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.