

Traeger Ironwood Series

• Features like TRU convection and DownDraft Exhaust make it more advanced.
• You can also enhance the smoke with the Super Smoke mode.
• It is among the best Traeger vs. GMG grills available in the market.

Traeger Timberline series

• Traeger’s largest and most expensive option.
• Includes all the features of Ironwood.
• Further, you can monitor the pellets using an app that utilizes futuristic pellet sensing technology.

Green Mountain Vs. Traeger – Detailed Comparison and Review

Based on our thorough market analysis, we have selected the following top Traeger and GMG models for comparison. Find out more about each product in the detailed comparison and review below.

• Tailgater Comparison: Traeger Tailgater vs. GMG Davy Crockett

IMAGE	Model	Features
	Traeger Tailgater	300 square inches of cooking spaceLED digital control boardConvenient folding legs with wheels	CHECK PRICE
	GMG Davy Crockett	Wi-Fi remote temp. monitoring219 square inches of cooking spaceAffordable	CHECK PRICE

Both of these grills are small and portable, and designed for tailgating but can also be used for camping and RV trips. Therefore, their size is similar. Based on the websites of the manufacturers, the Traeger currently retails for just under $470, while the GMG Davy Crocket sells for just under $330. Therefore, these two pellet grills are more than $100 apart, so how do they compare?

In terms of the cooking area, the Tailgater offers 300 square inches. However, the Davy Crocket is smaller, at 219 square inches. And as for hopper size, the Traeger Tailgater features an 8lb hopper, while the GMG Davy Crocket comes with a 9lb hopper. 

Both pellet grills seem to be relatively similar at this point, and the Traeger’s $100 premium is justified by the extra 81 square inches of cooking space.

Traeger Tailgater does have the new Digital Arc Controller, which provides more precise temperature control within a 10-degree range, but it’s not as advanced as the GMG panel. With the Davy Crocket, a PID panel can control the temperature within a 5-degree range.

Although the Traeger Tailgater can reach 450 degrees, the Davy Crocket can reach 550 degrees. As a result, Davy Crocket will provide better searing results on steaks/burgers, etc. In addition, the Davy Crocket has Wi-Fi so that you can control it with your phone.

Traeger Tailgater vs. GMG Davy Crockett: Final Thoughts

The GMG Davy Crockett beats the Traeger Tailgater in every aspect, except the cooking area. Besides being cheaper, it has a higher maximum temperature setting, Wi-Fi, and foldable legs, making it a better design. However, Traeger should come out with a Tailgater with better legs, their D2 Direct Drive platform, and Wi-Fi integration in the near future to be the best rival of GMG Davy Crockett.

• Mid-Range Comparison: Traeger Pro 575 vs. GMG Daniel Boone Prime 

IMAGE	Model	Features
	Traeger Pro 575	Wi-Fi compatibility & D2 controller575 square inches of cooking space18-pound hopper	CHECK PRICE
	GMG Daniel Boone	Wi-Fi compatibility & reliable controller458 square inches of cooking spaceMax temp 550 F; able to achieve searing	CHECK PRICE

Next, let’s take a look at some full-sized grills from each brand. Price-wise, both Traeger’s Pro 575 and GMG’s Daniel Boone are comparable. The Traeger pellet grill retails for just under $800, while the GMG pellet grill retails for just under $750. The GMG pellet grill is, therefore, a little bit cheaper.

As part of its Prime specification, the GMG Daniel Boone comes with a PID/Wi-Fi control panel with a temperature range between 150 and 550 degrees.

With Traeger, you get their D2 Direct Drive platform, which is a big step up over the drive system on the Tailgater. Therefore Traeger Wi-Fi compatibility is included. Traeger Wi-Fi is currently the best Wi-Fi/App solution on the market, but the Pro 575 can only reach 500 degrees, which is 50 degrees less than GMG’s pellet grill.

As for the Traeger Pro 575’s cooking area, it measures 575 square inches. However, it has only 418 square inches on the main cooking rack, hence where you can get the hottest temperatures for grilling/searing. On the other hand, the GMG Daniel Boone provides a slightly larger 458 square inches. The Traeger Pro 575 provides an 18lb hopper for BBQ wood pellets, while the GMG Daniel Boone provides an 18lb hopper.

