Newbie

[Lucas Bruursema]

Sorry to bug you but Can you help me understand the P setting? In my manual for the pitboss it only allows me to adjust it in the smoke setting..but does that mean that it adjusts the pellet rate for the different temperatures settings? Is it worth ever adjusting other than when it's really cold? Reason I ask is that I have another thermostat that is checking the grill temp and it is reading higher than the control temp by an average 10 to 20 degrees. Just didn't know if I adjusted the P setting to a higher setting it would help lower the grill temp and put it more in line with controller? Thanks in advance for your thoughts or advice!

 

[RCAlan]

Sorry to bug you but Can you help me understand the P setting? In my manual for the pitboss it only allows me to adjust it in the smoke setting..but does that mean that it adjusts the pellet rate for the different temperatures settings? Is it worth ever adjusting other than when it's really cold? Reason I ask is that I have another thermostat that is checking the grill temp and it is reading higher than the control temp by an average 10 to 20 degrees. Just didn't know if I adjusted the P setting to a higher setting it would help lower the grill temp and put it more in line with controller? Thanks in advance for your thoughts or advice!

1. P-Settings Info... You always dial in your P-settings during the preheating procedures/steps... From what I’ve found, when I preheat my grill and the ambient temperature is between 40*-50* degrees , I’ll set my P-settings to either P3-P2 and not only does it help with control temps while on Smoke Mode, it also helps to keep the grills temps more stable while running higher settings. Some will say it has no effect, but the key is getting your grill dialed in during the Preheating procedures and You must dial in the P-settings while you’re preheating your grill. If the ambient temp is below 40* degrees and the Preheating procedures are all completed, I don’t even run Smoke Mode any more... I’ll just set my grill to 200* degrees to obtain some smoke flavor and this also helps to prevent Flame Outs due to the cold weather while trying to run Smoke Mode. If the ambient temperature is 60* degrees or higher then You can set your grills P-setting to P4.. Factory Default. 80* degrees or higher, P5 can be set. I never run P6-P7... I’ve had to many problems with my grill flaming out, while trying to use P6-P7. Others may have no issues using P6-P7 while running the Smoke Mode setting and that’s great. Now, since I use my SD Stick Burning Heat Diffuser, I don’t have to chase for extra smoke flavor anymore. Remember, Your grill will produce good smoke while running temps from Smoke Mode, 200*, 225* and 250* degrees.. Running temps higher then 250* and your grill will produce less smoke. Here’s some threads with info about PB P-Settings.. https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/pitt-boss-“p”-setting-frustration.284939/ https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/new-to-smoking-intro-and-issues.280512/
2. Your Thermostat question... Your P-settings may have nothing to do with the different temps you’re getting from the other thermostat you’re using to check your grills temps. Since You’re testing your grills temps, I have a question for you. Where are you placing the thermostat that is giving you 10-20* difference in temperature?? If You’re placing it near the center of the grill, your thermostat will always read a bit higher because the Fire Pot/Burn Pit is at the center of the grill. That 10*-20* degree difference in temperature from Your thermostat is very possible depending on where you placed it in the grill. I hope the info helps.. Others may wish to chime in as well.

PB Austin XL in SoCal and Always... Semper Fi

 

[Lucas Bruursema]

Thanks for the reply! So it currently is 40 degrees at my house and i got the P setting adjusted to P5 to see what would happen. The grill is set at 350 and the actual temp reads between 350 to 360. The thermo I put in is placed near the grill thermo set off the grill rack and its reading between 420 to 400. So the grill temp readings seem to be what I would say is somewhat stable but my other thermo seems to be off? Its fairly new so not sure what to think? The grill thermo on the barrel of course is reading high Between 420 and 450 and I know it's because the heat is rising. So should I try going the other way with the P setting? Your thoughts?

 

[Lucas Bruursema]

Just had to say thanks again for all the advice. Everything I have cooked so far....from retries at pizza to steak burger mashed potatoes and bread....all of come out perfect. Love this pellet grill and love this forum. Been a great source of help and info!

 

[HHYak]

6. Always keep your Smoker clean... Oil down the Flame Broiler main Plate and Flame Broiler slider with cooking oil to prevent rust after every washing and You should use aluminum foil on them during your cooks as well. The foil will help make clean ups that much easier too.

PB Austin XL in SoCal and Always... Semper Fi

Careful with this. In the owners manual for the 820 Pro warns against putting foil on the flame broiler. P17 under #3 - IMPORTANT: Due to high heat, do not cover the flame broiler or probes with aluminum foil.

Not sure if this is just the 820 or not, check your manual.

 

[HHYak]

Not sure on a Grilla, but my manual says preheat at 350’ with the lid closed for 15-20 mins.

The 820 is my first smoker ever so I don’t know if the preheat makes a huge difference because I’ve always done it. All 1.5 months of my smoking experience