My new PTG

[muebe]

I got a box today...

Very well packaged...

Came fully assembled out of the box. Just had to install the handle...

continued...

 

[muebe]

continued...

 

[muebe]

Enough with the picture show. Time to test it out! Traeger in a Memphis...

Filled the 5 lb hopper with hickory pellets...

After 5 minutes we got smoke...

I let it run on high for 40 minutes to burn off the residue. Meanwhile I pulled out a dry aged rib-eye coated with greek seasoning...

Dome gauge reading on high...

Cooked the steak for 15 minutes...

continued...

 

[muebe]

Plated with a salad...

Close ups...

The steak was great!

My take on the initial cook is the grill got hot but I think for high temp grilling a controller change out is in order. And maybe some flame tamers and the drain pan removed. But this is no different than any other Traeger.

It is a little heavy but still manageable to carry. The lid has latches and the handle allows for carrying. Will be great for camping or tailgating. It can run off a 400W inverter so it is very portable.

I like that it came almost fully assembled. Just had to install a handle and then do the burn-in.

The reason I bought this grill was for camping. Between this and my Big Easy I should be able to eat like a king while camping

 

[dpom]

looks good what did it cost?

 

[Tatonka3A2]

That's exactly what we are looking at for camping as well... going to pay attention to see what you think of it a few months down the road. Congrats on the new goods!

 

[muebe]

looks good what did it cost?

They had it at introductory price of $249 total including shipping. It is now $299.

The portable Weber Q I was looking at was $200 and did not use pellets so I pulled the trigger

 

[dpom]

Not a bad price mak 2 # 1 on the list a good camp pellet grill #2.Hopefully Mak will have one by then!!

 

[Salmonsmoker]

Hey muebe, did you void your warranty with your first cook, or did you use Traeger pellets? What hogwash to hang a warranty on IMHO.

 

[TentHunter]

Very interesting design.

 

[muebe]

Hey muebe, did you void your warranty with your first cook, or did you use Traeger pellets? What hogwash to hang a warranty on IMHO.

Sure I used Traeger pellets

 

[Chili Head]

Awesome! I like it!

 

[Salmonsmoker]

Sure I used Traeger pellets

Really, Really?

I ran into one of the Traeger guys today at the local Costco(they're on display there right now) and asked him if he honestly thought that the Traeger pellets were soooo much better than others, and the unit would malfunction with other brands and if that warranty disclaimer was an honest way to do business? The reply....ahhh, well'a,hhhominna, hhhomina, hhhomina....

Yah, ok, fine...

 

[scooter]

Hard to beat that price.

 

[flypig]

According to the Moss-Magnusen Warranty act, they can't do this. If you require a specific fuel, oil or coolant, you must provide it for free in order for owners to maintain the warranty,

if that's what the manufacturer requires. A specific fuel to keep the warranty in effect, they have to provide it for free.

Magnuson

So If I buy one of these, can I get free pellets from them for the entire time I own it to maintain the warranty?

 

[muebe]

Flypig I like your thinking but personally would not use the Traeger pellets even if they were free

I used one bag on my first Traeger and although they burn real hot there was not much flavor from them.

 

[muebe]

Just got done installing a PID to my PTG

Now I can dial it in to hold temp within a few degrees or create swings for smoke!

 

[Ducaticraig]

I like your setup. Can you tell me all the parts you purchased to do this upgrade. I would love to do the same but do not know much about the PID setup.


Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

 

[muebe]

You will need...

The PID controller 1/16 DIN PID Temperature Controller (Built-in SSR output) [SYL-2372] - $46.50 : auberins.com, Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Thermocouple K type thermocouple 4probe, Smoker, Oven [TC-K3MM] - $11.95 : auberins.com, Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Panel mounted Thermocouple connector Panel mount connector for K thermocouple [TCCON] - $5.89 : auberins.com, Temperature control solutions for home and industry

I used the Molex connectors from my 3 speed controller. If you do not want to cut those connectors off the controller then you will need to purchase ones from Radio Shack.

This mod requires re-wiring your system and will void your warranty. If you are interested in doing this mod I can help you with the wiring and install. The PID needs to be programmed and I will need to do some testing with it before I have my final numbers. Each cooker has different numbers and a auto tune will get the PID dialed in for most cases.

This is a smart controller that learns your grill and will control the auger on and off in such a way that it can maintain very stable temps. It will also re-start the hot rod if the temp falls under 150F for example to restart the fire if it goes out.

The parts end up costing the same as the digital traeger replacement and it will run off an inverter without a problem unlike the 3 speed controller.

 

[muebe]

So I fired up the PTG with the new PID empty to get it calibrated. The thermocouple is located at the back of the grill just above the grate. I ran the auto tune and have had a +/- 10 degree variance at 350F. It has been maintaining temp for the last 1 1/2 hours