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1.
CREOSOTE AND GREASE FORMATION
AND REMOVAL
When wood pellets are burned slowly, they
produce tar and other organic vapors that
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote.
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively
cool chimney exhaust of a slow-burning fire. As
a result, creosote accumulates on the chimney
lining. When ignited, creosote makes an extremely
hot fire. Airborne grease particles will travel
through the cooking chamber, and some of this
airborne grease will accumulate on the interior
of the grill, similar to creosote, which could
contribute to a fire.
Also, grease drippings from the food will fall
onto the grease drip tray and be channeled out
of the grill through the grease drain spout, to
be collected in the grease bucket. Grease will
accumulate in all of these locations.
The grease drip tray, the grease drain spout, and
the grease bucket should be inspected at least
twice a year for signs of grease buildup.
When creosote or grease has accumulated, it
should be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
Even if there is ample room in the grill, be
cautious of loading excessive amounts of food
that can release large quantities of flammable
grease, for example more than a pound of
bacon, especially if the grill has not been well-
maintained. If your previous cooks have produced
large quantities of flammable grease, it is highly
recommended that the grease be cleaned from
the grill before using it again.
Cleaning grease from your grill:
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power switch OFF (O)
and disconnect the power cord.
CAUTION!
Accumulated grease is easier to clean
off when the grill is still warm—not hot. Be careful
not to burn yourself. Gloves are recommended.
Periodically clean the grease drip tray and spout,
along with the interior walls of the grill. Improper
maintenance and cleaning of the grease collection
system could result in a grease fire. Removing the
porcelain-coated grill grate and grease drip tray
will allow proper access to the interior of the grill
for cleaning. Use a non-metallic tool to scrape
any built-up grease from surfaces; wipe up any
remaining grease with a disposable rag or paper
towel.
Line your grease bucket with aluminum foil for
easy cleanup. Empty it occasionally, depending on
the amount of use. Change the aluminum foil on
the grease drip tray frequently (sometimes after
each use, depending upon what was cooked). Clean
foil on the grease drip tray will make your food taste
better and reduce the risk of a grease fire.
Cleaning outside surfaces:
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power switch OFF (O)
and disconnect the power cord.
Use a disposable rag or cloth dampened with
warm, soapy water to wipe the grease from the
outside of the grill. DO NOT use oven cleaner,
abrasive cleansers, or abrasive cleaning pads
on the outside grill surfaces.
Outside storage:
CAUTION!
If the grill is stored outside during the
rainy season, care should be taken to ensure that
water does not get into the pellet hopper. Wood
pellets expand greatly when wet and will jam your
auger. Always cover your grill when not in use with
the Traeger
®
Grill Cover. This custom-fit cover can
be purchased at traegergrills.com.
Cleaning the porcelain-coated grill grate:
CAUTION!
Cleaning the porcelain-coated grill
grate works best while they are still warm. Be
careful not to burn yourself. We recommend
keeping a long-handled cleaning brush near the
grill. After removing your food, give the grill grate
a quick brushing. It takes only a minute and it will
be ready the next time you want to use the grill.
2.
ASH CLEANING AND REMOVAL
Cleaning the ash from inside and around
the firepot (every 20 hours of use):
DANGER!
Turn the Main Power switch OFF (O)
and disconnect the power cord.
WARNING!
Make sure that the grill is COLD
before cleaning the ash.
WARNING!
Disposal of ashes should be done
only according to the following instructions.
Excess ash in the firepot may cause your fire to go
out. The firepot should be inspected occasionally
and cleaned to remove the ash buildup. Again,
cleaning the ash from in and around the firepot
should be done only when the grill is COLD.
MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL
