Traeger Pro 780 modifications??

[smoke_chef]

I love my new Traeger Pro 780. It is a definite upgrade from my old cabinet smoker that finally rusted out. However, I can’t get enough smoke flavor out of it. When I smoke, there is no visible smoke at all. I know what TBS looks like. This is zero. Zip. Nadda. I googled reviews and apparently this is common. The Traeger people, some admin I’m sure, replied to the OP’s question about it saying, “the heat source is wood pellets so there is no denying that the meat is technically “smoked”. That’s all they said. Nothing about modifications or ways to amp up the smoke. I read another comment about smoking everything at 185 until it has the desired smoke level then ramping up the temp to finish. That doesn't seem right either. Has anyone tried any mods? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[normanaj]

A smoke tube is the easiest solution.

Pit Boss Grills | Wood Pellet Grills | Flat Top Griddles | BBQ Smokers

Shop for wood pellet grills, smokers, and griddles. Try new recipes and learn about our 8-in-1 grill versatility. Our grills help you craft BBQ recipes to perfection.

pitboss-grills.com

 

[DieselTech]

I love my new Traeger Pro 780. It is a definite upgrade from my old cabinet smoker that finally rusted out. However, I can’t get enough smoke flavor out of it. When I smoke, there is no visible smoke at all. I know what TBS looks like. This is zero. Zip. Nadda. I googled reviews and apparently this is common. The Traeger people, some admin I’m sure, replied to the OP’s question about it saying, “the heat source is wood pellets so there is no denying that the meat is technically “smoked”. That’s all they said. Nothing about modifications or ways to amp up the smoke. I read another comment about smoking everything at 185 until it has the desired smoke level then ramping up the temp to finish. That doesn't seem right either. Has anyone tried any mods? Thanks in advance for any help.

I would say try different brands of pellets. I like lumberjack & bear mountain.

I think they render more/better smoke.

You could add a cold smoke attachment like the Bella or smoke daddy smoke generator.

Or as others mentioned get some smoke tubes. I got 3 smoke tubes & a tray I use.

 

[mike243]

Smoke tube and spritze about every hour or more often for several hours, the lower the temp the more smoke they make, it's a very clean smoke and pellets are heat treated during the process to make them. Try different pellets, Kingsford hickory seem to give smoke at a higher temp than some of the others.

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

When I had my Traeger I used a amzn pellet maze and lumberjack pellets. That was a night and day difference between no smoke flavor and smoker flavor. I’d also run it at 180* for the first hour or so of the smoke. It would generate more smoke

 

[schlotz]

Agree with using different pellets and those mentioned above with the exception of Bear Mountain. Tried one bag and while the smoke level is fine they leave a significant amount of ash behind vs the others. Routinely use Lumberjack.

 

[smoke_chef]

Thanks to all. A smoke tube is in my future!

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Agree with using different pellets and those mentioned above with the exception of Bear Mountain. Tried one bag and while the smoke level is fine they leave a significant amount of ash behind vs the others. Routinely use Lumberjack.

I used to use Bear Mountain but something has changed in their pellets.
I just run Traeger pellets in my new Traeger Pro 22.

 

[Buddy55]

I would say try different brands of pellets. I like lumberjack & bear mountain.

I think they render more/better smoke.

You could add a cold smoke attachment like the Bella or smoke daddy smoke generator.

Or as others mentioned get some smoke tubes. I got 3 smoke tubes & a tray I use.

Do you use all 3 tubes at once? Or do you smoke so much that you need three? Or are two of them not very good. I not trying to be mean or anything, just really curious?

 

[DieselTech]

Do you use all 3 tubes at once? Or do you smoke so much that you need three? Or are two of them not very good. I not trying to be mean or anything, just really curious?

Sorry I should have been more descriptive. I got 3 different size of tubes for different lengths of smoke time.

The short 6" tube is usually good for a 2 hour smoke.

The 12" tube is usually good for a 4-5 hour smoke.

The tray is usually good for a 10-12 hour smoke.

I only use 1 at a time & which tube I use is based off how long I want the smoke.

 

[smoke_chef]

Thanks everyone for the input. I did go get a smoke tube. I liked it so much I got a second one. The second one is really just for very long smokes. I find that I get about 4 hours of smoke per tube. Having th second one just allowed me to keep going with one lit as the other one burns out. The tube is the way to go for sure though... or the tray. I have heard good things about it. But, in general something to add secondary smoke is the key I think.