180 or 225?

[LarryF]

So my Traeger fluctuates between 190 on smoke and 225 on the next setting. It fluctuates 10 to 20 degrees on each. If I want 200 to 210 as me ideal temp which setting would you go with? I know getting a new rig is the answer. Soon enough. I am looking for what I should keep on smoke and what is not as sensitive on a higher setting.

 

[HoDeDo]

Do a two stage cook, several hours at 180, then kick it up to 225. Or there are some aftermarket controllers you can purchase for Traegers that have a little more flexibility on temp.... or you can put a PID in there and good thermocouple, and get tighter temps.

 

[LarryF]

I work in a electrical supply house. Our standard PID solution would run about $300.00. I am not opposed to doing that, but if I could find a cheaper solution I would. A coworker and fellow Traeger owner suggested a low tech solution. He suggested that I set it at the higher 225 temp and put a wadded up ball of aluminum foil under the lid to create a bit more airflow and lower the temp a bit. Does anyone see a problem with doing this?

 

[firehouse_bbq]

The problem with the "Smoke" setting on the traeger, is that the outside elements dramaticlly impact the temp. You could adjust the "P" setting on the controller to try and dial it in, but to be honest, if you want to cook at 210, then set it at 225 and let it be.

Just my two cents.

Pete

 

[HoDeDo]

BP, I am posting a link to PID controller, similar to what I used on my Traeger Smokehouse. I think buying it, a waterproof thermocouple, and the proper relay for the auger and was under $100. I don't think this is something that would be in competition with anything you sell, but feel free to moderate the link if you dont want it here. PID on Amazon

Or you could just cook at 225

 

[bbqslayer]

I say sell the Traeger and buy something that's already figured out. Why spend a bunch of money and time and possibly have a failure. I bet after you caniblize it it won't be worth nothing to.

 

[LarryF]

I say sell the Traeger and buy something that's already figured out. Why spend a bunch of money and time and possibly have a failure. I bet after you caniblize it it won't be worth nothing to.

You make a good point. I am just going to have to save up for my next investment and cook with 225 for the mean time.