Traeger Ironwood 885
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First Published
The Ironwood 885 sits in Traeger's sweet spot — premium features like Super Smoke mode and double-wall insulation without the eye-watering price of the Timberline. For most pellet grill enthusiasts, this is the one to buy.
What We Love
- +Super Smoke mode for maximum smoke flavor at low temps
- +Double-wall stainless steel interior for insulation
- +WiFIRE with Traeger app — full remote control
- +885 sq in of cooking space
- +Downdraft exhaust for even smoke distribution
- +Pellet sensor alerts you before you run out
Watch Out For
- −$1,799 is a significant investment
- −Pellet consumption in Super Smoke mode is high
- −D2 controller can occasionally overshoot target temp
- −Heavy and not easily moved once positioned
Specifications
Cooking Area
885 sq in
Temp Range
165°F - 500°F
Hopper
20 lb capacity
WiFi
WiFIRE enabled
Insulation
Double-wall stainless
Weight
175 lbs
Warranty
3 years
The Full Review
The Ironwood 885 does what pellet grills do best — maintains precise temperatures for hours with zero babysitting. The D2 Direct Drive drivetrain feeds pellets efficiently and the double-wall insulation means it performs consistently even in my Minnesota winters.
Super Smoke mode is the headline feature. Below 225°F, it cycles the fan and auger to produce maximum smoke output while maintaining temperature. The difference is noticeable — briskets and ribs cooked in Super Smoke have a deeper, more pronounced smoke ring and flavor compared to standard mode.
The WiFIRE app gives you full remote control from anywhere with cell service. I've adjusted temperatures from my office, monitored a pork butt from the grocery store, and received alerts when my cook finished. The pellet level sensor is a genius addition — nothing ruins a long cook like running out of pellets at 3 AM.
885 square inches of cooking space handles anything. I've fit two full packer briskets, three racks of ribs, and a chicken simultaneously. The downdraft exhaust system distributes smoke more evenly than the chimney-style exhaust on cheaper models.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Ironwood 885 (this) | 4.7 | $1,799 | Traeger's premium pellet grill with WiFIRE, Super Smoke mode, and double-wall insulation. |
| Yoder Smokers YS640S | 4.9 | $2,099 | Competition-grade pellet smoker built like a tank. |
| Camp Chef Apex 36 | 4.5 | $1,499 | Pellet smoking plus gas searing in one grill — the dual-fuel hybrid that solves the pellet grill's biggest weakness. |
Who Is It For?
Pellet grill enthusiasts who want premium features without Timberline pricing. Cold-climate grillers who need insulation. Tech-forward cooks who want full app control. Anyone doing regular low-and-slow cooks.
Final Verdict
The Ironwood 885 is the pellet grill I recommend to anyone willing to spend over $1,000. Super Smoke mode, double-wall insulation, and WiFIRE make this the most capable pellet grill under $2,000.
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