Pellet Grill Hack: Easiest Ash Pot Clean Out on a Pit Boss Pro 1100

This is the best hack or modification for a pellet grill anywhere on KZbin. This mod lets you easily and quickly clean out your ash pot without having to disassemble the whole pit. I did it to my Pit Boss Pro 1100 but I know it can be done to other pellet grills too. My buddy has a Traeger, and when he saw my upgrade he said he had to have it - guess I'll being doing this again on his grill soon.
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Thank you!

[@robertkelley6574]

It’s a good idea however there are a couple of “cringe” moments of safety here: 1. Never, please, never use a cutting disc for grinding. These disc are paper thin for a reason and flexing them while grinding can cause them to shatter at high speed potentially cause severe injury to the user. 2. Never use a right angle grinder with cutting wheel without the blade guard. Again, this guard can save you from shrapnel to the face if you disc shatters/explodes while cutting.

[@1526BBQ]

Robert thank you. You have thought me a few thing I never knew about angle grinders. I will follow your advice going forward. Thank you very much - and thanks for watching!

[@1526BBQ]

Everyone! Listen to Roberts safety advice - I had no idea.

[@TexasKid747]

Remember, "Safety Third!"

[@MrDude6900]

I came here to mention the same thing. Great idea. Just be safe bro. Wouldn't wanna see anyone get hurt. Thanks for the idea.

[@1526BBQ]

@@MrDude6900 thanks brother!

[@phidip2328]

This is a great hack and I may consider it for use with the Austin XL Onyx I just bought. After watching the video, it occurred to me that the effort needed to install hinges really isn't even needed, and it would be just as easy to make the section entirely removable. Of course, someone else beat me to saying this in the comments. Anyway, thanks for the hack!

[@1526BBQ]

Yep, ended up removing the hinges!!

[@VirginiaWolf88]

Sweet Modification. Nice Job. I like the hinges. It makes opening it so simple. Excellent!!!

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks! So I actually ended up removing the hinges, and added to tabs in the back. Now the plate just sits there and I can lift it out of the way when I need to. The hinges were creating a gap the was allowing too much heat to enter in that area. Thanks for watching!!

[@Lookin4LoveInAllTheWrongPlaces]

Something to keep in mind. This mod probably voids warranty of most grills. But still a awesome mod. I will most likely be doing this to mine when it shows up next week. I bought an ASMOKE AS660N-1. It is my first pellet grill. Thank you for the great videos. Very helpful.

[@1526BBQ]

Yeah, it might void the warranty - One thing I've changed since this video - I ditched the hinges in the back. Instead I used the same metal "tab" I installed in the front. This allows the searing grate to sit flush-er, as it was originally designed. Thanks for watching brother. Enjoy your new smoker!

[@mcblend]

Instead of a hinge just use tabs in the four corners like the one tab you have in front. It doesn't need to be hinged just removable. Then use stainless steel rivets to attach those tabs on and it won't leave anything protruding so your heat deflector can not have a gap. But otherwise great idea

[@1526BBQ]

Thats basically what I ended up doing. The same tab I put up front replaced each hing at the back. Three tabs total. I didnt use ss rivets, that could be a future upgrade. Thanks Mark.

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

​@@1526BBQ I'm sure aluminum rivets would be good enough, since they won't rust either. Haha

[@somedude0505]

I have the same exact smoker. Thanks for sharing. You got a new sub here

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks Fabian!!

[@jimsullivan8799]

Smart as hell im definitely doing this

[@1526BBQ]

It was a game changer for me. I ended up removing the hinges in the back and just put two more of the metal bars that I put up front. Basically the access hatch sits on top of the metal "bars". This helps close the gap between the sliding plate and stationary plate that the hinges creates.

[@antoniowade3318]

Nice video bro, that was a blessing. Thanks Wade Out..

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks brother. Tony G Out..

[@OKIEBBQ]

Man, what a great idea!

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks Big Wig!

[@mikechamberlain8208]

Great idea, and some of the comments are also good

[@BensRamblings]

This is genius. I am definitely doing this to my 820.

[@1526BBQ]

In love it. Just dont grind with a cut off wheel, like I did. Turns out its very dangerous....

[@BensRamblings]

@@1526BBQ lol I saw the crap you caught from everyone about it in the comments. I knew it already though, thanks for the tip.

[@deplorableredneck4.02]

Man I thought you were going to cut a hole in the grate too..I started to cringe lol 😆 but I like the idea of access panel..have zero excuse not to clean the pit now ..thanks great video

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisshoup4854]

Great video bud. Thanks.

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks for watching Chris!!

