In this Traeger Ironwood 650 review, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall user experience of this versatile pellet grill. Get ready to discover why this innovative cooking appliance has become a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts and outdoor cooking aficionados.
Traeger Ironwood 650 Overview and Specs
The Traeger Ironwood 650 is a pellet grill that offers a range of features and specifications for grilling and smoking. It falls in the middle of the Traeger model lineup, offering upgrades over the Pro series but at a more affordable price than the Timberline series.
One key feature of the Ironwood 650 is its Super Smoke mode, which helps to enhance the smoky flavor of your food. The grill also has extra insulated side walls, which reduce pellet consumption in colder weather. Additionally, it comes with an extra side shelf and a downdraft venting system for better airflow.
The Ironwood 650 has a total cooking area of 659 square inches, although some users find that the main grill area is small for fitting large cuts of meat like brisket. It has a maximum temperature of 500F, which may not be ideal for high-heat searing but is suitable for most other types of grilling.
Why I Chose the Ironwood over the pro and Timberline Series
I chose the Ironwood over the pro and Timberline series for a few key reasons. Firstly, the Ironwood offered upgrades that the Pro series did not have, such as Super Smoke and extra insulated side walls for reduced pellet consumption in colder weather. Additionally, it came with an extra side shelf and a downdraft venting system, which I found more appealing than the vertical chimney in the Pro series.
While the Timberline series did offer some additional features like more grilling space, larger pellet hopper, and a concealed grease trap, these upgrades were not significant enough for me to justify spending an additional $600. Overall, I felt that the Ironwood was the best choice as it provided the key features I needed without breaking the bank like the Timberline series would have.
Traeger Ironwood 650 Specifications
The Traeger Ironwood 650 is a feature-rich pellet grill that offers a total cooking area of 659 square inches. It has a maximum temperature of 500F, which is ideal for grilling burgers, chicken, pork tenderloins, and chops. The grill also has one of the lowest smoking temperatures on the market, allowing for low and slow cooks at 165F.
The Ironwood 650 features a downdraft venting system that helps to keep the best smoke in the cooking chamber. It also comes with extra insulated side walls to reduce pellet consumption in colder weather. The grill includes a gasket with the lid to ensure minimal heat loss, and it has a high temp paint finish that holds up well over time.
The Traeger Ironwood 650 is equipped with Traeger’s WiFire app, which allows you to monitor and control the grill from your phone. The app provides real-time information on current grill temperature, meat probe temperature, pellet hopper level, and more. It also includes a variety of recipes and instructional videos to help you make the most out of your grilling experience.
Smoking / Grilling Performance
The Traeger Ironwood 650 performs well in both smoking and grilling, but it does have some strengths and weaknesses in each area. It excels at low and slow cooking, with one of the lowest smoking temperatures on the market. It holds temperatures very well with minimal fluctuations, making it ideal for long smoking sessions. The insulated side walls help to conserve pellets, especially in colder weather.
When it comes to smoking, the Ironwood 650 provides a good enough smoky flavor but falls short compared to offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers. Traeger’s downdraft smoke/air flow system is supposed to keep the best smoke in the cooking chamber, but it’s hard to tell if there is a noticeable difference compared to other pellet grills. The grill’s main cooking area is a bit small for a full packer brisket, and I regret not opting for the larger Ironwood 885 model.
In terms of grilling, the Ironwood 650 performs well for most types of food like burgers, chicken, pork tenderloins, and chops. However, it falls short in the steak searing department due to its maximum temperature of 500F. The grill allows you to change the height of the main grilling grate for searing or smoking, but even at the lowest setting, it’s challenging to achieve nice sear marks on steak. The heat distribution across the bottom grill grates is not completely uniform, with hot spots above the firebox.
Smoking Performance
The Traeger Ironwood 650 performs well in terms of smoking. It has one of the lowest smoking temperatures on the market, allowing for low and slow cooks. The grill holds temperatures very well with minimal fluctuations, making it ideal for long smoking sessions. The insulated side walls help maintain temperature stability, especially in colder weather. Additionally, the downdraft smoke/air flow system provides a sleek look and makes it easy to put a cover on without a protruding chimney.
