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Traeger upgraded the Lil Tex to the Lil Tex Elite to improve the heat control over the original model.
It is just one of the selectively branded Traeger wood pellet grills sold only at Costco.
Other Traegers sold at Costco include the Traeger Silverton, the Traeger Freemont, and the Trager Texas Elite Pellet Grill.
There are also a fair number of retailers who carry the Lil Tex Elite 22, the Traeger Junior, and the Ranger in their overstock inventory.
These are great Traeger grills that you can get at a slightly lower purchase price compared to the Traeger models they are based on.
They also come backed by Costco’s 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
This means that you get the same material build quality of a Traeger grill, with more than just the standard warranty to cover your purchase.
However, some of these models like the Lil Tex Elite 22 don’t have 100% of the same features you find in the models they are based on.
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite has an auto-start ignition system that helps it heat up rapidly and creates a more consistent-burning firepot.
Its updated digital thermometer lets you dial in the heat better than previous models.
Which Traeger Is at Costco?
The most common Traeger grills you find for sale at Costco are the Traeger Silverton, the Traeger Freemont, and the Trager Texas Elite Pellet Grill.
There are also a fair number of retailers who carry the Lil Tex Elite 22, the Traeger Junior, and the Ranger in their overstock inventory.
Traeger Lil Tex Costco
Traeger upgraded the Lil Tex to the Lil Tex Elite.
It’s a great entry-level wood pellet grill with improved heat control over the original Lil Tex.
Are Costco Traeger Different?
Most of the Traeger grills sold at Costco are discounted, rebranded versions of other wood pellet grills in Traeger’s lineup.
The material build quality and warranty are the same, but the Costco versions tend to have fewer bells and whistles than the original Traeger models they are based on.
Are Costco Traegers Good?
Costco Traegers have the same material build quality as other Traeger grills, and they are backed by a five-year warranty as well as Costco’s 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Though these differences are minor and typically limited to included accessories like a warming rack or special features.
The performance, and build quality of Costco Traeger grills is not any different from the Traeger models they are based on.
How big is the Traeger Lil Tex?
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 has a 22″ X 19″ porcelain coated grill grate for up to 418 square inches of cooking space.
It has an 18-pound wood pellet hopper and is 49-inches high with a weight of just 98-pounds.
Should You Buy a Traeger Lil Tex Costco
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 sold at Costco is a great entry-level wood pellet grill for the price.
Costco sometimes has it available for a discounted clearance price, which can save you an extra $100 to $200.
What’s Different About a Traeger Lil Tex Costco
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 is made from powder-coated steel and boasts 20,000 BTUs of cooking power.
It has a 22″ X 19″ porcelain coated grill grate for up to 418 square inches of cooking space, which is slightly larger than earlier versions.
The updated digital control center allows you to smoke at temperatures as low as 180 degrees and or as high as 450 degrees.
This differs from the earlier model that only had vague temperature settings.
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 also features an innovative auto-start system where the auger begins to feed pellets into the firepot as the igniter rod glows red hot for the first four minutes.
This is conducive to a more efficient start-up and the burn rate.
Final Thoughts
Traeger offers several versions of their popular wood pellet grills at Costco, including the upgraded Lil Tex Elite 22, the Timberline 850, the Pro 34, the Traeger Junior, and the Ranger.
Investing in one of these models can provide you with a slightly lower purchase price compared to the same Traeger base models they replicate.
These wood pellet grills still have the same material build quality you expect in a Traeger grill, as well as Costco’s 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Though some of these Traegers don’t have 100% of the same features you find in the base models like the Traeger 22 that they are based on.
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite has been upgraded to include an auto-start ignition system that quickly develops a consistent flame as well.
It also has an updated digital thermometer that makes it easier to dial in precise temperatures better than in previous models.
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.