If you own a Traeger Pro 575, you already know it’s a solid pellet grill — reliable, Wi-Fi connected, and capable of turning out great BBQ. But if you’ve ever wished you had more cooking real estate, easier access to food without burning your face off, or the ability to cook at multiple heat levels simultaneously, the Pimp My Grill (PMG) Gen2 Grate Rack System might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Pimp My Grill Pro 575 Grate Rack System?
The PMG Gen2 Grate Rack System is a patent-pending aftermarket upgrade designed specifically for the Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 22 (as well as several older compatible models, including the Century 22, Mesa 22, and Lil Tex 22). It replaces or supplements your factory grates with a two-rack slide-out system built from heavy-duty carbon steel — the same material that seasons and develops a protective layer much like cast iron.
The system consists of two grates mounted on a bracket-and-track assembly that slides in and out of your grill, essentially converting your single-level cooker into a multi-zone cooking machine. The Pro 575 version retails for $269.99
Specs at a Glance
- Top Rack: 21¼” × 15″
- Bottom Rack: 21.125″ × 18.5″
- Total Cooking Area: 704 square inches
- Spacing (Pro 575): 5⅝” from top rack to lid; 4⅜” between bottom and top rack
- Material: Heavy-duty carbon steel
- Installation: No drilling, no cutting, no permanent modifications
How Does It Work?
The genius of the PMG system is its simplicity. Here’s how it comes together:
1. Bracket Installation Side brackets lock into your existing grill walls using a single adjustment bolt per side. No tools beyond a wrench are needed, and no holes are drilled into your grill. The patent-pending bracket system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Pro 575’s interior geometry.
2. SmoothSlide Track System Once the brackets are in place, both racks slide into the tracks like a drawer. PMG’s proprietary SmoothSlide tracks allow the grates to glide in and out effortlessly, even when loaded with food.
3. Slide-Out Access This is the standout feature. Instead of reaching deep into a hot, smoky grill to flip a brisket or baste your ribs, you simply pull the rack toward you. The food comes to you — not the other way around. No more squinting through smoke or burning your forearms.
4. Multi-Level Cooking Zones The two-rack setup creates distinct cooking zones:
- Lower rack: Closer to the heat deflector plate, providing more direct, radiant heat — ideal for searing or faster cooks.
- Upper rack: Further from the heat source, where convection air and smoke circulate most effectively. This is the sweet spot for long cooks like brisket, pork butt, or whole poultry.
5. Reversible Grates Each rack is reversible, offering an optional recessed cooking surface depending on your preference. The classic diamond grate pattern also helps create clean, defined sear marks at high temps.
6. Easy Removal When you need taller clearance for a whole turkey or a standing rib roast, the racks lift straight out in seconds, restoring your full grill cavity without any disassembly.
Pros
✅ Massively Expanded Cooking Capacity The two-rack system gives you 704 total square inches of cooking space — a significant jump from the Pro 575’s stock single-level setup. Users on forums like Smoking Meat Forums report effectively doubling their capacity, making it possible to cook for larger crowds without firing up a second grill.
✅ Slide-Out Convenience Is a Game Changer The slide-out design is arguably the most universally praised feature. Loading and unloading food, saucing, flipping, or checking temps becomes dramatically easier and safer when you’re not reaching blindly into heat and smoke.
✅ No Permanent Modifications The system installs and removes without drilling, cutting, or doing anything that would void your Traeger warranty. It’s fully reversible — if you don’t like it, your grill is exactly as it was.
✅ Heavy-Duty Build Quality Carbon steel construction is significantly more robust than porcelain-coated grates. It develops a seasoned, non-stick surface over time and is resistant to warping under high heat. Users consistently praise the craftsmanship, with many describing it as overbuilt in the best possible way.
✅ Multi-Zone Cooking Flexibility Being able to simultaneously grill at one level and smoke or bake at another opens up new cooking possibilities. You can run chicken thighs on the lower rack for crispier skin while finishing a pork loin more gently on the upper rack — all in one cook.
✅ Quick and Easy Installation Most users report being able to install the system in just a few minutes. The bracket system is intuitive, and PMG includes installation tips in the packaging.
✅ Made in the USA Pimp My Grill is based in El Cajon, California (right here in San Diego County), and manufactures domestically — a plus for those who value American-made products.
Cons
❌ Price: The PMG Pro 575 rack system is a premium product at a premium price point of $269.99. Forum users frequently mention cost as a barrier, noting that basic aftermarket grates can be had for as little as $25. Whether the added convenience and build quality justify the cost is a personal call, but it’s not a budget purchase.
❌ Reduced Vertical Clearance Per Zone Splitting your grill into two cooking levels means each zone has less vertical room than the stock single-rack setup. With only 4⅜” between the bottom and top racks on the Pro 575, very tall cuts (like a thick prime rib standing upright) won’t fit with both racks installed. You’d need to remove one rack for those cooks.
❌ Carbon Steel Requires Seasoning and Care Unlike porcelain-coated factory grates that are relatively low-maintenance, carbon steel needs to be seasoned before first use and dried after cleaning to prevent rust. This is a minor inconvenience for most experienced grillers, but it’s an extra step beginners should be aware of.
❌ Shipping Times Can Vary Some customers note that delivery can take longer than expected, particularly during peak demand periods or for pre-orders. One reviewer reported waiting from July through October for a pre-ordered unit — something to keep in mind if you’re planning around a specific event.
❌ Quality Control Is Mostly Excellent, But Not Perfect The vast majority of reviews are glowing, but a small number of users have noted minor weld imperfections on grate-to-track connections. These appear to be isolated cases rather than a systemic issue, but it’s worth inspecting your unit on arrival.
❌ Not Compatible With All Pro 575 Cooking Styles If you primarily cook very large, single cuts (whole brisket flats, full packer briskets, etc.) that benefit from maximum clearance, you may end up cooking with only one rack installed most of the time — reducing the value proposition of the full system.
Who Is This For?
The Pimp My Grill Pro 575 Gen2 Rack System is best suited for:
- Grillers who cook for a crowd and need more real estate without buying a bigger grill.
- Anyone tired of reaching into a hot grill to manage food — the slide-out feature alone is worth it for many.
- Multi-dish cooks who want to run different cooking zones simultaneously.
- Serious BBQ enthusiasts who want premium materials and a substantial, well-engineered upgrade.
It’s probably overkill for casual weeknight grillers who mostly cook for two or three people and rarely push capacity limits.
The Bottom Line
The Pimp My Grill Gen2 Grate Rack System retails for $269.99 and is a genuinely well-thought-out upgrade for the Traeger Pro 575. It’s not cheap, and it does require some adaptation in how you think about your grill — but for users who regularly max out their cooking space or find themselves wrestling with hard-to-reach food, it solves real problems in an elegant way. The slide-out functionality alone tends to convert skeptics into fans the first time they use it.
If you’re on the fence, the consensus from Traeger community forums is clear: most people who buy it don’t regret it.
For more information or to purchase, visit pimpmygrill.com.
