RTD Probe Shield

[dbnorton1977]

Has anyone thought of designing a RTD heat shield to help with the temp difference? My new 780 appears to be almost 50 cooler in the center of the lower grate.

 

[RayClem]

Since heat rises, the lower grate is always going to be cooler than the top grate. The same thing happens in 1000 gallon smoker drums. There are always variations in temperature. My advice is to use a 3rd party temperature probe that you know to be accurate and use it to measure the temperature near the locations where you are doing the cooking. I normally try to cook on the top rack, but even it does not agree with he RTD thermocouple used by the controller to regulate heat. Over time, you will learn how your grill operates.

 

[dbnorton1977]

Since heat rises, the lower grate is always going to be cooler than the top grate. The same thing happens in 1000 gallon smoker drums. There are always variations in temperature. My advice is to use a 3rd party temperature probe that you know to be accurate and use it to measure the temperature near the locations where you are doing the cooking. I normally try to cook on the top rack, but even it does not agree with he RTD thermocouple used by the controller to regulate heat. Over time, you will learn how your grill operates.

Thanks for the info!! Yep I am still learning the Traeger world. I am coming from the BGE world so temp variations is nothing new. I have a FireBoard 2 on its way and I will go from there.

 

[Shedd]

I too have a 780 pro and I’ve had my bge over thirty years. I don’t use the probes for the 780, I use third party as well as checking my third party before every cook. I hardly ever cook on the lower grate, I put a drip pan on it and I use a aftermarket grate I elevate with a few bricks to get me around mid grill. I hardly ever use the top grate either because it’s not big enough for the meats I cook on it.
As for my egg I’ve never had temp issues (holding temps) but I still use third party probes as well as I check my egg’s probe before every cook. However I mainly use my 780 and egg for smoking and I cook several times a week on my Webber gas grill and or my Blackstone griddle.

 

[dbnorton1977]

I too have a 780 pro and I’ve had my bge over thirty years. I don’t use the probes for the 780, I use third party as well as checking my third party before every cook. I hardly ever cook on the lower grate, I put a drip pan on it and I use a aftermarket grate I elevate with a few bricks to get me around mid grill. I hardly ever use the top grate either because it’s not big enough for the meats I cook on it.
As for my egg I’ve never had temp issues (holding temps) but I still use third party probes as well as I check my egg’s probe before every cook. However I mainly use my 780 and egg for smoking and I cook several times a week on my Webber gas grill and or my Blackstone griddle.

I sold my Egg and got the 780. I have a Blackstone too and use it all the time!

 

[Timmy]

I’ve had my 780 for coming up on 3 years. I’ve had my Fireboard 2 for 2 1/2 years. I put the FireBoard ambient probe right next to the Traeger rtd to monitor actual grill temp. I’m not to concerned about hot and cold spots as if the grill set temp is accurate the grill will work as designed. Now I am aware of these spots and sometimes move meat around for more even cooking, but this happens rarely. That being said, this is how I do it, learn your grill and do what works for you. Have fun doing it and eat awesome food.

 

[dbnorton1977]

I’ve had my 780 for coming up on 3 years. I’ve had my Fireboard 2 for 2 1/2 years. I put the FireBoard ambient probe right next to the Traeger rtd to monitor actual grill temp. I’m not to concerned about hot and cold spots as if the grill set temp is accurate the grill will work as designed. Now I am aware of these spots and sometimes move meat around for more even cooking, but this happens rarely. That being said, this is how I do it, learn your grill and do what works for you. Have fun doing it and eat awesome food.

Absolutely!! That is the plan!

 

[caper_6]

I too have a 780 pro and I’ve had my bge over thirty years. I don’t use the probes for the 780, I use third party as well as checking my third party before every cook. I hardly ever cook on the lower grate, I put a drip pan on it and I use a aftermarket grate I elevate with a few bricks to get me around mid grill. I hardly ever use the top grate either because it’s not big enough for the meats I cook on it.
As for my egg I’ve never had temp issues (holding temps) but I still use third party probes as well as I check my egg’s probe before every cook. However I mainly use my 780 and egg for smoking and I cook several times a week on my Webber gas grill and or my Blackstone griddle.

Hey Shedd,, would love to see a pic of how you set up your aftermarket grate and what the size is.
Also, do you put a smoke tube under that grate or would you still keep it off the back or side so it's effect wouldn't be overpowering? I find that even when I use a smoke tube I still don't really taste much smoke in my food. Probably cause I smell it off myself so much lol

 

[Shedd]

Hey Shedd,, would love to see a pic of how you set up your aftermarket grate and what the size is.
Also, do you put a smoke tube under that grate or would you still keep it off the back or side so it's effect wouldn't be overpowering? I find that even when I use a smoke tube I still don't really taste much smoke in my food. Probably cause I smell it off myself so much lol

I bought a universal grill grate at Home Depot and I basically just rest it on bricks that I broke in half. I had a smoke box from a couple years ago that didn’t get enough air circulation so I drilled several holes on the sides , ends and bottom. I recently ran across one just like it at the grocery store so I modified it as well. I bought an adjustable smoke tube from Lowe’s after I got my Traeger. I put some pellets, chunks of oak and or hickory along with wood chips then pellets. I use an electric lighter by B&B that works great. I hold it over the pellets until it lights and is really flaming. I let them sit about 5 minutes until they are burning really good then blow them out and carefully place them. I light the tube standing up so I can grab the bottom section by hand and put it inside the grill, I use a big set of grilling thongs to move and place the boxes. I usually don’t put directly under meat but if I do it on the edge. I recently started using the three and it really put the smoke to it like I like. Hope this helps!

 

[Shedd]

I bought a universal grill grate at Home Depot and I basically just rest it on bricks that I broke in half. I had a smoke box from a couple years ago that didn’t get enough air circulation so I drilled several holes on the sides , ends and bottom. I recently ran across one just like it at the grocery store so I modified it as well. I bought an adjustable smoke tube from Lowe’s after I got my Traeger. I put some pellets, chunks of oak and or hickory along with wood chips then pellets. I use an electric lighter by B&B that works great. I hold it over the pellets until it lights and is really flaming. I let them sit about 5 minutes until they are burning really good then blow them out and carefully place them. I light the tube standing up so I can grab the bottom section by hand and put it inside the grill, I use a big set of grilling thongs to move and place the boxes. I usually don’t put directly under meat but if I do it on the edge. I recently started using the three and it really put the smoke to it like I like. Hope this helps!

 

[caper_6]

It does, and simple enough. Thanks for the pic.