Is your grill running hotter than the set temperature? We've got some tips to help you grill at your desired temperature.
Understand How Traeger Grills Read Temperature
Before diving too deep, it is important to note that Traeger grills, like conventional ovens, cook on average. The difference is that your Traeger will give you a real-time reading throughout the entirety of your cook, whereas conventional ovens will show you a real-time reading while it pre-heats but then show you the set temperature. Your grill is functioning properly if the average temperature is within 15°F of your set temperature.
Scout Grill Running Too Hot
Temperature issues seen on Scouts are a result of their small size. Try some of these startup tips to avoid overheating.
- On startup, leave the lid open until the temperature on the smoke peaks.
- Peak meaning it slows down and stalls on a temperature and stays there; however, this temperature will vary based on the outside temperature.
- When it hits the peak stall point, shut the lid and leave on smoke for another 10 minutes to make sure it goes up to 200°F (remember, overshooting is normal) and then back down to 160°F (settles) and repeats.
- If it stays calm after 10 minutes, move to step 3 below.
- If it still overheats past 20°F, open the lid again to let out some heat. Let the temperature drop to 150°F, shut the lid again and watch to see if it regulates.
- If it doesn't regulate, follow the steps in What to Do if Your Grill is Running over the Set Temperature below for further help.
- Increase the controller to the desired temperature and allow it to preheat completely.
Common Causes for Grills Running above the Set Temp
Now that you understand how a Traeger grill manages temperature under normal circumstances, let's review several factors can contribute to a grill running above its set temperature.
- Comparing temperatures with a third-party thermometer
- Components damaged or installed incorrectly
- Grill location
- Hot weather
- Incorrect startup & shutdown processes
- Unnecessary use of Insulation Blanket
- Part failure (rare)
Third Party Thermometer
Customers using third-party thermometers often call Support to express concern that the grill's controller is not reading the same as another thermometer.
See Third-Party Thermometers for additional information and assistance to provide education on why this is not a reliable source of truth.
Components Damaged or Installed Incorrectly
Severe damage, such as rusted or burnt holes through the heat baffle or drip trays, will increase direct heat and affect/increase the internal heat of the grill. (This would NOT include general wear and tear, such as minor discoloring or warping.) If you notice severe damage, such as rusted or burnt holes through the heat baffle or drip trays, contact Customer Support.
Weather and Grill Location
Higher temperatures outside may cause the grill to run a little hotter than expected, especially when the grill is placed in direct sunlight. Our grills are dark pieces of metal, and the grill will absorb even more heat when placed in direct sunlight. You may also try doing longer, low-and-slow cooks such as brisket during later and early hours of the day when the heat is not as strong. Check out Weather Effects on Grilling.
Incorrect Startup & Shutdown
Each Traeger grill has a unique controller (the computer that makes the grill do what you want) programmed to ignite the grill in a way specific to your grill model — either with an opened or a closed lid. Starting a grill incorrectly will often result in temperature issues.
Like the startup procedure, your grill's controller tells your grill to do specific functions upon shutdown. And like a home computer, shutting down your grill incorrectly can result in future problems.
Check out How to Start Your Grill to determine the proper startup procedure for your grill.
Opening Your Lid Too Often
Repeated grill opening can cause the temperature to fluctuate quite a bit. This can cause multiple issues, including the increased temperatures as the grill tries to compensate for the repeated opening of the lid. Remember, "If you're lookin', you ain't cookin'."
Chimney Height
If your grill has a chimney, the space between the chimney and the chimney cap should be about 3/4 inch (2 cm) or the width of your thumb. Having too high of a chimney cap can allow too much airflow, causing the fire to burn too hot. Adjust the chimney cap to the appropriate height.
Unnecessary Use of Insulation Blanket
Pro 575 & 780 Only: Insulation Blankets are optional. If and when they are used, it should only be when the outside temperature is below freezing, and the grill's temperature does not exceed 350°F (175°C). If, while using an insulation blanket, a customer observes that the grill is running too hot while correctly using an Insulation Blanket, removing the blanket should help. Should the grill continue to overheat after its removal, reach out to Customer Support.
Check Your Firmware and App Versions
Older app and firmware versions can lead to temperature inaccuracies. Ensure your grill is running on the latest firmware and that your Traeger App is updated. You can find the most current app and firmware versions by visiting the Status page on Traeger's website.
For more information, see How to Update Traeger Firmware.
P-Setting
Some grills have P-Setting functionality. If your grill has this function, you will notice a small hole, a blank black sticker, or a sticker that reads “Call Service” on the controller to the LED screen's right.
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- You can adjust the p-setting by using a paper clip to press the button in the small hole. Adjust until the controller flashes “P-3.” Then, if the grill continues to run too hot, adjust to “P-4.”
- We do not recommend adjusting past “p-4” as this can cause the flame to go out during the cook.
- You can adjust the p-setting by using a paper clip to press the button in the small hole. Adjust until the controller flashes “P-3.” Then, if the grill continues to run too hot, adjust to “P-4.”
Are you using the SMOKE setting?
- Is your controller set to SMOKE? The SMOKE setting maintains a temperature range between 160°F and 180°F. As long as the temperature is in or close to that range, the grill is operating correctly.
- You may also notice some temperature spikes--remember that Traeger grills cook on an average; is the grill maintaining temperature on an average?
Damaged RTD
Your RTD reads your grill's temperature and communicates that information to your controller, which will adjust auger speed to keep the grill at the correct temperature.
If you suspect your RTD is damaged, first look in your grill and check to see if the RTD is bent or touching anything.
If your grill is running hotter than you would expect, give us a call, and we'll be happy to help further diagnose your grill.