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Key Features
- The simple grease drain management system draws all of your excess liquids into a bucket underneath
- EZ-Fold legs fold up and let you wheel the grill onto your tailgate for game day
- Features a Keep Warm Mode that ensures the food will still be hot coming off the grill
- Large capacity hopper allows you to hold up to 8 lbs of pellets at once
Traeger Tailgater: Convenient, Compact, and Full of Flavor
The Tailgater by Traeger offers the convenience and rich flavor of a wood burning pellet grill in a more compact size. With a smaller footprint and legs that fold flat, the Tailgater black 20-inch pellet grill is perfect for apartment balconies, tailgating, or anywhere else you want to bring the wood-fired flavor.
Designed for Portability, Built to Last
This grill is constructed of a powder coated steel and boasts 19,500 BTUs of cooking power. The 300 square inches of porcelain coated grilling surface produces excellent sear marks, while being easy to clean. Features EZ-Fold legs that offer maximum portability, letting you quickly place the grill in the bed of your truck, the back of your SUV, or the trunk of your car and be on your way.
Low and Slow or Searing Hot: This Traeger Does It All
The versatility of this pellet grill allows you to smoke at temperatures as low as 180 degrees and then crank it up to 450 degrees to sear to perfection. The Digital Arc Controller displays the temperature inside the grill on the bright orange LED panel and is monitored by a resistance temperature detector probe which keeps the preset temperature in 5-degree increments. Keep Warm Mode maintins the hot temperature of the food for when it comes off the grill.
Easy to Start, Safe to Use
Traeger grills feature an auto-start system that is simple and safe to use. The natural airflow inside of the grill allows for convection cooking, so you can bake a pizza right on your grill or slow smoke a large brisket. Turning and flipping different kinds of meat will be necessary at high temperatures.
Efficient Pellet Consumption
When you turn on the grill, the auger begins to feed pellets into the firepot while the draft induction fan feeds air into it. The igniter rod is activated and glows red hot for the first four minutes to ignite the pellets in the firepot. These cost-effective pellets burn at a rate of only 2 lbs per hour on high heat, 1 lb per hour on medium heat, and only 1/2 lb per hour when smoking.
Traeger Tailgater FAQ
Can you smoke with a Traeger Tailgater?
Yes, indeed! The Tailgater can maintain temperatures as low as 180 degrees, so low-and-slow is no problem.
Can you fit a brisket on a Tailgater?
The cooking grid dimensions are 20-in x 15-in, so all but the largest briskets should fit with no problem. Note that you do need to keep an inch or two free on each side to allow for air circulation.
Can you cook a steak on a Traeger Tailgater?
The Tailgater can cook as hot as 450 degrees, which is the sweet spot for grilling and searing a steak, so yes!
Does the Tailgater have WiFi?
The Tailgater doesn't have WiFi. It's meant for portable use, where there often isn't available WiFi. We recommend using a wireless Bluetooth meat thermometer if you feel the need to wander while your cook is ongoing.
Is the Traeger Tailgater electric?
The Tailgater does require a standard 120 volt AC current and has a 3-prong plug.
How long can you cook on a Tailgater without reloading the pellets?
The hopper has an 8 lb. capacity, so you should be able to go for 4 hours on high heat, 8 hours on medium heat, and about 16 hours when smoking.
Legal disclaimers and warnings
Product packaging, owners’ manuals, installation instructions, and/or operating instructions may include more information than what is shown on our website. The content on our site is intended to be used for reference purposes only. Please fully read all included manuals and documentation before installing or using this product. WARNING for California residents: this product may contain chemical(s) known to the state of California to cause birth defects, cancer, or other reproductive harm.
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Warranty
Refer to manufacturers manual for full warranty details.
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Customer Reviews
120 reviews
undisclosed
Aug 15, 2022
I have two Traeger grills. My first was a Tailgater model. It does most everything advertised with one exception. Traeger advertises temps +/- 15 degrees. After several telephone chats with very nice people, the range estimates go up to +/- 30 degrees or higher. I am on my second temp control rod. My second rod cooks within a varying temp of 30-40. Yes, I have to it clean to keep the temps down. I quit tailgating the model because cleanup isn't easy. It is messy. So, this unit stays at the lake. My other Traeger for home use is a Pro 22 that has a more reasonable temp control. I recommend the Pro 22, but not the Tailgater unless your requirements necessitate portability.
3 of 4 found this review helpful
undisclosed
Jul 18, 2022
When it worked it was a nice. Now it will not maintain smoke temperature, temperature on smoke setting maintains the range of 250-300 degrees. Have spent 8 hours on the phone with Traeger and gone through all of the trouble shooting and replacement parts. No refund or credit offered and no resolution to the problem. Very disappointed in this purchase.
7 users found this review helpful
Tuscaloosa Al
Jun 16, 2022
Well I have watched my son-in-law cook on his and he has always made great food. Well I was surprised when a big box came to my house. My son-in-law and daughter bought me one. They even sent burgers and fixing with it. Amazing what you can do these days. Anyway I love it. Everything I cook on it turns out great. So easy to get to the temperature you need and it stay there it takes the work out and puts the fun in. Thanks kids. Love y'all and Traeger. It's going to be a great summer.
2 users found this review helpful
Tampa, FL
Jun 7, 2022
I read the manual first. I learned cleaning out burner chamber as well. I must say ever time we have smoked some meat, it has come out perfect! I also enjoy the various flavors of pellets.
