18
MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL
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
exhaust vent of a slow-burning fire. As a result,
creosote accumulates on the exhaust vent 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 exhaust vent lining,
similar to creosote, which could contribute to
a fire.
The chimney exhaust should be inspected at least
twice a year to determine when a creosote and/or
grease buildup has occurred.
Also, grease drippings from the food will fall onto
the grease drip tray and be channeled into the
grease drain and then out of the grill through
the grease drain tube, to be collected in the
grease bucket. Grease will accumulate in all
of these locations.
The grease drain, the grease drain tube, 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.
2.
CLEANING THE CHIMNEY PIPE:
DANGER!
Turn the switch OFF (
O
) and disconnect
the power cord.
CAUTION!
Make sure that the grill is cold before
cleaning the chimney pipe. Remove (unscrew) the
chimney cap assembly from the top of the chimney
pipe. Once the chimney cap assembly has been
removed, it can be cleaned with warm, soapy
water or with a biodegradable de-greaser.
Scrape the creosote and grease accumulation from
the inside of the vertical and horizontal sections
of the chimney pipe using a stiff, nonmetallic tool.
A wooden paint stir stick, for example, would work
for this task. Once the creosote and grease residue
has been loosened from the chimney pipe lining,
much of it can be removed with paper towels or
disposable rags. Do not spray water or other liquid
cleaners onto the inside of your grill.
Once the chimney pipe has been cleaned, replace
the chimney cap assembly.
3.
CLEANING GREASE FROM YOUR GRILL:
DANGER!
Turn the 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 out of the V-shaped
grease drain and grease drain tube. If too much
grease is allowed to build up in the V-shaped
grease drain or is allowed to plug the grease drain
tube, a grease fire could result. We recommend
cleaning these locations regularly.
Remove the porcelain-coated grill grates and
the grease drip tray. This will provide access
to the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain
tube opening inside the grill. Scrape the grease
accumulation from inside the V-shaped grease
drain and grease drain tube using a stiff,
nonmetallic tool. Much of the loosened grease
can be pushed down through the grease drain
tube and will fall into the grease bucket. Wipe up
remaining grease residue with paper towels or
disposable rags. Paper towels or disposable rags
can also be used to wipe some of the grease off
of the interior surfaces of the grill.
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.
4.
CLEANING OUTSIDE SURFACES:
DANGER!
Turn the 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.
5.
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. A Traeger Grill Cover is highly
recommended to protect the grill! Covers are
available from your Traeger dealer, or log onto
our website, traegergrills.com.
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