Traeger Westwood XL vs Weber Searwood XL 600
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Both are full-size wood pellet grills with a Wi-Fi app, and Bob Vila and Tom's Guide tested both. The Weber Searwood XL 600 reaches 600 F, which testers say is enough to sear steaks and burgers, and it adds a SmokeBoost mode, two meat probes and 972 sq in of space. The Traeger Westwood XL tops out at 450 F, so steaks need a hot pan, and Tom's Guide found its smoke flavor slight, but it costs far less and is simple to run. Pick the Weber if searing and stronger smoke matter and you'll pay more. Pick the Traeger for set-and-forget cooking at about $800.
Traeger Westwood XL
Weber Searwood XL 600
Side by side
| Spec | Traeger Westwood XL | Weber Searwood XL 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking space [1][3][4] | 823 sq in on two levels | 972 sq in (630 on the main grate, 342 on the top grate) |
| Temperature range [3][4] | 180 to 450 F | Up to 600 F |
| Searing in testing [2][3][4] | No true high-heat sear; Tom's Guide says finish steaks in a pan | Bob Vila: truly sears; Tom's Guide: a moderately good sear |
| Heat-up [3][4] | 15 to 20 minutes to 450 F | 10 to 15 minutes to 275 F |
| Smoke flavor [3][4] | Slight, per Tom's Guide | Gentle by default; SmokeBoost at 175 F makes it much smokier |
| Hopper [2][3][4] | 18 lb | 20 lb; about 8 hours of smoking at 275 F |
| Control and app [1][3][4] | WiFIRE app; Tom's Guide found it easy to pair and reliable | Weber Connect over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; Tom's Guide called it polished |
| Meat probes [3][4] | 1 included | 2 included |
| Weight [3] | 128 lb, per Tom's Guide | Not listed in the sources we read |
| Storage and prep [3][4] | Small prep shelf, lower shelf, accessory mount | Lower shelf; no prep surface except the hopper lid |
| Warranty [3] | 7 years, limited | Not listed in the sources we read |
| Price [1][3] | About $799 to $800 | Priced well above the Westwood XL; check the live price |
Traeger Westwood XL
- Steady temperatures and simple controls, per Bob Vila and Tom's Guide
- About $800, far below the Weber
- 7-year limited warranty
- No real sear at 450 F
- Slight smoke flavor, and the auger and fan run constantly
- 128 lb and heavy to assemble; Bob Vila took about 90 minutes
Weber Searwood XL 600
- Reaches 600 F and sears
- SmokeBoost mode, two probes and a polished app
- More cooking space with a second grate
- Costs much more than the Westwood XL
- No storage or prep space besides the hopper lid, per Tom's Guide
- Weber advises using its own pellets so they don't block the chute
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want to sear steaks and burgers | Weber Searwood XL 600 | Reaches 600 F |
| Want stronger smoke flavor | Weber Searwood XL 600 | SmokeBoost mode |
| Want the lowest price | Traeger Westwood XL | About $800 |
| Want a simple, set-and-forget grill | Traeger Westwood XL | Press power, set a temperature |
| Want the most cooking space | Weber Searwood XL 600 | 972 sq in vs 823 sq in |
What to look for
Searing
Why it matters: Steaks and burgers need very hot grates for a crust.
How to check: Decide how often you grill hot and fast versus smoke low and slow.
Watch out: Tom's Guide says no pellet smoker it has used produces a high-quality sear, and the Westwood XL's sear wasn't there. It rated the Searwood's 600 F as enough for a moderately good sear.
Smoke flavor
Why it matters: Pellet grills make milder smoke than charcoal or wood.
How to check: Taste a pellet-smoked brisket or ribs before you buy if you can.
Watch out: Tom's Guide says the Westwood XL's smoke was slight. The Searwood's SmokeBoost holds 175 F with more smoke, and Tom's Guide's sausages came out truly smoky.
Space
Why it matters: Capacity limits how much you can cook for a crowd.
How to check: Compare 823 sq in with 972 sq in against your biggest cook.
Watch out: The Searwood's 972 sq in includes a 342 sq in top grate.
Weight and setup
Why it matters: Both are large, and assembly can take an hour or more.
How to check: Plan for a helper and a spot to keep it.
Watch out: Bob Vila took about 90 minutes to assemble the Westwood XL and recommends a helper. Tom's Guide lists it at 128 lb.
Pellets and power
Why it matters: Both are electric grills that run on wood pellets.
How to check: Keep a spare bag of pellets and a nearby outlet.
Watch out: Weber advises its own pellets. Tom's Guide also notes the Searwood draws a lot of electricity and ran out of pellets before a barbecue.
Traps and timing
- Weber sells the Searwood 600 (648 sq in) and the Searwood XL 600 (972 sq in). Several reviews, including Tom's Guide's Westwood review and Smoked BBQ Source, cover the smaller 600, so check which one a review tested.
- Bob Vila's Westwood XL review calls it a 200-pound unit, while Tom's Guide lists 128 lb. The 200 lb may be shipping weight.
- Traeger's Westwood series launched in 2026 and Bob Vila's tester couldn't find the exact model in the Traeger app at first. Selecting a similar Traeger model worked.
- Tom's Guide says the Searwood's pellet fuel gauge tends to underestimate what is left in the hopper.
- Prices change often, and the Weber has been listed well above the Traeger. Check the live Amazon price.
Before you check out
- Decide how much you will sear versus smoke.
- Check the model: Westwood XL, and Searwood XL 600 (not the smaller 600).
- Plan for a helper to assemble and a place to keep it.
- Stock pellets, and use Weber's if you buy the Searwood.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test pellet grills in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Can a pellet grill sear steaks?
Only partly. Tom's Guide says the Westwood XL's 450 F isn't enough, while the Searwood XL 600's 600 F gave moderately good sears. Charcoal and gas still do better.
Which has more cooking space?
The Weber Searwood XL 600, with 972 sq in. The Traeger Westwood XL has 823 sq in.
Which has a stronger smoke flavor?
The Weber, through SmokeBoost. Tom's Guide found the Westwood XL's smoke slight.
Do both have apps?
Yes. Traeger uses WiFIRE and Weber uses Weber Connect. Tom's Guide found both easy to use.
Which costs less?
The Traeger Westwood XL, at about $800.
Sources
- The Traeger Westwood XL Gives You Full-Size Performance Without the Premium Price, Bob Vila
- The Best Pellet Grills of 2026, Tested and Reviewed, Bob Vila
- Traeger Westwood XL Grill review, Tom's Guide
- Weber Searwood XL 600 review, Tom's Guide
- Weber Searwood Pellet Grill Review, Smoked BBQ Source