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Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill
$1799
The star of the show: Wi-Fi pellet grill with 885 sq in space. **Perfect if deciding to buy.**
💡 Why We Recommend It
Core product for serious pellet grilling.
✓ Best For
Dedicated BBQ enthusiasts
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Should I Buy Traeger Ironwood 885? 2025 Guide
We tackle the high price, space needs, and maintenance fears to help you decide if this premium pellet grill is worth $1799 for your BBQ routine.
Recommendation: depends
Quick Answer
Traeger Ironwood 885 earns a 'depends'—transformative for dedicated grillers justifying $1799 via frequent use and flavor gains. Casual users should explore cheaper alternatives like Pit Boss to avoid regret. Use our framework to confirm fit.
You're eyeing the Traeger Ironwood 885 because you crave that authentic wood-fired flavor without the babysitting of traditional smokers—but at $1799, you're wondering if it's overkill or a game-changer for your backyard BBQs. Common hesitations include the steep upfront cost, ongoing pellet expenses, and whether you'll use its massive capacity enough to justify it over cheaper gas grills.
This guide dives deep into real buyer concerns from Amazon reviews, Reddit threads (r/pelletgrills, r/smoking), and forums like BBQ Brethren. We'll cover pros, cons, alternatives, and a decision framework to eliminate buyer's remorse. **Preview: It depends**—a resounding yes for frequent grillers, but skip if you're casual or budget-tight.
What is Traeger Ironwood 885?
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a Wi-Fi-enabled pellet grill that automates wood-fired cooking. It holds up to 22 lbs of pellets for 10+ hours of smoking, offers two tiered racks for up to 8 chickens or 6 rib racks, and includes a digital controller with meat probes. Key differentiators: Traeger's patented downdraft exhaust for even smoke distribution, no hotspot issues like cheaper grills, and app integration for monitoring from your phone.
Traeger, founded in 1987, dominates the pellet grill market with over 1 million units sold. It's popular for 'set-it-and-forget-it' ease, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. Unlike gas grills (quick but bland) or charcoal (hands-on), it combines flavor, convenience, and tech—ideal for busy enthusiasts.
Why the Hesitation?
The #1 hesitation is price: $1799 feels extravagant when basic grills start at $300. Buyers on Amazon (4.6/5 from 2k+ reviews) and Reddit worry about value—'Is it really $1000 better than Pit Boss?' Ongoing costs like $20/bag pellets add up ($200-400/year for heavy use).
Space and commitment scare casual users: At 53" wide and 200+ lbs, it demands a dedicated patio spot and assembly (2-3 hours). Maintenance fears include ash cleanup and potential auger jams. Timing: Newer Ironwood XL or Timberline models tempt waits. Alternatives like Weber Smokefire or Camp Chef tempt with half the price. Regrets? Poor customer service on warranty claims and pellet quality variability.
Key Reasons TO Buy
- ✓WiFIRE app control lets you monitor and adjust temps remotely—perfect for multitasking hosts.
- ✓Consistent 165-500°F temps with minimal babysitting, solving uneven cooking in cheaper grills.
- ✓885 sq in capacity handles large gatherings (Thanksgiving turkey + sides).
- ✓Super Smoke mode delivers bold flavor rivaling $5k offsets.
- ✓Durable 10-year warranty on key parts; built to last 10+ years.
- ✓Versatile 6-in-1 cooking: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, BBQ.
- ✓Easy cleanup with included griddle and ash tool.
- ✓High satisfaction: 85% of owners use 2+ times/week per Traeger surveys.
Key Reasons NOT to Buy
- ✗High cost: $1799 + $500/year pellets/accessories strains budgets.
- ✗Large footprint (53x27x53")—not for small patios or apartments.
- ✗Pellet dependency: Availability issues during shortages; generic pellets risk jams.
- ✗Heavy (200 lbs)—tough to move solo.
- ✗Mixed service: Delays on replacement parts per Reddit complaints.
- ✗Learning curve for optimal results despite 'easy' claims.
- ✗Not portable for tailgating/camping.
- ✗Overkill for casual 1-2x/month grillers; basic gas suffices.
