Walking onto my back deck to prep a Sunday brisket, I found myself standing between two generations of Traeger history. On one side, the Traeger Pro 22, a classic sawhorse-style machine that has probably fed more families than any other pellet grill in history. On the other, the Traeger Pro 575, the modernized successor that brought “Smart” technology to the masses. They look nearly identical from ten feet away—same bronze lid, same rugged stance, and virtually the same 570-ish square inches of cooking space.
However, after spending weeks running side-by-side experiments with these two, I’ve realized that the “Pro” name hides a massive internal shift. While the Pro 22 is an analog beast that relies on a traditional AC motor, the Pro 575 is built around Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive system. It’s the difference between a reliable old pickup truck and a modern electric SUV; they both get the job done, but the way they reach the destination feels entirely different. If you are trying to decide if the extra investment for the 575 is worth it, it really comes down to how much you value your time and your phone’s connectivity.
The Key Difference: D2 Direct Drive and WiFIRE Technology (Traeger Pro 22 vs 575)
The most defining key difference between the Traeger Pro 22 and Pro 575 is the internal drivetrain and connectivity suite. The Traeger Pro 575 utilizes the modern D2 Direct Drive system, featuring a brushless motor and a variable-speed auger that allows the grill to reach temperatures faster (up to 500°F) and maintain tighter heat consistency.
More importantly, the Pro 575 is WiFIRE-enabled, allowing you to monitor and control the grill entirely through a smartphone app. The Traeger Pro 22 uses an older AC motor with a fixed-speed auger, lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, and has a lower maximum temperature ceiling of 450°F.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill,...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your...
Comparison Table: Traeger Pro 22 vs. Pro 575 Electric Pellet Grill
| Feature | Traeger Pro 22 | Traeger Pro 575 |
| Cooking Capacity | 572 Sq. In. | 575 Sq. In. |
| Drive System | Standard AC Motor | D2 Direct Drive (Brushless) |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 500°F |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No | Yes (WiFIRE Technology) |
| Controller | Digital Pro Controller | D2 Controller w/ App Support |
| Weight | 125.4 Pounds | 149 Pounds |
| App Control | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27″D x 41″W x 49″H | 27″D x 41″W x 53″H |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Portability: The Sawhorse Evolution
In terms of aesthetics, Traeger didn’t fix what wasn’t broken. Both grills use the “Sawhorse” chassis, which I’ve always appreciated for its stability. When I was wheeling the Pro 22 across my lawn, it felt light and nimble. At 125 pounds, it’s one of the easier full-sized pellet grills to move around.
The Pro 575 feels noticeably beefier. It weighs about 25 pounds more, and you can feel that extra “heft” in the legs and the barrel. It sits slightly higher, which I found much more comfortable for my back when I was flipping burgers. One small thing I noticed: the wheels on the 575 felt a bit more rugged, making it easier to navigate over the threshold of my sliding glass door. Both have the side lift bar, which is essential for positioning.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill,...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro...
Ease of Use: Connectivity vs. Simplicity
This is where my experience diverged wildly. With the Pro 22, I had to be an “active” griller. I found myself walking to the window every 30 minutes to peek at the LED display to make sure the temp hadn’t drifted. If I wanted to check the internal meat temp, I had to physically go outside and look at the controller.
The Pro 575 completely changed my Sunday routine. Once I synced it to my home Wi-Fi via the Traeger app, I could sit on the couch and monitor the smoke from my phone. I even went to the hardware store while a pork butt was in its sixth hour; I received an alert when the pellets were getting low and could turn the temperature down remotely. If you’re a multi-tasker, the 575 isn’t just a grill—it’s a peace-of-mind machine.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill,...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your...
Performance: The D2 Difference
I decided to do a “startup race” between the two. The Pro 575 reached 350°F nearly five minutes faster than the Pro 22. This is thanks to that D2 brushless motor, which can spin the auger much faster when the grill is cold to get the fire roaring.
