Ironwood 885 vs Timberline 850

[rivahgal]

New to the Traeger world, but excited to upgrade! I have read the many posts about the 885 vs 850, and it was generally thought that the 850 perks were mostly gimmicky and didn't justify the additional $700. From what little I can tell, I would agree with that. However, there is a sale on the 850 that puts it $100 LESS than the 885. Now it's a tough call. I would really appreciate any pearls of wisdom.

 

[CMTiger]

I’ve always thought from reading (owning neither) that the ironwood was superior to the timberline without even considering the price. The 1300 made sense only because of the space.

 

[CMTiger]

The Ironwood doesn’t have a front shelf though and that’ll cost you an additional $80.

The Timberline doesn’t have an included shelf…..but it looks pretty slim

 

[YYCRed]

The Ironwood doesn’t have a front shelf though and that’ll cost you an additional $80.

The Timberline doesn’t have an included shelf…..but it looks pretty slim

You would be better off saying that the Timberline has an included "shelf" - it's only wide enough for a closed pair of tongs. Several TL owners (myself included) have added our own folding shelf to make it usable.

That is my only real complaint about the TL. Living in Canada, I do love the double-wall construction that the Ironwood doesn't have. And, because my dog is a pain in the butt when it comes to the grill, the hidden grease trap is a must for me. No exposed bucket for him to slurp out of.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, really, but I would go with the Timberline if I was to do it again.

 

[rivahgal]

Just throwing it out there... the Timberline 1300 is only 100-200 more than the 885 during this sale. That's another option. Not that we need that space all the time, but when we do... it's there.

 

[rivahgal]

I would like to know if it's possible to redo the puny front shelf with a larger folding shelf, though.

 

[YYCRed]

I would like to know if it's possible to redo the puny front shelf with a larger folding shelf, though.

It certainly is possible. @RemE was the first that I saw posted, and I used his post as my starting point: Timberline folding shelf

 

[YYCRed]

Just throwing it out there... the Timberline 1300 is only 100-200 more than the 885 during this sale. That's another option. Not that we need that space all the time, but when we do... it's there.

And this is why I went with the 1300. I don't often need all that space, but if I need it once and don't have it? That's a problem. And I have done 3 briskets at the same time once, so it paid off.

 

[rivahgal]

Thanks so much! Have you had any issues with grease fires on you 1300? Not that I will be using it at high heat much - if at all. I have a gas grill for that.

 

[YYCRed]

Thanks so much! Have you had any issues with grease fires on you 1300? Not that I will be using it at high heat much - if at all. I have a gas grill for that.

I have had no grease fires, and I do have a gas grill for steaks/burgers, etc. I don't often go above 375F.

Happy Traegering!

 

[rivahgal]

Just to confuse matters... someone has recommended the Recteq RT-1250. Any thoughts on that in comparison to the 1300? Perhaps I should start another thread.

 

[rivahgal]

I should add that they're essentially the same price $1600-$1700.

 

[YYCRed]

Just to confuse matters... someone has recommended the Recteq RT-1250. Any thoughts on that in comparison to the 1300? Perhaps I should start another thread.

I have no experience with Recteq, so I can't weigh in on this.

 

[Oryx]

has anyone compared the smoke flavour of the T-line vs the Ironwood? I have the 1300 and a pro -22. I will be honest, I find the Pro-22 a better profile.... and debating on selling the 1300 for the smaller ironwood.

 

[caper11]

The stack style grills give off a better smoke, I personally believe it’s because of the lack of insulation inside.
My pro 22 gave of much better smoke than my IW 885.