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.
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. 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 INSIDE SURFACES:
WARNING!
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 grease
drip tray and grease drain. If too much grease
is allowed to build up in the grease drip tray
or is allowed to plug the grease drain, a grease
fire could result. We recommend cleaning these
locations regularly.
Remove the porcelain-coated grill grates and the
grease drip tray. Scrape the grease accumulation
from inside the grease drip tray using a stiff,
nonmetallic tool. The drip tray may be washed
in hot, soapy water. 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.
OUTDOOR STORAGE:
CAUTION!
If the grill is stored outdoors 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 with the Traeger Grill Cover when not in
use. 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.
5.
C
LEANING THE ASH FROM INSIDE AND
AROUND THE FIREPOT:
WARNING!
Make sure that the grill is COLD
before cleaning the ash.
WARNING!
Disposal of ashes should be done
only according to the following instructions.
Excess ash in the firepot may cause your fire
to go out. The firepot should be inspected
occasionally and cleaned to remove the ash
buildup. Again, cleaning the ash from in and
around the firepot should be done only when
the grill is cold.
Remove the grill grates, grease drip tray, and
heat shield to provide access to the firepot and
the interior of the grill. Much of the ash outside
of the firepot can be removed from the grill with a
small metal fireplace shovel or other similar tool.
WARNING!
A vacuum cleaner is the best way to
remove ashes from the firepot, but this must be
done with extreme care to avoid the risk of fire.
Again, cleaning the ash from the firepot should
be done only when the grill is cold.
A utility-type, bagless vacuum cleaner with a
metal collection canister would be best for this
task. However, almost any vacuum cleaner will
work safely if this procedure is properly followed.
After ensuring that the ash in the firepot is cold,
vacuum the ashes from the inside of the firepot.
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