Ironwood 885 Methods For More Smoke Flavor

[Blask159]

Hi everyone,

I bought an Ironwood 885 several months back and so far have 'buyers regret'. I previously used a Weber Smokey Mountain for all of my bbq smoking and still think it's a great smoker and that there's a night and day difference between it and the Traeger. On the Weber, I always kept the temp 225-250 and got a good smoke flavor. On the Traeger, I've tried several cooks set at 225 with super smoke running the whole time but the smoke flavor is very minimal and I can't tell a difference between regular mode and super smoke. Does using the Traeger at a lower temp, such as 165, help at all with the smoke flavor? I've only tried Traeger pellets so far and haven't tried smoke tubes either. Is there a way to get a good smoke flavor, even though it won't be as strong as charcoal, without having to invest in more accessories or is the Traeger really that overrated?

 

[JayHog]

I've used a WSM for years and understand your frustration. There is a way to make the Ironwood smoke similar (or better) than the WSM. You've got to use a smoke tube with wood chips.

Here is a whole discussion about smoke tubes.... https://www.traegerforum.com/threads/smoke-tubes.2593/page-3#post-35166

Basically, if you want the traditional (BBQ joint) smoke flavor on your meat, you'll want to use a smoke tube filled with about 80% WOOD CHIPS and 20% wood pellets. Pack it down well as you fill it and it will stay lit for 3-4 hours. I've read that meat will only take about 3.5 hours of smoke, so let it smoke the whole time.
Some of us are also experimenting with charcoal pellets instead of wood pellets. It's an ongoing discussion.

I've recently noticed that putting the lit end of the smoke tube towards the back of my Ironwood seems to make a difference in terms of it staying lit. I tried it facing the front and it was hard to keep it lit. More air moving in the back?

Bottom line is that the smoke from burning wood pellets (compressed sawdust) doesn't taste like the smoke from actual burning wood (wood chips). So, the smoke tube adds the traditional smoke you might be after.

Good Smokin'