Timberline 850 vs Ironwood 885: A Side-by-Side Comparison


The Timberline and Ironwood are both made by Traeger and are both top-of-the-line pellet grills, but there are a number of key differences between the two models. I wanted to find out whether the extra cost of the Timberline 850 is worth it, so I did a side-by-side comparison of the two pellet grills. Some of the things I considered in this comparison include the overall cooking area, weight, height and depth, width, insulation, and cooking capacity. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at each of these factors, so we can get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each grill and ultimately decide if the Timberline is worth the extra money.

The Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885 are two pellet grills made by Traeger, with the Timberline being more expensive. A side-by-side comparison of the two grills found that the Timberline has a total cooking area of 850 square inches and weighs 213lbs, while the Ironwood has 885 square inches of cooking area and weighs 170lbs. The Timberline also has a three-tier cooking rack system, while the Ironwood has two tiers. In terms of cooking capacity, the Ironwood can cook one more whole chicken and three more pork butts, but the Timberline has more space on its top rack. Additionally, the Timberline is fully insulated, while the Ironwood has double wall insulation.

Check out the Ironwood 885 on the Traeger website here, and the Timberline 850 here.

Specifications – Timberline 850 vs Ironwood 885

Timberline 850Ironwood 885
Total cooking area 850 square inchGrill space 885 square inches
Total weight, 213 lbs53 in wide
Height 51 in47 in high
Width 46 in27 in depth
Depth 28 inBarrel width 30 inches
Pellet hopper capacity, 24 lbWait 170 lbs
Maximum temperature, 500° FMaximum temperature 500° F
Minimum temperature, 160° FMinimum temperature 180° F
A three tier cooking rack systemPellet upper capacity 20 lb
rack one, 363 square inchesGrill grates 2
rack two, 308 square inchesWi-Fi controller
rack three 198 square inchesDouble wall insulation
Wi-Fi technologyDowndraft exhaust
D2 grill controllerBottom sear grate
Bamboo cutting boardSide shelf
Front stainless steel shelfPorcelain coated steel grill grates
Pellet sensorMeat probe storage box
Super smoke modeSuper smoke mode
Searing capabilities bottom grateTurbo temp
Searing capabilities bottom grateTru convection system
Hidden grease management systemPellet sensor
One meat probeHopper clean out trap door
Locking caster wheelsAll terrain wheels with locking casters
Grill hooksKeep warm mode
Price (check price)Price (check latest)
Traeger Timberline vs Ironwood Specifications

Cooking Capacity

Timberline 850Ironwood 885
9 Whole chickens10 Whole Chickens
6 Pork Butts9 Pork Butts
8 Racks of Ribs7 Rib Racks
Traeger Timberline vs Ironwood Cooking Capacity

When it comes to cooking capacity, the Timberline 850 and Ironwood 885 have some similarities and some differences. Both grills have ample space to cook a variety of meats and large cuts of meat, but the Timberline has a slight edge when it comes to the number of items it can cook at once.

Specifically, the Timberline can cook 9 whole chickens, 6 pork butts, and 8 whole racks of ribs. This is thanks to its 3-tier cooking rack system, which provides a total of 875 square inches of cooking space. The top shelf has 198 square inches, the middle rack has 308 square inches, and the bottom rack has 363 square inches.

The Ironwood 885 also has a large total cook area of 885 square inches. However, it only has two tiers of racking, with 315 square inches on the top and 570 square inches on the bottom. With this space, the Ironwood can cook 10 whole chickens, 7 rib racks, or 9 pork butts. Additionally, it can fit 4 large packer briskets comfortably, and maybe 5-6 smaller briskets depending on the size.

So, while both grills have ample cooking space, the Timberline’s 3-tier rack system allows it to cook slightly more items at once. However, the Ironwood still has a lot of space and is able to cook a variety of meats comfortably.

So the Ironwood 885 can cook one more whole chicken, and 3 more pork butts. However, the Ironwood can smoke 2 more rib racks. The Timberline 850 has a three-tier rack system, whereas the Ironwood has two racks. Although the top rack is more of a heating rack, buy can hold small roasts or rib racks. The Ironwood 885 has a top rack with 315 square inches and a bottom rack with 570 square inches. 

