Buyer Beware

[Stuart Peterson]

I've upgraded several Traeger grills over the last 10 years and have always been pleased with the product but the latest upgrade has come with a major disappointment. While the Ironwood grill has tons of features compared to previous models there seems to be a design flaw in the Ironwood that is not covered. After roughly 1 month (using the grill on weekends only) the protective paint has begun to peel off at an excessive rate. This according to Traeger customer service is not covered under the warranty because apparently there is an undisclosed clause in the warranty that states "if you use the grill more than 2 or 3 times" then the warranty is void for for this. But don't worry, according to them you can just spray paint your brand new $1200 grill. Disappointed to say the least. Although I am still a fan of Traeger I can say I am no longer a loyal customer and will be looking to at other manufactures for future purchases.

 

[drmcstford]

I've upgraded several Traeger grills over the last 10 years and have always been pleased with the product but the latest upgrade has come with a major disappointment. While the Ironwood grill has tons of features compared to previous models there seems to be a design flaw in the Ironwood that is not covered. After roughly 1 month (using the grill on weekends only) the protective paint has begun to peel off at an excessive rate. This according to Traeger customer service is not covered under the warranty because apparently there is an undisclosed clause in the warranty that states "if you use the grill more than 2 or 3 times" then the warranty is void for for this. But don't worry, according to them you can just spray paint your brand new $1200 grill. Disappointed to say the least. Although I am still a fan of Traeger I can say I am no longer a loyal customer and will be looking to at other manufactures for future purchases.

feel your pain on this one. I had the same thing happen. I was fortunate and am getting a new timberline delivered this Friday.

 

[RustyJake]

I feel your pain. I can see heat stress on mine in the area you have bubbling as well as the other 3 points in the same spots on opposing sides. I figure its only a matter of time for the bubbling to start. My current bubbling and peeling though has been primarily on the inside of the grill. In that same spot mind you. I had the same experience with Traeger support and their reply. They blame excessive heat. But the only time my grill has been at 500 was the initial burn in. I have only been at 400 a couple of times to sear since then. No fires or grease issues. This appears to be spots that see high heat from the pellet pot and fan and the hot air circulates. If that is generating too much heat, that is a problem in design, not from use.
Traeger was my entry into pellet grills. But it is a one and done with me and Traeger. I expected better support from them with the price I paid for my Ironwood.
The problem isn't isolated. They just can't admit there is an issue or they are on the hook to replace a lot of grills

 

[drmcstford]

I feel your pain. I can see heat stress on mine in the area you have bubbling as well as the other 3 points in the same spots on opposing sides. I figure its only a matter of time for the bubbling to start. My current bubbling and peeling though has been primarily on the inside of the grill. In that same spot mind you. I had the same experience with Traeger support and their reply. They blame excessive heat. But the only time my grill has been at 500 was the initial burn in. I have only been at 400 a couple of times to sear since then. No fires or grease issues. This appears to be spots that see high heat from the pellet pot and fan and the hot air circulates. If that is generating too much heat, that is a problem in design, not from use.
Traeger was my entry into pelley grills. But it is a one and done with me and Traeger. I expected better support from them with the price I paid for my Ironwood.
The problem isn't isolated. They just can't admit there is an issue or they are on the hook to replace a lot of grills

exactly, if my new timberline isn't up to par, this is my last traeger.

 

[Corners]

feel your pain on this one. I had the same thing happen. I was fortunate and am getting a new timberline delivered this Friday.

Timberline! TIMBERLINE??? Our Father Who Art In Heaven . . . . . . Good luck with that.

 

[RustyJake]

Here's a review of the Timberline. Seems he had a fire or two inside his grill. Mainly grease issues.
He is the customer Traeger is looking for.

The Traeger Timberline 850 turns BBQ from art to science | TechCrunch

This review took a lot of pork. Over the last few months, I’ve used the Traeger Timberline 850 several times a week. Cooking on this grill is easier than

techcrunch.com

His paint is scorched off, not bubbling. It is also on the outside of the downdraft, not on the actual barrel like most are seeing

 

[Stuart Peterson]

Just to clarify:

This is not a review of the Ironwood 650. Like I said I am still a fan of Traeger it cooks great. I wouldn't have continued to upgrade over the years if I didn't like it. I am just no longer a loyal customer due to the response I received regarding what appears to be a defect in material. Barring a grease fire with soaring temperatures or excessive use without proper maintenance, paint from a brand new grill should not begin to peel/bubble within the first month with normal use let alone the first few cooks. The fact is that while Traeger’s warranty has clearly stated that "Traeger Pellet Grills LLC warrants this barbecue grill against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase." they apparently have decided to add an unwritten disclaimer to this. To be told that if this happened in the first 2 or 3 cooks (not a clear answer) that they would have fixed the problem is ridiculous. Is the problem because they started outsourcing to china; I cannot say for certain, but my warning is to future buyers. If you decide to purchase a Traeger make sure to inspect that grill thoroughly after you use it because you may only get a couple chances to get it fixed and don’t let that 3 year warranty make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

 

[Corners]

Here's a review of the Timberline. Seems he had a fire or two inside his grill. Mainly grease issues.
He is the customer Traeger is looking for.

