Traeger Pro 780 D2 - Do not reach 500'F

[MariusT]

Hi

I am a Norwegian newbie in need of your help. I have a Traeger Pro 780 D2 and have no issues with my smoker when using it for smoking. My issue is that it does not grill very well. In a software update a year ago or so made it go all the way to 500'F but mine do not get that hot. I get maybe 400'F-420'F. How do people use their smokers for grilling stuff like pork chops stuff like that? My limited experience with it told me I only got searing marks on my pork chops if I put them on the edges of my grill. This is because of the drip tray isnt it. Do people remove the drip tray when grilling with your smoker? My guess is that will only be a mess. So can someone give me some pointers here? How to get 500'F and tips on using it for grilling.

 

[RayClem]

I have an Ironwood and not the Pro D2, but I believe the controllers are similar.

Keep your pellets in a sealed container. If the pellets absorb any moisture from the air, some of the heat of combustion will have to be used to evaporate the excess moisture in the pellets. You might also try a different brand of pellets to see if that helps.

Ambient temperature can also affect the ability to get to maximum temperature. If it is cold or windy, you might need to get an insulating blanket or even a welders blanket to wrap your grill to minimize heat loss. If your grill is located such that it is subject to windy conditions, using a piece of sheet metal or plywood to block the wind might help.

When you say your grill will only get to 400- 420 F, is that based on the thermocouple that goes to the controller, or have you independently verified that that temperature is accurate. Some grills tend to have temperature variations across the grill.

The Traeger is designed primarily for indirect heat. However, if you remove the heat shield and drip tray over the fire pot, you can grill directly over the fire pot. Of course, any grease dripping into the fire pot will cause flareups and will need to be cleaned out following the cook.

 

[jombarnst01]

Good afternoon everyone,

I previously owned an older traeger which i used for almost 4 years. I bought a brand new Traeger Ironwood Series 885 less than a year ago and it already caught fire 3 times. I do not use my grill often maybe once or twice a month the most. I called traeger warranty services and they told me that they will not send anyone to look at my grill and will not replace it either. I paid 2K for this grill and it keeps flaring up. FYI I have a shop vaccuum for the ashes and I always replace the drip bucket and drip liner as well. Who should I contact to get this resolved.

 

[RayClem]

Good afternoon everyone,

I previously owned an older traeger which i used for almost 4 years. I bought a brand new Traeger Ironwood Series 885 less than a year ago and it already caught fire 3 times. I do not use my grill often maybe once or twice a month the most. I called traeger warranty services and they told me that they will not send anyone to look at my grill and will not replace it either. I paid 2K for this grill and it keeps flaring up. FYI I have a shop vaccuum for the ashes and I always replace the drip bucket and drip liner as well. Who should I contact to get this resolved.

If you are getting grease flare-ups, I doubt this is due to a problem with the Traeger; apparently they have come to the same conclusion. If the fires are occurring in the auger tube and pellet box, then it may well be a Traeger issue.

Are you running the grill at maximum temps when the flares-ups occur? I still have my old gas grill that I use for searing meats. I get flare-ups every time I run the gas grill at 500 degrees.

When cooking fatty foods, I place the meat on the top shelf of my Ironwood and place a baking pan directly beneath the meat to catch drippings. That keeps the grease away from the heat shields and avoids flare-ups. Of course, I cannot sear meat like this.

 

[Gary]

I purchased a set of Grill Grates and oh does it get hot!! Surpasses the 500 degrees easily.
WWW.grillgrate.com

 

[RayClem]

I purchased a set of Grill Grates and oh does it get hot!! Surpasses the 500 degrees easily.
WWW.grillgrate.com

Those are on my wish list as well. If I get money for father's day, they may be in my future.

 

[Gary]

They are on sale for Father's Day right now.

 

[JPSBBQ]

Animal fat combusts at 375. You have to be somewhat smart and diligent about things with any grill.