However, when it comes to smoke flavor and bark development, the Ironwood 650 falls slightly short. While it produces a good enough smoky flavor that most people will be satisfied with, it may not meet the expectations of those striving for the best brisket. For a more intense smoky flavor profile, offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers are recommended. Overall, though, the convenience of pellet grills like the Ironwood 650 outweighs the slight compromise in smoke flavor.
Traeger Ironwood 650 Temperature Consistency
Overall, the Traeger Ironwood 650 demonstrates excellent temperature consistency. It holds temperatures very well with minimal fluctuations, making it ideal for low and slow cooks. The grill has one of the lowest smoking temperatures on the market, allowing for precise control over your cooking process. Additionally, the insulated side walls help to maintain consistent temperatures, especially in colder weather conditions. Whether you’re smoking foods at lower temperatures or grilling at higher temperatures, the Ironwood 650 delivers reliable performance.
The Traeger Ironwood 650 excels in smoking performance, particularly in its ability to maintain low and slow cooking temperatures. With a smoking range starting at 165F, you can achieve perfectly smoked meats with ease. The grill holds these temperatures well and minimizes pellet consumption. The downdraft venting system helps to retain smoke within the cooking chamber, resulting in a good smoky flavor profile. While it may not match the smoky flavor of an offset smoker, the convenience of pellet grills makes up for it.
When it comes to grilling, the Traeger Ironwood 650 performs admirably but has some limitations. With a maximum temperature of 500F, it is suitable for most grilling needs such as burgers, chicken, and pork tenderloins. However, it falls short in searing steaks due to its inability to reach extremely high heat levels like charcoal or gas grills can. The adjustable height of the main grilling grate allows for different cooking techniques but achieving perfect sear marks may be challenging. It’s important to note that there are hot spots above the firebox on this grill.
The Traeger Ironwood 650 stands out in terms of build quality and design. It is built heavy and feels sturdy compared to other pellet grills in its price range. The lid has a nice weight and makes a solid connection to the cook box when closed. The high temp paint finish holds up well, especially when covered with Traeger’s grill cover. The inclusion of a gasket ensures minimal heat loss at the opening, further enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the grill.
Traeger’s WiFire app is a standout feature of the Ironwood 650. It offers seamless connectivity to your home WiFi network and provides comprehensive control over your grill from your mobile device. The app allows you to monitor current grill temperature, meat probe temperature, pellet hopper level, set timers, and even control the grill remotely. It also includes a vast collection of recipes with step-by-step instructions for easy cooking. The Learn category within the app provides helpful videos on various topics related to using and maintaining the grill.
While Traeger promotes their Super Smoke mode as an enhancement for producing more smoke flavor, it may not live up to expectations. This feature activates the grill fan intermittently but doesn’t seem to significantly increase smoke production. As such, many users find little use for this feature and don’t utilize it frequently.
In contrast to earlier models that experienced issues with temperature control in freezing temperatures, the Traeger Ironwood 650 demonstrates improved temperature consistency even in challenging conditions. Traeger has addressed previous concerns about digital controller failures by ensuring reliable performance regardless of ambient temperatures. This advancement gives users peace of mind knowing that their grill will function properly regardless of external factors.
Grilling Performance
The Traeger Ironwood 650 offers a good grilling experience overall. It can reach a maximum temperature of 500F, which is sufficient for cooking burgers, chicken, pork tenderloins, and chops. However, it falls short when it comes to searing steaks. Even at the lowest setting of the main grilling grate, it is difficult to achieve nice sear marks on a steak. For high-heat searing, charcoal or gas grills are still superior options.
In terms of temperature control and consistency, the Ironwood 650 performs well. It can hold smoking temperatures as low as 165F and maintains them with minimal fluctuation. This makes it ideal for low and slow cooks. The insulated side walls help in maintaining consistent temperatures, especially in colder weather.
While the Traeger boasts its downdraft smoke/air flow system for better smoke retention, the smoke flavor on briskets cooked with this grill has been somewhat lacking compared to offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers. The grill’s main cooking area may also be too small for fitting a full packer brisket comfortably. The Ironwood 650 does a decent job at grilling but falls short in delivering the same smoky flavor as traditional smokers.
Can A Traeger Sear A Steak? I tried.
