Traeger Pellet Grill Temperature Fluctuations (+ How To Fix)

A pellet grill requires electricity to power the digital display and rotate the auger to feed wood pellets to the firepot. But, the heat from a pellet grill is actually generated by the burning of the wood pellets, facilitated by the stoker fans which feed the flames oxygen to maintain your desired temperature.
Pellet fuel roasters therefore work to maintain an 'average' temperature rather than an exact temperature, so it is normal to have slight temperature fluctuations.

However, you might experience more intense temperature fluctuations that exceed 20-30 degrees. In this case, you need to to find out what might be causing it and what you can do to stop it.

WHAT CAUSES PELLET GRILL TEMPERATURE SWINGS?

Many things can affect the grill's temperature--frequently opening the lid, cold weather, heavy food load, poor airflow circulation, changing set temp often, etc. 

GRILLING IN HARSH WEATHER

Pellet grills rely on induction fans to stoke the flame, burning the wood pellets that are fed into the fire pot. I’ve had multiple occasions where windy conditions have completely stopped my pellet grill from heating up.
Outdoor temperatures can affect your grill’s internal temperature. You can combat high heat temperatures by keeping your grill out of direct sunlight. You can also shield your grill from intense winds or use an insulated grill blanket. 

OLD OR WET PELLETS

In many cases, using old, wet, or damaged pellets can be a major cause of temperature issues in pellet grills.
Pellets that have absorbed too much moisture break down into dust in the hopper and auger, and the end result is something that just won’t catch or burn consistently.
Likewise, your grill’s temperature can drop if you run out of pellets while cooking. Keep an eye on the pellets inside your grill to help ensure you don’t run out during the cooking process.

OPENING LID TOO OFTEN

When you frequently open and close the lid of the grill, this will lead to temperature irregularity, giving you a temperature reading on the display that is off.

USING FOIL AS A DRIP TRAY LINER

If you decide to use a heavy-duty foil instead of a drip tray liner, ensure the foil is wrapped tightly around the edges. If the foil is fanned out, this can cause air flow issues.If the foil is fanned out, this can cause air flow issues.

IMPROPER STARTUP AND SHUTDOWN

Make sure to follow the proper startup and shutdown processes. Improper startup and shutdown will often lead to temperature issues during your cook. 

CHANGING THE TEMPERATURE

If you change the temperature too often during a cook, this can cause issues with maintaining temperature. Instead, give time between changing temperatures so the grill can keep up with the changes.

A DIRTY TEMPERATURE PROBE

Verify that your RTD temperature sensor is not damaged. Check to see if it is bent or touching anything inside the grill. It’s essential to clean the temperature probe regularly so you get an accurate reading. If you neglect to clean the probe, it could get dirty and start causing your grill temps to fluctuate.

HOW TO STOP PELLET GRILL TEMPERATURE SWINGS

1. CHECK THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE PELLET GRILL

Take out all the internal parts of your pellet grill including the heat baffle, grill grate and drip tray, and investigate each function of your pellet grill.
When you first switch on your pellet grill you should hear the induction fan. You should then see if the auger is feeding the wood pellets into the fire pot. These should being to smoke and catch fire from the ignitor and hot rod within only a few minutes.
Once you’ve identified which part is to blame, then you need to replace it.

2. FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURES FOR POWERING THE GRILL ON AND OFF

Make sure to follow the directions that come with your grill when powering it up and turning it off.

3. KEEP THE GRILL AND ITS PARTS CLEAN

Your shutdown routine should include the proper maintenance to keep your pellet grill and its parts clean. 
A clean grill will help maintain adequate airflow, which means temperatures will stay more regulated. 

4. USE GOOD QUALITY PELLETS

Replace your pellets by emptying the pellet hopper and running the pellet grill until they stop loading into the fire pot. Load fresh, high quality wood pellets.

5. TRY TO KEEP THE LID CLOSED

Keeping your grill lid closed allows food to cook without interruption or exposure to ambient temperatures. Rather than opening the lid to check on your food, it is best to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest cuts that you are cooking to most effectively monitor your food and avoid fluctuations in the temperature of the cook chamber itself.

Conclusion

When using any of Traeger‘s pellet grills, you may have some complaints with temperature fluctuations. If the temperature fluctuates excessively, first check the quality of the airflow. If the airflow seems fine, consider factors such as opening the lid too often, cold ambient temperatures, and frequent adjustments to the thermostat settings as other possible reasons behind the unwanted temperature fluctuations.