Got you covered on the Traeger Tailgater! From our research, most folks find putting this portable pellet grill together pretty simple. The instructions are easy to follow, and the parts fit where they're supposed to, so you don't need to be a pro to handle it.

Once assembled, it's also straightforward to use. The Digital Arc Controller, which the manufacturer mentions, lets you control the temperature from 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with decent precision. It means you can set the temperature you want for grilling or smoking and not keep checking on it constantly.

There's also a 'Keep Warm Mode' that keeps your food at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is super handy when you're hosting and want to make sure everything's ready to go when your guests are hungry.

From what we've gathered, the temperature control is pretty reliable. Some people noted minor temperature changes or needed a bit of time to get used to the controls, but overall, folks are happy with how it works. There's a slight learning curve with the temperature probe and shutdown features, but after a few tries, you'll likely have it down.

If you're worried about complexity, the Traeger Tailgater is designed to be user-friendly both in setup and operation.

Whether you're new to grilling or a seasoned pro, it offers a convenient grilling experience with reliable temperature control.

If you're curious about how well the Traeger Tailgater maintains temperature, it does a pretty good job. It might not have the high-tech features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth that some of Traeger's more advanced models offer, but it nails the basics with its Digital Arc Controller.

This tech helps keep the temperature steady, which is really handy for both grilling and smoking. Our research suggests that many folks are happy with how well it keeps a consistent temperature, even without all the fancy digital perks.

It's a great choice if you're all about the wood pellet flavor and don't really care for the smart device integrations.

So, if you're not big on needing an app for your grill, the Traeger Tailgater might be right up your alley. It’s portable with its folding legs, making it perfect for things like tailgating and camping, where you just want to cook without too much hassle.

Plus, its small size doesn't mean you're missing out on great grilled or smoked food.

But if having smart features like remote monitoring and control is on your wishlist, you might want to check out other models like Traeger's Timberline or Ironwood.

These have Wi-Fi capabilities, which can be really convenient if you enjoy keeping an eye on your grill from a distance.

In short, the Traeger Tailgater handles temperature well, focusing on reliable performance without the extra tech. It's ideal for grillers who want straightforward, flavorful cooking without the need for gadgets.

When looking into the Traeger Tailgater, we've found a few common complaints that might be helpful to know about.

One main issue people mention is with the temperature control. Even though the Tailgater has a Digital Arc Controller that's supposed to maintain steady temperatures, there are reports about temperature fluctuations that mess with cooking performance. It seems like some folks notice uneven heat distribution, which can lead to food that's not cooked evenly.

Another point that comes up is its size. The Traeger Tailgater is really portable and great for camping or tailgating because of its compact design. But, a few people feel the cooking space is a bit tight if you're planning to cook a lot of food at once, which could be annoying if you're hosting a larger gathering.

There are also mentions of some hiccups with the pellet feeding. This can be a hassle, especially during long cooking sessions, because you need consistent pellet feeding to keep temperatures stable.

On the plus side, the built-in meat probe gets a lot of thumbs up. It helps you keep an eye on your food's internal temperature, so you can get those perfect grilling results the manufacturer talks about.

Lastly, while the Tailgater is portable, its weight might be something to think about if you plan to move it around often. It's not super heavy, but it could be a bit of a workout if you're handling it solo.

Overall, the Traeger Tailgater has some great features, but these are a few things to consider to see if it matches what you're looking for.