When it comes to searing a steak, the Traeger Ironwood 650 falls short. Despite adjusting the grill grate to its lowest setting and heating up the grill to 500F for 20 minutes, I was unable to achieve those desirable sear marks on my steak. Pellet grills like the Traeger simply do not provide enough heat for high-temperature searing. If you’re looking for that perfect sear, a charcoal or gas grill would be a better option.
Overall, my experience as a Traeger owner has been positive. While I did encounter some issues with my first Ironwood 650, Traeger took care of me and provided a replacement grill. The build quality of the Ironwood is impressive, with a heavy lid that fits snugly onto the cook box and minimal heat loss thanks to the included gasket. The high-temp paint finish has held up well, especially since I always keep my grill covered when not in use.
Traeger’s WiFire app is a standout feature of their grills. Setting up the app was simple, and it provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities for your grill. You can adjust cooking temperature, turn on Super Smoke mode (although I found this feature underwhelming), shut down the grill, and even follow guided recipes all from your phone. The app also includes instructional videos for cleaning your grill and making specific recipes. It sets a new standard in the industry for functionality and ease of use.
Overall Fit and Finish
The Traeger Ironwood 650 has a solid build quality and a sleek design. The lid of the grill feels heavy and makes a satisfying connection to the cook box when closed, similar to the feeling of closing a BMW car door. The high temperature paint finish is holding up well and shows no signs of discoloration. Additionally, the grill comes with a gasket on the lid to minimize heat loss.
Traeger has paid attention to detail in terms of fit and finish, making sure that the grill looks great and performs well for years to come. The overall construction of the Ironwood 650 sets it apart from other pellet grills in its price range, such as Z Grills or Asmoke. The attention to detail and quality materials used make this grill a reliable choice for any backyard grilling enthusiast.
Features
– The Traeger Ironwood 650 offers Super Smoke mode, which provides extra smoke to your meat for a smokier flavor.
– It has insulated side walls, which help reduce pellet consumption in colder weather.
– The grill comes with an extra side shelf and a downdraft venting system, providing added convenience and a sleek look.
– The Ironwood 650 has a maximum temperature of 500F, which is suitable for grilling burgers, chicken, pork tenderloins, and chops.
– It includes a gasket with the lid to ensure minimal heat loss and has a high temp paint finish that holds up well over time.
– The Traeger app allows you to monitor and control the grill from your phone, as well as access recipes and instructional videos.
– The Ironwood 650 also features the Super Smoke mode, although some users may not find it produces much more smoke.
– The digital controller on the Ironwood series has improved since the mid-2000s and performs well in various ambient temperatures.
Traeger WiFire: Wireless Connectivity App
The Traeger WiFire app is a standout feature of the Ironwood 650 pellet grill. It offers seamless wireless connectivity to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor and control the grill from anywhere. The setup process is simple, with a QR code on the pellet hopper lid guiding you through the connection process.
The app provides comprehensive monitoring and control options, including current grill temperature, meat probe temperature, pellet hopper level, and timer. You can even adjust cooking temperature, activate Super Smoke mode, and shut down the grill directly from your phone. Additionally, Traeger has included a wide range of recipes within the app, with the option to follow guided recipes that automatically set the grill to the appropriate temperature and cooking time.
Overall, the Traeger WiFire app sets a high standard in the grilling and smoking industry with its intuitive interface and extensive functionality. It also includes helpful instructional videos for maintenance, assembly, and recipe preparation in their “Learn” category.
Traeger WiFire Recipes
The Traeger WiFire app offers a wide variety of recipes that can be followed and cooked directly on the Ironwood 650. The app provides step-by-step instructions, cooking temperatures, and cooking times for each recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, the app has something for everyone. From classic barbecue dishes like ribs and pulled pork to more adventurous recipes like smoked salmon or grilled pizza, there is no shortage of options to choose from. The app also allows you to save your favorite recipes and create custom cook programs for consistent results every time.
With the ability to control your grill from your phone, you can easily monitor the progress of your cook and make adjustments as needed. The app also sends push notifications when it’s time to flip or remove your food, ensuring that you never miss a beat. Overall, the Traeger WiFire app enhances the grilling experience by providing a wealth of resources and making it easier than ever to achieve delicious results.
WiFire Videos
The Traeger Ironwood 650 comes with the WiFire app, which offers a range of features and functionalities. One of the standout features is the ability to control the grill from your phone. You can change the cooking temperature, turn on Super Smoke mode, shut down the grill, and even follow guided recipes all from your phone.