SpecsTimberline 850Ironwood 885
Weight213 pounds170 pounds
Height51 inches47 inches
Depth28 inches27 inches
Width46 inches54 inches
Traeger Timberline vs Ironwood Size and Weight Difference

Dimensions

When comparing the weight, height, depth and width of the Timberline 850 and the Ironwood 885, there are some noticeable differences. The Timberline 850 has a total weight of 213 lbs, while the Ironwood 885 weighs 170 lbs, making the Timberline 43 pounds heavier. The Timberline is also 4 inches taller and 1 inch deeper than the Ironwood. However, the Ironwood is 8 inches wider than the Timberline.

Weight

There’s quite a difference in weight between the two grills. The Timberline 850 has a total weight of 213 lbs, which is just a little heavier than the average washing machine. The Ironwood 885 weighs 170 lbs. So the Timberline 850 weighs 43 pounds more than the Ironwood 885—the weight difference of a bag of fertilizer. 

Height and Depth

When comparing the height and depth of the two grills, they also is not much difference. The Timberline 850 is 51 inches high, and 28 in deep. The Ironwood is 27 in deep, 47 inches high, 54 in wide. So the Timberline is 4 inches higher, and 1 inch deeper. 

Width

The Timberline 850 is 46 inches wide and the Ironwood 885 is 54 inches in width. Therefore, the Ironwood is 8 inches longer than the Timberline 850. 

Insulation – How Thick Is The Metal?

  • One of the major differences between these two Traeger pellet grills is the insulation. The Timberline 850 is fully insulated, and when you see it next to the Ironwood, it looks and feels like a tank. 
  • The Ironwood, on the other hand, has double-walled insulation—but only inside the cooking chamber and the heat deflector below. 
  • The Ironwood’s insulation is far better than the Pro Series, but doesn’t come close to the Timberline. 
  • Insulation is important if you live in a cold climate. Smoking meat in winter is a challenge, but if you have a well-insulated pellet grill, it will retain the heat and keep the cold out. 
  • A well-insulated grill also means you will burn through fewer pellets. The Timberline is more economical and will save you more money in the long run. 

Insulation is important in a pellet grill because it helps to keep the heat inside the grill, which in turn results in better temperature control and more consistent cooking. In the winter, insulation is especially important because it helps to keep the grill warm and prevent the cold from affecting the cooking process.

The Timberline and Ironwood are both well-insulated pellet grills, but the Timberline is considered to be the more advanced of the two in terms of insulation. The Timberline is fully insulated with stainless steel construction that helps to keep the heat inside the grill, which results in better temperature control and more consistent cooking.

The Ironwood has a double-walled stainless steel construction. The Ironwood has a good insulation, but it’s not as advance as the Timberline, so you may experience some temperature fluctuations when cooking in cold weather. The extra insulation in the Timberline allows it to maintain a consistent temperature in colder weather, which is especially important if you plan to use your grill during the winter.

Pellet Hopper Capacity

  • The hopper capacity refers to the amount of wood pellets that can fit in the hopper.
  • A larger hopper capacity is important because it allows you to cook for longer periods of time without having to constantly refill the hopper.
  • This is especially useful for those who like to smoke or slow cook their food, as these methods require a longer cook time.
  • A larger hopper capacity also gives you more flexibility in terms of cooking different types of food.
  • Timberline 850 has a huge pellet hopper able to hold 24 pounds, whereas the Ironwood 885 has a 20 lbs hopper.
  • The 4 pound difference doesn’t really make an enormous difference.
  • Most wood pellets come in a 20 lbs bag, so this will fit a full bag, so most of the Traeger hopper sizes are suitable.
  • The Pro-Series has an 18 lbs hopper, the Ironwood has a 20 lbs hopper, and the Timberline has a 24 lbs hopper.
  • Traeger uses different hopper sizes to give you more reasons to upgrade.

The hopper capacity refers to the amount of wood pellets that can fit in the hopper, which is the container that holds the fuel for the grill. Having a larger hopper capacity is important because it allows you to cook for longer periods of time without having to constantly refill the hopper. This is especially useful for those who like to smoke or slow cook their food, as these methods require a longer cook time.

