Comparing the Traeger Ironwood 885, Traeger Ironwood XL, and Weber Searwood XL 600

In the realm of pellet grills, two heavyweights dominate the market: Traeger, the original innovators of pellet grills, and Weber, the iconic BBQ brand renowned for its legendary kettle grill. With Weber entering the pellet grill arena with their Searwood series, it’s time to compare the latest contenders: the Traeger Ironwood 885, Traeger Ironwood XL, and Weber Searwood XL 600. Let’s dive into what makes each of these grills stand out and which one might be the best fit for your BBQ needs.

Traeger Ironwood 885

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a powerhouse in the pellet grill world. Known for its ample cooking space, this grill offers 885 square inches, providing plenty of room to cook up a feast for large gatherings. Whether you’re smoking 10 chickens, 7 racks of ribs, or 9 pork butts, the Ironwood 885 handles it with ease.

One of the standout features of the Ironwood 885 is the Super Smoke mode, which injects a burst of wood-fired flavor into your food at the touch of a button. Coupled with Traeger’s renowned temperature control and consistent heat distribution, this grill is perfect for those who take their smoking seriously. The built-in Meater support is another highlight, offering precise, wireless meat temperature monitoring directly from your smartphone via the Traeger app.

Traeger Ironwood XL

Slightly more compact than its sibling, the Traeger Ironwood XL offers 616 square inches of cooking space but compensates with a larger hopper capacity of 22 pounds. This means longer cooking times without needing to refill the pellets, ideal for those marathon smoking sessions.

The Ironwood XL shares many features with the Ironwood 885, including the Super Smoke mode and comprehensive app support. This grill is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts who might not need as much cooking space but appreciate the convenience of a larger hopper and the same high-quality smoking capabilities. The Ironwood XL’s ability to smoke 4 chickens, 8 racks of ribs, or 4 pork butts makes it versatile enough for most backyard BBQ needs.

Weber Searwood XL 600

Weber’s Searwood XL 600 enters the pellet grill market with a bang, offering a massive 972 square inches of cooking space. This makes it the largest of the three, perfect for those who often cook for large groups. The Searwood XL 600 isn’t just about space; it also boasts the highest maximum temperature at 600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ultimate grill for searing steaks and burgers to perfection.

One of the unique features of the Searwood XL 600 is the full grate sear zone, which allows you to use the entire grilling surface for high-temperature searing. This, combined with the SmokeBoost feature, ensures that your food is not only perfectly seared but also infused with a rich, smoky flavor. The grill supports the Weber CRAFTED Accessory System, giving you the flexibility to expand your grilling capabilities with a variety of accessories, such as a rotisserie.

Which Grill is Right for You?

Each of these grills brings something unique to the table, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

• Traeger Ironwood 885: Ideal for those who need extensive cooking space and are focused on smoking large quantities of food with precise temperature control and convenient features like built-in Meater support.
• Traeger Ironwood XL: Great for BBQ enthusiasts who want a larger hopper capacity and reliable smoking capabilities but can manage with slightly less cooking space.
• Weber Searwood XL 600: Perfect for those who need maximum cooking space and the ability to achieve high searing temperatures. The Weber CRAFTED Accessory System and high-temperature capabilities make it a versatile addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Traeger or Weber, you’re investing in a top-tier pellet grill. Traeger’s long-standing reputation in the pellet grill industry and innovative features make their grills a solid choice. On the other hand, Weber’s entry into the pellet grill market with the Searwood series shows they’ve learned from past experiences and are offering something unique and powerful.

If you already have Weber CRAFTED accessories or a grill that supports them, the Searwood might be the way to go. For those who prioritize smoking and want integrated Meater support, Traeger’s Ironwood series is an excellent choice. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either brand, as both offer high-quality grills that will elevate your BBQ game.