Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning and Burning-In Your Traeger Grill

Grilling is an art, and like any masterpiece, it begins with the right foundation. Seasoning and burning in your grill are crucial first steps to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to prepare your grill, whether it’s a WiFIRE-connected model or a non-connected one.

Why Season Your Grill?

Seasoning your grill is a one-time initial firing process that burns off any residual oils from manufacturing and creates non-stick surfaces, enhancing your grilling experience. This process ensures that your grill operates efficiently and your food tastes delicious right from the start.

Steps for Seasoning Your WiFIRE Grill

Step 1: Prime Your Auger Tube

• Fill the auger tube with hardwood pellets to ensure a smooth operation.

Step 2: Power Up

• Plug in the grill and turn it on.

Step 3: Fill the Hopper

• Add hardwood pellets to the hopper for continuous fuel supply.

Step 4: Activate Auger Priming

• Turn on the main power switch, select “Prime Auger,” and let pellets fall into the firepot. Once done, turn off the auger.

Step 5: Set Temperature to 350°F

• Turn the selection dial to 350°F and ignite the grill. Close the lid and let it run for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Increase Temperature to 450°F

• Adjust the temperature to 450°F and let it run for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 7: Shut Down

• For Pro Series: Press the selection dial for three seconds.
• For Ironwood or Timberline: Press the standby button for three seconds to initiate the shutdown cycle.

Step 8: Complete the Cycle

• Once the shutdown cycle finishes, the seasoning process is complete.

Steps for Seasoning Your Non-Connected Grill

Step 1: Prepare Internal Components

• Ensure the heat baffle, drip tray, and grill grates are correctly placed inside the grill.

Step 2: Power Up

• Plug in the grill and turn it on using the controller switch.

Step 3: Fill the Hopper

• Add hardwood pellets to the hopper.

Step 4: Prime the Auger

• Set the grill to the highest temperature to see pellets falling into the firepot, then turn off the grill.

Step 5: Reassemble Internal Components

• Place the heat baffle, drip tray, and grill grates back in their positions.

Step 6: Ignite the Grill

• Turn the grill back on, set it to Smoke, and wait 15 minutes for the fire to establish.

Step 7: Increase Temperature

• Turn the grill to the highest temperature and run it for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Shut Down

• Set the grill to the Shutdown Cycle, which runs for approximately 25 minutes. Turn off the grill once the cycle is complete.

Final Thoughts

Seasoning your grill is a simple yet essential step to get the most out of your grilling adventures. Whether using a WiFIRE or a non-connected grill, these steps ensure your grill is ready to deliver mouthwatering results, from briskets to baby-back ribs.