There is something uniquely satisfying about the tactile click of a Traeger dial and the low hum of the auger as it starts its work. I have spent countless weekends with my sleeves rolled up, tending to both the Traeger Pro 22 and the Traeger Pro 34, and I’ve learned that these “Gen 1” legends are the blue-collar workhorses of the pellet grill world. While the newer models focus on touchscreens and cloud connectivity, the Pro 22 and 34 focus on the basics: heavy steel, consistent smoke, and enough reliability to survive a decade of backyard service.
If you are torn between these two bronze beauties, the choice really boils down to one question: How much “real estate” do you need for your weekend projects? I’ve pushed both units to their capacity limits—from family-only burger nights to full-blown neighborhood rib fests—and the differences in how they handle those loads are more significant than just a few extra inches of steel.
The Key Difference: Cooking Volume vs. Fuel Efficiency (
Traeger Pro 22 vs. Pro 34)
The most immediate key difference between the Traeger Pro 22 and Pro 34 is the massive jump in cooking capacity. The Traeger Pro 34 offers a staggering 884 square inches of space, which is roughly 54% more room than the 572 square inches on the Traeger Pro 22. In practical terms, this means the Pro 34 can comfortably hold seven racks of ribs simultaneously, while the Pro 22 maxes out at five.
However, there is a hidden trade-off. In my testing during the cooler months, I found that the Pro 22 is noticeably more fuel-efficient and reaches its target temperature faster. Because it has less internal volume to heat, it doesn’t have to work the auger quite as hard to maintain a steady 225°F. If you are usually only cooking for a family of four, the Pro 22 is the “nimble” choice; if you are the designated host for Thanksgiving or the Super Bowl, the Pro 34 is the “heavy lifter.”
- 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...
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet grill offers...
Comparison Table: Traeger Pro 22 vs. Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill
| Feature | Traeger Pro 22 | Traeger Pro 34 |
| Total Cooking Area | 572 Sq. In. | 884 Sq. In. |
| Main Grill Width | 22 Inches | 34 Inches |
| Weight | 125.4 Pounds | 136 Pounds |
| Burger Capacity | 24 Burgers | 40 Burgers |
| Rib Rack Capacity | 5 Racks | 7 Racks |
| Whole Chicken Capacity | 4 Chickens | 8 Chickens |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 450°F |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Firsthand Experience
Design and Portability
The “Sawhorse” chassis is arguably one of Traeger’s best design choices for this series. When I was moving the Pro 22 across my uneven stone patio, it felt incredibly stable. The large, all-terrain wheels actually work; they don’t get stuck in the grass or pebbles.
The Pro 34 is essentially the same design, just “stretched.” At 53 inches wide, it takes up a significant amount of space on a deck. While it’s only about 11 pounds heavier than the Pro 22, that extra width makes it feel much more stationary. I found the Pro 22 easy to tuck into a corner of the garage when not in use, whereas the Pro 34 requires its own permanent “parking spot.” Both feature the side-lift bar, which is a lifesaver when you need to reposition the grill on your own.
- 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...
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet grill offers...
Ease of Use and The Digital Pro Controller
Neither of these grills features WiFIRE (Traeger’s Wi-Fi tech), which I actually find refreshing. There is no app to update and no connection to lose. You plug it in, flip the switch, and turn the dial.
I’ve spent hours watching the Digital Pro Controller on both units. Traeger uses “Advanced Grilling Logic” here, and in my experience, it does a solid job of keeping the temp within a 15-degree window. One thing I noticed: the Pro 34 has more “swing” in temperature if you open the lid frequently. Because the chamber is so large, you lose a massive amount of heat every time you peek. The Pro 22 recovers its set temperature about 20% faster than its big brother.
Functions: The “6-in-1” Reality
Traeger markets these as 6-in-1 machines (Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Braise, BBQ). I’ve used them for everything from slow-smoked brisket to wood-fired chocolate chip cookies.