I also noticed a difference in temperature “swings.” On a windy afternoon, the Pro 22 would occasionally dip or spike by 20 degrees as the AC motor struggled to keep up with the cooling effect of the breeze. The Pro 575 was much more surgical. Its variable-speed fan adjusted instantly, keeping the temperature within a 5-degree window of my target. Plus, that extra 50 degrees of headroom (500°F max) on the 575 made a world of difference when I wanted to get a decent sear on some chicken thighs.
Cleaning and Maintenance: A Tie in the Trenches
Both of these grills are relatively easy to maintain. They use the same porcelain-coated grates which I found easy to scrub clean with a standard brush while they were still warm. The Pro 22 features a hopper clean-out door, which is a feature I love for swapping wood flavors. The 575 also makes it easy to maintain, but because of the D2 motor’s design, it’s slightly quieter during operation. The Pro 22 has that classic, rhythmic “clunk-clunk” of the AC motor, while the 575 is more of a smooth, high-tech whir.
Traeger Pro 22 Electric Pellet Smoker Grill Combo
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill,...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro...
Pros:
- Proven Reliability: No software to glitch or Wi-Fi to drop; it just works.
- Price: Significantly more affordable for those who don’t need “smart” features.
- Portability: Lighter weight makes it easier to store in a shed or garage.
- Classic Feel: Great for purists who want to keep their phone out of the backyard.
Cons:
- Limited Temp: Maxes out at 450°F, which is “just okay” for grilling.
- Manual Monitoring: Requires you to stay near the grill to check temperatures.
- Slower Startup: Takes longer to reach cooking temperature in cold weather.
Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with Wifi
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your...
Pros:
- WiFIRE Tech: Total control from your phone makes long smokes effortless.
- D2 Drivetrain: Faster startups and more precise temperature management.
- High Heat: Reaches 500°F, providing a better sear for steaks and burgers.
- Brushless Motor: Designed for a longer lifespan and quieter operation.
Cons:
- Price: You pay a premium for the technology and the motor.
- Tech Dependent: If your home Wi-Fi is spotty, you lose the best features of the grill.
- Weight: At nearly 150 lbs, it’s a bit of a chore to move on your own.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
After a dozen cooks on each, the winner for me comes down to how you value your weekends.
I recommend the Traeger Pro 575 if you are a “set-it-and-forget-it” cook. If you want to put a brisket on at 10 PM and sleep soundly knowing your phone will wake you up if the fire goes out or the meat hits its target temp, the 575 is worth every penny. It’s a modern tool for a modern cook, and the D2 motor performance is a genuine leap forward in quality.
I recommend the Traeger Pro 22 if you are on a budget or simply want a “disconnect” from technology. It produces the exact same wood-fired flavor as the 575—your tongue won’t know the difference. If you don’t mind walking outside to check the temp and you prioritize a simple, mechanical experience over app connectivity, the Pro 22 is an incredible value.
Personally, I’m an app guy. The Traeger Pro 575 stays on my patio because I’ve grown addicted to checking my meat temperature while I’m watching the game.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill,...
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro...
- WiFIRE Technology for Remote Control: Monitor and control your electric smoker and grill from anywhere using...
- Included Meat Probe and All-Terrain Mobility: Monitor internal food temps without lifting the lid of your...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use the Pro 575 without Wi-Fi?
A: Absolutely. You can control the temperature and timer directly from the dial on the grill just like the Pro 22. You only need Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and the app features.
Q: Does the Pro 575 produce more smoke flavor?
A: Both use the same pellet-burning process, so the flavor is identical. However, the Pro 575 is better at maintaining the low temps required for “low and slow” smoking, which can lead to a more consistent smoke ring.
Q: How often should I vacuum the firepot?
A: For both models, I recommend vacuuming out the ash every 2–3 bags of pellets. This keeps the ignition rod clear and ensures your temperatures stay stable.
Q: Are the meat probes interchangeable?
A: Yes, both grills use a standard 3.5mm jack for the meat probes. However, the Pro 575 allows you to see the probe temperature on your phone, while the Pro 22 only shows it on the grill’s LED screen.
