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  • Green Mountain Grill Troubleshooting Tips

    Green Mountain Grill Troubleshooting Tips

    Green Mountain is a brand that offers top quality premium grills for affordable prices. These pellet grills are durable, long lasting and built with the best craftsmanship.Green Mountain grills are some of the most popular pellet barbecue and grills available on the market right now! They are perfect for grilling all of your favorite foods, with high temperatures and easy to use appliances.

    The appeal of the Green Mountain grill is the efficient temperature control, durable build and WiFi features. However, just like many other appliances, Green Mountain Grills can have some teething problems, or will struggle to light sometimes.

    The last thing you want is to pack up all of your supplies, head to the beach, set up your barbecue, and find that your Green Mountain Grill will not ignite.Green Mountain pellet grills are not just like any grills. They work a little differently. If you are unsure of how your Green Mountain grill works, then you are in the right place.

    How does it work?

    Typically, pellet grills are operated by a digital controller that help to regulate the flow of pellets into the grill. The engine works to keep turning the hopper, and allow a flow of pellets into the firebox. Once in the firebox, the pellets are heated whilst a combustion ventilator will keep them burning for longer. A ventilator inside the pellet hopper provides the optimal pressure level and prevents the grill from burning out. With the pellet grill, you have the fire for wood burning, and the smoke for cooking the meat for great flavor. Now you know how your pellet grill works, you may be wondering why yours has had so many issues. Luckily, for you, we have a guide of how to deal with many problems and issues you may face with your Green Mountain grill. Green Mountain grills are manufactured and built to last, and they generally come with a 2 year warranty to back up your purchase if there are any issues.

    However, if you have a small problem that can be easily fixed, then follow our troubleshooting guide.

    Green Mountain Grills: Troubleshooting

    Problems always come up at the worst times.

    To save you from being in a sticky situation where you may not be able to get your grill on, we have a range of troubleshooting solutions to the most common problems to help you get back on track with your Green Mountain grill.

    Most Common Problems

    Heating Unevenly

    If your Green Mountain grill is heating up unevenly, then you can resolve this issue easily. This can be done by adjusting the heat shield’s position slightly.

    Slide the heat shield slowly towards the warm side a little at a time, and see if you can notice any changes in the temperature.

    If you find the ideal spot for the heat shield, then remember the positioning for the next time you use it, to ensure your food is heated evenly.

    Low Pellet Alarm

    If you find that the alarm beeps constantly for the low pellet notification, then you may need to disconnect the alarm, and reconnect it.

    You can do this from the back of the control panel easily. If the problem persists, then the alarm may be broken and you will have to replace it.

    Jammed Auger

    If you suspect that the auger is jammed, then you should suspect the grill. Turn the grill to the zero cycle, and look at the small fan inside the auger’s compartment.

    If it has jammed or stopped, then you should check the pellets. They could be jammed up and stuck through the intake, unable to move through, which can prevent the fan from running.

    Remove any pellets that have fallen into the wrong place and are causing a build up.

    Clicking Noise

    If you are wondering what that mysterious clicking noise is, it could be your Green Mountain grill.

    Sometimes, it can be all too easy for the wires underneath the hopper to tangle or block the auger fan. This can cause a wire obstruction and get caught in the auger fan blade. This will make an irritating clicking noise, but it is easily rectified. All you have to do is move the obstruction from the auger fan blade, and the noise should stop. If the clicking persists, then there may be an issue in your gearbox, which could mean that your auger motor needs replacing.

    No Display Power

    If you have no power on your display, then you should examine the power source. There could be a tripped breaker, which will cause you a lot of trouble.

    If you are ever going to inspect your grill components, then you should always do so with the grill unplugged. You can unscrew the main screws in the front control panel and pull it out, then inspect the back of the power switch and check for any tripped or loose wires.

    You should also check the fuse, and make sure everything is working properly on the control board, and that the fuse is not broken and is intact. If you need to check the control board for problems, then you will have to inspect the back of the on/off switch and check for any loose wires.

