It did it again… smoker failed mid session. Throw in oven or throw in trash? (Internal 110°)

[civilsmoker]

I’ll just share my opinion…..

Your smoker is 5 years old meaning the electronics (computer, fan motor, auger motor, hot rod, and temp probe) have all beeen subjected to outside weather and humidity. That means ALL the wire have some measure of internal corrosion, ie because they are just pure copper wires vs marine grade tin wire. Currently the best warrantee on pellets is 6 years, so you are in the age that all the electronics are subject to failure.

Second I suspect you have a temperature control unit computer vs a PID computer which is very typical for older Treagers. These units are prone to issues.

The choices are to keep the grill and just fix the rod or computer and see how it goes. A rod is about 10-15 bills. A Treager temp control unit is 40-50 bills.

If your unit I mean the body is in good shape then you can rebuild the whole unit.
You can get an upgraded computer like this….it has two meat probes plug ins too. There are a number of these around 50-80 bills

Next get a rebuild kit…there are a number of kits 50-60….

So in total 110 or so to replace all the electronics.

The third option is the get a higher end computer. Smoke daddy makes a full rebuild kit with a PID for 250 that comes with every thing…..I hear these work very good!

4 the option is get a new grill…..there are many many good ones.

If your body and hopper is in pristine condition ie take it apart and make sure the auger and tube isn’t full of rust…. your diflector plate and drip pan are in good shape….. and if it comes apart easily then I would rebuild……ie $110 for the budget, $250, for upgraded rebuild……..

If you want don’t want to mess with it…….. then go shopping and have the confidence of a new one :-)…..

 

[old grisly]

This was my thought exactly as I read about the sitch. I have had my rec teq over 10 years and work like new every time.

For future butt cooks. Run what ever you got at 275 start early, it will be done for supper. Overnight cooks are asking for trouble. IMO. I stopped doing them after the need disappeared by running the cook hotter. Outcome is the same.

I totally agree with 275. When we had a restaurant, we used to do ribs in the oven - at 275, always came out perfect.

 

[sandyut]

If you're in the mind to fix, then yes I would start with replacing the rod. Even if that does fix the issue how confident will you be going forward using the smoker? Depending on how much you enjoy managing the aspects of a Kamado there are other choices. Don't let the sour taste brought on by your Traeger sway you. There are very reliable pellet smokers available.

I would get tired of chasing the problems. When I get a sense that is happening I walk away and start new. My old generator was on the path of chasing issues = $$$. Not into that at all.

Like schlotz mentioned...There are many good reliable long lasting smokers out there.

 

[gmc2003]

schlotz mentioned...There are many good reliable long lasting smokers out there.

Weber Kettle

 

[civilsmoker]

Just following up that you could also put a budget wifi compatible controller in it as well. There are a bunch, but this is the one I saw when surfing amazon in the search suggestions.....

you can also get a new auger, drip pan, and heat deflector on amazon as well for reasonable..... IE after the rebuild all the important stuff would be new.......

Good luck with your decision!

 

[migraine]

9.5 Ib pork butt rubbed and put on the Traeger at 1:30 am with temp set to 225°- but Traeger reading about 218°. Was fine with low and slow since dinner at 6:30pm.

Mid 20° last night and light snow. Got up at 8:30am to check - so it's been on for about 7hr.

Traeger reading error, 42° in the smoker (27° outside currently). Pork butt is warm to touch-not hot. Internal is 110°.

I've thrown pork out for similar situation in the past, but this one was still gettin up to temp and I expected it to be about 140-150°, so I don't think the Traeger was off for long.

I wrapped it and put in oven at 225°.

What are your thoughts? Is it safe to eat? Having a family over to watch football tonight. My biggest fear is getting people sick.

At this point I’m also going to be looking for a new smoker. I’ve had multiple
Issues with this one, it’s about 5 years old. Not sure if I should buy a new computer for it or just try another brand.

Thanks!

Sorry to hear this with your Treager....
Mine is an BBQ075 Traeger 10+ years old(?) and Just had 2 issues... first was the pellet feed didn't shut off at heat up big fire blowing at the fire pot and all over the bottom. Extinguished, cleaned, and relit with no further issues during that cook. The next time was the auger jambed(?) and needed to be torn apart expecting to find a broken something. Nope, just a jammed auger(?) Luckily, it was at start up so the meat went back into the refer for another day. Took it apart and nothing broken. Reassembled and everything was good to do a rack of ribs. I ordered a complete motor kit and misc parts off of amazon for $26-$50 depending on what you want in the kit.
My suggestion is to get a thermometer system that has high/low temps for the meat AND the smoker(which would have saved the meat or correct the issue and relite). That way you can walk away/sleep until it's done or wake you up when shit goes sideways. :~(
BTW.. I love the Thermoworks RTX wireless probes. If you sign up, they will send out discounts almost everyday for something. Best I can recall was 40% off.

 

[bazzz9]

I was in a similar situation this past fall. I have a 10 + year old Traeger that I have “rebuilt” four times now. Original control went out after 3-4 years, installed a popular replacement at the time, Orick, Ortech?? I don’t remember there being that many options. That was working fine until a storm came through and the wind blew my grill on its side. The rain soaked the electric board and motors so a replacement was needed. The metal pieces and grill grate were in good shape so I decided to rebuild it with Amazon parts or as cheap as possible. That lasted another two years until last fall. Thanksgiving turkey had to be put in the oven to finish and screwed up my timing for dinner. Since I’m cheap and had a $3000 repair job on my truck I decided to replace the control one more time. Hopefully it will last awhile. Parts are replaceable and easy to get now days. Good luck with your decision.

 

[schlotz]

Definitely admire your tenacity at keeping your Traeger operational. For others, this plight might push them to looking elsewhere for a new smoker with less issues.