Rate of pellet consumption in a Traeger

[pz]

Anyone know how many hours of burn I can expect from a bag of pellets with the cooker set at 225F?  I'm planning my first packer brisket this weekend and think that I'll likely need to go through the night based on some of the cook times I've seen posted.

[sparky]

a 20lb bag @ 225° should last ya at least 15 hours. 

[pz]

Perfect - thanks sparky 

[teesquare]

It may vary somedepending on how cold or how hot the outdoor temperature is, and if you have any wind-chill concerns....But I would use Sparky's numbers for a"temperate weather conditions" frame of reference.

[sparky]

np buddy.   

[pz]

Thanks guys - I'm guessing that I'll likely consume more because it is supposed to go down into the 40s

[sparky]

try and keep it out of the wind if possible.  that will help w/ pellet usage. 

[pz]

Thanks I will - need to find a corner to tuck it in

[muebe]

A welding blanket laid over the top of the cooker can help retain those temps and lower pellet consumption during cold overnight cooks.

[pz]

Thanks, muebe - I remember you mentioning that trick in the Uuni post.  I don't have one, but before my son became a big rig driver, he was a welder.  He might have one I can borrow. 

[squirtthecat]

Oak based pellets will give you better BTUs than the Alder based ones.  Just depends on the brand of pellets you are burning.

Ditto on the welding blanket.

I average around a pound per hour with my MAK and Traeger for cold overnight cooks..

[TentHunteR]

Like Squirt said, Oak-based pellets are more efficient.  I also average about 1 pound per hour on the MAK & Stoven both (give or take - depending on ambient temp).

A note about the welding blanket.  Be absolutely sure you don't cover any vents.

[veryolddog]

I am not so familiar with the Traeger as I am with the Yoder Pellet Smoker. Check your handbook on the Traeger Controller settings for an answer to this question on burning in colder weather. In the Yoder handbook, there are different settings that can be established on start up to feed pellets at a faster rater in order to achieve and maintain higher heat levels especially in colder outside temperatures. You will use more pellets, of course, but have more consistency in maintaining the temperature that you are setting.

A welding blanket from Harbor Freight is also a good idea.

Ed

[pz]

Excellent info, gents - much appreciated! You probably saved me from making mistakes that might have caused a cooking disaster - would hate to waste a good packer