Pro 780 or ironwood 650

[Gchaney]

I currently have a kamado joe and love it but frequently find myself desiring convenience. I have come down to the pro 780 or the ironwood 650 based on my budget and local availability, can anyone provide some input one why I should pick one over the other?

 

[Murphy's Law]

I have the Pro 780 as a gift. If I were to buy one I’d get the IW 850 if it’s in the budget. I love the space on the 780 and wouldn’t want a smaller one, personally. That’s just my preference and may not be a big deal to you.

IW has the insulation on the lid and super smoke and if memory serves me right that is the big difference between the two series. The insulation would/could be good in cold weather and super smoke seems nice.

You can always use a blanket and a smoke tube on the 780 though. So I guess what I’m saying is how important is size and go from there.

 

[Timmy]

I purchased a Pro 780 June 2020. I was originally looking at the Pro 34 because that’s what we could afford. My wife talked me into getting the 780. And I’m glad I did. Personally I’m not a fan of the exhaust in the back but that’s just me. Others love there Ironwoods, but IMO I wouldn’t go with the 650 I’d go with the larger model. Bigger is better. Just my 2cents.

 

[CMTiger]

The biggest one you want to splurge for

 

[Lbeberdick]

I currently have a kamado joe and love it but frequently find myself desiring convenience. I have come down to the pro 780 or the ironwood 650 based on my budget and local availability, can anyone provide some input one why I should pick one over the other?

Consumer reports lists the Ironwood 650 as their #1 pick.

 

[Cajunman]

Ironwood 885. Bought the 650 and wish I had the 885. But the Ironwood line for sure. The control over the cooks and ability to control via app is worth it over the 780. Plus the insulation on the IW is amazing, huge improvement over my Lil Tex even with a blanket on it.

 

[CMTiger]

Ironwood 885. Bought the 650 and wish I had the 885. But the Ironwood line for sure. The control over the cooks and ability to control via app is worth it over the 780. Plus the insulation on the IW is amazing, huge improvement over my Lil Tex even with a blanket on it.

the Pro780 has the same controller. So you can monitor and control you grill from anywhere just like the IW. The IW insulation is better, has super smoke if you want it and has a pellet sensor....though that can be added to the Pro series.

 

[GrillMeister]

I've been cooking on Kamado style smoker/grills for over a decade and then out of a burn ban, bought a Traeger Junior just to be able to cook safely during a bone dry drought. I sold the Junior 2 years later and went with the Costco Century 22. Nice Traeger, but I could have used more room. I could have gone with a Timberline, but due to drain pan design flaws (my opinion) I went with the Ironwood 885. Been happy with having both available to me for whatever I need.

 

[TF_Member6575]

I purchased a Pro 780 June 2020. I was originally looking at the Pro 34 because that’s what we could afford. My wife talked me into getting the 780. And I’m glad I did. Personally I’m not a fan of the exhaust in the back but that’s just me. Others love there Ironwoods, but IMO I wouldn’t go with the 650 I’d go with the larger model. Bigger is better. Just my 2cents.

Yeah, back bottom exhaust with smoke up patio/deck. I like the Chimney