My name is Dean and I am a pellet smoker, new to forum

[hogrider13]

I have a question about temperature. I bought a Traeger "Lil" Texas Elite last year and had some great success using it. It sat out over the winter with some pellets in the hopper. This spring and summer I noticed that when on high it wouldn't reach any temperature above 360 degrees. I called Traeger and they stated that the pellets probably absorbed moisture over the winter and to try a fresh bag of pellets. I put in a fresh bag (unopened) which was stored in the garage, same issue. Called back Traeger and CS stated their is a freshness date on the pellets. Looked at fan, cleaned out burner already. Anyone experience this issue with their Traeger. If this is correct then you can't buy pellets in bulk when prices are lower. Thanks sorry for the long post.

 

[scooter]

Welcome to PS.com Dean!

I owned a Lil Tex and never had a problem with it in the 4 months I owned it before selling it at a loss and buying a MAK 2 Star. I've never heard of being able to buy pellets in bulk. I've only found them in bags.

 

[hogrider13]

Scooter thanks for responding. By buying in bulk I meant buying multiple bags of pellets at one time, usually four, to get a discount on price or free shipping.
Dean

 

[Big Poppa]

OK this is just a poor customer service experience.....when pellets get moisture they expand and turn to powder. The Traeger I had rarely got over 350...with grill grates I could make it work. Some people ad fire bricks to it....Traegers just dont get very hot ....all cookers are hotter when new aftrer cooking there is a coating that is good but it starts to limit the heat.

 

[TentHunter]

I've purchased pellets in bulk and Big Poppa is right on. I had two bags that got wet (from sitting in a small puddle of water after snow melt) which was evidenced by swollen pellets that crumbled. Even after removing the swollen pellets, those two bags just didn't burn right. Otherwise I've never had a problem with pellets bought in bulk.

Now having said that, it sure doesn't hurt to try a fresh bag of pellets. It's not like they'll go to waste.


You might want to try a different brand as well. The Oak based pellets seem to consistently work best; Oak ensures good BTU's and a clean burn with low ash production.

I've tried a few different brands, and always come back to BBQer's Delight as my go-to brand because I always get great results.

 

[hogrider13]

OK this is just a poor customer service experience.....when pellets get moisture they expand and turn to powder. The Traeger I had rarely got over 350...with grill grates I could make it work. Some people ad fire bricks to it....Traegers just dont get very hot ....all cookers are hotter when new after cooking there is a coating that is good but it starts to limit the heat.

Thanks Big Poppa. I currently have fire bricks inside to try and keep the temp steadier. When the Traeger was new the temp would get to 425 degrees.Dean

 

[Big Poppa]

yep they all do. you are experiencing what most of us that started with a traeger do... amazed at the food and then get frustrated with the temp swings ande the inability to get as hot as we would like