Traeger Woodridge grills are shaking up the backyard barbecue world. If you’re looking for a wood-fired grill with smart tech and practical features, the Woodridge lineup might hit the sweet spot. Traeger has been stepping up its game since the early 2000s, and the Woodridge series really brings together convenience, reliability, and flavor all in one sturdy package.
I’ve put the Traeger Woodridge through its paces and done some careful testing. Here’s a full breakdown of what I found, with a quick summary before getting into the nitty-gritty details.
Brand Name: Traeger Grills
Product Line: Woodridge Series
Website URL: Traeger.com
Price Range: $599 – $1,299 (varies by model and features)
Type: Wood pellet grill and smoker
Grill Sizes Available: 520, 660, and 800 sq. in. cooking space
Main Fuel Source: 100% hardwood pellets
Warranty: 3 Years (limited)
Customer Support: 4.5/5
WiFIRE Technology: Yes (WiFi-enabled grilling)
App Integration: Yes (Traeger app for remote control)
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 on several leading review sites
Free Recipe Library: Yes. Check it out here
The Woodridge series brings together Traeger’s respected wood-fired flavor with modern features. You can smoke, grill, roast, bake, or even braise with steady results every time. Every model uses hardwood pellets instead of gas or charcoal, and the system controls the temperature and smoke automatically, so you won’t be second-guessing your settings or left wondering about heat fluctuations.
Whether you’re a total newbie or someone who’s already won a rib competition or two, Woodridge models make grilling and smoking straightforward. You don’t have to spend hours fiddling with vents or constantly checking the fire.
Traeger’s Story: A Quick Background
Traeger’s been around since the late 1980s. The brand started off with a backyard passion project in Oregon and has grown into one of the top names in pellet smokers. I recall my first Traeger cook from way back—pre-smartphone days! Now, with lines like Woodridge, you get smart features that let you control your grill from practically anywhere, offering backyard chefs more flexibility than ever before.
Traeger’s community is huge and active. The forums, recipe boards, and customer support are buzzing with real grillers swapping tips and troubleshooting. For new users or those looking to take things up a notch, these resources are super helpful.
What Makes the Woodridge Line Stand Out
The Woodridge series lands right in that sweet spot between “set and forget” ease and genuine wood-grilled flavor. There’s big firepower thanks to the pellet system, userfriendly controls, sturdy build quality, and that unmistakable smoky taste that Traeger fans rave about.
On the practical side, the hoppers hold a solid amount of pellets, which is ideal for long cooks. Even when smoking brisket or pork shoulder for hours, you’re not constantly refilling pellets. Grease and ash management systems keep cleanup low-fuss, so you’ll spend less time wiping up and more time enjoying your food.
Traeger’s Woodridge grills boast some smart upgrades, including the WiFIRE controller. This lets you adjust temperatures or timers from your phone and keep an eye on your meal while relaxing or running errands. It’s handy when you want to enjoy your gathering rather than babysit the food.
Popular Features of the Traeger Woodridge Series
Here are the standout features I noticed in the Woodridge lineup:
- WiFIRE Controller: Remotely control and monitor your grill through the Traeger app. Handy for busy folks. Set timers and tweak temperatures straight from your phone.
- Consistent Temperature: The digital controller keeps heat steady, so you don’t have to fuss with dials or vents to reach your target range. This really helps cut down on hot and cold spots.
- Spacious Cooking Area: Depending on the model, you get between 520 and 800 square inches—a generous space for ribs, burgers, or a few chickens at once.
- Durable Build: Powdercoated steel construction means these grills are built to last and ready for plenty of use. The porcelaincoated grates make cleaning simple while holding heat well.
- Easy Hopper Cleaning: Swapping pellet flavors is quicker and less messy thanks to accessible hopper design. This is great for experimenting with smoke profiles since old flavors won’t linger for your next cook.
- Integrated Meat Probe: Check the temp of your brisket or roast anytime—either through the app or the display on the grill. No need to open the lid and let heat out.
- Large Pellet Hopper: Holds up to 18 pounds of pellets, which means you’ll rarely have to refill during those all-day smoke sessions.
