Traeger Century 885 vs Ironwood 885 – Which Pellet Grill Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to pellet grills, Traeger stands tall as one of the most trusted and innovative brands in the outdoor cooking industry. From backyard barbecues to professional pitmaster competitions, Traeger’s lineup consistently delivers performance, flavor, and technology that elevate the grilling game. Two models that often get compared are the Traeger Century 885 and the Traeger Ironwood 885. At first glance, these grills may look similar, especially with their shared 885-square-inch cooking space. But dig deeper, and you’ll find key differences that could significantly influence your buying decision.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Century 885 and Ironwood 885 from build quality and cooking performance to smart features and overall value.

Overview of Each Model

Traeger Century 885

The Traeger Century 885 is a popular model, primarily available through Costco and select retailers. It combines traditional Traeger craftsmanship with a sizable cooking area and a few modern upgrades. Known for its versatility and user-friendly design, the Century 885 is a great choice for those new to pellet grilling or anyone who wants a robust and spacious grill without too many bells and whistles.

Key Specifications:

• Cooking Area: 885 sq. in.
• Pellet Hopper Capacity: 20 lbs
• Grill Grates: Porcelain-coated
• Meat Probes: 1 included
• Controller: Standard Digital Pro
• WiFIRE: Not included
• Price Range: $800–$1,000 (varies by region and membership)

Traeger Ironwood 885

The Ironwood 885 is a step up in Traeger’s premium lineup. Packed with smart tech, enhanced smoke features, and upgraded construction, this grill is built for serious outdoor chefs who want maximum flavor and control. Unlike the Century, the Ironwood includes advanced features like the D2 Direct Drive and Super Smoke mode, making it a strong contender in its class.

Key Specifications:

• Cooking Area: 885 sq. in.
• Pellet Hopper Capacity: 20 lbs
• Grill Grates: Porcelain-coated
• Meat Probes: 1 included
• Controller: D2 WiFIRE Controller
• WiFIRE Technology: Yes
• Price Range: $1,400–$1,600

Build Quality and Materials

While both grills are solidly constructed, there are noticeable differences in engineering and finish.

The Century 885 features a powder-coated steel body with standard porcelain-coated grill grates. It includes a front shelf and enclosed storage cabinet underneath, which many users find convenient for storing pellets and tools. The overall feel is sturdy and reliable, but it lacks some of the premium touches found in higher-end models.

The Ironwood 885, by contrast, boasts a more advanced design with double side-wall insulation that enhances heat retention especially useful in cold weather grilling. This model also uses a slightly heavier gauge steel and a downdraft exhaust system, improving durability and smoke circulation.

Verdict:
The Ironwood wins in terms of premium materials and thoughtful design, especially with the added insulation and exhaust technology.

Cooking Performance

Temperature Range and Accuracy

The Century 885 operates within a temperature range of approximately 180°F to 450°F. It does a solid job of maintaining consistent heat for slow-smoking or grilling burgers and steaks. However, it may experience fluctuations of 10–20 degrees in windy or cold conditions due to its lack of insulation.

The Ironwood 885, thanks to its D2 Direct Drive and double-wall construction, offers more precise temperature control. It can reach up to 500°F and holds temperature more consistently across long cooks, even in adverse weather. The D2 drivetrain also improves auger speed, allowing for faster startups and more responsive adjustments.

Cooking Capacity

Both grills offer the same generous 885 square inches of total cooking space, split between the main grate and a secondary upper rack. This capacity easily accommodates:

• 10–12 burgers on the main rack
• 7–9 racks of ribs
• A couple of whole briskets or turkeys

Pellet Hopper Size

Each model comes with a 20-pound pellet hopper, which is sufficient for approximately 20 hours of low-and-slow smoking or several sessions of high-heat grilling. The Ironwood includes a hopper clean-out door, which makes changing pellet flavors easier—a feature not present on the Century.

Verdict:
For consistency, temperature precision, and enhanced cooking control, the Ironwood 885 clearly comes out on top.

Smart Features & Technology

WiFIRE Controller

This is where the two grills diverge sharply.

The Century 885 uses a basic digital controller without WiFi connectivity. While it’s simple and reliable, it lacks modern conveniences like remote monitoring.

