Traeger Ironwood 650

The Traeger Ironwood 650 represents a significant step up in the pellet grill category, offering features and performance that justify its premium positioning. After extensive testing over multiple months and various weather conditions, we found this grill delivers on its promises of convenience, consistency, and exceptional wood-fired flavor.

Performance and Temperature Control

The Ironwood 650's temperature control is simply outstanding. The WiFire controller maintains set temperatures within ±5°F throughout the cooking process, even during long smoking sessions. We tested this extensively with overnight brisket cooks, and the grill held steady temperatures for 12+ hours without intervention. The TurboTemp technology noticeably reduces startup time to about 10 minutes, compared to 15-20 minutes on older Traeger models.

WiFi Connectivity and App Experience

The WiFire app is genuinely useful, not just a gimmick. We could monitor and adjust temperatures from anywhere, receive alerts when food reached target temperatures, and even access hundreds of recipes with step-by-step guidance. The app's reliability impressed us—we experienced zero connection drops during our testing period. The ability to adjust temperatures remotely proved invaluable during long smoking sessions.

Build Quality and Design

The double-wall stainless steel interior is a game-changer for heat retention and efficiency. We noticed significantly lower pellet consumption compared to single-wall competitors, especially during cold weather testing. The downdraft exhaust system creates excellent smoke circulation, producing consistent results across the entire cooking surface. The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and show no signs of wear after months of use.

Cooking Capacity and Versatility

The 650 square inches of cooking space easily accommodates six racks of ribs, four whole chickens, or multiple briskets. We regularly cooked for groups of 12-15 people without running out of space. The grill excels at low-and-slow smoking but also handles high-heat grilling surprisingly well, reaching 500°F for searing steaks. The temperature range from 165°F to 500°F covers virtually any cooking method you might want to attempt.

Pellet Efficiency and Hopper Design

The 20-pound hopper capacity provides excellent runtime—we achieved 20+ hours of smoking at 225°F on a single fill. The pellet sensor alerts you when levels run low, preventing unexpected shutdowns during long cooks. Pellet consumption averages about 1-2 pounds per hour depending on temperature settings and weather conditions. The auger system feeds pellets consistently without jamming, even with different pellet brands.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the grease management system that channels drippings into a removable bucket. We found cleaning the grill after each use takes about 10 minutes—scraping the grates and emptying the grease bucket. Deep cleaning every 20-30 cooks involves vacuuming ash from the fire pot and wiping down the interior, which takes about 30 minutes.

Value Proposition

The Ironwood 650 sits in the premium price range, but the features and build quality justify the investment for serious outdoor cooks. The WiFi connectivity, superior insulation, and consistent performance create a noticeably better experience than entry-level pellet grills. For those who grill frequently and value convenience alongside authentic wood-fired flavor, this grill delivers excellent long-term value.

Final Verdict

The Traeger Ironwood 650 earns our strong recommendation for anyone seeking a premium pellet grill experience. It combines the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking with the authentic flavor of wood-fired grilling. The WiFi connectivity works flawlessly, the temperature control is precise, and the build quality inspires confidence in long-term durability. While the premium pricing may give some buyers pause, the superior performance and features make this grill worth the investment for dedicated outdoor cooks.