In addition to these features, Traeger has also included a “Learn” category within the app. This category provides high-quality videos that explain how to clean your grill, make certain recipes, and provide assembly instructions. Overall, the WiFire app is well-designed and sets a high standard in the grill and smoker industry.
WiFire App Conclusion
Overall, the WiFire app provided by Traeger for the Ironwood 650 is incredibly well-designed and user-friendly. Connecting to my home WiFi network was a breeze, thanks to the QR code scanning feature. The app offers comprehensive monitoring and control options, allowing you to track the grill temperature, meat probe temperature, pellet hopper level, and more. You can even adjust settings and follow guided recipes right from your phone.
Traeger has also included a wealth of resources in the app, including high-quality videos on cleaning your grill, assembly instructions, and recipe guides. While the guided recipes are helpful for beginners, I prefer to take control of my own cooks and customize them based on the specific cut of meat I’m using. However, for those who are new to smoking and grilling, these features are a great addition.
In comparison to other competitors’ apps in the grill/smoker industry, Traeger’s WiFire app stands out with its exceptional functionality and ease of use. The Super Smoke mode offered on the Ironwood series is a nice option to have but didn’t make a significant difference in smoke production for me personally. Despite that, overall I am highly satisfied with the WiFire app provided by Traeger for the Ironwood 650 pellet grill.
Traeger Super Smoke Mode
The Traeger Super Smoke mode is a feature that is exclusive to the Ironwood and Timberline series of Traeger pellet grills. It is designed to provide enhanced smoke flavor to your food by pulsating air to the firebox, creating more smoke production. However, in my experience, I have not noticed a significant difference in smoke flavor when using this mode. As a result, I do not use this feature anymore.
Super Smoke Mode Explained
The Super Smoke mode is a feature exclusive to the Traeger Ironwood and Timberline series. It is designed to enhance the smoke flavor in your food, as pellet grills are known for not producing as much smoke as traditional offset smokers. When activated, the Super Smoke mode causes the grill fan to pulsate air to the firebox intermittently, creating more smoke. However, in my experience, I haven’t noticed a significant difference in smoke production when using this feature. As a result, I don’t use it anymore.
Traeger D2 Controller
The Traeger Ironwood 650 is equipped with the Traeger D2 Controller, which is a significant improvement over previous models. The D2 Controller offers precise temperature control and allows you to easily set and monitor the temperature of your grill from your phone using the WiFire app. It also features a large display screen that provides clear visibility of the current temperature and other important information.
One of the standout features of the D2 Controller is its ability to maintain consistent temperatures, even in cold weather conditions. This is thanks to the advanced downdraft exhaust system, which helps regulate airflow and prevent temperature fluctuations. The controller also has a Super Smoke mode, although some users have found this feature to be less effective than expected.
Previous Generation Traeger Controllers
Back in the mid 2000’s, Traeger pellet grills had some frustrations with their digital controllers. When temperatures dropped near freezing, the controllers would often malfunction or fail completely. Many customers had to replace their controllers multiple times, causing a lot of frustration and disappointment.
I have owned my Ironwood 650 for over a year now and overall, I am happy with it. However, it hasn’t been flawless as I am currently on my second grill. Thankfully, Traeger took care of me and provided a replacement. Despite this issue, I still recommend the Ironwood 650 because of its performance and features.
I chose the Ironwood over the Pro series because it offered key upgrades that were important to me, such as Super Smoke and extra insulated side walls. The Timberline series was too expensive for the additional features it offered compared to the Ironwood. Overall, I felt that the Ironwood was the best option that brought the necessary features without breaking the bank.
After using my Ironwood 650 for several hours over a year, I can say that it grills and smokes well. It holds temperatures very well with minimal fluctuations, making it great for low and slow cooking. However, when it comes to smoking briskets, I find that the smoke flavor is somewhat lacking compared to offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers.
The Ironwood 650 grills well at max temperatures of 500F but lacks in searing steaks due to inconsistent heat distribution across the bottom grill grates. While it offers the ability to change the height of the grilling grate, it is still difficult to achieve nice sear marks on steaks. For high heat searing, gas or charcoal grills are still superior.