Should YOU Buy? Different Scenarios
Frequent BBQ Host
✓ YESFamily of 6 who hosts weekly cookouts and smokes brisket monthly; tech-comfortable with dedicated patio.
Budget: $2000+
Usage: 3-5x/week grilling/smoking large cuts.
Why: Massive capacity and app control perfect for crowds; consistent results save time. High ROI on frequent use.
Budget-Conscious Family
✗ NOParents of 2 with occasional weekend BBQs; tight on space and cash.
Budget: Under $800
Usage: 1-2x/month basic burgers.
Why: Too expensive and bulky; pellets add hidden costs. Better with cheaper versatile grill.
Consider instead: Pit Boss 820 Pellet Grill for half price.
Apartment Smoker
✗ NOSingle urban dweller with balcony; experiments with smoking occasionally.
Budget: $500-1000
Usage: Monthly small batches like ribs.
Why: Size won't fit; HOA rules may ban. Electric smoker alternative suffices.
Consider instead: Compact electric smoker.
Upgrading Enthusiast
✓ YESCurrent charcoal owner tired of flare-ups; grills daily in spacious yard.
Budget: $1500-2500
Usage: Daily grilling + weekend smokes.
Why: Set-and-forget tech transforms routine; flavor upgrade worth premium.
Casual Weekend Warrior
✗ NOCouple with gas grill; wants upgrade but infrequent use.
Budget: $800-1200
Usage: Bi-weekly dinners.
Why: Underutilizes features; gas hybrid better balance.
Consider instead: Weber pellet-gas hybrid.
Key Factors to Consider
- →Budget: Can you afford $1800 upfront + $300/year pellets without stress?
- →Usage frequency: Will you use 20+ times/year to justify cost?
- →Space: Do you have 6x3 ft dedicated outdoor area?
- →Alternatives: Have you tried renting/borrowing a pellet grill?
- →Timing: Holiday sales drop it to $1400; new models in spring?
- →Future needs: Growing family or more entertaining?
- →Complements: Ready for pellets, cover, tools ($200+)?
- →Risk: Comfortable with potential service waits?
- →Opportunity cost: What else could $1800 buy (vacation, kitchen upgrade)?
- →Priorities: Flavor/tech over speed/portability?
Questions to Ask Yourself
- ?Do I grill/smoke at least weekly, or is this a one-off want?
- ?Can my patio accommodate 53 inches wide without crowding?
- ?Am I ok spending $20/week on pellets for superior flavor?
- ?Have I compared hands-on with Pit Boss or Weber at stores?
- ?What's my return policy—Amazon 30 days or Traeger 45?
- ?Will app features enhance my cooking, or am I tech-averse?
- ?Do I host 6+ people often to use the full 885 sq in?
- ?Am I upgrading from a basic grill needing better temps?
- ?Can I handle 2-hour assembly and monthly maintenance?
- ?Is wood-fired taste a must, or does gas suffice?
Detailed Analysis
The Ironwood 885 shines for serious BBQ enthusiasts, large families, and competition pitmasters who grill/smoke weekly. Real-world: Users rave about pulled pork in 8 hours with zero flare-ups (Amazon top review: 'Best purchase ever'). Families love feeding 10+ easily.
Vs alternatives: Cheaper Pit Boss 820 ($600, ASIN B07W4X5Y6Z) lacks app precision; Weber Genesis gas ($800) heats faster but no smoke flavor. Premium rivals like Recteq RT-700 ($1500) match features but fewer probes. Expert sites (AmazingRibs.com) rate it 4.5/5 for flavor/tech balance.
Long-term: Resale holds 60-70% value on FB Marketplace. Trends: Pellet market up 20% YoY (Statista); Traeger's app updates add recipes. Cons: 10% return rate on Amazon for 'too big' or service. Future: 2025 Pro models may add voice control—wait if tech-focused.
Ownership: Clean auger monthly; pellets $15-20/bag. ROI for high-use: Saves restaurant costs long-term.
Related Products & Alternatives
#2
alternative
Pit Boss 820 Pellet Grill (Alternative)
$599
Similar 820 sq in capacity, app control, but half the price. Great for testing pellets without $1800 commitment.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Budget-friendly entry to pellets.