A larger hopper capacity also gives you more flexibility in terms of cooking different types of food. For example, if you want to smoke a brisket for 12 hours, you’ll need a larger hopper capacity to accommodate the longer cook time.

The Timberline 850 has a huge pellet hopper able to hold 24 pounds, whereas the Ironwood 885 has a 20 lbs hopper. The 4 pound difference doesn’t really make an enormous difference. I think Traeger has different hopper sizes is so there’s a difference between the Traeger models to encourage you to upgrade. 

Most wood pellets come in a 20 lbs bag, so this will fit a full bag, so most of the Traeger hopper sizes are suitable. The Pro-Series has an 18 lbs hopper, the Ironwood has a 20 lbs hopper, and the Timberline has a 24 lbs hopper. I’m sure all the three models could have a 24 lbs hopper, but Traeger needs to give you more reasons to upgrade.

Hopper Sensor

  • The Ironwood and Timberline models have pellet sensors, an advanced feature that allows users to monitor pellet levels via the Traeger App.
  • The hopper sensor monitors the level of pellets in the hopper, the container that holds the wood pellets that fuel the grill.
  • The sensor sends a signal to the grill’s digital controller and the Traeger app, which displays the pellet level on the screen.
  • This feature is particularly useful for those who like to plan their cooks in advance, as it allows you to know when you need to refill the hopper before you run out of pellets mid-cook.
  • The sensor allows you to monitor the pellet level from your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re away from the grill.
  • The hopper sensor eliminates the need to manually check the pellet level, and allows you to plan your cooks in advance.
  • It also makes it easy to know when you need to refill the hopper, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel mid-cook.
  • The pellet sensor is only available for the Timberline and the Ironwood series.
  • Some users may find the notifications can be annoying, but they get used to it after a while.
  • The pellet sensor sits on top of the hopper, just above the pellets and it looks like a small light.

The Ironwood and Timberline both have pellet sensors, which is an advanced feature on high-end Traeger models. This allows users to monitor pellet levels via the Traeger App. The hopper sensor is designed to monitor the level of pellets in the hopper, which is the container that holds the wood pellets that fuel the grill.

This sensor sends a signal to the grill’s digital controller, which then displays the pellet level on the screen. This feature is particularly useful for those who like to plan their cooks in advance, as it allows you to know when you need to refill the hopper before you run out of pellets mid-cook.

Also, the hopper sensor also sends a signal to the Traeger app, which allows you to monitor the pellet level from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can be away from your grill and still know how much fuel you have left.

The hopper sensor is a great feature for those who want to have more control and convenience over their grill. It eliminates the need to manually check the pellet level and allows you to plan your cooks in advance. It also makes it easy to know when you need to refill the hopper, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel mid-cook.

I find the notifications can be annoying, but you get used to it after a while. 

The pellet sensor sits on top of the hopper, just above the pellets. It looks like a small light. The pellet sensor is only available for the Timberline and the Ironwood series. You can purchase a pellet sensor for the Pro-Series. 

Shelving

  • The Timberline has a side table with hooks for hanging grill tools and a small wrap-around shelf in front of the grill for resting ribs, spritz bottles, etc.
  • Timberline also has a bamboo cutting board on top of the hopper.
  • Both Timberline and Ironwood have hooks at the back of the unit to hang grill grates.
  • The Ironwood has one shelf to the side, but you can purchase a front shelf for $70.

The Timberline has a convenient side table that provides additional workspace for preparing food or setting up your grilling tools. The table is equipped with hooks, which can be used to hang your grill tools, such as tongs, spatulas, or basting brushes. This feature is great for keeping your tools within easy reach and keeping your workspace organized.

In addition to the side table, the Timberline also has a small wrap-around shelf in the front of the grill. This shelf is great for resting ribs, spritz bottles, or any other small items you may need while grilling. This makes it easy to access your tools and ingredients without having to walk back and forth to your kitchen or outdoor prep area.

The Timberline also has a bamboo cutting board on top of the hopper. This cutting board is a great feature for those who like to prepare their food directly on the grill. It provides a clean and safe surface for slicing and dicing your ingredients and it’s easy to clean.