The Ironwood 885 comes equipped with Traeger’s WiFIRE technology, allowing you to monitor and control the grill from your smartphone via the Traeger App. You can adjust temperatures, check probe readings, and even access recipes and grill logs remotely perfect for multitasking while smoking a brisket.

D2 Direct Drive System

Exclusive to the Ironwood, the D2 Direct Drive enhances motor efficiency and ensures smoother operation of the auger and fan. This results in faster heat-up times and better temperature recovery after opening the lid.

Downdraft Exhaust & Super Smoke Mode

Again, unique to the Ironwood is the downdraft exhaust system, which forces smoke to envelop the food longer, enhancing flavor. The Super Smoke Mode intensifies the smoke at lower temps, ideal for infusing ribs, pork shoulder, or brisket with a richer, smokier profile.

Verdict:
The Ironwood 885 is the clear winner in tech, with smart connectivity and advanced smoke control that the Century 885 simply doesn’t offer.

Extra Features

Meat Probes

Both grills come with a single integrated meat probe, but the Ironwood’s probe works in tandem with the Traeger app, allowing you to check meat temps remotely. The Century lacks this wireless functionality.

Side Shelf and Storage Options

The Century 885 includes a front folding shelf and a bottom storage cabinet, giving it an edge in prep and storage space. This setup is particularly useful for those who like to keep all tools and pellets handy.

The Ironwood 885 doesn’t include a front shelf by default (though one is available as an accessory), and it lacks a lower cabinet. However, its streamlined design offers a cleaner aesthetic and slightly better airflow.

Portability

Both units come with all-terrain wheels, but the Century 885 has two locking casters and a side handle that make it easier to move around flat surfaces. The Ironwood, being a bit heavier due to its insulation and added tech, may be more cumbersome to shift.

Verdict:
For storage and convenience, the Century has a slight edge. But in terms of precision tools and smart integration, Ironwood excels.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The Century 885 is easy to use, with a straightforward interface that beginners will appreciate. However, its lack of ash and grease management upgrades means more manual cleaning after long cooks.

The Ironwood 885 includes a grease and ash management system that routes drippings into a bucket and helps keep the firepot cleaner. It also supports easy hopper clean-out, which is perfect for switching between pellet flavors without waste.

Verdict:
The Ironwood offers a smoother experience for cleanup and long-term maintenance.

Price and Value for Money

Here’s where it gets interesting. The Century 885 is often $500–$600 cheaper than the Ironwood, depending on where you buy it (usually Costco). If you’re looking for a large-capacity pellet grill with dependable performance and don’t need advanced features, the Century is a great bang-for-the-buck option.

The Ironwood 885, while pricier, justifies its cost with premium tech, better insulation, and enhanced smoking capabilities. For serious backyard chefs who value precision and flexibility, the extra investment may be worth it.

Verdict:
The Century 885 is more budget-friendly, while the Ironwood 885 is a better long-term investment for serious grillers.

Pros and Cons

Traeger Century 885

Pros:

• More affordable
• Includes front shelf and storage cabinet
• Simple and reliable operation
• Large cooking space

Cons:

• No WiFIRE or smart features
• No Super Smoke or downdraft exhaust
• Lacks hopper clean-out

Traeger Ironwood 885

Pros:

• Advanced WiFIRE connectivity
• D2 Direct Drive for faster startup
• Super Smoke mode and downdraft exhaust
• Superior temperature control and insulation
• Hopper clean-out for convenience

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Lacks built-in front shelf
• Heavier and less portable

Ideal Buyer: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose the Traeger Century 885 if:
  • You’re new to pellet grilling and want something large but affordable.
  • You value practical extras like a front shelf and storage.
  • You don’t need WiFi or high-tech features.
• Choose the Traeger Ironwood 885 if:
  • You love technology and want to control your grill remotely.
  • You smoke often and want better smoke penetration and flavor.
  • You grill in colder climates and need better insulation.

Final Verdict

Both the Traeger Century 885 and Ironwood 885 are excellent pellet grills but they serve different audiences. The Century 885 is perfect for those who want size, simplicity, and solid performance at a more accessible price. Meanwhile, the Ironwood 885 is built for grilling aficionados who demand precision, smoke control, and smart features that take their BBQ to the next level.

If budget isn’t a barrier and you love the idea of tech-driven grilling, go with the Ironwood 885. But if you’re looking to get the most cooking space and functionality for your dollar, the Century 885 is a rock-solid choice.