Traeger Woodridge Pro vs Recteq Backyard Beast 1000
Quick take: The Traeger Woodridge Pro costs $99 less; the Recteq Backyard Beast 1000 offers more cooking space (1,014 vs 970 sq in); the Recteq Backyard Beast 1000 reaches a higher max temp (700 vs 500°F).
| Spec | Traeger Woodridge Pro | Recteq Backyard Beast 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,000 | $1,099 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (950) | 4.8★ (650) |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 970 sq in | 1014 sq in |
| Max Temp | 500°F | 700°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 24 lb | 30 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | Yes | Yes |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 67 x 27 x 47 in | 52 x 41 x 39 in |
| Weight | 172 lbs | 180 lbs |
| Warranty | 10 years | 6 years |
Pros & cons
Traeger Woodridge Pro
- ✓It replaces the Pro 575/780 with far more grill per dollar - 970 sq in, a pellet sensor, Super Smoke, and a side shelf for about $1,000
- ✓Traeger extended a 10-year warranty to the Woodridge line, a massive jump from the 3 years on the old Pro and Ironwood models
- ✓The updated controller holds temps noticeably tighter than the old D2 Pro series, and WiFIRE app control is the most mature in the category
- ✓Super Smoke mode - previously reserved for Ironwood and up - delivers genuinely better bark and smoke ring at low temps
- ✓The 24 lb hopper with a digital pellet sensor covers overnight briskets and warns you before running dry
- ✓Dual meat probes come standard, an upgrade over the single probe Traeger used to include at this tier
- ✓The bottom storage shelf and folding side shelf address long-running complaints about bare-bones Traeger carts
- ✓Early r/pelletgrills owner reports and Engadget's review agree it fixes most of what made the Pro series feel dated
- ✗It still tops out at 500°F with no direct-flame access, so searing steaks means a cast-iron pan or GrillGrates
- ✗Single-wall powder-coated steel means winter cooks lean on pellet consumption just like the old Pros
- ✗The platform launched in 2025, so long-term reliability of the new controller and drivetrain is still unproven
- ✗Traeger's WiFi drop-off gremlins persist on the new lineup per early owner threads
- ✗At 67 inches wide it has a bigger footprint than the Pro 780 it replaces - measure your patio first
- ✗Smoke flavor still trails the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro's real-wood Smoke Box despite Super Smoke
- ✗The $1,000 price puts it against the Recteq lineup with stainless builds and a cult service reputation
- ✗Assembly is a long job with lots of panels, and at 172 lbs you'll want a second set of hands
Recteq Backyard Beast 1000
- ✓The 700°F ceiling is the highest of any mainstream pellet grill, so you can actually sear steaks without hauling out a separate cast-iron setup
- ✓Recteq's PID controller is famous for rock-steady temps - owners routinely report holding within 5°F of setpoint for entire overnight brisket cooks
- ✓The 30 lb hopper is huge, easily running 24+ hours at smoking temps without a refill
- ✓Stainless steel firepot, grates, and body components resist rust far better than the powder-coated steel most competitors use at this price
- ✓6-year warranty is double what Traeger offers, and Recteq's US-based phone support has a cult following for actually answering and shipping parts fast
- ✓1,014 sq in across two grates handles nine pork butts or eight racks of ribs - genuine party capacity
- ✓Dual-band WiFi connects more reliably than the 2.4GHz-only radios in most competitors, and the app supports two included meat probes
- ✓At around $1,100 it undercuts the comparable Traeger Ironwood XL by hundreds of dollars while offering better specs
- ✗No Super Smoke-style mode, so smoke flavor at higher temps is milder than offset purists want - many owners add a smoke tube
- ✗At roughly 180 lbs it's heavy and awkward to move, and assembly takes a solid two hours with a second person recommended
- ✗The horn handles and bull branding are polarizing - some find the styling gimmicky next to a Weber or Traeger
- ✗No included side shelf or front shelf at the base price - useful accessories push the real cost toward $1,300
- ✗Recteq sells direct-only, so you can't see one in person at a big-box store before buying
- ✗The controller display is small and hard to read in direct sunlight compared to Traeger's newer touchscreens
- ✗Searing at 700°F consumes pellets rapidly and can leave heavy grease smoke residue that means more frequent cleaning
- ✗No pellet-level sensor or auto-empty hopper chute refinements found on newer competitors