Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill vs Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (6,800 owners)

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Full Review

Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill

9.2/10 Excellent

4.7★ (3,800 owners)

Wood pellets, WiFIRE app, Super Smoke mode, 885 sq in, D2 drivetrain. The smart pellet smoker.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill	Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (6,800)	4.7★ (3,800)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Area	314 sq in	885 sq in

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10. Wood pellets, WiFIRE app, Super Smoke mode, 885 sq in, D2 drivetrain. The smart pellet smoker. That said, the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill is worth considering if Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

Triple-wall steel construction achieves ceramic kamado heat retention at 40% of Big Green Egg's price
200-750°F range covers low-and-slow smoking through high-heat searing in one grill
Dual dampers provide precise temperature control comparable to ceramic alternatives
At 97lbs significantly lighter than ceramic kamados — repositionable without specialist lifting equipment
Under £350 — the most affordable kamado-style BBQ with genuine performance characteristics

Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe
Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance
Less community and recipe ecosystem than the established ceramic brands

Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill

WiFIRE app controls temperature, smoke level and timer from anywhere — leave the brisket cooking overnight
Super Smoke mode doubles smoke intensity for restaurant-quality smoke rings and bark
885 square inches feeds 10+ people — the largest cooking surface in this comparison
D2 drivetrain maintains consistent temperature within ±15°F — set and forget
Wood pellets produce genuine smoke flavour impossible from gas or kamado at equivalent convenience

Pellets require ongoing purchase and dry storage — ongoing cost and logistics
£1,500+ is a luxury outdoor cooking investment
Pellet smokers struggle above 450°F — for high-heat searing, Weber kettle or kamado is better

FAQ

Which is better, Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch or Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood?

Is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch worth the extra cost?

The Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch best suited to?

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Who is the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood best suited to?

Wood pellets, WiFIRE app, Super Smoke mode, 885 sq in, D2 drivetrain. The smart pellet smoker.

What are the main downsides of each?

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill: Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe; Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance. Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill: Pellets require ongoing purchase and dry storage — ongoing cost and logistics; £1,500+ is a luxury outdoor cooking investment.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill sits at 4.6★ from 6,800 verified Amazon owners, and Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill at 4.7★ from 3,800.

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