Traeger Ironwood XL Seasoning and Review

[@PelletsandPits]

Our Rakuten link to get CASH BACK at TONS of online retailers: www.rakuten.com/r/AMYW093?eeid=28187

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks Neil and Amy. You two are fantastic with your coverage of the beginning to the end of a new product that you do a review on, you show all the bumps and bruises someone might have to go through with a new purchase and generally get the needed people to talk to so the problem can be resolved. This takes a lot of pressure off of someone going through this alone and not knowing who to turn to for help. You folks are awesome and we can't thank you enough. Stay safe and keep up the fun you manage to have even when you stub your toes. Fred.

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks so much Fred...really appreciate that..

[@deltapapa82]

Fred is spot on with his comment. Y’all do a great job.

[@rcpilot8433]

Did my first cook on the Ironwood XL today…St Louis ribs…dry rubbed them one hour before going on at 225 with super smoke for 3 hours. Wrapped them in foil meat down in Kerrygold butter dabs and brown sugar with some raw honey and back on at 225 for 2 more hours. Ribs were amazing. Could’ve glazed with some sauce for 15 more minutes but no need. Almost fall off but left a bite mark absolutely perfect…1/8” smoke ring all over…this smoker is worth every penny!!

[@PelletsandPits]

One thing about it..i agree...its a good one..i personally just wisjusth the accessories line would take an upgrade...like a sear zone...rotisserie idea...just something to help the FLAIR of it...just my 2 cents

[@beauK2166]

Very nice pit!! I love where y’all are going with both channels!!

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey I appreciate that...

[@LaserGuy64]

I have had the Timberline XL for just about a year now. I had a similar thing when I first powered it up. Seemed the temp was very slow to come up. That improved dramatically from the second heat cycle onward. I am usually cooking between 225-350 and never wait more than 8-10 minutes for it to reach temp.

[@dhvol98]

Loving the new channel! Yes please do a video that compares the high end brands to the more budget friendly ones. I’ve always wondered just what is the difference between my Pitt Boss 1600 competition series to one of the higher end brands and builds like this beast. Thanks to you both for the excellent grilling work!!

[@PelletsandPits]

That comment right there is exactly why we started...what the difference..etc...thanks so much...

[@JusPiddlinBBQ]

This doesn’t compare to a high end American made pellet grill like a Yoder or Lonestar Grillz. I’ve owned about 20 Traeger’s…then I went American made and realized what I had been missing. No comparison.

[@jmert_5859]

Our XL came in last week and it is still in the box. This video will be very useful.

[@PelletsandPits]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Seven_Craig]

Appreciate the honest review. Been looking at the XL myself. Thank you! Semper Fi.

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks for your service

[@ronaldheisler8819]

Rumor mill… The reason the side shelf won’t fold is Traeger is coming out with a cooktop for that space just like the Timberline. Look behind the controller and you will see the plug in for it. I also know (shhhh) a pizza oven is coming.

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey thats awesome...you must have some inside knowledge...

[@ronaldheisler8819]

@@PelletsandPits no, just a learning experience. When I first got my XL it rained and a little moisture got in the probe port. When I went to use it that day the only thing that would come up on the screen said “pizza”. Well you are right customer service came through and was fantastic. I had to allow the ports to dry for 24 hours and it went back to normal. Now I have a bbq shed built to stop that from happening again. One suggestion Traeger made was to buy the little rubber plugs to put into the ports when not in use.

[@gharv1313]

Excellent review Neal and Amy! Can't wait for the cooks! Cheers brother 🍻

[@PelletsandPits]

Me neither thanks bud

[@richardsullivan2849]

Thanks for the video. I just got my Ironwood XL yesterday.

[@PelletsandPits]

Heck yeah...

[@justingumo9218]

Really appreciate your honest reviews. Would love to see a review of a Kamado Joe. Trying to decide between purchasing an Ironwood and Kamado Joe.

[@PelletsandPits]

Thats a drastic difference haha...one is powered...one is charcoal...I have a weber summit charcoal grill that now named a weber kamado grill....

[@rodderbob]

It will be interesting to see what the longer term outcomes are for durability. For a number of years Traeger were resting on their laurels, and penetration in the big box stores, to maintain market viability while their product was just ho hum in performance, and dodgey in quality. Nice thing about watching the assembly is it looks to be of quality materials, which, for the price, it should be. The relatively new owner of Traeger must have realized how far behind they had been. Looks promising.

