Tips to Clean Your Traeger Auger for Smooth Grill Performance

Keeping your Traeger grill in top shape is key to ensuring that your grilling sessions go smoothly. 

One of the most important components to maintain is the auger, which helps move wood pellets from the hopper to the firepot. 

A clogged or dirty auger can disrupt the pellet flow, leading to inconsistent heat and poor performance. 

Let’s dive into some essential tips and tricks for effectively cleaning your Traeger auger.

Understanding the Importance of Cleaning the Auger

Regularly cleaning your Traeger auger isn’t just about keeping things tidy.

It’s crucial for the long-term performance of your grill. 

A clogged auger can cause a variety of issues:

• Pellet flow problems: If the auger is blocked, pellets won’t reach the firepot, leading to uneven heating.

• Temperature control: Without a smooth pellet feed, the temperature inside your Traeger can fluctuate.

• Preventing rust and corrosion: Keeping your auger clean helps ward off rust, extending the life of your grill.

• Smooth and consistent burns: A clean auger ensures your grill produces steady heat, making sure your BBQ turns out just the way you like it.

Learn More: Grill Cleaning on Traeger: Tips & Tricks - Behind The Grill

Pre-Cleaning Checks and Preparation

Before diving into cleaning, there are a few checks and steps to prepare:

• Inspect the auger for any signs of wear or damage. Catching early issues can prevent bigger problems later.

• Ensure the auger is aligned and seated properly to avoid causing any misalignment during cleaning.

• Remove large debris or blockages manually before starting. It’s important to avoid forcing any remaining pellets through the auger.

• Safety first! Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when cleaning to protect your hands and eyes from dust and debris.

Cleaning the Auger and Hopper

Now that you’re ready to clean, focus on removing the buildup from both the auger and the hopper:

• Use a soft-bristled brush like the one from Easy Function to sweep away dust and debris from the auger and hopper. This brush is designed to provide deep cleaning without scratching the surface, making it perfect for this task.

• Check for blockages or sawdust buildup in the auger tube. Regular cleaning will help prevent common issues like auger jams.

• A dedicated vacuum cleaner works wonders for cleaning out the hopper and the firepot. Make sure you vacuum any leftover ash and pellet fragments to keep your grill performing at its best.

For stubborn debris in the auger, Easy Function’s bristle-free brush might be just what you need. 

Buy Easy Function Bristle Brush - Amazon Canada

Its long, ergonomic handle makes it easy to get into the tight spaces, and its coiled design provides excellent cleaning power without the risks associated with traditional bristle brushes. 

This tool helps ensure that your auger stays clear of any blockages.

Cleaning Other Components

While you’re at it, take the opportunity to clean other key areas of your grill:

• Grill grates: While the grill is still assembled, use Easy Function’s wood grill scraper to scrape off any food residue. The scraper is eco-friendly and conforms to the shape of your grill grates over time, providing a personalized cleaning experience.

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

• Firepot and grease channels: Keeping these clean is essential for preventing rust and maintaining a non-stick surface. You can also use natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon, or baking soda for a chemical-free cleaning session.

• Flatrock Grill: If you have a flat top grill, a kit like Easy Function’s Flat Top Grill Essentials Kit paired with some distilled white vinegar can help you achieve a spotless clean without harsh chemicals.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Once your auger is sparkling clean, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance:

• Inspect the auger and hopper regularly for wear and damage. It’s easier to fix small issues early than to deal with a big problem later.

• Adjust the auger if needed. If your auger isn’t feeding pellets correctly, a slight adjustment might fix the issue.

• Refer to Traeger Support: If you’re unsure of any cleaning steps or run into trouble, Traeger’s support guide is always a helpful resource.

Related Read: Traeger Grill Clean Up Hacks You Never Knew You Needed: Keeping Your Grill Shiny Like New

Tips for Preventing Auger Clogs

Prevention is the best solution when it comes to auger clogs. 

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure smooth grill performance:

• Regular cleaning: Make cleaning the auger and hopper part of your routine to prevent buildup.

• Use high-quality pellets: Cheap or low-quality pellets can produce more dust and sawdust, leading to clogs. Always choose a brand that’s designed for Traeger grills.

• Don’t overload the hopper: Too many pellets can overwhelm the auger and cause feeding problems.

• Keep the grill grates clean: Food debris can fall into the auger, leading to clogs. Using a good scraper like the Easy Function wood grill scraper helps prevent this.

Cleaning Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Here are some tools and supplies that will make the cleaning process easier:

• Soft-bristled brush: Perfect for cleaning the auger and hopper.

• Dedicated vacuum cleaner: Great for getting ash out of the firepot.

• Easy Function wood grill scraper: An eco-friendly option that adapts to your grill over time.

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

• Bristle-free brush: For cleaning between grates and auger tubes without the risk of wire bristles.

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Brush - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Scraper Brush - Amazon Canada

• Natural cleaners: Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and onion work wonders for cleaning your grill.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your Traeger auger is essential to keep your grill running smoothly. 

Not only does it help prevent issues like pellet jams and temperature fluctuations, but it also extends the life of your grill by preventing rust and corrosion. 

By following these simple tips and using the right tools—like Easy Function’s bristle-free brush and wood grill scraper—you can ensure that your auger stays in tip-top shape. 

Keep up with regular maintenance and troubleshooting, and your Traeger will be ready for every BBQ session.

For more tips on maintaining your grill and other BBQ essentials, check out the Easy Function products available on Amazon.