Traeger Timberline Vs Timberline XL | Is The Bigger Pellet Grill Worth It?

If you are comparing the Traeger Timberline vs Timberline XL, you are not looking at a basic backyard BBQ. You are looking at the top end of the Traeger pellet grill range, built for serious outdoor cooks who want wood fired flavour, smart controls, premium construction and the flexibility to grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise and BBQ in one setup.

The real question is not whether the Traeger Timberline or Timberline XL is better.

The better question is this:

Which one suits the way you cook?

Both models sit in Traeger’s premium Timberline range, which Traeger describes as a grill built for everything from slow smoked BBQ to gourmet outdoor meals. Both include premium features such as Super Smoke Mode, WiFIRE technology, smart temperature control and an induction cooktop for extra cooking flexibility.

The biggest difference is the cooking space. The Timberline has 880 square inches (5699 square cm)  of total cooking capacity, while the Timberline XL has 1320 square inches (8516 square cm). Traeger Australia states that other than cooking capacity, they are the exact same grill.

So, is the bigger Timberline XL worth it?

Let’s break it down.

Timberline Vs Timberline XL At A Glance

Where The Timberline Sits In The Traeger Range

The Timberline sits at the top of the Traeger pellet grill hierarchy.

This is the range for people who want more than a standard pellet smoker. It is designed for cooks who want a complete outdoor cooking station, not just a grill that smokes meat.

The Timberline range is built around premium features like:

1. Wood pellet cooking
2. WiFIRE app control
3. Smart Combustion technology
4. Super Smoke Mode
5. Fully insulated construction
6. EZ Clean Grease And Ash Keg
7. Traeger induction cooktop
8. P.A.L. accessory rail
9. Wireless meat monitoring
10. Premium outdoor kitchen style design

In simple terms, the Timberline is for customers who want Traeger’s most complete cooking experience.

If the Woodridge or Ironwood style models are about convenient pellet grilling, the Timberline is about stepping into the premium end. It is made for the person who wants smoking, grilling, searing, prep space, smart control and serious backyard cooking in one unit.

What Both Models Have In Common

The Timberline and Timberline XL share the same core cooking experience.

That is important because choosing the smaller Timberline does not mean you are missing out on the premium features. You are mainly choosing a smaller cooking area.

Both models are built for:

1. Smoking brisket, ribs, pork shoulder and beef cheeks
2. Roasting chickens, lamb and pork
3. Grilling steaks, sausages and burgers
4. Baking, braising and BBQing
5. Searing, sautéing and frying on the induction cooktop
6. Cooking with wood-fired pellet flavour
7. Controlling the grill through WiFIRE technology
8. Easier cleaning with the EZ Clean Grease & Ash Keg
9. More consistent results through smart temperature control
10. Year-round outdoor cooking

This is why the choice between the Timberline and Timberline XL mostly comes down to capacity, entertaining style and how much space you want when cooking.

The Main Difference Is Cooking Capacity

The Timberline gives you 880 square inches (5677 square cm) of cooking space.

The Timberline XL gives you 1320 square inches (8516 square cm)  of cooking space.

That extra room matters if you regularly cook for a crowd, run multiple meats at once, or want space for mains and sides at the same time.

For example, the Timberline XL is listed as suitable for 9 chickens, 8 rib racks or 6 pork shoulders. That makes it a serious option for larger cooks, parties and big family gatherings.

But bigger is not always automatically better.

If you usually cook for your household or only entertain occasionally, the standard Timberline may be more than enough. It still gives you the premium Timberline features, but in a more practical size for regular backyard cooking.

Who Should Buy The Traeger Timberline?

The Traeger Timberline is ideal for families, couples, regular backyard cooks and anyone who wants premium Traeger features without needing the largest cooking area in the range. It suits people who mostly cook one main protein at a time, have limited outdoor space, or want a serious pellet grill for brisket, roast chicken, steaks and low and slow weekends. It is still a premium grill, just in a more practical size for everyday backyard cooking.

