Traeger Pro 575 vs. Ironwood 650 Comparison Review
Traeger Pro 575 vs. Ironwood 650, what’s the best pellet grill to buy? Both models are very reliable and efficient and guarantee savory roastings. However, Ironwood is a better choice for several reasons that we will discuss in this article.
Pellet grills have so many advantages. They fit the bill if you want that smokey taste on your dishes and don’t care much about searing. Many pellet grill brands are on the market, with Traeger as one of the household names. Two of the popular models from the American brand are Traeger Pro 575 and Traeger Ironwood 650. The two share several features, but some differences should inform your purchase decision.
The main difference between the Traeger Pro 525 vs. Ironwood 650 is the cooking and hopper capacity, insulation, cooking modes, and exhaust. Traeger 575 offers less cooking space, has a smaller hopper, doesn’t have double wall insulation, and comes with a chimney exhaust. On the other hand, the Ironwood 650 is bigger, has a larger hopper, and comes with double insulated walls, Super Smoke Mode, and a downdraft exhaust system.
For more regarding how the two grills compare, read along.
Compaison Table
Traeger Pro 575
The Traeger Pro 575 has been around for a while, having been released in 2019. The grill makes grilling really simple and delivers tasty charr-flavors. Below are the pros and cons of this grill.
- It is versatile as it can grill, smoke, bake, braise, roast, or BBQ
- Best for searing as it can at least hit higher temperatures than Ironwood
- It comes with Smart WiFIRE Technology
- Includes a D2 drivetrain for quick start and heat up
- It comes with an ergonomic handle for enhanced mobility
- It doesn’t maintain low temperatures precisely
- Not suitable for searing steak as it uses indirect heat
Traeger Ironwood 650
The Traeger Ironwood 650 was also released in 2019 and has earned a spot in the list of the best pellet grills on the market. It is equally equipped and brings the best out of an average grillardin. Below are its pros and cons.
- It is versatile as it can grill, smoke, bake, braise, roast, or BBQ
- Double side-wall insulation for heat retention
- The Traeger downdraft exhaust system controls the smoke output
- It comes with a larger hopper and internal pellet fill-level sensor
- It features a smart WiFIRE technology
- Includes a D2 drivetrain for quick start and heat up
- Includes a side shelf with multiple tool hooks
- Produces less heat compared to the Pro 575
- Not suitable for searing steak
Traeger Pro 575 vs. Ironwood 650 Face-to-Face Comparison
To the main agenda, how does Traeger Pro 575 compare to Traeger 650? To help you make the perfect decision, we will compare all the crucial aspects, from the design and mobility to heating functions and convenience features. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Design and Aesthetics
The design is a critical aspect to consider when buying a grill. Make sure the grill’s design will allow the grill to fit at your preferred spot. In this section, we have compared the dimensions and weight of the two Traegers and their finish.
The Traeger Pro 575 takes the shape of your typical pellet grill. It is compact enough to fit tight spaces and has a sleek design. The dimensions of the Traeger Pro 575 are 27 x 41 x 53 inches, while the weight is 124 lbs.
The unit has two main parts, the grill itself and the stand. You can always detach the main grill from the stand if you have an alternative area to place it. It features an ergonomic handle that makes moving the unit a buzz.
Traeger Ironwood 650 is similar to the Pro 575 as it also has the traditional pellet grill design and has two main components; the grill and the stand. However, there is a difference in dimensions and weight, with the 650 having a smaller footprint but weighs a few more pounds.
The dimensions are 46 x 27 x 48 inches while the weight is 149 lbs. One thing we like about the Ironwood Series is the inclusion of a side shelf with multiple tool hooks for hanging your tools. The side shelf is detachable, but unfortunately, there is no handle.
2. Build Quality
You should also assess the build quality of the grill you want to buy. Remember, many brands outsource cheap materials that can’t take the abuse even for a year. When checking the build quality of a grill, find out which material is used. The best grill should be crafted from quality steel that can withstand heat and other outdoor conditions.
3. Assembly
Grills come in parts, so you will need to set them up before grilling your favorite ribeye steak or chicken. The assembly procedure varies from one grill to another, with some offering easy assembly while others are hard nuts to crack. Definitely, you want a grill that won’t stress you during assembly. So, which model should you go for here?
The Traeger Pro 575 comes in parts that need to be assembled. The first thing to do is to identify the parts and have a rough idea of where each part should go. Start by installing the legs and leg braces. Then attach the smoke stack and chimney cap as well as the side lift handles. Then install the interior components, hang the bucket on the side, and you are good to go.
For the record, you will have to season and burn the unit before grilling. There are plenty of guides and tutorials to help you assemble the unit. The assembly should take you anything between 20 and 30 minutes.
The Ironwood 650 is also shipped in parts, so you will have to assemble the unit. Assembling the unit is easy and should take 20 – 30 minutes, as is the case with the Pro 575. Here again, you will first have to set up the legs and leg braces and then place the main grill on it and install the interior parts.
Once you have fixed the grills, attach the bucket, and you are good to go. Before the first grilling session, season and burn the 650.
4. Mobility
You won’t be using your grill on the patio only. You can move it to the backyard or elsewhere. There are times you will also have to move it to clean the area. That said, you need to think of the mobility of the grill on your wishlist. Go for one that is easy to maneuver, be it on smooth, muddy, or rugged terrain.
