Avoid making these 7 HUGE mistakes on a PELLET Smoker - Southern Backyard Cooking

[@Kryinggame]

Excellent video. No comedy or silliness. Just straight to the point, logical advice.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@onsomeloud]

Thank you sir! I know the video is free but time is not. We sure do appreciate you taking the time to educate us with your knowledge.

[@C_MR_WYld307]

Hey! Just bought my first Pellet Grill/smoker! I appreciate your tips.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Hope you enjoy

[@spoc505]

Mistake #1 should be not turning off the grill manually instead of letting the shutoff cycle do its thing. Unburned pellets sit in the fire pot if manually shutoff. On next use more pellets are dropped in the fire pot(adding more pellets to the already unburned ones in the fire pot) causing a bigger than expected fire or the exploding of pellet grills as seen on other videos. I learned the hard way. I almost lost my pellet grill!

[@paradiswest4395]

I learned the hard way too

[@jisung8384]

I disagree on your #1…biggest mistake is not inviting me to the barbecue.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You are right, LOL. The next big BBQ is going to be on Labor Day, Come on over.

[@harrybarnes3539]

BAM!

[@t41flyer]

Then you’re invited (BTOP - Bring Your Own Protein).

[@Bronx_Floridian]

😂

[@denso414]

Been looking at buying a pellet grill for a couple weeks. I've looked at written reviews as well as video reviews and tips. Your video is pretty much the best I've seen for really good advice on pellet grills. I think your tips will work for any brand I decide on. Thanks for posting.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help!

[@jenniferholman8849]

So helpful!! I'm new to smoking and so needed this. Thanks so very much for doing this video.

[@richardkersey8993]

All good tips! I store my pellets in sealed containers used for storing pet food. I have a few marked for different types of wood. Vacuuming between each cook also helps keep ash from flying around and landing on your food!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks

[@phantomiiist]

Thanks for the tips. I’m new to a pellet smoker. After doing my burn in, I did the vacuum of the ash pot and grill like you recommended. 👍🏽. I noticed that I couldn’t get all the tiny pellet dust that coated everything, I took my electric leaf blower as a 2nd step for a couple shots of compressed air and that cleared all fine dust/pellet ash particles out.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help!

[@Nsel79]

Another tip is to keep a dedicated small putty knife with your grill. Use it to scrap the drip tray and other parts. Fits perfect.

[@Stratman5150]

Great tips! I don't own a pellet smoker yet but this is going to help me out a lot when I finally get one. Thanks again!

[@RandomJ2023]

Literally just bought a "gently used" Z Grill that looks similar to yours. Its in good condition, only used a few times. Testing it as I speak with nothing in it. I think while transporting it in my trailer, a lot of pellets or dust got on the burners because it began smoking a LOT. Your video is perfect for me at the perfect time. Thanks!

[@Carnivorebarbie]

Bought our first smoker an hour ago and soooo glad I found you, THANK YOU! Great tips!

[@hoouwit1]

Holy Sht! You think you know something, then someone comes along and let's you know you don't know diddly. Awesome video!Thanks for the tips!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewflick1163]

this is all great advice. have owned a pellet grill for almost 3 years now. have had to take it all apart and reassemble twice. cleaning and everything. everything he is saying will save you tons of trouble

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Great to hear!

[@JeremyReger]

New Traeger owner here and those first tips were genius thanks!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Great to hear!

[@davidhamilton2708]

I am a complete novice to smoking my meat. I appreciate the friendly advice 🙏🏿

[@jamesmeyers8026]

Good video. The worst mistake I've seen/heard of us people using it to grill after using it as a smoker for several times. Smoking builds up fat everywhere in the grill, so trying to do high heat cooking afterwards is creating an environment for the smoker to catch on fire easily. I only use my smoker for smoking, no grilling. I use a grill for grilling.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

I do the same, but there are a lot of people that never clean their pellet smoker out and wonder why they have problems.

[@fasteddie0318]

Nice video, No BS and straight to the point!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks.

[@Doug6714]

Great video. I vacuum mine out about every three cooks and change the foil. I never thought about wiping out the grease trap or cleaning the temp probe. Thanks for that. Keep smoking

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

It helps prevent fires.

[@vickiemanthei47]

They have drip pans at Home Depot. I vaccum it each time I use it

[@michaeltveten8458]

Thanks Don. Some these suggestions seemed obvious, but I never considered cleaning the temp. Probe. I”ll do it every single time, now. Very good video. Geaux Tigers!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching and GEAUX TIGERS!!

[@Doug-pu5tf]

All tips make sense. Thanks, from a new pellet smoker owner.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You bet!

[@jefferybeckham9053]

Damn, I'm new to pellet grills. And apparently not so smart when it comes to them. Thank you, I now know what to do. This Vet Salutes you.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help.

