Gather around, backyard chefs and BBQ enthusiasts! Let’s take a trip through Traeger Grills’ history, a fascinating story that combines humble beginnings, hard work, a dash of creativity, the wonders of wood fire cooking, and a growing community.
Traeger: Humble Beginnings in Oregon
Our story takes place in the rustic landscapes of Oregon in the early 1980s. The wood pellet stoves used to heat houses during the oil crisis inspired Joe Traeger, a visionary with a love of tinkering.
As a result, the first Traeger wood pellet grill was created in 1985, creating a new entry into the BBQ grill industry with the deep flavors of wood smoking. These grills were blazing in backyards by 1988, igniting a revolution in barbecue.
A Monopoly of Taste: The 20-Year Patent:
Traeger held a two-decade monopoly in the pellet grill business, holding a patent from 1986 until 2006. Thanks to its exclusivity, the brand could improve its designs and build a devoted fanbase without the pressure of competition. During this time, Traeger grills gained a beloved place in the hearts (and in the backyars) of barbecue lovers throughout the country due to their reputation for reliable, tasty, and flavorful results.
Passing the Baton: Ownership Shifts
Joe Traeger sold the business in 2006 after the patent expired, bringing in a new age of growth and innovation. After transforming from a family-run company to a major force in the outdoor cooking sector, the brand attracted private equity involvement and broadened its product line to appeal to a wider market.
Current owners and investors include Trilantic Capital Partners. In 2019, Traeger reportedly settled a lawsuit against the company founder, Joe Traeger, as well as his sons Brian and Mark Traeger, for allegedly learning upon the Traeger name in relation to a rival BBQ company.
A Community Brought Together by Taste: The Traeger Tribe
Beyond the grills, Traeger’s allure lies in the community, or “Traegerhood.” This diverse group includes professional pitmasters competing on a national level as well as weekend warriors working on their rib technique. The Traegerhood fosters a culture where everyone is welcome at the table by sharing recipes, advice, and friendships among members who are all passionate about wood-fired flavor.
The Grill’s Evolution: From Traditional to Innovative
Early Models:
With a three-position controller that included settings for low, medium, and high heat, the early Traeger grills were simple marvels. Owing to these simple controls, wood-fired cooking became accessible, freeing people from the hassles of complexity so they could enjoy grilling.
Current Lineup:
Fast forward to today, Traeger’s range has grown to include models like the Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and Woodridge with features including:
WiFIRE: With the help of the Traeger App, grillers can now remotely access recipes, set timers, and regulate temperature thanks to WiFIRE Technology. Imagine how convenient it would be to be able to change the settings on your barbecue while doing errands or relaxing on your couch.
D2 Direct Drive: A brushless motor and drivetrain technology that improves performance and longevity by guaranteeing precise cooking and quicker heat-up times.
MEATER Wireless Meat Thermometer Integration: This ensures consistently cooked meats by guiding users through the cooking process and providing real-time cook time estimations.
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The Traeger App: Your Co-Pilot for Grilling
The Traeger App has a wealth of resources that goes beyond a simple remote control:
Recipe Library: The Recipe Library contains hundreds of chef-tested dishes, ranging from traditional brisket to daring grilled sweets.
Cook Monitoring: Monitor the temperature of your grill and get alerts so you can interact with guests without constantly babysitting your grill or having to open it up, which can impact cooking temperatures.
Custom Grilling Cycles: Set up specific cooking cycles for complex recipes to guarantee reliable results.
The Heart of Flavors: Wood Pellets
Hardwood pellets are the core component of Traeger’s cooking technology. These pellets come from natural hardwood and provide smoke with hints of flavors like apple and hickory. You can use any wood pellet with Traeger smokers, although — of course — the company recommends you use their branded options.
Fan Favorites: Traeger-Defining Recipes
The Traeger community is passionate about exchanging recipes highlighting the barbecues’ versatility. A few favorites are as follows:
Smoked Brisket: This recipe is a labor of love that produces juicy, tender slices with the ideal smoke ring.
Wood-Fired Pizza: Get a crispy crust and melted toppings, just like your favorite pizza place.
Cedar Plank Salmon: This meal is infused with delicate wood flavors, a testament to Traeger’s ability to smoke food gently.
Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies: Yes, baking on a Traeger is possible! There is a delicious sense of smokiness in these baked cookies.
Traeger’s Future: Paving New Paths
Traeger’s ongoing innovation goal is to improve user experience and expand the possibilities of wood-fired cooking. Future advancements suggest even better integration with smart home systems, enabling smooth monitoring and management.
The latest models in the family are the Traeger Woodridge series. On January 16, the popular barbeque and grill manufacturer said the three new models, the Woodridge, the Woodridge Pro, and Woodridge Elite, “celebrates innovation while redefining the capabilities of its grills.”
Whether you are a pitmaster or a new player in the grill game, it’s worth exploring the potential of pellet grills, and Traeger is a name you should know. The company has a long history of innovation and a future we expect to see further enhanced by technology, new designs, and new ways to adapt recipes to include wood-fired smoking.
