Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas) vs Traeger Pro 780 (pellet)

Weber Genesis EX-335 wins — These grills do fundamentally different things

Scores: Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas) 9/10 · Traeger Pro 780 (pellet) 9/10

These grills do fundamentally different things. Weber Genesis wins for weeknight grilling and high-heat searing; Traeger Pro 780 wins for smoked BBQ. If you primarily grill steaks, burgers, and chicken, get the Weber. If you primarily want brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, get the Traeger. Many serious cooks own both.

Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas) lists at $999 while Traeger Pro 780 (pellet) lists at $799 — Traeger Pro 780 (pellet) undercuts Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas) by $200 (25%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas)	Traeger Pro 780 (pellet)
burners	3 stainless steel main + 1 sear + 1 side	—
cooking_area	669 sq in total, 513 sq in primary	780 sq in total
temperature_range	225°F to 600°F+	165°F to 500°F
heat_time	10-15 minutes to full cooking temp	15-20 minutes to 225°F smoking temp
connectivity	Weber Connect smart grill integration	WiFire app — control from phone, meat probes
construction	Cast aluminum lid, stainless grates	—

Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas)

What works

600°F+ searing temperature produces a Maillard crust that no pellet grill can replicate — steaks sear in 90 seconds per side
10-minute heat-up means dinner on a weeknight is actually viable — pellet grills need 20-30 minutes
Propane or natural gas — no consumable wood pellets to store or replenish

What doesn't

Gas combustion produces no wood smoke — flavor is purely from the food itself and drippings
Requires propane tank swaps or natural gas hookup — one more logistical step
Weber Connect smart features require a separate hub purchase for full functionality

Traeger Pro 780 (pellet)

What works

165°F to 500°F with real hardwood smoke — pulled pork, brisket, and ribs at restaurant quality
WiFire app lets you monitor and adjust temp from inside — no babysitting a smoker for 8 hours
18 lb hopper runs 20 hours at smoke temperature — overnight brisket cooks are genuinely set-and-forget

What doesn't

500°F max temperature leaves sear marks instead of a true crust — serious steak people use a separate cast iron
Pellets cost $1-2/lb and an 8-hour cook uses 8-10 lbs — adds up quickly for frequent cooks
Requires electricity and a power outlet — not viable for camping or power outages

Bottom line

Our pick: Traeger Pro 780 (pellet). It edges out the alternative on 165°f to 500°f with real hardwood smoke — pulled pork, brisket, and ribs at restaurant quality. That said, Weber Genesis EX-335 (Gas) still wins on 600°f+ searing temperature produces a maillard crust that no pellet grill can replicate — steaks sear in 90 seconds per side — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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