Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline (Gen 1)

I’ve previously made a Traeger Pro vs Ironwood comparison where I discussed the differences in specific detail. This is the same scenario again. However, we’re discussing when (and when not) upgrading from an Ironwood model to the Timberline range will provide the user with good value. If you’re not aware, though you probably are, the Timberline models are the highest-specification Traeger grills to date. However, there is quite a jump up in price from an Ironwood model to a Timberline. So we’re going to look at what the differences are and when/if upgrading to a Timberline will be worth it to you.

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Something important to note is this comparison regards the Gen 1 Timberline and not the Gen 2 Timberline models, which are very different and much more expensive.

IMPORTANT: I have a separate article comparing the Ironwood Gen 2 vs Timberline Gen 2 models. So check that out if you are looking for the latest Traeger models.

Introduction To The Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline

Before I get into discussing the similarities and differences between the Traeger Ironwood and Timberline models, I wanted to highlight the key features and price points of each model in the table below.

This way, when I’m discussing specific models below you have a reference for which model I’m talking about and its price in relation to the other models.

After all, that’s the point of this article, to help you determine if spending an additional $500 to $600 on a Timberline model will provide you with value.

In terms of the ‘Typical Price’ figures above, I’ve referenced them directly from Traeger’s website which you can check by clicking the button above.

Ironwood vs Timberline Small Differences and Similarities

In many ways, Ironwood and Timberline models are very similar. For instance, they both use Traeger’s latest direct current (DC) variable speed motors for the pellet auger and combustion/induction fan, which Traeger has branded as D2 Direct Drive.

Furthermore, all Ironwood and Timberline models are fitted with the same PID control panel with a 180 to 500-degree temperature range which incorporates Traeger WiFire and the ability to monitor and adjust the grill from a smartphone. You can also watch video recipes within the app and download cooking settings to the grill.

Unlike the Traeger Pro Series, all Ironwood and Timberline models have the patented Traeger Downdraft exhaust, which I’m a big fan of for creating a more even temperature within the cooking chamber.

The Downdraft exhaust also helps to mover evenly distribute smoke around the cooking racks more than a typical pellet grill chimney stack.

There is a small difference in the hopper capacity, with Ironwood models holding 20 lbs of pellets compared to the Timberline models, which can hold 24 lbs.

A difference of 4 lbs is small by anyone’s standards, however, as I’ll discuss below, in some situations, it can actually be more significant than you may think.

Ironwood vs Timberline Grilling Areas

You may be under the impression that paying an additional $500 to $500 for a Timberline over an Ironwood model will get you more of everything.

Well, not necessarily, more features yes, more cooking area overall yes, a larger grilling area?

Well, when you looked at my Ironwood vs Timberline comparison table, you may have noticed I provided the size of the main grate separately from the total cooking area.

As you can see, while the Timberline models provide the larger overall cooking area, they don’t provide the largest main grate for grilling/searing.

This is a classic example of why I frequently discuss on this website to look at pellet grill/smoker specs closely.

Marketing departments will draw your attention to the overall cooking area. However, that can give the impression that all types of cooking areas are larger.

Here is an example where that’s not the case, with the smaller/cheaper grill providing a larger main grilling area.

Hence, if you spend most of your time cooking burgers and steaks in the summer months, a cheaper Traeger Ironwood could provide you with more value than a Timberline model.

Ironwood vs Timberline Twin-Wall Construction

While both the Ironwood and Timberline ranges feature twin-wall insulated construction, there is a notable difference. Ironwood models are only sidewall insulated, whereas Timberline models are fully insulated.

Hence, on an ironwood model, more heat is lost through the lid, rear and lower cooking chamber than that of the Timberline models.

What that ultimately means is pellet usage will be higher on Ironwood models compared to Timberline models.

As a result of the differences in twin-wall construction, if someone asked me which is the better pellet grill/smoker for using in the winter months, I would say easily a Timberline.

It would also use fewer pellets during other seasons as well to a lesser extent.

However, you obviously have to pay a premium for a Timberline grill, so does the lower pellet usage justify the $500 to $600 price premium?

Eventually, yes, but how long that payback would take would obviously depend on how frequently the grill was used.

Though I will also note, a twin-wall insulated cooking chamber like the downdraft exhaust above helps to create more even cooking temperatures across the racks.

Therefore, along with reduced pellet consumption, you are also getting better-cooked BBQ at the same time.

Ironwood vs Timberline Use Of Stainless Steel

While the Ironwood models may feature a stainless steel side self, they do not feature any other stainless steel components.

Timberline models, on the other hand, feature a full 304-grade stainless steel cooking chamber lining and also 304-grade stainless steel cooking racks.

The first advantage of stainless steel that comes to mind is corrosion resistance, and that is indeed a benefit.

The interior of the cooking chamber is obviously a hot and humid environment which stainless steel is better suited for than other materials.

Another benefit of stainless steel internals is they are easier to clean and you’re not concerned about damaging a surface finish with vigorous cleaning etc.

For example, the porcelain coating on the carbon steel wire racks in the Ironwood models will eventually fail and come off.

However, its important to note a Traeger Timberline is not a full-stainless steel pellet grill. Hence, the vast exterior of the grills is powder-coated mild steel.

Therefore, ideally, to keep it looking its best, a Traeger Timberline, like an Ironwood, would not be left outside.

Conclusions On Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline

So what are my final thoughts about if you’re looking for a premium Traeger whether you should choose an Ironwood or Timberline model?

Well, it really all comes down to when and how frequently you intend to use the grill/smoker.

If you will pretty much exclusively use the Traeger in the Summer months for cooking burgers, steaks, chicken wings etc, I would probably advise sticking to the more affordable Ironwood models.

As shown above, they actually offer larger grilling areas compared to their Timberline siblings.

However, if you intended to focus more on smoking larger cuts of meat and using the grill all year round, then that’s where the full-twin wall stainless steel lined cooking chamber is going to pay dividends.

A Timberline model will use fewer pellets and produce more consistent BBQ.

That’s it! Thanks for reading, I hope you found the above comparison interesting useful.

If you would like to learn more about you’re wider pellet grill options, I would encourage you to check out my Wood Pellet Grill Guide. 🙂

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