Wood Fired Pellet Grill Done RIGHT! | Traeger Ironwood 885 Review

[@torkmason]

I've used a friend's Traeger, and I have a Weber Smokey Mountain. I'd love to get an offset eventually and learn how to do it the traditional way, but there's definitely something to be said for convenience when you want it. I totally understand wanting the sense of pride that comes with managing a fire to perfection using nothing but knowledge and instinct, but that doesn't mean you have to go that route every time you want barbecue. All smoking methods are valid, the end result is all that ultimately matters.

[@Five0Music]

I recently received an Ironwood 885 as a gift from my wife (grounds to stay married forever, lol) to add to a Weber S435 and an old Lifetyme offset. The Traeger is my first-ever pellet grill, and I love it. Better is always a matter of opinion, but it is hard to beat for an all around cooker/smoker, in my opinion. I did the “Weekday Brisket” from Matt over at Meat Church, and got a nice night’s sleep AND a good brisket! I’ve used the remote Wi-Fi app to manage temps and smoke while three cities away from my house, and it just puts a grin on your face. One of the best gifts ever!

[@jakeboss2653]

Almost grounds for divorce, had me laughing so much! Loved it! There's been 2 occasions where I called and asked my neighbor to top off the hopper with pellets because it was running low while i was out fishing for the day, it's an awesome app. I have 20+ smokers all together, and currently have 7 of them lined up on along my deck, sometimes switching an swapping them over, i'm very lucky i have a supportive wife

[@JeremySiers]

Man I thought I had a lot of grills hahah.

[@jakeboss2653]

@@JeremySiers lol, it's an obsession

[@Redskin4ever]

So which is your favorite?

[@damonec1987]

I have to say I love my pellet grill (Pit Boss), and when smoking brisket or pork butts, I always start mine early in the morning. This gives me a few hours to myself to enjoy a nice cigar and a couple cups of coffee before the wife and kids wake up. Awesome video as always brother.

[@michaelhernandez1218]

My wife got me the Ironwood 885 for an early birthday gift. It's my first ever pellet grill. This thing is Awesome. Best thing since sliced tortillas 😂. In 3 weeks, I've smoked 2 briskets, a pork butt, St. Louis style ribs, and some chicken. By the way...Smokey and the Brisket... I like your style. 😎

[@DennisJPolson]

Yes! “It’s time...!” That really seems like a fantastic and convenient way to smoke meats. Thanks Jeremy!

[@JeremySiers]

They really are man. Lets me smoke waaaay more often. 😉👍🏻

[@2ShoesPhoto]

I have had this same Traeger for about 2 years now, and I cook on mine 5+ days a week. It's worth the extra money for the convenience.

[@JeremySiers]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@B_P819]

I bought a smoker tube to put in mine for extra smoke. Works great. Love this 885 smoker.

[@brycefield4569]

I agree with you. All the different "grills" have their place depending on what you are trying to do. It's a lot like cigars. The best "grill" is the one that you like and makes you happy.

[@ronwilson5476]

I know I am a bit late to the party here but I just picked up this Traeger Ironwood 885 and your video was the absolute best one I have found to give me the scoop I needed. I have been making my own rubs and sauces for years and have used the offset burning smoker method for years. My knees are both shot and need replacement so I do not get around as well as I used to so this Traeger set it and forget it is putting me back in the game. THANKS Traeger and Mr. Siers for enlightening this old Jarhead!

[@Philliesfandom]

Great vid! I don’t understand the smoker type argument. I have a pellet grill, stick burner , & a Weber kettle and each of them produce great results! Glad I found your channel!

[@allensmith5532]

Awesome‼️ Thank-you for the info. I was debating between the Pro 780 & Ironwood 885. I plan to go with the Ironwood.

[@MrSteviej893]

I was one of those guys who felt that pellet smokers were quick way to cheat at smoking meat until about a year and a half ago. I started getting tired of all of the setup before smoking, as well as all of the cleanup afterwards-not to mention, I would still have to babysit the smoker the entire time. A year and a half ago, I spent a little more time researching them and saw a lot of positives in them so I bought a Grill Grills Silverbac; not as many features as yours, but it definitely fits my needs. Thanks for sharing.

