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When using a Traeger grill, it’s essential to make sure that you have a heat shield in place. This protects your house from the heat and smoke that comes off the grill.
It is a safety device. However, there may be times when you need to use the grill without the heat shield. For example, if you’re grilling in your backyard and don’t want to deal with the heat shield or using the grill on a patio, there’s no way to put the shield up.
Then you may want an even amount of airflow, so the heat is easier to control.
This also depends on placing the Traeger when it is up against the wind. Be careful because it can cause flare-ups and ashes to fly out of the grill, especially as you open the lid.
Should You Use a Traeger Without a Heat Shield?
The heat shield is a device to protect your home from fires. It is always best to leave the heat shield in place, but there are times you may have to remove it.
There are times when you have to outweigh the safety versus the need for open space grilling or smoking with the Traeger.
In these cases, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you’re staying safe:
- Make sure that you keep an eye on the grill at all times.
- Try not to cook for more than an hour at a time.
- Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher close by in case of any emergencies.
- Know your limits.
If you’re not comfortable using the grill without the heat shield, then don’t do it! There are plenty of other ways to enjoy your Traeger.
Removing the Heat Shield for Extra Heat
When using a Traeger grill, many people may not know that you can remove the heat shield to allow for extra heat. This is a great way to get those beautiful, evenly cooked steaks that we all love.
By removing the heat shield, you are essentially opening up the grill so that the heat can circulate better. Not only will this help cook your food more evenly, but it will also help to give it that nice, crispy outside.
The process of removing the heat shield is very simple. All you need to do is remove the four screws that hold it in place and then pull it off.
It’s important to note that when you have the heat shield removed, there will be a lot of heat coming from the grill. So, make sure to be careful and use caution when cooking.
Some people may be concerned about the safety of removing the heat shield.
However, as long as you are careful and take the necessary precautions, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the benefits of cooking without it.
Just make sure that you put it back on when you’re finished cooking so that you don’t accidentally start a fire.
Can You Just Grill on a Traeger?
Yes, you can just grill on a Traeger. You don’t need to use the heat shield, and in fact, you might not be able to fit the heat shield on your grill.
The heat shield is designed to keep the heat in so that your food cooks evenly, but if you’re just grilling chicken or burgers, it’s not really necessary. Other foods you may wish to cook without the heat shield are:
- Pork chops
- Steaks
- Fish
- Any kind of vegetables
Grilling is a great way to cook food because it gives it a nice, smoky flavor. Plus, it’s really easy and doesn’t require a lot of preparation. Just make sure that you have everything you need to grill before you start, including:
- Charcoal or wood pellets
- An aluminum foil pan (for catching any grease or juices)
- A meat thermometer (to make sure your food is cooked properly)
- Some tongs and a spatula
If you’re using charcoal, make sure that the coals are white and ashy before you start cooking. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly. Place the coals on one side of the grill, and then place the food on the other side.
If you’re using wood pellets, just fill up the hopper and set the temperature to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill your food for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked to your liking.
Make sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn! Remember to keep a spray bottle around in case of flare-ups and a fire extinguisher at all times, especially if the heat shield has been removed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Everything you need to know about grilling without the heat shield on a Traeger.
As long as you’re careful and take the necessary precautions, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy some delicious grilled food. Just make sure that you put the heat shield back on when you’re finished cooking so that you don’t accidentally start a fire in future cooking sessions.
Also, make sure that you keep an eye on your food so that it doesn’t cook too quickly.
The Traeger is known for its great grilled flavor, so take advantage of it and enjoy some good summer grilling! Also, keep in mind, you can do this year-round, especially on a beautiful day when you want to be outdoors.
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.