Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Traeger
Model Name	Tailgater 20
Power Source	Electric and Woodburning
Color	Black
Item Weight	62 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	37 x 18 x 36 inches
Fuel Type	Electric

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NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. The Ironwood 885 takes it to the next level with precise temperature control
Precision temperature control: The Digital Pro Controller rocks Advanced Grilling Logic, which maintains a plus/minus 15 degree F temperature control to guarantee precision grilling
Take your grill and your wood-fired BBQ wherever you go. Whether it’s your truck tailgate, the parking lot, out in the field or anywhere your travels take you, you’ll never have to leave your smoke behind.
EZ fold legs, a grill capacity of 300 sq in., and a digital controller make grilling anywhere easier than ever.

From the manufacturer


Get reliable results thanks to consistent temperatures every single time. Traeger makes mastering your BBQ easy and repeatable.	Traeger's aren't just for grilling, you can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food too, from ribs to apple pie.	Traeger Grills are fueled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that infuse amazing wood-fired flavor into everything you cook.	From game days to getaways, bring wood-fired flavor everywhere with the new Tailgater 20. Featuring a compact, portable design, it’s prime for balconies, tailgating or anywhere else you want to take 6-in-1 versatility and superior taste.

product description

From pre-game parties to weekends at the cabin, savor wood-fired flavor anywhere with the new Tailgater 20. Thanks to its portable size and stashable EZ-Fold legs, the new Tailgater 20 lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise or BBQ just about anywhere. Plus, it now boasts Traeger’s Digital Arc controller for precise, consistent temperatures and a Keep Warm Mode that ensures your food is ready whenever you are.

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Questions about Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black

I live in an apartment and can't have any flame. If there is a small flame to light the pellets how long does it last?

Answer: There is an electric igniter which lights the pellets. The flame is constant during use. It is very small and contained in a small steel pot inside the grill. There is no visible or open flame.

Answer:

Answer: Hi there, all of our grills have an enclosed flame, we would defer to your HOA or local authorities for official regulations.

Do you ship to the uk (amazon says you do) ? also will it work on uk voltage (220v) ?

Does this ship usps or ups to alaska?

The specs say this is only 36" tall. Can that be correct? Seems very low to ground.

Answer: Height is 36inches.

Answer: It not bad but a couple inches higher would be good. I still love mine.

Can this be returned?

Is this model wifire capable?

Answer: No, this model is not WiFire capable.

Answer: No.

Answer: I don't think so...

Will the Traeger power inverter work with this model?

Answer: Yes it will

What is the temperature swing in the Smoke mode?

Answer: Mine varies about 15 degrees total from set temp.

What’s the dimensions of the inside cooking surface?

Answer: The grill grate dimensions on the Tailgater 20 grill are 20 X 15".

Answer: Series 20 grills are 300 sq inches

Answer: 15”X 19”

Can you cold smoke?

Answer: This does not have the smoke option like it’s bigger brothers. But it does have the option to keep food warm.

Can I get a rotisserie for this grill and if so what number

How tall is the grilling surface from the ground. Can this be used as a gtill?

Do you range the traeger pro models and if so do you also deliver to New Zealand?

Answer: I have done a 12 lbs Turkey in ours. Tight but worked great!

What is the dimensions when the legs are folded up for storage or transportation?

Answer: Height is right around 20 inches.

Im searching for a thermal blanket for traeger lil tex. part# bac 346. please help

What is the electrical requirement?

Answer: 115 volts and about 200 watts

Under "power source" it states "electric & woodburning". Does this mean that it can also operate without electricity or no?

Answer: Our grills run on electricity, but you can also use an inverter to power your grill.

Answer: No, it needs power to run the augur. They do have an inverter though that you can hook to a car battery or plug into a cigarette lighter.

Answer: Must have electricity

Answer: No because you need power to feed the pellets to the fire box to generate the smoke and the heat.

Answer: we have only used Electricity. if it does have a wood burning option we have not seen where it would be.

how many pellets does it hold what is length of time it would cook with a full load say at 250 degrees ?

Answer: I cooked a 12 lbs brisket with this and only had to fill it about 3/4 of the way In the 12 hour period. It holds heat really well and does not uses as many pellets as my bigger Traeger.

A reviewer said he plugged the two vents in the back with foil because the grill is losing too much heat. What is you experience?

Answer: I did the same thing then I sold it. I used it 2-3 times. I bought the Masterbuilt 800 gravity feed charcoal smoker, grill, flattop all in one.

Answer: I’ve never had trouble keeping heat in this grill. I’ve had it for over a year

Answer: Didn't have a problem with temperature level.

Answer: I use digital probes on everything and I must say never experienced any temp lost. Not to the level of affecting ones cooking

Answer: I use mine more as a smoker. So, I run it at lower temp and longer cooking times.

What is the LxWxH of the tailgater fully folded up?

Answer: 33x16x21

Is there enough height under the lid to do for example a beer can chicken? Or a full turkey?

Answer: Yes you can fit a full turkey and cook beer can chicken in Traeger Tailgater.

