Traeger Woodridge Elite vs Pro: Is the High-Heat Upgrade Worth the Premium?

Setting up a new pellet grill is usually a labor of love, but staring at the massive boxes of the Traeger Woodridge Elite and the Traeger Woodridge Pro in my driveway felt like a major weekend project. I’ve spent the last month running both of these units through a gauntlet of backyard tests—from overnight briskets in freezing temperatures to high-heat searing for weeknight steaks. Traeger has positioned the Woodridge series as their “smart” lineup that brings high-end features to a more accessible price point, but there is a significant divide between these two models once you fire them up.

While both grills offer the same massive 970 square inches of cooking real estate, they are built for two different types of backyard chefs. One is a refined, all-weather smoker that doubles as a full outdoor kitchen station, while the other is a streamlined, efficient power-lifter focused on low-and-slow perfection. After burning through nearly 100 pounds of hickory and cherry pellets, I’ve found that the “best” choice really comes down to your local climate and how much you value a perfect sear.

The Key Difference: Traeger Woodridge Elite vs Pro Searing and Insulation

The most significant key difference between the Traeger Woodridge Elite and Woodridge Pro is the high-heat capability and thermal construction. The Woodridge Elite is equipped with a dedicated 1,100-watt infrared Side Sear Station and a fully insulated grill body (including an insulated lid), allowing it to finish steaks at scorching temperatures and maintain steady heat in extreme winter conditions.

In contrast, the Woodridge Pro lacks the side burner, offering a standard folding side shelf instead, and features single-wall construction which is better suited for mild climates and traditional low-and-slow smoking.

Comparison Table: Woodridge Elite vs. Woodridge Pro

Feature	Traeger Woodridge Elite	Traeger Woodridge Pro
Cooking Capacity	970 Sq. In.	970 Sq. In.
Weight	220.5 Pounds	174 Pounds
Heat Station	Infrared Side Sear Station	Folding Side Shelf
Insulation	Full Body Insulation	Standard Single-Wall
Storage	Enclosed Storage Cabinet	Bottom Storage Shelf
Super Smoke Mode	Yes	Yes
Smart Tech	WiFIRE & Digital Pellet Sensor	WiFIRE & Digital Pellet Sensor
Clean Up	EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg	EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Design and Build: Tank vs. Workhorse

The first thing I noticed when moving these grills into position was the sheer weight difference. At over 220 pounds, the Woodridge Elite is a beast. It feels incredibly solid, largely due to the extra steel used for the insulated body and the enclosed cabinet base. The cabinet is a lifesaver for me; I finally have a place to stash my half-used pellet bags and grill tools without them getting damp from the morning dew.

The Woodridge Pro is much easier to maneuver at 174 pounds. It has a more “open” design with a simple bottom shelf. While it doesn’t look quite as “built-in” as the Elite, it feels rugged and functional. Both grills share the same 67-inch width, but the Elite definitely has more “presence” on the patio.

Performance: The Searing Showdown

If you’ve used a pellet grill before, you know the struggle: they are amazing smokers but often mediocre at searing. This is where the Elite completely changed my workflow. I smoked a thick ribeye at 225°F using the “Super Smoke” mode until it hit an internal temp of 115°F. Then, instead of cranking the main grill to 500°F (which wastes pellets and time), I just fired up the side sear station. In about two minutes, I had a steakhouse-quality crust that a standard pellet grill just can’t touch.

With the Woodridge Pro, I had to rely on the main grates for searing. While it can reach 500°F, it takes longer to get there, and you don’t get that concentrated infrared heat. If you’re a purist who only cares about brisket and ribs, the Pro is perfect. But if you want to cook a full meal—including sautéed veggies or a seared tuna—the Elite is a far more versatile tool.

Temperature Control: Winter Grilling

I happen to live in an area where the temperature swings 40 degrees in a single day. During an overnight brisket cook, I watched the WiFIRE app closely. The Woodridge Elite, with its insulated lid and body, held a rock-steady temperature even when the wind picked up. It felt “efficient,” like it wasn’t working nearly as hard to stay hot.

The Woodridge Pro performed admirably, but I noticed it burned through pellets a bit faster to maintain the same heat during a cold snap. It’s a great machine, but if you live in the Midwest or Canada, that insulation on the Elite isn’t just a luxury—it’s a pellet-saving necessity.

Ease of Use: The App Experience

Both grills are powered by Traeger’s WiFIRE technology, which I’ve found to be the gold standard for outdoor cooking. The “Set-It & Forget-It” ease is identical on both. I loved being able to check my pellet levels from the grocery store using the digital sensor. The EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg on both models is also a massive improvement over older Traeger designs—one bucket to empty instead of scraping out a greasy firebox.

Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Wood Pellet Grill

Pros:

• Versatility: The side sear burner makes this a true all-in-one cooking station.
• Fuel Efficiency: Better insulation means fewer pellets used in cold weather.
• Premium Storage: Enclosed cabinet keeps your gear clean and organized.
• Sturdy Build: Feels like a “forever” grill with its heavy-duty construction.

Cons:

• Price: It is a significant jump in cost over the Pro model.
• Weight: It is very difficult to move once assembled; you’ll want a permanent spot for it.

Traeger Woodridge Pro Electric Wood Pellet Grill

Pros:

• Value: You get the same 970 sq. in. capacity and WiFIRE tech for much less money.
• Super Smoke Mode: Includes the premium smoke-flavor tech found in higher-end models.
• Maneuverability: Lighter frame makes it easier to move around a smaller patio.
• Simplicity: No extra burners to clean or maintain.

Cons:

• Temperature Stability: Struggles more than the Elite in cold or windy conditions.
• No High-Heat Finish: Lacks a dedicated searing solution.

The Verdict: My Recommendation

After a month of back-to-back cooks, my recommendation depends entirely on your climate and your menu.

I recommend the Traeger Woodridge Elite if you are a year-round griller who lives in a colder climate. The insulation alone will save you enough in pellet costs over two winters to help bridge the price gap. Additionally, if you hate the “gray” look of a steak that hasn’t been properly seared, the side burner is a mandatory upgrade. It’s the closest you can get to the top-tier Timberline performance without the $3,000+ price tag.

I recommend the Traeger Woodridge Pro if you primarily grill in fair weather or live in a warm state. If you already have a gas grill or a cast-iron skillet for searing your steaks indoors, you don’t really need the Elite’s side burner. The Pro gives you the exact same smoking capacity and “Super Smoke” flavor for a much friendlier price, making it the best “bang for your buck” in the Woodridge lineup.

Personally, I’m keeping the Elite on my deck. The ability to sear a steak without coming inside to my kitchen stove is worth every extra penny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I sear on the main grates of the Woodridge Pro?

A: Yes, the Pro reaches 500°F, which is hot enough for basic grilling. However, it won’t give you the same intense char as the Elite’s infrared side burner.

Q: Do both models come with the meat probe?

A: Yes, both models include a wired meat probe that plugs directly into the controller and syncs with the Traeger app.

Q: Is the 970 square inches all on one level?

A: No, the capacity is split between the primary bottom rack and a secondary warming/smoking rack. This is great for keeping sides warm while the main protein finishes.

Q: How much assembly is required?

A: Both grills take about 60 to 90 minutes to assemble. The Elite takes a bit longer because of the cabinet base and the side burner wiring.