Temperature swings are normal as Traeger grills adjust pellet feed and airflow, typically up to ±25°F (±14°C). Common causes include poor pellets, restricted airflow, frequent lid openings or temperature changes, incorrect startup, foil, and damaged parts. Contact Support if fluctuations persist or exceed this range.
What Is a Temperature Swing?
It's normal to see your grill temperature rise slightly above or fall slightly below the temperature you set during a cook. These fluctuations, known as temperature swings, occur when the grill temperature temporarily moves outside the target temperature before returning to the set range.
In most cases, temperature swings are expected and are part of how your Traeger maintains heat, manages pellet fuel, and delivers consistent wood-fired flavor throughout the cook.
Are Temperature Swings Normal?
Traeger grills use an algorithm unique to each grill to give you the most accurate cooking experience. It's normal to see some variation in temperature as the algorithm works to create a true average temperature across the entire cooking surface.
On a typical day, temperature fluctuations of up to ±25°F (±14°C) are considered normal. You may notice larger swings when cooking at lower temperatures or when using Super Smoke
Common Contributors to Temp Swings
Many factors can affect your grill's ability to maintain an average temperature, such as the following:
- Pellet quality & sawdust
- Air Circulation
- Opening the lid too often
- Incorrect Startup & Shutdown
- Frequent Temperature Changes
- Using foil as a drip liner
- Damaged Drip Tray or Heat Baffle
- Part Failure
Pellet Quality & Sawdust
Low-quality or old pellets are the #1 cause of temperature management issues.
- Use fresh, high-quality pellets.
- Remove excess sawdust from the hopper.
- Replace pellets that appear dull, soft, or crumbly
Air Circulation
Fire needs oxygen, and if there's not enough, the fire won't stay lit.
- Maintain an inch clearance from the edge of the grill when placing food on your grill or when using large pans.
- If your grill has a chimney, make sure there's a thumb-size gap between the bottom of the cap and the top of the chimney pipe.
- If using foil as a drip tray liner, make sure it's flush against the drip tray. Loose foil can disrupt air circulation through the barrel.
Opening the Lid too Often
Every time the lid is opened, heat escapes and the grill must work to recover temperature. Keep lid openings to a minimum whenever possible. Remember, "If you're looking, you ain't cooking'!"
Incorrect Startup & Shutdown
Frequent Temperature Changes
Making repeated temperature adjustments during a cook can cause the grill to continually readjust. Allow time for the grill to stabilize after changing the set temperature.
Using Foil as a Drip Tray Liner
If you choose to use heavy-duty foil in place of a drip tray liner, make sure the foil is wrapped tightly around the edges of the drip tray. If the foil is fanned out, this can cause airflow issues.
Damaged Drip Tray or Heat Baffle
If the drip tray or heat baffle is damaged or placed incorrectly in the grill, you may experience temperature issues. Damage that can cause temperature swings would be extremely warped components (note that mild warping is normal) or rusting to the point that there is a hole in the tray or baffle. For damaged parts, please get in touch with Customer Service.
Part Failure
It's normal for your Traeger to experience some temperature fluctuation during a cook. If you've reviewed the common causes above and are still noticing larger-than-expected temperature swings, there are a few additional items worth checking.
Touchscreen Timberline & Ironwood Models
For touchscreen Timberline and Ironwood grills, temperature swings may occur if the firepot is not installed correctly.
Correctly installed |
Incorrectly installed |
|---|---|
Check the Thermocouple
Component failures are uncommon and are one of the least likely causes of temperature swings. However, if you suspect a component may be affecting temperature performance, inspect the thermocouple.
- Verify the thermocouple's protective cap was removed during assembly.
- Turn the grill off and allow it to cool completely before inspecting the thermocouple.
- Check that the thermocouple temperature sensor is not bent, chipped, or otherwise damaged.
- Ensure the thermocouple is not touching the grill body or any internal components. If necessary, gently adjust it so it has proper clearance.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Some temperature fluctuation is expected during normal operation. However, additional troubleshooting may be needed if your grill:
- Has difficulty reaching the set temperature
- Consistently fluctuates more than ±25°F (±14°C) from the set temperature
- Frequently loses temperature during a cook after following the recommendations in this article
If you're experiencing any of these conditions, review the related temperature troubleshooting articles or contact Customer Support for additional assistance.