The Ironwood 650 is built heavy and has a nice weight to it. The lid swings and fits well with the cook box, providing a positive connection when closed. The high temp paint finish is holding up well, especially when covered with Traeger’s grill cover.
The Traeger phone app, called WiFire, is incredibly simple to connect to your home WiFi network and provides extensive monitoring and control options for your grill. You can control cooking temperature, turn on Super Smoke, and even follow guided recipes. The app also includes helpful videos for cleaning, assembly instructions, and more. It sets a high standard within the grill/smoker industry.
Back in the mid 2000’s, Traeger pellet grills had some frustrations with their digital controllers. When temperatures dropped near freezing, the controllers would often malfunction or fail completely. Many customers had to replace their controllers multiple times, causing a lot of frustration and disappointment.
New D2 Controller
The Traeger Ironwood 650 comes with a new and improved D2 controller, which is a significant upgrade from the earlier models. This digital controller is much more reliable and accurate, eliminating the issues that were common with the previous controllers in lower temperatures. The D2 controller ensures consistent temperature control and precise cooking results, making it a major improvement for Traeger owners.
The Ironwood 650 excels in both smoking and grilling. It offers one of the lowest smoking temperatures on the market, allowing for low and slow cooking. The grill holds temperatures very well with minimal fluctuations, making it ideal for long smoking sessions. The insulated side walls further enhance its performance, especially in colder weather conditions.
In terms of grilling, the Ironwood 650 performs admirably but has some limitations. While it can reach a maximum temperature of 500F, it falls short compared to other pellet grills on the market that can reach up to 600F. Additionally, the main cooking area could have been larger for accommodating bigger cuts of meat like full packer briskets.
One of the standout features of the Ironwood 650 is its integration with the Traeger app and WiFire technology. The app allows you to monitor and control various aspects of your grill from your phone, including temperature settings, Super Smoke mode activation, timer functions, and access to Traeger’s extensive recipe library.
The WiFire functionality sets Traeger apart from its competitors by offering an intuitive user experience and comprehensive control over your grill. The app also provides helpful videos for assembly instructions, cleaning guides, and recipe tutorials. Overall, the Traeger app is well-designed and highly functional.
The build quality of the Ironwood 650 is impressive, with a heavy and sturdy construction that gives it a premium feel. The lid has a nice weight to it, providing a secure seal when closed. The high-temp paint finish holds up well over time, especially when paired with Traeger’s high-quality grill cover for protection.
While Traeger promotes the Super Smoke mode as an added feature on the Ironwood series, it may not live up to expectations. This mode doesn’t seem to produce significantly more smoke compared to regular smoking settings. As a result, many users find little use for this feature and prefer to rely on traditional smoking methods for achieving optimal smoke flavor.
Overall, the Traeger Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill offers an excellent grilling and smoking experience with its improved D2 controller, advanced features like WiFire integration, and durable build quality. While there are some limitations in terms of maximum temperature and cooking area size, these factors do not detract significantly from its overall performance.
Traeger D2 Direct Drive System
The Traeger Ironwood 650 features the innovative D2 Direct Drive system, which is a significant improvement over the older digital controllers. The D2 Direct Drive system uses brushless DC motor technology to control the speed and power of the auger and fan, resulting in more precise temperature control and faster temperature recovery. This means that even on cold winter days, the grill can maintain consistent temperatures without any issues. The D2 Direct Drive system also allows for quicker startup times, reaching cooking temperatures in just minutes.
Other Nice Features
The Traeger Ironwood 650 comes with a few additional features that enhance the grilling experience. One of these is the TurboTemp feature, which allows the grill to quickly reach its set temperature. This is especially useful when you’re in a hurry or don’t have much time to spare.
Another nice feature is the pellet sensor, which alerts you when your pellet supply is running low. This prevents any unexpected interruptions during your cook and ensures that you always have enough pellets to finish your meal.
The Ironwood also has a handy Keep Warm mode, which allows you to keep your food at a desired temperature after it’s finished cooking. This is perfect for those times when your guests are running late or you want to serve your meal at a specific time.
Optional Accessories
When it comes to optional accessories for the Traeger Ironwood 650, there are a few that can enhance your grilling and smoking experience. One popular accessory is the Traeger Folding Front Shelf, which provides extra space for prepping and resting food. It easily folds down when not in use, saving space.
