As someone who used to wrestle with charcoal grills and inconsistent smokers, often ending up with either overcooked or undercooked meat lacking that deep, authentic flavor, the frustration was real. My weekends were often consumed by trying to maintain temperatures, constantly adjusting vents, and hoping for the best. This problem wasn’t just about convenience; it meant disappointing results for family gatherings and a general lack of confidence in my outdoor cooking skills. Finding a reliable, easy-to-use solution that consistently delivered delicious, smoky results was essential, otherwise, I’d likely give up on smoking entirely and stick to basic grilling.
Seeking an easier path to authentic BBQ flavor often leads backyard cooks down the road to pellet grills. These machines are designed to bridge the gap between the ease of gas grilling and the smoky results of traditional wood smokers. If you’re tired of constantly tending a fire, struggling with temperature swings, or ending up with food that lacks that crucial smoky depth, a pellet grill might be exactly what you need. The ideal customer for this category is someone who values consistent results, convenience, and versatility in their outdoor cooking. They appreciate technology that simplifies the process and want to easily smoke brisket on Saturday and bake a pizza on Sunday.
However, a pellet grill isn’t for everyone. If your primary goal is high-heat searing and you don’t plan on smoking or doing long, low-and-slow cooks, you might be better off with a dedicated gas grill or a charcoal grill designed for searing. Similarly, if you’re a purist who enjoys the hands-on challenge and ritual of managing a stick burner or charcoal pit from start to finish, the automated nature of a pellet grill might feel like it takes away some of the fun. Before buying, consider the cooking area you need, the features that matter most (Wi-Fi connectivity, temperature range, smoke settings), the budget you have, and the maintenance involved (pellet filling, ash cleanup). Also, think about where it will live – these can be quite large.
- Smart Grilling Control: WiFIRE technology lets you monitor and control the smoker from anywhere using the Traeger app. Adjust temperature, set timers, and check probe readings, perfect for convenient,...
- Wood-Fired Flavor: This wood pellet smoker grill uses all-natural hardwood pellets and Super Smoke Mode to deliver bold, authentic BBQ flavor. Ideal for smoking brisket, ribs, or chicken with...
- Versatile 6-in-1 Cooking: Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ on one electric pellet smoker. With a temperature range of 165–500°F, this grill smoker combo is built to handle everything from...
Presenting the Traeger Ironwood 885
Enter the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. This is more than just a grill; it’s a comprehensive outdoor cooking system designed to bring championship-level wood-fired flavor to your backyard with minimal effort. It promises precise temperature control and versatile 6-in-1 cooking capabilities (grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ), essentially aiming to replace multiple cooking appliances. When you purchase the Ironwood 885, you typically get the grill itself, a wired meat probe, and the necessary tools and instructions for assembly.
Compared to earlier Traeger models like the Pro series, the Ironwood 885 offers enhanced features like the D2 controller for more precise temperature management, double-wall insulation for better performance in varying climates, and the Super Smoke mode for an extra punch of smoky flavor at lower temperatures. This specific model, with its 885 square inches of cooking space, is ideal for serious home cooks, frequent entertainers, or anyone who wants to cook larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once without constantly rearranging. It might be overkill if you’re only cooking for one or two people on a regular basis and space is limited, in which case a smaller model might suffice, though many users appreciate the extra space for flexibility.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent wood-fired flavor with Super Smoke mode.
* Precise and consistent temperature control.
* WiFIRE technology offers incredible convenience via app control.
* Large cooking capacity suitable for big cooks.
* Highly versatile, handling multiple cooking methods.
* Durable build quality designed for outdoor use.
Cons:
* Significant upfront cost compared to basic grills.
* Relies on electricity to run, unlike charcoal or gas.
* Pellet consumption can add up, especially on long cooks.
* Some users report the integrated thermometer being slightly inaccurate (though this can be supplemented with external probes).
- Charcoal & Gas Combo: The dual-fuel grill with an attached offset smoker and a side burner provides the authentic charcoal flavor, the convenience of gas grilling, the rich smoky flavor and the...
- COMBO SMOKER & GRILL: With a horizontal cooking chamber and a firebox on the side, the smoker is fueled by charcoal and flavored by hardwood splits & chunks, sold separately, to cook low and slow with...
