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Traeger grills are a popular choice for backyard cooks and grillers alike. But how long does it take for the Traeger to ignite? And what makes ignition take so long?
There’s no definitive answer to how long it takes for a Traeger to ignite, as it can vary depending on the model you have and the weather conditions. However, it tends to take around 10-15 minutes on average.
Why Does Traeger Take So Long to Ignite?
A few factors can contribute to the length of time it takes for a Traeger to ignite.
The most important one is the temperature of the grill.
The pellets will not light as quickly if it’s too cold outside. In addition, if there’s too much moisture in the air, it will also take longer for the grill to ignite.
Another factor affecting ignition is the type of pellets you’re using. Some types of pellets are harder to light than others.
So, if you’re using a kind of pellet that’s harder to light, it will naturally take longer for Traeger to ignite.
Why Isn’t My Traeger Igniting?
A few things could cause your Traeger to not ignite. The first thing you should check is the chimney.
Make sure that it’s clean and clear of any obstruction.
You should also make sure that the airflow is correct – the air intake and exhaust should be precise. If they’re not, you’ll need to clean them or adjust them as needed.
The next thing to check is the igniter. Ensure that it’s working correctly and that there’s power going to it. If it’s not, then you’ll need to replace the igniter. Over time, they will go bad, and it is easy to replace them by following these steps:
- Remove the grilling grate and the heat deflector.
- Remove the three screws that hold on the cover of the igniter.
- Disconnect the wires from the old igniter.
- Connect the wires to the new igniter.
- Put everything back together and test it out!
Finally, check the gas flow. Make sure that the gas is turned on and that the valve is open. If it’s not, then you’ll need to adjust the valve.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your Traeger is still not igniting, it may be time to call in a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
Call Customer Service and see if they can help you over the phone before getting a technician out to your place. They may have a remedy for your situation that may be simple to repair. If not, then get professional assistance.
How Do I Know if My Traeger is Igniting?
There are a few ways to know if your Traeger is igniting. The most obvious way is to look at the lit-up hopper.
If it is glowing orange, the grill is heating up, and the igniter has been turned on. You can also listen for a clicking noise. This clicking noise is the igniter turning on and will mean that the grill is heating up. Finally, you can smell gas.
If you smell gas, the grill has ignited, and you can start cooking. It is critical to make sure the grill is heating up. If not, you have a severe problem with the gas leaking without the flame.
Turn it off immediately and seek professional assistance.
Smelling gas is not always the best way to check to see if the grill or smoker is lighting or not because, with or without the flame, you will smell the fumes.
Depending on how hot your grill needs to get before it starts cooking, it could take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes for the igniter to turn on.
So, if you don’t see any change after a few minutes, give it a little more time.
You should start to notice a difference in heat temperature within a few seconds, but the temperature you seek to cook may take a while longer. It is critical to know the difference.
How Do I Get My Traeger to Ignite?
You can do a few things to speed up the ignition process on your Traeger grill.
First and foremost, make sure your grill is nice and warm before trying to ignite it. In addition, use good quality propane when lighting the grill. Finally, try using a different type of pellet that’s easier to light.
Once your Traeger grill is up and running, you’ll be able to cook some fantastic meals for your friends and family.
Although ignition can take a bit of time, it’s definitely worth the wait. The wait sometimes makes the food taste better for those who are eager and hungry. Perhaps, this is why Traeger made these products with that in mind, as an excellent way to anticipate the experience.
Final Thoughts
There is no definite answer to this question, as the time it takes Traeger to ignite will vary depending on your model and the settings you use.
However, as a general rule, it should take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes for your grill to heat up to cooking temperature.
So, if you’re in a hurry, be sure to start preheating your grill well in advance!
Timing is everything in cooking, and though it takes a bit longer, the first bite of food will make it worth the effort and waiting time.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.