Who Should Buy The Traeger Timberline XL?

The Traeger Timberline XL is ideal for larger families, serious backyard entertainers and anyone who regularly cooks for a crowd. It suits people who want to cook multiple meats at once, build a premium outdoor cooking area, or avoid outgrowing their grill later. If you are often cooking ribs, pork shoulders, chickens, sides and big feeds for mates or family, the Timberline XL is likely the better fit.

Timberline Vs Timberline XL By Cooking Style

Is The Timberline XL Worth The Extra Money?

Yes, the Timberline XL is worth it if you regularly cook for larger groups, entertain often, or want the freedom to cook more food at once.

The extra cooking capacity is the main reason to choose it. If you are smoking several cuts at once, cooking ribs for a crowd, or preparing food for a big family gathering, the XL gives you breathing room.

It is better for people who will actually use the extra room.

Real Life Buyer Scenarios

Scenario 1: You Want Premium Traeger Features For Family Cooking

Choose the Traeger Timberline if you mostly cook for your household, entertain occasionally, or want a premium pellet grill without going oversized. You still get wood fired flavour, WiFIRE control, Super Smoke Mode, the induction cooktop and the top tier Timberline experience. It is best for family dinners, weekend brisket, roast chicken, ribs, steaks, smaller outdoor areas and occasional entertaining.

Scenario 2: You Regularly Cook Big Or Entertain Often

Choose the Traeger Timberline XL if you host family and mates often, cook multiple meats at once, or want a serious outdoor cooking setup with room to grow. The extra capacity gives you more flexibility for big feeds, low and slow sessions, larger gatherings and premium backyard entertaining. It is best for ribs, pork shoulders, big family events, serious outdoor kitchen setups and anyone who does not want to outgrow their grill.

Final Recommendation

Both the Traeger Timberline and Timberline XL are premium pellet grills. Both sit at the top end of the Traeger range, and both are built for serious backyard cooks who want convenience, flavour and flexibility.

If you are still unsure, ask yourself one simple question.

How often will I actually use the extra cooking room?

If the answer is “not often,” choose the Timberline.

If the answer is “all the time,” choose the Timberline XL.

We stock both Traeger Timberline models and can help you choose the one that best suits your backyard, your cooking style and the way you like to entertain.

Browse the Traeger Timberline range here or get in touch with us at 1300 002 771 for practical advice before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between Traeger Timberline And Timberline XL?

The main difference is cooking capacity. The Traeger Timberline has 880 square inches of cooking space, while the Timberline XL has 1320 square inches. Traeger Australia states that other than cooking capacity, they are the exact same grill.

Is The Traeger Timberline XL Worth It?

The Traeger Timberline XL is worth it if you regularly cook for larger groups, entertain often, or want more room for multiple meats at once. If you mostly cook for your household, the standard Timberline may be enough.

Is The Traeger Timberline The Top Of The Traeger Range?

Yes, the Timberline range sits at the premium end of Traeger’s pellet grill lineup. It is built with advanced features like WiFIRE technology, Super Smoke Mode, Smart Combustion, fully insulated construction and an induction cooktop.

Who Is The Traeger Timberline Best For?

The Traeger Timberline is best for families, regular backyard cooks and people who want premium Traeger features without needing the largest grill in the range.

Who Is The Traeger Timberline XL Best For?

The Timberline XL is best for serious entertainers, larger families, low and slow BBQ lovers and anyone who wants maximum cooking space for bigger backyard cooks.

Can You Sear On A Traeger Timberline?

Yes. The Timberline range includes a Traeger induction cooktop, which can be used for searing, sautéing, simmering and frying with suitable cookware.

Do Both Timberline Models Have WiFIRE?

Yes. Both Timberline models include WiFIRE technology, which allows you to monitor and control the grill through the Traeger app.

by: Sasha Halabi