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Traeger Smoke problem

Posted on 12/11/19 at 12:01 pm
Posted by metryboy
Member since Oct 2008
737 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 12:01 pm
Bought a Traeger around Memorial day. Been trying out all kinds of stuff on it and while it cooks some good food, I never get any smoke smell, flavor or smoke ring on anything I have cooked. Tried all kinds of pellets mostly Traeger brand and different "flavors" such as mesquite and oak etc. Clearly it is burning the pellets because it has no problem getting to and holding heat. Where could the smoke be going. Any ideas as to what could be going wrong or where to look? I know many people say Traegers don't make much smoke but my friends have them and are getting good smoke rings and good smoke flavor.
Posted by SW2SCLA
We all float down here
Member since Feb 2009
23085 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 12:22 pm to
Are you following the start-up process correctly? Do you see smoke coming out the grill? Is your auger functioning correctly? Have you followed the troubleshooting guide to try and diagnose the problem?

When I use my Traeger, I don't get a smoke ring like I do from smoking with charcoal and wood chunks, but the flavor is definitely there









Eta: pics from the last 2 weeks
This post was edited on 12/11/19 at 12:42 pm
Posted by metryboy
Member since Oct 2008
737 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 1:55 pm to
Yes, I always start up and shutdown the grill as recommended in the manual. I only see smoke coming out of the grill during startup when there is a big puff of it. The auger must be functioning correctly because it gets up to temp quickly and holds it well and I am definitely using up pellets. I have read the troubleshooting section of the manual repeatedly, but it does not mention anything about smoke problems.
Posted by tigerfootball10
Member since Sep 2005
10284 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 2:57 pm to
Do what I did, dump the Traeger and buy a Rec Tec. Haven't had a problem since.

Something is wrong because I did get flavor/smoke rings with mine. I had several other issues though
Posted by Epic Cajun
Lafayette, LA
Member since Feb 2013
37467 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 3:12 pm to
What temp are you cooking at?

I have a GMG and don't have issues with smoke ring or flavor.
Posted by HubbaBubba
North of DFW, TX
Member since Oct 2010
52633 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 9:08 pm to
Had the same problem. My neighbor has a pellet grill. He told me to use one of these. I bought one. Works great at adding smoke, but not as much of a ring as with wood. Load up with pellets, use a propane torch on it for a couple of minutes to get it going. Will provide constant smoke for about four hours.



BTW - the smoke ring is caused not by smoke but by nitric oxide in burning wood, preferably damp wood. Dry pellets just can't produce that much. You can, however, cheat and rub Morton's Tender Quick (or any other salt based tenderizer) on the meat first, and that will produce a really nice smoke ring as it is loaded with nitrogen oxide. It will soak into the meat and give you that look you want.

Smoke Ring Hack
Posted by Burlee
Memphis, TN
Member since Aug 2006
7324 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 9:23 am to
If you’re not seeing smoke coming out of your traeger then it’s malfunctioning. You should contact the manufacturer.
Posted by LSUintheNW
At your mom’s house
Member since Aug 2009
37023 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 11:19 am to
Is your stack screwed all the way down?

You can adjust it. I have mine as tight as it'll go.

I get smoke rings on my traeger.
Posted by Chucktown_Badger
The banks of the Ashley River
Member since May 2013
37565 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 1:28 pm to
For Traeger's does the heat in the smoker come solely from combustion of the pellets, or is there a heating element that helps get it to temp?

I get great smoke and smoke rings with my Daniel Boone GMG (please excuse my awful, drunken carving of the beast).



Posted by sml71
Run if you hear banjos.
Member since Dec 2005
4474 posts
Posted on 12/14/19 at 7:55 am to
Traeger...there’s your problem.

Dump it on some unsuspecting fool and get yourself a real smoker that uses real wood. As in with fire.

You’re welcome.
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