If you frequently like to change your grill’s position, the Pro 575 will be the best option as it is lighter and has an ergonomic handle to help you push the unit.
Talk of pushing, the Traeger 575 comes with two rugged all-terrain wheels that swiftly roll on any surface. There are also casters that lock the wheels at your designated spot.
The Traeger 650 is similar to the 575 as it also comes with two rugged all-terrain wheels that can pass on any surface, whether flat surfaces or rugged backyard terrain. Unlike the 575, it also comes with two small wheels with caster locking.
But there’s a catch. The Traeger Ironwood 650 doesn’t come with a handle for pushing the unit and is slightly heavier.
5. Heating
Perhaps the most important consideration is heating. Here you need to ask yourself several questions. What fuel does the Traeger use? How does it ignite? What technologies and convenience features have been incorporated? What’s the maximum temperature the grill can hit? Can you monitor and control the temperature? Heating is an important aspect, a deal maker or breaker.
The Traeger Pro 575 is a wood pellet grill. It can’t use charcoal. Wood pellets are the best if you want higher fuel efficiency and that deep smoky flavor. One cool feature of this grill is TurboTemp which bolsters startup times and helps the grill to recover much faster after opening the lid. The maximum temperature is 500°F or 260°C. At the heart of this grill’s heating system is a D2 Direct Drive platform for stoking the fire.
Another interesting feature is the WiFIRE and D2 Controller, which make operation simpler. There’s a small display, a selection knob, and an ‘ignite’ button. The D2 controller uses a PID algorithm to offer 5-degree temperature adjustments. The D2 controller also allows you to balance the temperature in the grills to within +/- 5 degrees of the set temperature.
WiFIRE technology, on the other hand, allows you to monitor and control the temperature from a smartphone app. You can also sync the unit with voice assistants such as Alexa. From its picture, you will notice that the Pro 575 has a smokestack chimney.
The Ironwood 650 is also a wood pellet grill, it can’t use charcoal. It has also been engineered with TurboTemp, a technology that enhances startup times and facilitates the grill’s recovery after opening the barrel’s lid. But one difference is the maximum temperature.
While the Traeger Pro can hit 500°F or 260°C, the Ironwood’s maximum temperature is 450°F or 233°C. This model also tags along with WiFIRE and D2 Controller. With WiFIRE, you can control and monitor the temperature via the smartphone app or even connect the grill to Alexa. As for the D2 Controller, the Ironwood has the same features as the Pro 575 plus some extras.
Besides the display, selection knob, and ‘ignite’ button, the Ironwood has a timer button and buttons for ‘standby’ and ‘keep warm’ modes. There’s also the Super Smoke Mode button, which fills the internal grill chamber with more smoke for that thicker and more robust smoke flavor. The 650 has preset temperatures and timers, a feature the Pro 575 lacks. One last difference here is that while the Pro 575 has a chimney, the Ironwood 650 comes with a downdraft exhaust vent for maximum smoke flavor.
6. Grill Features
The grill is a core component that can also determine the quality of the dishes grilled. When selecting the best pellet grill, it’s essential to ascertain the grill size and its features. Besides, check the material used to make the grill.
The Traeger Pro 575 comes with two grilling racks. The main one is 418 square inches, while the secondary rack at the top is 154 square inches. The total space is 572 square inches. Both racks are made from quality porcelain.
Regarding what it can handle, you can comfortably prepare 25 hamburgers, 4 pork butts, 5 chicken, or 4 rib racks at once. If you want low-capacity grilling, it’s the best bang for the buck. For your convenience when grilling, the Pro 575 has a built-in meat probe so you can always check your food without opening the grill top.
- Main Grill Size: 418 square inches
- Secondary Grill Size: 154 square inches
- Total Grill Size: 572 square inches
- Capacity: 25 hamburgers, 4 pork butts, 5 chicken, or 4 rib racks
The Traeger Ironwood 650 also comes with two grilling grates made from quality porcelain material. The main grill has an area of 418 square inches, while the second rack is 231 square inches. With the Ironwood 650, you get a total cooking space of 649 square inches, so it’s the best option if you want to prepare more meals.
You can prepare 30 hamburgers, 6 pork butts, 8 chicken, or 5 rib racks in one go. One thing we like about the 650 is the double side-wall insulation which enhances heat retention. This model also comes with the inbuilt meat probe.
- Main Grill Size: 418 square inches
- Secondary Grill Size: 231 square inches
- Total Grill Size: 649 square inches
- Capacity: 30 hamburgers, 6 pork butts, 8 chicken, or 5 rib racks
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use the Traeger Pro 575 in the rain?
2. Which Traeger is top of the line?
3. What happens if Traeger pellets get wet?
4. How far away does Traeger need to be from the house?
5. Is Traeger Pro 575 big enough for brisket?
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks, a Traeger Pro 575 vs. Ironwood 650 comparison review. So, what’s the best choice? Well, the Traeger Pro 575 is a great option as it comes with most of the standard features and delivers excellent heat for even grilling. The unit is also more affordable.
On the other hand, the Ironwood 650 is pretty expensive but worth every penny as it is bigger, comes with a clever downdraft exhaust system, a more versatile control panel, better heat retention capability, Super Smoke Mode, internal pellet fill-level sensor, and side shelf with multiple tool hooks. Check out the latest Traeger deals and discounts to snap your favorite pellet grill at the best price.
