Now that the Traeger Ironwood Gen 2 has hit the market, its time for me to produce an updated article on my Ironwood vs Timberline comparison. The latest Ironwood models share very similar designs/features to the latest generation of Timberline models. While the Timberline models do have some additional features, they are also notably more expensive. Therefore the question is, are the Traeger Ironwood models actually providing better value?
Table of Contents
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Introduction To The Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline Gen 2
So as is hopefully clear from the titles/my comments above, this article is focused on comparing the second-generation versions of both the Ironwood (Gen 2) and Timberline (Gen 2).
It would appear Traeger is going to keep selling the first-generation models for some time, and they are notably cheaper.
Therefore, my Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline Gen 1 article is still applicable as well.
Right, let’s get into comparing the features of the Ironwood vs Timberline models. As a starting point, I’ve included below the promotional video for each model.
So after watching the two quick promotional videos above, you may have noticed several similarities/differences yourself. Well, let’s next clarify them with the tables below.
Ironwood vs Timberline
| Features | Ironwood (Gen 2) | Timberline (Gen 2) |
| Total Cooking Area | 616 sq.in | 880 sq.in |
| Main Grate | 396 sq.in | 396 sq.in |
| Cooking Surfaces | 2 | 3 |
| Hopper Size | 22 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Insulation | Fully Insulated | Fully Insulated |
| SS Internals | No | Yes |
| EZ Clean | Yes | Yes |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Range | 180-500 | 180-500 |
| Induction Hob | No (Optional) | Yes |
| Super Smoke | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| WiFire (WiFi) | Yes | Yes |
| BT Meat Probe | Yes | Yes |
| Lower Cabinet | No | Yes |
| Kitchen Integration | No | Yes |
| Typical Price | $1,800 | $3,500 |
Ironwood XL vs Timberline XL
| Features | Ironwood XL (Gen 2) | Timberline XL (Gen 2) |
| Total Cooking Area | 924 sq.in | 1,320 sq.in |
| Main Grate | 594 sq.in | 594 sq.in |
| Cooking Surfaces | 2 | 3 |
| Hopper Size | 22 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Insulation | Fully Insulated | Fully Insulated |
| SS Internals | No | Yes |
| EZ Clean | Yes | Yes |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Range | 180-500 | 180-500 |
| Induction Hob | No (Optional) | Yes |
| Super Smoke | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| WiFire (WiFi) | Yes | Yes |
| BT Meat Probe | Yes | Yes |
| Lower Cabinet | No | Yes |
| Kitchen Integration | No | Yes |
| Typical Price | $2,000 | $3,800 |
Ironwood vs Timberline Differences & Similarities
After browsing the tables above, you should have noticed quite a few similarities but also a couple of differences, the prices obviously being one of them, and we’ll get to that later.
First, we’ll look at the cooking areas of the corresponding Ironwood and Timberline models.
Cooking Areas & Functionality
So in the tables above, you will note that the Timberline models do indeed provide a larger cooking area than their Ironwood siblings. However, not at the main grate.
The main grate sizes are identical between the respective Ironwood and Timberline models. The larger cooking area is due to an additional cooking rack on the Timberline models.
If you look at the images above, you will notice that the Timberline models have a slightly taller lid to accommodate the third cooking rack.
In terms of temperature range, though the Ironwood and Timberline models are identical at 180 to 500 degrees, they both feature the same touchscreen control panel.
What the Timberline models do have, which the Ironwood models don’t as standard, is the Induction cooktop on the left side self. This induction hob can be used for searing off steaks etc.
However, the Induction cooktop will be made available to Ironwood owners at some point as a retrofit option. At this moment though, we don’t know what the price will be for the retrofit hob.
Insulated Cooking Chambers & Stainless Steel
In my Ironwood Gen 1 vs Gen 2 article, I discuss that I think the best feature of the new Ironwood models is their fully insulated cooking chamber.
In this regard, the Gen 2 Ironwood models and the Gen 2 Timberline models are the same.
They both feature full insulation, which reduces pellet consumption and provides more consistent temperatures across the cooking grates.
Where the latest Ironwood and Timberline models are different, however, is the cooking racks in the Ironwood models (and the grease tray) are porcelain enamel-coated steel. Whereas the Timberline features stainless steel internal components.
Do I think the stainless steel internal components of the Timberline are superior? Yes. However, as we’ll discuss below, you’ll end up paying a steep premium for them.
Lower Cabinet & Outdoor Kitchen Integration
One of the most obvious differences when looking at the Ironwood and Timberline models is that the Ironwood models feature a lower cart, whereas the Timberline feature a lower cabinet.
However, there is another associated difference. Timberline models can be modified for integration into an outdoor kitchen setup.
For me, this distinction between the Ironwood and Timberline is the most significant. If you do want to integrate your Traeger pellet grill into an outdoor kitchen, the Timberline is the model to go with.
But what if you don’t want to integrate your Traeger pellet grill into an outdoor kitchen? When you stack up the similarities and differences between the models, which provides the better value?
Ironwood vs Timberline – Which Is The Better Value?
Ok, let’s presume for a second you won’t be integrating a Traeger into an outdoor kitchen where the Timberline is the obvious choice. Let’s put that to one side.
As a refresher, the price difference between the smaller Gen 2 models, the Ironwood ($1,800) and the Timberline ($3,500), works out at $1,700. Which is a good chunk of change.
On the larger models, the Ironwood XL ($2,000) and the Timberline XL ($3,800), the difference works out a little more at $1,800, a significant amount of money.
For $1,700 to $1,800, there are differences between the Ironwood and Timberline. The most notable is the Timberline benefits from stainless steel internals and the induction hob.
But are those differences worth an additional $1,700 to $1,800? Personally, for me, not at all. As a result, on the Traeger value scale, I think the cheaper Ironwood models are the better buy.
Final Thoughts On The Ironwood vs Timberline…
There was a price difference previously with the Gen 1 Ironwood vs Gen 1 Timberline models. However, it was nowhere near as significant as the price difference between these Gen 2 models.
As these new Gen 2 Ironwood models are so similar in many regards to their Timberline siblings, I think its only those who do wish to integrate a Traeger into an outdoor kitchen where the Timberline is the choice.
That’s obviously not to say I think these Ironwood models are the best models on the market for their respective price points. I’ve got to update my comparison articles to determine that.
My point is, for those people who only wish to consider a Traeger pellet grill/smoker, in this Ironwood vs Timberline comparison, I think its pretty clear the Ironwood models provide the better value.
That’s it! I hope you found the comparison tables and my comments above useful. As always, if you want to browse more of your options, check out my Pellet Grill/Smoker Guide. 🙂
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