Learn from my PAIN! Top 7 Pellet Smoker Mistakes NOT to Make | Beginners and Beyond

[@GrillSergeant]

Biggest mistake is NOT Subscribing to this channel!

[@301tg8]

Thank you for this. Nobody else really talks about this model.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Your very welcome! I have an entire playlist dedicated to it. Thanks for watching!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for checking out this video! If you want to support the channel, make sure to Like and Subscribe. Hit the notification bell as well, that way you know when new content hits the channel. I publish new content weekly. If you are food enthusiast like me, and enjoy sharing your cooks with or getting/sharing some tips from like minded people, you should come over to American Smoke Carnivores on Facebook. This is my group and I'm in there everyday. I'll see you in there! Smoke on!!!

[@stephensundet8472]

I have the same grill. My #1 tip is don't let your pellets get wet in the auger, or you're gonna have a BAD time. Don't hose the unit down with pellets in the auger. Get a cover to keep them dry while storing.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

That solid advice right there! Thanks for watching and smoke on!!!

[@ron7938]

I did the same thing two weeks ago.

[@davidp7656]

I have to share this with y’all and it may be known but it blew me away. I was cleaning my pit boss vert smoker but I decided to use DAWN WIPES. Boy it made easy clean up of the glass especially but it worked on all surfaces. $5.94 at Target and Walmart. Anything to help make Cleanup easier.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Come over to my Facebook group and share your tips

[@davidp7656]

@@TheAmericanSmoke you got it. Love the channel

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

American Smoke Carnivores

[@stevem5840]

Dawn and duct tape can solve most of the world's troubles.

[@peterottscheit6908]

I really enjoy your videos. One thing I do when I’m smoking is not to fill my hopper with too many pellets. That makes it easier to change types of pellets for different meals. Then when I clean out the hopper I also run the auger till it’s clean. I’ve got the same smoker that you have and your tips have been very helpful. Keep it up and thanks.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for sharing your tips and I appreciate your support! Smoke on!!!

[@natejohnson7423]

Very informational, thank you

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@Detroit_Rippin]

Great video and thanks for sharing. One thing I would add is make sure the grease tray is inserted the correct way. When I looked at my smoker at Lowes, they had the tray backwards because the one end looks like a handle. I thought you were going to mention it when talking about the foil...which by the way is a life saver. Keep it up, you give me inspiration to keep smoking

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

The way they built that spacer is very confusing! Looks just like a handle. Thanks for watching! Come over to American smoke carnivores on Facebook sometime

[@lowelllamb1835]

What about leaving the door open when you start it up?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I’ve always made a practice of that. It’s what Pit Boss recommends.

[@mikewilson5101]

so fill the water pan 3/4 then cover the water pan completely? just asking seems it will restrict water evaporation. was just clarifying...thanks! love the content.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Do not cover the water pan after filling it. Cover in foil and then fill with water. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching. Smoke on!!!

[@stevem5840]

The best tip for me was the grease at the bottom rack underneath the trougth. Thanks for the video!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Keep an eye on it! Thanks for watching and smoke on!!!

[@keolalessary]

Here’s my super rookie/stupid mistake during my first smoke on New Year’s Eve. I moved my smoker to the back of my yard so the smoke wouldn’t come into my house. After about 13 hours of cooking a brisket a grease fire started. Little did I know, the ground (grass) wasn’t level and the grease leaked to the front of my smoker, causing the fire. I haven’t cleaned it since, but will work on it this week. I have yet to see if I’ve ruined my smoker. Rookie tip…. Make sure you’re smoking on a level surface. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤣😭

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Oh noooooooo! That’s TRBL! Sorry that happened. That’s a lesson learned the hard way. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure your unit is fine. Clean it up and then Crank it up. I’m not sure if there is a protocol for this situation, but if it were me I would do a burn off for about an hour after cleaning . Good luck and smoke on!!!

[@keolalessary]

Thanks, brotha! I’ll let you know how it goes.

[@Pje3ski]

The 5 Ps of barbecue - proper planning prevents piss poor performance. Well that’s the 5 Ps of anything really. Good video Zach.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

😂 I like that! Thanks for watching and for the comment! Smoke on!!!

[@BosBackyardBBQ]

Love your channel Zack!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching, brother! And for leaving a comment. Smoke on!!!

[@carldistefano6844]

Just bought a pit boss cabinet smoker. Pro series at Lowes. You give a lot of good info. I had a ys640 smoker, but it was way to small for the cook's I do. I can load the pit boss cabinet smoker up. I like it.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Oh yeah! Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYXImKxtfdSUY8k Smoke on!!!

