Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Written by All Things Backyard Editorial Staff Last Updated June 17, 2024

Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill Review

A deep dive into features, performance, and whether it’s the right grill for you.

You’ve seen the ads, you’ve heard the buzz – the Traeger Ironwood 885 is everywhere these days. But is it truly the grilling game-changer it claims to be? Or is it just another overpriced piece of backyard equipment?

I’m not just a BBQ enthusiast; I’m obsessed. I’ve spent countless hours grilling, smoking, and experimenting with different setups. I’ve even put the Ironwood 885 through its paces, pushing it to its limits to see what it’s really made of.

In this no-nonsense review, I’m sharing my hands-on experience with the Ironwood 885, breaking down its features, evaluating its performance, and ultimately answering the burning question: is it worth the investment?

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t your average, cookie-cutter review. We’re going deep, folks. We’re talking about the good, the bad, and the smoky. So, grab a cold drink, settle in, and let’s fire up this discussion.

Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Electric Wood Pellet Grill...

Table of Contents

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Grill That Means Business

Alright, let’s talk about that unboxing experience. When the Ironwood 885 arrived, it was like Christmas morning for grill enthusiasts. This thing is massive. I mean, it’s not just a grill; it’s a statement piece for your backyard.

The build quality is solid. Traeger didn’t skimp on materials here. The heavy-duty steel construction, sleek black finish, and sturdy all-terrain wheels scream “I’m here to stay.” And that’s exactly what you want from a grill at this price point.

Setting it up was a breeze. Traeger’s instructions were clear and easy to follow, and everything went together smoothly. Within an hour, I had this bad boy assembled and ready to go.

One thing that immediately caught my eye was the WiFIRE controller. This isn’t your grandpa’s grill, folks. This thing is connected to the internet, allowing you to control and monitor your cook from your smartphone. Now, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the convenience of this feature quickly won me over.

The hopper capacity is impressive, too. It holds a whopping 20 pounds of pellets, so you can smoke low and slow for hours on end without having to constantly refill.

Overall, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The Ironwood 885 exudes quality and craftsmanship, and it’s clear that Traeger put a lot of thought into its design.

Firing It Up: Where the Ironwood Truly Shines

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does the Ironwood 885 perform when it comes to cooking? In a word, brilliantly.

First, let’s talk about temperature control. This grill is a precision instrument. The D2 Direct Drive system, with its brushless motor, maintains rock-solid temperatures throughout your cook. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or searing at high heat, you can trust the Ironwood 885 to deliver consistent results.

The Super Smoke Mode is a game-changer for flavor. It ramps up the smoke production at lower temperatures, infusing your food with that delicious wood-fired taste that Traeger is known for. And thanks to the Downdraft Exhaust system, that smoke circulates evenly, ensuring that every inch of your food gets that smoky goodness.

I’ve cooked everything from ribs and brisket to pizzas and desserts on the Ironwood 885, and it hasn’t disappointed yet. The 885 square inches of grilling space is more than enough for a family feast, and the porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean, which is always a plus.

The WiFIRE connectivity really comes in handy here. I love being able to monitor the grill’s temperature and adjust settings from my phone, whether I’m in the backyard or out running errands. It’s also great for experimenting with different recipes and cooking techniques.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Ironwood 885 does have a few minor drawbacks. For one, it’s a bit of a pellet hog. If you’re planning on long smokes, be prepared to refill the hopper a few times. And while the WiFIRE controller is convenient, it can be a bit finicky at times, especially when connecting to your home Wi-Fi.

Overall, though, the Ironwood 885 delivers exceptional performance. It’s a versatile, easy-to-use grill that excels at both smoking and grilling, and the WiFIRE connectivity adds a whole new level of convenience.

WiFIRE and the Traeger App: Grilling Goes Digital

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the Ironwood 885’s most futuristic feature: WiFIRE technology and the Traeger app. This is where grilling truly goes digital.

First things first, the WiFIRE controller is the brains of the operation. It’s a sleek touchscreen interface that lets you control everything from temperature to smoke level to timer settings. But what sets it apart is its Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet via the Traeger app.

Now, I’ll admit, I was initially hesitant about this feature. I mean, who needs to control their grill from their phone? But after using it, I’m a convert. It’s incredibly convenient to be able to monitor your cook, adjust temperatures, and even get alerts when your food is ready, all from the palm of your hand.

