Many shoppers worry about buying a grill that wears out quickly or lacks modern tools like WiFi control, which can make outdoor cooking feel limited. The Traeger Ironwood line aims to solve that by giving you a sturdier build and technology that actually supports day-to-day grilling. But is it the right choice for you? And what will you get in the latest grill model from Traeger?
In this blog, we will look at which Ironwood model fits your needs, what’s new in the updated version, and eight stand-out features that set it apart for people who love grilling outdoors. We’ve also reviewed the Traeger grill so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your cooking plans. Let’s dive in:
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Shop Traeger GrillsWhat are the Similarities Between the Ironwood Grills?
All Ironwood pellet grills share core features that shape how they cook and how consistent the results can be. Each grill includes Super Smoke mode, which works between 165°F and 225°F to give meats a stronger wood-fired flavor, and all versions maintain a full temperature range of 165°F to 500°F for low-and-slow sessions or high-heat grilling.
They also have a Keep Warm setting that holds food steady without drying it out. These shared functions make the Traeger grills lineup dependable across different sizes. Anyone upgrading within the Traeger Ironwood family will find the cooking performance familiar and reliable.
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Which Ironwood Grill is Best for You?
Choosing the right Traeger Ironwood grill comes down to how often you cook and how many people you feed. For example, the Ironwood and Ironwood XL share the same upgraded design and features, but they differ in size. The standard Ironwood gives you 616 square inches of cooking space, which suits grills that usually cook for two to six people and want enough room for burgers, ribs, or a weekend roast without wasting fuel or space.
The XL gives you 924 square inches, which makes it a better fit for anyone feeding a large family or hosting neighborhood cookouts most of the time. If you find an older Traeger Ironwood 885, it still performs well and remains a solid workhorse for everyday smoking and grilling. However, the newer Ironwood models add more recent technology and convenience. For those wanting premium capacity and the latest improvements, the Ironwood Traeger lineup delivers a more advanced outdoor cooking setup.
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8 Standout Features of the Ironwood Grill
So, what makes the Traeger Ironwood grill special compared to other brands on the market? Well, the Ironwood models come with specific features that make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable. In this next section, we discuss eight standout features that make the Ironwood grills a must-have in every home with a patio. Click the ➕ to learn more about each feature.
➕ Pop and Lock System
One of the best features on the Ironwood grill is the Pop and Lock system. It gives you a rail around the grill that lets you attach P.A.L. accessories exactly where you need them. What's more, it allows quick customization, so tools, shelves, or storage hang within easy reach during cooking. This feature makes the Traeger Ironwood feel more organized and user-friendly.
➕ Collapsible Side Shelf
The collapsible side shelf gives you extra workspace when prepping food or setting down tools, then folds flat to reduce the grill’s footprint once you’re done. It helps manage space in smaller patios or busy backyards, and it provides a sturdy surface for cooking.
➕ Dual-Wall Construction in the Lid
When grilling, you need to keep the temperature inside the appliance at the right temperatures for different meats. The dual-wall construction in the lid creates better insulation to help the grill hold steady heat during long cooks. This design keeps temperatures consistent even when outdoor conditions drop for more predictable results. It reduces heat loss and helps the grill recover quickly after opening the lid.
➕ Keg and Ash System
Sometimes it can be difficult to clean your grill after use. Fortunately, the Ironwood models come with a Keg and Ash System. It gathers grease and ash into a single container to cut down the time you spend cleaning after long cooks. Once it fills, you lift it out, empty it, and replace the liner. With the Keg and Ash system it helps the Traeger Ironwood grill stay cleaner so you can focus more on cooking than maintenance.
➕ Increased Pellet Hopper Size
The expanded hopper now holds up to 22 pounds of pellets, so you have enough fuel for long cooks without constant refilling. A rear drop-hatch lets you empty pellets quickly when switching flavors, which helps if you prefer clean, single-wood cooks. This upgrade makes the Traeger Ironwood pellet grill easier to manage during long sessions.
➕ Removable and Adjustable Grates
The updated design features multiple removable ceramic-coated grates to make cleaning and repositioning food easier. The Ironwood XL has three grates, while the standard model has two, each removable individually. This improvement on the Traeger Ironwood model avoids the bulk of a single large grate and enhances versatility during cooking.
