Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- The Lil Tex Elite 22 is a mid-range Traeger pellet grill with 418 sq in of grilling space and an 18 lb hopper.
- It has a Digital Elite controller, electronic auto-start and porcelain-coated grates, and weighs around 98 lb.
- The controller holds temperature within about 20°F of the setting, so use a separate thermometer for precise cooks.
- It suits small-to-medium gatherings; the Texas Elite 34 offers much more space.
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 is a mid-range pellet grill for people who want the Traeger name without paying for a top-end model. It works like other Traeger pellet grills, using a fan to circulate heat and wood smoke around the food at the temperature you set.
It strikes a balance between cooking space and size: 418 sq in fits plenty of burgers, chicken or ribs, while its weight of around 98 lb is still manageable to move around your yard. This review is based on Traeger’s listed features and specifications, not on hands-on testing.
Listed specifications
- 418 sq in grilling area
- 18 lb hopper capacity
- Digital Elite controller (holds within about 20°F of the set temperature)
- Electronic auto-start ignition
- Porcelain-coated grill grates
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Weight: about 98 lb
Pros
- Digital Elite controller makes setting the temperature simple
- Auto-start ignition is more convenient than lighting a fire by hand
- Porcelain grates are easy to clean
- Durable powder-coated steel build
- Light enough at about 98 lb to move around the yard
Cons
- Much less grilling space than the Texas Elite 34
- Holds temperature only within about 20°F of the setting
- Built-in thermometer may be off by about 15°F
- Needs electricity, which limits portability
- Metal legs hit the grill body when folded
Design and build
The Lil Tex Elite 22 is built from steel with a powder-coat finish designed to last for years. The porcelain-coated grates resist sticking, so cleanup is easier even after sticky rib sauces.
Its 418 sq in of grilling space holds up to 16 burgers or four whole chickens, which is enough for most family cookouts. If you regularly cook for a big crowd, compare it with the larger model in our Traeger Texas Elite 34 review.
How it cooks
Like all pellet grills, the Lil Tex feeds wood pellets into a firepot at the rate needed to hold your set temperature. Pellets are made of compressed sawdust, so they burn more evenly than logs, and they add a wood-smoke flavor you don’t get from gas. All you need to do is keep the hopper filled; the 18 lb capacity lets you cook for a long time between refills. You can choose from many hardwood pellet flavors, such as apple or cedar.
The fan-forced heat gives you a lot of versatility. You can smoke and barbecue low and slow, bake pizza, or turn the heat up to sear and blacken meat outdoors without filling your kitchen with smoke. The grill also heats up quickly, so a weeknight sear doesn’t take long.
Temperature control and accuracy
Adjusting the temperature is as simple as turning a dial on the Digital Elite controller. However, the controller holds temperature only within about 20°F of the setting, and the built-in thermometer is reliable to only about 15°F.
For most smoking and barbecue, a 20°F swing won’t matter much: the food stays in the right range for smoking, and searing temperatures stay high enough. For more delicate food, or when you want to know exactly when the grill has stabilized, use a separate thermometer. A probe thermometer such as a wireless BBQ thermometer lets you check both the grill’s ambient temperature and the meat itself, so you can cook to the safe internal temperature every time.
Who should buy it?
- Good fit: you want a Traeger with more room than a portable model, easy controls and easy cleanup, for family-size cooks.
- Look elsewhere: you need tight temperature control for delicate cooks, a lot more space, or a grill that works away from a power outlet.
Shopping on a tighter budget? See our best pellet grills under $500.
Bottom line
The Traeger Lil Tex Elite 22 is a straightforward, mid-size pellet grill that can smoke, bake and sear with little effort. Its main compromise is temperature precision, which a good separate thermometer easily covers. If 418 sq in is enough for the people you cook for, it is a sensible middle option in Traeger’s range.
FAQ
How much can the Lil Tex Elite 22 cook at once?
Its 418 sq in grilling area fits up to 16 burgers or four whole chickens.
How accurate is the Lil Tex Elite 22 thermometer?
The built-in thermometer is reliable to about 15°F, and the controller holds within about 20°F of the setting, so a separate thermometer is a good idea.
How big is the hopper?
It holds 18 lb of pellets.