[@DerbyBandit]

6:37 that’s me 🙌🙌🙌😂 like I said in the other video…it sucked cleaning the walls lol

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I think that’s all of us! 😅

[@paulneale988]

I love your videos Zack. I have the same Pro Series and did my first cook this past Tuesday. It was a windy day and I just couldn't get the pit to get to the 250 temp that I set it at. I kept messing with the smoke stack to see if I could get the temp to increase when I really needed was some patience and let the pit do its thing. Once it reached to 250 it held the temp pretty constant. Zack, where can we get that smoke tube, you talk about? On the back of my pit, when I lift up the pellet door, I have a grate and I can't just put my hand in there to check on the pellets. You're right about having a plan because it takes time and patience to smoke foods, period. Great job Zack, looking forward to seeing some of your cook videos,

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Hey Paul! Thanks for watching. There is a link to the smoke tube in the description of my videos. I also have an Amazon Store. Link in the description. I usually let my pit run up to 350 first, then dial it down to my desired temp. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Oh yeah! You can take off that grate by removing a few screws. I really don’t know what the point of it is.

[@mrsparefox3704]

Have you ever tried using playground sand instead of water? It retains heat better than water, doesn't spill and unless your smoking meats that are not moist, doesn't add excess moisture to the cooking chamber which can lead to a sour taste to the bark.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Sand ya say? 🤔 I’ve been planning on adding a few large stones to the chamber to see how they effect chamber temp stability. Sand sounds cool. I may pick some up.

[@mrsparefox3704]

@@TheAmericanSmoke if you want to speed up the heating, you can pre-warm the pan of sand/rock in the oven beforehand.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Not a bad idea. But, If your going to do that, why not just start the smoker a little earlier with the sand in it? Either way, it’s whatever works. Thanks for your input

[@ericrump9703]

I can't get my pb to pair with my phone or anything lol. Other than that it's been great

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I let go of the WiFi and Bluetooth stuff long ago. You will not see me using it. That being said, a lot of people love using the wireless aspect of these units. If you can’t get it to work you should contact Pit Boss customer service.

[@bobsilva6222]

Thanks dude. Great informative and entertaining videos.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching and smoke on!!!

[@orlandoaguilar172]

Thanks!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thank you! Smoke on!!!

[@MrBIGNAWD]

ONLY MISTAKE IS BUYING A PIT BOSS PELLET SMOKER.... GREAT WHEN NEW BUT NO MATTER HOW GOOD I MAINTAINED THEM SOMETHING NEW HAPPENED.. I HAVE 2 OF THEM....

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I’ve had to fix a few things along the way but I’ve made some killer bbq with this unit. I don’t know if there is a unit out there that’s completely hassle free. Have you had better luck with other brands?

[@ericrump9703]

Every brand has issues, especially left to the elements covered or not. I keep mine indoors with an extended warranty. On the 4th warranty call it gets a brand new replacement. Luckily zero warranty calls yet

[@thomasbenson4821]

Help Please. I have the same smoker. Question. I smoked a pork butt last Friday. All was going well when it suddenly quit and shut down at hour 11. I finished it in the oven. The next day I was going to smoke some baby back ribs but I couldn’t get the smoke to start. The on button was grayed out. The fuse was gone so I replaced the fuse and I could start it again. But an ERR message appeared. the fan light was lit and running but the igniter light was flashing. I ordered a new igniter (it has not arrived yet). Do you have a video on how to check, clean, change the igniter? Thanks’

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I’ve not made any content on the ignitor. Sounds like it’s gone though. Pit Boss usually sends easy to understand instructions with their replacement parts.

[@ProjecthuntanFish]

Great videos

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching!

[@austinkeeney7502]

I was given this smoker used. It doesn’t work. Is there a rebuild kit I can but to replace all the working parts so I can start from scratch and make it newish again?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

So, the cool thing about these smokers is that they come with a 5 year warranty right out of the box. I’m not sure if it transfers or not, but that would be the first thing I would check. Pit Boss customer service is the best. Get your cereal number and call them. Try to register it first and if it’s already been registered, tell them your situation and see what your options are. 1877 303 3134. I hope this helps. Smoke on!!!

[@elkhornpetersen1894]

Great video, 👍

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for sticking around through the entire tips video! You got the VIP early access to this one. It's not public yet. I wanted to see how many viewers would watch all the way through and click it. Your awesome! Smoke on!!!

