With barbecuing season in full swing, many backyard chefs are looking to upgrade their grill game with a high-end pellet grill. Two of the most popular models on the market are the Traeger Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885.
But with fairly similar features and price points, it can be tough deciding between the two.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Traeger Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885 across a variety of factors like size, temperature range, construction quality, smart technology features, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to pellet grills, read on to discover which option is better suited for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Timberline 850 | Ironwood 885 |
| Cooking Space | 850 sq. in | 885 sq. in |
| Temperature Range | 160°F – 500°F | 165°F – 500°F |
| Construction | 304 stainless steel | Powder coated steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 18 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Meat Probe | Integrated | Pro Series probes |
| Smart Tech | WiFire + display | WiFire compatible |
| Warranty | 3 years all | 4 years grill, 1 year electronics |
| MSRP | $1,799 | $1,499 |
Overview of the Traeger Timberline and Ironwood Series
First, let’s briefly introduce the Timberline and Ironwood lines so you understand how the 850 and 885 models fit within the broader Traeger grill families.
The Timberline series represents Traeger’s elite, high-performance pellet grills.
This lineup uses stainless steel construction and precise temperature control to achieve professional-level smoking results.
Models range from 850 to 1300 square inches of grilling space.
Meanwhile, the Ironwood series is Traeger’s mid-tier offering. Ironwood grills balance premium features with a more affordable price point. The series includes 650, 885, and 1080 square inch capacities.
Key Differences Between Traeger Timberline 850 And Ironwood 885 Pellet Grills
Now that you know where these grills stand in Traeger’s overall product portfolio, let’s explore how the 850 and 885 models specifically stack up.
Size and Capacity
The first major difference between the Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885 is their cooking surface area.
- The Timberline 850 offers 850 square inches of grilling space. That’s enough room to smoke around 8-10 racks of ribs or 6-8 chickens.
- The Ironwood 885 steps it up with 885 square inches of space. You can grill 10-12 racks of ribs or 8-10 whole chickens.
So if you regularly cook for large groups or meal prep in bulk, the extra 35 square inches of the Ironwood 885 provides noticeable extra space. But both have ample capacity for most backyard barbecuing needs.
Beyond the main grill grates, look at secondary rack space too. The Ironwood 885 includes two fold-down prep racks on the side shelves, providing a bit more workspace. The Timberline 850 lacks these extra racks.
Finally, check the dimensions to ensure the grill will fit your patio or backyard. The Timberline 850 measures 49 x 28 x 55 inches, while the Ironwood 885 is slightly larger at 54 x 27 x 56 inches. Keep clearance in mind if you’ll be using a grill cover.
Temperature Range and Precision
Arguably the most important performance factor on any grill is precise temperature control.
You need a wide range of low and high temps for proper smoking, along with rock-solid stability.
Both the Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885 use Traeger’s D2 Direct Drive system.
This provides precise temperature control within +/- 15 degrees F.
The motors turn the auger smoothly to maintain even heat and fuel distribution from 180°F to 500°F.
Looking at the full temperature range:
- The Timberline 850 reaches 160°F on smoke setting and 500°F on high.
- The Ironwood 885 ranges from 165°F on smoke up to a max temperature of 500°F.
The Timberline does go slightly lower on the low end. But both models offer plenty of range for proper smoking along with crisp, hot searing. Set it and forget it!
Grill Construction
Pellet grill construction heavily impacts durability and heat retention. Let’s see how the Timberline and Ironwood compare.
- The Timberline 850 features 304 stainless steel construction on the main grill body along with a thick double-walled stainless steel lid. This provides excellent heat retention up to 850°F and weather resistance.
- The Ironwood 885 uses powder coated steel for the body along with an insulated double-walled steel lid. Powder coating helps protect the steel from weather but doesn’t match stainless for anti-corrosion.
Both models have all-steel welding for durability. But the Timberline’s full stainless steel build quality is a notch above for combating the elements in harsh climates.
For interior fire pot and heat diffuser plates, the Timberline 850 uses stainless steel while the Ironwood 885 has coated steel. Again, a nod to the Timberline for added protection against burn-through and rust.
Finally, Traeger wraps the grill grates in a porcelain enamel coating for easy cleaning. But the Ironwood 885 adds an extra layer of cast iron griddles for greater heat retention.
Insulation and Heat Retention
Speaking of heat retention, how well do these grills hold temps during use? This factors into fuel efficiency and cooking performance.
Both pellet grills use double-walled steel lids to lock in heat and moisture. The Timberline 850 lid is stainless steel while the Ironwood 885 has an insulated steel lid. Both work great for heat retention.
Looking at insulation on the body, the Timberline 850 has a blanket wrap to reduce heat loss. The Ironwood 885 lacks this insulation layer, so may lose a bit more passive heat.
In cold or windy conditions, the Timberline 850’s superior insulation helps it better maintain stable temperatures. But both models are far better than a basic single-walled pellet grill.
Hopper Capacity
Next up is pellet hopper capacity, which determines how often you need to refill the fuel source.
- The Timberline 850 holds 18 pounds of wood pellets in the hopper.
- The Ironwood 885 has a larger capacity at 22 pounds of pellets.
Both will easily get you through longer smoking sessions without refilling. The Ironwood 885’s extra 4 pounds provides a bit more convenience so you can “set it and forget it” for even longer.
