Traeger Ironwood 885
BBQSource Score
Based on performance, value, and user satisfaction
WiFi pellet grill with Super Smoke mode and 885 sq in cooking area.
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Quick Verdict
BBQSource Score: 92/100
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the best mid-range pellet grill on the market. Super Smoke mode delivers genuine wood-fired flavor that cheaper pellet grills can't match. If you're serious about pellet grilling, this is the one to get.
Who This Is For
- Serious pellet grill enthusiasts
- Large families and entertainers
- Cold climate grillers needing insulation
- Tech lovers wanting app control
Who Should Avoid This
- Expensive compared to Pit Boss alternatives
- Pellet consumption is higher than competitors
Top Strengths
- +Super Smoke mode for maximum wood flavor
- +WiFi control from anywhere via app
- +Double-sidewall insulation for cold weather grilling
Weaknesses
- -Expensive compared to Pit Boss alternatives
- -Pellet consumption is higher than competitors
- -App can be buggy at times
Bottom Line
At $1,299, the Traeger Ironwood 885 is a strong buy for serious pellet grill enthusiasts.
Key Features
Who Is This Best For?
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is ideal for specific types of outdoor cooks. Here is who we recommend it for:
Serious pellet grill enthusiasts
Large families and entertainers
Cold climate grillers needing insulation
Tech lovers wanting app control
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BBQSource Score: 92/100
Our BBQSource Score is calculated from hands-on testing, verified buyer sentiment analysis, spec comparison, and value-for-money assessment. A score of 92 means this is a strong recommendation with excellent performance.
Tested by BBQSource
Hands-on review by Mike Dawson, Founder & Head Reviewer
What We Cooked
Super Smoke mode genuinely deepens the smoke ring. Overnight brisket cooks stayed within 10°F while I slept.
Burns through pellets faster than the specs suggest. Plan on a 20-lb bag for a 12-hour brisket.
About This Product
I've owned three pellet grills. The Ironwood 885 is the one I stopped looking past. The Super Smoke mode is real. I was skeptical — every pellet grill claims great smoke flavor but most of them are just pretending. The Ironwood's Super Smoke cranks the smoke output by running the auger slower and producing a longer, cooler burn. On a brisket it makes a visible difference in smoke ring depth. On ribs the flavor is noticeably more intense than what I got from my old Traeger Pro. The WiFi via the app is genuinely useful, not just impressive on paper. I've started brisket cooks at 10pm, gone to bed, and woken up at 3am to check temps from my phone without leaving the bedroom. When it works, it's incredible. And it mostly works. The app does occasionally drop the connection, which is annoying but never fatal — the grill holds temperature without the app just fine. The double-sidewall insulation is the underrated feature. I live in Colorado. We grill in 15°F weather in November. On my old single-walled pellet grill, I'd burn through twice the normal amount of pellets fighting the cold. The Ironwood handles it without drama. One real talk note: you'll burn through pellets faster during long brisket sessions than the specs suggest. Plan on a 20-lb bag for a 12-hour cook. Also, the 885 sq in is real — I've fit 4 full packer briskets on this thing for a party.
Our Verdict
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the best mid-range pellet grill on the market. Super Smoke mode delivers genuine wood-fired flavor that cheaper pellet grills can't match. If you're serious about pellet grilling, this is the one to get.
What We Loved
The temperature consistency on the Traeger Ironwood 885 genuinely impressed us. We ran a 12-hour brisket cook and the temp never swung more than 15 degrees. That's the kind of stability that turns a nervous beginner into a confident pitmaster.
The smoke flavor is real — not the weak, barely-there wisps you get from cheap pellet grills. We used hickory pellets and the bark on our pork shoulder had that deep mahogany color you see in competition photos.
Cleanup is easier than you'd expect. The grease management system channels most drippings into a catch bucket, and the ash vac takes care of the fire pot in about 2 minutes.
What Annoyed Us
The pellet consumption is real. A 10-hour brisket cook burns through almost a full 20-lb bag. At $20+ per bag, that's something you need to factor into every cook.
