I’ve had an Ironwood 885 parked on my patio for years now, and it’s cooked more briskets, pork butts, and Sunday burger nights than I can honestly count. It’s still one of the most-searched pellet grills out there, and for good reason — for a long time, it was Traeger’s flagship.
But 2026 is a different landscape. Traeger has since rolled out newer platforms like the Woodridge Pro and the Ironwood XL, and the 885 now sits in what I’d call “legacy” territory. That’s not a knock — it’s just context you need before you spend this kind of money.
So who is this grill actually for? In my experience, it’s for the backyard pitmaster who wants rock-solid, consistent low-and-slow cooking and doesn’t need the newest bells and whistles. It’s for the family that entertains often and wants a big cooking surface they can trust. It’s not for the guy who wants a steakhouse sear or the shopper chasing the latest tech.
Quick verdict if you’re short on time: the Ironwood 885 is still a genuinely good smoker in 2026, but it’s an aging one, and you should know exactly what you’re trading off before you buy it — especially against newer options I’ll compare it to below.
One important note up front: Traeger now treats the Ironwood 885 as a legacy model. It’s why you’ll often see it discounted against current-gen grills like the Woodridge Pro — the company’s attention (and R&D budget) has moved on. That’s good news for your wallet if you find one on sale, but it’s worth knowing why the price has softened.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 8.5/10 |
| Temperature Control | 9/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5/10 |
| Smoke Flavor | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 |
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 885 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 165°F – 500°F |
| Weight | ~146 lbs |
| WiFIRE Connectivity | Yes |
| Super Smoke Mode | Yes |
| Pellet Sensor | Yes |
| Double-Wall Insulation | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
According to Traeger, the Ironwood 885 includes WiFIRE remote control, Super Smoke Mode, pellet sensor monitoring, and double-wall insulation designed to improve temperature consistency and pellet efficiency. If you’re new to the brand, check out our broader breakdown of the differences between Pit Boss and Traeger.
Assembly isn’t a quick job — budget yourself a full hour, maybe more if you’re doing it solo. The instructions are decent, but the barrel is heavy and awkward to maneuver alone.
The steel gauge on this thing feels noticeably heavier than entry-level pellet grills. The barrel holds heat well and doesn’t feel tinny when you close the lid — that reassuring “thunk” tells you Traeger didn’t cut corners here.
The lid seals tight, which matters more than people realize — a loose seal is one of the fastest ways to burn through pellets. The cart underneath is sturdy enough to hold the weight without wobbling, even fully loaded with a full hopper and accessories.
Two locking caster wheels and two fixed wheels. It rolls fine on a flat patio, but don’t expect to push it across grass or gravel without some effort — at 146 lbs, this isn’t a grill you’re relocating every weekend.
You get a single fold-down front shelf and a bottom cabinet shelf for pellet storage or tools. It’s functional but nothing fancy.
If you’ve used a newer grill or a MEATER wireless thermometer, going back to threading a wire through the lid every time feels like a step backward. Newer Traeger platforms and several competitors have moved to wireless probe integration built right into the controller. On the 885, you’re stuck with the old-school wired setup — it works fine, it’s just not what “premium” means in 2026 anymore.
The WiFIRE system lets you monitor and adjust grill temp from your phone. In practice, I use this constantly — checking on a brisket at 2 a.m. without walking outside is genuinely useful. The app isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable, and reliability matters more than flash when you’ve got an overnight cook going.
Super Smoke Mode slows the pellet auger cycle to produce denser smoke at lower temps (below 225°F). I use it constantly on pork butts and brisket — it’s a real, noticeable flavor difference, not a marketing gimmick.
The pellet sensor pings your phone when you’re running low. It’s saved me more than once on long overnight cooks — nothing worse than waking up to a stalled fire because the hopper ran dry.
This is where the 885 quietly earns its keep. The double-wall construction holds temperature far better in cold or windy conditions than single-wall competitors. I’ve run this grill in near-freezing weather and barely seen a wobble in temp.
The D2 controller with TurboTemp gets you from cold start to 225°F noticeably faster than older Traeger models, and it holds temp tightly once it’s there — I typically see swings of only 5-10°F during a steady smoke.