2 users found this review helpful
Ohio
May 27, 2022
I've been looking at some of these reviews and am a shocked at what I've seen from a few people. I don't write reviews on things often but I felt I must here. I own a timberline 850, ranger and just bought a tailgator. All three of these grills perform flawlessly, hold temperature etc… I run these grills 5 days a week for years now and find it unfair when traeger has to defend themselves on the rare negative reviews they have from people who have obviously not contacted the exceptional customer service that traeger offers, which would have certainly resolved any issues before they were basked in their website.
5 users found this review helpful
Minnesota
May 24, 2022
Bought the Tailgater for myself last fall, everything I smoke has turned out perfect. I wanted a portable smoker I could bring along camping and this smoker is perfect. No problems whatsoever with the smoker. It is a bit difficult to fold and unfold the legs by myself but with help it's no problem. Love this smoker!!
4 users found this review helpful
western Pa
May 24, 2022
Adjusting the P setting did not help .... temperature swings are horrible so don't plan on a low and slow cook. Stick to very basic cooking on this grill ... for the money it is not worth it
1 user found this review helpful
San Jose, California
Apr 24, 2022
I bought this just over a year ago. Best investment ever. This works well on my small apartment balcony and it's approved because it's electric started and powered. I can't wait to upgrade and then take this on tailgates or park events. This is one of the best cooking tools I own. I love to start off around 450 and sear my meats then lower for a nice slow cook and juicy dish! I have never failed at pork-chops since I have owned this!
5 users found this review helpful
WA
Mar 20, 2022
50 percent of cooking turns out great. Other 50 percent turns out in disaster and ruined meals. Error lamps. Temp dies out randomly and fills burn bowl with pellets in the middle of the cook time. I have some good cuts of meat that were utterly ruined by these problems. Not impressed. I'm sure they'll offer to fix this for me but I'm not confident that they can build one of these without using cheap parts.
13 users found this review helpful
Ventura, CA
Jan 6, 2022
I bought my tailgater about 3 years ago and as soon as I had a problem I contacted Traeger CS and they were great but at this time I have had to call and get parts for everything. Traeger was very helpful but I want a grill that works. They even sent someone here to look at it. He said the only part left was the motor that turns the auger. It was working ok so I waited to replace the part. Just replaced it and I think the part is defective. Anyway, I'm done. Love the grill Hate the quality.
6 users found this review helpful
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Compare Similar Items
Current Item | ||||
Class | Entry-Level | Practical | Entry-Level | Practical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Small (0 - 26") | Small (0 - 26") | Small (0 - 26") | Small (0 - 26") |
Primary Color | Black | Black | Black | Gray |
Made In USA | No | No | No | No |
Configuration | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable |
Exterior Material | Powder Coated Steel | Powder Coated Steel | Powder Coated Steel | Powder Coated Steel |
Burger Count | 12 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
Fuel Type | Pellets | Pellets | Pellets | Pellets |
Collection | Portable | Prime 2.0 | Portable | Emberwood |
Hopper Capacity | 8 Pounds | 9 Pounds | 8 Pounds | 8 Pounds |
Quick Ship | Yes | No | -- | Yes |
Total Cooking Capacity | 300 Sq. Inches | 344 Sq. Inches | 184 Sq. Inches | 282 Sq. Inches |
Controller Type | Digital | SmartPhone App | Digital | Analog |
Max Temperature | 450 F | 550 F | 450 F | 500 F |
Cart Assembly | Some Assembly Required | Some Assembly Required | -- | -- |
Side Shelves | No | No | No | No |
WiFi/Bluetooth Enabled | None | WiFi & Bluetooth | None | None |
Cooking Grid Dimensions | 20 X 15" | 17 3/4 X 12 4/5" | 15 X 12" | 14 4/5 X 15" |
Side Burner | None | None | None | -- |
Grill Lights | None | None | None | None |
Spring Assisted Hood | No | No | No | No |
On Wheels | Yes | No | No | No |
Series | Tailgater | Trek | Ranger | 15" |
Cooking Grate Material | Porcelain Coated Steel | Stainless Steel | Porcelain Coated Steel | Cast Aluminum |
Commercial-Grade Multi-User | No | No | No | No |
Marine Grade | No | No | No | No |
Width | 37" | 34.25" | 21" | 26.7" |
Height | 36" | 24" | 13" | 15.7" |
Depth | 18" | 18" | 20" | 22.7" |
Weight | 60 lbs | 64 lbs | 60 lbs | 47 lbs |
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When will my item arrive?
Once shipped, items usually arrive within 3-5 business days. While UPS and FedEx are our carriers for smaller items, be aware that larger items and orders are shipped via freight. The freight process is a bit more complicated than what we've all come to expect for small parcels, so it's important that you're prepared and understand what's required of you well before delivery day.
- Most freight products ship on a pallet
- Some carriers will call to schedule a delivery window, while others will deliver the shipment to a reasonably accessible location closest to your residence (their goal is to deliver as near a garage door as they can).
- We'll specify which process you can expect in your shipping confirmation email.
For carriers that schedule delivery appointments:
Carriers that schedule delivery appointments require you to be home for delivery and provide your signature. The delivery is made with a semi-truck with lift gate services, and the shipment is dropped off at the curb. If you authorize the shipping company to leave the delivery without a signature, BBQGuys can't be held responsible for damages that occur during delivery. As complicated as this process may seem, we've only scratched the surface here — please review our detailed guide to freight delivery so there are no surprises when a freight shipment heads your way.
For carriers that deliver without an appointment:
Carriers that deliver without an appointment don't require you to be home or set up a delivery window, and you aren't required to sign for the pallet(s). Instead of scheduling an appointment, arranging your schedule to be home for the delivery, and signing to confirm receipt, you can sit back and let your items come to you. If you're home at the time of the drop-off, you can request the driver place your delivery in the garage; if you're out of the house, the driver will leave it near the garage or doorstep.
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