How To Charge A Traeger

The Traeger smoker uses an electric heating element to burn pellets of compressed wood, creating aromatic smoke to cook and flavor meat. Pellets are available in a variety of wood types, such as hickory, mesquite and apple. Charging a Traeger requires loading wood pellets in the metal hopper inside the smoker and activating the auger. The auger rotates slowly to push pellets into the smoker as needed to maintain heat.

Step 1

Turn the on/off/temperature dial to the "Off" position.

Step 2

Raise the metal lid on the wood pellet hopper on the left side of the Traeger. Raise the cooking chamber cover on the right to locate the round firepot. This small cup is next to the pellet hopper. Charging the Traeger involves forcing pellets into the firepot where they begin smoking.

Step 3

Pour wood pellets into the hopper. Use only food-grade pellets made for barbecues, not pellets intended for a space heater. Close the hopper lid.

Step 4

Turn the on/off/temperature dial to the "High" setting. The auger begins rotating, forcing pellets into the firepot, charging the Traeger.

Step 5

Switch the knob to the "Smoke" position and dial the control to the desired temperature, which appears on the red LED display.