The Timberline and Ironwood both have hooks at the back of the unit to hang grill grates. This feature is great for keeping your grill grates out of the way when you’re not using them, and it also makes it easy to swap out grates when you need to.

The Ironwood has one shelf to the side, but you can purchase a front shelf for $70. This front shelf is a great addition for those who need more workspace or storage space. It can be used to hold additional ingredients, tools, or even plates and utensils.

Wi-Fi Connected “WIFIRE”

  • WIFIRE is an advanced digital controller system found in the Ironwood and Timberline models.
  • This system allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet using the Traeger app.
  • The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
  • The WIFIRE controller allows you to set the temperature, cooking time, and monitor meat temperature remotely.
  • It provides access to a wide range of recipes and cooking tutorials.
  • It allows you to set custom cook cycles and monitor pellet levels and set alerts.
  • You can bypass the WIFIRE and use the regular digital controller attached to your Traeger if you prefer not to use Wi-Fi.

WIFIRE is an advanced digital controller system found in the Ironwood and Timberline models. This system allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet using the Traeger app. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

The WIFIRE controller allows you to set the temperature and cooking time, monitor your meat’s temperature, and even start and stop your grill remotely. This means you can be away from your grill and still have full control over the cooking process. The app also provides access to a wide range of recipes and cooking tutorials, which can be a great resource for those who are new to smoking or grilling.

One of the standout features of the WIFIRE controller is the ability to set custom cook cycles. This feature allows you to create a customized cook cycle with specific temperature and time settings, which can be saved and used again in the future. This is especially useful for those who have a specific recipe or cooking technique that they like to use.

Another feature of the WIFIRE controller is the ability to monitor the pellet levels, so you can be sure you have enough pellets to finish your cook. It also allows you to set alerts, such as when your meat is done, when your pellets are running low, or when the grill temperature is too high or too low. 

If you’re not a fan of Wi-Fi or technology, you can bypass the Wi-Fi and use the regular digital controller attached to your Traeger. 

Digital Controller

  • The digital controller is an important feature to consider when choosing a Traeger grill.
  • There are a few different types of digital controllers found on Traeger grills, each one has its own set of features and benefits.
  • The WiFIRE controller is the most advanced controller offered by Traeger, it allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet.
  • This controller is found on the Ironwood and Timberline models, it’s a great choice for those who want ultimate convenience and control over their grill, even though it’s basic with a knob and a few buttons.
  • Other advanced features can be accessed from the controller itself, such as priming the auger, placing the pellet grill into “Keep Warm Mode”, or “Super Smoke”.
  • Some Traeger models have a basic digital controller, which is found on budget-friendly models, it’s easy to use for beginners.
  • The Pro Series controller is a step up from the basic controller, it offers more advanced features such as a built-in meat probe and a built-in timer.

When choosing a Traeger, one of the most important features to consider is the digital controller. This is the brain of the grill, and it controls the temperature, cooking time, and other important settings. There are a few different types of digital controllers found on Traeger grills, and each one has its own set of features and benefits.

The Ironwood and Timberline have the WiFIRE controller. This is the most advanced controller offered by Traeger, and it allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet. You can set the temperature, monitor your meat, and even start and stop the grill from your phone. It’s a great choice for those who want the ultimate convenience and control over their grill. Even though it’s advance, the controller is very basic, with a knob and a few buttons.

You can control the whole cook from the digital controller without having to use Wi-Fi. From the controller, you can prime the auger, place the pellet grill into “Keep Warm Mode”, or “Super Smoke”. 

Some Traeger models have a basic digital controller. This controller is found on the more budget-friendly models and it allows you to set the temperature, cooking time, and other basic settings. It’s a great choice for those who are new to smoking or grilling, and it’s easy to use.

Then there’s the Pro Series controller. This controller is a step up from the basic controller, and it offers a few more advanced features. For example, it has a built-in meat probe, which allows you to monitor the temperature of your meat without having to use a separate thermometer. It also has a built-in timer, which can be useful for keeping track of your cooking time.

