Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Produces reliable wood-fired flavor
- ✓ Portable design is easy to move
- ✓ Simple digital controls make cooking approachable
- ✓ Good versatility for a compact pellet grill
Cons
- ✕ Smaller cooking area than full-size grills
- ✕ Not ideal for large crowds or big cuts at once
- ✕ Requires electricity to run the controller
- ✕ Can take longer than gas grills to heat up
Specifications
| Fuel type | Wood pellets |
|---|---|
| Cooking area | 300 sq in |
| Temperature range | 180-450°F |
| Weight | ~60 lb |
| Power | 120V electric controller |
Our full review
The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a portable pellet grill designed for outdoor cooking, tailgating, camping, and backyard use. Built around Traeger’s wood-pellet fuel system, it delivers the signature smoky flavor the brand is known for while offering the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it temperature control. Its compact footprint and folding legs make it easier to transport and store than a full-size grill, while still giving you enough cooking space to handle burgers, chicken, ribs, vegetables, and other barbecue favorites. As a pellet grill in the Grilling & BBQ niche, the Tailgater 20 is aimed at people who want real wood-fired flavor without the hassle of charcoal management or constant flame adjustment. The digital controller helps maintain steady heat for grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting, giving it versatility beyond basic high-heat searing. That makes it a practical option for users who want one grill that can cover weeknight meals, weekend cookouts, and travel-friendly outdoor gatherings. The Traeger Tailgater 20 stands out for combining portability with the brand’s pellet-grilling experience, making it a strong fit for those who cook on the go but still care about flavor and consistency. Its rugged, outdoor-ready design suits life on the road, at the campsite, or in the driveway, and its pellet-fed operation keeps cleanup simpler than many traditional fire-based grills. For anyone looking for a compact wood pellet grill that balances convenience, versatility, and classic barbecue taste, the Tailgater 20 is a well-known choice.
I use the Tailgater 20 for football weekends and it has been fantastic. It heats evenly, holds temperature well, and the smoky flavor is exactly what I wanted from a pellet grill.
The folding legs make it easy to transport and store. It is compact, but still gives me enough room for burgers, chicken, and ribs for a small group.
As someone new to pellet grilling, I found the controls straightforward. It takes a little longer to get going than my old gas grill, but the flavor is worth it.