    If they are loose, then refasten the wires and check the fuse. On the control board, you will then need to look for a plug with a black key fuse holder and find the red wire.Then, twist the fuse holder clockwise until it opens, you can then see if the fuse is broken or burnt at all, and you can inspect the filament.

    If the power source is faulty, then you may have to purchase a new control panel. We recommend the GMG Replacement Control Board.

    GMG Replacement 3 Button Control Board Grills

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    WiFi and Mobile Troubleshooting

    You will need to stay on top of resetting your grill and updating to the newest hardware frequently.

    Confirm that you can connect to your grill and reset your grill if there are any issues. Ensure that your grill antenna is in working order and position, so that your grill can connect to your application easily. With the mobile application working correctly, you can set timers, control the temperature and set up alerts for cooking times and grill preferences.

    Why won’t my Green Mountain Grill light?

    One of the most common problems with the Green Mountain grills are when the grill won’t light.

    If your grill fails to ignite, there are a few reasons why this could be.

    For example this could be because:

    • The pellets may have overfilled in the firebox
    • There could be a malfunctioned combustion fan
    • There is insufficient ash in your firebox
    • You have a defective auger motor
    • You have a defective igniter

    How to fix a Green Mountain grill that won’t light or heat up:

    The main thing you should remember to do if your grill will not ignite is to avoid turning it on and off repeatedly, this will just worsen the issue.

    Also avoid overfilling the pellets and let the igniter light them in its own time. If you overfill the pellets, there will not be enough air flow in the ignition chamber, and the grill will fail to ignite. You may also need to change the combustion fan or the igniter if they fail to work. If you are unsure how to do so, then you can contact Green Mountain for a professional replacement.

    However, there are options available to replace defective parts yourself! For example, if you have a defective igniter, then you can simply replace the mechanism with a new one.

    Try this Daniel Boone and Jim Bowie Igniter replacement for your Green Mountain grill!

    ZHOUWHJJ Replacement Igniter for Green Mountain Daniel Boone and Jim Bowie Pellet Grill

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    Similarly, if you have a broken auger fan motor, then it is an easy fix with a cost effective replacement.

    We recommend the Green Mountain grill Auger Feed Motor to help fix your problem!

    GMG Daniel Boone & Jim Bowie Auger Feed Motor

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    You should also remember to check the temperature control. The newer wifi-enabled grills will communicate with your phone to control the temperature.

    If you have a poor connection or out of date application, then you may struggle to heat up the temperature of your Green Mountain grill. To avoid this, ensure that the GMB application on your phone is up to date with the newest versions and updates.

    Also make sure that you have good Wi-Fi connection, and that your app is properly connected to your Green Mountain grill to ensure full control over the temperature of your grill. In addition, your Green Mountain grill may not be heating up properly because of rust and corrosion issues. To prevent this from happening, remember to clean and scrub your grill frequently, to ensure it lasts longer and works efficiently.We recommend using a premium grill cleaner and a grill brush to keep on top of the hygiene of your Green Mountain Grill.

    Goo Gone Grill Cleaner and Pad – Cleans BBQ Grates & Racks – 24 Ounce

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    BBQ-Aid Barbecue Grill Brush and Scraper – Extended, Large Wooden Handle and Stainless Steel Bristles

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    Follow the above Green Mountain troubleshooting tips to ensure you don’ run into problems during your cooking session.

  • Traeger Auger Motor Problems and Solutions

    Traeger Auger Motor Problems and Solutions

    Do you have a Traeger Auger grill at home? Read on for common Traeger Auger motor problems and their solutions.

    So, you’re having grill issues and you think the problem is with your auger. Simply put, this is a small electric motor combined with a gearbox, turning a small shaft in order to move fuel from a hopper to the firepot.

    Traeger are well known for supplying low-cost, high quality grilling accessories, making their augers a very popular choice. We’re focusing our attention on those specifically, but our fixes can be applied generally, usually following different steps.

    Today we’ll take you through several potential issues and their possible fixes, which should hopefully end up with you cooking again, where you belong.

