Traeger Ran Out Of Pellets? What You Can Do!

So, your Traeger grill has run out of pellets. Don’t worry, you’re not out of options just yet!

There are a few things you can do to keep your cooking going. If you have a warning about low pellets, simply add more to the hopper. But if the grill has completely turned off or shows a low temperature warning, a complete restart may be necessary.

Another option is to finish cooking in your oven or even use a gas grill with a smoker box.

Let’s explore all these alternatives in more detail.

Adding More Pellets

If your Traeger is running low on pellets, you can easily solve the issue by adding more wood pellets to the hopper. Refilling the hopper will maximize your smoking time and allow you to continue enjoying your barbecue.

When the Traeger gives a low pellet hopper warning, it means you have approximately one to two hours of smoking time left, depending on the model. To add more pellets, you can source them from your personal supply or local stores like Walmart or barbecue stores. However, it’s important to note that heating pellets are unsuitable for use in a pellet grill or smoker.

If your Traeger has completely turned off or shows a low temperature warning, a complete restart may be required. By promptly refilling the hopper, you can ensure a continuous and enjoyable smoking experience.

Complete Restart of the Traeger Grill

To perform a complete restart, simply ensure that the grill has turned off completely and displays a low temperature warning. Once this is confirmed, you can proceed with the restart process.

Begin by cleaning the fire pot, which is located at the bottom of the grill. Remove any ashes or debris that may have accumulated. This step is crucial to ensure proper airflow and efficient burning of the wood pellets.

Next, restart the digital display by turning it off and then back on. This will reset any potential glitches or errors that may have occurred.

Once the fire pot is clean and the digital display is restarted, you can proceed with adding fresh wood pellets and igniting the grill.

This complete restart process will ensure that your Traeger grill is ready to use again and will provide you with optimal performance for your next cooking session.

Alternative Options for Saving Your Barbecue

When your Traeger grill is low on wood pellets, one option is adding more to save your barbecue. Here are some alternative options for saving your barbecue when you run out of pellets:

1. Allow the grill to cool down: If your Traeger has completely turned off or shows a low temperature warning, it may need a complete restart. Allowing the grill to cool down before refilling the hopper and restarting can help resolve any issues.

2. Vacuum the fire pot: If the grill is not heating up properly, vacuuming the fire pot can help remove any ash or debris that may be blocking the airflow.

3. Refill the auger with new pellets: If your Traeger is running low on pellets, adding more wood pellets is a simple solution. Make sure to use the right type of pellets for your grill, as heating pellets are not suitable for use in a pellet grill or smoker.

Remember to perform regular Traeger maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and delicious barbecues every time.

Sourcing Wood Pellets for Your Traeger Grill

When running low on wood pellets for your Traeger grill, sourcing them from local stores like Walmart or barbecue stores is a convenient option. However, if you prefer the convenience of online shopping, buying wood pellets online is also a viable choice.

Many retailers offer a wide variety of wood pellet options, allowing you to choose the flavor and type that best suits your grilling needs. When buying wood pellets online, be sure to consider the shipping costs and delivery time to ensure that you receive them in a timely manner. Additionally, it’s important to read customer reviews and check the reputation of the seller to ensure that you are purchasing high-quality pellets.

Whether you choose to find wood pellets locally or buy them online, having a steady supply is essential for enjoying delicious barbecued meals on your Traeger grill.

Utilizing Your Oven as an Alternative Cooking Method

If your Traeger grill has run out of wood pellets, one option is to immediately start your oven if it’s large enough. This will allow you to continue cooking your food without sacrificing the smoky flavor that you love.

Here are three steps to utilize your oven as an alternative cooking method:

1. Using a smoker box in the oven: Place wood chips or chunks in a smoker box and preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Once the oven is heated, place the smoker box on the oven rack and place your food on a separate rack. The wood chips will create smoke, infusing your food with a delicious smoky flavor.

2. Using a gas grill with a smoker box: If you have a gas grill with a smoker box, transfer your food to the gas grill. Fill the smoker box with wood chips and preheat the grill. Place the smoker box on the grill grates and turn on the burner underneath it. This will create smoke and allow you to continue cooking with that smoky flavor.

Finishing the Cook in the Oven

To finish cooking your food in the oven, simply transfer it from the grill once it is at least 50% done. When your Traeger grill runs out of pellets, using the oven as an alternative cooking method can be a great solution.

There are several benefits to using the oven to finish cooking on a Traeger grill without pellets. First, it allows you to continue cooking at the desired slow cooking temperature. Second, it ensures that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Lastly, it saves you from having to start the cooking process all over again.

To maintain the smoky flavor when using the oven as an alternative cooking method on a Traeger grill, there are a few tips you can follow. First, make sure to transfer the meat to the oven once it is at least 50% done. This is because the smoke flavor is absorbed in the first half of the cooking process. Second, you can use a smoking wood or wood chips to add some smoky aroma to your food. Simply place a small amount of wood chips in a foil pouch and puncture some holes in it to allow the smoke to escape. Finally, you can also use a liquid smoke seasoning to add a hint of smoky flavor to your dishes.

Using a Gas Grill as an Alternative

If you find yourself in a situation where your Traeger grill has run out of pellets, fear not! You can still salvage your cook by using a gas grill as an alternative.

Here’s what you can do to maintain that delicious smoky flavor:

1. Transfer the food to the gas grill: Move your meat from the Traeger to the gas grill.

2. Use a smoker box: Place a smoker box filled with wood chips or chunks on the gas grill to continue imparting that smoky essence.

3. Create an indirect heating zone: Set up one burner on the gas grill and place the meat on the other side. This will create an indirect heating zone for slow cooking.

Incorporating a Smoker Box in a Gas Grill

When using a gas grill as an alternative, enhance the smoky flavor by incorporating a smoker box filled with wood chips or chunks. A smoker box is a small metal container that holds the wood chips or chunks and sits directly on top of the gas burners. The heat from the burners causes the wood to smolder, producing smoke that infuses the food with that delicious smoky flavor.

The benefits of using a gas grill with a smoker box are twofold. Firstly, it allows you to achieve that authentic smoky taste without the need for a traditional charcoal or wood-burning grill. Secondly, gas grills offer precise temperature control, making it easier to maintain a consistent cooking temperature throughout the entire grilling process.

Continued Cooking on a Gas Grill Without Pellets

Don’t worry about running out of pellets. Simply transfer your food to the gas grill and continue cooking. Here’s how:

1. Set up your gas grill: Preheat the grill to the desired cooking temperature, usually around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Create a smoky flavor: To maintain that smoky taste, use a smoker box filled with wood chips or chunks. Place it on one side of the grill, directly over the burner.

3. Indirect cooking: Place your food on the other side of the grill, away from the direct heat. This creates an indirect heating zone, allowing for slow cooking.

By transferring your food to the gas grill and using a smoker box, you can continue cooking without wood pellets while still maintaining that delicious smoky flavor.

If you prefer, you can also finish cooking in the oven, as the smoky flavor is absorbed in the first 50% of the cook.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Running out of pellets in your Traeger grill may seem like a disaster, but fear not!

With a little ingenuity and some alternative cooking methods, you can still save your barbecue feast.

From adding more pellets to restarting the grill, using your oven, or even firing up a gas grill with a smoker box, there are plenty of options at your disposal.

Don’t let a pellet shortage ruin your cookout – get creative and keep those flavors sizzling!