How to Start a Traeger Grill for The First Time

If you are a newbie in the world of grilling, getting started with a Traeger grill can be quite daunting. It may seem complicated and intimidating, but once you have the basics down pat, it will be a breeze. The Traeger grill is known for its unique wood-fired flavor, making it a popular choice among BBQ enthusiasts. However, before you start smoking some ribs or brisket, you need to know how to start your Traeger grill properly.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of starting your Traeger grill for the first time. So, let’s dive in and get your grilling adventure started!

1. Plug in your Traeger pellet grill into an electrical socket or outlet.

To start your Traeger pellet grill, the first step is to plug it into an electrical socket or outlet. This ensures that the digital thermostat, the convection fan, the igniter rod, and the auger are all operational. The power cord should be plugged into an appropriate, grounded outlet that is within reach of the 6-foot cord. Once this is done, you can fill the hopper with Traeger BBQ pellets, which are specifically made to work with Traeger grills. Make sure to use only Traeger brand pellets. After the hopper is filled, tap and hold the IGNITE button until the ignition sequence begins. Wait for the fan to start and for the pellets to fall into the Firepot as instructed in previous sections. Then, if your grill requires an open-lid startup, follow the necessary steps. It is always important to season your grill for first-time use before cooking. Lastly, preheat your Traeger grill for around 10-15 minutes before cooking. With all these steps correctly followed, you are now ready to start cooking on your Traeger pellet grill.

2. Fill the hopper with the wood pellets of your choice.

After plugging in your Traeger pellet grill and ensuring that it is safely set up, it’s time to add wood pellets to the hopper. Simply lift the hopper lid and pellet auger tube, and pour in your chosen wood pellets. You don’t need to fill the hopper, as approximately 4.5 lbs of wood pellets are enough for the first burn-in.

Choosing wood pellets may seem overwhelming, but you can pick them based on your taste preferences or what you’re planning to cook. For example, hickory and mesquite wood pellets add bold and smoky flavors to your meats, while fruitwood pellets like apple and cherry add a subtler sweetness.

Remember to double-check that the hopper is full to ensure that your grill doesn’t run out of pellets midway through cooking. The hopper usually feeds pellets to the Firepot at a rate of 2-4 lbs per hour, depending on the cooking temperature and duration you choose.

Once you’ve added your wood pellets, you’re ready to ignite your Traeger grill and begin the journey to delicious, wood-fired meals. It’s exciting to watch the pellets ignite and produce those satisfying plumes of smoke. So, sit back, relax, and let your Traeger grill do the cooking for you.

3. Tap and hold the IGNITE button until the ignition sequence begins.

Once you have plugged in your Traeger grill and added wood pellets to the hopper, it’s time to ignite the grill. This is done by tapping and holding the IGNITE button until the ignition sequence begins. The fan will start, and the pellets will start feeding into the Firepot. If your grill requires an open-lid start-up, make sure to follow the necessary steps. It is also important to note that you should season your grill for first-time use before igniting it. Preheat your Traeger grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking, and ensure the bottom vent is open when lighting manually. You can also use crumpled-up newspaper to light the grill. Wait for the Traeger AC Grill to reach your desired cooking temperature, typically around 15 minutes, and you’re ready to start grilling!

4. Wait for the fan to start and for the pellets to fall into the Firepot.

After plugging in your Traeger pellet grill and filling the hopper with wood pellets, it’s time to start up the grill. Tap and hold the IGNITE button until the ignition sequence begins, which should start the fan and cause the pellets to fall into the Firepot. If your grill requires an open-lid start-up, make sure to follow the necessary steps. Once the pellets start falling, you should hear a distinctive sound letting you know that your Traeger grill is starting up. It’s important to wait for this moment because it means that your grill is ready for cooking.

Patience is key as you wait for the fan to start and the pellets to fall, but it will be worth it when you taste the perfectly cooked food from your Traeger grill. So, sit back, relax, and wait for your Traeger pellet grill to come to life.

