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How Much Is A Used Traeger Worth?
Traeger grills are sometimes sold via online portals like Facebook Marketplace, Craig’s List, and eBay, just to name a few. Since their initial purchase price is high, but used prices are very low, it makes buying a used Traeger wood pellet grill very tempting.
Though there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you hand over a single penny for a second-hand Traeger.
Right off the bat, Traeger’s warranty only extends to the original purchaser, and not a second party.
If there is an existing problem or the Traeger is damaged after you buy it, the out-of-pocket repair is your responsibility and the cost will likely be hefty.
Ideally, you want the asking price to be at least 35% to 50% off of the MSRP of a new Traeger wood pellet grill. You also need to ask some key questions to determine how the grill has been treated, as well as look for signs of pride in ownership from the seller.
Ask if the grill has a cover, as well as any obvious issues the seller knows about.
You should also look for signs of good maintenance like drip pan liners, a clean smoking chamber, and ash keg liners.
Tips for Buying a Used Traeger
When buying a used Traeger, you want to put in your due diligence to ask all the important questions. You also shouldn’t be taken in by any existing warranty the seller claims, as Traeger’s warranty is only to the original purchaser and doesn’t transfer when sold to a second party.
When sorting by price, you should expect a used Traeger to be sold for 35% to 50% less than the original purchase price for that model.
Party of this is because Traeger factors their robust warranty coverage into the sale price, and the warranty doesn’t transfer.
If you are using a platform that lets you see a seller’s history, take the time to investigate their past reviews.
If you see a lot of negative comments, chances are good they are trying to unload a problematic Traeger on you.
You should then ask the seller about the grill’s features. Double-check their responses against similar Traeger models online to make sure they are truly well-versed about the grill itself.
This can boost or break your confidence as a potential buyer.
Also, ask if the grill comes with a cover. If the seller doesn’t even have a cover for the Traeger, then it has spent most of its life ravaged by the elements.
Then ask them if you can test run the grill, or if they can live stream a video call to let you see the Traeger in action.
It needs to perform well at low temperatures of 180 and 225 degrees, while also being able to handle being cranked up as high as 400 degrees.
While testing the grill, listen for any overly loud mechanical sounds.
A gentle hum is normal for a Traeger auger, but grinding noises, clicking sounds, and loud mechanical whines are likely a sign of a mechanical problem that you will be stuck with.
Note any signs of premature rust, corrosion, ash buildup, or stuck on grease.
These are signs that the grill hasn’t been properly cleaned and maintained.
Also, look for signs of pride in ownership. This includes a drip pan liner or ash keg liner, as well as general cleanliness on the exterior of the Traeger grill.
Should You Buy a Used Traeger?
You should only buy a used Traeger if the price is right, it’s in good condition and the seller shows pride of ownership.
If the price is less than 35% to 50% off the MSRP of a new model, you should walk away.
Are Used Traegers Still Good Quality?
All of Traeger’s wood pellet grills are built to exacting standards and use the highest quality material components, which promotes longevity.
However, a poorly maintained Traeger grill or one that was abused can have expensive mechanical problems and corrosion issues.
Always keep in mind that Traeger’s warranty only extends to the original purchaser.
So any problems that arise after you take the grill home will come out of your pocket.
Where Do You Buy Used Traegers?
Traeger grills are large and heavy, so it’s best to start your search for a used Traeger grill via local sources.
This includes Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp. You can also try eBay, so long as you filter by distance.
Final Thoughts
You might be able to find a good deal on a used Traeger grill via sites like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Craig’s List, and eBay.
Though there are some things to keep in mind before agreeing to purchase one.
You need to know that Traeger’s warranty only extends to the original purchaser, and will not transfer to you when it’s sold.
Any new or existing problems will come out of your pocket, and the cost is likely to be prohibitively high.
You should only consider a used Traeger grill if it is priced at least 35% to 50% lower than a new Traeger wood pellet grill. You should also look for obvious signs of pride in ownership.
This includes things like a grill cover, as well as any obvious issues the seller knows about. You should also look for signs of good maintenance like drip pan liners, a clean smoking chamber, and ash keg liners.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.