Answer: A beer can chicken should fir or a small turkey on this size. I have two and I use the big one for turkeys. This size is good to about 12 pounds.

Answer: It will fit two can chickens

Answer: Yes to both.

How many sq. Inches of grill surface

Answer: It depends on which traeger you chose. I have the tailgater which is meant for tailgating. It’s light and has 300 sq inches. But it is one of the smaller versions.

Will the Traeger power inverter world with this model?

Is there room for a whole turkey?

Answer: I have done a 12 lbs Turkey in mine. Tight but worked great!!!

Answer: This grill can handle a bird up to 15 lbs., or a larger bird if you spatchcock it.

Answer: Yes!!!

Attachments options for tailgater 20

Waiting & Waiting for this to Ship - weeks now, whats up ?

Answer: Rona probably.

is their a front shelf for the traeger tailgate 30?

Answer: Yes, there is Folding Shelf for Tailgater 20, and it is BAC361.

Answer: No, there is not

What is the peak wattage draw when starting up? I have a lithium AC battery source that produces 150 watts.

Answer: 300 Watts. However, it will drop to around 45W-100W after reaching temperature, depending on fan and auger usage needed to maintain temp.

Available for return

What are the 5 cooking temperatures? Does the pellets last a full cook or do they need to be refilled mid cook?

Answer: When you press up or down on the controller it moves in 5 degree increments. A bag of pellet weighs 20lbs and provides between 6 and 20 hours of cook time (at high or low heat). The hopper capacity is 8lbs and needs to be refilled mid-cook depending on the meal.

Answer: It starts out at 165 degrees and progresses in 5 degree increments up to 450.

Can you put glass Pyrex on the grill?

Answer: Yes, you can use Pyrex on this grill.

Answer: If it's oven proof, you should be able to. I would check with Pyrex though just to be on the safe side.

Does this new model have a smoke setting like the old analog version?

Answer: Hi there, this grill does not have a smoke setting, but you will get optimal smoke when you cook at temperatures between 165°F and 225°F for longer periods of time. If you want a stronger smokey flavor, we suggest using Hickory or Mesquite pellets.

Has Traeger considered working with Milwaukee tool to offer a lithium powered cordless model??

Answer: We truly appreciate you reaching out to us and sharing any interest that you may have in submitting product ideas, concepts, or other materials to us, but we do not accept any product idea, concept, or material submissions that we did not solicit ourselves.

Where is it made and assembed?

Answer: Since late 2008, all of our residential grills have been manufactured in China. Due to the overwhelming number of grills being purchased, our production was moved overseas to keep up with the increased demand.

Answer: China. A Google Search showed about 5 or 6 grills still made in the US but Traeger is no longer one is them. Where it was manufactured is not the reason I don’t like mine.

can you smoke a whole turkey ?

Answer: I wish I knew. I bought one and it was broken. They sent me a replacement and it was broken too. I sent them both back and bought a Pit Boss smoker/grill. I LOVE IT! Don’t waste your money on a Traeger.

Does this grill work with the app ?

Answer: I don't know the answer to this question because UPS wont deliver my grill. It's been out for delivery for 5 days now.

Answer: No. Trust me. I’ve tried. The tailgater does not have wifi.

Product reviews of Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black

Melanie Math : Holy Smokes

I’m really enjoying my Traeger. Cooks beautifully. A must have grill for the serious back yard chef.

Noel Ridsdale : Great grill/smoker but received damaged.

Great working grill and smoker but some of the items arrived bent. Didn't affect the operation, but definite cosmetic damage. I also had to assist the UPS driver in getting off the truck with my own hand truck.

Rudy : Easy to

This tailgate pit works awesome. Reaches high temperature quickly and fits plenty of food for our family while RVing! No longer have to leave pool to make sure dinner isn’t burning while camping. Love the folding legs that allows me to stow in our RV and set pretty much on any flat surface

Richard : Save your money and build your own

My wife bought me this grill for Christmas, I was so excited it was so out of my price range to ever think about buy and I would never spend that kinda money on a grill. For what it cost, you will not recoup the money you lose on the food that it will ruin. And the fact that they say I didn't turn grill off correctly makes me sick, if it starts to rain outside it is not a good idea to leave electrical plugged in. So your grill will not function correctly if you do so. Biggest was of time!! And MONEY!!

Keith Cryan : Bad Reviews, Bad instructions

NOTE FOR BAD REVIEWS REGARDING FAN NOT FUNCTIONING: The instruction manual states to put hand over pellet pan too insure airflow and fan is working during the priming process. The fan was not blowing during prime. When I set the temp and pushed the ignite button the fan was blowing and working great. This is likely a typo or poor editing with the instruction manual.

Easily assembled. Four stars as the instruction manual is an important part especially for noobs like myself. Best tasting chicken ever!

khahn : Can’t smoke over 1.5-2 hours- takes too many pellets

I’ve had nothing but trouble for the past year. Replaced temperature probe and auger. Still can not smoke over 1.5-2 hours without it taking too many pellets and choking out the fire. Had Traeger support disconnect my chat and put me on hold and hang up on me. There is no other way to contact them. Supposed to be a 3 year warranty

R M Adams : Traeger grills are POS.

