16
MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL
1.
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 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.
The grill’s exhaust system should be inspected at least
twice a year to determine when a creosote and/or
grease buildup has occurred.
Grease drippings will flow from the grease drip tray to
the grease channel, out of the grill through the grease
chute, and collect 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
before each use for signs of grease buildup.
When creosote or grease has accumulated, it should
be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
Even if there is ample room in the grill, be cautious
of loading excessive amounts of food that can release
large quantities of flammable grease – for example,
more than a pound of bacon – especially if the grill has
not been well-maintained. If your previous cooks have
produced large quantities of flammable grease, it is
highly recommended that the grease be cleaned from
the grill before using it again.
2.
CLEANING THE FLUE (SMOKESTACK):
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power switch OFF (
O
) and
disconnect the power cord.
CAUTION!
Make sure that the grill is cold before
cleaning the flue pipe. Remove (unscrew) the
chimney cap assembly from the top of the flue pipe.
Once the chimney cap assembly has been removed,
it can be cleaned with warm, soapy water or with a
biodegradable degreaser.
Scrape the creosote and grease accumulation from the
inside of the vertical and horizontal sections of the flue
pipe using a stiff, nonmetallic tool. A wooden paint stir
stick, for example, would work for this task. Once the
creosote and grease residue has been loosened from
the flue pipe lining, 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. Once
the flue pipe has been cleaned, replace the chimney
cap assembly.
3.
CLEANING INSIDE SURFACES:
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power 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 grill grate 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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