[@Montallies]

Haha just seen your "2 seconds clip" and hit the 👍🏼

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks Juan!

[@1526BBQ]

I was a little nervous when I first starting cutting - but it turned out great!

[@RossMalagarie]

Instead of cutting an access door through the top why not cut an access hole with door on the bottom that way you could just slide a hole shaped plate out of the way to allow the ash to fall out then slide the plate back to cover the hole? That way you don't have to do anything on the inside. Kind of how the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series has. Because going through the top you still have to take off the center grate and move the flame plate and vac or hand pull out the ash but going through the bottom the ash would just fall by itself.

[@monoxide2490]

Nip slip at 2:07. You’re welcome! 😂 All seriousness. I like the mod. Good job.

[@1526BBQ]

😁😝😁😝😁😂😳

[@barrypessolano1468]

Good job 👍

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks Barry!!

[@webcrawler3332]

Great idea!

[@1526BBQ]

Ive since removed the hinges and add more of the "tabs" like I had in the front. Thanks for watching!!!

[@chrisyerp174]

Good video thanks for the idea im gonna do this with a mig welder for the hinges underneath and plasmacutter for the cuts the bolts are the issue this will make no raised surfaces so that sliding plate will be flush to the defuser

[@IBTurnintrix]

Agreed! Weld 10” long or so “tabs” to the underside so the grate cutout sits flat and lifts out. No rivets to wear out or bolts that may loosen due to constant temp changes! Def thanks to this video tho for getting the idea juices flowing!

[@1526BBQ]

👍

[@Mankitchenrecipes]

Interesting... A great idea for sure! Maybe that's why the new Pro Series has the removable pot from underneath for cleaning? I do wonder how that will work out in the long run though? There's not yours :) Thanks for sharing this mod! Hope you have a Great weekend!

[@1526BBQ]

I didn't realize the new one had the underneath removable pot!! Thanks Kevin. Have a great weekend too!!

[@mikechamberlain8208]

I purchased the 650 Pro at Lowes this summer because that model had a removable pot last year but the new ones do not.

[@emmyjosumpter9897]

Get rid of the hinges just put a tab on the inside of each corner and just let it sit on them.your slide plate rides tight amd smooth

[@1526BBQ]

Thats exactly what I ended up doing.

[@bryangaleazzo8618]

Use a slightly larger drill bit to countersink (bevel) the tops of the screw holes and use a flathead screw on the top with the hinge and nuts on the bottom. This should give you a nice flush fit.

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks Bryan!

[@bryangaleazzo8618]

Can’t wait to update mine. Thanks for the great idea.

[@TheOriginalMrMojo]

Cut one of the upper or lower edged so that you can flip the hinges and counter sink them as well....

[@mbeacom21]

Nice hack. I'm going to try this but will mount the hinges maybe downward so the sliding top plate will stay flush.

[@1526BBQ]

I tried that too, and I couldn't find a position that made the hinges actually work. You might be able to. Let me know if you do. What I ended up doing was removing the hinges all together . That metal bar that I use in the front I just placed two on the back one on either side and the plate just kind of sits there now the seer plate is or more flush to the surface. Either way let me know how it goes for you . Also be careful don't grind with a cut off wheel like I did, I didn't know but it's very dangerous. Good luck! And thanks for watching!!!

[@mbeacom21]

@@1526BBQ You have to get the dual direction hinges. They look a little different. For doors that can open in both direction.

[@1526BBQ]

@@mbeacom21 I see. Thats where I failed.... Thanks Mr. Pants

[@reddog907]

To address the gap , putting oven proof gasket around the sear grate would help.

[@tblake3286]

Stainless steel piano hinge would work great

[@dangitgrossman]

Where did you get the grill grates ? I like the crisscrossed ones better ... Thanks

[@1526BBQ]

Mine came with crisscrossed grates, but I've since upgrade to these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HPlmSphdxpotE

[@jacobmeiser2267]

Right angle grinder not a left angle grinder flip it over please. Only cut that direction if you have too! Love your vids btw

[@1526BBQ]

I see. Learn something new everyday. Thanks!

[@hogdude1234]

Mine has a clean out on the bottom of the cook chamber. Slides one way then down and out. Dump out ash. Reinstall. Done. Does this model not have this feature?

[@1526BBQ]

Unfortunately it does not.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I would highly suggest that if galvanized hinges are used and do not recommend using galvanized metal due to the gas that is out gassed when heated. If that is your only option burn off the grill as if was new again. My .02 cents.🤣🛫

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks The Falcon Jet Driver. I didnt think about that. I have already replaced the hinges with metal tabs, so the flame grate sits tighter. Thank you!