[@leighhill9185]

How has this only got 2 likes? C'MON GUYS! lol Great vid, thanks always Zach

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

You are one of the VIPs that watched all the way to the end and clicked this video. It isn’t public yet. I appreciate your support! Smoke on!!!

[@leighhill9185]

@@TheAmericanSmoke thanks legend! We appreciate what you do. I hit the like button on every vid. Wish more people realised how important it is! Plenty of people love your vids but probably forget to or don't hit the like.....SMASH THAT DAMN LIKE BUTTON haha Get onnit doggone it!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

No doubt! I appreciate EVERY.SINGLE.LIKE! If everyone was like you smashing that like button and sharing my content with their friends, shooooooot! I could do this full time and then things would become so interesting! I’m getting there though.

[@bradself3274]

In the video,, Your pellet chamber did not have a grating over it, you were able to reach in.. Did you remove the grate or did your model not come with one? Thanks

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I removed it. I couldn’t see any real purpose to it. I’m sure it was a legal issue against some worst case scenario. That being said, proceed at your own risk. Just don’t reach down into the very bottom while it’s running, and you’ll be fine! Smoke on!!!

[@MyRcking]

I'm trying to make a plan and could use some advice. I'm going to do a monster brisket 15lb. It won't fit in my Pit Boss Series 3 vertical pellet smoker. So I need to cut it in half. I would like to eat at 5 pm. What time should I start smoking with rest time?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

If anything separate the flat from the point. It may fit after trimming though. Trim it first, then separate if need be. Smoke the point on the hotter level of shelf, depending on how your smoker performs.

[@GngerBeardMan]

Came across your videos. Been considering picking this up. How who'll does it do keeping set temp?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I think it provides value over its price point. However, There is mixed feedback amongst users.

[@GngerBeardMan]

@@TheAmericanSmoke Thank you.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@@GngerBeardMan your welcome to join my Facebook group. American Smoke Carnivores. There are lots of owners of this unit. You could get a more balanced opinion from the group. Along with recommendations for other options. Smoke on!!!

[@hurtado102]

have you used the new pit boss app? i dont know if it was just me, but whenever i would set my probe temp on mine the grill would start to shut down after it reached whatever the probe target was. hopefully the new app fixes that

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I haven’t yet. Is it available?

[@Astrocop17]

That stinks…..mine works great and it’s one of the things I love. This weekend I smoked and poured rain all day and I changed the temp to manage the cook time. I only went out in the rain twice after I started …. and that was to check/add water and bring the meat in.

[@leighhill9185]

Ahhhh it's 'unlisted' not public. I must have snuck upon this early.....excellent haha

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Haha you get the VIP experience! Only those that watched to the end got to sneak peek this video. It will drop this weekend probably! Thanks for watching and Smoke on!!!

[@southgeorgianole2668]

Is there a way to combat the temperature difference between the set temperature vs the actual chamber temp? I understand a small difference. But I’m currently getting about an 80 degree difference. I have to set my Pit Boss to 170 to get an actual inside chamber temperature of 250. I’ve checked this with 3 different thermometers. All of them tell me the chamber is around 80 degrees hotter than my set temp.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I’ve not had that problem. I’m on the other end of the spectrum, where it’s cooler in the chamber than what I have it set to. What type of pellets are you burning?

[@southgeorgianole2668]

I’d rather have your problem of lower actual temp. Can’t get low enough to make jerky or smoked fish right now. I have a brand new bag of B&B championship blend at the moment.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

The only advice I can give is perhaps your pellets are burning really hot. Some do. Other than that, it’s either a thermostat or computer problem. Pit Boss will send you a new thermostat quickly if you tell them what’s going on. Check this video out if they do. Come over to American Smoke Carnivores on Facebook. Lots of people with experience there that are willing to try and help when they can.

[@Funpants94]

Hehehhe he said inspect your unit

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

it's important

[@ssshanemjlll]

Tips from someone who smoker is nasty. Clean your smoker. Your carbon buildup is bad. Clean it with oven degreaser after use. Will also preven grease buildups and fires.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Solid advice. Smoke on!!!

[@markrabah6181]

Yeah no, too much going on lol. Forget pellet smoker. I'll old school me a smoker and be way less hassle.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Smoke on brotha! Thanks for watching

[@danieljohn4603]

A pellet smoker is actually way less complicated. You can run it 12 hours, and the leftover ash can fit in the palm of your hand. To each his own 😁

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Yup