Is it Safe To Use An Extension Cord On a Traeger Grill?

If you’ve recently purchased a Traeger grill, or even if you’ve owned one for a while, you may choose to relocate it away from the outlet. After all, being so close to a wall is dangerous. You know it needs to be plugged in on a Traeger grill, but can you use an extension cord?

Yes. Except for Europe, Traeger claims that using an extension cord with its pellet barbecues is fine. Because the grill’s power chord is only 6 1/2 feet long, an extension cord is necessary to maintain the required distance between the grill and the house. Just make sure to utilize a grounded extension cord with at least a 14-gauge rating for outdoor use.

But it’s just the start of the questions that could arise like:

1. What type of extension cord do you require?
2. Is there a way to remove the Traeger power cord?
3. Perhaps an extension cord isn’t required, but the power cord must be replaced. What’s the best way to accomplish it?

This essay will address all of your concerns about Traegers and extension cables.

Continue to read.

What is the source of energy for a pellet grill?

Traegers must be plugged into an outlet, unlike standard barbecues. The amount of electricity used is relatively low. However, the thermostat, fan, igniter rod, and auger require power to function.

When plugging it into an outlet, be sure that you turn off the switch.

Pellet barbecues, fortunately, operate on regular household electricity. This limits portability, but as long as you have access to a generator or inverter, you’ll be fine.

The auger is rotated by the electricity supplied by plugging it in. This mechanism feeds the wood pellets from the hopper into the firepot.

The electricity is then utilized to kindle the fire in the wood pellets. Finally, an electric fan is employed to circulate the smoke and the heat. In that way, it’s similar to a convection oven.

If you’re using your Traeger for the first time, you’ll need to season it first before adding any food. It takes around 50 minutes to complete, but it’s not difficult and only needs to be done once.

With my electric smoker, can I use an extension cord?

While Traeger recommends against using an extension cord on grills built in Europe, it is acceptable to use one on models sold in other countries, including the United States.

Ensure that the extension cord is the proper gauge, grounded, and connected to a GFCI breaker.

That’s also a positive thing. Because the Traeger’s included power cord is only around 6 to 12 feet long. Even if you have an outdoor outlet, it’s most likely next to a window or door.

The last thing you want is smoke drifting into your home as you’re smoking your next epic meal. Because the cord is only 6 to 12 feet long, you won’t have much choice except to use an extension cord if you want to move your Traeger further away from home.

Just make sure that you plug it into a GFCI outlet.

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device that detects when a circuit is faulty. It should already be a GFCI outlet if it is an outdoor outlet. These outlets contain a tiny miniature circuit breaker that trips in 1/20th of a second in the event of a problem, disturbance, or if water is splashed into the receptacle, just like the outlets in your kitchen and bathroom that are adjacent to a water source.

It has to be the correct gauge as well.

For the electricity that a Traeger requires, a 14-gauge cord will usually suffice. It should also be grounded, of course (3 prongs). Outdoor-rated extension cords are also recommended.

If you’re currently utilizing an extension cord, give it a heat test after it’s been in use for a time. Is it warm when you touch it? If that’s the case, you should obtain a larger gauge extension cord (with a lower number) to be cautious.

For a Traeger barbecue, what gauge extension cord do I need?

Use a 12 or 14-gauge extension cord for the most outstanding results in the shortest length possible.

But there’s a lot more to learn. Use the shortest length possible. This should be 50 feet or less in most cases. It’s even better if you can get to 25 feet. Connecting two extension cables is not a good idea.

When two cables are connected, their current capacity is reduced, resulting in increased cord heating. The insulation on the cord can be damaged if it overheats. This is how electrical fires begin.

It would be best to use a cord with a three-prong grounding plug that is 15 amperes or more. It should be UL-approved and have a W-A sticker on it. “Suitable for use with the outdoor appliance,” the labeling should expressly mention.

Use an extension cord with a gauge of 16 or 18 instead. This could cause damage to electrical wiring in the home or possibly cause a fire. 16 or 18 gauge cords are smaller and meant for lesser loads despite the higher gauge number. The smaller the gauge number, the more challenging it is.

Fires can begin for a variety of reasons, including electrical ones. Once you’ve found the proper cord, make sure to take all necessary precautions. Keep all connections dry and above the ground if feasible. Allowing it to hang over the edge of anything where it could be dragged or tripped over is not good.

Is the power wire on a Traeger detachable?

Yes, it is.

If your cord breaks, you can buy a replacement and install it in just a few steps.

Replacement cords are not challenging to come by and are also at a very reasonable price.

This one on Amazon is a genuine Traeger part. You can restore power to your grill in no time for less than $30. It’s also compatible with all Traeger grill models, so there’s no need to wonder if it’ll work with yours.

Traegers are popular for various reasons, one of which is their ease of use. It’s as simple as turning on the oven to use a Traeger. They are more precise and easier to use than other grills. Traegers, on the other hand, are very easy to clean.

They can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue in addition to grilling. It’s a one-stop shop!

On a Traeger grill, how do you change the power cord?

First and foremost, ensure that you unplug the power wire from the wall before attempting to detach it. Then remove the hopper to gain access to the cord.

Make sure there are no pellets in the hopper. Remove the screws from the hopper’s control panel and insert them into the hole.

Remove the hopper from the equation and set it aside. You should then remove the hopper from the grill’s barrel. A total of four screws are used. Revealing the power cord connection as a result of this.

Remove the black Molex connectors from the power supply. Loosen the ground screws in the grounding wire and squeeze the portion that holds the wire in place with pliers. Feed the wire through the mounting hole by wiggling it out.

You can now connect your new power cord.

Be sure to snap the harness into place when you feed it into the mounting hole. Then, in reverse order, repeat all of the previous procedures. Connect the two pieces of the holding piece. You should connect the ground wire. Reinstall the control panel and attach the hopper.

That is all there is to it. It’s that simple.

When your Traeger is not in use, you might want to consider leaving it plugged in. However, there are several situations when you need to make sure your Traeger isn’t plugged in all the time.

Is there anything more I can tell you about utilizing an extension cord with your Traeger?

Owning a Traeger barbecue is a fantastic investment.

They’re not just safe and straightforward to use; they’re also simple to clean.

To work, they require an outlet, although the installed connection is only 6 to 12 feet long.

Fortunately, you may use an extension line to keep the grill away from the house’s walls and prevent smoke from pouring into the house.

Just make sure it’s the proper gauge, and length, and is also waterproof.