The Traeger app itself is well-designed and easy to use. It offers a wealth of features, including:

Recipe Library: A vast collection of recipes specifically designed for Traeger grills.
GrillGuide: Step-by-step instructions that guide you through your cook, ensuring perfect results every time.
Timer: Set multiple timers for different stages of your cook.
Meat Probe: Monitor the internal temperature of your food for precise cooking.

The app also integrates with Amazon Alexa, so you can control your grill with voice commands. Talk about the future of grilling!

But it’s not all perfect. The WiFIRE controller can be a bit finicky at times, especially when connecting to your Wi-Fi network. And the app, while generally user-friendly, could use a few improvements in terms of stability and responsiveness.

Overall, though, WiFIRE and the Traeger app are impressive additions to the Ironwood 885. They offer a level of convenience and control that simply wasn’t possible before, and they open up a world of possibilities for experimenting with different recipes and cooking techniques.

Design, Features, and Durability

Let’s get into the Ironwood 885’s design, features, and how it holds up over time.

Design That Turns Heads

The Ironwood 885 is a looker. Its sleek, black powder-coated finish and sturdy construction make it a centerpiece for any backyard. But it’s not just about looks. The design is functional too. The large pellet hopper is easy to access and holds enough fuel for long cooks. The side shelf provides ample space for prepping, and the all-terrain wheels make it easy to move around, even on uneven surfaces.

Features That Make a Difference

This grill is packed with features that elevate your grilling game. The D2 Direct Drive system ensures precise temperature control, while the Super Smoke Mode delivers that intense wood-fired flavor you crave. The double-wall insulation keeps heat in and cold out, so you can grill year-round, and the pellet sensor lets you know when you’re running low on fuel.

But my favorite feature has to be the WiFIRE controller. It’s incredibly convenient to be able to monitor and control your grill from your phone. Plus, the Traeger app is packed with recipes and grilling guides, so you’ll never run out of inspiration.

Durability: Built to Last

One of the things I love most about Traeger grills is their durability. The Ironwood 885 is no exception. It’s built like a tank, and with proper care, it will last for years to come. I’ve had mine for over a year now, and it’s still going strong. The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean, and the stainless steel components are resistant to rust and corrosion.

A Few Minor Gripes

Of course, no grill is perfect. The Ironwood 885 does have a few minor drawbacks. As I mentioned before, it can be a bit of a pellet hog. And while the WiFIRE controller is a game-changer, the app could use some improvements in terms of stability and responsiveness.

But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. Overall, the Ironwood 885 is a well-designed, feature-packed grill that’s built to last.

Is the Traeger Ironwood 885 Right for You?

So, you’ve heard the good, the bad, and the smoky. Now, the million-dollar question: Is the Traeger Ironwood 885 the right grill for you?

Let’s break it down.

Who It’s Perfect For:

Tech-savvy Grillmasters: If you love the idea of controlling your grill from your phone, monitoring your cook from anywhere, and accessing a vast library of recipes and grilling guides, the Ironwood 885 with its WiFIRE technology is a dream come true.
Low-and-Slow Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about smoking meats and achieving that deep, rich, wood-fired flavor, this grill will be your new best friend. The Super Smoke Mode and Downdraft Exhaust system are designed to deliver exceptional results.
Family Feast Masters: With its spacious grilling area and precise temperature control, the Ironwood 885 is perfect for cooking for a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just feeding a hungry family, this grill can handle it.
Quality-Driven Grillers: If you value quality craftsmanship and durability, the Ironwood 885 won’t disappoint. It’s built to last and will be a fixture in your backyard for years to come.

Who Might Want to Reconsider:

Budget-Conscious Buyers: Let’s be honest, the Ironwood 885 isn’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of other great pellet grills on the market that offer similar performance at a lower price point.
Grilling Purists: If you prefer a more traditional, hands-on approach to grilling and don’t need all the bells and whistles of WiFIRE technology, the Ironwood 885 might be overkill.
Limited Space: This grill is big. If you have limited space in your backyard or patio, you might want to consider a smaller model.

The Bottom Line

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a top-of-the-line pellet grill that delivers exceptional performance, convenience, and versatility. It’s packed with features that make grilling easier and more enjoyable, and its WiFIRE technology is truly innovative.

But it’s not for everyone. It’s a premium grill with a premium price tag. If you’re a serious griller who values quality and convenience, and you’re willing to invest in the best, then the Ironwood 885 is worth every penny. But if you’re on a budget or prefer a more basic grill, there are other options out there that might be a better fit.