If you’ve been on the hunt for a grilling experience that marries convenience with serious wood-fired flavor, the Traeger Ironwood XL might just be your answer. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill backyard grill. It’s like the big, dependable truck of grills—sturdy, powerful, and ready to tackle any grilling or smoking challenge.
With tech-savvy features like WiFIRE connectivity and Traeger’s Super Smoke mode, the Ironwood XL is a step up for those looking to add some smoky magic to their weekend BBQs. Let’s break down whether it’s worth parking this grill in your backyard.
First Impressions & Setup
Right out of the box, the Traeger Ironwood XL is a beast. It’s not the kind of grill you casually toss around—this thing means business. Its sleek, black finish and robust construction scream durability, and with 925 square inches of cooking space, this isn’t just a grill—it’s a command center for outdoor feasts.
But let’s talk setup. Now, assembling this bad boy isn’t exactly a quick job. You’ll want to recruit a friend, offer them a cold drink or two, and set aside a good chunk of time. It’s not that it’s hard, just… time-consuming. Traeger provides all the tools you need, so there’s no need to grab anything from your own toolbox. Resist the temptation to swap in your fancy socket wrench—stick to what’s provided to avoid stripping any screws.
Once you’ve got it standing tall, the WiFIRE setup is smooth sailing. Just connect it to your Wi-Fi, making sure you’re on the right network (trust me, stick to 2.4 GHz for this one). The app walks you through the process in a matter of minutes, including a software update before you can officially fire it up. Easy peasy.
Key Features
Large Cooking Area
The Ironwood XL boasts 925 square inches of grilling space, which is basically a dream for anyone who enjoys hosting big gatherings. You can easily fit multiple racks of ribs or a whole mess of burgers on this thing without running out of room. Plus, there’s a top rack that adds even more real estate if you’re cooking something like corn on the cob while your main meats smoke below.
WiFIRE & App Connectivity
One of the stand-out features of this grill is the WiFIRE technology. Traeger’s app allows you to control your grill from anywhere—whether you’re checking the temperature while lounging inside or adjusting settings during a run to the store.
The app itself is packed with recipes, cooking tips, and features that let you monitor pellet levels and even turn the grill off remotely. It’s like having a sous chef in your pocket. There’s also a Super Smoke mode that delivers more intense smoky flavor for those who want to really embrace that wood-fired taste.
Super Smoke Mode
This feature is where the Traeger really flexes its muscles. Super Smoke Mode pushes out extra smoke into the chamber, giving your meats that signature pink ring and deep flavor. Whether you’re smoking a brisket or a few pork shoulders, this mode takes the smokiness up a notch. It’s perfect for low-and-slow cooking.
Temperature Range & Control
With a temp range of 165°F to 500°F, the Ironwood XL can handle both smoking and grilling, though it’s definitely more of a smoker at heart. For those moments when you want a good sear, the grill reaches up to 500°F. However, it’s worth noting that it takes its time getting there, especially compared to traditional propane grills. If you’re looking for quick heat, this might not be your best bet, but for low and slow cooking, it nails the consistency.
Insulation & Efficiency
Traeger made sure to pack in some solid double-wall insulation on this model, and it shows. Even when cooking in cooler weather, the Ironwood XL holds its heat like a champ, with minimal fluctuations. The exterior stays cool to the touch, which is a nice bonus if you’re like me and don’t want to risk singeing your arm hair every time you check the grill.
Performance
Smoking & Low-and-Slow Cooking
Let’s be clear: the Traeger Ironwood XL shines when it’s set to low and slow. In testing, it consistently maintained steady temperatures, making it perfect for smoking larger cuts like brisket or pork shoulder. The Super Smoke mode delivers deep, flavorful smoke, while the grill’s PID controller ensures that temperatures stay consistent throughout the cook. Whether you’re smoking at 225°F or 275°F, this grill gets the job done without constant babysitting.
Grilling
As a grill, it’s competent, but don’t expect it to replace a propane setup if high-heat searing is your thing. Sure, it can hit 500°F, but it takes a little longer to get there. Burgers and chicken breasts came out great, but if you’re trying to nail the perfect sear on a steak, you might find yourself waiting longer than expected.
The Super Smoke mode does enhance the flavor of even your faster cooks, though, so if you’re after flavor more than speed, it’s still a solid option.
Pellet Consumption
Pellet grills tend to eat through pellets, and the Ironwood XL is no exception. On longer smokes, you’ll want to keep an eye on the pellet levels, especially during cold-weather cooks. The pellet sensor does help, giving you real-time updates on the app, so you’re never caught off guard.
Ease of Use
Traeger has designed the Ironwood XL to be user-friendly, even for beginners. The touchscreen controls are intuitive, and the app makes monitoring your cook effortless. Adjusting temperatures, switching to Super Smoke, and setting timers can all be done without even getting up from your lawn chair. This level of convenience takes a lot of the guesswork out of grilling and smoking, so you can focus on what really matters—eating.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Here’s where things get a little trickier. While cleaning the grates is fairly straightforward—just soak them in soapy water and scrub—the inside of the grill can be a different story. There’s no disposable drip tray for the Ironwood XL, so after several cooks, grease and ash will build up in the interior. A little elbow grease is required to keep it looking good. The grease and ash bucket system does make disposing of waste easier, though.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
The Traeger Ironwood XL is a powerhouse for anyone serious about smoking, with just enough grilling capacity to handle everyday BBQ needs. While it might not be the best choice for those who need fast, high-heat grilling, it’s a smoker’s dream, delivering consistently excellent results with little fuss. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pitmaster, the Ironwood XL is ready to step up your game.
Dustin Barnard is the editor-in-cheif at Urban Heavenly, a platform dedicated to making homes more beautiful and functional. With a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, Dustin shares practical advice, innovative ideas, and DIY tips to help homeowners transform their spaces into personal sanctuaries.