[@boharrison2393]

Jeremy, Hope everything is going well with you killer bee. Would love to see a little/lot more content from you brother man. Taylor seems to have gotten back on the horse, which is Great ! Really digging his regained enthusiasm. Would love to see more from you my man. Great to see you.

[@ahill209]

I know this is old, but I just bought my Ironwood 885 and found your review. Nice review - especially the accessories part. I also live in Florida. I can't park my Traeger under shelter, so I opted for the cover as well.

[@erice3933]

Everyone I see advocating for offset also have 20 cords of wood piled up behind it. I have an Ironwood 650 and so far I love it. I had a kamado and I don't miss constantly checking my thermoworks to see which way the temp is heading. The TW Billows helped but it's still possible to have the fire box burn in a weird direction and go cold in the dead of night. Also, Kamados get tight on space real quick. I was looking into electric but it seems like a lot of electrics don't burn wood hot enough to keep the smoke clean. I saw a lot of reviews talking about an acrid creosote flavor. I'll be honest, it's hard to know what is best but I think it's really about how much time do you want to spend babysitting your BBQ. For me, pellet is the happy compromise. Just get some quality pellets like: Lumber Jack, CookinPellets, or Knotty.

[@cybernode33]

I've been a loyal Traeger user for years but recently made the switch to Asmoke and honestly, I couldn't be happier. The precision temperature control is a game-changer. With Asmoke, I've been able to cook at a consistent temperature, which was a bit of a struggle with my old Traeger. The flavor imparted by the wood pellets is incredible too - my food has never tasted better! But what really sold me on Asmoke was its portability. Its compact design and rechargeable battery make it perfect for my frequent camping trips with the family. Being able to grill anywhere, anytime, without needing to be connected to the grid is just awesome! Traeger, you were good, but Asmoke has truly elevated my grilling game. #Asmoke.

[@piratelute8934]

lmao wtf this comment sounds like some shill comment

[@miguelc7659]

Just bought one today for $350 buying an outdoor patio from an elder man and asked if I was interested in a grill and said sure why not… didn’t know which what brand it was but I knew it was a beauty can’t wait to use it 😬

[@allencaruthers867]

I bought one a few months back. I love my Traeger for convenience. It has great flavor too. No more waking up and babysitting a brisket all night long. I love being able to monitor it on my phone too. So sweet to use!! Taste is great too.

[@RumandCook]

Great overall video, loved the editing! Sent my 885 back and wasn't a fan, but still feel there is a place for a pellet grill on anyone's patio. Lost me at the 350-500 for searing though, unless you are directly over the heat source, you can't get a decent sear. 500F over lump is entirely different that 500 inside a Traeger. They do have a great app though!

[@dondag13]

Which App do I use??? Ty

[@RumandCook]

@@dondag13 I was referring to the Traeger app you can use on your phone. Lots of recipes and can control the grill.

[@dondag13]

@@RumandCook oooh ok. Ty

[@lucky2213]

god I'm so stoked!! i won one of these at my Christmas work party! my dads gonna be stoked Christmas morning

[@james_alcock]

Time for an upgrade. Going to get the 885 tomorrow. Nice review. Gun,Whisky, cigars and bbq. Life is good 👍

[@CreamJockey]

Having a big gun collection IS necessary 🤘🔫🇺🇸

[@JeremySiers]

I would tend to agree. 😉👍🏻

[@wtrlvr241]

I have a really nice stick burner and have done several briskets as well as pork buts, but I am going to buy one of these in the next few days. I like the simplicity and ability to get a good night's sleep

[@Brian-wg9wk]

I used lumberjack pellets for the first time i stead of traeger pellets and it made a big difference. The quality of the pellets you use is key.

