Traeger Automation

[bfletcher]

This is a testament to the "set it and forget it" claim and not so much that this turkey pic looks like a masterpiece. Almost immediately after placing the bird in the smoker our clothes dryer caught fire--it was small and self-extinguished--but still caught fire inside the control panel. The motor relay malfunctioned and a hole was burned through the control panel, the back plate melted in a small spot, and most of the wires from the harness were burned and/or charred. Being out of sorts, the turkey had little to no attention. Fortunately, it had a nice flavor, was moist, and even the skin had a respectable snap, though I would have preferred a little darker color. We are grateful there was no serious damage.

As an aside, I've done a few spatchcock chickens but this was my first endeavor on a turkey. I was no match for it and underestimated the struggle of cutting through the back bone and removing the breast bone.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

 

[Walleye Hunter]

I cut mine in half with a very large and extremely sharp kitchen knife. It was a little challenging holding the bird still while cutting through it but it wasn't too bad. If I hadn't had that large, sharp knife it would have been really tough. But I also have a Ginsu knife that might do the job.

 

[Mr.Fabulous]

I keep a cleaver on hand for ‘dispatchcocking’ turkey. I don’t bother with removing the breast bone, I just carefully hack through it.

Hope everything is ok with your electrical issues

 

[bfletcher]

I don’t bother with removing the breast bone, I just carefully hack through it.

Hope everything is ok with your electrical issues

Thanks for the tip; most of my time was spent removing the breast bone but I'll take note and cleaver it next time.

The dryer is beyond repair, so we hooked-up a new one last night. Having lasted 16 years we won't complain. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

 

[primeone]

Sorry to hear about the issues over the holidays. I'm glad to hear the Traeger came through for you though!

 

[bfletcher]

Sorry to hear about the issues over the holidays.

Thank you! We are very grateful to have been spared any damage to our house. Our heart aches for those whom have suffered a full-blown house fire.

 

[MRQ]

This is a testament to the "set it and forget it" claim and not so much that this turkey pic looks like a masterpiece. Almost immediately after placing the bird in the smoker our clothes dryer caught fire--it was small and self-extinguished--but still caught fire inside the control panel. The motor relay malfunctioned and a hole was burned through the control panel, the back plate melted in a small spot, and most of the wires from the harness were burned and/or charred. Being out of sorts, the turkey had little to no attention. Fortunately, it had a nice flavor, was moist, and even the skin had a respectable snap, though I would have preferred a little darker color. We are grateful there was no serious damage.

As an aside, I've done a few spatchcock chickens but this was my first endeavor on a turkey. I was no match for it and underestimated the struggle of cutting through the back bone and removing the breast bone.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

I'm glad your dryer fire wasn't more serious. The bird looks great.