Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, TFC97XLH — 970 Sq. In. WiFIRE Grill Review
Ready to buy a high-end pellet smoker that can smoke, sear, and grill for big gatherings? The Traeger Woodridge Elite, Traeger Woodridge (TFC97XLH) is a 970 sq. in. wood pellet grill and pellet smoker designed for buyers who demand wood-fired flavor, precision control, and the ability to sear with a built-in side sear station. If you’re searching to buy Traeger Woodridge Elite, Traeger pellet grill deals, or Traeger Woodridge price comparisons, this review breaks down performance, specs, and value so you can confidently decide where to purchase.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Buyer pain points addressed: inconsistent temperature control on other grills, poor sear performance on standard pellet smokers, limited cooking capacity for gatherings, and lack of remote monitoring. The Woodridge Elite specifically targets these problems with WiFIRE connectivity, Super Smoke Mode, an insulated body for year-round use, and a high-heat side sear station.
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Product Overview — Traeger Woodridge Elite, Traeger Woodridge, TFC97XLH, 970 sq in pellet grill
The Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker (model TFC97XLH) is positioned as the flagship in the Woodridge line. With a large 970 sq. in. cooking area, insulated grill body for consistent temperatures, and integrated Side Sear Station, this WiFIRE grill aims to deliver true wood-fired flavor with the convenience of modern smart features. Super Smoke Mode and a digital pellet sensor add depth to low-and-slow smoking, while Bluetooth and Traeger app control make it easy to monitor and adjust temps from your phone.
Key Features and Specifications
- Cooking area: 970 sq. in. — fits up to 7 chickens, 9 racks of ribs, or 7 pork butts.
- Grill type: Electric wood pellet grill and pellet smoker with insulated body for improved thermal performance.
- Model: TFC97XLH (Traeger Woodridge Elite).
- Super Smoke Mode: Boost wood smoke flavor at low temperatures with a simple control.
- Side Sear Station: Built-in high-heat side burner for searing steaks, stir-frying, and sautéing.
- WiFIRE Technology: Remote monitoring and control via the Traeger app; Bluetooth thermometer compatibility for precision cooking.
- Insulated body: Designed to retain heat for consistent results in cold weather and winter grilling.
- Convenience: Enclosed storage cabinet, folding side shelf, EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg, pellet evacuation system, P.A.L. and ModiFIRE accessory compatibility.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Traeger Woodridge Elite (TFC97XLH) |
| Cooking Area | 970 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Traeger wood pellets (sold separately) |
| WiFi | WiFIRE connectivity and Traeger app |
| Special Features | Side Sear Station, Super Smoke Mode, insulated body, EZ-Clean system |
| Included Accessories | Built-in side shelf, storage cabinet; other accessories sold separately |
Performance and Real-World Use
The Woodridge Elite delivers where it matters most: consistent temperature control, strong smoke flavor, and flexible cooking options. In low-and-slow applications, Super Smoke Mode noticeably increases smoke output at lower temps, producing deeper bark on brisket and richer flavor on ribs. Because the grill body is insulated, cold-weather cooks report reduced temperature swings and more predictable results compared with standard non-insulated pellet grills.
For searing, the Side Sear Station is a genuine upgrade. It reaches higher surface temperatures than most integrated pellet grill sear zones, allowing you to achieve a caramelized crust on steaks and proper stir-fry results without needing a separate heavy-duty sear box. The side burner also extends the grill’s utility for sauces, side dishes, and one-pot recipes while you smoke a main cut.
WiFIRE connectivity and Traeger app control are reliable for basic remote monitoring and set temperature changes. For precision roasts, pairing the grill with Bluetooth meat thermometer probes (sold separately or compatible models) gives accurate internal temp reads, and the digital pellet sensor helps you avoid runouts mid-cook. Cleanup is simplified with the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg and a pellet evacuation system that reduce time between cooks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 970 sq. in. cooking area — perfect for family gatherings and parties.
