One of the best parts of cooking on a Traeger Grill is its Set-It & Forget-It functionality, making it incredibly easy to achieve wood-fired meals right in your backyard. Cooking low and slow BBQ used to mean tending to a fire at all hours of the day—and night—to keep it at just the right temperature. Traeger's innovation is a game-changer for outdoor cooking, allowing everyone from first-time pellet grill owners to seasoned barbecue pros to craft amazing meals with the push of a button. From BBQ classics like brisket and pulled pork to grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, and more, you get that same incredible wood-fired flavor that once required the work of an offset smoker.
With the Set-It & Forget-It® function, achieving perfect results with minimal effort has never been easier. The convenience, efficiency, and flavor made possible with Traeger's wood pellet grills make them a must-have for any grilling enthusiast looking to elevate their culinary skills.
What Is Traeger's Set-It & Forget-It?®
The Set-It and Forget-It® feature is one of Traeger's hallmark innovations, which has reshaped the world of outdoor grilling. It embodies the philosophy that grilling can be both an art and a science, seamlessly merging the two to produce delicious wood-fired results with ease. Put simply, this function allows grillers to set their desired temperature, add the food, and let the grill do the work—all without the need for constant supervision.
Unlike traditional grilling methods that require relentless attention to charcoal or gas adjustments, Traeger’s Set-It & Forget-It® technology offers a hands-off cooking experience. It uses a combination of advanced engineering and smart technology to maintain the ideal cooking environment. This means perfect grilling results with minimal fuss, allowing you to enjoy the process and focus on what truly matters—creating memorable meals and experiences.
The Technology Behind Set-It & Forget-It®
At the heart of this game-changing feature is a sophisticated system designed to ensure consistency and quality in every cook. Here are a few of the key components that work together to give you a seamless experience:
- Digital Controller: Traeger grills come equipped with advanced digital controllers that allow you to set and maintain your desired cooking temperature. These controllers automatically adjust the pellet feed based on the temperature, ensuring precise cooking conditions.
- WiFIRE® Technology: Traeger’s smart technology, known as WiFIRE, enables you to control and monitor your grill from your smartphone. Whether you're inside preparing side dishes or outside entertaining guests, you can make adjustments to your grill settings conveniently and effortlessly, all from the palm of your hand.
- Auger System: The auger is responsible for delivering wood pellets to the firebox at a controlled rate. It ensures the grill maintains the desired heat efficiently, delivering the right amount of fuel based on the cooking conditions. For example, higher heat means more pellets getting sent to the fire pot, and lower heat slows down the auger to prioritize crafting delicious smoke flavor without cooking your food too fast.
- Convection Heating: Traeger grills utilize a convection heating system that circulates hot air throughout the cooking chamber. This ensures even cooking and eliminates hot or cold spots, making it easier to achieve perfectly cooked meals.
- RTD Temperature Sensor: The RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) sensor continuously monitors the grill’s internal temperature. This data is fed back to the digital controller, allowing for rapid adjustments to maintain consistent cooking conditions.
The combination of these advanced technologies allows Traeger grills to deliver a truly revolutionary cooking experience. You’ll spend less time worrying about temperature control and more time enjoying all the delicious fruits of your labor.
Grills That Feature WiFIRE
Traeger has many grill models that feature this innovative technology, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different grilling needs. Some popular models include:
- Traeger Woodridge: Transform every cook into a wood-fired feast with the Traeger Woodridge grill. Set-It & Forget-It® ease and precision temperature control make it all effortless, from quick and easy weeknight dinners to low n’ slow Saturdays.
- Traeger Woodridge Pro: Smoke brisket or pulled pork low and slow using Super Smoke™ Mode, or turn up the heat for hot and fast grilling. The added side shelf also gives you extra space for prepping and plating.
- Traeger Timberline XL: Our top-of-the-line grill series provides plenty of cooking space and versatile options for all types of outdoor cooking. You’ll enjoy all the amazing innovations that Traeger has to offer.
- Traeger Timberline: A powerful choice for serious grillers seeking both performance and style.
- Traeger Ironwood XL: Experience the ultimate outdoor cooking setup with WiFi connectivity, a full-color touchscreen, Super Smoke Mode®, easy-to-clean features, and plenty of room to cook for a crowd.
- Traeger Ironwood: Experience the ultimate outdoor cooking setup with WiFi connectivity, a full-color touchscreen, Super Smoke Mode®, easy-to-clean features, and endless customization options.
- Traeger Ironwood 885: Loaded with upgraded features, it’s built to deliver superior flavor every time.
Benefits of Set-It & Forget-It
The Set-It & Forget-It® feature delivers tons of benefits that enhance the grilling experience:
- Hands-Free Cooking: Say goodbye to constant checking. With Traeger's technology, you can relax while your food cooks, giving you more time to socialize and enjoy the outdoors.
- Consistent Temperature: By minimizing interactions with your grill, you prevent temperature swings and flare-ups. Frequent lid opening can lead to heat loss, but Traeger's design helps maintain a stable cooking environment.
- Quicker Preheats: Traeger's system promotes faster preheat times, so you can get to grilling in no time.
- Efficient Pellet Usage: The well-regulated pellet consumption means you’ll use less fuel while still achieving remarkable results.
- Freedom to Multitask: Whether you're preparing sides or entertaining guests, you can step away without worrying about overcooking.
- Better Results: The even cooking provided by Traeger’s design yields mouth-watering outcomes, especially when preparing larger cuts of meat like ribs or brisket.
Our Best Tips & Tricks
To make the most of your Traeger grill and its Set-It & Forget-It® feature, consider the following essential tips:
- Choose Quality Wood Pellets: For the best flavor and performance, use only Traeger wood pellets. Check out our guide on the best pellets for smoking to find the perfect pairing for your meals.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For absolute accuracy, utilizing a MEATER or a wireless meat thermometer is key. Knowing when your food is perfectly cooked ensures delicious results every time. If you’re unsure how to use a meat thermometer, check out our article.
- Don't Fiddle with your Grill: Your Traeger is designed to give you perfect results. Trust your grill to do its job and avoid habits like fiddling with the set temperature, opening your grill’s lid, and interrupting the preheat cycle. Just treat your Traeger like an oven and look forward to more delicious meals.
- Give your Grill Regular Maintenance: Keep your grilling machine pristine with our easy-to-use cleaning guide. Ready for a deep clean? We show you how in our deep cleaning guide.
- Don't Put Food on the Grill Too Early: Putting your food on your grill before it’s fully preheated can affect the cook time and quality of your food. Enjoy a more consistent temperature experience throughout the cook by not getting that food on the grill too early.
Traeger's innovative Set-It & Forget-It® technology revolutionizes wood pellet grilling by simplifying the cooking process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced grillers. This feature ensures consistent temperature control with minimal intervention, allowing for hands-free cooking and better results. Enjoy a seamless grilling experience filled with delicious, perfectly cooked meals every time with Traeger.