[@TNCelt1]

Just got a Pit Boss. This saved me some time and trouble. Thanks!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it helped!

[@tomcaldwell5914]

I’ve got a RecTec grill and these are excellent tips for a new owner.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Good to hear!

[@thydevdom]

I made almost every single one of these mistakes my first time. Lol. Thanks for the tips.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@HarleyLeo65]

Thank You for the tips! #3 is one I didn't really know about. I will go home after work and clean my temperature probe!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gavacho1961]

I am from Louisiana, born in Baton Rouge, and both my father and daughter graduated from LSU. Thanks for the info.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching!

[@shownomercygaming1409]

Thank the lord for this video. Just got a Traeger and decided to make a pork butt. I didn’t make sure the hot pot was clear of ash at the beginning. And at hour #5 it stopped working and temp was falling. Restarted it think it would be fine to heat back up. Grease pan was red hot with a fire all around it. Instantly turned it off

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help.

[@bandaid18d420]

Just got the exact smoker. Thank you for the tips. GEAUX TIGERS!!

[@mrksts1]

Absolutely agree on all points. Some of it I had to learn by doing.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks

[@jeffcummins1408]

Now this is a helpful video. Thank you! Oh, and mistake no. 1...that's been my biggest mistake for 30 years. I swear, it's been like a crap shoot. Some days, I really like how the meat turns out, other times, I dry it out, and I'm always left wondering how it happened, since it seemed like I did everything by the book. Many thanks!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching!

[@sparklesonlake]

What a nice guy thanks for your tips

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

So nice of you. Thanks!

[@richardgoff6739]

Firstly, I like the LSU jacket. This was very informative and helpful. A lot of mistakes were not considered in my first cooks...so thank you.

[@bretts7694]

I have the same wireless probe model but mine has 4 probes. I love it. Great tips

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Cool, thanks

[@sclowcountrysportsman3076]

Thank you for your video and tips. I am actually looking at buying pellet grill and beginning that new adventure. I have never been a grill master but I am looking to expand my capabilities and experiences and all of your tips make sense.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@benca6151]

Mine is still in the box but all these mistakes videos are sure opening my eyes to the issues I may encounter. Thanks

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help.

[@joseestrada2140]

One other thing, make sure you cover your smoker. If it gets wet, the pellets will turn rock hard and get your auger stuck

[@fenixa2z936]

Liked, subbed, getting my first pellet smoker soon and these Arlene extremely helpful!

[@doncmleon]

thank you for this info! Getting my Z Grill shipped this week and am getting all the info i could need! Thank you again!

[@murphtheirishmanmurphy7268]

Z grills kick ass! 🤘🏻☘️

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Your so welcome!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

I agree!

[@jayclark1046]

Thank you for making such good kind video this was VERY helpful because I’ve made some them mistakes and been lucky thus far have a great day 😊

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterzinyou]

Great idea with the drip tray.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad you like it!

[@woohunter1]

Hmmm, never knew about cleaning the thermostat, I’m gonna have to start doing that, thanks!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Happy to help!

[@TChalla007]

I use a large pan with its own grate instead of foil over the deflector plate. Great video.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching

[@mphrab]

Well said Wishing I could use mine everyday love the taste and smoking !! Looking forward to next use this weekend!!!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks, i did some Armadillo Eggs last weekend. Video coming soon.

[@Mista_Jones]

Lord I'm glad I came here first, just fixing to buy a pellet grill and will be totally new to using one. Lots of great info Don!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

I'm glad I could help>

[@yurapishwall621]

Oh the joys you will experience

[@jeffsmith350]

I have a Recteq rt-700 pellet grill. Best pellet grill I ever had.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

I am glad you like yours.

[@-.Steven]

Helpful indeed! Thank you!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roytodd2262]

Bought a Yoder 3 yrs. ago because it was the only one made and assembled in USA. I already do the tips provided on this video. I don't keep mine spotless but do vacuum everything if the auto lighting system gets clogged up with ashes. It was well worth 2k.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Good to hear!

[@jimmyhiggins3067]

All great points didn’t no about the thermostat either thanks for that

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it helped

[@JimLynnandJimRosenbauer]

I enjoyed your "7 Huge Mistakes" video, and concur with all of your suggestions. One other tip for using a pellet grill/smoker in the South (or anywhere it's often humid or damp) is to remove the pellets from the hopper and vacuum the pellets out of the auger tunnel each time you use the smoker. Unless you use the smoker/grill routinely, leaving the pellets in the hopper and tunnel will allow them to absorb moisture and fail to burn properly. I tend to vacuum out the smoker after every use.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Great tip!

[@ryanragan8899]

How do you vacuum the auger tube?

