Traeger

[tunnelv1]

Just wanted to know if anyone has mod. or adjusted their digital temp controler. I was thinking about changing how the fan runs, cycle on and off with the auger to see if I can hold temp closer to set point.
The reason I want to try this is I got to cook on a Stumps with the stoker from rocks bbq and it held at whatever I set it at. All it does is turn a fan on and off to hold temp. It can not be that hard to figure out. I know the Traeger uses wood pelets for both smoke and heat , I just think it should be able to hold closer to temp.
I have adjusted the pod screew on the back down to 1 and I though I had the problem fixed. It held really well when I cooked my bbq this weekend untill the next morning. It was around 65 to 70 outside and my traeger thermometer was going up and down 210 to 290 or so.
I just want everone to know I like my Traeger, just want to see if it can hold closer to temp

[BBQMAN]

From what I hear they have a new digital controller with more accurate settings.

try this http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11002
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[tunnelv1]

I have the new controler and it will do ok, but like last night I cooked some grilled chicken at 400 and it held set point. I just feel that if it can hold that it should be able to hold 225. I know that it is not insulated like a stumps and that is part of the problem in colder weather. The thing is it is not even cold yet. If I am all over the place with temp control now it is not going to get better when it does get colder.
I like my Traeger alot but I am looking at an Elite 4 or 6 now.

[tunnelv1]

I just talked with traeger and they said alot of people use a insulated fireproof blanket for winter time. Can anyone make a recommendation on brand or kind to use.

[Harry Nutczak]

the stoker also has a trap door that closes off the airflow to the firebox when the fan is not running.
and I know the algorithim for the fan took some work to get it correct too.

ya wanna see something really neat, use a stumps with a stoker wirelessly connected to a computer running the "Stoker-Log 4.0" program!

then it gets real neat!!

I now do that for all my "Paid" cooks to save a log of the cook with time & temps as a "Cover my ass" type of thing.
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[tunnelv1]

Did you have a problem with the stoker holding temp when the sun gets up durning the day? i know on the one I used the temp held rock solid untill the sun started getting the stumps smoker hot. I was runnning at 210. I closed the ball valve down to half way and problem went away. I did have the fan in so the flapper would close.

[skybob]

I've used a welder's blanket for the last winter to keep my Traeger warm. You can get them, 6X6 for about $20 at Harbor Freight. They work quite well. I double mine and tuck in the ends.
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Treager Texas pit
OK Joe's stickburner

Pellethead Pitmaster

[Sandwedg]

[tunnelv1]

I had mine set on 1 and turned it down to 0 last night and could not get temp below 260 and it was set at 225. On the one setting it holds ok with a spike to around 250, but for the most part it holds on avg. about 220 to 230, this is check by my fluke thermometer.

[tunnelv1]

Thanks Sky Bob I will check that out.

[Sandwedg]

You all probably know this, but when I called Traeger about the temp fluctuations, they (emphatically) said to be sure to start the grill on smoke and let it run for a good 10-15 minutes (to get through a couple of cycles). It will spike up high when it starts, then settled down at the smoke level. Then turn it up to 225 or whatever. - but don't start at 225 (or higher) right away.

(obviously, this only applies to the digital thermo)