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[Florida Jim]

Hello traegerforum, and Merry Christmas to all! I wanted to make my first post here quick and simple, and have a happy ending. I recently had a cook issue...my Pro 34 controller was on the fritz and wouldn't maintain temperature (digital temp readout fluctuated radically from -20 deg to 40 deg, and didn't settle down to proper cook temp for 4-5 hours). Luckily, I was able to nurse my whole packer brisket and turkey breast through the cook but it took a lot of close monitoring. The following day I contacted Traeger Customer Service to discuss the issues I was having. The CS rep (Pamela) was able to link up to my cellphone camera (video) and we walked through the grill's start up routine. She confirmed that I did indeed have a controller problem, and immediately arranged to have Traeger ship me a new controller and a new RTD probe (just in case). I received the replacement parts in 4 days, and will install them this weekend (I've already viewed the online installation videos). I've read some posts about Traeger Customer Service not being very sensitive to some customers' problems with their grills, but I am extremely happy with how I was treated and the outcome of my dealings with CS. CS was very responsive and professional, and I greatly appreciate their support. Thank you.

 

[Slimpicker]

WELCOME

 

[traeger860]

Welcome. I'm in Central FL as well. Glad that Traeger support was able to help you.

 

[Timmy]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Shedd]

Welcome

 

[Florida Jim]

Thanks guys. I installed the replacement controller and RTD probe yesterday (took less than an hour), and fired up the Pro 34. Everything worked very well, so I'm pleased that my smoker is back in action. As I said above, I'm also pleased with the CS support that I received from Traeger. The only issue I have now with the Pro 34 is that IMHO it doesn't put out enough smoke (I don't have Super Smoke) to really flavor the meats. I try to use the Smoke setting for about an hour before I actually set the cook temp, and I also use a separate stainless steel smoke tube with extra pellets...but it sure isn't the same as my old offset stick burner. Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[drich]

Thanks for your positive post about Traeger CS. I totally agree. They have helped me for over the last 16 years!!!

 

[dw3679]

Try using wood chips in the smoke tube instead of pellets. You'll taste the difference.

 

[Shedd]

Thanks guys. I installed the replacement controller and RTD probe yesterday (took less than an hour), and fired up the Pro 34. Everything worked very well, so I'm pleased that my smoker is back in action. As I said above, I'm also pleased with the CS support that I received from Traeger. The only issue I have now with the Pro 34 is that IMHO it doesn't put out enough smoke (I don't have Super Smoke) to really flavor the meats. I try to use the Smoke setting for about an hour before I actually set the cook temp, and I also use a separate stainless steel smoke tube with extra pellets...but it sure isn't the same as my old offset stick burner. Suggestions? Thanks.

Unfortunately I’ve tried everything on my 780 and it’s not going to add the smoke like you’re expecting. I’ve been using a smoke tube and a larger modified smoke box with hickory, mesquite and oak. They pour out smoke but the fan pushes the smoke out before it can properly penetrate the meat. Im not saying it doesn’t add any smoke flavor but not a real wood smoke flavor that I’m accustomed to. To many people that doesn’t make a difference but to some it does, but that’s what makes us interesting. I’m now experimenting with other things I enjoy on my Traeger and get my favorite smoke from my egg.

 

[Florida Jim]

Thanks for the advice on getting more smoke. FIrst, I'll try wood chips in the smoke tube. If I'm still not happy, I'll try buying a Smoke Daddy "Heavy D" stick burning heat diffuser. It replaces the OEM heat diffuser, and allows for burning chunks of hardwood along with the pellets. It can also hold small water pans. Might be worth the $100 as opposed to a more complicated cold smoke device.

 

[GTHDOOK]

Welcome. We are in Webster Fla. lots of advice and smart people here.

 

[dw3679]

Lot's of different things to try. One thing I can assure you about - the only way to get the taste of an offset stick burner is to use an offset stick burner.

 

[Shedd]

Lot's of different things to try. One thing I can assure you about - the only way to get the taste of an offset stick burner is to use an offset stick burner.

I’m sure too! I don’t believe the Smoke Daddy can come close either. However I’ve come to realize the majority of folks using pellet grills probably don’t really know the smoke flavor I’ve grown up with and or many don’t like it either. I was talking to a man in Lowe’s yesterday he was from PA. He loves his Traeger’s smoke flavor and has tried our local BBQ restaurants and said he doesn’t see how we like such a heavy smoke flavor. I completely understand it is different. I couldn’t hardly understand the words he was saying and he said it takes us folks in SC too long to pronounce words. I enjoy meeting different types of people and enjoy trying different foods and such when I’m traveling. Life is great!

 

[FieldMedic]

Thanks for the advice on getting more smoke. FIrst, I'll try wood chips in the smoke tube. If I'm still not happy, I'll try buying a Smoke Daddy "Heavy D" stick burning heat diffuser. It replaces the OEM heat diffuser, and allows for burning chunks of hardwood along with the pellets. It can also hold small water pans. Might be worth the $100 as opposed to a more complicated cold smoke device.

Hey Florida Jim!

Curious if you acquired the Smoke Daddy “Heavy D” diffuser? If So.... Curious your thoughts? Appreciate Ya!