    Traeger Auger Motor Problems and Solutions

    Warning: An auger is a tricky piece of equipment with many pieces. If you’re not familiar with its various components and inner workings, it’s best to avoid tinkering with them. You could always consult the help of a friend with more know-how!

    Problem #1: Jammed Auger

    Okay, the auger itself is moving, but those all important hardwood pellets aren’t being fed into the firepot correctly?

    It’s possible there’s a jam somewhere along the line: when pellets are exposed to moisture, they can expand and cause blockages.

    Solution

    Thoroughly cleaning out your auger requires total disassembly. Unplug it, empty the hopper and remove it from the grill completely.

    You’ll then need to remove the shear pin, the motor and the bushing in order to vacuum up any lodged pellets.

    It’s also possible that the internal exhaust passages have filled up with dust or ash, causing further clogs, so it’s important to be incredibly thorough whilst you’re cleaning up. Try and be incredibly careful, too, especially with fragile internal parts.

    Once that’s done, it’s simply a case of reassembling. If you’re having trouble at all, Traeger themselves have step by step instructions, as well as a video how-to guide for clearing things up, which might help you out more than a written explanation.

    Giving your entire pellet stove set up a good scrubbing is also a good idea after every season. If you’ve just pulled it out again following a break, and you didn’t clean it up before storage, then this might be the root of your problems.

    Problem #2: Stationary Auger

    In the event that there isn’t a jam to be seen, or you’ve cleaned everything out, put it back together, and the auger still won’t move, then there’s another issue at play here.

    Perhaps the shear pin is damaged, or there’s a problem with the power source.

    Solution

    First, set the auger motor on a stable surface, plug it into your nearest outlet, and observe whether or not the motor shaft is spinning. If it isn’t, then you’re going to want to install a brand new motor, as this is likely the culprit of your issue.

    When you’ve confirmed the problem isn’t the motor, gently attempt to rotate the auger itself with your fingers. Should it prove difficult to spin, the auger can be moved around more than it should, or the bushing also spins, you need new parts!

    You’ll want to replace both the bushing and its plate, as problems with either can result in the bushing inadvertently serving as a braking system. By moving out of place, it stops the auger from spinning as it should.

    If the auger appears completely dead, it’s also worth double checking that all of the necessary wiring is properly connected, without any evidence of damage or fraying, as it could be a problem with the power supply.

    Some pellet stoves have safety features that will actually prevent the auger from moving if either the door or the hopper is open as it operates. Make sure both are closed, just in case you’ve overlooked such a function!

    Problem #3: Overfeeding Pellets

    When your issue is one of excess than of lacking, it can be a little trickier to fix.

    Auger motors usually turn at one constant speed, switching on as the control board tells them to fire up the motor, and stopping when that signal ends.

    Solution

    The holes in your firepot might be blocked, in which case cleaning it out and preventing further obstructions would solve your problem. Speaking of firepots, make sure it is seated correctly, in an appropriate holder.

    Ensure your air intake is adjusted via the butterfly valve; you could also check that the vent pipe is not being obstructed, and that there isn’t any stray pellets or a collection of ash building up behind the ash drawer.

    Another potential cause is a worn gasket on your stove’s door – this is the component that seals any potential gaps around the door itself. If this is the case, replacing the door gasket and clearing everything out may solve the problem.

    When none of the above works, either your stove is incredibly dirty, or there’s an issue with your control board. Altering the rate of feeding on your control panel dictates if the motor performs more or less feed cycles – it could be damaged.

    Try adjusting the feed rate so that the motor decreases the frequency of its cycles, turning it down as low as it will go. No visible change to the pellet feeding rate would indicate the need for a replacement control board.

    Problem #4: Damaged Blades

    Whilst inspecting your auger, you may notice there is some superficial or surface damage to the blades, or the end of the auger itself.

    This is another issue that could be stopping it from working as efficiently as it should.

