22
MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL
CREOSOTE AND GREASE FORMATION
AND 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 flue exhaust
of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote
accumulates on the flue 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 flue lining, similar to creosote, which could be
contributory to a fire.
The smokestack exhaust should be inspected at least
twice a year to determine when a creosote and/or
grease buildup has occurred.
Also, grease drippings from the food will fall onto the
grease drip tray and be channeled into the grease
drain and then out of the grill through the grease
drain tube, to be collected in the grease bucket.
These are the components of the Traeger Grease
Management System (TGMS). Grease will accumulate
in all of these locations.
All components of the TGMS should be inspected at
least twice a year for signs of grease buildup.
When creosote or grease has accumulated, it should
be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
1.
CLEANING OUTSIDE SURFACES:
DANGER! Turn the switch OFF (O) and
disconnect the power cord.
CAUTION!
Accumulated grease is easier to
clean off when the grill is still warm—not hot.
Be careful not to burn yourself. Gloves are
recommended.
Periodically clean the grease out of the V-shaped
grease drain and grease drain tube. If too much
grease is allowed to build up in the V-shaped
grease drain or is allowed to plug the grease drain
tube, a grease fire could result. We recommend
cleaning these locations regularly.
Remove the porcelain-coated grill grates and
the grease drip tray. 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. Paper towels or disposable rags
can also be used to wipe some of the grease off
of the interior surfaces of the grill.
2.
CLEANING OUTSIDE SURFACES:
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power switch OFF (O)
and disconnect the power cord.
Use a disposable rag or cloth dampened with
warm, soapy water to wipe the grease from the
outside of the grill. DO NOT use oven cleaner,
abrasive cleansers, or abrasive cleaning pads
on the outside grill surfaces.
3.
OUTSIDE STORAGE:
CAUTION!
If the grill is stored outside during
the rainy season, 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 the Traeger Grill Cover. This custom-
fit cover can be purchased at traegergrills.com.
4.
CLEANING THE GRILL GRATES:
CAUTION!
Cleaning the grill grates works best
while they are still warm. Be careful not to burn
yourself. We recommend keeping a long-handled
cleaning brush near the grill. After removing your
food, give the grill grate a quick brushing. It takes
only a minute and it will be ready the next time
you want to use the grill.
3883 Ironwood_UCG updatev02.indd 22
12/19/17 2:50 PM
