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If you’ve noticed smoke coming from the pellet box on your Traeger grill, it’s likely due to a buildup of creosote or ash in the firepot. When the firepot is clogged, it can cause the pellets to smolder and produce excess smoke, which then escapes through the pellet box.
If your traeger smoker is producing smoke from the pellet box, it could be due to an airflow issue. Check the fan and other components to ensure they are functioning properly.
To fix this issue, start by turning off your grill and allowing it to cool completely. Next, remove the grates and drip tray to access the firepot. Use a wire brush or scraper to clean out any creosote or ash buildup from the firepot and surrounding areas. It’s important to remove all debris to prevent future smoke from escaping through the pellet box.
After cleaning the firepot, check the hopper for any large clumps or obstructions in the pellet feed. These can cause inconsistent feeding and result in excess smoke. If necessary, remove any obstructions and clear out the hopper.
Also, make sure you are using high-quality pellets that are designed for use with Traeger grills. Low-quality pellets can produce more ash and cause additional smoke.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Traeger grill can help prevent excess smoke from the pellet box and ensure optimal performance. If the issue persists after cleaning, it may be worth reaching out to Traeger customer support for further assistance.
What is The Pellet Box
The pellet box is an essential part of a traeger grill that holds the wood pellets used for smoking and grilling. Without it, you won’t have smoke or heat, rendering your grill useless. It holds around 15 pounds of pellets and consists of a hopper, auger, and hot rod.
Some common issues with the pellet box can include jamming, bridging, or misfeeding. These problems can be caused by improper pellets, moisture, or poor maintenance. To avoid these issues, make sure to use high-quality pellets and keep the pellet box clean and dry.
With this useful information, you’re now better equipped to understand your traeger’s pellet box and keep it in good working order.
Troubleshooting
1. Check for Creosote Buildup in the Firepot
If you’re noticing smoke coming from the pellet box on your Traeger grill, the first thing to check for is creosote buildup in the firepot. When there’s too much buildup, it can cause the pellets to smolder and produce excess smoke, which then escapes through the pellet box. To fix this issue, turn off your Traeger grill and allow it to cool completely.
Remove the grates and drip tray to access the firepot. Use a wire brush or scraper to clean out any creosote buildup from the firepot and surrounding areas. It’s important to remove all debris to prevent future smoke from escaping through the pellet box.
2. Check the Pellet Hopper
Another cause of excess smoke from the pellet box could be an obstruction in the pellet hopper. Check for any large clumps or obstructions in the pellet feed that could be causing inconsistent feeding and resulting in excess smoke. If necessary, remove any obstructions and clear out the hopper.
3. Check the Quality of the Pellets
Low-quality pellets can produce more ash and cause additional smoke. Make sure you’re using high-quality pellets that are designed for use with Traeger grills. Look for pellets that are made from 100% hardwood, without any fillers or additives. Using low-quality pellets can also cause damage to your Traeger grill over time.
4. Check the Temperature
If you’re experiencing excess smoke from the pellet box, it could be due to a low-temperature setting. When the temperature is set too low, the pellets may not burn completely and can produce more smoke. Try increasing the temperature by 25-50 degrees and see if that helps to reduce the smoke output.
5. Check the Fan
Check the fan on your Traeger grill. If the fan is malfunctioning, it can cause an imbalance in the airflow and result in excess smoke. Make sure the fan is clean and free from any obstructions. If the issue persists, it may be worth contacting Traeger customer support for further assistance.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Traeger grill can help prevent excess smoke from the pellet box and ensure optimal performance. If you’re experiencing consistent issues with excess smoke, it’s important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible to prevent damage to your Traeger grill.
Preventive Care
Preventive care is vital when it comes to maintaining your Traeger smoker. Regular maintenance is necessary for keeping your pellet box clean and preventing contamination.
1. Regularly clean out the ash and residue from the pellet box to avoid any build-up.
2. Use high-quality pellets to ensure that there is no contamination and that the smoker produces clean smoke.
3. Keep the lid of the pellet box closed when not in use to prevent any foreign objects from entering. It is also advisable to clean the smoker’s exterior and interior regularly.
4. Cover your smoker when not in use to protect it from the elements and prolong its lifespan.
Related: 7 Best Charcoal Smoker Boxes [2023]
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes My Traeger To Produce Smoke From The Pellet Box?
Smoke coming out of the pellet box may be caused by pellets that are in contact with moisture, pellets not igniting correctly, or a poorly functioning auger.
How Can I Prevent Smoke From The Pellet Box In My Traeger?
Some ways to prevent smoke from the pellet box include ensuring the pellets are not exposed to moisture, using high-quality pellets, and checking the auger for proper operation.
What Can I Do If My Traeger Is Producing Smoke From The Pellet Box?
You can try removing the pellets and inspecting the area for any signs of damage or blockage. Also, try replacing the pellets and see if the issue persists.
What Kind Of Pellets Should I Use In My Traeger To Prevent Smoke From The Pellet Box?
Use high-quality pellets that have been stored in a dry place to prevent excess moisture and decrease the chance of smoke coming from the pellet box.
Conclusion
After reading various testimonials and trying out different methods, it can be concluded that smoking from the pellet box is a common issue with traeger grills. However, there are some solutions to fix the problem. Slight modifications to the grill, such as regularly cleaning the pellet box or replacing the auger motor, can make a significant difference.
Using high-quality pellets and avoiding moisture can prevent future smoke issues. Remember to keep an eye on the grill temperature to ensure proper functioning.