    Solution

    Unfortunately, the only solution to auger damage like this is to replace it – it’s pretty much impossible to return it to its former glory. Fortunately, Traeger offers affordable components, so it won’t cost you too much to pick up a new one.

    That being said, it’s definitely worth checking if you’re still under warranty with your original auger, as you may be able to get a replacement free of charge if so. Just calling up customer service will be able to answer that question if you can’t recall!

    The above are the common Traeger Auger motor problems and their solutions.

  • Gas Grill Regulator Problems and Solution

    Gas Grill Regulator Problems and Solution

    Do you use a gas grill? Read on for common gas grill regulator problems you are likely to encounter as well as their solutions.

    A gas grill is always a fun purchase. With it comes endless opportunities of days spent out in the sun, eating good food and enjoying with your friends.

    But as is normal with anything that requires power, it is common for faults to appear fairly early on in your gas grills life.

    As long as your grill is new and was in excellent condition when you bought it, the chances are that these faults are minor and can be easily solved with some home fixes.

    These problems normally develop due to an issue with the supply of gas and identifying these issues usually relies on you observing something strange with the flame.

    A gas grill that is in good condition will heat up quickly, and a healthy flame will burn blue with yellow tips. The grill should provide heat evenly across its surface, and the temperature should change when you alter the temperature gauge.

    If your grill is not operating like this, there is a fair chance that there is a problem with your grill. Solving that problem will likely be easy, but finding them, not so much.

    Gas Grill Regulator Problems & Solutions

    But don’t worry, we’ve put together this quick guide which is full of common problems that could be affecting your gas grill, and some easy solutions that can be used to fix these issues.

    1. The flame is low

    You may also notice that the flame of your gas grill appears lower than it is supposed to be. This is incredibly common with gas grills and the normal fault causing this is an issue with the fuel line regulator.

    Regulators are sticky in their design and this can limit the amount of gas that can get access to the grill. Luckily for you, this common issue is easy to solve, and your grill will be operating as new in no time at all.

    To restore the fuel flow, you first need to open the lid of your grill. You should then turn off the gas supply directly at the propane tank, and then disconnect the gas tank from the grill.

    With the gas disconnected, you should then turn all the valves to high including the side burner. Leave it for a minute before switching all of the valves off. You can then reconnect the gas line and slowly turn on the gas supply on the tank.

    Once the gas is on, you can then turn on your grill. Your flame should now have returned to normal, and the grill should have a steady gas supply so that you can safely use your grill to cook again.

    2. Hot and cold spots

    Another common problem that you may observe with your gas grill is that it is not heating up evenly. It is incredibly common for grills to develop hot spots which result in food that is cooked on the grill cooking unevenly.

    The most common cause for hot and cold spots developing on your grill is a blocked burner. The burner which is part of your grill will have lots of holes along its surface, holes which can easily become blocked by drippings from the grill.

    You will be able to see if any of these holes are blocked simply by looking at them, and if you do notice any blockages there is no need to worry because they are easy to fix.

    All you need is a wire brush, and you can simply push the deposits out of the holes so that they are no longer blocked.

    Once they have been removed, the normal gas flow should resume and you will no longer observe hot or cold spots on the surface of your gas grill.

    3. The flame is no longer blue

    As we have already mentioned, the flame that is heating your gas grill should burn blue, if it is no longer burning blue this could be what is causing the issue with your grill.

    Most commonly, a flame that is not burning blue will either burn orange or yellow instead. But the color of the flame is just a sign of a problem, the problem itself actually lies in the control valves and tubes which direct gas to the burner.

    If you notice this issue with your grill, you should check the alignment of the venturi tubes which are connected to the gas canister.

    The venturi tubes may not be properly aligned or the shutters might require adjusting and this could be what is causing the color of the flame to change. To adjust the venturi tubes you need to first locate the screw that adjusts the shutters of the tubes.

    Once you have found the screw, you should turn on your grill and set it to low heat. You should then begin to loosen the screw as this will open the shutters.

