New Ironwood 885 Owner

[RM_SGO]

Just upgraded from a 3-yr old Home Depot Traeger (smaller size). So far pretty happy although I think I've read every post I can around the seeming lack of visible smoke to convince myself that my unit isn't defective. My old smoker seemed to put out much more white smoke.

Two questions:

1. While on the topic of smoke - any of you guys using a smoke tube to add to the overall smoke of the Ironwood? All this talk about clean blue smoke has me questioning whether I should continue using the smoke tube which definitely does not generate blue smoke

2. While the adjust-ability of the bottom rack is cool, Traeger seems to have under-designed the sear level set up. A bit difficult to get the grate in and out smoothly. Was thinking about buying another grate to simply keep positioned in the lower level so that if I want to sear I simply pull the other grate off and drop the meat down to the rack below. Can't seem to find replacement 885 racks available online though.... anyone seen them?

Thanks!

 

[jp9724]

Just upgraded from a 3-yr old Home Depot Traeger (smaller size). So far pretty happy although I think I've read every post I can around the seeming lack of visible smoke to convince myself that my unit isn't defective. My old smoker seemed to put out much more white smoke.

Two questions:

1. While on the topic of smoke - any of you guys using a smoke tube to add to the overall smoke of the Ironwood? All this talk about clean blue smoke has me questioning whether I should continue using the smoke tube which definitely does not generate blue smoke

2. While the adjust-ability of the bottom rack is cool, Traeger seems to have under-designed the sear level set up. A bit difficult to get the grate in and out smoothly. Was thinking about buying another grate to simply keep positioned in the lower level so that if I want to sear I simply pull the other grate off and drop the meat down to the rack below. Can't seem to find replacement 885 racks available online though.... anyone seen them?

Thanks!

I can’t comment on the searing issue as I haven’t tried in my IW885, however if I wanted to sear I would buy some grill grates which I intend to in the future for better searing.
As for smoke flavor, I use a smoke tube with almost every cook. But I want the added smoke flavor because to get the smoke flavor I want, I would have to cook at the lowest temp with super smoke for hours and hours. Welcome to the Ironwood club friend! ?