Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate Review: Flawless Searing Every Time!

Last fall, I reviewed the Traeger Ironwood Series Pellet Grill, which has been a game-changer for my cooking. The ModiFIRE accessories allow for customization and extension of the Ironwood’s uses. I recently had a chance to check out the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate, and it’s added a new angle to my pellet grill cooking.

About the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate

The Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate is an aluminum two-sided grate that delivers flawless searing when using a pellet grill. While the grate works with most Traeger Grills, it truly shines on those equipped with ModFIRE grates.

The reversible sear grate measures 18.25″ x 11.5″ x 0.75″ and perfectly replaces a ModiFIRE grate like the ones found on the Traeger Ironwood Series. Its anodized aluminum construction makes it durable and conducts heat well for searing meats. One side is flat with small holes for grease to escape.

The flat side of the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate.

The other side contains ridges and valleys that capture flavor and moisture.

The ridged side of the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate.

I have seared steaks on both sides with fantastic results.

Using the ModiFIRE Sear Grate

I replaced the grate on the far left with the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate and began smoking the steaks to give them some flavor and prepare them for a quick sear. The Sear Grate also works sitting on top of the regular grill grates.

Once the steaks reached 120 degrees, I cranked up the grill temperature to 475 and let the meat rest while letting the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate get good and hot. Two steaks were seared using the ridges while adjusting to create cross-hatch grill marks. Each side did not take long to reach 130 degrees, and it was a perfect medium-rare cook.

I quickly flipped the ModiFIRE Sear Grate and brought the other two steaks up to the same temperature. Both sides created a tasty, perfectly seared crust. I think both sides of the Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate cooked the steaks amazingly well.

One complaint people make about pellet grills, in general, is that when using one, they aren’t able to easily or properly sear their meat. The Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate takes an already amazing Ironwood Pellet Grill and enhances its capability. This new addition not only allows for searing but also complements all of the other features that Traeger grills have while keeping that amazing woodfire flavor.

I plan on making burgers and pork chops at the ModiFIRE Sear Grate soon, and I am confident they will be a hit with my family.

The Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate retails for $99.00; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Reversible for either a flat or ridged searing surface; Fits Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grills perfectly; Adds searing capabilities to a pellet grill; Perfect sear in every use

What Needs Improvement: Nothing