The App

  • The Ironwood and Timberline models are integrated with the Traeger app, a mobile application that allows you to control your grill from your smartphone or tablet.
  • The app is compatible with most Wi-Fi enabled Traeger grills and available for both iOS and Android devices.
  • The app allows you to set the temperature and cooking time, monitor meat temperature, and start/stop the grill remotely.
  • It also provides access to a wide range of recipes and cooking tutorials.
  • You can set custom cook cycles with specific temperature and time settings, which can be saved and reused in the future.
  • The app also allows you to monitor pellet levels and set alerts for when your meat is done, pellets are low, or grill temperature is too high/low.
  • The App is available on Apple Store and Play Store, it contains hundreds of recipes created by well-known barbecue gurus.
  • The App has some irrelevant features like shopping and blogs.

The Ironwood and the Timberline are both integrated with the Traeger app. The Traeger app is a mobile application that allows you to control your Traeger grill from your smartphone or tablet. It’s compatible with most Wi-Fi enabled Traeger grills, including the Ironwood and Timberline series, and it’s available for both iOS and Android devices.

The app allows you to set the temperature and cooking time, monitor your meat’s temperature, and even start and stop your grill remotely. This means you can be away from your grill and still have full control over the cooking process. You can also access a wide range of recipes and cooking tutorials within the app, which can be a great resource for those who are new to smoking or grilling.

One of the standout features of the Traeger app is the ability to set custom cook cycles. This feature allows you to create a customized cook cycle with specific temperature and time settings, which can be saved and used again in the future. This is especially useful for those who have a specific recipe or cooking technique that they like to use.

Another feature of the app is the ability to monitor the pellet levels, so you can be sure you have enough pellets to finish your cook. It also allows you to set alerts, such as when your meat is done, when your pellets are running low, or when the grill temperature is too high or too low.

You can download the App from the Play Store or the Apple store. It contains hundreds of recipes for you to follow. Traeger has involved some well-known barbecue gurus to create these recipes, which is an improvement from the first version. The App has a bunch or irrelevant features such as shopping, blogs, etc.  

Downdraft Exhaust System

  • The Downdraft Exhaust System is found in the Traeger Ironwood and Timberline models.
  • This system is an alternative to the traditional chimney-like smoke stack exhaust system.
  • Instead of a traditional smoke stack, the Ironwood and Timberline have vents located at the back of the grill.
  • The downdraft exhaust system is designed to be a more efficient way of eliminating smoke and minimize stale smoke within the cooking chamber.
  • The author is uncertain of the performance of this system as they have not done a side-by-side comparison or taste test.

The Downdraft Exhaust System is a type of exhaust system found in the Traeger Ironwood and Timberline models.

Most pellet grills have a chimney-like smoke stack as an exhaust system. The smoke stack eliminates excess smoke from your grill, which is important because you don’t want too much stale smoke floating around your smoker. Stale smoke will make your meat taste disgusting. 

Instead of a traditional chimney-like smoke stack, the Ironwood and Timberline have vents located at the back of the grill. The downdraft exhaust system is designed to be a more efficient way of eliminating smoke and minimizing the amount of stale smoke within the cooking chamber.

This exhaust system is supposed to be a more efficient way of eliminating smoke and minimize the amount of stale smoke within the cooking chamber. I’m yet to do a side-by-side comparison and taste the difference, so I’m not sure if this is just another marketing gimmick. 

Super Smoke

One feature that isn’t a gimmick is the Super Smoke Mode—and the Timberline and Ironwood models have this function. Super Smoke Mode will give you a meat extra dose of smoke flavor. Simply activate Smoke More during the first 2 hours, and let the meat just sit there on this setting. 

How Does Super Smoke Work? 

  • Super Smoke Mode will lower the temperature between 165° F and 220° F. 
  • This low temp makes the wood pellets smolder. 
  • The pellets smolder because the auger and the fan cycling on and off. 
  • Traeger made this possible because of the powerful engine on the Ironwood and Timberline. This engine is called the D2 Drive Train. 

Single Meat Probe

One of my major criticisms of the new Traeger models is they only have one meat probe. One probe just isn’t practical if you’re cooking for a large group, or for those who like to cook different types of meats at different temperatures.

The old Traeger models, on the other hand, had two probes, making it possible to monitor two meats at the same time. Two probe are especially useful for those who are new to smoking and may not have a lot of experience monitoring meat temperatures. However, if you already own an external meat thermometer, the Traeger thermometers are irrelevant.