[@JimLynnandJimRosenbauer]

@@ryanragan8899 Hey Ryan...I use a small shop vac with flexible hose. I empty out the pellet hopper, then vacuum all residual dust out of the hopper and vacuum as many pellets out of the auger hole (bottom of the hopper) as possible. I also remove the flame deflector from over the fire box/hot rod and vacuum as many pellets as I can out of the auger tunnel. It doesn't remove all the pellets, but it gets enough out so that a few damp ones won't affect the cook. Good luck!

[@jimyocum9018]

Love Purple - Live Gold... Thanks

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Geaux TIGERS!!

[@walterwest2583]

I found that the thermostat probe can be cleaned with Goof Off cleaner and a rag, or if it has a layer of baked on coating then use emery cloth(very fine grit).

[@nancys.5968]

Thanks for the info - we just got a Traeger and your instructions are better than theirs! 😊

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Great to hear!

[@p.j.miller2920]

From Alabama and almost turned video off due to the LSU jacket.lol Great video my friend

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@behindenemylines3361]

The 1-Gallon bags are a great idea!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks!

[@br5522]

Great list. It kind of felt good going through this and thinking "check, check, check, check..."

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wendellbell6164]

Just bought my Traeger Pro 22 and your video helps alot. Thank you.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it helped

[@lol4thand31]

buying my first home this Wednesday and hopefully my first pellet grill/smoker soon after. Super helpful video! Roll tide though :(

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Hope you enjoy

[@r.griffin1200]

thank you! still learning..

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help you.

[@torresserg]

Big thank you to you for making this list. I just bought a new pellet smoker and being honest here, I didn't know about 3 of the tips you offered. Cleaning the thermometer, cleaning the ash pot and wrapping the drip tray in foil. I've used my smoker twice with excellent results. I guess I need to go clean the ash pot and the thermometer as well as wrap the drip tray (after I clean it thoroughly).

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help!

[@keithnewton5508]

Clear, concise and to the point. Thanks you

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scu-dub]

Mistake 6 Confused me lol so wrapping the drip pan in foil is "not a mistake" but rather not wrapping it is👍🏽

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You are correct my friend.

[@patlangan226]

Excellent information. I have been using a pellet grill for many years. Thanks for the refresher course.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickeyuscg]

Thanks, I did have one of my chickens on that 1 inch part in the front and I did notice I cooked a lot faster. Also, I don't have my pellets protected from water, I might have to work on that

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad you liked my videos. Thanks for watching!

[@genemcgrath4931]

See I don't wrap my grease tray in aluminum foil I just left the drippings fall on it so it don't rust!!! I scraped it off every couple of cooks and has of rust yet after 5 years!!!

[@parkern9175]

Thanks! Doing some research. Just bought one for this weekend!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@I_KiinG_CoBRa_I]

Just bought a Traeger pro 575 thanks for these tips!!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could hlep.

[@NOXFPV]

All good tips. Thanks.

[@NexusCapital]

Thanks Dad

[@suzanneburt138]

Anything other than a shop vac to clean it out with? Thanks for the advise. It has helped.

[@danielmigashkin9902]

They got a small shop vac attachment that slides on top of a five gallon bucket for about 20 bucks at Home Depot. Works just like a shop vac and I highly recommend trying that

[@toneybradford3338]

Got my first pellet smoker for Father’s Day I appreciate the video because I wouldn’t have thought to do all that and I’m sure not the only one who jammed directions in drawer and didn’t read them.😂😂

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching!

[@beardeddude9168]

Good video and all easy stuff any owner should do as routine maintenance.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Very true!

[@mdw522]

Mistake #8 --- being an LSU fan lol sorry couldn't help it. Great video.. thank you for the good info.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks and GEAUX Tigers!!

[@KoyasPopupCenTex]

thanks for posing this - i shared it with my newbie friends

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@rnvrnv354]

Great info! Keep it clean and operational to avoid problems! Now cook us a feast and show off your favorite recipies!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Yes sir!

[@star3797able]

Well I made 3 out of 7 mistakes. Thanks for sharing that information

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuatharpe9397]

Nice tips. Thank you

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

So nice of you

[@waldrobfarms3946]

One of the best videos ive watched overall. I dont own a smoker, only a regular gas grill.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks, I am glad you liked it.

[@chrismiles8225]

Thank you because this helped out a lot! Will listen for more tips.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shereerabon8551]

Thank you! My first mistake was not watching videos like yours BEFORE buying a smoker pellet grill. Someone else assembled the smoker, first of all, and i wasn't present. The user instructions are very limited. I have used my smoker 3 times already. I tried to find the ashbox but could not locate it. I asked for assistance from tech support from the manufacturer to no avail! I know that I won't be able to use it again until I clean it properly after watching your video so thank you kindly ❤

[@fishslayer321]

Scotty! We need more power Scotty!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Lmao!