I received this Traeger Tailgater grill/smoker as a gift from my children. This is a very poorly engineered and manufactured product. I have used it about 6 times and every time the temperature fluctuates wildly and it shuts off over and over again. Sometimes it shuts off due to high temperature and sometimes it just stops burning and overfills the combustion chamber with pellets. I followed all instructions and used Traeger pellets. One time it overheated so much it bubbled the paint on the outside of it. We're lucky it didn't start a fire. Everytime it shuts off you have to remove the meat and disassemble the inside of the grill and clean the combustion chamber. When this happens over and over again everytime you use it, it gets very old. I have had to give up everytime I used it and finish the meat in the oven in our home. This was an expensive gift and I feel bad my kids good intentions resulted in this POS.

Michael Bradshaw : Waste of time and money

Piece of junk. After multiple calls to Traeger and then sending parts that still don’t work I’m left with a pile of crap that can’t be returned and parts are on back order. Stay as far away from Traeger as you can.

Edit 12/23 Trager sent me a new firebox and the grill works well.

Donald Dardia : DO NOT BUY

Do not buy this. Ive had the junior elite(same grill other than the legs) and it’s been a nightmare. It has insane temperature swings. Im talking grill set to 225 and going up to 450, then down to 100. It makes cooking on it almost impossible. Buy something of better quality. Customer support is very good and they will send you replacement parts but it doesnt help and you end up spending countless hours replacing things.

Victor B : THIS IS NOT A GRILL

Traeger and their paid influencers (yeah, I’m talking to you Joe Rogan) need to STOP promoting these as a revolution in grilling. The truth is, a pellet grill is NOT a grill. It’s an outdoor oven/smoker. A pellet grill is NOT a replacement for a charcoal or gas grill and they need to stop marketing it as such... it’s very misleading. My husband got all fired up on getting a pellet grill thanks to Saint Joe pimping it all the damn time. My gut told me that this was a mistake... I loved the convenience and flavor of my charcoal grill and just had a feeling this was going to be an expensive problem. Still, he wanted one so bad I caved and bought it for him for his birthday. Attempted to cook some ribeyes that night and nearly ruined $60 worth of steaks. After a half hour on the “grill” they were grey and looked like they had been steamed to death. I saved them by finishing in a cast iron skillet, though the inside was now overcooked. For smoking a brisket or pork butt at low temp for hours I’m sure this is great... but don’t think you will be firing up burgers and steaks with success. Don’t listen to the hype and RESEARCH what you are buying.

AL : Great Flavor!

Really great flavor and portable! The temperature does jump around a bit but makes delicious food.

Eric Jones : Scrap metal

Purchased 2 years ago. First year went great no issues cooked burgers, steaks, pizza, brisket, ribs and veggies. Past year has been full of headaches. Start up as described then set to 225 and 5 minutes later its overtemped and billowing smoke. Happened 3 times. Changed the p setting as it was "feeding too much" per support. Same start up, set to 225, holds temp for 30 minutes then wont get above 145. Talked with support again and now they're sending me a best guess replacement part. Ive got 20 lbs of pellets and a huge piece of scrap metal now sitting on my porch. Grill lasts about a year before the parts crap out.

Michael Bradshaw : Waste of time and money

Rick Jurries : Customer service

I have a 3 year old portable unit - I had issues from the start - too cold - too hot - got a new probe - helped for awhile - started going off the charts for high heat - Traeger contacted me from a bad review i gave - did a facetime with agent Charlene - she watched and saw it was way overheating- sent me a new thermostat and probe even though the warranty was barley over - got part in a week, installed, and works good Maybe customer service is getting better

Keith Cryan : Bad Reviews, Bad instructions

khahn : Can’t smoke over 1.5-2 hours- takes too many pellets

Amazon Customer : Great BBQ

My son bought the Tailgater about 5 years ago and it was his main source of cooking while living out of state. He moved back home and gave the Tailgater to me. I have been using it now for about 2 years. I love it. The only negatives that I find is the legs are flimsy. I seems they could have made them a little more stout. As it's promoted as a mobile bbq'er take to tailgate parties. I feel they are a little pricey, and some of the competition can do the same thing cheaper.
My son bought the Traeger Pro w/Bluetooth and it works flawless.

Tammie : Steaks, chicken, pork chops, and BBQ on a whole new level!!

Might be the best grill/smoker we have ever owned. Easy to put together, easy to use, easy to clean. VERY sturdy for a portable grill.

Amazon Customer : could not have been easier to assemble and do the first burn in.

took less than 30 minutes to assemble. easy to follow instructions for 1st burn in and cook. temp control during the cook was mostly plus or minus 10 degrees. i got the occasional spike in temp to +20 from set point but it was a short spike. i smoked 2 racks of ribs and they came out fantastic using the 3,2,1 method. cant wait to use it again.

Needs a wake up. : This is the best

I stopped using my large grill. This one uses less pellets and heats up fast.

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