    Once the flame turns blue you should stop loosening the screw and turn off the gas. You will then need to tighten the adjustment screw so that the tubes and shutters stay in this position.

    You can then switch off the grill until the time that you want to use it next.

    4. My grill is smoking

    Finally, you may notice that your grill is smoking a lot. Smoke coming from your grill is usually caused by an excess amount of grease that has built up over time.

    If you notice an excessive amount of smoke coming from your grill, the first thing that you need to do is switch it off.

    Once the grill is cool, you should then proceed to give it a good and thorough cleaning. Instead of drying the grill off after you have cleaned it, you should instead set it to preheat and leave it like that for 15 minutes.

    This will not only burn off any leftover cleaning fluid, but it will also burn off any leftover grease. You will be left with a clean grill that is not coated with grease and so it should no longer smoke when you turn it on. It is then safe to use like normal.

    Summary

    In short, several issues could develop in your grill that mainly surround the gas regulators.

    But thankfully, these issues are quick and easy to fix and can usually be safely done by yourself, leaving your grill ready to use once more.

  • Difference Between T Bone And Porterhouse Steak

    Difference Between T Bone And Porterhouse Steak

    Wondering what is the difference between T bone steak and porterhouse steak? Read on to find out.

    If you are an avid meat lover, you may feel like you know all the steaks and all the difference in them, the most common you may find on the many at a restaurant would be, sirloin, rump, rib-eye, and maybe T-bone or Filet Mignon.

    But, in the steak lovers world, there are a few questions about two cuts that are very similar but also have some significant differences that often go unnoticed; T-bone Vs Porterhouse steak cuts. What is the difference between these two?

    If you sat down and stared at these cut cuts side by side you may notice a few of their subtle differences, most namely in size. But, is there anything that differentiates them more. And why are they so similar?

    We have had a look into these two beautiful cuts and we can tell you what exactly the difference is and also which one is best for grilling up on your BBQ.

    Which cut are they?

    Both T-Bone and Porterhouse steaks are cut from the short loin portion of an animal. On a cow, this is around the midriff area, above the flank, behind the ribs, and in front of the sirloin sections.

    Both of these steaks feature a ‘T’ shaped bone in the middle. While T-Bone is cut from the font of the loin, near the ribs, Porterhouse is cut closer to the rear and due to this includes more tenderloin.

    Both types of steak include a New York Strip on one side and a tenderloin Filet Mignon on the other, it is this size that you measure to define which is which, we will look at that later.

    The tenderloin narrows and tapers as it moves forward towards the ribs, whereas it thickens the closer it gets to the back of the carcass.

    So T-Bone always has less tenderloin than a Porthouse does. If you want to know about all the different cuts of steak you can get from a steer, scroll down, we go into that a little later.

    Size- the biggest difference

    T-Bone and porterhouse are very different names for two pieces of steak that come from the same cut of meat.

    Even if you don’t remember anything else about these two cuts of steak, do remember that Porterhouse is the biggest, a larger version of the T-bone cut so to speak.

    Both of these steaks are cut from the same area, called the short loin, and both feature a “T” shaped bone running down the middle. This makes them rather difficult to tell apart.

    The best way to tell them apart is their size, not in the thickness, but the size of the tenderloin section. This is the side of the bone that is opposite the strip steak.

    The U.S Department of Agriculture states that any cut that features a tenderloin section that is at least 1.25 inches across at the broadest point is considered to be a Porterhouse steak.

    Now, we know that it is unlikely you will carry a tape measure everywhere with you so that you can measure up your steaks before you buy them at the butcher’s shop, or check them at a restaurant.

    On the other hand, any cut of steak with a tenderloin section of 0.51 inches to 1.24 is considered to be a T-bone steak.

    As the sizes have a very slim difference it is harder to tell the difference, especially if you have a porterhouse with a tenderloin of 1.25 inches and a T-bone with a tenderloin of 1.24 inches.

    There is also another variation that slides its way in, called ‘bone-in strip steak’ this has a tenderloin section of 0.5 inches or less. This makes it easier to tell apart from T-bone and Porterhouse steaks.

