How to Start a Traeger Pellet Grill (That Already Has Pellets in It)

The Traeger Pellet Grill is a great way to cook food, but it can be confusing when you’re first starting out.

You realized that you never actually used up all the pellets from your last barbecue a few weeks ago. The hopper still has a good amount of pellets in it.

So you’re probably wondering to yourself, how do I get this thing started.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to start your Traeger Pellet Grill even if it already has pellets in it.

Let’s go!

How to start a Traeger pellet grill that already has pellets in it

Timberline & Ironwood Touchscreen WiFIRE-enabled grills:

1. Check pellets, Firepot, Heat Shield, EZ Clean Drip Tray, and Grill Grates.
2. Plug in grill, press Power Button, wait for Display to say “YOUR TRAEGER IS READY TO COOK.”
3. Set desired temperature on Controller Dial, press Dial to confirm.
4. Tap and hold “IGNITE” to start ignition sequence.
5. Allow grill to preheat and start cooking.

D2 WiFIRE Grills:

1. Check pellets, Heat Baffle, Drip Tray, and Grill Grates.
2. Plug in grill, flip Power Switch, press Standby button.
3. Set desired temperature on Dial, press Dial to confirm.
4. Press and hold “IGNITE” to start ignition.
5. Allow grill to preheat and start cooking.

Non-Connected Grills with an ARC Controller:

1. Check pellets, Heat Baffle, Drip Tray, and Grill Grates.
2. Plug in grill, flip Power Switch, press UP/DOWN/CENTER button to enter temperature setting mode.
3. Set desired temperature with UP/DOWN buttons, press IGNITE to confirm.
4. Allow grill to preheat and start cooking.

Non-Connected Grills with an AC Digital Controller (closed-lid startup):

1. Check pellets, Heat Baffle, Drip Tray, and Grill Grates.
2. Close Lid, plug in grill, flip Power Switch to ON.
3. Turn temperature dial to SMOKE, wait for preheating.
4. Set desired temperature, grill should reach temperature in 15 minutes.
5. Wait 10 minutes, then start cooking.

Non-Connected Grills with an AC Digital Controller (open-lid startup):

1. Check pellets, Heat Baffle, Drip Tray, and Grill Grates.
2. Plug in grill, flip Power Switch to ON, keep Lid open.
3. Turn temperature dial to SMOKE, wait for preheating.
4. Set desired temperature, grill should reach temperature in 15 minutes.
5. Wait 10 minutes, then start cooking.
6. Remember to close Lid during cooking for even cooking.

Advantages and disadvantages of leaving pellets in the your Traeger pellet grill

Advantages of leaving pellets in your Traeger pellet grill:

• Convenience: Leaving pellets in the hopper of your Traeger pellet grill means you don’t have to refill it every time you want to use the grill, saving you time and effort.
• Quick start: Having pellets in the hopper allows you to start your grill quickly without having to add pellets before each use, making it more convenient for impromptu grilling sessions.

Disadvantages of leaving pellets in your Traeger pellet grill:

• Pellet degradation: Over time, pellets left in the hopper can absorb moisture from the air, which can cause them to degrade and affect their performance. This can result in reduced heat output and potentially affect the flavor of the food being cooked.
• Pellet storage: Leaving pellets in the hopper for extended periods may require proper storage measures to prevent moisture absorption, such as using a pellet storage container or keeping the grill in a covered area.
• Cleaning challenges: Leaving pellets in the hopper can make cleaning more challenging as you may need to empty out the hopper and clean it separately, especially if the pellets have absorbed moisture and created clumps or residue.
• Potential pellet waste: If you frequently switch between different types of pellets or flavors, leaving pellets in the hopper may result in some pellets being wasted if you need to empty the hopper to change flavors or types of pellets.
• Pest attraction: Leaving pellets in the hopper can attract pests such as rodents or insects, which may be attracted to the food source and potentially cause damage to the pellets or the grill. Proper pest control measures may be necessary to prevent this issue.

Table: Effects of storage time on pellet condition in traeger pellet grill hopper

What could happen to unused wood pellets left in your Traeger pellet grill

The biggest thing that you need to remember with a pellet grill is that the pellets are the fuel.

If you are done grilling and there are just a few pellets left in the barrel, they are fine to stay where they are.

Odds are they are not going to get wet or get ruined before you grill again. Even if they do, it is going to be a small amount that can be easily cleaned out.

If you have a full drum and you are done cooking and you are not going to be grilling again in the near future, it is going to be better to take the pellets out and to get them put away until you need them again.

It is really up to you and is fully dependent on what you want to do. Leaving them in the grill is not going to damage the grill but might end up damaging the pellets.

Restarting a pellet grill after running out of pellets

If you do run out of pellets you can restart your grill without having to go through the entire process that you did to start the grill.

First, you need to put more pellets in the auger so that they can cycle through and so that they can get back into the grill.

You want to put the grill on high so that the auger will work to bring the pellets in quicker.

You then need to turn the grill off once the pellets make it to the fire pot and then start your grill up again.

Can pellets go bad if left in a Traeger pellet grill?

