How to Remove Pellets from Traeger Auger – Fully Explained

Auger pellets help to add a new flavor to your slow-cooked foods. Cooking outdoors becomes fun using Traeger auger pellets. However, they might need to be replaced or changed sometimes.

But how to remove pellets from Traeger auger?

There are some steps to follow for removing pellets from the auger. You can remove the pellets either using your hands or some other method. Also, the removal process might differ depending on the model you’re using. For example, newer models may have some other requirements. So, proceed wisely.

The above portion only deals with surface-level info. There are more things to know regarding this topic that is necessary. So, if you want to dive deeper into details, please read the full article.

Why Do You Need To Remove Pellets

You might wonder what’s the necessity of removing pellets from the Traeger auger and replacing them. Well, there are various reasons.

For example, the pellets can get dull and lose their sheen. In that case, they won’t give the best outcome as before. This can be a reason for removing the pellets and replacing them with new ones.

When your pellets get old, they’ll crumble easily. And you might need to remove them to add new ones.

The pellets can get moisturized if kept unused for a long. So, they won’t be usable after that as they won’t deliver the results. Then you might need to remove the pellets.

When you’re sure that you won’t cook for long, it’s better to remove the pellets. Removing the pellets from the Traeger auger at that time is useful. Because when you cook after long, you can use fresh pellets then.

Sometimes removing old pellets and adding new ones can add more flavor when you cook. So, this can be another reason for you to remove pellets.

How Do You Remove Pellets

how to remove pellets from traeger auger

Now comes the part where you’ll get to know how to remove pellets from Traeger. There are different models of Traeger augers. So, the function of removing pellets might be different depending on the model.

But you don’t need to worry. Because I’ve packed the instructions for both the newer models as well as older models. I’ve described how do you remove pellets from a Traeger auger below. Check them out!

Removing Pellets in Newer Models:

It’s comparatively easy to remove pellets from the newer models of Traeger augers. Because they usually contain a release door which gives ease of access.

So, for removing the pellets, you can unlock the release door. Then you can remove the pellets after opening the door. This is how to get pellets out of Traeger auger of newer models.

You may wonder how long does it take to clear auger on Traeger. Well, in this manner, the job gets done quickly.

But remember that, the Traeger should be turned off and also cooled down. So, please check whether your Traeger auger is properly cooled down. Otherwise, unwanted situations can occur or you might get injured.

You should keep a container to hold the removed pellets. Or you can keep a sealable bucket as well. Both of them can help with the disposal of pellets. You can check the containers that I suggest below.

Sealable BucketGamma2 Vittles Vault Outback Airtight Bucket Container
Pellet ContainerOklahoma Joe’s Pellet Bucket Kit

I hope these products will be extremely helpful for you.

The pellets should be quickly out through the release door. And you can remove the remainder using your hand. Check the grill grates, drip tray, and heat baffles for a better inspection.

For the final inspection, turn on the Traeger auger and set it to smoke mode. Any remainder there should be burned out after this. And remember to light the smoker properly.

This is how to remove all pellets from Traeger.

Removing Pellets in Older Models:

If you’re using an older model Traeger auger, removing the pellets might require different actions. I’ve talked about that here.

Older Traeger auger models don’t have the release door. So, removing the pellets is a bit hard.

To remove pellets from these Traeger augers, opening the top portion is the only way. So, get to work with a screwdriver to unscrew and detach the top guard. And don’t forget to turn off the Traeger grill and cool down before starting to work.

As you’re cleaning from the top, you may not be able to reach the bottom. So, to remove pellets from the bottom portion, using a small, portable vacuum cleaner is preferable. This will clear the pellets from the bottom.

And finally, you can turn on the Traeger auger like before and set it to smoke mode. Thus your final inspection will be done. And this is how to remove used pellets from Traeger.

Some Safety Instructions

how to remove used pellets from Traeger

Safety is a concern when you’re doing this kind of work. So, you should maintain your safety.

While removing the pellets, don’t forget to turn off the Traeger auger beforehand. Also, let it cool down. Besides, use hand gloves when you’re cleaning the residuals with your hands.

When opening the top lid of the Traeger auger, do it carefully. Take assistance from experienced ones if you’re not used to it. Check the control panel of the smoker to see if it’s working.

Also, while removing any components, be careful and don’t injure yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is it possible for pellet smokers to feed pellets automatically?

Yes, pellet smokers can automatically feed pallets with the help of a control panel. The control panel can smoke, grill, and bake feeding the pellets. Besides, the control panel can regulate the airflow. It can also control the temperature.

What amount of pellets are consumed by the Traeger auger?

Usually, 1 to 3-pound pellets is burned in a Traeger auger per hour. That means if you have 20-pound pellets, then they can last from 6 to 20 hours. However, this shall vary depending on the usage structure and temperature.

Is it possible to grill steaks on a Traeger?

Yes, it’s possible to grill steaks on a Traeger. But the recipe might differ in that case. Also, look after the heating conditions of the Traeger if you want to grill a steak.

What’s the lifespan of Traeger grills?

Traeger grills usually last around 5 years if maintained properly. However, if you replace or repair damaged components timely, they can last longer. In that case, they can last for 10 to 15 years easily.

How long should I leave the pellets in the Traeger auger?

It’s fine to leave the pellets in the Traeger auger for around one week. But the smoker should be in a dry and safe place. However, dumping the pellets after each cook is more recommended.

Conclusion

After a long discussion, I’m at the end of how to remove pellets from the Traeger auger. I hope you learned a lot of the necessary information.

Pellet removal can be an easy task if you do it properly. So, don’t be afraid to do it. That’s all for today. I wish you all the best.

Leave a Reply