➕ Two-Wired Meat Probes
The new Ironwood includes two wired meat probes that monitor internal temperatures for precise cooking. These probes also work seamlessly with Traeger’s wireless probes and the app, so you can track your meats remotely.
➕ Pellet Sensor
Lastly, the new Ironwood model comes with a pellet sensor. This feature tracks how many pellets remain in the hopper to ensure you have enough fuel for long cooks like briskets that can take 9–12 hours. Furthermore, the pellet sensor helps prevent interruptions and keeps your cooking consistent.
New Features on the Updated Ironwood Grill
The upgraded Ironwood Traeger models introduce a more reliable WiFi setup that connects faster and holds a stronger signal during long cooks. This improvement makes remote monitoring far smoother than it was on earlier versions. Another major change is the touchscreen control panel, which replaces the older dial system.
The new display is crisp, responsive, and easier to read in different lighting. These updates give the grill a more modern feel and make day-to-day use more intuitive. Anyone upgrading from an older Traeger Ironwood will notice how these additions improve setup, control, and overall user-friendliness during every grilling session.
Featured Traeger Ironwood Grill
Ready to add a Traeger Ironwood to your backyard? Experts recommend this model:
Traeger® Ironwood 518" Black Freestanding Wood Pellet Grill
Shop this Traeger® Ironwood Grill
Grilling takes on a new level of precision with the Traeger Ironwood 518. Smart Combustion™ and fully insulated dual-wall construction keep temperatures steady, while Super Smoke® Mode and the FreeFlow firepot enhance wood-fired flavor across all cooking tiers. The WiFIRE® technology and two wired meat probes put control at your fingertips, even remotely. Cleanup is simple thanks to the EZ-Clean™ Grease & Ash Keg, and the Pop-And-Lock™ accessory rail lets you customise the setup for your cooking style. With 616 square inches of cooking space and versatile cooking options, this grill gives you exceptional performance and lasting durability.
Featured Traeger Ironwood #TFB61RLG Review:
“I have had my Ironwood now for a few months. I wanted to wait a bit before reviewing it. On my first cook I loved it. My Ironwood is nothing short of amazing. The ease of cleaning is great too. Everything I have cooked on it is the best I have ever experienced. I’m very happy with the Ironwood smoker grill.”
Traeger Ironwood FAQs
To turn on your Traeger Ironwood XL, first ensure the hopper is filled with pellets and the firepot, heat shield, drip tray, and grates are correctly installed. Close the lid, plug in the grill, and press the Power Button. The display will illuminate and show “Your Traeger Is Ready to Cook.” Turn the controller dial to your desired temperature, press the dial to confirm, then tap and hold “IGNITE” until you hear the fan start and pellets begin falling into the firepot. Allow the grill to fully preheat, which may take 30–45 minutes during the first few cooks, before beginning your cooking session.
To assemble your Traeger Ironwood 885, start by unpacking all components and attaching the legs and caster wheels securely to the main body, ensuring stability. Install the heat baffle, drip tray, and grill grates inside the firepot area, then attach the side shelves and the front P.A.L. accessory rails. Finally, connect the hopper, plug in the grill, close the lid, and check that all parts are properly seated before adding pellets and powering on for the first cook.
After each use, wipe spills and scrape the grates if food touched them. Every 2–3 cooks, deep clean the interior. Monthly, empty the hopper and remove sawdust to prevent jams or fire hazards. Every three months, clean the exterior, and every six months, address the grease chute. Spring cleaning is crucial to check for mold, especially after winter storage. Use disposable cloths, a nylon grill brush, or Traeger-approved tools and all-natural degreasers. Household items like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, or dish soap also work effectively.
If you’re looking to buy a Traeger Ironwood grill in Utah or Las Vegas, check out BlvdHome, where we carry plenty of Traeger grill models so you can compare and choose the one that fits your cooking style. Visit our website to browse available Ironwood grills or stop by a store to see them in person. Viewing a grill firsthand lets you check size, build quality, and finish before committing.
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Shop Grills at BlvdHome
At BlvdHome, we provide quality name-brand appliances, furniture, and mattresses for great prices. Shop grills online or visit us today at one of our locations in Utah or Nevada. In the meantime, browse our website to shop BlvdHome Bargain Barn and check out our flooring selections to increase your home value. More available than ever, our experts at BlvdHome are always happy to help you choose an Ironwood grill, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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