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The Weber SmokeFire had a rough launch. The latest revision fixed most of those problems and added genuine sear capability. The Traeger Pro 780 is the safe, proven mid-tier pellet grill that doesn't try anything fancy. Here's how they compare today.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Weber SmokeFire EX6 ($1,199) if you want true 600°F+ searing and Weber's revised, more reliable platform. Buy the Traeger Pro 780 ($899) if you want the most polished pellet experience with the best app and recipe ecosystem.
The Contenders
Weber SmokeFire EX6
$1,199
Cooks who want a pellet grill that genuinely sears as hot as a gas grill
Check PriceTraeger Pro 780
$899
Pellet purists who want the most refined low-and-slow experience and Traeger's app
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
High Heat & Searing
Winner: WeberWeber wins decisively. The SmokeFire hits 600°F+ and produces real grill marks. The Traeger Pro 780 tops out around 500°F. For steak cooks, Weber is in another league.
Smoke Flavor
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins. Super Smoke mode at low temps produces noticeably more visible smoke than the SmokeFire. For low-and-slow purists, Traeger is the better tool.
App & Ecosystem
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins. WiFire is the most mature pellet app on the market. Weber Connect is good but doesn't have the recipe ecosystem.
Reliability
Winner: TraegerTraeger wins. The Pro 780 is a proven, refined platform. The SmokeFire's revisions have improved it dramatically but the brand still carries the early-launch baggage in many buyers' minds.
Cooking Space
Winner: WeberWeber wins. SmokeFire EX6 at 1,008 sq in vs Traeger Pro 780 at 780 sq in. Weber wins on raw capacity but the Traeger's space is more usable due to better heat distribution.
Final Verdict
Buy the Weber SmokeFire EX6 if searing matters and you want a grill that does both pellet smoking and gas-grill-temperature searing. Buy the Traeger Pro 780 if you want the safer, more refined low-and-slow experience.
Buying Advice
If this is your only outdoor cooker and you want to retire your gas grill, the SmokeFire is the better all-rounder. If you already have a gas grill for steaks and want pellet for smoking, the Traeger is the smarter complement.