Getting Set Up: My Experience with Assembly and App Setup
The Woodridge grill shows up boxed with some assembly required, and if you go slow and check the instructions, it takes about an hour. I recommend grabbing a friend, since some pieces are on the heavier side. The manual is clear, with simple visuals and steps that are easy to follow. You’ll need just a regular screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
After assembling, WiFIRE setup is about as simple as adding any smart home device. You download the Traeger app, connect to your Wi-Fi, and follow the grill’s display instructions. The app guides you the entire way, from syncing the grill to updating firmware. I was up and running in five minutes and browsing recipes even before my grill hit its target temperature.
How It Cooks: Testing the Woodridge
Using the Woodridge is smooth and hassle-free compared to classic charcoal or wood-burning setups. The lid seals snugly, the built-in thermometer stays spot-on, and heat is spread evenly from side to side. I usually recommend a burn-in to clear out any new part smells before dropping your first real meal on the grates.
For my first cook, I loaded up some wings and a couple racks of ribs. The smoke flavor was apparent right away, and I could relax while the pellet feed did its job keeping the grill steady. It took about 15 minutes to reach 225°F. The app sent notifications when the grill needed topping up or if my meat was at the right temperature. Flipping, saucing, or checking progress didn’t require opening the grill all the time, and saving my favorite settings for next time was a breeze.
One of the main advantages is that you don’t have to stay glued to the grill. The smart notifications are reliable and handy, so you can mingle, prep other dishes, or handle chores without losing track of your barbecue.
Woodridge Series Models and Their Specs
Traeger offers the Woodridge 520, 660, and 800. Main differences are size and capacity, but all the models come with the same core features:
- Woodridge 520: 520 sq. in. cooking area, 18-lb hopper, perfect for those with smaller patios or just cooking for family.
- Woodridge 660: The midsized model with a bit more space that comes in handy for larger parties or regular meal prepping.
- Woodridge 800: The largest, with plenty of grilling room, ample hopper space, and designed for big gatherings, family events, or serious backyard chefs wanting to cook lots at once.
As you’d expect, bigger models cost more, but every version has the same tech and durable construction. Even the Woodridge 520 is spacious enough for most needs, and each model is built to stand up to the seasons with heavy-duty steel.
Supporting Resources: Recipes, Tips, and the Community
Traeger doesn’t just ship you a grill and call it a day. Their robust recipe library lets you check out everything from everyday burgers to special occasion stuffed pork loins. These are available for free on their website and the app. You’ll notice lots of advice about experimenting with different wood varieties—learning the difference between apple and hickory makes barbecue even more interesting.
The Woodridge line opens up access to Traeger’s whole network: community forums, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials. Customer service is prompt (real people answer quickly during business hours), so if you get stuck with setup or have a question while cooking, help is easy to find.
Is the Traeger Woodridge Worth the Investment?
I’ve used a handful of pellet grills, and the Woodridge models are a solid pick. They don’t carry the top-ticket price of some Traegers, but they absolutely deliver what matters most: stable temps, signature smoky flavor, and smart controls that make hosting or batch cooking simple.
Anyone who likes to switch things up—grilling burgers one weekend, then smoking brisket or pork the next—will find the Woodridge flexible enough to handle it all. It doesn’t burn through pellets any faster than other grills in its class, and cleaning is straightforward. A quick cleanout of the fire pot, a wipe of the grates, and an empty of the grease tray after a few cooks is about all it takes to keep it running smoothly.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love the Woodridge Series?
If you enjoy trying new recipes, hanging out with friends, or want a hands-off BBQ experience with consistent results, the Woodridge is a strong contender. It’s a great fit for beginners and seasoned BBQ enthusiasts who want simple controls, reliable performance, and minimal fuss.
There are pricier and simpler pellet grills on the market, but the combination of useful features, smart controls, and an engaged community makes Woodridge one of my top picks. Considering its price, it’s tough to beat the authentic wood-fired flavor with the ease of WiFIRE technology.
The Traeger Woodridge lineup is an option I confidently recommend for anyone ready to take their grilling game up a notch—without spending ages learning intricate cooking techniques. Just load pellets, pick your settings on the app, and enjoy food that tastes like you worked all day, even if the grill handled the heavy lifting.