This article provides information on firepot design and function.
What Is a Firepot?
Firepot Design
Why Are there Holes?
Firepots are designed with evenly spaced holes to help air flow into the burn area. This airflow provides the oxygen the pellets need to ignite and burn consistently, which helps your grill heat up properly.
Over time, rust may create additional holes in the firepot. This usually isn’t a problem unless the damage affects the grill’s ability to ignite or maintain temperature. If you notice performance issues or the firepot is significantly deteriorated, it’s best to replace it.
Replacement Parts: Firepot vs. Firepot‑Hot Rod Combo
Some grills list two compatible replacement options:
- A firepot on its own
- A firepot‑and‑hot‑rod combo kit
Both options will work. The combo kit simply includes a new hot rod along with the firepot. Many customers find it easier to replace both parts at once, which is why the combo version is available.
Cleaning Your Firepot
Ash will build up in the firepot over time, making grill maintenance a critical part of using your Traeger grill. We recommend vacuuming out the ash from your firepot at least every 20 hours of cook time.
Pellet 'Pucks'
You may find clumps of pellets in your grill's firepot. These clumps, sometimes called pucks, are caused by a buildup of oils, moisture and food debris, and will not burn.
Finding pellet pucks indicates that you need to clean your grill more often--it is not a reflection of the pellet quality.