Traeger TFS60LZAC - User Manual

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Summary

Safety and Clearances

DANGER and WARNING Statements

Crucial safety warnings regarding electrical hazards, flammable liquids, and pellet types.

Required Clearances for Safe Operation

Specifies minimum distances from the grill to combustible materials for safe operation.

Assembly and Initial Setup

Introduction to Assembly

Introduces the assembly process and the importance of proper setup.

Removal and Installation of Components

Provides instructions for removing and reinstalling grills, drip pan, heat baffle, and grease bucket.

Installing the Drip Pan and Grease Bucket

Details the correct installation procedure for the drip pan and grease bucket.

Reinstalling Porcelain Grills

Guides on reinstalling the porcelain grill sections after maintenance or initial setup.

Initial Firing and Seasoning

Charging the Auger and Initial Start-up

Outlines the steps for charging the auger and performing the initial start-up sequence.

Grill Seasoning Procedure

Explains the necessary steps to season the grill before cooking food for the first time.

Preheating the Grill

Details the required preheating time and procedure before adding food.

Subsequent Start-Up and Manual Lighting

Standard Start-Up Procedure

Describes the standard procedure for starting the grill after the initial firing.

Troubleshooting Fire Out Situations

Provides steps to take if the grill's fire extinguishes during operation.

Manual Lighting Procedure

Outlines the manual procedure for lighting the grill if the automatic ignition fails.

Manual Lighting Steps

Details the manual lighting process using alcohol gel and pellets.

Automatic Control Shutdown Cycle

Explains the automatic shutdown cycle of the grill's control system.

Safety Features Overview

Describes the grill's built-in safety features, including low and high-temperature alarms.

Operating Tips and Safety Precautions

Temperature Dial and Cooking Settings

Guidance on using the temperature dial for various cooking methods like Grilling and Slow Cooking.

Safe Grill Handling and Transport

Instructions on how to safely move or transport the grill, especially when hot.

Grease Fire Prevention and Response

Details how to prevent and respond to grease fires, including safety measures.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Important safety information about carbon monoxide poisoning and its symptoms.

Maintenance and Cleaning Procedures

Understanding Creosote and Grease Buildup

Explains the formation of creosote and grease and their importance for removal.

Cleaning the Grease Drain System

Provides detailed instructions for cleaning the grease drain pan, tube, and bucket.

Cleaning Exterior Surfaces

Guidance on cleaning the grill's outside surfaces using appropriate methods.

Protecting the Pellet Hopper

Advice on protecting the pellet hopper from moisture to prevent auger jamming.

Cleaning the Porcelain Grill

Tips for quickly brushing the porcelain grill after use.

Safe Ash Disposal

Instructions for safely collecting and disposing of ashes from the grill.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Grill Ignition Problems

Addresses common reasons why the grill may fail to ignite and how to resolve them.

Pellet Delivery Issues

Helps diagnose and fix problems related to pellets not reaching the firepot.

Auger System Troubleshooting

Covers troubleshooting for the auger system, including jams and motor failures.

Grill Fire Extinguishing on Smoke Setting

Explains why the grill fire might go out on the smoke setting and how to fix it.

Usage, Protection, and Parts

Temperature Setting Conversion Chart

A chart to convert 3-speed smoker control settings to digital thermostat settings.

Protecting the Grills Paint Finish

Provides recommendations for protecting the grill's exterior paint finish from damage.

Obtaining Replacement Parts

Guides users on how and where to purchase replacement parts for their grill.

Traeger Support and Contact Information

Technical Support and Service

Provides contact details for technical support and customer service.

Parts and Sales Department

Lists contact information for the Traeger Parts and Sales departments.

The Traeger TFS60LZAC is a residential wood pellet grill-smoker designed for outdoor use, offering a versatile cooking experience that leverages the unique flavor profile of wood pellets. This owner's manual emphasizes the importance of proper setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure years of delicious food and reliable performance.

Function Description:

The Traeger TFS60LZAC functions as both a grill and a smoker, utilizing wood pellets as its fuel source. It's designed to provide consistent heat and smoke for various cooking methods, from high-temperature grilling to low-and-slow smoking. The core of its operation involves an auger system that feeds wood pellets from a hopper into a firepot, where they are ignited by a hot rod. A draft inducer fan then circulates air, maintaining combustion and distributing heat and smoke throughout the cooking chamber. The grill features a digital thermostat control, allowing users to set and maintain desired temperatures, which is crucial for achieving specific cooking results, whether it's a smoky flavor at lower temperatures or a seared finish at higher ones. The automatic shutdown cycle ensures that excess pellets in the firepot are burned off after cooking, promoting safety and cleanliness.

Usage Features:

The TFS60LZAC is designed for user-friendly operation, though it requires adherence to specific instructions for safe and effective use.