Another useful accessory is the Traeger Grill Cover, which is designed specifically for the Ironwood 650. This cover helps protect your grill from the elements and keeps it looking great for years to come. It’s made of durable material and features a custom fit.
If you’re interested in adding more cooking versatility to your Ironwood 650, you may want to consider the Traeger Cast Iron Reversible Griddle. This griddle allows you to cook breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon on one side, and flip it over to grill steaks or vegetables on the other side.
Ownership Experience
I have owned my Traeger Ironwood 650 for over a year now and have had quite a few hours of use. While the grill has not been flawless (I am actually on my second 650), I am overall happy with it. Traeger took care of me when I had issues, which I will explain below. The Ironwood falls in the middle of the Traeger model lineup hierarchy, offering key features that the Pro series does not have. It also provides upgrades compared to the Timberline series at a more affordable price. Overall, I feel that the Ironwood is the best option for those looking for a feature-rich grill without breaking the bank.
The grill offers a great grilling and smoking experience. It holds temperatures well with minimal fluctuations, making it ideal for low and slow cooks. The insulated side walls help reduce pellet consumption in colder weather, and the downdraft venting system adds to its sleek look. However, when it comes to smoking briskets, I have found that the smoke flavor is somewhat lacking compared to offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers. The grill’s main cooking area could also be larger, as fitting a full packer brisket can be challenging.
Ironwood 650 Problems
During the author’s ownership of the Ironwood 650, they experienced some issues with the grill. They had to replace their first 650 due to undisclosed reasons, but Traeger took care of them and provided a replacement. Additionally, the author mentions that they were not completely satisfied with the smoke flavor and bark on their briskets cooked on the Traeger. They felt that an offset or charcoal-based smoker would provide better results for those seeking the best brisket. Furthermore, they found it challenging to achieve a good sear on steaks due to the grill’s maximum temperature of 500F and inconsistent heat distribution in certain areas.
Traeger Customer Service
I have had mixed experiences with Traeger’s customer service. On one hand, they were very responsive and helpful when I had to replace my first Ironwood 650 due to a defect. They quickly sent me a new grill and made the process as smooth as possible. However, on a separate occasion, I had an issue with my second Ironwood 650 where the auger stopped working. It took multiple calls and emails to get a response from Traeger, and even then, it was difficult to get a resolution. Eventually, they did send me a replacement part, but the overall experience left something to be desired.
Traeger Ironwood Warranty
The Traeger Ironwood comes with a 3-year warranty, which is standard for most pellet grills in this price range. This warranty covers any defects in materials and workmanship, and Traeger will repair or replace any parts that are found to be defective. However, it’s worth noting that the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage caused by improper maintenance or storage.
Overall, I have found Traeger’s customer service to be responsive and helpful when I had issues with my grill. They replaced my first Ironwood 650 when it experienced some malfunctions, and they were quick to resolve the problem. While it was frustrating to have to deal with these issues, I appreciate that Traeger stood behind their product and took care of me as a customer.
Do I recommend the Traeger Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill?
After owning the Traeger Ironwood 650 for over a year and using it for numerous hours, I can say that I am overall happy with this pellet grill. While it has had some flaws (I had to get a replacement once), Traeger took care of me and made sure I was satisfied. The Ironwood falls in the middle of the Traeger model lineup, offering key features that the lower Pro series does not have, such as Super Smoke and extra insulated side walls. Compared to the higher-end Timberline series, the Ironwood is more affordable while still providing necessary upgrades. The specs of the Ironwood 650 demonstrate its feature-rich design, although it falls slightly short in terms of maximum temperature and cooking area size.
In terms of grilling and smoking performance, the Ironwood 650 excels in both areas with minimal temperature fluctuation and excellent heat retention. It can achieve low smoking temperatures as well as higher grilling temperatures, although it may struggle with searing steaks due to its max temperature limit. While the smoke flavor from the Ironwood is good enough for most people’s preferences, it may not satisfy those looking for an intense smoky flavor like what can be achieved with an offset or charcoal smoker.
The build quality of the Ironwood 650 is impressive compared to other pellet grills in its price range. The heavy lid and gasket ensure minimal heat loss, while the high temp paint finish holds up well over time. Additionally, Traeger’s WiFire app enhances the overall experience by providing easy connectivity and control over your grill from your phone. The inclusion of Super Smoke mode adds another layer of functionality, although it may not produce a noticeable difference in smoke output.
