Masterbuilt Series 800 Vs Traeger Ironwood 885: BBQ Smoker Reviews

The quest for the perfect BBQ smoker often leaves enthusiasts torn between countless options. Today, we’re focusing on two heavyweights in the world of BBQ smoker reviews: the Masterbuilt 800-Series and the Traeger Ironwood. Both models have garnered significant attention for their ability to deliver exceptional flavor and cooking performance. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your BBQ journey, understanding the key differences between these two smokers is essential. In this review, we’ll delve into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to explore the world of BBQ smoker reviews as we pit these two giants against each other. 

BBQ Smoker Reviews: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Grill Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800

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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a versatile BBQ Smoker with digital control for precise grilling, smoking, and searing. Its gravity-fed charcoal hopper and included griddle make it a BBQ smoker reviews favorite. Enjoy delicious results every time. 

Key Features 

  • Versatility: Functions as a grill, griddle, and smoker, offering a wide range of cooking options. 
  • Digital Control: Temperature regulation for accuracy in the end product.
  • Gravity Fed System: Efficient charcoal management and even heat distribution. 
  • Large Cooking Area: Ample space for grilling, griddling, or smoking multiple dishes simultaneously. 
  • Additional Features: May include features like built-in thermometers, ash management systems, and side shelves for convenience. 

Pros 

  • Versatility: The ability to grill, griddle, and smoke on one unit saves space and money. 
  • Convenience: Digital controls make it easy to achieve desired temperatures without constant monitoring. 
  • Consistent Results: Gravity fed system promotes even heat distribution for consistent cooking. 
  • Flavor: Cooking food over charcoal gives it a special smoky taste. 
  • Large Cooking Area: Accommodates larger gatherings and multiple dishes. 

Cons 

  • Initial Setup: May require some assembly and learning curve for new users. 
  • Charcoal Management: Requires regular charcoal replenishment, especially for long cooks.  
  • Cleaning: Can be more time-consuming to clean compared to gas grills. 
  • Price: These grills usually cost more than the ones that use charcoal. 
  • Weight: Can be heavy and difficult to move around. 

Customer Review  

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a game-changer. With 4.0 stars out of nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s clear this grill delivers. The digital controls and app connectivity make it easy to set and forget any temperature, from smoking at 225°F to searing steaks at 700°F. Plus, the 800 square inches of cooking space, including the griddle insert, gives you incredible versatility for grilling, smoking, and griddling anything your heart desires. This is something that everyone who loves to cook outside should have!  

BBQ Smoker Reviews: Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

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The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a versatile smart pellet grill and smoker perfect for BBQ enthusiasts. This bundle, often praised in BBQ smoker reviews, offers precise temperature control, WiFIRE smart home tech, and Alexa integration for effortless grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and BBQ. It includes a cover and signature pellets for easy starts. 

Traeger Ironwood 885 Grill: What’s Good and What’s Not 

Features 

  • Versatility: You can grill, smoke, bake, roast, and cook slow food (like stews) all in this one machine. 
  • WiFIRE Technology: Control your grill remotely through the Traeger app or voice commands with Alexa. 
  • D2 Drivetrain: Heats up quickly, keeps a steady temperature, and makes food taste smokier. 
  • Temperature Range: You can cook at temperatures from 165°F to 500°F, giving you lots of control over your food. 
  • Construction: Insulated dual-wall construction for reduced temperature fluctuations. 
  • Capacity: 885 square inches of cooking space on two porcelain-coated steel grates. 
  • Other Features: Hopper clean-out, digital meat probe, cover, and signature pellets included. 

Pros 

  • Consistent and Delicious Results: Wood pellet grilling delivers consistent flavor and results. 
  • Versatility: You can cook many kinds of food on it. 
  • Convenience: Thanks to WiFIRE technology it is possible to control and monitor the process remotely.
  • Ease of Use: The grill is really easy to control. It has clear digital buttons that make it simple to adjust the temperature and cooking time. You don’t need to be a grilling expert to use it – anyone can figure it out quickly. 
  • Durability: Built to last with high-quality materials. 

Cons 

  • Price: Higher initial investment compared to gas or charcoal grills. 
  • Pellet Consumption: It might cost more to use this grill than one that uses gas or charcoal. 
  • Cleaning: Requires more cleaning than gas or charcoal grills. 
  • Size: Can be bulky for smaller outdoor spaces. 

Customer Review 

This Traeger Ironwood 885 has become my grilling gamechanger! With over 1100 reviews boasting 4.5 stars, it’s clear I’m not alone. Assembly was a breeze, and the WiFIRE app lets me control everything from anywhere. The best part? Super Smoke mode gives it a delicious smoky flavor, like food cooked in a wood-fired oven. Plus, the Alexa integration is a fun bonus for voice commands. This grill might cost more than others, but it’s worth it because it’s super easy to use and gives you amazing results every time. 

Conclusion 

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 and Traeger Ironwood 885 stand out as top contenders in our BBQ smoker reviews. Both models offer impressive versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, and more. The Masterbuilt excels with its charcoal grilling and griddling capabilities, while the Traeger delivers exceptional wood-pellet flavor with smart home integration. Based on our BBQ smoker reviews and user feedback, both models are excellent choices for elevating your outdoor cooking experience. The ideal option ultimately depends on your personal preferences and desired cooking style.