Looking to upgrade: 780 pro or Timberline 1300 (gen 1)

[sdv325]

I've had a tried and true Century 22 that I picked up from Costco way back in 2014 and now with a much larger family looking to upsize.

I've found a few used models locally, first was a Timberline 1300 (gen 1) and the second is a 1yr old 780 Pro. Both look to be in good shape. But after some research the 1300 has me concerned.

Are there that many new features on the 1300 that justify the price? To be honest I could leave the WiFi features, really just interested in the large space. But the grease leaking and fire hazards the 1300 have really look like a deal breaker.

An I right in thinking the 780 pro is a more reliable and easy machine to operate? The 780 is $700 used (1400 new... Canada) and the Timberline is $1200 used (was 2900 or 3300 new)

Should also add that I mainly do low and slow. Rarely do I go above 325 on the traeger. Have a large Broil King I use for anothing sear/marking.

 

[madelinesfolks]

I've had a tried and true Century 22 that I picked up from Costco way back in 2014 and now with a much larger family looking to upsize.

I've found a few used models locally, first was a Timberline 1300 (gen 1) and the second is a 1yr old 780 Pro. Both look to be in good shape. But after some research the 1300 has me concerned.

Are there that many new features on the 1300 that justify the price? To be honest I could leave the WiFi features, really just interested in the large space. But the grease leaking and fire hazards the 1300 have really look like a deal breaker.

An I right in thinking the 780 pro is a more reliable and easy machine to operate? The 780 is $700 used (1400 new... Canada) and the Timberline is $1200 used (was 2900 or 3300 new)

Should also add that I mainly do low and slow. Rarely do I go above 325 on the traeger. Have a large Broil King I use for anothing sear/marking.

I like my 780, but if you go to the higher models you get "Super Smoke", if that's important to you.

 

[drich]

I've had a tried and true Century 22 that I picked up from Costco way back in 2014 and now with a much larger family looking to upsize.

I've found a few used models locally, first was a Timberline 1300 (gen 1) and the second is a 1yr old 780 Pro. Both look to be in good shape. But after some research the 1300 has me concerned.

Are there that many new features on the 1300 that justify the price? To be honest I could leave the WiFi features, really just interested in the large space. But the grease leaking and fire hazards the 1300 have really look like a deal breaker.

An I right in thinking the 780 pro is a more reliable and easy machine to operate? The 780 is $700 used (1400 new... Canada) and the Timberline is $1200 used (was 2900 or 3300 new)

Should also add that I mainly do low and slow. Rarely do I go above 325 on the traeger. Have a large Broil King I use for anothing sear/marking.

I like my Ironwood 665. It works great on Montana. You might want the larger 885 model. Super smoke is a great feature to have. I have smoked/cooked ribs when it was 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Worked great. We have tried other models that did not work as well as this one. That’s my two cents. Yeh

 

[sdv325]

I like my Ironwood 665. It works great on Montana. You might want the larger 885 model. Super smoke is a great feature to have. I have smoked/cooked ribs when it was 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Worked great. We have tried other models that did not work as well as this one. That’s my two cents. Yeh

I've always wanted a ironwood 885, but they are $2200 here in Canada. Trying to see if one pops up locally used. That would be my ideal rig, simple grease bucket design, large enough to do 7 or 8 racks of ribs, upgraded controller.

I was hoping Costco had some good deals with their traeger road show, best one was the Silverton 810... For $2200. Hells no.

Decided to get the 780pro for now, $700 for a second hand one, 1 year old with 2yrs warranty left ($1400 new here). The Timberline was $1200, but older AC parts and no warranty.

 

[drich]

I've always wanted a ironwood 885, but they are $2200 here in Canada. Trying to see if one pops up locally used. That would be my ideal rig, simple grease bucket design, large enough to do 7 or 8 racks of ribs, upgraded controller.

I was hoping Costco had some good deals with their traeger road show, best one was the Silverton 810... For $2200. Hells no.

Decided to get the 780pro for now, $700 for a second hand one, 1 year old with 2yrs warranty left ($1400 new here). The Timberline was $1200, but older AC parts and no warranty.

That should work well for you. We purchased a Pro 575 but returned on day one because it would not hold temps, even the low ones. Then waited for the Ironwood to go on sale. I have to agree with you on price. Did not want to purchase a grill that cost more than the new range for the house. However, we have have had no regrets about the Ironwood. Let us know how your purchase works out.

 

[Trae Bar IV]

I upgraded my 1300 1st gen to the new Timberline XL and frankly, I miss the 1300. It is much more reliable with the wi-fi and overall consistency. However, that ship has sailed! As for grease leaking issues, I experienced none of that with the 1300. I will say you need to make sure you keep your smoker level and empty that little pull-out grease box after each smoke.

 

[midwest]

I hate to say this, as I do love my 780 Pro, but if I were in the market for a new one I would go with a RecTeq. A couple of my friends have them and they are heavy built, great cookers in a similar price range. The overall quality is better that Traeger IMHO. A quick online search shows their 700 model, similar to the 780 Pro is about 200.00 more.