Traeger grills cook on an average, meaning that there may be slight fluctuation higher or lower than the set temperature, leading to a correct average temperature throughout the cook. However, if you feel that your grill is consistently running too hot, let's run through some common troubleshooting to have your grill meet expectations.
If this is a one-off experience due to a grill fire or getting a HEr error message, please review the following articles for further guidance:
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
- Outdated firmware
- 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.)
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.
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.
Damaged Thermocouple
Your thermocouple 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 thermocouple is damaged, first look in your grill and check to see if the thermocouple is bent or touching anything.
If this is your first cook, make sure the orange protective cover on the thermocouple was removed. If the cover was not removed before the burn-in or have any further questions or concerns, please contact Customer Support.