5. If your grill requires an open-lid start-up, follow the necessary steps.

If your Traeger pellet grill requires an open-lid start-up, there are a few simple steps you need to follow. First, make sure all the internal components, including the heat baffle, drip tray, and grill grates, are properly installed. Next, ensure the hopper is filled with quality wood pellets. Once you’re ready to cook, plug in and turn on your Traeger grill by flipping the power switch to “ON,” but keep the lid open. Set the dial to “Smoke,” which will start the auger turning.

Within a few minutes, you should see the pellets start to feed into the firepot and the fan begin to run. Remember to keep the lid open until you’re ready to start grilling. It’s essential to follow these steps carefully to start your Traeger grill correctly and ensure a successful cook.

6. Season your grill for first-time use.

Once the Traeger pellet grill is plugged in and the hopper is filled with wood pellets, it’s time to season the grill for first-time use. This process is important to burn off any coatings and ensure that your grill is ready to use for cooking delicious meals.

To season your grill, begin by preheating it to 350°F for 20-30 minutes. During this time, ensure that the lid is closed and the vents are open. After preheating, turn off the grill and let it cool down completely.

Next, remove any debris or ash from the grill and coat the grates with a light layer of cooking oil. Preheat the grill again, this time at 450°F for 20-30 minutes. This will further burn off any coatings and ensure that the grates are properly seasoned.

Once your grill is seasoned, it’s ready to be used for cooking. Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before adding any food, and make sure that the bottom vent is open to ensure proper airflow. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to start cooking delicious meals on your Traeger pellet grill in no time!

7. Preheat your Traeger grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Once your Traeger pellet grill is plugged in, filled with wood pellets, and ignited, it’s time to preheat it for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This essential step ensures that your grill reaches the desired cooking temperature and is ready to cook your food to perfection. Simply set the temperature on the grill dial to your desired cooking temperature and let it preheat. During this time, the pellets will be ignited, and smoke will begin to emit from the grill. Close the lid and wait patiently until the smoke has cleared and your grill reaches the desired temperature. It may take longer for your grill to preheat if you’re cooking during colder weather conditions. Once preheated, you can begin cooking your favorite meat or vegetables and enjoy the delicious flavors infused by the wood pellets. Remember to always preheat your Traeger grill before cooking to ensure your food is cooked to perfection every time.

8. Make sure the bottom vent is open when lighting manually.

When lighting your Traeger grill manually, it’s important to make sure that the bottom vent is open. This will allow proper airflow and ventilation for the fire to ignite and burn efficiently. If the bottom vent is closed, the fire may not start or may go out quickly, resulting in frustration and wasted time.

To ensure the bottom vent is open, simply check the lever or dial that controls it before starting the ignition process. If it’s closed, gently open it by adjusting the lever or turning the dial to the open position. Once open, you can proceed with lighting your grill manually using crumpled-up newspaper.

Remember, proper ventilation is essential for your grill to operate effectively and safely. Always double-check that the bottom vent is open before lighting your grill manually or using the automatic ignition system. Taking this extra step will save you time and hassle, and help ensure that your Traeger grill gives you the perfect results every time you cook.

9. Use crumpled-up newspaper to light the grill.

To light your Traeger pellet grill manually, start by ensuring that the bottom vent is open. Then, grab some crumpled-up newspaper and place it on the bottom of the grill. Once you’ve done that, carefully light the paper with a lighter or match. As the paper burns, it will ignite the pellets in the Firepot, producing smoke and heat. Make sure to allow some time for the pellets to ignite fully and for the grill to reach your desired temperature before placing your food on the grates.

By using crumpled-up newspaper, you can effectively start your Traeger grill without the need for any additional tools or equipment. It’s a simple and convenient method that can be used time and time again.

10. Wait for the Traeger AC Grill to reach your desired cooking temperature, typically around 15 minutes

After preheating your Traeger grill for 10-15 minutes, you’ll need to wait for it to reach your desired cooking temperature before beginning to cook. This typically takes around 15 minutes, so be patient and resist the urge to open the lid and check on it frequently. Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, you’re good to go! You can start grilling your food to perfection, using Traeger’s precision temperature control to ensure that your food is cooked exactly the way you like it.

Remember to keep the lid closed as much as possible during the cooking process to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent heat from escaping. Happy grilling!