Pellets can go bad if they are not stored properly. If pellets are left in the fire pot or hopper of a pellet grill, they will eventually start to break down and rot.

This can create problems with your grill, including clogged burners and decreased performance.

It is important to clean out the fire pot and hopper of your grill each time you use it, to avoid leaving old pellets around.

Pellets should also be stored in an airtight sealable container when not in use, in order to keep them fresh for longer periods of time.

If you have a pellet grill, you may be wondering if the pellets can go bad if they are left in the grill. The answer is yes, they can go bad.

Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel. These pellets are made from compressed sawdust.

Over time, the pellets can start to break down and this will cause them to produce less heat and less smoke.

To prevent your pellets from going bad, it’s important to store them in an airtight sealable container.

This will keep them fresh and dry so that they will last longer. It’s also a good idea to keep your pellet grill clean so that the pellets don’t get contaminated with debris or grease.

How long do pellets last if left in a Traeger pellet grill?

If you’re going to leave your pellets inside the hopper, the chances of them lasting any longer then one to two months is slim.

But a lot of that depends on the humidity of the environment. The more wet your pellets are, the more chances that they won’t burn well in your Traeger grill.

Generally speaking, if you leave your wood pellets in your Traeger grill and store your Traeger grill away, the wood pellets will probably only last no more than one month.

If you live in a high humidity area, then they might only last less than 2 weeks (1 month at the most) inside your hopper.

Now, if you properly store them away, sealed inside their own packaging, in a cool, dry place, they can last as much as one year or more.

Can you still use pellets that were exposed to humidity and environmental fluctuation?

Pellets are made of compressed wood, so they are hygroscopic, meaning they will absorb moisture from the air. This can cause them to swell and even disintegrate. Moisture is the enemy of pellets, so it’s important to store them in a dry place.

If you live in a humid climate, it’s especially important to empty the pellet hopper at the end of each cook. This will help prevent the pellets from absorbing too much moisture and swelling.

In a cold climate, it’s also important to empty the hopper at the end of each cook to prevent freezing.

It’s also important to cover your drip tray with aluminum foil so that it’s easy to clean up later on.

Additionally, extreme fluctuations in temperature can cause the pellets to crack and break apart.

Store them in a dry place, and empty the hopper at the end of each cookout.

If temperatures fall below freezing, empty the pellet box to prevent them from freezing and becoming a mess. Covering your drip tray in aluminum foil will also make clean-up easier.

What would happen if you grilled with old pellets left outside

Grilling with old pellets that have been left outside for an extended period of time may result in poor performance and decreased flavor due to potential moisture absorption, reduced heat output, and increased ash production.

• Difficulty in ignition: Moisture absorbed by pellets left outside can make them harder to ignite. Wet or damp pellets may require more time and effort to light, or may fail to ignite altogether, resulting in delays in starting the grilling process.
• Inconsistent combustion: Pellets that have absorbed moisture may not burn uniformly, leading to uneven combustion and potentially creating hot spots or cold spots on the grill grates. This can result in uneven cooking and inconsistent results in terms of food doneness.
• Reduced efficiency: The energy content of pellets can diminish over time due to moisture absorption and other factors. As a result, old pellets may not produce the same level of heat output as fresh pellets, requiring more pellets to be used to achieve and maintain the desired cooking temperature. This can lead to increased pellet consumption and decreased grilling efficiency.
• Increased maintenance: Older pellets that have absorbed moisture and produced more ash during combustion may result in increased ash accumulation in the firepot and other parts of the grill. This can require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to keep the grill operating optimally.
• Altered flavor profile: Pellets that have been left outside for a long time may lose their natural wood flavor and aroma, which can affect the taste and aroma of the food being grilled. This can result in a less desirable flavor profile and potentially impact the overall quality of the grilled food.

How to preserve your pellets in the Traeger grill

Always clean out your Traeger grill after use and make sure there are no obstructions in the fire pot.

Do not leave Traeger pellets in the hopper where they will be exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Pellets should be stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh and dry.”

It is always best to clean out the grill and auger after each use. This will help prevent the pellets from going bad.

Traeger pellets will not last long if left in the hopper. Be sure to use them within a few days or they will start to deteriorate.

Traeger pellets will not last long if left in a dry climate. Store them in an airtight sealable container to keep them fresh longer.

Get better quality smoke out of your pellets by using higher quality pellets. They will last a lot longer and provide better flavor too!

Tips for leaving pellets in your Traeger pellet grill

If you are going to be leaving your pellets in your Traeger there are a few things that you can do to help make sure that they stay usable and that they do not disintegrate.

• Make sure the drum is secured and closed up tight. You may want to even secure the door shut so that nothing, like mice, can get it open and can then get into your pellets.
• Make sure your grill is put away and kept away from water or moisture. Moisture is what is going to ruin your pellets and potentially damage your grill as well. Make sure your grill is covered and in a garage or other shelter.
• Make sure your pellets are dry when you leave them and that they are fully out before you put your grill away. If they are still smoldering and you leave them unattended, it can lead to a fire.
• When in doubt, take them out. If you are at all unsure, remove the pellets from the grill.

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