My new pellet grill shut down after 5 minutes - and no manual!!!

[Bluesman Bill]

Thanks for the guidance.  I disconnected the ignitor and fired it up on the smoke setting.  I got concerned when it shot up to @ 450 degrees.  But then it started dropping and leveled off @ 150.  I jacked it up to 250 - watched it fire up to @ 400 again and then level off.

So it's clearly an issue with the ignitor and will be reaching out to Academy for a replacement.

Thanks for you help everyone!

[Smokin Soon]

Bill, how long did you leave the lid up after starting the pellets?

[Bluesman Bill]

I actually left the lid down when I lit them.  I did open it several times to check it during the 30 minutes I had it burning.

Should I have left it open?

[Smokin Soon]

Next time leave the lid open for 10 minutes after a flame is established and see what the results are. I think it will be more stable.

[Bluesman Bill]

That makes more sense - venting will help it stay a bit more steady.  Thanks for the tip!

[muebe]

That controller will overshoot temps quite a bit when raising the temperature. Then it will level off after a few minutes. By leaving the hood open when you start it that will help keep it from overshooting too much.

Glad you got it figured out

[squirtthecat]

Yeah, it will take some getting used to, but it will settle in.

I usually start my Traeger on 'smoke' with the lid shut, go inside to prep whatever I'm cooking, and then come back in 20 minutes or so.

[Bluesman Bill]

Hey everyone - things are looking up here with my new pellet grill.  Academy Sports sent a manual and a new hot rod within.  I was able to replace it with about 30 minutes of contortionism and cussing and now it starts on its own. 

I've managed to smoke two turkeys, some wings and chicken breasts.  Everything has turned out great so far.  I would like to see more smoke, but we can't argue the flavor!

I'm finding the temp from the thermostat on the door is more reliable and runs a little hotter than the thermostat inside the cook chamber - and all the way to one side.  Tends to run a bit hot - but that's workable. 

[squirtthecat]

The dome thermo will read higher, as the heat is pooling up there before it heads out the stack.

I usually split the difference between the 2 and call it good.

Many of us added an AMAZN tube pellet smoker for that 'extra' smoke.  (especially when running at a higher temp for poultry, etc.)  They work great, and don't take up much space on the grill.


Sounds like you are getting dialed in!

[Bluesman Bill]

Good recommendation on the smoke tube.  Will definitely put that on my list for Santa!

Made my first round of boston butts last week and had plenty of smoke.