Preparing for my first Traeger

[PEllis04]

Howdy, new here.

I've run a RecTeq 1250 for a couple years. I can just say it's been good, not great. For a variety of issues I won't get into, I'm going to replace it.

I'm really looking at the newer Ironwoods. They have so many of the features of the Timberline at half the price. So many reviews make it sound like it's just a solid and reliable piece of equipment. I already run 2 Meater 2+ probes, and will likely guy grill grates for searing.

Thoughts? Accessories I should consider?

Thanks!

 

[RustyJake]

My only advice, read, read and read again about the pros and cons of any brand you select. Pick the one that has the cons you can live with. Chances are you won't have any issues. But in the event you do, you were informed and knew how to rectify it or knew you could live with it.
Just do.some searches with the 'brand/model' and 'problems' online and get a feel for what is being mentioned.
I have an Ironwood 650, and aside from being a bit small for me, it performs exactly as I expected and there aren't any real performance issues. Cosmetic issues, yes, but nothing I can't live with. Lots of great information here as well as some very helpful people. We have a great community here, hopefully you get the information you are seeking

 

[midwest]

I have to family members with Rec Tecs and to me they seem to be an overall upgrade compared to my Pro 780. Heavier duty overall. Granted I've not used the Ironwood so I can't say how it compares to that. I was going to buy a Rec Tec but I ended up with a gift card that allowed me to buy my 780.

 

[RayClem]

One of the biggest issues with Traeger grills is thermometer inaccuracy. Since you already have Meater probes, that should take care of that issue. I have an Ironwood 885, not the new Ironwood XL. The only issues I have had have been with the temperature readings. Once I learned not to trust the Traeger temperatures, all has been well.

 

[Mikeradio]

I have the Ironwood XL and love it. Everything I cook on it is at 200 to 225 low and slow. I find at that temps the Traeger temperatures and probes are fairly accurate. I just did a 16 hour brisket and it turned out amazing.

 

[RayClem]

I have the Ironwood XL and love it. Everything I cook on it is at 200 to 225 low and slow. I find at that temps the Traeger temperatures and probes are fairly accurate. I just did a 16 hour brisket and it turned out amazing.

Like you, I find that my Ironwood 885 temps are more accurate at low temps than at higher ones. If I set my controller to 225, the actual temp will be between 210F. However, I have to set the controller to 450-475F to achieve an actual temp of 400F.

If you are trying to achieve a 203F final temp in your brisket, you better be certain that the actual chamber temp is not at 200F or you will never get there.

 

[midwest]

My friends with RT's and Pitts and Spitts both have similar issues with factory probes. I don't think that issue is Traeger specific. Like others above, mine are really closed under 300, the higher I get over that the further off it gets. Which for me usually isn't an issue. The only time I get much over 300 is when I am doing burgers or certain steaks. For those I don't really care how hot it is, as long as it's hot. On long low cooks I still use my Inkbird though, just in case.

 

[Slimpicker]

Howdy, new here.

I've run a RecTeq 1250 for a couple years. I can just say it's been good, not great. For a variety of issues I won't get into, I'm going to replace it.

I'm really looking at the newer Ironwoods. They have so many of the features of the Timberline at half the price. So many reviews make it sound like it's just a solid and reliable piece of equipment. I already run 2 Meater 2+ probes, and will likely guy grill grates for searing.

Thoughts? Accessories I should consider?

Thanks!

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