The days of standing over a hot grill wondering if the chicken is cooked are over. In 2026, smart grills send notifications to your phone when dinner is perfect.
The backyard battle is between two philosophies. The Traeger Ironwood XL is a smart wood pellet smoker that acts like an outdoor convection oven, infusing food with rich smoky flavor. The Weber Genesis Smart EX-335 is a high-performance gas grill equipped with a digital brain to guide every flip. Do you want low-and-slow flavor, or hot-and-fast speed? Let's fire them up.
The Fuel: Wood Pellets vs. Liquid Propane
Traeger (The Robot Smoker):
Run on compressed Wood Pellets (Hickory, Cherry, Mesquite).
How it works: An auger automatically feeds pellets into the fire pot to maintain the exact temperature you set in the app. It cooks via indirect heat. It creates flavor that gas simply cannot match.
Weber (The Speed Demon):
Runs on standard Propane or Natural Gas.
How it works: It uses open flame burners. It heats up instantly. It cooks via direct heat. It is perfect for getting those beautiful char marks (sear lines) on a steak.
The Intelligence: WiFIRE vs. Weber Connect
Traeger WiFIRE:
The app allows you to control the grill. You can change the temperature from your couch. If the brisket is cooking too fast, you can drop the temp remotely. It is truly "set it and forget it."
Weber Connect:
The smart hub monitors the grill. It cannot turn the knobs for you (safety regulations). Instead, it acts as a coach. It sends you a notification: "Time to flip" or "Your steak has reached 125°F." It also tracks your gas level so you never run out mid-cook.
🎯 Target Audience: Who is this for?
Buy Traeger Ironwood XL IF:
- You love BBQ flavor (ribs, brisket, pulled pork).
- You want an "Outdoor Oven." You can bake pies, pizzas, and mac & cheese in it.
- You value consistency. It produces the exact same result every time.
Avoid Traeger Ironwood XL IF:
- You want to grill a burger in 10 minutes (it takes 15 mins just to warm up).
- You don't have an electrical outlet on your patio (it needs power to run the computer/auger).
Buy Weber Genesis Smart IF:
- You cook mostly burgers, steaks, and hot dogs (Weeknight meals).
- You want intense searing heat (700°F+).
- You don't want to buy/store bags of wood pellets.
Avoid Weber Genesis Smart IF:
- You want to smoke a brisket for 12 hours (it's hard to maintain low temps on gas).
- You expect the grill to adjust the temperature automatically.
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | Traeger Ironwood XL | Weber Genesis EX-335 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Gas (Propane/NG) |
| Max Temp | ~500°F (Indirect) | ~700°F+ (Direct) |
| Auto-Control | Yes (Full Temp Control) | No (Monitoring Only) |
| Price | ~$1,799 | ~$1,299 |
FAQ: Electricity Requirement
Do they need to be plugged in?
Traeger: YES. It 100% requires electricity to run the auger, fan, and computer. If power goes out, you can't cook.
Weber: The "Smart" features need power (plug or USB battery pack), but the burners are mechanical. If power goes out, you can still cook like a normal grill; you just lose the digital screen.
Winner for Flavor: Traeger Ironwood XL. It transforms amateur cooks into pitmasters. The food simply tastes better.
Winner for Convenience: Weber Genesis Smart EX-335. It is the ultimate Tuesday night workhorse. Fast, hot, and reliable, with just enough tech to prevent you from overcooking the steaks.