There is a time you wonder how to choose the best grill for you. Some people would say that it all comes down to personal preference. But, if you are looking for a high-quality grill that will last for years, you need to look at the Traeger Pro vs. Ironwood grills.
Both of these grills are made with high-quality materials and feature sturdy construction. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision. You need to choose the grill that best suits your needs.
Traeger Pro Overview
Traeger Pro is a pellet grill that uses 100% natural hardwood pellets to fuel your cooking. It features 6-in-1 versatility, letting you grill, bake, smoke, braise, roast, and barbecue all on one grill. The digital pro controller ensures that your food is cooked evenly and to perfection every moment.
It also has a meat probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food as it cooks. The Pro Series 34 is the largest of the Traeger Pro grills, providing you with enough space to cook for large groups of people.
Ironwood Overview
Ironwood is the latest product line from Traeger. It was released in 2020 and offered a few new features over the previous Pro series. The most notable difference is the inclusion of WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet.
Other new features include a meat probe, a pellet purge system, and a grease management system.
The Ironwood line is available in two sizes: the 885 (which has 575 square inches of cooking space) and the 650 (which has 450 square inches of cooking space). Both models come with a side shelf handy for prep work or keeping your food warm.
What is the Difference Between Traeger Pro and Ironwood?
Before choosing which grill to buy, you need to understand the key difference between these two models.
The following are the main differences between Traeger Pro and Ironwood:
1. Side Shelf
The Traeger Pro series does not have a side shelf, whereas the Traeger Ironwood does. The side shelf is handy for prep work or keeping your food warm.
The Ironwood is available in two sizes, the 885 (which has 575 square inches of cooking space) and the 650 (450 square inches of cooking space). The Pro series is only available in one size, the 780 (500 square inches of cooking space).
2. WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity
The Ironwood features WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your grill from your phone or tablet. On the other hand, the Pro does not have WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity.
You can also use the Traeger app with the Ironwood to monitor your cook, set timers, and adjust the temperature from your phone or tablet. The Traeger app is not compatible with the Pro. The Ironwood also has a USB port so you can update the grill’s firmware and add new features as they become available. The Pro does not have a USB port.
3. Grilling Area
The Ironwood has the Traeger Pro beat when it comes to the grilling area. The Ironwood offers a grilling area of 650 square inches, while the Traeger Pro only offers 429 square inches. This extra grilling space can come in handy when cooking for large groups or hosting parties.
4. Temperature Range
The temperature controls on the Pro and Ironwood pellet grills are very similar. Both grills have a digital control panel that lets you set the temperature in 5-degree increments. The Pro has a temperature range of 180°F to 500°F, while the Ironwood has a slightly wider temperature range of 170°F to 500°F.
Also, the turbo temp feature in Traeger pro is great, which can help you reach the 500-degree mark for searing. This ensures that you don’t have to wait too long to cook your food.
5. Smoke Settings
Both the Pro and Ironwood have a smoke setting that allows you to get the perfect amount of smoke for your food. The Pro has a slightly higher smoke setting than the Ironwood, but both are still very good at getting the right amount of smoke.
The settings are simple in both cases: you just set the temperature and then let the smoker do its thing. We think the Ironwood does a slightly better job overall in a smoky flavor. But the difference is not huge, and both smokers will give you great results.
6. Chimney Exhaust Pipe
The Pro has a 6-inch diameter exhaust pipe, while the Ironwood has an 8-inch diameter pipe. This difference in size might not seem like much, but it has a pretty big impact on the grill’s performance.
The smaller diameter exhaust pipe on the Pro means that the grill will heat up faster and be able to reach higher temperatures. However, it also means that the grill will cool down faster once you turn it off.
The larger diameter exhaust pipe on the Ironwood means that the grill will take longer to heat up, but it will retain heat better once it’s turned off. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for in a grill.
7. Pellet Sensor
The Ironwood pellet sensor is a great addition to keeping track of your pellet levels. This is especially useful when smoking for long periods. The Traeger Pro does not have a pellet sensor, so you will need to watch your pellet levels manually.
This sensor also allows you to set a minimum pellet level, so you never have to worry about running out of pellets in the middle of a cook.
8. Hopper Size
The Ironwood has a 20 lb hopper capacity, while the Traeger Pro has an 18 lb hopper capacity. This difference is not significant, but it is worth noting. This allows you to smoke for longer periods without refilling the hopper as often.
When smoking for long periods, it is always a good idea to have a backup supply of pellets just in case.
9. The Building Material
The Traeger Pro is slightly better than the Ironwood when it comes to building quality. The Traeger Pro is constructed from heavier gauge steel and feels more solid overall. It also has a larger grilling surface than the Ironwood.
The Ironwood grate is made of porcelain-coated steel, while the Pro grate is made of powder-coated cast iron.