Low and slow is where this grill shines. I’ve run 14-hour briskets on the Ironwood 885 with barely any manual intervention — set it, walk away, check the app occasionally. The bark develops well thanks to consistent airflow, and Super Smoke Mode in the first few hours adds real depth. Need a walkthrough? See our guide on how to smoke a brisket on a Traeger.
Same story here — this is a “set it and forget it” machine for pork butt. Temperature holds steady through the stall, which is where a lot of cheaper grills struggle.
Ribs cook evenly across the grate, though I’d recommend rotating racks once if you’re running a full load — the back of the barrel runs very slightly hotter.
Good smoke penetration, crisp-enough skin if you bump the temp up toward the end. Not a substitute for a dedicated high-heat roast, but solid for a smoked holiday turkey.
You can reverse-sear a steak here, but you won’t get true steakhouse char without help. I lean on GrillGrates or finish steaks on a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet indoors to get that crust. If a hard sear is your top priority, a grill like the Weber Searwood with direct-flame access will outperform the 885 on this specific job. See our complete reverse sear guide for the technique.
Fine for weeknight burgers, but again — don’t expect the same crust you’d get off a gas or charcoal grill. It’s a smoker first, a griller second.
Across multiple cooks, I saw consistent ±10°F swings at both 225°F and 350°F settings — genuinely impressive stability for a grill this size.
Smoke output is noticeably heavier with Super Smoke Mode engaged, especially in the 165-225°F range. Above 275°F, smoke production tapers off significantly, which is normal for pellet grills.
Worth factoring into your running costs, especially if pellets are pricey in your area. Check out our Traeger pellets review to find the best fuel for your money. Many reviewers echo this: the Ironwood 885 maintains stable temperatures and delivers true “set it and forget it” cooking, particularly for long smoking sessions.
Traeger states the grill can accommodate approximately:
In real-world terms, I’ve comfortably fit two full briskets side by side, or a mixed load of ribs and a pork butt for a backyard cookout. If you regularly cook for a crowd of 15+, this capacity is a genuine selling point and makes it one of the best smoker grill combos for entertaining.
The most commonly reported issue after a few years of ownership. Usually a $20-30 replacement part and a straightforward DIY fix.
Typically tied to a dirty firepot, a bad door seal, or running low-quality pellets with excess dust. Cleaning solves most of these cases.
Occasional dropouts, usually router-related rather than a grill defect. Keeping the grill closer to your router or using a WiFi extender resolves most complaints.
Usually caused by pellet dust jamming the auger, especially with cheaper pellet brands. Sticking to quality hardwood pellets minimizes this.
Occasional lag during firmware updates, generally resolved with a restart.
Not rare, but not epidemic either. Most complaints show up after 2-3+ years of regular use — which, frankly, is normal wear for any outdoor appliance running at high heat for hundreds of hours a year. For more info, check our comprehensive Traeger grills troubleshooting guide.
Some owners report occasional controller and ignition-related issues after years of use, though many describe the grill as highly reliable overall.
Rock-solid, proven reliability over years of use. Best-in-class cold-weather performance thanks to double-wall insulation. Large capacity for serious entertaining. Frequently discounted now that it’s a legacy model.
Newer platforms offer better tech (wireless probes, P.A.L. rail, easier ash cleanout) at a similar or lower price. Limited searing capability if steaks are a priority. You’re paying a premium for a grill Traeger itself has moved past.
Anyone prioritizing proven low-and-slow performance and can catch it on a sale.
Anyone wanting the newest tech, a hard sear, or the lowest possible price for similar smoking performance.
| Feature | Ironwood 885 | Ironwood XL |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 885 sq. in. | 1,300+ sq. in. |
| Insulation | Double-wall | Double-wall (updated) |
| Controller | D2 Direct Drive | Updated D2 controller |
| Probes | Wired only | Wired + wireless/MEATER integration |
| App Features | Standard WiFIRE | Expanded app features |
| Price | Lower (legacy pricing) | Higher |
The biggest practical difference for most buyers is probe technology and capacity. The XL brings in wireless probe integration, closing the gap with MEATER-style convenience that the 885 simply doesn’t have.
If you regularly cook for a big crowd or want wireless probes without a workaround, yes. If you’re a household of 2-4 who occasionally hosts, the 885’s capacity is plenty.