[@kevskreations]

Wow. I don't think I'd try something like that. Along with the danger of cutting the plate, how will those hinges handle the heat? I'd hate to be doing a long smoke and half way through the plate falls off. Personally, I won't worry about it. I just lift up the Flavorizer bar on my Weber Smokefire

[@1526BBQ]

👍

[@richkieffer1033]

Great idea (But) Everybody should know not to use any galvanized or galvanized coated hinges, tabs, screws etc.( As this will put off toxic gasses that could easily make you sick and or kill you ) when heated. (Solution)- Use stainless steel or just plain steel and be sure to do the new grill burn off in the directions.

[@1526BBQ]

Great point Rich. Thank you!

[@nathanshirey1550]

correct. as all the hardware is galvanized one option would be to soak it in some white vinegar for a day or two. that will dissolve the zinc coating.

[@1526BBQ]

Thank you for your help!!!!

[@danielward8455]

Your hardware and the hinges are what is making the sear plate sit higher. If you know a welder, or have experience, weld the tab and edges of the hinges INSIDE the deflector plate and the sliding sear plate will sit flat again.

[@1526BBQ]

Agreed, but no welding experience here.

[@danielward8455]

@@1526BBQ find a buddy, or a local college with a welding program and see if they can do it for you. Should be a 10-15min job

[@1526BBQ]

@@danielward8455 Thats a great idea. Thanks man.

[@docotis420666]

what if you notch the sear plate so it can slide out of the hinges to clean that way it still lays flat and covers it fully?

[@1526BBQ]

Thats not a bad idea. What I ended up doing was removing the hinges all together. I replaced them with the same metal "tab" I put in the front. Works great. Thanks for watching!

[@MainahTony]

but what about the rest of the ash that builds up under the heat deflector? still have to lift that up

[@1526BBQ]

Yep. I clean that up about once a month. Thanks for watching!!

[@virobeast3836]

Weld the hinges and tab on underneath = no gap

[@1526BBQ]

That would he perfect - if only I knew how to.....😄😄😄

[@chrisyerp174]

Wow thats what I just wrote

[@1526BBQ]

👍

[@bigrhinonagy9808]

You still every other cook doing to have to take that searing plate out to clean the dripping mess and under out but it saves you a little bit I know I just cleaned mine today and it's a head ake to take that out every time nice job might do mine

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks RHINO!

[@sticktron2857]

Torch too

[@MegaHalftrack]

Great video and mod! Will make mod this weekend! Please please loose the background music.

[@1526BBQ]

I've lowered it considerably when I do use it. I get mixed feedback about it. Thank you for your input, and for watching!!!

[@tedfisher1396]

Just a thought. when operating rotating equipment, it's very unwise to wear gloves especially if you value your fingers and thumbs. I worked w a guy who had his thumb wripped out from wearing gloves w a grinder.

[@davekogut9954]

Traeger has a drip pan plus heat shield different set up than pit boss i just don't know how i can get a quicker ash clean up?

[@1526BBQ]

Good luck brother! Let us know when you figure something out.

[@terrytownsend5559]

Warrantee voided Pit boss will replace both of those plates

[@utilityart]

Could you just make the opening larger than the sliding part pet so the hinges are outside that area?

[@1526BBQ]

I ended up removing the hinges all together and adding two tabs to the back, like I did in the front. No more hinge hinge problems and I can easily just lift the cut out piece out of the way. Thanks for watching!!

[@Gdwmartin]

Would a piano style hinge work any better?

[@1526BBQ]

Not sure. What I ended up doing was removing the hinges all together. The same piece of metal I put in the front (lets call it a tab), I put in the back. So I replaced each hinge with one tab. Works great!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Why use a hinge at all? Improper drilling could lead to alignment issues.. just use tabs in the for corners on the bottom half of the sear plate attach with 10x20 screws and nuts to hold the tabs.or rivet or weld. Pro Tip do not use duct tape! 🤣🛫

[@davidbates4520]

👍🇺🇲

[@1526BBQ]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@walbarn]

could you just use one hinge in the middle instead of two hinges?

[@1526BBQ]

Ive actually ditched the hinges all together. That same metal bar I used up front, I put two in the back - 1 where each hinge was. That makes a much better fit between the two parts that slide on each other.

[@walbarn]

@@1526BBQ I was thinking the same thing! Thanks for the tip!

[@davekogut9954]

Does anyone know how clean ash pot on a traeger quicker? It's a pain in the a##

[@1526BBQ]

Is it similar to the Pit Boss?? Remove a bunch of stuff to get to it?