10. Price
When it comes to price, Traeger Pro is less expensive than Ironwood. However, considering the features and quality offered by Ironwood, the price is worth it. This is determined by many factors, such as the quality of the product, customer service, and others. So, always remember to do your research before making a purchase.
11. Mobility
When you buy a grill, you want to be able to take it with you when you travel or go camping. The Traeger Pro and the Ironwood are both very portable. The Traeger Pro has fold-down legs and can be rolled like a suitcase.
The Ironwood has wheels and a handle to be easily moved around. This means that either grill would be great for taking with you on your next trip.
Traeger Pro vs Ironwood Comparison Table
| Features | Pro 780 | Ironwood 885 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 780 sq. in. | 885 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | 180-500°F | 180-500°F |
| Weight | 145 lb | 175 lb |
| Hopper Size | 18 lb | 20 lb |
| WiFi/App | Yes | Yes |
| Downdraft Exhaust | No | Yes |
| Double Side-Wall Insulation | No | Yes |
How To Use Your Grill?
The process is simple enough for even the most inexperienced griller. Here’s a quick overview of how to use your new Traeger or Ironwood grill:
- Start by unpacking your grill and assembling it according to the instructions. This should not take more than half an hour, and if you don’t know how to assemble it, you can hire a professional.
- Once your grill is assembled, fill the hopper with pellets. You Should ensure that the wood pellets are dry and free from moisture before adding them to the hopper.
- Set the temperature on your grill and wait for it to preheat. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
- Place your food on the grill and cook it according to your recipe. You can decide to season or not to season before cooking.
- Once your food is cooked, remove it from the grill. You Should let your food rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
Traeger Pro vs Ironwood: Which is Better?
When it comes to selecting the best pellet grill, it depends on your needs. If you’re just looking for something to cook hamburgers, then either the Traeger Pro or the Ironwood will suffice.
However, if you’re looking for a pellet grill that can do it all – from searing a steak to smoking a brisket – then you’ll want to go with the Ironwood. It’s more expensive, but it’s worth its features and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ironwood Worth It?
When it comes to smokers, the Ironwood is in a class of its own. It’s one of the best on the market and it produces amazing results. The only downside is the price, but if you can afford it, it’s worth the investment.
What’s the Difference Between the Pro and Ironwood?
The biggest difference between the Pro and Ironwood is the price. The Ironwood is a bit more expensive, but it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about smoking. It also has a few more features than the Pro, so if you’re looking for a more advanced smoker, the Ironwood is the way to go.
Is the Traeger Pro Series Worth It?
The Traeger Pro Series is a great smoker, but it’s not as good as the Ironwood. It’s a bit cheaper, but it doesn’t have as many features. If you’re looking for a simple smoker that will get the job done, the Pro Series is a great option.
Should I Buy the Ironwood or the Pro Series?
It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a smoker. If you’re looking for the best of the best, go with the Ironwood. If you’re looking for a great smoker that’s a bit more affordable, go with the Pro Series.
Should I Buy A Traeger Ironwood?
Yes, the Traeger Ironwood is an excellent smoker and it’s worth the investment. It’s a bit more expensive than the Pro Series, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line smoker.
Does Traeger Ironwood Have Smoke Setting?
Yes, the Traeger Ironwood has a smoke setting and it works great. If you’re looking for a smoker that can produce excellent results, the Ironwood is the way to go. The settings are easy to use and it has great results.
Will A Turkey Fit on A Traeger Ironwood 650?
Yes, a turkey will fit on the Traeger Ironwood 650. The smoker is big enough to accommodate a large turkey. So, you can cook your turkey with ease on the Traeger Ironwood 650. It is a great smoker for cooking a large turkey.
What Temp Is Super Smoke on A Traeger?
The super smoke feature on the Traeger smoker is designed to produce thick, billowing smoke. This happens at a temperature between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you’re looking to get some super smoke action going on your Traeger smoker, set the temperature to somewhere between 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Is a Traeger Smoke Tube?
A Traeger smoke tube is a small, cylindrical tube placed in the smoker’s firebox. The smoke tube allows for more smoke to be produced, allowing for better flavor.
How Much Can You Fit on A Traeger Ironwood 650?
The Traeger Ironwood 650 can accommodate a large amount of food. Its large cooking area and versatile design make it perfect for cooking for large groups of people. So, if you’re looking for a smoker that can accommodate a lot of food, the Traeger Ironwood 650 is a great option.
Conclusion
Smoking meat is an art, and if you’re going to do it right, you need the best smokers on the market. When it comes to pellet smokers, two brands are Traeger and Ironwood.
These brands offer high-quality smokers that can help you create mouth-watering smoked meats. You should, however, take the time to compare the two brands before you make your final decision.