[@rcpilot8433]

Built a paver pad 70”x36” perfectly level. Built smoker and rechecked level to zero. Ran seasoning program no flaws whatsoever. Total time 6 hours.paver pad to smoker seasoning completion…freaking extatic so far.

[@PelletsandPits]

Awesome,,,,

[@patrickwoolbright1960]

love the videos man. Keep it up!

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks bud….

[@wlawrence6767]

Thank you for this video. I had same issue with my new ironwood and it never hit the temp it was supposed to. Have to manually do it.

[@forbidinjustice]

That night lighting isn't anywhere near as bad as you think it is. What a great video! I'm in the market to buy an XL in the next couple weeks, so I really appreciated your in-depth review.

[@PelletsandPits]

Your right...as I use it more...it definitely helps...Plus since the fire pot is on the 1/3 other side...I use that side more...cheers

[@bobbicatton]

The head to head comparison cooks should be a ton of fun👍 Enjoy!😊

[@PelletsandPits]

Looking forward to it...

[@CEOMrs]

Thank you for this video - I'm glad I watched BEFORE doing the seasoning process! I had the same problem with it not getting past 248° (see video at 12:48). I let it finish the timed process (as there was 22 minutes left when the temp started dropping). I was going to cancel it, but it warned me that the whole process would have to start over if I did. Once it finished and shut down, I manually let it cook at 450° for 45 minutes. Frustrating hiccup, but again, I was laying in wait to see if would happen. Thank you for the "heads-up"! P.S. Do you have a favorite pellet brand you'd be comfortable in sharing?

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey great feedback...honestly i do not..i think bang for the buck is B and B from academy sports. 19.99 for 40lbs of mix of oak and others. I also like Pit Boss Charcoal. Walmart usually has them available... I like to mix the 2. Lastly people swear by other brands and flavors...I cooked for over 3 years now on pellet grills and many different brands....I just cant tell enough of a difference to justify that one brand is so much better or that the cheaper Pit Boss etc sucks....thats just not my experience...

[@SimpleMistaken]

Did you clean it before you restarted it? Mine was at 340 and started to drop.

[@oconnellbob]

Great feedback! honest video. Looks like what the average Joe like me goes through.

[@PelletsandPits]

ahhahahah Thats why I did or do not edit things like that out...its just the truth...appreciate that...I actually just finished a pork butt on the little pit boss and something happened with it...I kept filming and told my story....

[@tony8095]

It’s funny you mentioned about your brand new can of duck fat spray not working. The exact thing happened to me. Wonder if that’s a common issue with that?

[@PelletsandPits]

Not sure..but for $10...hhahha I wasn't happy...I about just popped the can and rubbed my hand...

[@charlessims2021]

nice, ive got the timerline xl, and i sure do like mine

[@PelletsandPits]

Awesome....

[@BuzyBeingAwesome]

Hope you get the camp chef. Game changer for smoke or charcoal taste on a pellet grill

[@PelletsandPits]

Looking forward to it...

[@michaelpatrick7952]

As far as flavor, would you pick the Searwood or the ironwood? I was really happy with the flavor of the smokefire

[@PelletsandPits]

@@michaelpatrick7952 I think the versatility on the Weber could be the deciding factor… Treager beats in pure smoke flavor… but that gap is extremely close to

[@pierreverfaillie1938]

I bought a Broil King 500 Pro and was seriously considering the traeger, after one year I wish I bought that traeger instead.

[@PelletsandPits]

Can I ask why....just more accurate actual information to gain my people who have had them ....

[@pierreverfaillie1938]

I find it difficult to clean as it has 3 shields, the Traeger looks like only one. And I find I get a lot of ash under the plates, almost like it blows out of the ash cup. As far as cooking I do like it.@@PelletsandPits

[@seppotaalasmaa8432]

What would you buy this traeger vs weber searwood vs weber smokefire? I only care pellet grill as for a smoker not that much as a grill i have kettle for that.

[@PelletsandPits]

Well the Weber Smokefire has been discontinued...so that makes it down to two....im about to review the Pit Boss Titan...same price as the xl weber.......I think there are so close you cant go wrong...weber has fantastic accessories...to go along with it

[@grcerosa]

Great job as always👍🏻👏😊

[@PelletsandPits]

Thank you so much

[@jamesgarrett8479]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@PelletsandPits]

No problem 👍

[@SimpleMistaken]

What size extension cord you use for it? I’ve been running a 25ft. 16 awg with no issues but was told I should be using a minimum of 14 awg

[@PelletsandPits]

Honestly I could not tell you...I know its thicker...but just bought on amazon...

