Kiwi Enthusiast

[Johnh53]

I’m based in Auckland New Zealand and have had my Traeger Junior for a few years now. Enjoy using it over my old gas BBQ but can’t get the temperature high enough to get a good sizzle and sear marks hence my joining this forum. Hoping for some advice. I have an idea that the junior just wont get high enough temperatures to give a good sear. I can get up to around 375 on a good day and maybe 425 with the thermal blanket. Could be my junior needs some tinkering but I’m not sure what would be the best way to go?
Look forward to any suggestions.

Cheers

 

[Scott Eisenbraun]

I don't believe you will get higher temps than you are now. They weren't engineered to give high sear temps. I had a Traeger for years. Used it for longer, lower temp cooks. For a fast and high sear, I used a Weber kettle.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

I'd say do the bulk of the cooking on the Traeger and finish either in cast iron or a little cheap charcoal.

Remember, BBQ is all about that low and slow. <I mean we consider 275f to be hot in these here forums LOL>

 

[Johnh53]

Hey thanks guys. I was hoping for an all round solution without having to go to a second unit but maybe I just need to bite the bullet and get a Webber or similar for steaks and use the Traeger for low and slow. The appeal of the Traeger was the convenience and speed. With charcoal it takes awhile and on a week night that can be problematic. Never much liked gas as the heat never seemed to be even enough plus it doesn’t give that smoke flavour.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

Hey thanks guys. I was hoping for an all round solution without having to go to a second unit but maybe I just need to bite the bullet and get a Webber or similar for steaks and use the Traeger for low and slow. The appeal of the Traeger was the convenience and speed. With charcoal it takes awhile and on a week night that can be problematic. Never much liked gas as the heat never seemed to be even enough plus it doesn’t give that smoke flavour.

I still think just using the Traeger and a quick sear in a super hot iron pan is a good way to go for things like steak. :) Won't take much time either!

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

I still think just using the Traeger and a quick sear in a super hot iron pan is a good way to go for things like steak. :) Won't take much time either!

This!

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF!
Don't have a pellet grill, so I can't help with your question, however for a quick sear you can't beat a searzall!
Al