Traeger Ironwood 885: A Comprehensive Review of the High-End Pellet Grill

The Ironwood lineup is packed with state-of-the-art features such as WiFire, an upgraded controller, and SuperSmoke mode. However, with all of these sophisticated features, it's essential to examine how Ironwood performs in actual use.

In this comprehensive review of the Traeger Ironwood 885, we'll provide an in-depth analysis of this top-of-the-line pellet smoker and determine if the investment is worthwhile. With our expert evaluation and honest user feedback, you can decide whether Ironwood is the right choice for your grilling needs.

Traeger ironwood 885 Review

If you're in the market for a high-quality pellet smoker that offers advanced features and innovation, the Traeger Ironwood is a fantastic option to consider. But before we delve into how well this smoker performs, we should clarify the primary difference between the Ironwood 885 and the Ironwood 650.

The only difference between the two models is the cooking space. The Ironwood 885 offers 885 square inches of cooking area, while the Ironwood 650 has 650 square inches. All of the features, materials, and outcomes remain consistent, regardless of whether you use the 650 or the 885.

So while this is technically a Traeger Ironwood 885 review, everything we discuss also applies to the 650. It's just slightly smaller and less expensive. Now that we've covered the distinction let's take a closer look at the performance of this smoker.

Performance

The Traeger Ironwood 885 pellet smoker offers exceptional performance, delivering consistently high-quality results. Its D2 Direct Drive system provides more reliable and precise heat control, while the SuperSmoke mode produces more smoke for a richer, more robust flavor. With a temperature range of 165 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Ironwood 885 provides the versatility to cook a wide range of foods.

Also Read: Traeger Pro 575 Review

Ease of Cleaning

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is relatively easy to clean. Its non-stick grill grates are easy to remove and clean, and the grease management system collects grease and ash for easy disposal.

Storage and Prep Areas

The Ironwood 885 features a large storage area beneath the hopper for storing pellets and a prep rack for holding tools or food.

Capacity

The Ironwood 885 offers a generous cooking area of 885 square inches and ample space for cooking for large families or entertaining guests. Its large hopper capacity of 20 pounds ensures you can cook for extended periods without running out of pellets.

Temperature Accuracy & Consistency

The Ironwood 885 is highly accurate and consistently maintains the desired temperature. The grill's advanced D2 Direct Drive system ensures more precise temperature control, while the dual-side wall insulation helps retain heat efficiently and evenly throughout the cooking area.

Construction

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is built to last. It features a durable stainless-steel body with high-quality cast iron grill grates. The grill is backed by a 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers.

WiFIRE

The Traeger Ironwood 885 takes your grilling experience to the next level with its cutting-edge WiFIRE technology. With this feature, you can easily control the smoker using the smartphone app, adjusting the temperature, setting timers, and checking the internal temperature of your food.

But what sets Traeger apart from its competitors is its WiFIRE compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. That's right - you can now talk to your smoker and give it commands! Say goodbye to complicated controls and hello to a more intelligent, more intuitive grilling experience. With the Traeger Ironwood 885 and its WiFIRE technology, you'll be the master of the grill in no time.

The Traeger Ironwood 885 Review Summary: Should You Buy It?

After evaluating the Traeger Ironwood 885, I believe it's an excellent option for serious grillers who want the latest features and innovative technology. With advanced features like WiFIRE, a pellet sensor, and SuperSmoke mode, the Ironwood 885 makes it easy to achieve perfectly cooked meals with a rich, smoky flavor.

In addition, the Ironwood 885 offers ample cooking space, sturdy construction, and reliable temperature control, all backed by a 3-year warranty. Although it's more expensive than some other pellet smokers on the market, I think the Ironwood 885's performance and feature set justify the investment for many.

However, if you don't need all the advanced features, Traeger offers other models that may be a better fit for your needs and budget. Ultimately, the decision to buy the Traeger Ironwood 885 comes down to whether you value the latest technology and advanced features and are willing to pay the premium price for them.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-end pellet smoker that offers advanced features, consistent performance, and ease of use, I highly recommend considering the Traeger Ironwood 885.

Pros:

• The upgraded D2 Direct Drive system provides more power and improved smoke distribution.
• TurboTemp allows for faster heating times.
• WiFIRE controller technology allows for easy control and monitoring through the app or Alexa.
• Convection fans create a smoke vortex, enhancing flavor.
• SuperSmoke mode boosts smoke production.
• The downdraft exhaust system ensures that smoke touches all the food.
• Comes with one meat probe for easy monitoring of internal meat temperature.
• Dual-side wall insulation improves heat retention and fuel efficiency in colder climates.
• High-quality construction and backed by an excellent 3-year warranty.

Cons:

• The maximum temperature of 500°F is not ideal for direct heat grilling, and it's more akin to cooking in a very hot oven.
• It doesn't have high-end features like stainless steel grates, or the grease management system found in the more expensive Timberline series.
• The Ironwood series is only available in two size options: 650 square inches and 885 square inches.

Conclusion

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a high-quality pellet smoker with advanced features like the WiFIRE controller and Tru Convection fans that enhance the cooking experience. However, it lacks some of the more high-end features of the Timberline series and may not be suitable for direct heat grilling. Additionally, the Ironwood series is only available in two size options.