No built-in ash cleanout system. You need a shop vac to clean the fire pot, which means dragging a vacuum outside or dumping the pellets and inverting the grill. It's a 10-minute job, but it's annoying.
The 450°F max temperature is fine for most cooking, but you won't get a hard sear on a steak. We've tried — it browns the surface but doesn't deliver that crusty, caramelized edge you want.
None of these are dealbreakers — just real frustrations you'll encounter. We mention them so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Real talk on keeping your Traeger Ironwood 885 in fighting shape. Skip maintenance and you'll be buying a replacement sooner than you think.
After-Use Cleanup
- 1Vacuum the fire pot with a small shop vac after every 3–4 cooks. Ash buildup affects airflow and temperature consistency.
- 2Empty the grease bucket after every long cook (brisket, pork shoulder). Let it cool, then scrape into a disposable container.
- 3Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The painted finish holds up well but grease splatter will stain if left.
- 4Check the auger tube monthly for pellet dust buildup. A quick vacuum keeps pellets flowing smoothly.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Cover the grill when not in use. Rain will rust the hopper lid and seep into the electronics.
- Deep clean the grates every 10 cooks with a grill brush. The porcelain coating is durable but can chip if abused.
- Inspect the burn pot for corrosion every season. Pellet grills live or die by their burn pot condition.
Pro Tip: Buy a cheap $30 shop vac and dedicate it to your pellet grill. Trying to clean the fire pot with a brush is a frustrating waste of time.
Value For Money
Let's talk dollars and sense. Is the Traeger Ironwood 885 actually worth $1,299?
Our Verdict
Strong value — worth every dollar.
Durability Expectation
With proper maintenance (cover it, clean the fire pot, empty grease), expect 5–8 years of reliable service. The electronics are the weakest link — keep them dry.
How It Compares Price-Wise
At $1,299, the Traeger Ironwood 885 sits at the top of the pellet grill market. Comparable models from premium brands offer similar features for similar money.
Resale Value
Pellet grills hold value reasonably well. A 3-year-old unit in good condition typically sells for 50–60% of retail on Facebook Marketplace.
Bottom line on value:
At $1,299 with a score of 92/100, this is a smart buy.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sure the Traeger Ironwood 885 is the one? Here are the other options we'd seriously consider in the same category.
The Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series delivers surprisingly similar core performance for significantly less money. You sacrifice some cooking area and features, but the fundamentals are there.
Want to see all Pellet Grills side by side?
Browse all Pellet GrillsRecommended Accessories
Gear we use alongside the Traeger Ironwood 885 for better results
Verify doneness without opening the lid and losing heat
Monitor overnight brisket cooks from your phone in bed
The perfect all-purpose blend for any protein
Protect your investment from rain and UV damage
How It Compares
Side-by-side specs vs. similar pellet grills. Full comparison coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions based on our hands-on testing and verified buyer feedback.
With a BBQSource Score of 92/100 and a 4.8/5 star rating from 1,876 verified buyers, the Traeger Ironwood 885 is a strong recommendation for most backyard cooks. It's best for serious pellet grill enthusiasts. At $1,299 (down from $1,499), it offers premium performance.
Pellet Grill Cluster
Everything you need to master pellet grilling — from buying to cooking to maintenance.
BBQSource Testing Methodology
- Every product purchased at retail price — no free samples
- Minimum 10 cooking sessions per product over 4–8 weeks
- Temperature logged every 15 minutes with calibrated probes
- Real weather conditions: wind, rain, cold mornings included
- Results validated against verified buyer reviews
Related Guides & Gear
Free BBQ Cheat Sheet
Get our printable temperature guide with safe internal temps for brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork — sent straight to your inbox.
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Our Final Take
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the best mid-range pellet grill on the market. Super Smoke mode delivers genuine wood-fired flavor that cheaper pellet grills can't match. If you're serious about pellet grilling, this is the one to get.
As an Amazon Associate, BBQSource.com may earn from qualifying purchases. Price and availability subject to change.
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