Get to know your grill's thermocouple -- What is it, where is it, and how do I keep it in optimal condition?
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WHAT IS A THERMOCOUPLE?
A thermocouple is the grill's temperature sensor -- typically a 1" metal rod in WiFIRE-enabled grills that reads the temperature inside the grill.
The thermocouple communicates the grill's temperature to the controller, which will display the temperature on the screen as well as determine the speed the auger motor should feed pellets to maintain the desired temperature.
NOTE: Thermocouples are susceptible to temperature and tampering, so you want to ensure you do not touch them while using the grill.
WHERE IS MY THERMOCOUPLE?
Your thermocouple's location depends on which grill you own.
On PIT (Pro, Ironwood & Timberline) grills, the thermocouple sticks horizontally out of the barrel wall on the hopper side.
On Costco grills like our Silverton models, the thermocouple sits vertically next to the bottom grill grate on the hopper side.
| TIMBERLINE | IRONWOOD & PRO | SILVERTON |
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PROTECT YOUR THERMOCOUPLE
Thermocouples are susceptible to temperature and tampering, so let the customer know not to touch them while using the grill.
Grills are shipped with a protective covering over the thermocouple to prevent damage during shipping. Grills manufactured before mid-2021 came with an orange, plastic covering. Grills manufactured after mid-2021 have a cardboard covering.
- If you forgot to remove the orange plastic before seasoning your grill, and the plastic has melted onto the thermocouple, contact Customer Support.
- If the cardboard covering did not burn off during seasoning, remove it--keeping it on can cause temperature issues.