Pellets Xtra large Pellets

[TF_Guest]

I was in search for mesquite Traeger pellets for my Thanksgiving Turkey. After visiting 3 stores I found 1 bag. I proceeded to remove my other flavored pellets and replaced with the mesquite.About 1.5 hours in I noticed my grill start losing temperature. I finished turkey in the oven. I then looked inside my hooper and thought the size of the pellets, bigger than I have ever seen may have clogged the auger. But until today did I empty the auger to realize that was the case I am sure. Most of the pellets are between 2" to 3" long and some longer. Has anyone seen this before. Definitely a defective batch of pellets. We have had nothing but problems with this Pro Bronze 84 (I think) Traeger pellets grill. My wife wants me to take it back or donate it. Frustrated with this smoker experience. Any thoughts on how to proceed?

 

[trarmour]

I don't use Traeger pellets in any species in my Traeger grill any longer. They are drastically over priced plus there are much better quality pellets out there for much less. Lumber Jack pellets made in Hayward Wisconsin are all I use. They are consistent and about $10 less for a 20 pound bag than Traeger. I also don't ever buy pellets on line any longer because handling in shipping them crumbles a lot of the pellets creating crumbs of wood with lots of wood dust.

 

[RayClem]

I have used one bag of Traeger pellets in two years; they are not my favorites. However, I am shocked that your auger plugged with Traeger pellets. I find them to be softer than most other pellets such they they crumble easily. Generally, you can squeeze a pellet between your thumb and finger and it will crumble. That is one of the main reasons I do not like them. They tend to crumble during transit generating a lot of dust.

Of course, I have not purchased a bag of Traeger pellets in two years. Perhaps they are compressing them tighter these days.

Like @trarmour, I am a big fan of LumberJack pellets and the Bear Mountain pellets made by the same company. They are made from real hardwoods and hardwood blends.

Although Traeger does made some real hardwood pellets, some of their pellets are made from a base such as poplar or oak FLAVORED with juices squeezed out of other woods. The mesquite pellets are made that way. Although the pellets have mesquite flavor, there is no actual mesquite wood in the bag. Perhaps the mesquite juice is causing the pellets to stick together causing your pluggage.

Pit Boss also makes good pellets. Surprisingly, the Expert Grill pellets sold at Walmart are pretty decent. I have used a few bags.