Pro 575 or Ironwood 650?

[Thorasta]

Are the features of the Ironwood 650 worth double the price? (supersmoke and convection seem to be the primary two 'upgrades')
Can I get a beautifully smoked and barked brisket on the Pro? (I would be okay with a slower cook to achieve desired results).

Wife is okay-ish with the PRO pricetag. Not okay with the Ironwood pricetag. Would it be worth taking the heat for the Ironwood?

By any random chance has anyone used both of them?

 

[Timmy]

This is the last one i did, was on my Pro 780 which is big brother to the Pro 575.

 

[Timmy]

Here it is after slicing.

 

[bfletcher]

I haven't used both but here's another possible way to contemplate this: consider all the users of cookers like offset, barrel, Weber Smoky Mountain smokers and even Kamado type units and the folks whom smoke on their Weber Kettles. These devices have zero electronics in their stock configurations. Many of the folks who compete use these and win big. I use several of these varieties and love eating the food that comes off all of them.

If I were in your shoes, so long as the PRO controller is reliable--and I suspect it is--I would go for the unit whose pricing is mutually agreeable. If there happens to be something about the smoke taste on the PRO that isn't quite favorable then you could add a smoke tube for a boost, which some folks use even with their Ironwood or Timberline series.

Good luck!

 

[Jim G]

I went from electric smoker, to a SmokeFire and now a 885. I decided on the 885 because of the electronics. Having full control offsite is amazing. The Timberline grease management reminded me too much of the SmokeFire.

 

[Thorasta]

I ended up getting the silverlight 810 at Costco, 100 more than the ironwood, but has the insulation of a timberline and a lid that doesn't have sealing issues - - which I didn't know existed when I originally wrote this.
I did the burn in - and am currently doing the chicken challenge. 157 degrees on the probe, Three to go!

 

[Thorasta]

Hmm. Probe said 160. I pulled it and I was only able to stick it at 150. Lesigh. Wife says leg isn't pulling off easily enough, so that's a skill I need to learn.

 

[Timmy]

Hmm. Probe said 160. I pulled it and I was only able to stick it at 150. Lesigh. Wife says leg isn't pulling off easily enough, so that's a skill I need to learn.

I would invest in a good instant read themometer. I would recommend the Thermopen MK4, it is top of the line.

 

[Thorasta]

I would invest in a good instant read themometer. I would recommend the Thermopen MK4, it is top of the line.

hehe, that's exactly the conclusion I came to. I've heard that one named several times - Amazon, here I come!

 

[Timmy]

hehe, that's exactly the conclusion I came to. I've heard that one named several times - Amazon, here I come!

I bought mine direct from Thermapen..

Thermapen® ONE

Specializing in cool, unique and professional temperature tools. Super-Fast thermocouples, thermistors, infrared thermometers, data logging and more.

www.thermoworks.com

 

[Thorasta]

oh. my. god. THE WINGS ARE JUICY AND CRUNCHY AT THE SAME TIME!

 

[Thorasta]

I bought mine direct from Thermapen..

Thermapen® ONE

Specializing in cool, unique and professional temperature tools. Super-Fast thermocouples, thermistors, infrared thermometers, data logging and more.

www.thermoworks.com

weird, cheaper there than on amazon. Thanks!

 

[Thorasta]

Ok. I'm a Traeger guy now. Best chicken I've ever had. Roasted veggies were perfect, and I pretty much ignored them and only stirred them once.

 

[Timmy]

Congrats! It looks delicious!!

 

[jamorris64]

hehe, that's exactly the conclusion I came to. I've heard that one named several times - Amazon, here I come!

Buy direct through Thermoworks.com Usually cheaper than Amazon and they have sales on a regular basis.