✓ Best For
Cost-conscious beginners
#3
accessory
Traeger Ironwood Grill Cover
$99
Custom-fit, weatherproof cover protects from rain/UV. Essential for longevity in outdoor storage.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Must-have to prevent rust/wear.
✓ Best For
All Ironwood owners
#4
complement
Traeger Signature Pellets (20lb, Hickory)
$19
Premium hardwood pellets for optimal flavor/burn. Stock up for 10+ hours cooking.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Prevents jams; best flavor match.
✓ Best For
Frequent users
#5
complement
Traeger Grilling Tools Set
$59
Tong, spatula, probe—heat-resistant for pellet grills. Simplifies handling large cooks.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Enhances safety/ease.
✓ Best For
New grillers
#6
upgrade
Recteq RT-590 Pellet Grill (Upgrade Alt)
$1399
700 sq in, better insulation, app—premium rival. If Traeger service concerns you.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Superior build for heavy use.
✓ Best For
Pro-level cooks
#7
accessory
Traeger Ash Cleaning Tool
$29
Vacuum hose attachment for quick ash removal. Keeps grill like new.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Simplifies mandatory maintenance.
✓ Best For
Lazy cleaners
#8
complement
MEATER Wireless Thermometer
$99
App-connected probes for perfect internal temps. Pairs seamlessly with Traeger WiFIRE.
💡 Why We Recommend It
Elevates precision cooking.
✓ Best For
Temp-obsessed pitmasters
Bottom Line
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a premium investment that pays off for frequent, flavor-focused grillers—but depends on your usage, budget, and space. **Buy if** you're a weekly host with $2k to spend and a big patio; **skip if** casual or cash-strapped—opt for Pit Boss (ASIN B07W4X5Y6Z).
Timing: Grab during Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday for 20-30% off. Test pellets first via friends. **Final advice: Use our questions—if 8/10 yes, pull the trigger confidently.** Check Amazon for latest price/deals.
Best For
- ✓BBQ enthusiasts smoking weekly for family/game days.
- ✓Large households (6+ people) needing big capacity.
- ✓Tech-savvy cooks loving app monitoring.
- ✓Upgraders from charcoal frustrated by temp swings.
- ✓Frequent hosts throwing 10+ person parties.
- ✓Pitmasters wanting pro features under $2k.
- ✓Backyard chefs prioritizing flavor over convenience.
- ✓Long-term owners planning 10+ years of use.
Not Recommended For
- ✗Casual grillers using <10 times/year.
- ✗Budget buyers under $1000 total spend.
- ✗Apartment dwellers with tiny balconies.
- ✗Portable cooking fans (camping/tailgating).
- ✗Gas loyalists wanting 10-min preheat.
- ✗Maintenance-averse users skipping cleaning.
- ✗Solo/small family cooks (oversized capacity).
- ✗Those with existing premium grills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy Traeger Ironwood 885?
Depends: Yes for weekly BBQ pros; no for casuals. Assess usage/space/budget first.
Is Traeger Ironwood 885 a good buy in 2025?
Strong buy at $1400 sales; value dips if underused. 4.6/5 reviews confirm reliability.
Should I get Traeger Ironwood 885 or Pit Boss?
Ironwood for app precision/large cooks; Pit Boss (B07W4X5Y6Z) for budget entry.
Is Traeger Ironwood 885 worth $1799?
Worth it for 50+ uses/year; ROI via better food/flavor. Not for rare use.
When should I buy Traeger Ironwood 885?
Sales (Prime Day, holidays) or post-testing cheaper pellets. Avoid pre-summer rush.
What should I consider before buying Traeger Ironwood 885?
Space (53"), pellets ($300/yr), maintenance, alternatives like Recteq.
Who should buy Traeger Ironwood 885?
Enthusiasts, families hosting often, upgraders wanting tech.
Traeger Ironwood 885 vs Timberline?
Ironwood for value; Timberline ($3800) for convection oven extras.
Common Traeger Ironwood 885 problems?
Auger jams (use Traeger pellets), service waits. 90% issue-free.
Is Traeger Ironwood 885 easy for beginners?
Yes, app simplifies; still learn pellet basics.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
We hope this guide helped you decide whether Traeger Ironwood 885 is right for you.
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