    If you are unsure which part of the steak is the tenderloin, then take a look at it, laid in a T shape, with the thickest of the bone at the top.

    One side will be larger than the other generally, this is not the part to measure. The part to measure is the size with the thickest about of bone at the top of the T shape.

    The meat under this part is the tenderloin. This is the part you should measure.

    If you’re a steak connoisseur, you may find that in many restaurants, T-Bone and Porterhouse may be mistaken for one another often, often serving up a steak that qualifies as being a Porthouse as T-Bone.

    So don’t be surprised if you order a T-Bone cut and end up with a Porterhouse cut. Since Porterhouse is generally more expensive than T-Bone, it’s certainly nothing to worry about either.

    Name origins

    The names also differ between these two steaks, whereas T-Bones have a more obvious name, blatantly stating that the bone is a ‘T’ shape. Porterhouse is a little more complex and is rumored to have roots to Charles Dickens.

    One of our favorite stories about this is that Charles Dickens, the famous writer had visited Ohio in the 19th Century and eaten a steak in a Porterhouse.

    He then proceeded to New York. Where he asked at a hotel for the steak he had eaten at ‘the Porter House ‘ in Ohio.

    They are rumored to have then named this steak on the menu as ‘Porterhouse Steak- The one Charles Dickens likes’.

    There is some speculation as to whether or not this is true but Charles Dickens signature was found in the early 20th century in the archived register of the porterhouse he is rumored to have first eaten the steak at in Ohio.

    Another rumor is that it was named by a Massachusetts restaurateur and hotelier named Zachariah B. Porter in the 19th Century.

    No one knows what is true, but it is evident that there is plenty of history behind the naming of this steal

    Grilling

    There is very little difference between grilling up a Porterhouse and T-Bone than there is with other steaks.

    If you are seasoning, much like with other steaks, salt and pepper are all you really need, but what you season with is dependant on your tastes.

    Even though both sides of either steak are so close to each other, they have enough differences that you will want one to be on the hotter side of your grill than the other.

    As the filet side has less flat in it, it will cook much faster than the strip side, which will need more heat.

    It is ideal to have your grill at around 450 degrees Fahrenheit if you can.

    When placing your steak onto the grill, whether it is T-Bone or Porterhouse, have the strip side on the hotter part of the grill, sear it for around four or five minutes per side, this also depends on how you like your steak cooked.

    As long as you keep the strip side on the hotter side you can pretty much cook it like you would any other steak and to whatever your preferences are on steak.

    Just Beef?

    While many will assume that steak is beef, it is easy to forget that you can get steaks in most other types of dark meat too.

    You can get T-Bone of Porterhouse cuts from lamb, beef, veal, and pork as well. If you like all these meat types it is worth trying a Porterhouse in these meats as well.

    Regardless of the animal that the steak comes from all the information remains the same, in where the cut is made, why it differs from other cuts, and how it should be cooked.

    IMPS numbers

    If you want to show off to your butcher, or be sure to get the meat that you desire then you can use IMPS numbers to do so.

    It makes understanding the difference a little bit easier. IMPS stands for ‘Institutional Meat purchase Specification’. If you wanted a porterhouse you should use the IMPS number 1173, and for T-Bone 1174.

    Beef cuts

    Chuck

    This cut comes from the forequarter and consists of parts of the neck, shoulder blade, and upper arm.

    It is very tough but very flavorful. It makes for great stews or roasts. Ideal for braised dishes.

    Rib

    This section is made from the top part of the center section of ribs, mainly from the sixth to twelfth ribs.

    It produced prime ribs and it is also the source of ribeye steaks. They are tender and great for most cooking.

    Short Loin

    The source of T-Bone, Porterhouse, and strip steak, only about 16-18 inches long yielding about 11-14 steaks per loin.

    Sirloin

    Runs from the 13th rip to be hips, and from the backbone down to the belly.

    Sectioned into three types of steak.

    Tenderloin

    The source of filet mignon. Extended from short loin into sirloin.

