This document is the owner's manual for the Traeger Wood Pellet Grill, Model TFB38TCA. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, initial firing, subsequent start-up, operating tips, maintenance, and troubleshooting, along with a parts list and wiring diagram.
Function Description:
The Traeger Wood Pellet Grill TFB38TCA is a residential outdoor cooking appliance designed to grill, smoke, and slow cook food using wood pellets. It features a digital thermostat control that allows users to set and maintain desired cooking temperatures. The grill utilizes an auger system to feed wood pellets into a firepot, where they are ignited by a hot rod and fanned by a draft inducer fan to produce heat and smoke. The design emphasizes consistent temperature control and the ability to impart a distinct smoke flavor to food.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Fuel Type: Specifically designed to use only TRAEGER BRAND BBQ WOOD PELLETS. Heating fuel pellets are explicitly warned against due to potential hazardous contaminants and additives.
- Pellet Rating: Traeger wood pellets are rated for 8500 BTU per LBS with an ash content of 2%.
- Clearances:
- Minimum distance from grill to combustibles: 12 inches.
- Minimum distance from grill under overhead combustibles: 40 inches.
- Minimum distance from the back and ends of the grill to combustible materials: 12 inches.
- Overhead clearance: 40 inches.
- Temperature Control: Digital Thermostat Control with settings for SMOKE (150-180°F), MEDIUM (225-275°F), and HIGH (350-400°F). The SMOKE setting operates on a timed cycle (15 seconds on, 65 seconds off) and can be adjusted (P-0 to P-5) to influence off-time and smoking temperature.
- Safety Features:
- Low temperature alarm ("LEr") if the grill stays below 125°F for 10 minutes, shutting off power to internal components.
- High temperature alarm ("HEr") if the grill reaches 550°F, shutting off power to internal components.
- Automatic shutdown cycle: The Draft Induction Fan runs for ten minutes after setting the knob to "Shutdown Cycle" to burn off excess pellets in the firepot before powering off.
- Hazardous voltage warnings for servicing and explicit instructions to disconnect power before maintenance.
- Warnings against using flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid) for ignition, except for Alcohol Gel under specific instructions.
- Warnings against moving the grill while hot or adding pellets to a hot firepot by hand.
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides step-by-step instructions for assembling the grill, including mounting legs, attaching the door handle, flue pipe, chimney cap, positioning the heat baffle and grease drain pan, hanging the grease bucket, and installing the spice rack and front shelf. Tools for assembly (open-end wrenches, hex key) are supplied.
- Initial Firing/Start-up: Detailed instructions are provided for the first use or after running out of pellets. This includes removing internal components, checking the auger and hot rod, filling the hopper with Traeger pellets, and running the grill on "SMOKE" to ignite pellets. A crucial step is "seasoning" the grill by running it on HIGH for 45 minutes with the door closed before cooking any food.
- Subsequent Start-up: For regular use, the grill is started on "SMOKE" with the door open until pellets ignite, then the door is closed, and the desired temperature is set.
- Hopper Cleanout System: This model includes a system for easily changing pellet flavors. It involves placing a container under a cleanout door on the back of the hopper, unscrewing a fastener, and allowing pellets to fall out.
- Manual Lighting Procedure: In case the hot rod is not operating, instructions are provided to manually light the pellets using 1/2 cup of Traeger BBQ pellets and 2 tablespoons of Alcohol Gel fire lighter in the firepot. This procedure requires careful attention to safety warnings regarding flammable liquids and hot surfaces.
- Temperature Settings: The digital control allows for precise temperature adjustments. The "SMOKE" setting is for smoking and adding flavor, while "HIGH/HIGHER" is for grilling and "MEDIUM/MID RANGE" for slow cooking.
- Door Operation: The grill is designed to operate with the door closed to maintain cooking temperature and efficiency.
- Smoke Adjustment (P-Settings): Users can adjust the "P" setting (P-0 to P-5) on the digital control to fine-tune the "off time" of the auger during "SMOKE" mode, influencing the smoking temperature. Increasing the "P" number decreases smoking temperature, and vice-versa.
Maintenance Features:
- Creosote and Grease Removal: Regular inspection and cleaning of the flue exhaust, grease drain pan, V-shaped grease drain, grease drain tube, and grease bucket are essential to prevent creosote and grease buildup, which can lead to fires.
- Cleaning the Flue (Smoke Stack): Involves removing the chimney cap assembly, scraping creosote and grease from the inside of the flue pipe with a non-metallic tool, and wiping with paper towels or rags. Water or liquid cleaners should not be sprayed inside the grill.
- Cleaning Grease from the Grill: Requires turning off the grill, disconnecting power, and cleaning the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain tube. It is recommended to clean when the grill is still warm (but not hot). Lining the grease bucket and grease drain pan with aluminum foil is suggested for easier cleanup.
- Cleaning Outside Surfaces: Use a disposable rag or cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Avoid oven cleaner, abrasive cleansers, or abrasive pads.
- Outside Storage: If stored outdoors, it's crucial to prevent water from entering the pellet hopper to avoid jamming the auger. A Traeger Grill Cover is highly recommended.
- Cleaning the Porcelain Grill: Best done while the grill is still warm using a long-handled cleaning brush.
- Cleaning Ash from Firepot: This must be done when the grill is COLD. It involves removing the porcelain grill, grease drain pan, and heat baffle to access the firepot. A utility-type vacuum cleaner (preferably with a metal collection canister) is recommended for removing ash. Disposable bags should be unused.
- Disposal of Ashes: Ashes must be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, on a non-combustible surface, away from all combustible materials, until thoroughly cooled.
- Paint Finish Protection: Use a protective cover and touch-up paint for scratches. Applying high-quality car wax to the outside surfaces every 90 days (when the grill is cold) is also recommended.
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