Traeger Grill Thanksgiving Turkey Review

REVIEW: Traeger Turkey Pellets Blend

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If you’re entrusted with cooking the bird on Thanksgiving, you’re probably looking for a risk-free, no-fuss tried and true recipe. Have a reoccurring nightmare about dry turkey, or sweet dreams about crispy, herb-crusted turkey legs?

If you’re on a wood pellet grill, this Traeger Turkey Pellets Blend might be for you:

We did a 20-pound test bird this weekend, and were cooking for 16 people. It was your typical friends-giving feast (with no less than 4 other Traeger-owners coming, NO PRESSURE!).

Again, we were looking for an easy, but proven, method and recipe. After skimming a dozen articles on spatchcocking, brining, injecting, rubbing, etc — we said: “Meh, nothing exotic.”

That’s when we turned to the wisdom of the Traeger Grills family. We had two bags delivered from a Traeger Instagram contest (“BBQ Hero of the Week”) over the summer.

The results were nothing short of amazing. “Best turkey I’ve ever had,” raved one friend. “OMG, moist, zesty, and great smoke flavor,” commented another. “Got to try that for our family Thanksgiving now, ” said one of our Traeger brethren.

Now, most everything that comes off the Traeger at our house is good. But that’s “most” not all. Not ashamed to admit we have a few hiccups every now and again. So these were pretty strong endorsements. What’s the secret? We followed Traeger’s included Smoked Bourbon & Orange Brined Turkey recipe to a T. Here are the basics (minus the booze):

Brine overnight (bag comes inside the pellets bag, fish it out!)

Pat dry, apply rub (again, included in the bag)

Put turkey directly on the grate (we put in a disposable roasting pan)

Set Traeger to smoke for 2 hours (for us, 180F)

Turn up to 350F for 2-3 hours (or until internal temp reaches 165F)

WHERE TO BUY?

You can pick up the Traeger Turkey Pellets Blend at your local dealer, or order from Amazon. If you HURRY, you select one-day or two-day shipping for Prime members, to still get in time for Thanksgiving.

Watch our mid-cook Facebook LIVE video from TraegerFanatics.com for some laughs:

Editor’s Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Traeger Orange Bourbon Brined Turkey

VIDEO: How to Spatchcock and Brine a Turkey

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Update: If you’re cooking on a wood pellet grill, Traeger is now offering it’s Turkey Pellet blend (includes brine and rub in bag) on Amazon. Prime members can still order in time for arrival by T-Day:

Via BBQPitBoys.com, here’s a top spatchcock turkey recipe:

Need a pair of versatile, heavy-duty kitchen shears to get the job done? We found these on Amazon:

BRINING

Lots of people asking on social media, “should I spatchcock AND brine my turkey?” The main reason most people brine is to lock moisture into the meat. A brine can also enhance the flavor of your turkey with various herbs, fruits, and spices.

To start with, get yourself a brining bucket or bags:

Want a pre-made, tried and true, turkey brine? Rodelle’s is a best-seller:

Want to try making your own brine?

Consider the Apple Cider Turkey recipe, also by the BBQ Pit Boys:

https://youtu.be/-nxXUl1-KUg

 

Here’s what you’ll need for the brine:

Apple Cider

Kosher Salt

Dark Brown Sugar

Garlic

Ginger

Apple Cider Vinegar

Water

Chili Pepper Flakes

 

Continue reading….

FINAL WORD: If you’re wary of too much experimenting, we suggest you try a “test turkey,” the week or weekend before, if only to build confidence!

Editor’s Note: Post contains affiliate links. Learn more.

VIDEO: Traeger Grill Modifications

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Companies often times build products with the mass consumer in mind. They then offer their own, sold-separately accessories at a premium. That’s why “mods” or modifications are increasingly popular, especially among BBQ enthusiasts.

While Traeger Grills really does a fine job, some folks will always want to keep toying with perfection. We were looking for some inspiration, and found Trikester’s video:

Here’s a list of some comparable parts you’ll need, if you want to trick out your Traeger like Trikester (whew, say that three times fast!):

1. 10in Air Tires or 7in Universal Wheel (see also Traeger Wheel Modification video for step-by-step and more parts/tools needed)

2. Traeger Front-Shelf (step-by-step video here; see also Under Shelf)

3. Cutlery Storage Caddy

4. Large Zip Ties (for securing caddy to leg, or drip bucket to hook)

5. Savannah Stoker (upgraded thermostat)

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Do you have a favorite Traeger or pellet grill hack? Leave a comment or hit the Contact Us form. If you liked this post, please share it and bookmark us!

Related content:

7 Traeger Hacks, Tips, and Tricks

30 Traeger Essentials, Accessories, Gadgets, Gift Ideas, and More

13 BBQ Books to Get You Started

Editor’s Note: Post contains affiliate links. Learn more.

Photo Credit: Andrew Hollister

13 Barbecue Books To Get Started

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You know what they say: You can’t judge a book by its cover. So we asked a few of the top barbecue groups on the internet for their BBQ book recommendations. The response was amazing.

