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As any Traeger owner knows, making perfect BBQ is using dry wood pellets. But what happens when your pellets get wet?
If you’re using fresh, green pellets, they can absorb up to 30% of their weight in water.
If your pellet bag says it’s 20lbs, you could be getting as little as 14lbs of actual pellets. Worse yet, wet pellets can cause your grill to malfunction.
How to Remove Moisture from Wood Pellets
Luckily, there are a few ways to keep your pellets dry:
- Ensure you store them in a dry place, preferably in a sealed container.
- Consider buying a dehumidifier for your pellet storage area if you live in a humid climate.
- If your pellets get wet, you can try to dry them out in the oven.
If you find yourself with wet pellets, the first thing you want to do is spread them out on a baking sheet.
Then, set your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually between 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit) and put the pellets in for about an hour. This will help to remove some of the moisture from the pellets.
Once they’re drying out, you can store them in a sealed container or bag until you’re ready to use them.
While there’s no guarantee that these methods will work for everyone, they should help keep your pellets dry and prevent any problems with your Traeger grill.
What Happens if Traeger Pellets Get Wet?
If you’re a fan of cooking with wood pellets, you may be wondering what happens if they get wet. While it’s true that water can damage wood, there are ways to protect your pellets from the elements.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all pellets are created equal.
Some brands are more resistant to water damage than others. If you live in an area with high humidity or frequent rainfall, it’s essential to choose a pellet that won’t swell or degrade when exposed to moisture.
Once you have suitable pellets, it’s essential to store them properly.
Pellets should be stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to consider keeping your pellets in a moisture-proof container.
If your pellets do get wet, you should remove them from the water and allow them to dry completely.
If the pellets are allowed to sit in water for too long, they may begin to swell and degrade. Once the pellets are dry, you can store them as usual.
In most cases, wet pellets can still be used for cooking. However, they may not burn as evenly or produce as much smoke as dry pellets.
Wet pellets may also make more ash than dry pellets. If you’re concerned about these issues, it’s best to use wet pellets only for grilling or smoking and reserve dry pellets for cooking in the oven or on the stovetop.
While it’s not ideal, wet pellets can still be used for cooking if necessary.
Just dry them thoroughly before storing them, and use them only for grilling or smoking. With a bit of care, you can enjoy cooking with wood pellets no matter the weather.
How to Clean Wet Pellets Out of Traeger Auger
If your Traeger pellets get wet, it’s essential to clean them out of the auger as soon as possible.
Wet pellets can cause rust and other damage to the auger, so it’s best to remove them as quickly as possible. Here’s how to clean wet pellets out of your Traeger auger:
1. Remove the pellet hopper from the grill.
2. Pour the wet pellets into a bucket or other container.
3. Use a shop vac or other vacuum to remove the wet pellets from the bucket.
4. Inspect the auger for any damage and clean it if necessary.
5. Dry the inside of the pellet hopper with a towel or paper towels.
6. Place the pellet hopper back on the grill.
7. Fill the hopper with dry pellets and resume grilling.
If you find that your Traeger pellets are getting wet frequently, you may want to try storing them in a sealed container or in a dry place.
Wet pellets can cause damage to your grill and affect your cooking, so it’s important to keep them as dry as possible.
Can I Use Pellets That Got Wet?
If you accidentally got your pellets wet, don’t worry; they can still be used if the proper measures are taken. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure that the pellets are completely dry before using them. If they’re even slightly damp, they won’t light properly and will produce less heat.
- Wet pellets will produce more smoke than dry pellets, so if you’re using them for smoking food, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as necessary.
- Wet pellets can clump together and cause issues with the auger, such as rusting, straining the motor, and faster wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Traeger Pellets are a great product, but they aren’t perfect. If you take care of them and keep them dry, they will last a long time.
However, if they get wet, they will start to degrade and won’t be as effective. If you are worried about your pellets getting wet, you can always store them in a sealed container or bag.
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.