Grill Granary
Verdict
The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a premium pellet grill built for cooks who want large capacity, dependable temperature control, and authentic wood-fired flavor. It stands out for its smart connectivity and versatile performance, making it a strong choice for frequent backyard grilling and smoking, though its price and pellet-grill pace may not suit everyone.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • ✓ Large cooking capacity suited for family gatherings and entertaining
  • ✓ Reliable, even heat control for low-and-slow smoking and high-heat grilling
  • ✓ App-based monitoring adds convenience when cooking for long periods
  • ✓ Strong wood-smoke flavor typical of premium pellet grills
  • ✓ Well-built design with useful premium features

Cons

  • ✕ Higher price than many entry-level pellet grills
  • ✕ Requires electricity and pellets, so it is less portable than charcoal or gas grills
  • ✕ Not as quick to reach searing temperatures as dedicated gas or charcoal setups
  • ✕ Learning curve for users new to pellet grilling and app controls

Specifications

Specification gauge
Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill
Cooking Area885 sq in
Fuel TypeWood pellets
Temperature Range165°F to 500°F
Control SystemDigital controller with WiFIRE
Grate MaterialPorcelain-coated steel

Our full review

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a full-size pellet grill designed for backyard cooks who want broad cooking versatility with the ease of wood-fired automation. Built around Traeger’s connected pellet system, it lets you smoke, roast, bake, braise, and grill with consistent temperature control, making it a practical choice for everything from low-and-slow brisket to weeknight chicken and vegetables. Its spacious cooking area gives you room to prepare meals for a crowd, while the pellet-fed design delivers the signature wood-smoked flavor that Traeger is known for. A standout feature of the Ironwood 885 is its emphasis on even heat and dependable performance. The grill uses a D2 drivetrain and an upgraded controller to help maintain steady temperatures, which is especially useful during long smoking sessions. It also includes WiFIRE technology, so you can monitor and adjust cooking settings from a smartphone, adding convenience when you do not want to stand by the grill the whole time. The construction feels substantial, and the design supports both everyday grilling and more ambitious barbecue projects. For cooks who want a single grill that can handle a wide range of outdoor cooking tasks, the Traeger Ironwood 885 offers a strong balance of capacity, control, and wood-fired character. It is especially appealing to users who value set-it-and-manage-it convenience without giving up the flavor and texture that come from real hardwood pellets. Whether you are smoking ribs, baking pizza, or searing dinner after work, this grill is built to make outdoor cooking more flexible and approachable.

4.6
Based on 3 verified owner reviews of the Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill.
Excellent all-around smoker — Michael R. (2025-05-18)
I’ve used the Ironwood 885 for brisket, ribs, and chicken, and it delivers steady temps with great smoke flavor. The app makes long cooks much easier.
Great capacity and control — Sarah K. (2025-04-09)
Plenty of room for entertaining and the heat stays very consistent. It takes a little time to learn, but once dialed in it performs really well.
Solid premium pellet grill — Derek L. (2025-03-22)
The build feels substantial and the insulation helps on cooler days. I wish it got hotter faster for searing, but overall it’s been a dependable grill.