Cooking on the Different Grill Grates
The majority of Traeger grills have 2 grill grates with the exception of the Timberline grills that have 3 grates. Because our grills cook with convection, most foods will cook about the same and in about the same amount of time, regardless of which grill grate is used.
Below are some subtle differences that occur based on which grill grate is used:
- Lower grate (closest to the heat source): Good for searing and for high heat, quick cooking needs such as burgers.
- Middle grate: Good for low and slow cooking and smoking. It is somewhat removed from the direct heat source and the greater distance between the grate and the heat shield allows the smoke to circulate better around the food. The middle grate is also the best position for most baking.
- Top grate (Timberline models only): Further from the direct heat source so this grate is also good for low and slow cooking. It is also good for keeping food warm for a short amount of time.
Searing
Did you know that an effective sear happens when the cooking surface is between 300°F and 500°F? While many people believe a grill needs to be over 500°F to get that caramelized crust on the meat, higher temperatures can result in dry food.
Our favorite way to get a good sear is with our reverse sear method by smoking the meat to about 15°F under your desired doneness level, removing from heat while you crank up your grill's temperature, and then finishing to doneness on your hot Traeger.
How to Sear
- Insert a cast iron grate or pan into your Traeger grill.
- Set your grill to 180 degrees.
- Smoke your meat until it is about 15°F below your desired doneness level, roughly an hour.
- Remove your meat from the grill.
- Turn your grill to HIGH, 450°F or 500°F, depending on your model.
- Mix 2-3 pats of butter, smashed garlic, rosemary and thyme.
- Once your grill heats up, place the meat back into your cast iron grate or pan.
- Sear your meat for about 3.5-4 minutes on each side, basting the meat with the butter mixture, until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Pull your steak off the grill and let it cool down for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!