The Traeger Timberline 850 turns BBQ from art to science | TechCrunch

This review took a lot of pork. Over the last few months, I’ve used the Traeger Timberline 850 several times a week. Cooking on this grill is easier than

techcrunch.com

His paint is scorched off, not bubbling. It is also on the outside of the downdraft, not on the actual barrel like most are seeing

IF you read all of his report you will see that the TL 850 is still the monster running loose. He clearly shows all the problems that anyone would be upset with, especially owners of the 850 like me!!
I

 

[RustyJake]

IF you read all of his report you will see that the TL 850 is still the monster running loose. He clearly shows all the problems that anyone would be upset with, especially owners of the 850 like me!!
I

Exactly, I thought it was a fair assessment/review of the grill. He blames himself for the fires, but one could argue that the drainage for grease could be better on these grills.
He did say there are other choices for grills and says that the TL850 isn't worth the price, in his opinion of course.

 

[Stuart Peterson]

I think part of the problem is they are trying to turn what was really intended to be a BBQ into a combination BBQ/Grill. Increasing temperatures in an attempt to offer searing capabilities. Unfortunately it appears they have now created new problems (couple listed below). This is where I’m not sure it’s a China sourcing issue or a design flaw. As a long time Traeger owner my only, early on, real complaint was that you couldn’t get a good sear on steaks, burger, etc. This is why I purchased a BGE which is far better suited to cook a steak or burgers properly in my opinion. It’s also great for BBQ and is a true combination BBQ/Grill but it takes a lot more effort than the set it and forget it mentality of a Traeger. When Trager came out with the Timberline and Ironwood models with the new controller, direct drive and the ability to reach 500 degrees sounded great but I am now wishing I didn’t give away my old pro series.

• Materials are not built to withstand higher temperatures.
• Increased temperature creating a fire flash point for oils and fats as experienced in the review above. Not a great idea when you put a blower on your grill.

 

[Corners]

I feel your pain. I can see heat stress on mine in the area you have bubbling as well as the other 3 points in the same spots on opposing sides. I figure its only a matter of time for the bubbling to start. My current bubbling and peeling though has been primarily on the inside of the grill. In that same spot mind you. I had the same experience with Traeger support and their reply. They blame excessive heat. But the only time my grill has been at 500 was the initial burn in. I have only been at 400 a couple of times to sear since then. No fires or grease issues. This appears to be spots that see high heat from the pellet pot and fan and the hot air circulates. If that is generating too much heat, that is a problem in design, not from use.
Traeger was my entry into pelley grills. But it is a one and done with me and Traeger. I expected better support from them with the price I paid for my Ironwood.
The problem isn't isolated. They just can't admit there is an issue or they are on the hook to replace a lot of grills

CORRECT! They have a MAJOR, on going problem. Like other lame companies they just assume they can get away with rotten products and severe rotten customer support. ??

 

[PaulyPaul]

It is unfortunate that the high temp paint on our Traegers is only good up to 600-650 degrees before it starts to bubble. Especially with 500 degree capablities. I have not had a fire in either of my Traegers but I'm very careful to keep the grills clean, more so than I have been in the past. Especially after a long cook on a fatty brisket.

Doesn't make me too happy to know that my 2k+ worth of Traeger grills are only a flash fire away from possible damage. When you are smoking at 185-250 degrees set it and forget it is cool. When you are searing at 500 best to be out there with the grill.

I wonder how many of these cases with paint damage from fires could have been preventable. I notice that many of these pics that people post of their grills do not look real clean and maintained. Also what about the mods that folks like to make, is it possible that they contribute to damage. I've seen where folks fill the bottom of their barrels up with heat rocks. I have noticed that their are significant heat spots when something as simple as a smoke tube is touching the side of the barrel.

Just a thought, that I had when I decided not to put some lave lock and heat bricks in my new Pro575.

 

[Blip]

I use my 650 more for grilling at 500 than low and slow (although I'll be doing my 1st ribs tomorrow). I've done duck breasts, steak, and chicken and have not experienced any flare ups when I use my GrillGrates. I did chicken thighs on the plancha side 4 minutes at 500 to achieve a really nice crispy skin (same technique for duck breasts) and then moved them over to the regular grate to finish the cooking. Fire ignited within 1 minute so I moved them back on the grate to finish the cooking. It was fine. Next time I will sear on the GrillGrate and lower the temperature to about 400 to finish on the regular grate. See if that works. Sorry I didn't take a picture. The thighs were beautiful.

 

[PaulyPaul]

Love my grill grates! I usually do a reverse sear with them. Smoke at low temp until ready to sear, then they are done. I only turn up my Pro or Ironwood to 450 and am able to get a decent sear. That way the sear locks in the juices and the high temp will not ignite them.

Unless doing slow and low cook, I leave them in when I grill.

 

[Blip]

My paint blistered and peeled shorthly after my purchase a couple months ago. Seems to be a strange place but it's small and in back and not noticeable. My fires have been on the grease trap side of the grill. Ace Hardware is looking into it but it's not getting any bigger and I'm hesitant to ask for a replacement grill.