[@markschommer7407]

I've had better luck with Lumberjack than I did with the Traeger ones also. I have a Pro 780 and the Lumberjack ones work better in the cold here in Wisconsin

[@ericcole3795]

I do love pellet smokers. I got into using them a few years ago. I did lots of research - Traeger, Yoder, RecTeq, etc. I went with the RecTeq and could not be happier. Their customer service is second to none. The quality is top notch. The 40 pound hopper is awesome. Also has two built in temperature probes and fantastic wi-fi app. Whichever way you go, this is a great way to go for an outdoor kitchen. Kingsford is now making a wide variety of pellet flavors too.

[@paulosborn1651]

Glad I found your channel was looking at ideas as I am a virgin whiskey drinker , and then to see you have bbq ideas as well was just perfect . Saying cheers from the 🇬🇧

[@jtothap6604]

New follower from Texas brother! Just grabbed me an 885. 🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@msteel2021]

I just picked one up. It is still and will be in the box until after I move in a month and a half. I love offsets, but lately I need my attentions on other things, yet have a great end result. I think the 885 fills my need.

[@willreed1666]

I love my Traeger! Got the Ironwood 665, but the couple times I’ve gone over 400 it’s bubbled the paint. Traeger customer service has been zero help saying its a cosmetic issue or user error (I know fires cause it but I’ve been sitting next to it and can say there were no fires). The app is so convenient and I’ll probably just use my kettle for hot and fast cooks from now on. Great content as always!

[@eric.psu95]

I have had my 650 with the folding shelf for a year now & it’s so versatile. It’s my second Traeger smoker & I couldn’t be happier! Now it’s time for ANOTHER brisket…

[@stevenleflar5152]

My guy this is the life! Tudor watches, amazing coffee bar, smoking delish meats, cigars, whiskey….cheers my man 🥃

[@dkrueger85]

Matt Pitman with Meat Church is awesome! Glad to see you support his channel and actually have his seasonings!

[@hollywood84660]

This is amazing, i totally want one. As I'm getting older I totally understand the excitement of getting a smoker or appliances

[@vernepetz4049]

For your coffee try George Howe Coffee Roasters out of Grove City PA. They ship their coffee everywhere and its some of the best coffee you'll ever have. Don't need to add anything to it because it's so good. They even have a chocolate coffee you may just want to try.

[@johoover209]

I have the Pit Boss 850. I'll say that the Trager is better. Better temp control, better app. Cooking wise, not much of a difference. Another great video my man. Cigar talk now. You ever have a Indian Tabac Cigar Co? It was rocky Patel before it was rp. Discontinued in 2016. If not I'll send you a couple.

[@10pm63]

Great review and video quality 👍🏻 I'm curious if it has left any smoke stains on your wall? Considering a 650 and want to place it against a brick wall. Just worried that the wall will turn dark over time 🤔

[@steved6958]

Awesome review...unboxing the 810 this morning...need to figure out the seasoning process now.

[@briansimon1263]

I have a KJ3 Classic as well as an Ironwood 650, and love them both.

[@anthonyruiz3796]

I have a pitboss pellet smoker got it for fathers day in 2019 it is great!! So easy have cooked a turkey, ribs, brisket hamburgers and hot dogs. I am not against the offset smoker guys those guys our ture to there craft i am just to freakin lazy to tend to the fire for hours on in.

[@18wheelsandadozen6shooters5]

I’m with you up here in mass, love my pellet grill! I smoke meat with 0!temps and a foot of snow while everyone else is hiding in this living rooms with crappy Chinese take out! Keep it up boy, we luv ya

[@MrPockets24]

Man I love your channel I wish there was more videos a lot quicker but the quality is the best

[@scottgoodman3764]

Nice piece but you are correct about the food flavor being a bit weak. I would recommend you have a look at a Masterbuilt 1050.

[@archietyler6759]

Great video Jay!!! Damn now I want some brisket!!!😂😂😂😂 that brisket looked awesome!!! 👊✌

[@murfman89]

Trager 36" - 9yr old, love it!

[@coachrj2651]

Nice touch on the bamboo wood piece.

