Traeger FREMONT, Owner'S Manual

22

MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL

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WARNING

Fire Hazard:

 Grease fires are most frequently 

caused by failing to properly maintain the grill by not cleaning the 

grease from the grill on a consistent basis.

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WARNING

 Turn the main power switch on back of the grill 

hopper OFF (

O

) and disconnect the power cord before initiating any  

of the maintenance below.

1. 

CLEANING YOUR TRAEGER® GREASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (“TGMS”):

During your cooks, grease drippings will fall onto (i) the 

grease drip tray and be channeled into (ii) the grease drain 

(the “Trough”) and then out of the grill through (iii) the grease 

drain tube, (iv) to be collected in the grease bucket. These 

four components are the components of the Traeger® Grease 

Management System (TGMS). Grease will accumulate in all  

of these locations and should be regularly cleaned to reduce  

the risk of fire.
How often you need to clean the TGMS depends on the fat 

content of your food. Fattier foods will require cleaning of the 

TGMS more often, and sometimes you will need to clean the 

TGMS after every cook.
Visible pieces of food and bits of hardened grease or other 

buildup indicate a need for cleaning.
All components of the TGMS should be inspected before each use 

for signs of grease buildup.

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WARNING

 Accumulated grease is easier to clean off  

when the grill is still warm—not hot. 

Be careful not to burn 

yourself. Heat-protective gloves are recommended.

Clean the grease out of the V-shaped 

grease drain (the “Trough”) and 

grease drain tube. We recommend 

cleaning these locations regularly.

Remove all grill grates, grease 

drip tray, and heat baffle. 

This will provide access to the 

V-shaped grease drain and 

grease drain tube opening 

inside the grill. Scrape the 

grease accumulation from 

inside the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain tube using 

a stiff, nonmetallic tool. Much of the loosened grease can be 

pushed down through the grease drain tube and will fall into the 

grease bucket. Wipe up remaining grease residue with paper 

towels or disposable rags.

Regularly clean the grease out of the 

grill on the interior bottom and sides.  

If grease is allowed to build up, a 

grease fire could result.
Scrape the grease accumulation 

from inside the grill using a stiff, 

nonmetallic tool. Much of the 

loosened grease can be removed using paper towels or disposable 

rags. Excessive scraped-off residue can be cleaned using a 

vacuum cleaner as described in Step 4 (page 23) when cleaning 

the firepot of ashes.
Inspect and clean the heat baffle for any grease or debris.

NOTE: 

 Traeger’s drip tray liners can help keep your grill clean 

and can help reduce the risk of flare-ups.

2. 

CREOSOTE REMOVAL:

When wood pellets are burned slowly, they produce tar and 

other organic vapors that combine with expelled moisture to 

form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively 

cool exhaust vent of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote 

accumulates on the exhaust vent lining. When ignited, creosote 

makes an extremely hot fire. Airborne grease particles will travel 

through the cooking chamber, and some of this airborne grease 

will accumulate on the exhaust vent lining, similar to creosote, 

which could contribute to a fire.
Periodically scrape the creosote and grease accumulation from 

the inside of the vertical and horizontal sections of the flue pipe 

or interior lining using a stiff, nonmetallic tool. A wooden paint stir 

stick, for example, would work for this task. Once the creosote 

and grease residue have been loosened from the interior lining 

and ventilation gaps in this downdraft system, much of it can be 

removed with paper towels or disposable rags. Do not spray water 

or other liquid cleaners onto the inside of your grill to remove 

creosote.

NOTE: 

 The Traeger® Downdraft Exhaust System should be 

inspected at least twice a year to determine when a creosote  
and/or grease buildup has occurred.

When creosote or grease has accumulated, it should be removed 

to reduce the risk of a fire.

3. 

OUTSIDE STORAGE:

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CAUTION

 If the grill is stored outside, care should be 

taken to ensure that water does not get into the pellet hopper. 

Wood pellets expand greatly when wet and will jam your auger. 

Always cover your grill when not in use with a Traeger® Grill Cover. 

This custom-fit cover can be purchased at traeger.com.