New pellet grill and (allegedly) smoker

[The Big Cheese]

Howdy folks! Buddy of mine raves about his traeger pellet grill. Coworker recently got one and raves about it as well. I have a Weber gas grill and a MB electric smoker that has served all my needs well, but they set me off on my pellet grill journey. Did my research, looked around, kept my eye on FB marketplace, decided didn’t want a used one. Almost got a great deal on a new Weber Searwood XL but someone bought it just before me. Longer story shorter, settled for an intermediate range new Pit Boss 820 Sportsman, great deal at Tractor Supply. Get my feet wet with a not too pricy starter model.

Assembled and did the initial burn off. Set at 425, worked good. First grill to see what I’m up against, set to 400 and grilled some burgers. Worked fine, burgers came out good, very slight wood fire flavor.

So next I tried the low temp setting and played with the smoke settings to see what smoke levels I’d be dealing with. No meat, just trying the settings. No real smoke coming out. Altered the pellet feed rates, and all I got was a hotter or cooler temp, no smoke billowing out the stack. I’m used to my MB pumping out smoke like an early 1900s coal plant.

Anyone with a Pit Boss, and anything I might be doing wrong to get some good smoke? Bought some bear mountain pellets to start. It’s early and only played with the low setting and smoke (allegedly) for an hour or so. Maybe just need to start with the burner pot cold? A little bummed not much smoke, slightly disappointed with pellet grill purchase at the moment.

Any hints tips tricks is appreciated!

 

[chopsaw]

slightly disappointed with pellet grill purchase at the moment.

Don't be . You have to learn it , and you just got it . I have a different brand , but I've stood in front of the one you have , and it's a nice grill / smoker for the price .
Pellets will make a difference . I like B&B or Lumber jack . Several others that work also . I've used Bear mountain , I just like the other 2 better .
Also , you don't have to see smoke to get smoke profile on the meat , plus that's a brand new rig .
Use it and get some seasoning in it .

 

[mike243]

Kingsford always gives great flavor no matter the temps I run

 

[Winterrider]

Lumberjack, thin blue smoke is what you want not billowing smoke, should barely see it. And as mentioned, get it seasoned. Will be a great difference.