[@ironman102582]

How do you like it compared to the Weber searwood xl? Do they compare?

[@PelletsandPits]

They definitely compare...probably the closes between all the smokers I have...

[@Goatsuniversity]

Great video!!

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks for the visit

[@KnightsGarage]

Hey brother, you’re using that paper towel holder incorrectly the metal pieces don’t go inside the roll. They’re meant to hold the paper from unraveling itself.

[@PelletsandPits]

100 agree...completely screwed that up...thanks...

[@KnightsGarage]

@@PelletsandPits if it’s saying anything, you’re probably about the 10th video I’ve seen with it like that. So apparently, it’s a common mistake.

[@apuz13]

Neil I have a vevor pellet smoker and it is my first ever smoker. One question. It has a digital temperature setting. I set it to 350° but the actual temperature is close to 400° is this normal or do you think something is wrong with it?

[@PelletsandPits]

Honestly it depends on the company...it used to be a lot more common...not so much in the newer models and brands...although most grlls have hot and cold spots just based on how the air flows...

[@apuz13]

@@PelletsandPits Thanks

[@garyag45]

I want a smoker with 4” to 6” casters all corners, 🤛👍🙏🦅😎🇺🇸

[@frankmarullo228]

Another good video guys THANK you very much FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks Frank… been splitting wood for a new grill and this of ya hahahaha

[@jaredherring7762]

Will you be able to try the new Recteq dual fire smoker?

[@PelletsandPits]

Not sure yet...

[@ericdraper6636]

Hey those little lights were actually pretty Brite 👍🏼

[@PelletsandPits]

Yeah..more than i would have thought...

[@danwaligursky4258]

Tragear, Pit Boss and Lonestar comparsion coming down the road?

[@PelletsandPits]

Probably a Camp Chef as well...

[@jakespencer8077]

A buddy of mine won that exact grill at a Delta Waterfowl banquet and he said it’s legit. He is a big recteq fan and swears by them.

[@PelletsandPits]

WOW....Had me at Delta Waterfowl....

[@toddyell4440]

There is an option for shelf, 159ish

[@scottkeasler9317]

As a Lone Star pellet grill owner, I must know why you purchased a Traeger when you already have the Lone Star. I've been questioning the smoke flavor or lack of on the Lone Star and wondered if thats why you are trying the Traeger? Just subscribed, hope you reply. Thanks, enjoying your content!

[@PelletsandPits]

Good question! Honestly with my other channel...the flat top king,,,we found enjoyment’s cooking on multiple griddles to compare, have on hand experiences, and the ability to cook and have fun. When a viewer reaches out with a question I like to understand where when and why they are asking..the more experience I have the better I feel about answering. Same with these pellet grills...the more experience i get..the more common questions I can answer....

[@scottkeasler9317]

@@PelletsandPits thanks! I'll look forward to the comparison video.

[@jamesgunn5358]

Do you feel the LSG has light smoke flavor?

[@jaredkrause4848]

would you buy the Ironwood xl if you had to do it all over again?

[@PelletsandPits]

thats a loaded question....has it done anything wrong..NO..have I had problems with it..NO...other just have more features I prefer if I only had one...i like the open flame idea...I dont regret it...just wish for that price it had more

[@tvrift]

So which one is better? This or the LSG??

[@PelletsandPits]

I literally just filmed a rib contest between the two...will be posting this Saturday

[@lazzar1903]

No liners for the Ironwood Xl

[@gosman949]

I cannot believe that you got this after getting the Lone Star Grill! But I guess this is what you want to do with this channel. So, I look forward to a head-to-head comparison with the Lone Star Grill. The shipping costs for the LSG is cost prohibitive when I can get the Traeger put together and delivered for free by my local Ace Hardware store!

[@PelletsandPits]

Yeah....thats exactly why we are doing this...the ability to compare...have multiple units to provide honest feedback...

[@warcraft8226]

thanks

[@IzzyEatz]

Make some jerky on that bad boy!!!!!!! What’s the lowest temp you can run it ?

[@PelletsandPits]

Heck yeah...absolutely...looking forward to it...

[@IzzyEatz]

@@PelletsandPits thank you so much for posting that snack video that was amazing idea

[@curtdunlap6818]

Awesome! That's the Cadillac of smokers, and I'm driving a Yugo! 😄

[@BigRedOverlanding]

Two issues I see off the bat. This resembles my pitboss competition series which I hate. First The separate grates that slide around are infuriating beyond belief. Second the drip pan doesn’t use the liner that we are used to which makes cleaning a hassle sometimes. Out of convenience the liner is ideal since you can just take it off and put another on. I would personally pass on this model and stick with the OG ironwood.

