Traeger Pro 22 vs Weber Searwood

The two grills side by side

Some figures below come from the amazon.co.uk listings and some from the makers' published specifications. Check the current model on each maker's UK site, as details change between versions.

Smoking and everyday cooking

Both do what pellet grills do best: hold a low, steady temperature for ribs, pork shoulder or a whole chicken while you get on with your day. You fill the hopper, set the dial and the controller adjusts the pellet feed. Our first-time pellet grill guide walks through start-up and burn-in.

The Traeger Pro 22 is a simple, proven barrel. Its large rack area handles family cooks and a second rack adds space. The controller has no app on this model, so you check the grill in person. That suits many people who prefer fewer electronics to go wrong.

The Searwood adds Weber Connect, which lets you watch temperatures and probe readings on your phone and get alerts. If you smoke overnight or step away from the garden, that convenience is real.

Searing and high heat

This is the clearest difference. Classic barrel pellet grills cook through a baffle, and a top setting of around 232 °C browns food but does not sear like charcoal. Weber designed the Searwood with a hotter top end, quoted at around 315 °C, and grate options that bring food closer to the fire. If steaks and burgers matter as much as brisket, the Searwood is the stronger all-rounder.

If you mainly smoke and roast, the Traeger's lower ceiling matters less, and you can always finish a steak in a hot pan or on a separate grill.

Living with each one

Both need mains power for the auger, fan and igniter, plus dry pellets. Both have grease management that needs regular emptying; see how to clean a pellet grill. The Searwood is the heavier of the two by more than 15 kg, so think about where it will live. In cold British weather, a thermal blanket from the maker can help either grill hold temperature and save pellets.

Parts and support matter over a grill's life. Both brands have UK sites, dealers and replacement parts such as igniters, probes and auger motors.

Note:Plug pellet grills into an outdoor socket with RCD protection and keep the lead dry. Empty grease trays and buckets regularly, as built-up grease is the usual cause of pellet grill fires.

Verdict: which pellet grill suits you?

Choose the Traeger Pro 22 if you want a straightforward, roomy smoker for weekend low and slow cooking and do not need an app. Choose the Weber Searwood if you want app monitoring and a hotter top setting so one grill can smoke, roast and sear.

Our best pellet grills guide ranks both alongside tabletop models from Traeger, Pit Boss and Onlyfire. If you are still deciding on fuel type, read are pellet grills worth it.

See the best pellet grills →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Weber Searwood better than a Traeger? It is better at searing and adds app control. The Traeger Pro 22 is simpler and very capable for smoking.

Does the Traeger Pro 22 have Wi-Fi? The Pro 22 sold here uses a built-in digital controller. Traeger's WiFIRE app is on other models, so check the exact version.

Can either grill be used in the rain? Light rain is usually fine with the lid closed, but keep the controller and pellets dry. See using a BBQ in the rain.

Do both use the same pellets? Both burn standard food-grade wood pellets. Makers recommend their own, but any good quality dry pellet should feed properly.