Traeger’s popular Pro Series is now available in two generations. The original Pro 34 remains on the market because of its strong following, while the updated Pro 780 adds modern features and connectivity. This comparison examines the Pro 34 (first generation) and the Pro 780 (second generation) to help you decide which model makes the most sense for your needs.
Key Differences: Pro 34 vs Pro 780
The Pro 780 introduces several upgrades over the Pro 34, but it costs roughly $250 more. The core differences are connectivity, temperature range, some convenience features and a slightly different cooking area layout.
- Price – The Pro 780 is positioned higher in price, reflecting added technology and features.
- Connectivity – Pro 780 includes WiFIRE (Wi‑Fi) support and mobile control via the Traeger app; Pro 34 uses a digital controller without Wi‑Fi.
- Temperature – Pro 780 reaches higher maximum temperatures (about 500°F) compared with the Pro 34 (about 450°F).
- Cooking area – The Pro 34 offers a larger total cooking area (884 sq. in.) than the Pro 780 (780 sq. in.).
- Convenience features – Pro 780 adds TurboTemp (quicker heat-up and recovery), an integrated app with guided cooks and recipe downloads, and a hopper cleanout. Pro 34 keeps things simpler and more analog.
- Weight and size – The Pro 780 is heavier and taller; the Pro 34 is wider and lighter.
Which is better depends on whether you value technology and faster heat-up times or prefer more cooking area and a lower price.
Specifications – Side-by-Side
| Specs | Traeger Pro 34 (Gen 1) | Traeger Pro 780 (Gen 2) |
| Manufacturer | Traeger Pellet Grills | Traeger Pellet Grills |
| Typical Price (US) | Approximately $700–$750 (varies by bundle) | Approximately $999–$1,000 |
| Weight | 136 lbs | 173 lbs |
| Dimensions (D x H x W) | 27″ x 49″ x 53″ | 27″ x 55″ x 49″ (approx.) |
| Grill Capacity | 7 rack ribs / 8 chickens / ~40 burgers | 6 rack ribs / 6 chickens / ~34 burgers |
| Cooking Area | 884 sq. in. | 780 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lb | 18 lb |
| Hopper Cleanout | No | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Digital Pro Controller | Traeger Controller with WiFIRE & Advanced Grilling Logic |
| Max Temperature | 450 °F | 500 °F |
| Meat Probe | Dual probes | Single probe (Wi‑enabled monitoring) |
| Special Features | Straightforward Pro controller, larger cooking area | Wi‑Fi control, TurboTemp, app recipes/guided cooks, hopper cleanout |
| Materials | Steel exterior, stainless cooking grates | Steel exterior, stainless cooking grates |
Is the Pro 780 Worth the Extra Cost?
If you want smart features like app control, recipe downloads, cook history in the cloud and quicker heat recovery, the Pro 780 delivers convenient upgrades. These features don’t inherently change flavor, but they simplify monitoring, speed up certain tasks and make repetitive cooks easier to reproduce.
If you prioritize maximum cooking surface, a lower purchase price, or a simpler, less tech-heavy experience, the Pro 34 remains a strong choice. It gives more rack space and a broad, user-friendly cooking surface for feeding larger groups.
Cooking Area and Capacity
- The Pro 34 provides 884 sq. in. total cooking area—useful for larger batches and entertaining.
- The Pro 780 offers 780 sq. in., with a layout optimized for the new chassis and features.
- For high-volume grilling (more burgers, additional whole chickens or racks of ribs), the Pro 34 has the edge.
Temperature and TurboTemp
The Pro 780’s higher maximum temperature (around 500°F) and TurboTemp function make it easier to sear and to recover heat quickly after opening the lid. TurboTemp is particularly useful in colder weather or after spritzing and wrapping, since it helps the grill return to the target temperature faster. If you mostly smoke low-and-slow, the higher max temp is less critical.
Hopper and Fuel
Both models use 100% all‑natural wood pellets and have an 18 lb hopper capacity, which is ample for most long cooks without frequent refills. The Pro 780 adds a hopper cleanout for easier pellet changes and maintenance.
Size, Weight and Mobility
- Pro 34: wider footprint, lighter (about 136 lb), extra rack space.
- Pro 780: taller and heavier (about 173 lb), includes locking caster wheels on some configurations for stability.
- Both models use all‑terrain wheels for mobility; your choice will depend on available space and desired portability.
Verdict
Choose the Pro 780 if you want Wi‑Fi connectivity, guided cooks, faster heat recovery and cloud features that make repeated cooks and remote monitoring easier. Choose the Pro 34 if you want larger cooking capacity, a simpler controller, and a lower price. For users who already own a reliable Wi‑Fi thermometer and prefer maximum rack space, the Pro 34 remains an excellent value.
Other Traeger Options
If you want more insulation, higher-end materials and larger capacities, Traeger’s Ironwood and Timberline lines step up the build quality, thicker steel and improved cold-weather performance. Ironwood models and Timberline models increase pellet efficiency and offer larger cooking areas for heavier use; they are priced accordingly.
Consider your priorities—connectivity and convenience vs. raw cooking area and affordability—when choosing between the Pro 34 and Pro 780.