Trager’s Westwood XL review: Big capacity, intuitive controls

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I have done many tests Trager grills Over the years, and when they all smoke top, new Trager Westwood XL It stands out for how easily rich, smoke-kissed food comes out with very little effort.

I tried it with multiple foods—burgers, chicken breasts, corn, and a cauliflower dish—and everything was juicy, evenly cooked, and famous for that signature wood-fired flavor Trager is famous for. It quickly became my favorite trigger.

How easy is it to assemble and use?

The meeting took about an hour and a half. It’s manageable solo, but with a 200-pound unit, having an assistant nearby makes things easier—especially when attaching legs. But Traeger’s instructions – both text and visual – were clear and easy to follow.

The actual cooking process is where the Westwood XL really shines. Operation is as simple as it gets: press the power button, then use the “+” and “–” controls to set your temperature. There is no learning curve. And importantly, it heats up quickly.

This Westwood XL Uses Trager’s Wifire system, which allows you to monitor the temperature remotely. While this new Westwood model didn’t show up in the app during my testing (likely due to its new release), I was able to use the same control panel profile to access the same features. For anyone who likes to check the temperature indoors, this is a big plus.

That said, it works even without the app. If I’m out for fun, I prefer to let it run and enjoy the process instead of checking my phone.

How well does it cook?

The high-end cooking performance was exactly what I expected from Traeger. The heat is consistent, the food cooks evenly, and it tastes great. Once fired up, the grill held its temperature well and handled everything I threw at it without exception.

The smoke output was consistent, and the results were nearly perfect. The burgers turned out juicy, the chicken stayed tender, and even the veggies like corn and cauliflower got a nice smoky flavor. It’s the kind of grill that lets you focus on the food instead of burning the fire.

Another benefit is cleaning. The mesh is easily cleaned, and the grease bucket is quickly separated. Using disposable aluminum liners, all I had to do was lift off the used one and put in a new one before cooking again.

Who is Westwood XL best suited for?

This Westwood XL A good option for anyone wanting a full-size pellet grill without stepping into premium-tier pricing. At around $799, it delivers the capability and performance Traeger is known for at a price that’s easy to justify, especially for backyard cooks who want to handle everything from weeknight meals to large gatherings.

In use, it is well suited for cooks who want set-it-and-eat convenience. The temperature control remains constant, and once it’s on, there’s little need to make adjustments. That makes it a good choice for those who don’t want to babysit the fire or constantly monitor heat levels. I also appreciated the dual grates, which allowed me to cook several things at once.

The large cooking surface (823 square inches) makes it ideal for families, outdoor entertaining, or anyone who likes to cook in batches. There is enough space to cook everything at once, and the smoke enhances the flavor of the food without overpowering it.

It is less convenient for those looking for a compact or portable grill. This is a dedicated backyard unit, designed to stay put and handle regular use. But for anyone wanting reliable performance, easy operation and plenty of room to cook, the Westwood XL fits the bill.

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