Our Verdict
Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that makes overnight brisket accessible to non-specialists. Set the temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, go to bed — WiFIRE alerts when done. Wood pellet flavour is genuinely different from gas or charcoal smoking. Big Green Egg reaches higher temperatures for serious searing — Traeger's convenience and wifi control are for those who want restaurant-quality smoke without restaurant-level attention.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- 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
✗ Cons
- 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
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Wood pellets |
|---|---|
| App | WiFIRE (remote control) |
| Super Smoke | Double smoke mode |
| Area | 885 sq in |
| Temp control | D2 (±15°F) |
| Capacity | 10+ people |
Performance
Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that makes overnight brisket accessible to non-specialists. Set the temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, go to bed — WiFIRE alerts when done. Wood pellet flavour is genuinely different from gas or charcoal smoking. Big Green Egg reaches higher temperatures for serious searing — Traeger's convenience and wifi control are for those who want restaurant-quality smoke without restaurant-level attention. On paper the headline numbers are fuel of Wood pellets, app of WiFIRE (remote control), super smoke of Double smoke mode, area of 885 sq in, temp control of D2 (±15°F), capacity of 10+ people. Its standout is that wifire app controls temperature, smoke level and timer from anywhere — leave the brisket cooking overnight
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. 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. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. 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. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that makes overnight brisket accessible to non-specialists. Set the temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, go to bed — WiFIRE alerts when done. Wood... Look elsewhere if you're among High-heat searing specialists — Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe reach higher temperatures for restaurant-quality sear.
Final Verdict
Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that makes overnight brisket accessible to non-specialists. Set the temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, go to bed — WiFIRE alerts when done. Wood pellet flavour is genuinely different from gas or charcoal smoking. Big Green Egg reaches higher temperatures for serious searing — Traeger's convenience and wifi control are for those who want restaurant-quality smoke without restaurant-level attention.
Check Price on Amazon ↗FAQ
Is the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill worth the money?
Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that makes overnight brisket accessible to non-specialists. Set the temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, go to bed — WiFIRE alerts when done. Wood pellet flavour is genuinely different from gas or charcoal smoking. Big Green Egg reaches higher temperatures for serious searing — Traeger's convenience and wifi control are for those who want restaurant-quality smoke without restaurant-level attention. Traeger Ironwood 885 is the smart smoker that make
Who should NOT buy the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill?
High-heat searing specialists — Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe reach higher temperatures for restaurant-quality sear.
Is the Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
Alternatives to Consider
Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill
9.4/10Ceramic kamado, 46cm cooking surface, 100°C-380°C+, 40-year warranty, versatile. The ceramic cooker cult.
Check Price ↗
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ
9.4/103 burners, GS4 system, open cart design, iGrill3 ready, 10-year warranty. The BBQ gold standard.
Check Price ↗
Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill
9.3/10SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features.
Check Price ↗Or see full comparisons: vs Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill, vs Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven, vs Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