[@reddog907]

Looking forward to a comparison video. I currently own a PB 1150 and I am not satisfied with the fact it produces very little smoke , even at 250 degrees. Pretty sure I will change in the near future , the two on my wish list is the Ironwood and the Camp Chef wood wind pro. How well does the Ironwood produce smoke? "I want smoke " 😀Great video .

[@PelletsandPits]

we have a head to head with a Lone Star Grillz and the flavor alone it held its own....extremely hard to tell the difference...

[@bubbaburgess2823]

I just can't give up my offset call me old fashion

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey I truly understand...3 things come to my mind...the flavor of a stick is unmatched...BUT the time it takes to operate takes a toll....with family and work, lastly this is an honest question;....if you had an opportunity to stick smoke for 4 to 6 hours...then turn on a pellet grill to finish...on the same unit...would you do it...same chamber...same every thing..literally just let the fire die in its box...turn on pellet smoker..walk away for hours...etc...

[@praetorxyn]

Jesus another one? Lmao. A pellet smoker head to head would be cool. I'm expecting the LSG to win handily in terms of smoke flavor. LSG is about to release a pellet cabinet smoker that blows every other pellet smoker away in terms of capacity.

[@PelletsandPits]

Yeah… it’s massive. Damn near commercial style.

[@praetorxyn]

@@PelletsandPits In a really small footprint though. It's not like a 1000 gallon offset that's 16 feet long or whatever and has to sit on a trailer.

[@renebanuelos6909]

Sorry, so stupid question. So it gets cooked with the smoke no charcoal or propane

[@PelletsandPits]

Yes....you can now choose different wood types or blends...hickory, maple, pecan. oak, or a blend of other woods....even charcoal flavored pellets which I prefer mixed in

[@rcpilot8433]

Buy once, cry once…you won’t regret it!!

[@gsbbq4870]

You have a Lone Star pellet for free. Why would you buy a Traeger? It is inferior as far as the metal and controller goes.

[@txfieros]

Because that’s what the channel is about? Maybe 🤔

[@PelletsandPits]

One thing I enjoy about my other channel “the flat top king” is the freedom to cook on many different griddles. Reasons are quite simple. To get experience and exposure to different brands. I try to relate to my supporters. Not everyone can afford a 3 to 5 thousand dollar smoker. Same thing with my portable battery powered pellet smoker that’s being used today.

[@bakingnanaskitchen4799]

@@PelletsandPits I really appreciate that you are not tied to any one brand. I value your opinion, because of that. There are advantages to each brand and of course there is the price point. I have a Traeger, my son has a Recteq and my son-in -law has 2 Lone Star Smokers. (One pellet, one off-set) We are an equal opportunity BBQ family, with some healthy competition. Like you said, 'Freedom'. Freedom to have your own opinions, freedom to express those opinions and honestly share it with us. Much respect.

[@gosman949]

@@bakingnanaskitchen4799 well you might the perfect person to come back and give us a comparison study of your family smokers!

[@ChuongNguyen-up9fy]

USE A ROASTING PAN. save your grill from scratch marks.....

[@scottwilkins]

This guy is way to OCD.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

You got the baddest pellet grill on the free market and you’re toying around with a Traeger???? 😂🎉

[@PelletsandPits]

Because not everyone can afford a new LSG...I also have 2 Pit Bosses...something for everyone...plus its about having the ability to compare and cook on other smokers...

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@PelletsandPits I hear you, and please don’t take my comment as negative criticism, mostly I’m goofing. I like your content and as a business model for creating content I believe you’re doing the right thing. BUT! I’d love to see you put your LSG up against a Yoder YS 1500 which I was tempted to buy at our local Scheels, A) no wait time and no shipping B) when calculating shipping into the equation the price is very similar C) my hesitation is the feature rich refinement of the LSG vs the Yoder. It’s abundant in the LSG favor. When researching comparisons of these two specific models there is none in video head to head content.

[@peejay8]

So did your method of seasoning the grease pan make clean up easier later on? I’m thinking of running the standard seasoning during set up. Then run it once more with grape seed oil

[@PelletsandPits]

Honestly I dont think so...Yes its easy to clean...but I think overtime its gotten easier....but I honestly dont know if the time and effort was worth it...BUT I still would do it again...just incase it was

[@klaymoon1]

Great video!

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks for the visit