    Round

    The back leg of the animals, round and very lean but also tough.

    Flank

    The belly, very tough, can get even tougher if overcooked.

    Brisket

    This section speaks for itself and is very flavorful but does need to be cut in the right way. It is often very fatty.

    Plate

    This cut includes short ribs and is where skirt steak is located, the meat used in dishes like a carne asada.

    Skirt steak is the diaphragm muscles, very flavourful and thin.

    Shank

    The shank is the leg of the animal’s thigh, it is extremely tough and is full of connective tissues.

  • Pit Boss vs Traeger Smoker: How Do They Compare?

    Pit Boss vs Traeger Smoker: How Do They Compare?

    Pit Boss vs Traeger Smoker: Which one will be right for you? Read our review for a complete comparison of these two smokers.

    Pit Boss and Traeger Pellet smokers are two of the largest manufacturers of pellet grills in America. Pellet smokers are, essentially, an amalgamation of everything you need for cooking.

    They are a kitchen oven, gas grill, and charcoal grill, all in one. Some pellet smokers are designed with even more versatility, such as roasting and baking.

    Unlike other grills, pellet smokers require wooden pellets that are pushed through and heated to create smoke.

    How they work really is as simple as setting a temperature and allowing the hot rod ignition to set alight the pellets.

    According to the temperature you set, the appropriate pellets will be pushed into the auger and remain there at the required temperature.

     Gone are the days of tending to charcoal flames – these simple and very effective grills do the work for you.

    The Pit Boss and Traeger Pellet smokers are two popular pellet smoker designs, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. We have looked at both to find the best option for your needs.

    Pit Boss Pellet Smokers 

    Pit Boss pellet smokers are well known for competing against Traeger pellet smokers, mostly for their price point.

    These smokers generally have a more affordable price range to other competing brands, which can make them more appealing to potential buyers.

    This affordability is due to the lack of versatility from Pit Boss products that Traeger may have instead, but this depends on what you are looking for in a pellet smoker. If you are wanting a bog standard yet very good quality grill, Pit Boss is your best choice.

    Pit Boss pellet smoker models are designed to have convenient storage space and are mostly adjustable to size, placement, and moveability.

    PIT BOSS 700FB Pellet Grill, 700 sq. in.

    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    This means they are ideal for any yard situation as well as camping or going elsewhere for an evening grill.

    These smokers also come with a removable and adjustable rack for cooking multiple foods at the same time – ideal for food that requires longer to cook on a lower temperature.

    Pit Boss pellet smokers are made of high quality stainless steel that comes with a sealable door to maintain the smoke and heat.

    This heavy duty design is matched with a dual burner system that can reach 450 degrees fahrenheit to cook food to your liking, fast.

    They are also designed with safety in mind, as the grease tray and pellet drawer can be accessed on the outside to prevent injury.

    The real highlight of Pit Boss pellet smokers is the P setting. The P setting stands for Pause, meaning there is ultimate control over the temperature.

    This means that these models have the ability to pause an auger cycle without changing the heat, whether hot or cold, to prevent food from burning or allow food to cool down.

    The P setting works to stop sudden temperature changes from the addition of pellets by literally pausing the cycle for however long you want.

    This pause can be increased or decreased depending on how fast you want the cycle change to be, which is a lot more beneficial than a grill that does it anyway and provides temperature swings.

    This function is also useful in windy weather that may alter the smoke and temperature, because you have a chance to gauge the wind flow according to the cycle breaks.

    This is a fairly recent addition to the Pit Boss pellet grills, which used to be less easy to control in terms of temperature.

    However, this does not act like a gas grill adjustment knob, as each P change needs at least 30 minutes to set in properly. Too many adjustments may create temperature changes.

    The default setting is P4, and the temperature is shown on an LED screen display that also shows the meat probe temperature.

    Whilst Pit Boss pellet smokers do have their good points, there are some disadvantages to be aware of. These models are great for grilling and can be made versatile for other uses, but this does not often come easy with their design.