Turbo Temp

  • Turbo Temp is a feature found in some Traeger grills that allows the grill to reach higher temperatures more quickly.
  • This feature is powered by the D2 Drivetrain motor.
  • Turbo Temp uses advanced technology and a powerful fan to increase airflow to the grill, bringing the temperature up faster.
  • This feature is useful when preheating the grill quickly or searing meat at high temperatures.
  • Turbo Temp can reduce preheat time by up to 30%, saving time and allowing to get food on the table faster.
  • Additionally, this feature is useful for achieving high-heat finish on meats, such as crispy skin on chicken or perfect sear on steak.
  • Turbo Temp is also useful when lid is opened, it can stabilize temperature.
  • This feature is useful for starting up the grill and maintaining temperature.

Turbo Temp is a feature found in some Traeger grills that allows the grill to reach a higher temperature more quickly, and is is another benefit of the D2 Drivetrain motor powering these Traeger models. Turbo Temp uses a combination of advanced technology and a powerful fan to increase the airflow to the grill, which helps to bring the temperature up faster.

This feature can be particularly useful when you need to preheat the grill quickly, or when you want to sear meat at a high temperature. With Turbo Temp, you can reduce the time it takes to preheat your grill by up to 30%, which can save you time and allow you to get your food on the table faster. Also, this function is especially useful for those wanting to finish meat at a high-heat.

I love this function on startup because you can start cooking faster. Turbo Temp is also useful after you’ve opened the lid. This can suck all the heat out of your grill, but with Turbo Temp, the pellet grill will stabilize the temperature afterwards. 

High Temperature Range

  • The Timberline and Ironwood models are high-end pellet grills that can reach a cooking range of 500° F.
  • These models have searing capabilities, which is not common in pellet grills.
  • The unique design of these models allows the bottom rack to be lowered closer to the fire, which enables the meat to be seared at high temperatures of 500° F.
  • This feature allows for a wide range of cooking options, including low and slow smoking, high-heat grilling, and searing.
  • Searing is a cooking technique that creates a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat.
  • This feature is a great addition to these models and makes it possible to achieve a variety of cooking styles.

The Timberline and the Ironwood can both reach a 500° F cooking range. These two models also have searing capabilities, which isn’t common with pellet grills. This cool feature allows you to lower the bottom rack closer to the fire. This will give you the ability to lower the bottom rack, and sear meat at 500° F. The Timberland and the Ironwood have this function.  

This high temperature range allows these models to offer a wide range of cooking options, from low and slow smoking to high-heat grilling and searing.

One of the standout features of these models is their searing capabilities. Searing is a cooking technique where meat is cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time to create a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat. This technique is not commonly found in pellet grills, but the Timberline and Ironwood models have been designed to include this function.

The Timberline and Ironwood have a unique design that allows the bottom rack to be lowered closer to the fire. This feature allows the bottom rack to be positioned closer to the heat source, which allows the meat to be seared at a high temperature of 500° F. This feature is a great addition to these models and makes it possible to achieve a variety of cooking styles, including high-heat grilling and searing.

Pellet Hopper Dump

  • The hopper dump trap door is a feature found on the Timberline and Ironwood models.
  • This door allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the hopper by allowing you to easily dump any remaining pellets from the hopper.
  • This feature is important because it makes it easy to clean out the hopper and ensures that the grill is running efficiently by preventing old or stale pellets from clogging the system.
  • The trap door can be found at the bottom of the hopper and can be easily opened and closed to empty the hopper.
  • This feature is particularly useful when switching between different types of pellets or when cleaning the grill after a long period of use.
  • The trap door also helps to prevent waste of wood pellets.
  • The hopper dump trap door is a small but convenient feature that makes maintaining your grill much easier.

Prime The Auger

Before start-up, you can prime the auger. Priming the auger won’t turn on the fan or produce any heat. It will take minutes to just feed some pellets through the auger so when you go to smoke, you’ll have to start from scratch. 

The auger is the component in a pellet grill that is responsible for moving wood pellets from the hopper to the firepot. In order to start up a pellet grill, the auger needs to be primed, which means that it needs to be filled with wood pellets before the grill can be turned on.

