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There are a few different reasons that your Traeger is taking a while to ignite. The answer as to why ranges anywhere from an easy quick fix, to replacing it immediately.
Luckily, we’re here to help you decide where you are at in your ignition problem.
It could be that your igniter rod is dirty and needs to be replaced. Or, it could be that the pellets in your hopper have gotten wet and are “sticking” together. Either way, you’ll need to clean or replace your igniter rod.
Four screws hold the igniter rod in place. Remove these screws and the igniter rod will come out.
There is also a retaining clip that holds the igniter rod in place. This can be removed with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Once the retaining clip is removed, the igniter rod can be pulled out.
If your igniter rod is dirty, the easiest way to clean it is to soak it in a solution of vinegar and water for about an hour.
The amount of vinegar and water you use to clean a dirty Traeger igniter will depend on how dirty the igniter is.
If the igniter is only slightly dirty, you can use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water. If the igniter is very dirty, you may need to use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to water.
Then, use a stiff brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or debris.
You shouldn’t have to scrub too hard and the grime should be relatively easy to clean after the vinegar and water soak. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
If your pellets are wet, you’ll need to replace them. Traeger grills typically have a hopper located on the side of the grill, where you can add wood pellets.
The pellets are then fed into the fire pot, where they are burned to create heat and smoke.
To remove a hopper from a Traeger, first, disconnect the power source. Next, locate the two screws that secure the hopper to the firepot.
Remove these screws and lift the hopper off of the firepot.
Finally, empty any pellets that may be left in the hopper. Then pour in new pellets from a fresh bag.
Once you’ve replaced your clean igniter rod and/or fresh pellets, your Traeger should ignite more easily.
Traeger ignition time
The ignition time can vary depending on the model you have. The Pro Series 34 models don’t take too long to preheat, while the Texas Elite 34 models take a few more seconds.
So, if your Traeger is taking longer than about 40 seconds to ignite, something may be wrong.
One other thing to keep in mind is that cold weather can also affect the ignition time. If it’s particularly cold outside, it may take your Traeger a bit longer to preheat.
There are a few reasons why cold weather can affect the ignition time of your Traeger.
One reason is that the colder temperature can make the pellets harder to ignite.
Another reason is that the cold air can cause the igniter to work less efficiently. Lastly, if there is any moisture in the air, it can also make it harder for the igniter to work.
How long does it usually take Traegers to ignite
It can vary depending on the model, but most Traegers should take 15-20 seconds to preheat.
If your Traeger is taking longer than that to ignite, something may be wrong.
If you are experiencing any issues, try to ignite for 40 seconds. If nothing is happening, then it is time to see what’s wrong.
Why do some Traegers take a while to ignite
Some models of Traegers take a longer time than others to ignite for a variety of reasons.
The most common reason is that the model in question has a higher BTU output, which requires more time to heat the barbecue.
Other factors can include how well insulated the grill is and whether or not it has a stainless steel lining.
In general, however, most Traegers will take between 10 and 15 minutes to fully ignite.
How to make Traegers ignite quicker
There are a few things you can do to help your Traeger ignite quicker. First, make sure that your igniter rod is clean.
A dirty igniter rod can make it harder for the pellets to ignite. Second, try using a higher-quality wood pellet.
Higher quality pellets are easier to ignite and will produce less smoke. Lastly, if you live in an area with cold weather, try using a pellet that is designed for cold weather ignition.
These pellets are made of a material that ignites at a lower temperature, making them ideal for use in cold weather.
New Traeger taking a while to ignite
If you’ve just purchased a new Traeger, it’s normal for it to take a bit longer to ignite than an older model.
This is because the new models have stricter emission controls, which can affect the ignition time.
The Pro Series 34 models take about 15-20 seconds to preheat, while the Texas Elite 34 models take about 30 seconds.
Traeger slow ignition warning please check pellets
If your Traeger is taking a long time to ignite, you’ll see a warning message on the display that says “Slow Ignition Please Check Pellets.”
This means that the pellets in your hopper are either wet or dirty, and they need to be replaced.
The best way to do this is to pour out the old pellets, and then pour in new pellets from a fresh bag.
Once you’ve replaced the pellets, your Traeger should ignite more easily.
Traeger not igniting after cleaning
If your Traeger still isn’t igniting after you’ve cleaned it, there are a few other things you can try.
First, make sure that the pellets in your hopper are dry and not clumped together. If they’re wet or clumped, they won’t ignite properly.
You can try using a hairdryer to dry out the pellets, or you can pour them out and then pour in new pellets from a fresh bag.
Another thing you can try is adjusting the P-setting. The P-setting controls the rate at which the igniter rod heats up.
If your Traeger is taking a long time to ignite, you can try turning up the P-setting.
You can do this by pressing and holding the “P” button on the control panel for 3 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Traeger grills are some of the best on the market, and for good reason.
They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and they produce great-tasting food. However, like any grill, they can have their problems.
One problem you might encounter is that your Traeger is taking a long time to ignite.
This can be caused by several factors, from the type of pellet you’re using to the weather outside. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your Traeger ignite quicker.
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.