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
Exploring the Ironwood 885’s Capabilities
Having spent considerable time using the Traeger Ironwood 885, I can confidently say it lives up to many of its promises. Let’s break down the features that make this pellet grill a workhorse in the backyard.
WiFIRE Technology: Your Remote Control BBQ Pitmaster
One of the standout features, and frankly, one of the most revolutionary aspects of modern pellet grills, is the WiFIRE technology. This system integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your Traeger Ironwood 885 from anywhere using the Traeger app on your smartphone.
How it performs: Once the grill is connected to your home network (it typically uses the 2.4GHz band, which is pretty standard, though some newer mesh systems might require a little tweaking), the app becomes your command center. You can preheat the grill, adjust the temperature up or down, set timers, and monitor the internal temperature of your food using the included meat probe. The app also provides access to Traeger’s extensive library of recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions that can be sent directly to the grill.
Why this is important: The benefit of WiFIRE is immense convenience and peace of mind. No more running outside in the rain to check the grill temp during a long smoke. You can be inside, relaxing or prepping sides, and know exactly what’s happening. For overnight cooks, it’s a game-changer – you can sleep knowing you’ll be alerted if the temperature deviates or when your meat hits the target temperature. This technology simplifies complex cooks, making low-and-slow smoking accessible to beginners and even more convenient for experienced users. Being able to adjust the temp without lifting the lid also helps maintain consistent cooking conditions.
Wood-Fired Flavor and Super Smoke Mode: The Heart of the Cook
Ultimately, people buy a wood pellet grill for the flavor, and the Traeger Ironwood 885 delivers on this front. It burns all-natural hardwood pellets, infusing your food with that distinct, delicious smoky taste that you just can’t get from gas or electric alone.
How it performs: The grill feeds pellets from the hopper into a fire pot where they are ignited by a hot rod. A fan circulates the smoke and heat throughout the cooking chamber. Traeger offers a variety of pellet flavors (hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite, etc.), allowing you to experiment and find your favorites for different proteins and foods. The ‘Super Smoke Mode’, available at temperatures between 165°F and 225°F, increases the smoke output for a bolder flavor profile – perfect for cuts like brisket, pork butt, or ribs where you want a deep smoke ring and rich taste. Activating this mode is simple via the controller or the app.
Why this is important: The ability to easily infuse food with real wood smoke is the primary reason to choose this type of grill. Unlike chip smokers that can produce acrid smoke, pellet grills generally provide clean, consistent smoke. The Super Smoke mode is a valuable addition for those who want a more intense smoky flavor than a standard pellet grill might provide. This feature ensures that even though the process is automated, the flavor is authentic and impactful, creating that sought-after BBQ experience right in your backyard.
Versatility: The 6-in-1 Culinary Powerhouse
The Ironwood 885 isn’t just for smoking. Traeger markets it as a 6-in-1 cooker, capable of grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and BBQing. With a temperature range typically from 165°F to 500°F (note: while it can reach 500°F, dedicated searing often requires higher temps or accessories), it offers significant flexibility.
How it performs: At lower temperatures (165-250°F), it excels at smoking, producing tender, flavorful briskets, pork shoulders, ribs, and fish. Cranking up the heat (250-350°F) turns it into an amazing outdoor oven for roasting chickens, turkeys, or baking bread and desserts like fruit crisps. Medium to high heat (350-500°F) allows for grilling burgers, sausages, and searing steaks (though getting a hardcore char might require different techniques or accessories compared to a charcoal or high-temp gas grill). Braising can be done in a Dutch oven placed directly on the grates.
Why this is important: This versatility means you can use the same Traeger Ironwood 885 pellet grill for almost any recipe that calls for outdoor cooking. It truly can replace multiple backyard appliances for many users. The ease of switching between cooking methods and temperatures makes preparing complex meals outdoors much simpler than managing different grills or smokers. From Sunday roasts to weeknight dinners, the Traeger Ironwood 885 handles it all with wood-fired goodness.
Capacity: Cooking for a Crowd
With 885 square inches of cooking real estate spread across two tiers of porcelain-coated grill grates, the Ironwood 885 offers ample space for large cooks.