    If you are looking for a large and affordable grill that ticks every box, then the Pit Boss has everything you need. If you are looking for something more advanced, this may not be the product for you.

    Traeger Pellet Smokers 

    Traeger pellet smokers have been around since 1985, when the first pellet grill was created by a small family owned company in Oregon.

    They have since moved to Salt Lake City and are the largest manufacturer of pellet grills in the United States. As Traeger has been a leading competitor in the grill market for so long, they have perfected their design in each model.

    Traeger pellet smokers are the ideal grill for those wanting a more advanced, precision cooking experience.

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    These pellet smokers offer a 6-in-1 cooking design that includes grilling, roasting, smoking, braising, BBQ, and even baking – offering an immensely versatile piece of equipment.

    Everything is about enhancing the flavour with the Traeger smoker and their own brand BBQ wood pellets – which all work well for everything but have their specific flavour strengths.

    If you cook pork regularly, Apple pellets are the best. Maple pellets work the best for vegetables. Cherry pellets are an all-rounder.

    These pellet smokers are, to put it simply, essentially the most convenient and versatile outdoors oven – just with more settings.

    These settings mean the Traeger grills are all about taking your food to the next level. The multiple racks allow for more cooking storage for larger meals.

    Possibly the most important factor to the Traeger pellet smokers is that they offer a unique user experience by the form of electronic control.

    Each grill model comes with WiFire enabled controllers that connect to either a home system such as Alexa or the Traeger App. This unique and modern setting allows for an exciting new method of cooking.

    Those cooler nights have never felt cosier as you control the temperature of the food cooking on the pellet grill as you wait indoors, simply changing the settings with your phone.

    To top it all off, the Traeger pellet grills are made from non-toxic materials, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals affecting your food.

    The main disadvantage of Traeger pellet smokers is the price point. Due to the versatility and electronic connection, they are the more expensive grill option.

    Which is best? 

    Annoyingly, it isn’t easy to give a simple answer to which is better, because it all comes down to individual preference. It depends on what the buyer is looking for.

    Are you looking for a pellet smoker to enhance your food whilst maintaining a fuss-free and simple cooking experience for an affordable price? Or are you looking for something more advanced with more versatility, but for a higher price?

    If we are to compare the Pit Boss and Traeger pellet smokers, we must consider their biggest selling points. The Pit Boss has the P setting to allow better control over the temperature of the grill by changing the speeds of pellet cycles.

    This is ideal for preventing temperature swings and changes, and allows the pellets to catch up or slow down along with your preferred cooking style.

    This is the pellet grill’s version of an adjustable knob or settings on an oven, except it can only be done once every half an hour at least, because constant movement could affect temperature swings.

    The Traeger does not have this option, but instead offers a 6-in-1 versatile design that can cook pretty much any food.

    Along with this comes the unique WiFire connection that links to the Traeger app and home systems, allowing for a modern and easy way of controlling the temperature and time.

    If you find the WiFire connection to be a gimmick rather than a useful addition, or if you think the P setting has the potential to affect the quality of the food, this could be the main selling point of either grill.

    Another main selling point between both smokers is the price points. Pit Boss smokers are more affordable, whilst Traeger smokers are generally more expensive.

    For the Traeger functions and versatility, you do get what you pay for, which will inevitably cost more. This, however, does not mean that the Pit Boss is cheap, as the quality is still significantly high.

    Conclusion 

    Both pellet smokers are designed with high quality and durability in mind.

    The Pit Boss pellet smoker is an affordable and good quality grill for assuring good temperature control through its unique pause setting in most units.

    This control over auger cycles makes the Pit Boss smokers stand out for making wood pellets easy to regulate.

    The Traeger pellet smoker, whilst generally more expensive, is the most effective in its 6-in-1 design and WiFire connection, allowing for a convenient and versatile usage that perhaps the Pit Boss does not offer.

    As both smokers come from the best companies for pellet grills, potential buyers must only consider how much they are willing to invest for great pieces of cooking equipment.