For most backyard cooks, the 885 — especially at a discounted legacy price — is the smarter buy. Go XL if capacity or wireless probes are non-negotiable for you.
Lower price point. Newer platform with modern conveniences. Larger cooking area (~970 sq. in.). Integrated ash/grease cleanout system — no more shop-vacuuming the barrel. More generous cabinet storage and side shelf prep space, which matters more than people expect once you’re juggling trays and tools mid-cook.
Better double-wall insulation for cold-weather cooking. Years of proven, real-world reliability data. Premium build quality that’s held up over time.
The newer Woodridge Pro offers roughly 970 square inches of cooking space and many premium features at a lower price point, making it one of the strongest alternatives to the Ironwood 885.
The Woodridge Pro, mainly on price, cleanup convenience, and counter space.
The Ironwood 885, thanks to its superior insulation.
Expect to find it regularly discounted now that it’s a legacy model — often several hundred dollars below its original launch price.
A well-maintained used unit can be a genuine bargain if you check the igniter and controller before buying.
Best Official Cover: Traeger’s own fitted cover — solid weatherproofing, exact fit. Best Third-Party Covers: Several heavy-duty options offer similar protection at a lower price, though fit can be looser.
This is the one area where the 885 shows its age most clearly. Ash collects at the bottom of the barrel, and there’s no integrated cleanout system — you’ll need to pull the grates and shop-vac it out periodically. Newer Traeger models, including the Woodridge Pro, use systems like the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg that make this a much faster job. On the 885, budget 10-15 minutes every few cooks. For more help, read our pellet grill tips and tricks.
Grease drains to a bucket at the side of the grill — empty it regularly to avoid flare-ups or overflow.
A simple grill brush after each cook keeps buildup manageable. A deeper degreasing every month or so keeps flavor clean.
Owners consistently praise the temperature stability, cold-weather performance, and the noticeable flavor boost from Super Smoke Mode.
Multi-year owners often report the grill still performing close to day one, provided basic maintenance is kept up.
Outside of occasional igniter replacements, the consensus is that this grill holds up well under regular, heavy use.
Traeger Woodridge Pro
Newer, cheaper, more cooking area, easier cleanup — the strongest overall alternative.
Ironwood XL
More capacity, wireless probe support, higher price.
Recteq Flagship 1100
Massive capacity, strong app, competitive pricing.
Weber Searwood XL
Better direct-flame searing if steaks matter most to you.
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro
Budget-friendly with a solid feature set, including a sidecar sear box option.
| Model | Best For | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Woodridge Pro | Best all-around value | Mid |
| Ironwood XL | Capacity + tech | High |
| Recteq Flagship 1100 | Max capacity | High |
| Weber Searwood XL | Searing | Mid |
| Camp Chef Woodwind Pro | Budget-friendly | Low-Mid |
It’s been classified as a legacy model as Traeger shifts focus to newer platforms like the Woodridge Pro and Ironwood XL, though it’s often still available at a discount.
Roughly 13-20 hours at 225°F, depending on weather and pellet quality — expect it to burn faster in cold or windy conditions.
Yes, but it maxes out at 500°F with no direct-flame sear station, so you’ll want GrillGrates or a cast-iron finish for a true crust.
Yes — it’s one of the most noticeable flavor upgrades on this grill, especially on brisket and pork butt.
Brush grates weekly, vacuum the firepot and ash monthly, and do a full teardown seasonally.
Yes, in insulation, build quality, and temperature stability — the Pro 780 is a step down in materials.
Only if you need the extra capacity or want wireless probe support built in.
You want proven, rock-solid low-and-slow performance, cold-weather reliability, and you can catch it at a legacy-model discount.
You want the newest tech (wireless probes, P.A.L. rail, easy ash cleanout) or a true high-heat sear — the Woodridge Pro or a Weber Searwood will serve you better.
I still trust this grill — mine’s earned it after years of consistent cooks. But going into 2026, it’s fair to say the Ironwood 885 is a proven veteran rather than the cutting edge. If the price is right, it’s still one of the best best pellet smokers you can put in your backyard. If you’re chasing the newest features, the Woodridge Pro deserves a serious look first.
Check today’s pricing on Amazon or Ace Hardware to see if this legacy grill is worth the investment for your backyard.
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