Pit Boss Pellet Grill Temperature Fluctuations: Causes And Solutions

Pit Boss Pellet Grills can sometimes face an issue of temperature fluctuations. These issues can happen because of many different reasons, and all grilling experts should know the causes of these temperature fluctuations. Knowing the causes and the solutions of these temperature fluctuations is pivotal for an amazing grilling experience. There are many causes of temperature fluctuations, but we are going to discuss some of the common ones. 

What Is Pellet Grill and What are The Causes of Pit Boss Pellet GrillTemperatureFluctuations

It is the type of grill that uses pellets as the main source of fuel for the grilling. There are different pellet grills available in the market with their own unique mechanisms. The different types and brands of the grill might have their own causes and solutions, but for the Pit Boss Pellet Grill, the causes of temperature fluctuations are as below. 

Your Grill Is Dirty

You should take care of your pellet grill like you take care of other cooking accessories in your house. If you have an espresso machine in your house, do you keep it dirty, or do you clean it every day before you make coffee? A grill is something you don’t use daily, but even then, you should try to find time at least once a week to clean it. If you only clean it the day you want to use it, then you might have to face a lot of issues due to the dirt build-up in the grill. This dirt stuck in the grill can be a major cause of temperature functions.

Sub Standard Pellet Quality

Low-quality pellets are cheaper and save money, but they can be costly in the long run. Low-quality pellets burn in a way that they leave behind a lot of ash, and the build-up of the ash can block the temperature sensors. You can use good quality pellets for an optimum experience. This issue can be easily resolved by purchasing good quality pellets that burn more efficiently and thus don’t leave behind a lot of ash. This means that there is less risk of the temperature sensors to get blocked. 

You Have A Fan Nearby

People like to keep a fan near the grill in order to prevent the ashes and smoke from reaching their eyes. This can, however, disrupt the efforts of maintaining the temperature at a reasonable level. The best thing to do in this scenario is to place the fan at a good distance from the grill or don’t use the fan at all.

The Temperature Sensor Is Broken Or Damaged

If you have been using Pit Boss grills for a long time, then you know that Pit Boss grills have a temperature sensor in them. This sensor helps to maintain the temperature of the grill, and naturally, if this sensor is broken or damaged, the grill will not be able to maintain its temperature. Save the grill in a safe location like your garage when it is not in use. Clean the grill after every few weeks and check the sensor as well so that when you want to use the grill, you know that it is in a top condition. If you don’t check the grill regularly, you might not know if the sensor is damaged or not. 

You Are Using An Old Grill

Using a grill that has been in use for many years and one that has been owned by several users before, you may have issues that you don’t know about. These issues can be of different types; however, they might all end up causing temperature fluctuations. You should either call the service personnel and get a complete checkup of the grill so that you can get all the issues fixed, or you can just buy a new and updated model of the grill. It is always better to buy a newer model instead of spending money on buying a grill that has seen several owners. 

You Don't Have The Right Amount Of Pellet Supply

Having an insufficient amount of pellets in the hopper can also cause temperature fluctuations in a Pit Boss pellet grill. If the pellets run out, the grill will not be able to maintain a consistent temperature leading to fluctuations.

To solve this issue, you should ensure that the hopper is always filled with an adequate amount of pellets. You can check the hopper level periodically during your cook and add more pellets as needed. It's also a good idea to keep extra pellets on hand so you can easily refill the hopper if necessary.

The Temperature Rises When You Open The Lid

It's normal for the temperature to rise briefly when you open the lid of a Pit Boss pellet grill. This is because the oxygen entering the grill can cause the fire to temporarily flare up, increasing the temperature.

To minimize the impact of opening the lid on temperature fluctuations, you should try to keep the lid closed as much as possible during your cook. Only open the lid when necessary, such as when you need to flip your food or check its internal temperature.

You can also try to minimize the flare-up by opening the lid slowly and gradually and avoiding any sudden movements that can cause the fire to flare up. Another option is to use a grill cover or tent to shield the grill from wind and help retain heat.