Initial Firing and Pellet Charging: Before the first use or after running out of pellets, the auger tube must be "charged" with pellets. This involves removing internal components like the porcelain grills, grease drain pan, and heat baffle, then turning the grill to a high setting to allow pellets to travel to the firepot. Once pellets begin to fall, the grill is set to "smoke" to ignite them, and then allowed to cool down before reassembling the internal components.
Temperature Control: The digital thermostat control allows for precise temperature management. The "SMOKE" setting is ideal for adding smoke flavor and holding foods at low temperatures (180-200°F). "MED/MID RANGE" settings are for slow cooking, while "HIGH/HIGHER" settings are for grilling. The manual notes that external factors like ambient temperature, precipitation, wind, and altitude can affect cooking times, requiring users to adapt.
Preheating: The grill should be preheated for approximately 10 minutes with the door closed before placing food inside, ensuring a stable cooking environment.
Door/Lid Operation: The grill is designed to operate with the door/lid closed. Opening it frequently will significantly lengthen cooking times and affect temperature consistency.
Manual Lighting (Hot Rod Failure): In the event of a hot rod malfunction, the grill can still be used through a manual lighting procedure. This involves disconnecting the hot rod, adding a specific amount of pellets and alcohol gel fire lighter to the firepot, and carefully igniting them. This feature ensures continued usability even with a component failure, highlighting the grill's robust design.
Safety Features: The digital controller includes safety features such as low and high-temperature alarms ("LEr" for below 125°F and "HEr" for above 550°F). These alarms shut off power to internal components to prevent damage or hazardous conditions, requiring the user to turn off the main power switch and investigate the cause.
Pellet Usage: The grill is designed to be used exclusively with TRAEGER BRAND BBQ WOOD PELLETS, which are specifically formulated for optimal performance and safety. The manual explicitly warns against using heating fuel pellets due to potential contaminants.
Outdoor Use: The TFS60LZAC is strictly intended for outdoor use, with strict clearance requirements from combustible materials (12 inches from sides/back, 40 inches from overhead) to prevent fire hazards.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Traeger TFS60LZAC.

Creosote and Grease Removal: Wood pellet combustion produces creosote and airborne grease particles that accumulate in the flue and cooking chamber. The manual recommends inspecting the flue exhaust, grease drain, grease drain tube, and grease bucket at least twice a year for buildup. Accumulated creosote and grease must be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
Grease Drain Pan Cleaning: The aluminum foil on the grease drain pan should be changed frequently. The V-shaped grease drain and grease drain tube also require periodic cleaning to prevent blockages that could lead to grease fires. It's easier to clean accumulated grease when the grill is warm, but users are cautioned to avoid burns.
Ash Removal: Depending on use, the porcelain grill, grease drain pan, and heat baffle should be periodically removed to clean ash from in and around the firepot. A shop-vac is recommended for this task, but only when the grill is cold to prevent fires from hot ash.
Pellet Storage: Wood pellets must be stored in a dry location, away from heat-producing appliances and other fuel containers, as wet pellets can expand and jam the auger.
Exterior Cleaning: The outside surfaces of the grill should be cleaned with warm soapy water. Abrasive cleansers or pads and oven cleaner are not recommended.
Paint Finish Protection: To protect the paint finish, using a TRAEGER GRILL COVER is highly recommended, especially if stored outdoors during rainy seasons. Touch-up paint is available for scratches. Applying a high-quality car wax to the outside surfaces every 90 days (on a cold grill) is also suggested.
Auger Jam Clearing: Instructions are provided for clearing an auger jam, which involves disassembling parts of the auger system, removing foreign objects or wet/decomposed pellets, and sanding the auger surfaces if needed to ensure free rotation.
Hot Rod Replacement: If the hot rod fails, the manual details how to diagnose the issue and where to order a replacement, ensuring that users can maintain their grill's full functionality.
General Cleaning: Keeping a long-handled cleaning brush near the grill for quick brushing of the porcelain grill after cooking is recommended for convenience and hygiene.
Ash Disposal: Ashes must be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and stored on a non-combustible surface, away from other combustible materials, until thoroughly cooled before final disposal.

The Traeger TFS60LZAC is designed to be a reliable and enjoyable outdoor cooking appliance, provided users follow the detailed instructions for its operation and maintenance, ensuring both safety and optimal performance.

Traeger TFS60LZAC Specifications

General

Model	TFS60LZAC
Category	Grill
Type	Pellet Grill
Temperature Range	180°F to 450°F
Fuel Type	Wood Pellets
Hopper Capacity	18 lbs
Power Source	Electric
Warranty	3 years
Digital Pro Controller	Yes
Cooking Area	572 square inches
Ignition	Automatic