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

Thanks for this video you glorious bearded submitch I have been looking to upgrade from my Pit Boss to something else. I had been looking at some gravity series (Char-griller 980 & Masterbuilt 1050), but each of those come with issues that I'm not sure I can overlook. The 885 is one I went and looked at yesterday, and I have to say I was impressed. The hopper being on the otherisde is a PITA, but the bottom rack being able to move up makes up for it. I need room for beer can chickens and turkey on Thanksgiving. Not sure how I feel about having to buy a front shelf for a smoker that costs $1500 though.

[@kleetus88]

Fantastic video as always. I am now really wanting a Traeger 885. I gave up my electric box smoker when I moved down to Palm Coast, FL (yes, we are sort of neighbors).

[@AshholecigarclubFlorida]

Somebody from my neck of the woods!

[@RyokoX37]

I've had my Traeger for going on 2 years. I had to buy it with my tax return in 2019 because they can be a bit pricy, but it was worth every penny. I've had no issues, breaks, or hiccups with it. I believe they're made in Salt Lake City, Utah and you can see the build quality and the attention to detail. I also bought the front shelf/tray for it. For what you're paying I don't want to say I was a smidge upset that by default it doesn't come with a shelf/tray, but whatever. And I 100% agree with you on the 500-degree sear, I've had no complaints or issues with getting a good one with it. Also, what I love about the Traeger is how it holds the temp typically within 5-degrees. And the chicken that comes off of it's always so damn juicy and amazing. Whole birds or a bunch of drums, they always come out perfect.

[@philipsmith6424]

IMO the best sear method is using the Cold Grate Technique “. There are several youtube videos on youtube . The creator of the method is with SNS grills.Podcasts with “ T Roy Cooks “ and “ Baby Back Maniac “ .I personally wouldn’t even try to sear in a pellet unless I had a screaming hot cast iron pan inside to sear in or I may just use a Searzall or the cold grate method ?

[@RyokoX37]

@@philipsmith6424 I use “Grill Grates” on my Traeger and I’ve been happy with how well they can do a sear. Granted I need to crank it to 450 and let it sit for about 10/15 mins to warm up, but I’ve been plenty happy with their result. They make them for a variety of pellet grills so I highly recommend them to anyone with a pellet grill.

[@lvdbump]

Bro! You did a GREAT job of promoting this product, I’ve seen several people do it because I’m very close to buying a 1300, you were very detailed and explained everything even down to the locking casters and the best part was you was chilling and COOL AS F&$K doing it! LOL thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us it’s inspiring, oh yeah I just subscribed thanks

[@DonCron]

Wow, by far the best review. I was interested in the 885...11 minutes in and I've ordered ;-)

[@puzzlepuzzlepuzzle760]

Can i just say very nice tempo and editing in this video. I enjoyed this a lot.

[@KasaTavs]

Good to have you back, Jeremy -- Let's go!

[@BigPowerAL]

Hi Jeremy, New sub and new Treager 885 owner here. Really enjoyed your take on the 885. Btw, Just cooked my Thanksgiving bird on the 885 to perfection. All the best to you!

[@Timetaker1000]

Camp Chef Woodwind, or this?? Which one should I buy?

[@BryanKorb]

Great video. I picked mine up for $399 If you cheap like me wait for close out deals.

[@MtnLife-sv9fu]

Actually have the same one and love it. Keep on keepin on...

[@anthonypellegrino9448]

Hell yeah, Im 100% in for a smoke-off. Awesome review!

[@thermanrussell4162]

Really great video; thoroughly informative! I particularly appreciate your knowledge about the differences between other popular types of smokers which helped me to determine that a pellet smoker (the Traeger in particular) would personally suit me better. Thanks for this!

[@poppymonroewild]

I got my Ironwood 650 two months ago and love it. I love all the little features and the app is really good. I even like the monthly email traeger sends you with a summary of your cooks for the month. Shows you the days you smoked, average temp you smoked at for that month and average time per smoke. Its awesome.