Within a few hours, we had a monster list of titles and author to sort through. We then invested even more time looking at each book’s sales ranking, customer reviews, and status on most wished for lists.

Presenting 13 books, to get started as a novice griller, or for continuing education as a pit master!

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VIDEO: Meathead’s Buying Guide to Thermometers

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From Meathead at AmazingRibs.com:

Meathead does a great job over-viewing the various types of thermometers. Now here are some of the best-sellers and most highly-rated among BBQ enthusiasts:

ThermoPro TP03A – Instant Read Thermometer. A high precision sensor gives you accurate readings within 4-7 seconds. Stainless steel probe is easy to clean, and folds for convenient storage. Five-year warranty. Price range: $.

Lavatools Javelin – Instant Read Thermometer. For about twice the cost as the TP03A, you can get this ultra-fast sensor probe (3-4 seconds). Display is nice and big for easy reading. An integrated magnet allows for easy storage on your fridge or grill. Lifetime warranty. Price range: $$.

ThermoPro TP08 – Dual Probe Wireless Thermometer. We own this unit, and have found it well-suited to monitoring our wood pellet and gas grills alike. One probe monitors the meat, the other monitors the grill temp. Alarm and receiver both alert you to when temp has been reached. Up to 300 feet range. Lifetime Sensor Probe Warranty. Price range: $$.

ThermoPro TP20 – Dual Probe Wireless Thermometer. Simple and easy to use. Main difference from the TP08, are a Meat and Taste button that give you pre-programmed internal temps. Takes the guess work out of cooking any meat. Lifetime Sensor Probe Warranty. Price range: $$.

Tappecue – Meat Thermometer with Wifi. Comes with a phone app to monitor temps that’s available on all Apple, as well as Android products. You can get alerts when the meat or chamber goes above or below a min/max temp. Four meat probes mean you can keep track of multiple cooks at once! One year limited warranty. Price range: $$$.

Have a favorite we should review? Leave a comment, or send us a message.

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“Deal Zone” tracking Cyber Monday discount codes and limited-time deals

7 Tips and Tricks for Traeger and Pellet Grill Owners

13 Barbecue Books To Get Started

30 Traeger Essentials, Accessories, Gadgets, Gift Ideas, and More

Editor’s Note: This post contains affiliate links.

BBQ Accessories

21 Essentials for Traeger and Pellet Grill Owners

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Have a special grill enthusiast in your life, and looking for a perfect gift? Or maybe YOU’RE the enthusiast, and looking for some fresh inspiration? Either way, you’re in the right place. From beginner to pro, we sourced this list of essentials with a variety of owners in mind. We scoured the web for the best-selling, and most-wished for items. Then we hand-picked the ones we think are essential for every grill owner’s tool kit. Without further ado…

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Smoked Ribs on Gas Grill

HOW TO: Smoke Ribs on a Gas Grill

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At the in-laws, and no wood pellet grill. Had to improvise!

Luckily, you can turn any gas grill into a smoker, by using a pellet tube or smoke box:

A-Maze-n 12in-18in Expandable Tube Smoker (also available on eBay)

Stainless Steel Smoker Box by CaveTools.com (also available on eBay)

With a smoker tube or box, simply fill with your favorite pellets or chips, and then light one end with a propane torch or lighter. Let pellets or chips burn until smoke is firmly established, and they begin to glow. Then blow out the fire, and let the smoke roll.

If going chips route, check out Char-Broil Simple Smoke (Hickory, Apple, or Cherry). With chips, you may want to add water to them in a bowl first, and let them soak/expand, before adding to smoke box.

Now for the rib instructions:

  1. Remove silver skin on the back of the ribs

  2. Rub ribs generously with mustard

  3. Add your favorite rub liberally to both sides of the ribs

  4. Cover in saran wrap, put back in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Once you are ready to cook, on a four burner gas grill, start half of the burners on one side. Set to low. Put your smoker tube above one of the hot grates. Close lid, and let temperature climb to 225F. Adjust burner accordingly to get it to keep at that temp.

  1. Remove ribs from refrigerator and un-wrap.

  2. Add ribs to the cold side of the grill, bone-side down.

  3. Close lid, and let smoke build.

  4. Every hour, for two (2) hours, open grill and re-arrange ribs.

  5. At two hour mark, cover ribs in foil, adding a 1/2 cup of apple juice, and leave on for another (1) hour.

  6. Check ribs at 3 hour mark for tenderness and temp. They should be fall-off the bone, with meat receding from bone by at least a 1/4 inch.

  7. Once cooked to optimal tenderness, remove from foil and add sauce (turning every 5 minutes) for wet ribs, or remove and let rest for 15 minutes.

Cooking on charcoal? Check on this Classic Baby Back Ribs recipe from Weber, using a similar technique.

That’s about it. Now you’re ready to try ribs on a gas grill!

On Cue: Pulled Pork Butts, Camper-Edition

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Followed the Traeger Pulled Pork recipe to the T, and got amazing results! The only trick? We were camping at the river. That’s where a wireless meat thermometer comes in handy. Especially on a long cook.