We strive to provide you with authoritative, trustworthy, and expert advice. In doing so, the staff at bbqdropout.com performs extensive research, editing, and fact checking to every post on this webiste. If you feel that this article can improve, please feel free to reach us at staff@bbqdropout.com
As the temperature outside starts to drop, many people turn to their Traeger grills or smokers to help them keep warm while cooking.
However, many people find that their grill or smoker is not reaching the desired temperature.
This can be frustrating, especially when you want to cook something nice and slow. So what’s the deal? There are so many reasons that can cause the temperature to drop inside the grill.
There is often a simple fix, and it does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your Traeger.
We will go through the troubleshooting process and help you develop solutions to the issue.
Why is My Traeger Under Temperature?
There are several reasons why the temperature may drop in a Traeger. Listed are the main reasons that may need repairs or simply a change of cooking habits or location.
1. Location: If your grill is near a wall, the temperature will be lower than if it was in an open space. Make sure that you have your grill in a location where it can circulate air well.
2. Exhaust: If the exhaust is not clear, the smoke and heat will not be able to escape and will cause the temperature inside the grill to drop. Make sure that you keep the exhaust clear and free of any blockages.
3. Maintenance: It is essential to keep up with the maintenance of your grill or smoker. This includes cleaning out the ashes and grease, checking for loose parts, and making sure that all vents are clear.
4. Age: As grills and smokers age, they may start to run colder. If your grill is older than a year or two, you may need to replace it.
5. Ambient Temperature: The ambient temperature will also affect the temperature of your grill or smoker. If it is frigid outside, the temperature inside the grill will be cooler. Try cooking in warmer weather if this is the case.
6. Wind: If there is a lot of wind, it can also blow the heat away from the grill and cause the temperature to drop. Try to find a location for your grill sheltered from the wind.
7. Type of Grill/Smoker: Not all grills and smokers are created equal. Some run hotter or colder than others. If you have a Traeger grill or smoker, familiarize yourself with the temperature range that it runs at.
How Do You Fix a Low Temp on a Traeger?
If you have determined that your grill or smoker is under temperature, there are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some tips:
1. Check the Vents: Make sure that all vents are clear and open. You may also want to try closing some of the vents to see if it will help raise the temperature.
2. Check for blockages: Make sure that there is no ash or grease build-up in the exhaust or on any of the grill parts. This can cause the temperature to drop.
3. Clean Out the Grill: Clean out the ashes and grease from the grill. This will help to raise the temperature.
4. Check the Temperature Settings: Make sure that the grill is set to the correct temperature. If it is too low, you may need to adjust it higher.
5. Use a different type of fuel: If you are using charcoal, try using hardwood instead to see if it will help raise the temperature.
6. Try a Different Location: If all of these tips do not work, try moving your grill to a different location where it may run warmer.
7. Replace Parts: Some parts on the grill may need to be replaced if they are not working correctly. This includes the igniter, the thermal fuse, or the heat sensor.
8. Contact Customer Service: If you have tried all of these tips and your grill is still under temperature, contact customer service for assistance.
Not Opening the Lid
This one, unfortunately, is on the cook. We know how bad we want to look inside the grill or smoker and let our mouths water as we look at that excellent food cooking.
However, doing so drops the temperature dramatically when opening the lid. Try your best to keep the top closed.
Making Sure the Traeger Has Enough Pellets
If you have determined that your grill or smoker is running under temperature and all of the above tips have been tried, the issue may be with the fuel.
Ensure that you have enough pellets in the hopper to run at the desired temperature. You could also try using a different type of pellet to see if that will help raise the temperature.
What is the Lowest Temperature on a Traeger?
The lowest temperature on a Traeger is 165 degrees.
Checking the Thermometer on the Traeger
The last thing to look into when troubleshooting is the thermometer. It may be giving a false reading. If that is the case, then replace the thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Even with the best precautions, sometimes your Traeger grill or smoker may run under temperature. This can be caused by various factors, such as the weather, the type of grill or smoker, or the number of pellets in the hopper.
Contact customer service for assistance if you have tried all of the tips listed above and your grill is still not running at the desired temperature.