[@fdee6998]

This model rocks! Supersmoke won me over to this model. And yes that front folding table is a must. Not cheap but a quality product you can enjoy for many years. If you got any thoughts on pellets I'd love to hear them. Great review!

[@bistrogrillchezsteph4337]

Superbe vidéo et revue de ce grill. I really appreciate the revew and it convince me even more to get an Ironwood 885… Thats a quality video… Thanx a lot 🤙

[@heathagius3598]

Welcome back mate great review

[@rogerallen6644]

Best review I’ve seen yet.

[@fourpressmedia2674]

Great review and video. Add a smoke tube to your smoker and you'll really be impressed with your smoky flavor and smoke ring. I love my custom stick burner, but have mad respect for any type of cooker that does the job. Great job, reppin' the Meat Church rubs! They are the BEST!

[@curtisfinch]

You had me a gun collection 🙌🏾 oh and yep, picked up the grill today 👍🏾

[@charlesnygaard9565]

Hi Jeremy. Did you ever do a Traeger vs Kamado review. I may have missed it. I’m trying to make my decision on which to purchase, and what to get your input. No, I can’t afford the new Flagship Traeger. LOL. Thanks Charlie

[@allenrichards9949]

I purchased my Traeger 2yrs ago on black Friday my wife complained about me spending $699 for a grill. Once I fired up the Traeger and fixed my 1st pork butt, she was hooked and she loves it now.

[@paulnastoff2394]

Great great review concise informative extremely professional love your place by the way nice pool area!

[@DominicanRegulator]

I like your style brother. Nicely done !

[@silversurfer1986]

When's dinner! Nice Jeremy! Great review!

[@fishingwithshawno]

Awesome stuff Jeremy! I always enjoy watching your vids. The quality and fit and finish that goes into them is amazing. Cheers Brother.

[@NpgSymboL]

You’ve got the wooden lid on your pellet box like the timberline model. Looks really nice. Is that how they used to come? Or is it an added accessorie? Does anybody know? I’m about to buy one of these down here in Australia. Cheers guys 🍻

[@NpgSymboL]

Never mind!! I just got to that part of the video!! It’s a bamboo magnetic chopping block. Goodluck to me trying to find it over here though lol

[@joeproa1742]

As always Mr. Siers you knock it out the park

[@davidblackbeard]

Hey there Jeremy. It's David from Brazil. We've spoken a few times through my other channel on the comments. Well, I finally started my beard channel for Brazilians. Had to make it in portuguese for now...but soon it'll be in English as well. Anyways...just wanted to say hello and follow you here with my new channel. (great vid!)

[@ericdanowski8942]

Coming from Texas and using an offset, then moving to Kentucky and using a Traeger I couldn’t be more happy, one because I have more bourbon, two because I don’t need to tend to the fire all day. It’s not as flavorful but convenience is worth the slight lack smoke

[@JeremySiers]

I agree completely man. Some days I want to sit outside sip on a nice beverage and smoke allll day. That’s when I crank up the offset. But more often I go Traeger. Pumps out great food and is soooo much more convenient. With what I feel is a fairly small difference in flavor. 👍🏻

[@ericdanowski8942]

@@JeremySiers 100 percent yeah man, the offset is a good time, especially if you can rope some buddies into chilling with you all day so your not chopping all the wood, but the Traeger (especially for a while chicken) is worth every penny

[@ericdanowski8942]

Also Christmas Eve (my birthday is Christmas day) I put a brisket on at 11, let me just say I slept great even with a hangover the next day, It was fantastic

[@paladonis]

Great video my man. I have just been experimenting with smoking foods over the last year and only have a cheap, trash can shape smoker. I've been curious about pellet but never took the time to check it out. I am looking forward to other reviews....especially the Kamado one

[@jasontardiff2149]

The smoker is the one you can afford. Learn time and temp and you can make something awesome. Love the content. Keep doing man shit!

