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As any avid BBQer knows, smoke is an essential ingredient in the grilling process.
It adds flavor and depth to food that can’t be replicated with other cooking methods.
And while all Traegers come with a built-in smoker box, some models also feature a smokestack.
So what’s the difference between a Traeger with a smokestack and one without?
The main difference is in the amount of smoke produced.
A Traeger with a smokestack produces more smoke than one without, thanks to the extra ventilation provided by the stack.
This means that foods cooked on a Traeger with a smokestack will have a more prosperous, smokier flavor.
So which is better?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
If you want a more robust smoky flavor in your food, go for a Traeger with a smokestack.
If you prefer a more subtle flavor, go for a model without a stack.
No matter which Traeger you choose, you’re guaranteed to end up with delicious, perfectly cooked food every time.
Should a Pellet Grill Have a Smoke Stack?
For years, Traegers have been made without a smokestack.
Recently, some models have come out with a smokestack included.
So, which is better?
A Traeger without a smokestack will typically use less fuel.
This is because the heat and smoke produced by the grill escape through the open-air vents.
As a result, you’ll need to replenish your wood pellets more often with a model that doesn’t have a smokestack.
Additionally, ash can build up at the bottom of the grill over time without a way to escape.
This can cause problems with ignition and performance down the line.
A Traeger with a smokestack will allow you to control the amount of smoke that escapes from the grill.
This is great if you want to infuse your food with a smoky flavor.
However, it also means that you’ll need to be vigilant about replenishing your wood pellets, as they will be burned faster.
Once again, it is within the preference of the user.
What Does a Smoke Stack Do For a Traeger?
A Traeger is a type of smoker that uses indirect heat to cook food.
The smokestack is a crucial feature on a Traeger, as it allows the smoky flavor of the wood pellets to infuse into the food.
Some people prefer to use a Traeger without a smokestack, as they feel it gives the food a more intense smoky flavor.
However, others believe that the smokestack helps evenly distribute the smoke throughout the cooking chamber, resulting in a more even cooking.
Do You Have to Use a Smokestack on a Traeger?
If you choose to use a smokestack on your Traeger, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure that the smokestack is adequately vented so that the smoke can escape.
- Be sure to position the smokestack in the center of the cooking chamber so that the smoke is evenly distributed.
- If you use a pellet with a high BTU rating, you may need a second smokestack to help vent the heat.
Smokestacks are not required on all Traegers, but they can be a helpful addition to controlling the amount of smoke that your food is exposed to.
When appropriately used, smokestacks can help you produce food that has a more intense flavor without being overly smoky.
Do You Have to Use Smoke on a Traeger?
First, you don’t have to use smoke when cooking on a Traeger.
Whether or not you choose to is entirely up to you and your personal preferences.
Some people find that the added flavor of smoked food is worth the extra effort, while others prefer the simplicity of not having to worry about it.
When Should I Use Smoke on My Traeger?
Most of the time, you’ll want to use smoke when cooking at lower temperatures for more extended periods.
Think smoking or barbecuing.
For these types of cooks, using smoke adds a delicious flavor that can’t be replicated.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using smoke on your Traeger.
First, because the wood is smoking rather than burning, it will create thick smoke.
This can cause visibility issues, so if you’re cooking in an enclosed space like a garage or shed, open up any doors or windows to help ventilate the area.
Second, because the wood is smoldering, it’s essential to keep an eye on the pellets and make sure they’re not smoldering out.
If the pellets do smolder out, you’ll need to add more before continuing to cook.
Finally, because of the lower cooking temperatures, cooks with a lot of fat content (like brisket) may render less fat.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means that you may need to trim a bit more fat off before cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Traeger with a smokestack produced more consistent results in terms of temperature control and smoking times.
It also had better build quality and was easier to use.
However, it was more expensive than the Traeger without a smokestack.
If you are looking for a high-quality smoker that is easy to use, then the Traeger with a smokestack is a good option.
However, if you are on a budget, the Traeger without a smokestack may be better.
As for which one is better, with or without the smokestack, we will let you decide.
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.