Traeger’s Ironwood series sits in the sweet spot of the pellet grill lineup — nicer than the Pro, cheaper than the Timberline. But should you buy the 650 or the 885? We compared specs, owner reviews, and fuel math to find out.
The short answer
Buy the Ironwood 650 unless you regularly cook for 8+ people. It has the same controller, the same smoke quality, the same app, and the same build as the 885 — just less cooking area. The 885 costs about $400 more and burns more pellets heating empty space you’ll rarely fill.
Verdict: The 650 wins for most backyards — same features, same app, $400 less.
Side by side
| Spec | Ironwood 650 | Ironwood 885 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | 650 sq in | 885 sq in |
| Hopper capacity | 20 lb | 22 lb |
| Temperature range | 165–500°F | 165–500°F |
| Controller | WiFIRE | WiFIRE |
| Super Smoke mode | Yes | Yes |
| Street price | ~$1,499 | ~$1,899 |
Notice what’s not different: the controller, the temperature range, the smoke system, the app, the warranty. You’re paying $400 for 235 extra square inches and 2 extra pounds of hopper.
What 650 square inches actually fits
Numbers on a spec sheet are abstract. Here’s what 650 square inches holds in practice:
- A full packer brisket (15 lb) with room to spare
- 4 racks of ribs laid flat
- 6 pork butts (tight, but it worked for a party cook)
- 24 burgers across both grates
The 885 only earns its keep if you’re regularly cooking for a crowd — two briskets plus sides for a 20-person party, for example. If that’s your life every weekend, get the 885. For everyone else, the 650 swallows a family cook with room to breathe.
Smoke quality: identical
Both cookers run the same D2 drivetrain and the same Super Smoke mode, so smoke output is identical by design — same pellets, same combustion system, same result.
Pellet consumption was the one measurable difference: the 885 will burn more pellets holding temp — a bigger chamber takes more fuel to heat, and physics doesn’t negotiate. Over a year of weekend cooks, that’s real money. Run your own numbers in our pellet cost calculator.
The app experience
WiFIRE is the same on both, and it’s genuinely good: set temps from the couch, get notified when the probe hits target, browse recipes. The two included wired probes earn consistently good marks from owners for accuracy. No complaints on either unit.
Who should buy the 885?
- You regularly cook for 8+ people
- You do competition-style multi-meat cooks
- The $400 difference doesn’t matter to you
Everyone else: the 650. Put the $400 toward pellets, a good instant-read thermometer, and a brisket fund.
Bottom line
The Ironwood 650 is the best value in Traeger’s lineup and our pick for most buyers. The 885 is the same grill with more elbow room — worth it only if you’ll actually fill it.
Pitmaster Path is reader-supported. When we add buying links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.