[@nunyabidness9961]

Nice video! Nice stickers on your tumbler, too... especially during the promo... LOL. It cracked me up that my little "R2D2" smoker isn't even on your comparison radar! Hey - I've turned out good grub on it ... after hours of tending the charcoal and smoking cigars. I think you convinced my wife to get me a Traeger for Christmas, so... "Thanks!" in advance! Good stuff - glad to see you back! PS. Apple sucks!

[@TheTrujillo44]

I haven't personally cooked a brisket on my pellet smoker yet, but I've smoked about 5 pork butts... try not wrapping them. Its so convenient. The only time I wrap my pork butts is when I pull it off to rest. For the offset smoker, yes, wrap it like you normally would. Pellet smoker, don't wrap. A friend of mine has a reqtec, he said he doesn't wrap his brisket neither.

[@PrisonMike-_-]

Everyone is a bbq expert after quarantine lol

[@mikeg6069]

An accusation I commonly see from hard core offset guys about pellet grills (other than light smoke flavor) is the "easy bake oven" label they give them meant to insult them and associate them with toys. In essence, what they're saying is because it's not hard, it has no value. IOW, they're prioritizing the process over the product. They revere and pay homage to the process of offset cooking. Me, I like all the high tech gadgetry! I've got 2 pellet grills. A smaller one (Grilla Grills Chimp) for most of my cooks for the family, and a big one (Reqteq RT-700) for parties/events. Both are wifi equipped and I LOVE it. I like playing around with mixing pellets. That's as involved as I wanna be in the process. Results wise, all I know is everything tastes great. In short, it's easy, convenient, and produces great tasting food. Win, win, and win.

[@MemorEsto]

Finally! I've been waiting for this review. Keeping waffling on pulling the trigger on one.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

It's about time you did a smoker video. Been waiting a while for these. I got my Trager pro series 22 on Father's day. A bit smaller but works great. I've only done wings and ribs so far. Gonna try some salmon and then a brisket. Look forward to more content from you. Thanks

[@JeremySiers]

My buddy Taylor loves smoked salmon on the pellet smoker! Gonna try that this week. 👍🏻

[@ItsMeSoto]

Its 2:21am, and im looking at Traeger Grill prices lol great video

[@stuartpotgieter1660]

Jerremy you just made me hungry. I enjoyed your videos.

[@frankcandeloro44]

I have been eyeing this for a while. Just the price that is stopping me, have to find one that is not wifi. No wifi at the house, so should make the unit cheaper.

[@tydansupreme]

Next on your list should be the Masterbuilt Gravity Smoker!

[@michaelhargis7036]

I'm a bit of a watch geek, what watch do you have on in this video? A diver with a red bezel, Samurai style case, nice bracelet. Just curious 😉

[@bradleystepp8841]

Need to upgrade to that camp chef woodwind

[@MichaelAlthauser]

Everytime I see a video on one of these I get SUPER excited because it sounds awesome... and then I realize I'll probably never own one because it's so far out of my price range.

[@appleseeD552]

SMOKEY AND THE BRISKET...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣....That's awesome😁. Very helpful vid and love the look of the end product 😋....freakin droolin over here😋...keep em comin man. Peace ✌😎

[@KeviNissan]

Great video, very helpful

[@bryman31]

Great video as usual!! Also just ordered my copper man card!!!

[@JeremySiers]

Niiice man!!! Hope ya dig it! 😉👊🏻

[@keyboard_g]

Most other reviews I saw said don't waste time with the front table because its not big enough to really do anything with and you just move it out of the way when cooking.

[@JHawk]

That brisket looks like the real deal damn!

[@craigsullivan2410]

Off topic, but I’m in need of a new trucker hat and beanie… yours seem to be out of stock so when can I buy those?

[@Moondoggy1941]

Most of the BBQ's I watch on You Tube all seem to once go pellet usually stay pellets, but like you said anybody in BBQ always has more than one type of smoking.

[@EtwasMartin]

Smokey and the Brisket...you got me with that one. 10-4, bud

[@mikegauthier4653]

Awesome videos keep it up love your content. how can i go about getting one of your logo stickers?