The Traeger Ironwood 885 is our top pick for serious backyard cooks who want consistent smoke flavor, rock-solid temperature control, and a rugged build that lasts. With Traeger’s D2 controller, Super Smoke mode, and a large cooking area, it earns its premium status. But the Ironwood 650 offers similar performance for smaller spaces, and the budget-friendly Pro 575 is a strong alternative if you don’t need the extra bells and whistles. We researched owner feedback and specs to help you choose the right Ironwood for your needs.

Quick Answer

Traeger Ironwood grills excel in temperature stability and smoke output. The Ironwood 885 is best for large families or frequent entertainers. The Ironwood 650 is a great value for smaller households. The Pro 575 is a budget-friendly option with fewer features. Avoid the older Ironwood 780 model due to reported controller issues.

  • Best overall: Traeger Ironwood 885
  • Best value: Traeger Ironwood 650
  • Best budget: Traeger Pro 575
  • Avoid: Traeger Ironwood 780 (discontinued, controller problems)

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our product rankings or recommendations.

Quick Picks

  • Best overall: Traeger Ironwood 885, Large capacity, Super Smoke mode, and WiFIRE connectivity for precise control.. Check price on Amazon
  • Best value: Traeger Ironwood 650, Same D2 controller and smoke quality as the 885, but smaller and more affordable..
  • Best budget: Traeger Pro 575, Entry-level Traeger with solid performance, but lacks Super Smoke and larger cooking area..

Comparison Table

Product Type Cooking Area Best for Controller Buy
Traeger Ironwood 885 885 sq in Large families, frequent entertaining D2 WiFIRE Check Price
Traeger Ironwood 650 650 sq in Small to medium households D2 WiFIRE Check Price
Traeger Pro 575 575 sq in Budget-conscious, beginners D2 WiFIRE (no Super Smoke) Check Price
Traeger Ironwood 780 780 sq in Avoid (discontinued, control issues) Older controller Check Price

How We Chose These Grills Picks

We analyzed hundreds of verified Amazon reviews, professional reviews from BBQ experts, and Traeger’s official specs. We prioritized temperature accuracy, smoke output, build quality, and long-term reliability. Owner-reported issues like controller failures and paint peeling were key factors in our ratings.

Key Takeaway: The Traeger Ironwood 885 offers the best balance of capacity, smoke performance, and smart features for serious home cooks. The Ironwood 650 is a smart value pick for smaller spaces. Avoid the discontinued 780 model due to reliability concerns.

Best Overall: Traeger Ironwood 885

Best for: Best for large families or anyone who frequently smokes for a crowd and wants the best temperature control and smoke output. Why it made the list: The Ironwood 885 combines Traeger’s most advanced D2 controller with Super Smoke mode, which produces a thicker, more flavorful smoke at low temperatures. Its 885 square inches of cooking space can handle multiple briskets or racks of ribs. The WiFIRE app allows remote monitoring and adjustments, and the all-welded steel body and powder-coated finish resist rust. Owners consistently praise its even heat distribution and ease of use.

  • Key specs: 885 sq in cooking area, D2 WiFIRE controller, Super Smoke mode, 20 lb hopper, max temp 500°F
  • What we like: Super Smoke mode delivers noticeably richer smoke flavor. WiFIRE app is reliable and intuitive. Build quality feels solid.
  • What we do not like: Paint can peel near the hopper if exposed to high heat for extended periods. Hopper lid hinge is plastic and may break if forced.
  • Who should buy it: Enthusiasts who smoke large cuts weekly and want set-and-forget convenience with excellent results.
  • Who should avoid it: Those on a tight budget or with limited patio space; the Ironwood 650 or Pro 575 may be better.
  • Common complaints: Paint bubbling on the lid after a few months. Auger jams occasionally if pellets get damp. Temperature probes can be inaccurate.
  • Size note: Weighs about 130 lbs; requires two people to assemble. Make sure your patio can support the weight and size.
  • Cleaning note: The grease management system works well, but the drip tray needs regular scraping to prevent flare-ups.
  • Alternative: If you want similar performance at a lower price, consider the Ironwood 650. For a more premium build, look at the Traeger Timberline series.

Check price on Amazon

Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill Buying Guide

Cooking Area and Capacity

The Ironwood series comes in 650 and 885 square inch models. The 650 fits about 4 racks of ribs or 2 briskets, while the 885 can handle 6 racks or 3 briskets. Consider how often you cook for a crowd. If you mostly cook for 2-4 people, the 650 saves space and money without sacrificing performance.

Controller and Smoke Features

All Ironwood models use Traeger’s D2 WiFIRE controller, which holds temperature within +/- 5°F. The Super Smoke mode, exclusive to Ironwood and Timberline, pulses the auger to create extra smoke at low temps (165-225°F). This is key for stronger smoke flavor. The Pro 575 lacks Super Smoke, so if that matters to you, stick with Ironwood.

Build Quality and Longevity

Ironwood grills are built with heavy-gauge steel and a powder-coated finish. However, owners report paint peeling on the lid after a year or two, especially near the chimney. The hopper lid hinges are plastic and can crack. For best longevity, keep the grill covered when not in use and avoid prolonged high-heat runs above 400°F.

Safety Notes

  • Always place the grill on a flat, non-combustible surface away from structures.
  • Use only Traeger or high-quality hardwood pellets to avoid excess ash and jams.
  • Never leave the grill unattended while in use, especially during high-heat searing.
  • Keep the grease tray clean to reduce the risk of flare-ups and grease fires.

What to Avoid

  • Traeger Ironwood 780: discontinued model with older controller; many owners report temperature swings and auger failures.
  • Cheap off-brand pellets: they produce more ash and can clog the auger, leading to shutdowns.
  • Using lighter fluid or charcoal: pellet grills are designed for pellets only; other fuels can damage the fire pot.
  • Skipping the cover: exposure to rain and snow accelerates paint peeling and rust on the lid.

FAQ

Is Super Smoke mode worth it?

Yes, if you want noticeably smokier flavor on low-and-slow cooks. It works best below 225°F and uses more pellets, but the taste improvement is significant.

Can I use the Ironwood in winter?

Yes, the D2 controller has a cold-weather start feature. However, pellet consumption increases, and you may need to insulate the grill for temps below 20°F.

How often should I clean the Ironwood?

Clean the drip tray and grease bucket after every 20 hours of use. Vacuum the fire pot every 3-5 cooks to prevent backburn issues.

Final Verdict

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the best high-end pellet grill for serious home smokers, with Super Smoke mode for exceptional flavor and WiFIRE connectivity for convenience. The Ironwood 650 offers the same smoke quality in a smaller, more affordable package. For beginners or those on a budget, the Pro 575 is a solid entry point, but lacks the advanced smoke feature.

Related Guides