Wondering if your grill’s temperature sensor (RTD) is working? This guide covers common temperature concerns and how to check if your RTD is reading properly.
Common Questions & Concerns
Why won’t my grill reach the set temperature?
Your grill never gets hot enough or overshoots the set temp. Select the article below that pertains to your grill and temperature concern.
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Non-Connected Grills
Non-WiFIRE Grill Running Too Cool
Non-WiFIRE Grill Running Too Hot -
Woodridge Series Grills
WiFIRE Grill Running Too Cool
WiFIre Grill Running Too Hot
Why does my thermometer show a different temperature than my grill?
Your Traeger controller measures the whole cooking environment, not just the air. It factors in:
- Heat coming off grill surfaces (radiant heat)
- Airflow inside the grill
- How heat moves around your food
Third-party thermometers (like instant-read probes or oven thermometers) only measure air temperature at one spot.
Check out Third-Party Thermometers for more details.
Why is food cooking too slowly on my new grill?
It’s normal for your grill to take extra time during the first few cooks on a brand-new grill or after a deep clean. This can also happen if you’ve replaced parts like the heat baffle or drip tray liner.
Your grill needs a few cycles to build up a seasoning layer that helps maintain heat. Once that happens, cooking times will be more consistent.
To learn more, see My Food Is Taking too Long to Cook.
Why is my grill’s temperature jumping around?
If the temperature on your controller is changing erratically, that’s not normal and should be checked.
See: Grill Temperature Jumping Back and Forth Erratically- Grills with RTDs
My RTD is broken
Is your RTD broken, bent or has frayed wiring or melted wiring?
Check out: RTD Damage
How to Check if an RTD is Working Properly
The RTD measures the internal grill temperature and sends it to the controller. The best indicator that your RTD is working is the controller reading.
If your Traeger controller says 225°F, it is 225°F.
The controller accounts for the complete cooking environment: radiant heat, airflow, and heat movement inside your grill.
Trust the controller. It gives the most accurate reading for your grill.
Loose Connections or Improper Installation
If the RTD is loose or installed incorrectly, your grill will show an error code:
- Non-Connected Grills:
- Woodridge Series Grills:
RTD Failure
If the RTD is Failing the grill will emit an error.
- Non-Connected Grills:
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Woodridge Series Grills:
- N/A