What to Do if Traeger Runs out Of Pellets While Cooking

If you’re an avid user of Traeger grills, you know how important pellets are for flavorful and perfectly grilled meat. But what happens if you run out of pellets midway through cooking? Don’t panic just yet – there are ways to salvage your meal and keep it from turning into a disaster. In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips and tricks for what to do if your Traeger runs out of pellets while cooking, so you can enjoy delicious food without the worry of running out of fuel.

So let’s dive in!

1. Stay calm: running out of pellets during a cook is not an emergency.

It’s easy to panic when you run out of pellets during a cook, but remember that it’s not an emergency. The key to handling this situation is to stay calm and take a few simple steps to get your Traeger grill back up and running. First, allow the grill to cool down before attempting to restart it. Once it’s cool, refill the auger with wood pellets before restarting the grill. If you don’t have any pellets left, make sure to have more on hand for future cooks. Before assuming that the grill has stopped working due to a lack of pellets, take a moment to check the temperature. If it’s low, simply refill the hopper and monitor the temperature carefully to ensure even cooking. Finally, it’s a good idea to vacuum out the firepot before refilling the hopper to avoid any potential jamming issues. Remember, running out of pellets can happen to anyone, and with a few simple steps, you can get your Traeger grill back on track in no time.

2. Allow the grill to cool down before attempting to restart it.

After running out of pellets during a cook, it is important to stay calm and allow the Traeger grill to cool down before attempting to restart it. Trying to restart a hot grill can be dangerous and can cause damage to the grill. Once the grill is cool, it’s time to refill the auger with wood pellets before attempting to restart the grill. It’s always a good idea to keep extra pellets on hand to prevent running out mid-cook in the future. Before assuming that the grill has stopped working due to a lack of pellets, it’s important to check the temperature of the grill. Additionally, vacuuming out the firepot before refilling the hopper can prevent jams that may occur due to leftover debris. Remember to fill the hopper with more than enough pellets before starting a long cook, and monitor the temperature carefully after refilling to ensure even cooking.

3. Refill the auger with wood pellets before restarting the grill.

After allowing the grill to cool down, it’s time to refill the auger with wood pellets. This is an important step to ensure that the grill has enough fuel to continue cooking your food properly.

First, locate the hopper and fill it with pellets. Then, turn the grill on and wait for the auger to begin feeding the pellets into the fire pot. As they start to feed in, keep a close eye on the pellets to make sure they are flowing smoothly. If they seem to be getting stuck, turn the grill off and vacuum out the firepot before attempting to refill the hopper again.

Once the pellets are feeding properly, reattach the grill grates, fire pot, and heating battle. Wait for the grill to reach the desired temperature before placing your food back on the grill.

Remember, it’s crucial to always have enough pellets on hand before starting a cook. Refilling the hopper during cooking can disrupt the cooking process and potentially ruin your food. By following these simple steps, you can successfully refill the auger and continue cooking on your Traeger pellet grill.

4. If you have no pellets left, make sure to have more on hand for future cooks.

It is important to always have enough pellets on hand for future cooks to avoid running out during a cook. When restocking pellets, it is highly recommended to use genuine Traeger Brand hardwood pellets for the best results and flavor. It is also important to be cautious and not overload the grill with excessive pellets, as this may cause issues with the temperature and cooking process. To ensure a successful cook, fill the hopper with more than enough pellets before beginning a long cook and monitor the temperature carefully after refilling the hopper to ensure even cooking. By keeping a stock of pellets on hand and being cautious with the amount used, Traeger owners can avoid the frustration of running out during a cook.

5. Check the temperature of the grill before assuming it has stopped working due to a lack of pellets.

It is important to check the temperature of the grill before assuming that it has stopped working due to a lack of pellets. This is because there may be other factors that are causing the temperature to drop, such as a malfunctioning RTD probe or a dirty firepot. Before panicking and assuming the worst, take a moment to check the temperature gauge on the grill to see if it has dropped significantly below the desired cooking temperature.

If the temperature has indeed dropped, then it may be a sign that you have run out of pellets. However, if the temperature is only slightly lower than expected, then it may be due to other factors such as wind or cold weather. In this case, you may need to make some adjustments to the grill to ensure that it maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cook.

To avoid running out of pellets in the first place, always make sure to fill the hopper with more than enough pellets before starting a long cook. It is also a good idea to regularly check the pellet level during the cook to ensure that you do not run out unexpectedly. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Traeger pellet grill runs smoothly and produces delicious, evenly-cooked meals every time.

6. Vacuum out the firepot before refilling the hopper to avoid jams.

To avoid any jams from occurring in the firepot of a Traeger pellet grill, it is essential to vacuum it out before filling the hopper with wood pellets. This simple task ensures the grill runs smoothly and won’t lead to any frustrating and dangerous blockages. When preparing to refill the hopper, let the grill cool down and then use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the firepot. This will ensure any debris or ash that may have accumulated during previous cooks does not interfere with the new pellets. After the firepot has been cleaned, refill the hopper with fresh pellets, making sure to include more than enough for your cook to avoid running out again. Monitoring the temperature appropriately after refilling the hopper, will ensure even cooking and ultimately lead to a successful and delicious meal.

7. Avoid cooking in an electric grill with insufficient pellets, as this may pose a hazard.

When it comes to pellet grilling, having enough pellets is crucial for a successful cook. Insufficient pellets can not only lead to ruined food but also pose a hazard. If you find that your Traeger grill has run out of pellets while cooking, it’s essential to avoid the temptation to cook with insufficient pellets. A lack of pellets in the hopper can cause problems such as flare-ups or even damage to the grill’s electrical components.

To avoid any mishaps, it’s best to give the grill time to cool down, refill the auger with fresh pellets, and then restart the grill. Always make sure to have enough pellets on hand before starting a long cook, and monitor the temperature carefully after refilling to ensure even cooking. Skipping steps to get the grill started faster is not worth the associated risks.

In short, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when cooking with a pellet grill. Ensure that you have enough pellets, allow the grill to cool before filling the auger, and avoid using the grill with insufficient pellets to avoid any potential hazards. Remember, safety first, and you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked meals on your Traeger grill every time.

8. Always fill the hopper with more than enough pellets before starting a long cook.

When using a Traeger pellet grill, it’s essential to always plan and ensure that there are enough pellets in the hopper before starting a long cook. This will help prevent the inconvenience of running out of pellets midway through and ensure even cooking.

To make sure there are enough pellets, it is recommended to fill the hopper with more than enough pellets before starting a long cook. This will prevent the need to constantly check the hopper and refill it while cooking.

When refilling the hopper, it’s also important to choose the right type of pellet and quantity for the particular recipe being cooked. Traeger grills are designed to work best with Traeger pellets, but other pellet brands can also be used.

By filling the hopper with enough pellets for the entire cook, the grill can be set to the desired temperature without interruption, leading to better cooking results. Remember – “More is better.”

9. Monitor the temperature carefully after refilling the hopper to ensure that even cooking

After refilling the hopper with pellets, it is essential to monitor the temperature carefully to ensure even cooking. Traeger grills are designed to maintain a steady temperature, but running out of pellets can cause fluctuations in the heat level, and refilling the hopper can sometimes take time for the grill to stabilize. Therefore, it is important to let the grill reach its desired temperature before placing food on the grates. Additionally, a good practice is to periodically check the temperature throughout the cook to ensure that it’s remaining stable. Fluctuations in heat may result in uneven cooking that can compromise the taste and texture of your food. So, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as necessary to ensure even cooking for the best results.