The GMG Daniel Boone comes standard with a low pellet alarm. As standard, the Traeger Pro 575 does not come with a pellet alarm. However, the Wi-Fi app can provide a hopper percentage level if upgraded with the Traeger pellet sensor. That is an advanced version of GMG Daniel Boone. In any case, it adds another $50 to a pellet grill that’s already $50 more expensive.

Traeger Pro 575 vs. GMG Daniel Boone Prime: Final Thoughts

The Traeger Wi-Fi app has a number of features/functionalities that are generally superior to those of the GMG Daniel Boone grill; however, GMG has the upper hand on its other specifications and features and for a lower price. 

• High-End Comparison: Traeger Pro 780 vs. GMG Jim Bowie Prime Wi-Fi/Stainless

IMAGE	Model	Features
	Traeger Pro 780	Turbo heating system for cold weather780 square inches of cooking spaceProgrammable controller	CHECK PRICE
	GMG Jim Bowie	Dedicated smoking mode650 square inches of cooking spaceTemp. monitoring and control from your phone	CHECK PRICE

We will compare the Traeger Pro 780 and the GMG Jim Bowie in Prime Wi-Fi/Stainless specifications in this final comparison. That is a quick comparison between these two grills, primarily because they only differ in the amount of cooking space.

The two pellet grills are heavier due to their larger physical size. Thus, the Traeger Pro 780 provides a total cooking area of 780 square inches. Nevertheless, as with the Pro 575, that may seem misleading. On the Pro 780, the main cooking rack measures 570 square inches. 

GMG Jim Bowie has a cooking area of 658 square inches. Therefore, the GMG pellet grill has 88 square inches of main grate space.

In terms of price, how do these two pellet grills compare? The Traeger Pro 780 costs just under $1,000, while the GMG Jim Bowie costs $950. Thus, the comparison between these two pellet grills is the same as the GMG Daniel Boone vs. the Pro 575.

Green Mountain Grill VS. Traeger – Pros & Cons

Who is best suited to use GMG?

Due to its relatively small size, Green Mountain Grills is best suited to consumers with small families. Regular travelers and campers can also find satisfaction in this smoker since it is portable.

In the same way, if you prefer a smoker that offers more convenience due to its digital features, Green Mountain Grills is still the best choice. 

Who is best suited to use Traeger?

The Traeger stands out for its large size and ability to produce exceptional flavors. Therefore, if you own a restaurant or have a large family, this is a satisfactory smoker. As well, if you know you will be grilling for a long time, you should purchase this equipment in advance.

On a lighter note, it is a smoker for those with a stable income. However, if you can afford it, you can use this smoker even as a beginner. 

FAQs

What Does H4 or L4 means on Green Mountain Grill?  

Both H4 and L4 indicate low flame levels. Before reading new values, turn your grill onto high for at least one minute. If the issue persists, you can contact customer service by providing your model number and serial number.

How to Use a Brushless Motor in Green Mountain Grill? 

You can use the brushless motor on your grill to retain heat for more efficient cooking and for reducing smoke build-up by circulating air around burning wood pellets. 

Hold the C (Clean) button on your grill’s control panel for three seconds to activate this feature. Upon turning on the brushless motor, the light will turn green. By releasing the button, you can turn it off. 

Wrapping Up; Green Mountain Grill VS Traeger

Both the Green Mountain Pellet smokers and the Traeger grill are excellent products. Each uses wood pellets for a truly unique cooking experience. With their Wi-Fi interfaces and companion apps, both grills offer great features, and you can control your cooking like never before. 

While both, GMG and Traeger, have their own unique features, GMG products can prove to be a better choice for personal use. In addition, GMG products are more affordable. However, Traeger is the best choice if you’re looking for stability and durability.

As for Traeger vs. GMG, think about what you will use your grill for and decide. As, in the end, it’s a matter of personal preference!

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Are you searching for the best wood pellet grill? Here is a comparison of Green Mountain Grill VS Traeger. Find out which brand model is best for you by checking out this guide.