Dissapointed too

[disappointed]

Please check out the youtube video of my Traeger exploding.

Traeger explosion - YouTube

I bought this Traeger smoker new from Home Depot and the fan would not spin. It was locked up. I called Traeger support and they had me remove the bottom from the hopper and manually turn the fan. It was frozen but finally started spinning after forcing it several times. Now it spins and the temps are wildly inconsistent.

 

[caper11]

My brothers new Timberline XL did the same.

 

[Retinla53]

Please check out the youtube video of my Traeger exploding.

Traeger explosion - YouTube

I bought this Traeger smoker new from Home Depot and the fan would not spin. It was locked up. I called Traeger support and they had me remove the bottom from the hopper and manually turn the fan. It was frozen but finally started spinning after forcing it several times. Now it spins and the temps are wildly inconsistent.

As much as we pay for these smokers you’d figure you wouldn’t have some of these issues. I have a pro 34 and had issues on over 8 hrs smokes/ cooks. The ash pot fills up and smothers the burner out. I’ve cleaned it out after every time I’ve used it, and it still does it. Im Leary about leaving home for any length of time for fear of the ash pot filling up and smothering the burner out. When the pot fills up, the pellets continue to fill the pot and overflows. I use quality pellets. I’ve started sifting them to catch any dust or other particles, and that seems to have helped. When it does smother the burner out. Ive had a gallon of pellets pile up that’s looks like an ancient Egypt pyramid.

Worst yet, whatever you’re smoking may lie idol for a couple hours before you even realize it. I’ve never been happy with the Pro 34 since the first time it happened. I don’t use it enough to replace it. Every time I use it, I don’t make the mistake of leaving it alone for any length of time.

 

[RayClem]

Although Traeger says you can start your grill with the lid down, I ALWAYS press the igniter button with the lid open. I do not close the lid until smoke starts billowing from the front of the grill and the white smoke is beginning to turn blue. That is an indication that the firepot is burning properly and it is now safe to close the lid.

Explosions such as the one in the video are cause when hot gasses build up in the grill chamber, but the fire is not yet hot enough to ignite them. When they do ignite, there is a rapid release of energy. You are lucky that the explosion was not sufficient to cause major damage or injury.

The other advantage of leaving the lid open is that you can better monitor what is happening. You should be able to hear the movement of the fan and auger. If it does not sound right, you need to investigate.

 

[The Visitor]

Clicked on this thread link, but says not found? It was in my email from the forum.

https://www.traegerforum.com/threads/exploding-traeger.4999/unread

 

[RayClem]

Clicked on this thread link, but says not found? It was in my email from the forum.

https://www.traegerforum.com/threads/exploding-traeger.4999/unread

The thread may have been removed by the moderators for inappropriate content.

 

[The Visitor]

Thank you.

 

[The Visitor]

Although Traeger says you can start your grill with the lid down, I ALWAYS press the igniter button with the lid open. I do not close the lid until smoke starts billowing from the front of the grill and the white smoke is beginning to turn blue. That is an indication that the firepot is burning properly and it is now safe to close the lid.

Explosions such as the one in the video are cause when hot gasses build up in the grill chamber, but the fire is not yet hot enough to ignite them. When they do ignite, there is a rapid release of energy. You are lucky that the explosion was not sufficient to cause major damage or injury.

The other advantage of leaving the lid open is that you can better monitor what is happening. You should be able to hear the movement of the fan and auger. If it does not sound right, you need to investigate.

I'm going to have to try it your way. I just tried lighting up my Timberline XL. Had some kind of fire underneath. Flames coming up past the heat shield and past the drip pan. And cruddy black smoke. All this about 10 minutes into its startup with a target temp of 325dF.

If it does it again, well, that is why I bought a Pit Boss 1600 Pro series.

 

[The Visitor]

My brothers new Timberline XL did the same.

Hmm, something to think about. I'll try starting with it open and see if it is more stable.

 

[caper11]

Hmm, something to think about. I'll try starting with it open and see if it is more stable.

It didn’t do it again and didn’t do it on startup, it was in use for hours until a temp increase on the next cook step.

You need to mention your grill issue to Customer Service.
These next generation of grills are a PITA.

 

[Shedd]

I’m fortunate that my 780 Pro hasn’t given me any problems whatsoever. I didn’t want a pellet smoker and thought nothing could beat my BGE until my friend bought me mine and even put it together for me with a condition that I would give it a fair try for a year. I hated it at first but I’m so glad to have it. He recently asked if I wanted to trade for his Timberline he recently paid 5 grand for. I told him I’ve read enough on here to know I’ve got the better more dependable one, I’m keeping my 780. Too many issues on those more expensive Traeger’s. I’m waiting on him to get a nice Yoder like his brother!

 

[The Visitor]

He recently asked if I wanted to trade for his Timberline he recently paid 5 grand for. I told him I’ve read enough on here to know I’ve got the better more dependable one, I’m keeping my 780. Too many issues on those more expensive Traeger’s. I’m waiting on him to get a nice Yoder like his brother!

I would guess, that's his plan! As it is mine also.