As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links.
Why the cooking area on the box is bigger than the grate you use
Updated
The cooking area on a pellet grill box adds up every rack. On most models that means the main grate plus an upper rack that sits high in the lid. The upper rack is handy for sides, wings and keeping food warm. It is too narrow and too close to the lid for a brisket or a pork butt.
Two makers that publish the split
| Grill | Advertised total | Main grate | Upper rack | Main grate share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Pro 22 | 572 sq in | 418 sq in (22 x 19 in) | 154 sq in (22 x 7 in) | 73% |
| Traeger Woodridge | 860 sq in | 520 sq in | 340 sq in | 60% |
Advertised totalMain grate
- Traeger Pro 22572 sq in418 sq in
- Traeger Woodridge860 sq in520 sq in
- Green Mountain Trek Prime 2.0 (one grate)none stated216 sq in
The Pro 22 upper grate is only 7 inches deep. A whole chicken is about 7 inches wide by our estimate, so it barely fits, and nothing thick fits under a closed lid.
Makers that give only a total
- The Z Grills 7002C listing says 697 sq in. We did not find a main grate figure on the listing or the Z Grills pages we read.
- The Pit Boss 700FB2 page says 747 sq in on "2-tiers" of racks, with no split.
- The recteq Bullseye RT-B380 lists 380 sq in and does not mention an upper rack.
- The Green Mountain Trek Prime 2.0 does the useful thing and prints the grate size: 17.25 x 12.5 inches.
If the main grate is not published, measure a floor model, or ask the seller for the width and depth of the lowest grate. Then use the calculator.
What the upper rack is good for
- Wings, sausages and vegetables
- Keeping cooked food warm while the rest finishes
- A second layer of burgers when you are feeding a crowd
It is not a place for a second brisket. Plan big cooks on the main grate number.
Check your own grill and food with the what fits calculator, or see all six picks on the best pellet grills page.