Can You Use a Traeger in the Rain? Safety Tips and Guidelines

There is no such thing as ideal weather conditions all the time. Instead, there are many times when you might get a lot of rain or snow in your region. So naturally, you might be tempted to take out your grill and begin cooking in such weather.

However, you might wonder whether you can use a Traeger in the rain. After all, you have spent money on the grill and want it to last. So, here is your complete guide to understanding if you can use a Traeger in the rain. 

Can You Use A Traeger In The Rain?

Most of the Traeger grills you will find in the market are protected from water spray that is less than sixty degrees vertical. In layman's terms, this means that your Traeger will function in the rain, but it is crucial that you don't leave the lid open. Besides that, don't place the grill over a sprinkler, or it will damage it. 

Remember that you can cook in such weather, but you might face some issues, such as slow ignition from all the humidity. So, it may take longer for your meat to cook to perfection. On the other hand, you can also clear the firepot of all ash and sawdust so that ignition becomes even easier in such weather. 

How To Use The Traeger Grill In The Rain 

If it is raining, and you want to have a barbecue, then you can do it by taking the right precautions. It is important to follow the right guidelines that will allow you to use the grill in the rain. Here are some guidelines we recommend you follow for the best experience:

1. Protect It Properly 

First, you should provide adequate protection to the Traeger grill. This means that you should make sure none of the parts get wet, or it will lead to a slow grilling experience. On the other hand, steel is more likely to corrode or warp easily if it is exposed to water. 

Everything from your control panel to the grill should have proper protection. For example, if you have stored your grill outside, then you need to invest in a canvas bag to store the grill. The company makes various covers for its grills that you can opt for. 

It will guarantee that the grill is safe from water and doesn't get inside the important parts. Even when it rains, such storage will save the grill and extend its life for a long time.

2. Follow Electrical Safety Precautions

The most important precaution you should take is that of electrical safety. If you are using cables that are not safe for external use, then the rain can be a big problem. This is why you should not use extension cables outside, and you should plug the grill directly inside a socket. 

On the other hand, you should follow the advice of the company when it comes to using the grill in rainy weather. You will keep your grill safe along with your health and safety. Electricity and water don’t mix, which is why it is incredibly crucial to take proper precautions. 

3. Use The Grill In Shelter 

The most important recommendation for you is that you should use the grill in the shelter when it is raining. For example, you can use a covered patio or porch to begin cooking your food. It will shelter the grill from the rain so that you don’t face any problems. 

If you don't have such a space in your home, you can also create a DIY gazebo that will provide the grill the shelter it needs from the rain. The key is to ensure that you have enough ventilation while cooking. Ventilation is crucial to reduce the risks of fire and other things. 

What Will Happen To The Grill If It Comes Into Contact With Rainwater 

Now that you know how to use the grill in the rain, you might wonder what will happen if the grill accidentally comes into contact with rainwater. Here are some issues that might show up if there is a lot of rainwater that comes into your grill:

1. Control Panel Will Lose Connection 

The first thing that might happen is that the control panel will lose connection when water seeps into it. You will notice connection problems, and the grill might switch on and off again and again. The purpose of the control panel is to ensure the consistency of the temperature so that the heat can stay in as you cook. 

However, water will disrupt this purpose, and you will notice a temperature in fluctuation. If you don't want to face such issues with the grill, then it is best that you don't let rainwater get inside the grill. It will protect the grill in the long run. 

2. You Will Face A Jammed Pellet Auger 

It is crucial that you don’t let the water seep into the pellets. That is because wood doesn’t react well with water, which means it can begin expanding and disintegrating. Wet wood pellets can jam the auger and lead to blockages. 

You might think that a blocked or jammed auger is not an issue, but it can lead to safety issues. That is because it might cause the grill not to heat up or the temperature to vary. Because of this, you will have to replace the auger as soon as possible. 

Keep in mind that replacing this part of the Traeger grill is an expensive and time-consuming process. This is why it is important that you don’t let any water into the wooden pellets. If you are not using the pellets, then make sure you store them in a dry area so that no moisture or water can get into them and ruin the quality. 

3. The Grill Can Develop Rust 

Finally, if you leave the grill outside in the rain, then it will lead to the development of rust. That is because steel and water don’t go together, and rust can lead to the quality of your grill disintegrating. It is important to store the grill inside when you are not using it. 

Another technique is to cover your grill even when you are storing it inside. Sometimes, humidity and moisture can also develop within the grill, even when it is stored inside. So, make sure that you invest in a high-quality cover that can protect the grill at all times to ensure a long lifespan. 

Final Words 

That was everything you needed to know whether you could use a Traeger in the rain or not. While you can use it, we don't recommend this option because it will cause a lot of problems for your grill. On the other hand, it will also reduce the lifespan of your grill. 

So, follow these guidelines and take the precautions you need to keep the grill in optimal condition. Once you do, you will get a lot of use out of it for a long time. It will allow you to cook some delicious meats that you can feed your loved ones.