- Smoking: This is where both grills shine. At the “Smoke” setting, the blue-grey wisps are consistent and flavorful.
- Baking: The Pro 34 is actually a better “oven” because the larger space allows for better airflow around multiple baking sheets.
- Searing: This is the only area where both struggle. With a max temp of 450°F, you aren’t going to get a “steakhouse crust” easily. I usually finish my steaks on a cast-iron pan inside to get that perfect char.
- 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...
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet grill offers...
Cleaning and Maintenance
The 18lb hopper on both units includes a clean-out door. I love this feature. If I’m smoking salmon with Alder wood on Saturday but want to do Apple-smoked pork on Sunday, I can swap the pellets in about 60 seconds without digging them out by hand.
Cleaning the internal “belly” of the grill is straightforward. You remove the porcelain grates and the drip tray (which I always wrap in heavy-duty foil for easy cleanup), and vacuum out the ash. Because the Pro 34 has such a wide drip tray, it can be a bit awkward to tilt and remove without spilling ash everywhere. The Pro 22 is much more manageable in this department.
Traeger Pro 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill
- 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:
- Efficiency: Heats up faster and uses fewer pellets for smaller cooks.
- Compact: Perfect for smaller patios or townhouse balconies.
- Stability: The sawhorse chassis on a smaller frame feels incredibly sturdy.
- Price: Offers the same professional build quality for a lower entry cost.
Cons:
- Limited Space: You’ll struggle to fit a massive turkey and several side dishes at once.
- Narrower: Some extra-long racks of ribs might feel a bit cramped on the main rack.
Traeger Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet grill offers...
Pros:
- Massive Capacity: You can meal prep for an entire week or feed 15+ people with ease.
- Double Racks: The secondary rack is much more usable and spacious on this model.
- Versatility: You can have distinct “hot spots” and “cool spots” more effectively due to the wider barrel.
Cons:
- Heavier Fuel Use: It takes a lot of pellets to keep that giant chamber at 400°F+.
- Footprint: It’s a wide machine that requires a lot of clearance on your patio.
- Slower Recovery: Opening the lid results in longer wait times to return to the set temperature.
The Final Verdict: My Recommendation
After living with both, my recommendation depends entirely on your “social calendar.”
I recommend the Traeger Pro 34 if you have a family of five or more, or if you are the person who hosts the Fourth of July every year. You cannot “buy” more space later, and the frustration of trying to cram three briskets onto a Pro 22 is real. The Pro 34 is the ultimate party machine for the traditionalist who wants wood-fired flavor at scale.
I recommend the Traeger Pro 22 if you are a “weekend warrior” cooking for 2–4 people. It is more efficient, easier to clean, and arguably more consistent because the fire pot doesn’t have to fight to heat such a massive cavern of air. For most people, the 572 square inches of the Pro 22 is more than enough.
Personally, I lean toward the Pro 22 for my own deck. I value the faster heat-up times and the lower pellet consumption for my quick Tuesday night chicken dinners.
- 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...
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet grill offers...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I add Wi-Fi to these grills later?
A: Not officially through Traeger. These “Generation 1” Pro grills use an AC motor system that isn’t compatible with the newer D2 WiFIRE controllers. However, many users just use a separate Bluetooth meat thermometer to get phone alerts.
Q: How long does an 18lb hopper of pellets last?
A: At “Smoke” (low temp), you can get 15–20 hours of cook time. At 450°F, you might burn through the whole hopper in 6–8 hours depending on the outside temperature.
Q: Do these grills come with a cover?
A: Typically, no. Traeger sells them separately. I highly recommend getting one immediately; while the steel is tough, moisture can cause the pellets in the auger to swell and jam the machine.
Q: Can I use other brands of pellets?
A: Yes. While Traeger recommends their own brand, any high-quality 100% hardwood food-grade pellet will work. Just ensure they are kept dry.