For comparison, average pellet grill hoppers range from 10-15 pounds. So the Ironwood 885 is definitely above average while the Timberline 850 offers a solid hopper size as well.
Smart Technology Features
Traeger packs its premium pellet grills with WiFi connectivity and app control for serious smoking convenience. How do the tech features compare between models?
- The Timberline 850 links up with Traeger’s WiFIRE technology. You can control the grill through the Traeger app with real-time monitoring and temperature adjustments. The grill also features a built-in meat probe thermometer.
- The Ironwood 885 connects via WiFIRE as well for mobile app controls. Instead of the integrated probe thermometer, Traeger includes their Pro Series Smoke and Grill probes.
With both grills, you can read internal meat temps, set grill temps, and receive alerts from your phone. This adds major convenience when smoking longer items like brisket or pork shoulder.
Minor difference, but the Timberline 850 displays its own readout temps on the grill while the Ironwood 885 lacks a direct display. For on-the-fly adjustments, the Timberline 850 readout is handy but app control works great too.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
Traeger designed both the Timberline and Ironwood series for simplicity and ease of use. They have similar functions in terms of startup, operation, and maintenance.
For ignition, the built-in hot rod instantly lights the grill. Load the hopper with pellets, set your temp, and let the D2 system maintain even heat automatically. No babysitting required.
The Timberline 850 does have one extra user-friendly feature: the exclusive Downdraft Exhaust. This draws smoke downward across the food for improved convection and pulls drippings away from the fire pot. The Ironwood 885 lacks this smart exhaust design.
For cleanup, Traeger coats both grill grates in a grease-shedding porcelain layer. However, the Ironwood 885’s extra cast iron griddle needs a bit more maintenance to prevent rust. Both models have grease drainage systems and bucket traps for simplified cleaning.
Warranty Comparison
The warranty partially reflects construction quality and durability. Here’s how the Timberline and Ironwood are protected:
- The Timberline 850 comes with a 3-year warranty covering parts, grill body, and electronics.
- The Ironwood 885 has a 3-year warranty on parts, 1-year warranty on electronics, and 4-year warranty on the grill body.
The Timberline 850 edges out the Ironwood for its 3 years of coverage on electronics. But the Ironwood 885 provides that extra year of protection on the base grill body itself. Overall, both offer excellent warranty coverage compared to most competitors.
Cost Comparison
With higher-end construction comes a higher price tag. Let’s compare the retail costs:
- The Traeger Timberline 850 usually retails around $1,799.
- The Traeger Ironwood 885 has an MSRP of $1,499.
So in terms of MSRP, the Ironwood 885 costs about $300 less than the Timberline 850.
That said, you can often find these grills at varying sale prices below MSRP.
The Timberline 850 usually sells around $1,500, while the Ironwood 885 goes for $1,200 or so.
No matter which model you choose, rest assured Traeger pellet grills are an investment built to last for years.
But if squeezing your budget, the Ironwood 885 provides excellent value and performance for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Timberline is Traeger’s top-tier pellet grill series, while the Ironwood line is a step below as a mid-range model. Timberline grills use higher-grade stainless steel construction and slightly better insulation. But Ironwood models still provide excellent performance and features at a more affordable price point. For most home grillers, the Ironwood series hits the sweet spot.
The 885 square inches of grilling space on the Ironwood 885 is quite large, but not excessively big. It can comfortably accommodate 8-12 racks of ribs or 8-10 chickens. For a family of 4-6 or when cooking for gatherings, the Ironwood 885 size is ideal. Smaller households may want to look at the Ironwood 650 model.
With 850 square inches of space, the Timberline 850 is large enough to grill 8-10 racks of ribs or 6-8 chickens simultaneously. This is ample room for most households, especially if you don’t cook for large groups regularly. If you need more capacity, look at Timberline or Ironwood models up to 1300 square inches.
For most backyard grillers, the Traeger Ironwood line represents the best blend of premium construction, advanced technology, and value. Ironwood models cost a few hundred less than Timberline grills but still provide excellent heat control and features. Traeger Ironwood pellet grills are absolutely worth the investment for semi-pro smoking performance at mid-range pricing.
Conclusion
So which pellet grill reigns supreme – the Traeger Timberline 850 or Ironwood 885?
Based on construction, the Timberline 850 takes the edge with full stainless steel design and slightly better heat insulation. It’s built to withstand the elements and cook in any weather.
However, the Ironwood 885 comes extremely close in terms of precision temperature controls, ease of use, and smart features. For a few hundred dollars less, the Ironwood 885 provides incredible performance almost on par with the pricier Timberline.
Here’s a quick summary of the key differences:
Traeger Timberline 850 Advantages:
- Higher-grade stainless steel construction
- Extra insulation for better heat retention
- Wider temp range hits 160°F smoke setting
- Integrated meat probe thermometer
- 3-year warranty covers electronics
Traeger Ironwood 885 Advantages:
- Larger grilling capacity at 885 vs 850 sq. in
- Side prep racks for more workspace
- 4-year warranty on grill body
- Much lower MSRP and typical sale price
For most backyard grill masters, the Ironwood 885 has everything needed for smoking perfection at a friendlier price. But serious pitmasters who demand stainless steel durability may prefer the Timberline 850 as an heirloom-level pellet grill.
You really can’t go wrong with either Traeger model. We hope this detailed comparison helps narrow down the right choice to suit your grilling and budget needs.