- Side Sear Station provides authentic searing performance without a separate accessory.
- WiFIRE technology for remote control and monitoring — set-and-forget convenience.
- Super Smoke Mode boosts smoke flavor for traditional low-and-slow results.
- Insulated grill body helps maintain steady temps in cold weather.
- Convenience features — enclosed storage, EZ-Clean system, and accessory compatibility.
Cons
- Higher price point than entry-level Traeger models — premium features come at a premium cost.
- Requires electricity and pellets — not suited for charcoal-only purists.
- Side Sear Station increases footprint; plan for space in your outdoor kitchen area.
- Some advanced accessories (P.A.L., ModiFIRE, probes) are sold separately, adding to total cost.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Traeger Woodridge Elite is ideal for buyers who want a single versatile outdoor cooking center that handles smoking, grilling, searing, and stovetop-style work. Choose this grill if you:
- Want to buy Traeger Woodridge Elite for large gatherings — the 970 sq. in. capacity covers most family events and backyard parties.
- Value wood-fired flavor but prefer modern set-it-and-forget-it controls, including WiFIRE connectivity and Bluetooth thermometer compatibility.
- Cook year-round and need an insulated grill body to reduce temperature variance during winter cooking.
- Want an integrated searing solution without buying a separate high-heat accessory.
Who Should Avoid This Product?
While feature-rich, the Woodridge Elite may not be the right choice for everyone. Consider other options if you:
- Are strictly budget-minded — entry-level pellet grills offer simpler features at a lower price.
- Prefer a purely charcoal or gas experience — pellet grills produce excellent flavor but operate differently than charcoal-only setups.
- Have extremely limited outdoor space — the Side Sear Station and cabinet add to the footprint.
Comparison Table
Below is a quick comparison between the Traeger Woodridge Elite and two common alternatives so you can weigh features, capacity, and price.
| Model | Cooking Area | Side Sear | WiFi | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Woodridge Elite (TFC97XLH) | 970 sq. in. | Yes (built-in) | WiFIRE | Large gatherings, searing & smoking |
| Traeger Ironwood (typical model) | 600–880 sq. in. (varies by model) | Optional or built-in (varies) | WiFIRE | All-around performance, often mid-range price |
| Traeger Pro Series (typical model) | 500–780 sq. in. | Optional add-ons | WiFIRE (on newer models) | Value-oriented smokers for everyday use |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What does Super Smoke Mode do on the Traeger Woodridge Elite?
A: Super Smoke Mode increases pellet feed and smoke production at lower cooking temperatures to produce more pronounced wood-fired flavor during low-and-slow cooks. - Q: Is the Woodridge Elite good for winter grilling?
A: Yes. The insulated grill body helps maintain steady temperatures in cold weather, reducing fluctuations common on non-insulated pellet grills. - Q: Can I sear steaks on this pellet smoker?
A: Yes. The integrated Side Sear Station provides a high-heat zone suitable for searing steaks and achieving a proper crust without an external sear box. - Q: Do I need special pellets for the Traeger TFC97XLH?
A: No special pellets are required; Traeger wood pellets are recommended for best flavor and consistent performance. Pellets are sold separately. - Q: How do I control the grill remotely?
A: Use WiFIRE technology and the Traeger app to adjust temperatures, check cook status, and receive alerts from your smartphone.
Final Verdict with CTA
The Traeger Woodridge Elite (TFC97XLH) is a top-tier Traeger pellet grill that delivers expansive cooking capacity, reliable temperature control, and a true multi-function outdoor kitchen experience thanks to its Side Sear Station and WiFIRE technology. If you want a versatile wood pellet grill and pellet smoker that can handle everything from low-and-slow brisket to high-heat sears and wood-fired pizza, the Woodridge Elite is one of the best choices in its class.
Ready to buy? For pricing, availability, and current Traeger pellet grill deals, consider ordering from a trusted retailer.
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