Priming the auger is a simple process and typically involves the following steps:

  1. Make sure the hopper is filled with wood pellets and the grill is plugged in.
  2. Turn the grill on and set the temperature to the lowest setting.
  3. Press and hold the auger button for a few seconds. This will cause the auger to start moving and fill the firepot with wood pellets.
  4. Once the firepot is full, release the auger button and wait for the pellets to start burning.
  5. Turn the temperature up to your desired setting and begin cooking.

It’s important to prime the auger before starting up the grill because it ensures that there are enough wood pellets in the firepot to start a fire. Without priming the auger, the grill may not be able to start or maintain a fire. Additionally, if the auger isn’t primed, there may not be enough wood pellets in the firepot to sustain the fire, which can result in uneven cooking or even cause the grill to go out.

This process is the same for both models, the Timberline 850 and the Ironwood 885

Season Your Traeger

  • Seasoning a new grill is an important step in preparing it for use. It helps to remove any residual manufacturing oils or coatings that may be present on the cooking grates and prevents food from sticking to the grates.
  • The process of seasoning a new grill typically involves heating the grill to a high temperature, and then brushing a thin layer of oil onto the cooking grates. This can be done using a high-heat oil such as canola or vegetable oil.
  • After the oil has been applied, let the grill run for 15-20 minutes at high heat to allow the oil to soak into the grates. This will help to create a natural non-stick surface on the grates.
  • Once the seasoning process is complete, it is important to regularly maintain and clean the grates to keep them in good condition and prevent food from sticking.
  • Additionally, it’s good to season your grill before each use as this will help to keep the grates in good condition and prevent food from sticking.

Before you cook on your pellet grill for the first time, it’s best to do a burn-off to rid the grill of unwanted chemicals and smells. Fire up the grill and do a dry run without meat. Let it run for about 1 hour. You can spray the grill with olive oil prior to start-up. Set the temperature to about 250° to 300° for the first 30 minutes, then increase the temp to 450°F for another 30 minutes. 

Price Differences Between Traeger Models

Traeger ModelPrice
Ranger (portable)$449 (see latest)
Tailgater (portable)$529 (see latest)
Pro 22 (Gen 1) $599 (see latest)
Pro 34 (Gen 1) $699 (see latest)
Pro 575$899 (see latest)
Pro 780$999 (see latest)
Ironwood 650$1399 (see latest)
Ironwood 885$1599 (see latest)
Timberline 850 (Gen 1) $2099 (see latest)
Timberline 1300 (Gen 1) $2299 (see latest)
Timberline $3499 (see latest)
Timberline XL$3799 (see latest)
Traeger Pellet Grill Price Comparison

Traeger Spec Comparisons

SpecsTimberline
1300
Ironwood
885
Pro 780
Price2k$2900 (latest)1k
Grill Space 1343 Sq.In885 Sq.In780 Sq.In
Size58 W x 51 H
x 28 D
53 W x 47 H
x 27 D
49 W x 55 H
x 27 D
Weight255 lbs170 lbs145 lbs
Max
Temp
500 F°500 F°500 F°
Pellet hopper
Capacity
242018
Grill Grate322
Wi-Fi ControllerYesYes Yes
Extra InsulationDouble-Wall, Hood and Back InteriorDouble Side-Wall InteriorNo
Downdraft ExhaustYesYesNo
Bottom Sear GrateYesYesNo
Side ShelfYes YesNo
Front ShelfYesNoNo
Grill GratesStainless SteelPorcelain Coated SteelPorcelain Coated Steel
Meat Probe Storage BoxYesYesNo
Magnetic Bamboo Cutting BoardYesNoNo
Keep Warm ModeYesYesYes
Super Smoke ModeYesYesNo
Turbo TempYesYesYes
TRU Convection SystemYesYesNo
Concealed Grease PanYesNoNo
Pellet SensorYesYes
Hopper CleanoutYesYesYes
DC Brushless MotorYesYesYes
Variable Fan SpeedYesYesYes
Power Cord HookYesYesNo
Locking CastersYesYesYes

Damien

Author and founder at Meat Smoking HQ

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