[@damwalsh5588]

Nice video I am just getting into the smokers I will remember you advice thanks

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help

[@jdlett5385]

Good video!! Thanks

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad you liked it!

[@jaimealvarez1308]

Great video, new to pellet grills and will use these tips.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@93droptop1]

Southern Backyard Cooking: Thanks for the video, your it is great basic help and tips. Have not received my Z Smoker, ordered about a week ago, but sure look forward to it and all it can do. Keep on Smokin!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Sensi919]

Great tips, thank you!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You are so welcome!

[@CameraNut1000]

Thanks for the vid. Great notes for me as I just bought my first pellet grill. A lot of these YT grillers don't talk about keeping the grill clean. Have you ever used something like Simple Green or Krud Cutter to clean the excess grease?

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

I have not. The main thing I do is once a month I turn it on the highest temp and burn all of the grease off. I do not like to use chemicals on any of my equipment, it is just too hard to get all of the residue off.

[@jdlett5385]

I also wrapped my drip track in aluminum foil. Is that a mistake? Also, how often should I replace or what method do you recommend using to decide when to replace aluminum foil?

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Wrapping the drip track is just one more way to make clean up easy. I would replace the foil after one long usage(8 hours) or two short uses (4 hours or less).

[@jdlett5385]

@@SouthernBackyardCooking Thanks. I figured my pellet smoker errors were mine and not Traeger’s.😂

[@TheGingermeme]

Great vid mate! I just purchased a Pitt Boss and this info is very helpful. I have liked and subscribed.

[@davidmartinez2833]

Great video. I didn’t think of a few of these. Thanks

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobmodel9850]

Thank you !!!!!!!

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

You're welcome!

[@MrEldoradot]

Good pointers. I just vacuumed my smoker and it was dirty! Thanks.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad it helped!

[@SurreptitiousBean]

Comes down to: 1. Clean your grill consistently - don't forget the thermostat 2. Don't place your food over the gaps - keep it over the plate 3. Cook your meat to temperature 4. Drain and store your pellets in a water-tight place No explanation is given for the pellet storage (I mean obviously you don't want them rained on but why drain and seal them away vs just put a waterproof cover on the grill?), but the rest seem like basic common sense. Always good to check you're not making simple mistakes though.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

The reason you store your pellets in waterproof containers is so the humidity does not break them down.

[@anthonywarthold]

Thank You 🙏 Just to clarify you are saying to cover the heat plate in foil ?

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Yes, it takes a lot less cleaning with it covered.

[@brianklakring5652]

I started doing that and it began to rust. I also live on the Chesapeake Bay so the salt takes a toll on my grills. I let the grease be and just use a plastic putty knife to scrape off the excess. I also leave my grills dirty after cooks and clean just before a cook to help keep the rust away.

[@Askeyb2011]

Mistake I made was buying a not so popular brand of Pellet Grill. It worked great. I even ordered a new thermostat one time. Later I had a problem with it not burning right and discovered the pot had rusted apart and pellet were burning outside of the pot falling out of holes. Tried to contact the manufacture only to find out they sold to another company and that company gave no support on parts. My advice is to look for a brand that has been around for a long time and is easily contactable if needed. I believe there are a lot of good brands. You don't need a $700 Traeger when you can buy as good of Pellet grill for $400. Our first one was a small grill that was fine till we wanted to grill several things at the same time. We got a better larger well known brand and very happy with it. Has two built in cooking temp plug ins and great probes.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Yes sir.

[@rc8422]

Tremendous tips! Thanks, Gus.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks!

[@marcwitt8507]

Ty for the info looking into getting a traeger smoker hope I spelled it right

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad to hear that.

[@tyalderdice4980]

I just got a GMG and feel I got more grill for my money

[@joshw9037]

@@tyalderdice4980 you enjoying that green mountain? My wife is about to buy me a new pellet grill and I’ve been looking at them also bc of the price. I have heard horror stories about the knobs breaking off quick.

[@tyalderdice4980]

@@joshw9037 I couldn’t be happier to be honest. By far the best bbq I’ve purchased and this is number 3. The JB is awesome and holds the heat well. The only thing I had issues with was connecting to the WiFi/server. But it’s fixed now and almost great. Worth the money for sure. Hope you get one

[@MetalMike999]

Thanks for tips. I just got a Z Grill for Christmas and I'm gonna smoke a Turkey.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Your welcome

[@harrybarnes3539]

You sir earned a like today. Appreciate it

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikaharmon5485]

Just lost my Traeger to a fire. I made at least three mistakes got lazy and stopped cleaning the drip pan.

[@SouthernBackyardCooking]

Glad I could help.

[@JudiChristopher]

WOW... that's is scary.