[@davekogut9954]

Traeger has a drip pan and heat shield under grate a little different than pit boss

[@danielsinger6722]

How do I ruin my grill should be the title

[@barrywalker6019]

Wouldn't the heat melt the metal in the hinges and screws

[@1526BBQ]

It never did. Ive since replaced the hinges with the same "tab" I put in the front. Works like a charm. Thanks for watching!!!

[@Gobi-Wan]

the entire grill is made of metal... what?

[@barrywalker6019]

@@Gobi-Wan yeah but more heat resistant than a mild steel hinge

[@1526BBQ]

😀👍👂

[@1526BBQ]

I 👁

[@g-codeonedesign9578]

started off cleaning the panel, was filthy the rest of the video.....?

[@1526BBQ]

No, that was ot after I cleaned it. Guess I need to get better at cleaning it. 😄😄😄

[@92greenebeen]

can u sell these online for austin xl?

[@1526BBQ]

You know, I hadn't thought of that. Let me look into some option, if any of them work out I'll get back to you to see if you'd be my first customer. Thanks for the idea, and thanks for watching!

[@92greenebeen]

@@1526BBQ i probably will be getting a new 1150 pro but yeah man make some money off them! make them for the pit boss pits without ash dump, louisiana grill, and other pellet grills that have the dome shaped drip pan inside.. order the drip pan for whatever pit, cut on it, post on Ebay and Amazon!! :)

[@92greenebeen]

and there is actually an ash casher that sits inside the ash pot made by smoke daddy.. so with the cut out mod and the ash catcher its easy as 123! lol

[@92greenebeen]

but if u make one for 1100 pro and austin xl i will tell my buddy to get one!

[@lelandhallett7126]

I am pretty sure that would void your 5-year

[@blainemitchell]

Grate idea.🤣 This is something Pit Boss should be doing on the smoker straight from the factory. Please drop the music. It's completely annoying.

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks for the feedback brother!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I agree the music is not necessary we are here to hear you not the music! Good tips so far!

[@jonathanmckinney32]

Nice mod.. I guess I need to send you a grinder so you can get your man card back and stop borrowing tools..

[@-Dark-Side-]

Lmao wtf did i just watch...

[@1526BBQ]

THE FUTURE!! 😂 thanks for watching anyways.

[@seanbradley8601]

Should have made the access port wider than the heat deflector so the hinges are outside and it would sit flat Great idea otherwise

[@1526BBQ]

That may have been good, but the the slider plate might hit the hinges when you try to slide What I ended up doing was removing the hinges and replacing them with the same "tab" I put at the front of the hatch. The hold up the hatch, allow my to open it, and let the slider sit "tighter" to the non sliders part. Thanks for watching!!!

[@1526BBQ]

Also, much wider would have meant removing more than one grate to open it......

[@jamescook5784]

I paid over $500 for my pellet grill. I'm not cutting it to "make it better"

[@1526BBQ]

Ok. 👍✌

[@dannyhunter607]

I just take the rubber handle off the vent and take the entire thing apart. It takes like 2 minutes to get everything apart. No need for this hillbilly crap lol I like to vacuum the entire pit out first then clean the grates, shields and traps. Then I spray the entire inside with treager grill cleaner and wipe down a few minutes later. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be.

[@1526BBQ]

10-4

[@leekovarik2948]

Dude just fucked up his grill

[@1526BBQ]

Wrong

[@toomanynarcissistshere2102]

Not worth it, the top tray shield thingy lifts out rather easily, stupid idea, and you void the warranty.

[@1526BBQ]

Thanks....

[@Keepnthem]

Uh… NO! Not gonna butcher a perfectly good smoker because I’m too lazy to remove a couple grill racks and a grill plate… cuz I’m not!

[@1526BBQ]

I was!! 😁👍

[@Thecrayonbrotherhood]

Semper fu ??

[@1526BBQ]

Short for Semper Fumus - which stands for Forever Smoking. Thanks for watching!

[@MegaAaron42]

This to me is a good way to destroy your smoker.

[@1526BBQ]

I havent had any issues, just quicker ash clean outs. Thanks for watching!

[@deplorableredneck4.02]

Have you ever drilled big holes in your boat for fish finder or trolling motor ..or drilled holes in your truck....it will all be fine in.the end ..

[@Kihidokid]

Replacement parts are pretty cheap if you ever wanted to reverse everything 🤷‍♂️ besides pellet grills are seen as disposable after 10 years anyways because the electronics

[@1526BBQ]

Agreed.

[@1526BBQ]

Yep

[@schumannconstruction4465]

Omg this was painful to watch 🤦

[@1526BBQ]

Why!?!? Lol

[@bala3253]

Great idea but terrible job!!!

[@danielsinger6722]

Stick to your other job Hope it’s not mechanical