Amateur Smoker, Traeger Newbie - Question about Ironwood

[RayClem]

Hi Ray!

I've looked through the manual and online, and not seeing anything about adjusting the temp probe in the grill, only the meat thermometer.

Am I just missing it?

You can calibrate the meat probe, for what that is worth. I still do not trust it, so I use a third party digital probe. Thermoworks and Inkbird are reasonably priced. Meater and Fireboard probes are recommended by many on the forum, but they are pricey.

I know of no way of calibrating the RTD thermocouple used by the controller. You would neaed to be able to adjust both the slope and the offset and that is not possible. I simply adjust my controller setpoint to give my desired temperature as measured by my ambient probe placed near the cook. The thermocouple is placed against the side of the grill chamber, so it will never read the same as the temperature the cook is experiencing, but like many folks, I am disappointed that is so far off. With experience, you will learn where to set the controller to achieve your desired cook temperature.

 

[GrillGuyMilwaukee]

I just did a little test outside where I took my probe and placed it as closely as i could to the RTD in my IW885. Ran the temp of the grill up to 375 and only experienced a difference of 5-10 degrees F. So there must be a real hot zone where the RTD is placed, especially at the higher temps. At least I know the temps are on in that respect. Just seems to be bad placement.

Will just adjust for my cooks with my probe near the food. Thanks for all your insight!

 

[GrillGuyMilwaukee]

You can calibrate the meat probe, for what that is worth. I still do not trust it, so I use a third party digital probe. Thermoworks and Inkbird are reasonably priced. Meater and Fireboard probes are recommended by many on the forum, but they are pricey.

I know of no way of calibrating the RTD thermocouple used by the controller. You would neaed to be able to adjust both the slope and the offset and that is not possible. I simply adjust my controller setpoint to give my desired temperature as measured by my ambient probe placed near the cook. The thermocouple is placed against the side of the grill chamber, so it will never read the same as the temperature the cook is experiencing, but like many folks, I am disappointed that is so far off. With experience, you will learn where to set the controller to achieve your desired cook temperature.

Btw, looks like multiple Ray's were
commenting! lol. My response about the calibration was meant for the other Ray as he stated he's done it before. I was only ever aware of the meat probe calibration.