Brand new and have question about initial burn

Kicked Ash · Mar 8, 2022

Welcome!

Guineabear · Mar 8, 2022

DanStealth said:
How is the smoker going to increase in temp if there isn’t fuel to cause it? I don’t understand how you don’t need pellets…is the igniter rod that strong? Lol

Mine has a large heating element that can heat by itself but also ignites wood chips in the pan to create smoke.

The timer needs to be set to get the temperature beyond a minimum.

Grillgirl46032 · Mar 8, 2022

Guineabear said:
Is this a pellet or wood chip smoker? My other smoker looks very similar and uses wood chips rather than pellets.

If so it can be heated without wood chips. If it's like mine, you have to set the timer before setting the temperature, otherwise it will only heat to a minimum degree. I have use mine as an oven, without smoke, to bake potatoes.

On a positive note this type of smoker actually provides more smoke flavor than a pellet smoker, but involves more work.

Best of luck..

You are correct…the book actually says chips…not pellets. Can either be used? I bought chips.

Cowboy1955 · Mar 8, 2022

I use a smoke tube and layer pellets and wood chips if that helps you out.

Grillgirl46032 · Mar 8, 2022

Guineabear said:
Is this a pellet or wood chip smoker? My other smoker looks very similar and uses wood chips rather than pellets.

If so it can be heated without wood chips. If it's like mine, you have to set the timer before setting the temperature, otherwise it will only heat to a minimum degree. I have use mine as an oven, without smoke, to bake potatoes.

On a positive note this type of smoker actually provides more smoke flavor than a pellet smoker, but involves more work.

Best of luck..

You are right…the book says chips…not pellets. Can either be used? I did buy chips.

Hunter54 · Mar 8, 2022

Guineabear said:
As they say, there are no dumb questions. Of course you need pellets since they are the fuel. Water not needed for initial burn. Haven't used the grill feature but there is a sliding panel that allows flame searing and I imagine grilling a burger or steak. I just use mine as a smoker.

Yes the instructions could be more specific. But welcome to the forum and hopefully you can find all the help you need here.

Guineabear: I have the small Tailgater. I’ve used it a lot for burgers, sliding the panel back. I’ve found that fat from the burgers drips down a lot and causes a small fire below. It’s great for other grill but you need to keep it clean after doing burgers.