I have an older Pro 22 model and having issues with big temperature swings. I use the Traeger temp and a wired (set of 4) ThermPro probes. I replaced the Traeger temperature sensor and calibrated the ThermPro probes (4 probes showed 213 in boiling water). Fired up the Traeger, set to 225 and placed a couple of thermPro probes in the smoker. Outside temp 51 calm winds. After 30 minutes of warmup. The Traeger shows 223 and the ThermPro shows 227. Loaded a brisket in the smoker and now the temp is all over the place. Pics are my current setup. I have 1 probe in the meat, 1 probe 1 probe near front right side of grill grate, 1 probe near the front left side of grill grate and the Traeger sensor.
Current Temps:
Traeger set at 225
Traeger shows: 215
ThermPro Right side shows: 257
ThermPro Left side shows: 231
Is this normal or is this old smoker going out?
by Lacidar67
9 Comments
Hey! It looks like you posted an image!
If this is a photo of one of your cooks, maybe share the recipe and techniques
used, as it’s almost guaranteed one of the first questions you will be asked!
*What seasoning did you use?
*How long did you cook it, and at what temperature?
*Did you use any special tricks or techniques?
Traeger on!
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You’re all good. This is perfectly normal.
When this started happening with mine I tried cleaning it, but ended up needing a new controller. Traeger customer support walked me through ordering one and later installing it. It wasn’t difficult.
Edit: I skimmed your post. My temperature swings were fr more dramatic, on the order of 50 degrees each way. Yours don’t sound bad at all.
The older models with those controllers have a bigger temp swing. I think it was something around 15° over or under.
I’ve learned with the Traeger to just temp probe my meat and set the actual unit to whatever temp I prefer and just watch the meat. Watching the Traeger temps will drive you insane eventually.
Remember, the smaller the unit, the larger the temperature swings. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Use fresh pellets every smoke, and clean the temp probe on the inside with isopropyl alcohol before you start
Buy 4 to 6 fire bricks and put them in the bottom of your pellet grill. They will do a great job of lessening temp swings.
•Temp swings are normal, especially as it’s coming up to temp and trying to keep it to the set point.
•Wind can cause big temp swings. Caused by to many or large air gaps around the door and/or too much draw on the stack.
•Poor pellet quality, as in old soft pellets turning to sawdust in the auger can cause temp swings.