Best early father gift Ironwood 885

[miguelb]

Hi All,

I just recently purchased the Ironwood 885 as an early Father's day gift. So far, I had nothing but great food going from sitting chicken, ribs, wings, chicken breast, burgers, brat, Italian sausage, homemade pizza (with pizza stone), pork butt, and just yesterday brisket (the ultimate goal for me). Everything was great in my opinion except for the brisket. It was my first one and it saw I need a lot of work (slow smoked over night at 180 degree started at 7:15pm, didn't wrap until 160 degree next day at 10:45am, then bump the heat to 250 degree and finish hitting the 203 degree after 18 hours and 35 minutes. The point was kind of dry. I didn't inject it nor did I add beef stock during wrap. I think those are two things I will aim to add.

I do want to ask about the "Grill Grates". I don't have any and would like suggestion for the Ironwood 885. I would like to get some searing especially on burgers, brats, and steaks. Any suggestions for types that works great for my grill.

Thanks a lot and it's great finding this forum. It's great seeing everyone suggestions on their cooks (time and temperature, etc).

 

[CMTiger]

What did you wrap in?

grates - https://www.grillgrate.com/

 

[miguelb]

What did you wrap in?

grates - https://www.grillgrate.com/

I wrapped it with butcher paper. I noticed that I didn't put enough paper because it ripped as I put the probe on it. I didn't want to rewrap it and I think that was a huge mistake as well.

Thanks for the link!

 

[miguelb]

Before wrapping.

 

[JamesB]

I wrapped it with butcher paper. I noticed that I didn't put enough paper because it ripped as I put the probe on it. I didn't want to rewrap it and I think that was a huge mistake as well.

Thanks for the link!

What did you use to check the internal temp, where did you place it in the brisket?

 

[miguelb]

What did you use to check the internal temp, where did you place it in the brisket?

I use both Traeger's probe, and Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling, Bluetooth Meat Thermometer Digital BBQ Cooking Thermometer with 4 Probes, Alarm Monitor Cooking Thermometer to monitor the temp then checked manually with KULUNER Waterproof Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer.

I seen many people have posted the Fireboard which I think it would be a good investment to get.

 

[miguelb]

What did you wrap in?

grates - https://www.grillgrate.com/

Thanks!!! I just ordered GrillGrate Sear Station for the Traeger Ironwood 650 & 885. I think this is the missing link. Just saw a few video and the burgers definitely looks like what I want to get out of my grill.

 

[Tim K]

Miguel, my wife surprised me with an Ironwood 885 for Christmas, I would never thought I would love or use something as much as I love my Traeger. As for the grill grates; I did just like you and ordered the sear station......they do a wonderful job of creating grill marks, but being OCD like I am, they can be a pain in the butt to get clean. If you soak 'me in hot dish water for a few minutes, or put them in the dishwasher, you should be just fine.
Let us know what you think of them once you've had a chance to use 'em,

 

[miguelb]

Miguel, my wife surprised me with an Ironwood 885 for Christmas, I would never thought I would love or use something as much as I love my Traeger. As for the grill grates; I did just like you and ordered the sear station......they do a wonderful job of creating grill marks, but being OCD like I am, they can be a pain in the butt to get clean. If you soak 'me in hot dish water for a few minutes, or put them in the dishwasher, you should be just fine.
Let us know what you think of them once you've had a chance to use 'em,

It's schedule to be here on Friday and looking to smash burgers on the flat side and brats on the other side. I will post to see how it turns out. Going to try your cleaning method as well.

Getting the gasket seal today. Not that I get a lot of heat leak but if figure why not add it. We are aiming to make 2 brisket on Father's day weekend.

 

[miguelb]

@CMTiger grill grates came in. Suggestions on seasoning before use? The manual says to use an onion.

 

[John S.]

I used an Onion, but since then a green pad with Traeger cleaner

 

[miguelb]

I used an Onion, but since then a green pad with Traeger cleaner

Do I first rub the onion then turn on the grill if so at what temp?

 

[JamesB]

Do I first rub the onion then turn on the grill if so at what temp?

Here is what GrillGrates says…
https://www.grillgrate.com/new-owners/