How it performs: The main grate is spacious enough for multiple large cuts or dozens of burgers. The upper grate is perfect for adding more food, resting meat, or keeping items warm. Traeger estimates the capacity can handle up to 10 chickens, 7 racks of ribs, or 9 pork butts simultaneously. While individual results may vary based on size and placement, it’s clear this grill is built for volume.
Why this is important: If you frequently host parties, cook for a large family, or enjoy doing meal prep for the week, this capacity is invaluable. You won’t be limited by space or forced to cook in multiple batches. The two-tier system allows for flexibility, enabling you to cook different items at different distances from the heat source simultaneously if needed.
Precise Temperature Control and Insulation: Consistency is Key
Achieving consistent results in smoking and BBQ often hinges on maintaining a stable temperature, and the Traeger Ironwood 885 excels here thanks to its D2 controller and double-wall insulation.
How it performs: The D2 controller is Traeger’s advanced system, designed to deliver more consistent temperature output than older controllers. It reacts quickly to changes and helps maintain the set temperature within a narrow range. The double-wall insulation, particularly noticeable in the lid and cooking chamber walls, helps retain heat, especially in colder weather or windy conditions. This means less pellet consumption and more stable temperatures year-round. While some users have noted slight temperature oscillations or discrepancies with third-party probes (sometimes attributed to probe placement or the specific model/firmware), the overall consensus is that it holds temps far better than many alternatives.
Why this is important: Temperature consistency is critical for successful BBQ, especially for long cooks. Wild temperature swings can dry out meat or prevent proper rendering of fats. The Ironwood 885‘s robust temperature control and insulation provide a reliable cooking environment, leading to more predictable and delicious results every time, regardless of the weather outside. This reliability is a major selling point for anyone serious about low-and-slow cooking.
Durable Construction and Thoughtful Features: Built to Last
The Traeger Ironwood 885 pellet grill is built with quality materials designed to withstand the elements. It features alloy steel and steel construction with a durable powder-coated finish.
How it performs: The grill feels solid and well-built. It’s heavy (over 170 pounds), indicating substantial materials. The powder coating holds up well against typical weather exposure. Features like the Pop & Lock Rail system allow for easy attachment of accessories like paper towel holders or tool hooks, adding convenience. The design includes an improved grease management system, channeling grease into an external bucket, and an ash cleanout system, simplifying post-cook cleanup. The porcelain-coated grates are also relatively easy to scrape clean.
Why this is important: A grill is an outdoor appliance, and durability is key to ensuring it lasts for years. The sturdy construction inspires confidence that the Ironwood 885 can handle various weather conditions. Thoughtful design elements like the Pop & Lock rail and improved cleanup systems show attention to user experience, making the process of cooking and maintaining the grill less of a chore.
User Experiences Shared Online
After scouring various online forums and retail sites, it’s clear that many users are absolutely thrilled with their Traeger Ironwood 885. People consistently rave about the incredible wood-fired flavor it imparts, noting how much better their briskets, ribs, and even everyday items like chicken taste compared to other cooking methods. Many highlight the simplicity of operation, mentioning how easy it is for beginners to get professional-level results. The WiFIRE technology receives frequent praise for its convenience, allowing cooks to monitor everything from inside. While the initial investment is noted as significant, the common refrain is that the performance, ease of use, and delicious food make it well worth the price, often describing it as the best purchase they’ve made for outdoor cooking. A few comments touched on minor assembly or delivery issues, but these seem more related to the retailer or shipping service than the grill itself, which performs reliably once set up.
Bringing It All Together
If you’ve been struggling to achieve consistent, delicious, smoky results with traditional methods, or if you crave that authentic wood-fired flavor without the constant tending required by charcoal or stick burners, the complications of not finding a solution mean continued frustration and lackluster backyard BBQ. The Traeger Ironwood 885 stands out as an excellent fit to solve this problem. Its combination of precise temperature control, versatile cooking options, generous capacity, and revolutionary WiFIRE technology makes it incredibly easy to use while consistently delivering fantastic flavor. It’s a significant investment, but one that pays off in stress-free cooks and mouth-watering food that will impress family and friends. To learn more or to purchase this fantastic grill, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API