Considering all these factors, I do recommend the Traeger Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill for those looking for a versatile and reliable option. While it may have some minor shortcomings, its overall performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for both grilling and smoking enthusiasts.
What I Like about the Ironwood 650
1. Temperature Control: The Ironwood 650 has excellent temperature control, particularly for smoking at low temperatures. It holds steady temperatures with minimal fluctuations, allowing for consistent and reliable cooking results.
2. Smartphone App: The Traeger app is user-friendly and provides a wide range of features for monitoring and controlling the grill. It allows you to adjust cooking temperatures, set timers, and even follow guided recipes. The app also includes helpful tutorial videos for cleaning and assembly.
3. Build Quality: The Ironwood 650 is built with high-quality materials, giving it a solid and sturdy feel. The lid has a nice weight to it and closes securely, minimizing heat loss. The grill’s high-temp paint finish is durable and shows no signs of discoloration with proper care.
4. Features: The Ironwood 650 comes with several useful features, such as Super Smoke mode (although I didn’t find it to make a noticeable difference), insulated side walls for better pellet consumption in colder weather, and an adjustable grilling grate height for different cooking methods.
5. Traeger Customer Service: While I did have some issues with my initial grill, Traeger’s customer service was responsive and helpful in resolving the problem. They provided me with a replacement unit, which speaks to their commitment to customer satisfaction.
What’s not great about the ironwood 650
One of the main drawbacks of the Ironwood 650 is its smoke flavor. While it does provide a decent smoky flavor, it falls short compared to offset smokers or charcoal-based smokers. The smoke flavor is somewhat lacking and the bark on briskets cooked on the Ironwood is not as developed as it should be for those seeking the best brisket possible.
The grill also has limitations when it comes to searing steaks. While it can reach a maximum temperature of 500F, it struggles to create those desired sear marks on steaks. Traeger recommends keeping the grilling grate at its lowest setting for searing, but even then, achieving a nice sear has proven difficult.
Another issue with the Ironwood 650 is its main cooking area size. For those looking to cook full packer briskets, they may find that the main grill area is small and requires placing the brisket at a diagonal angle to fit properly. Opting for the larger Ironwood 885 would have been a better choice in retrospect for those needing more space for larger cuts of meat or larger gatherings.
Final Verdict
After owning and using the Traeger Ironwood 650 for over a year, I can say that I am generally happy with my purchase. While it hasn’t been flawless and I had to get a replacement at one point, Traeger’s customer service took care of me. The Ironwood offers key features that the Pro series lacks, such as Super Smoke and extra insulated side walls. It also comes with a downdraft venting system and an additional side shelf. Compared to the Timberline series, the Ironwood provides similar features at a more affordable price.
In terms of grilling and smoking performance, the Ironwood excels in low and slow cooking. It can hold temperatures well, with minimal fluctuations, making it suitable for smoking foods in the 225F-275F range. The grill also has a low smoking temperature of 165F, which can double as a keep warm function. However, when it comes to brisket cooks, I found that the smoke flavor is somewhat lacking compared to other pellet grills or offset smokers. The grill’s 500F max temperature is sufficient for most cooking needs but falls short in steak searing.
In terms of build quality, the Ironwood impresses with its heavy construction and solid lid connection. The high temp paint finish holds up well, especially if you use a grill cover when not in use. The included phone app is user-friendly and provides comprehensive control over the grill’s settings and features. However, while the Super Smoke mode sounds promising on paper, I didn’t notice much difference in smoke production when using it.
Overall, if given the chance to repurchase, I would opt for the Traeger Ironwood 885 for its larger cooking area. However, considering its feature-rich design and overall performance, I recommend the Traeger Ironwood 650 pellet grill to those looking for a reliable and convenient option for their grilling and smoking needs.
In conclusion, the Traeger Ironwood 650 is a highly impressive grill that offers outstanding performance and convenience. With its advanced features, such as WiFIRE technology and precise temperature control, it ensures consistent results for grilling enthusiasts. The durable construction and ample cooking space make it suitable for both small gatherings and large parties. While the price may be on the higher side, the Ironwood 650’s exceptional performance justifies the investment for those seeking a top-notch grilling experience.
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