The Weather Itself Is A Cause

Cold weather can also be a possible cause of temperature fluctuations in a Pit Boss pellet grill. When the outside temperature drops, it can make it more difficult for the grill to maintain a consistent temperature.

You may need to adjust the temperature settings on your grill to get rid of this issue. In colder weather, you may need to set the temperature slightly higher than usual to compensate for the drop in outside temperature. You can also consider insulating your grill with a grill blanket or using a windbreak to help retain heat.

Another solution is to use higher-quality pellets that are designed to perform better in colder temperatures. Look for pellets that are made from hardwood and have a lower moisture content, as these can burn hotter and more consistently in colder weather.

Steps For Maintaining The Temperature On Pit Boss Grills

You can maintain and control the temperature for Pit Boss Grills by the following steps.

Clean The Grill Regularly: 

Before using the grill, make sure it is clean. Remove any ash or debris from the grill and clean the grates. A dirty grill can cause hot spots and affect the temperature control making it more difficult to maintain a steady temperature. Many times the problem can be resolved by simply cleaning the grill. This does not mean that you have to clean it right before you fire the grill. You need to keep it maintained well throughout the year.

Use The Proper Type Of Fuel: 

Use the recommended type of fuel for your grill. Pit Boss Grills come in different models that use different types of fuel, such as charcoal, wood pellets, or gas. It is important to use the proper fuel to maintain temperature control. Different fuels require different temperature control methods, so make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Monitor The Temperature While Grilling: 

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the grill. A digital thermometer can be useful for this purpose as it can give you an accurate reading of the temperature. Place the thermometer on the grate close to the food to get an accurate reading of the cooking temperature. You can also use a meat thermometer depending on the type of food you are grilling. 

Adjust The Air Vents Located On The Lid:

Adjust the air vents to control the temperature. Most Pit Boss Grills have air vents on the lid and at the bottom of the grill. The more air you allow in, the hotter the grill will be. The less air you allow in, the cooler the grill will be. Adjust the vents gradually until you reach the desired temperature.

Adjust The Fuel And Also The Amount Of Lighter Fluid:

Adjust the amount of fuel you are using to control the temperature. Adding more fuel will increase the temperature, while reducing the amount of fuel will lower the temperature. The temperature will take some time to adjust, so be patient and make small adjustments. In addition to the fuel, you should also be mindful of the amount of lighter fluid you use on the grill. If you use an unreasonable amount of lighter fluid, then that can increase the heat level of the grill and make it difficult for you to maintain the right temperature. 

Using A Water Pan Can Be A Great Thing: 

Using a water pan in the grill can help regulate the temperature and prevent flare-ups. The water will help keep the temperature steady and prevent the grill from getting too hot. Place the water pan under the grate close to the heat source. The water will evaporate and create a humid environment that will help cook the food evenly.

Always Preheat The Grill Always:             

Preheating the grill is necessary for an ideal cooking experience, but it is also an important thing to do when you are trying to prevent temperature fluctuations on your grill. 

Before adding the food, you should preheat the grill. This will help the grill reach the desired temperature more quickly and ensure that the food cooks evenly. Preheating will also help burn off any remaining debris and sterilize the grates.

If Everything Else Fails, Contact Pit Boss Customer Service

Your first instinct should always be to try and resolve the issue on your own, but if everything you have tried till now has failed, it's time for you to contact the company. Contact Pit Boss, and they will send someone to your house to check the grill. They will charge you if you don’t have a warranty, and that is why fixing the problem yourself should be your first choice. 

Final Thoughts

Pit Boss pellet grills are a popular choice among outdoor cooking enthusiasts for their ease of use and versatility. However, temperature fluctuations can be a common issue that can affect the cooking results. The causes of temperature fluctuations can range from the type of pellets used weather conditions, and even the quality of the grill's components.

Overall, understanding the causes of temperature fluctuations and implementing the necessary solutions can help Pit Boss pellet grill owners achieve the best possible cooking results and enjoy a hassle-free outdoor cooking experience.