Pellet Grill Fires - Grill clean but still get flares

[maesoph]

I have a GMG Ledge pellet grill that I am pretty happy with. I've had a couple of grill flare ups / fires that have ruined food recently. Both events start with at low temperature (225F - 250F) for 1/2 hour or so and then high temperature (425F - 450F). The first starts roughly when the grill goes above 420F or there abouts. I suspect that what happens is that the food drips grease during the low temperature phase and then when the grill heats up to 425F, the fire starts. Is there a way to prevent this specific problem? My only thought would be to put aluminum foil on the slanted plate and then pull that off (along with accumulated grease) when switching the grill to high temperature. In both cases, the grill had been cleaned prior to grilling. By clean, I mean scrapped and wiped. There might have been some discoloration but no accumulation of grease prior to starting. I lost a great tomohawk steak and a batch of wings so far. Would like to stop throwing away food.

 

[chopsaw]

Not familiar with your grill , but I run a Weber SmokeFire that has an open design .
Meaning that there is no flat plate to defuse the flame , or drain grease .
I use a pan to catch the drippings on lower temp long cooks .
Even though that grill is designed to prevent grease fires , you might consider using a drip pan .

I would also look into the drain system for the grease and make sure it's not blocked or something .
I'll just say , grease fires in a pellet grill is no joke . Extremely dangerous .

 

[BigW.]

High heat grilling there is always a risk of flare up. Gas grill, pellet, Weber Kettle etc all have the potential for flare ups. May need to adjust the process in addition to keeping grill clean and constant monitoring grills at high heat. Do you have a gas grill? For the tomahawk, a cast iron pan on a gas grill will give you a great sear. Or maybe low smoke or the right side of the grill. Take food off while heating to high temp and grill/sear on the left side where there should be little or no grease.

 

[Florida Chris]

Is the grill leveled so the drippings drain properly?

 

[maesoph]

Is the grill leveled so the drippings drain properly?

Grill is level.

 

[Brokenhandle]

I have the same smoker... never had an issue. But haven't ever used that high of temp. I'd call customer service and see what they say.

Ryan

 

[mike243]

You have it diagnosed, high heat runs will cause a fire especially with chicken, been there done that. I learned to throw on the gas grill after smoking if crisp skin is wanted, much easier to control it on the gasser.