Do you empty and prime auger every time you change to new pellets?

[jvquist]

Hello all. Recently got my first Traeger pellet smoker. Been using the signature blend for the most part on everything. Switching to a new flavor for my next cook. Do you need to clear and prime the auger every time you change pellet flavors? Only other time I switched up I did clear the auger but didn't prime again. Start up was super slow so not sure if that's what I did wrong.

 

[traeger860]

You don't have to clear the auger when you change pellet flavors. Whatever is left in there will burn during startup and will be gone by the time you get your food on.

If you clear it but don't prime, the auger will turn but no pellets will be in the fire pot to ignite. You'll get a slow startup and/or an error code.

 

[BobbyQ]

Short answer, no. But, when I first got it, I emptied the hopper and primed the auger regularly. After one cook I was too tired and left whatever pellets remained in the hopper. Didn't make a difference. I've since left pellets in for months on end when we went through torrential rains over the winter and never had a problem. If you don't prime the auger it will start up quicker too. I just vacuum what's left in the fire pot when cleaning. Also, to my nose, pellets are pellets. I can't tell the difference between wood types except for mesquite. That goes for Traeger, Bear Mountain and Pit Boss pellets. Flavor wise I can't ell the difference either.

 

[TXpitMan]

I just drain the hopper and fill it back up. I let whatever is left in the auger stay in it so I don’t have to prime it.

 

[midwest]

I've tried multiple brands and honestly couldn't tell enough of a difference in the flavor. So I found a brand I like that is cheap at my local shop and thats all I use. When I first got started I was buying all kinds of stuff. Been running SmokeRing Comp blend which is maple, hickory, cherry, for several years now. My butcher has them for 14.00 for a 40 lbs. bag.

Smoke Ring BBQ Pellets : Highest Quality BBQ Pellets : No Fillers

Smoke Ring BBQ Pellets are the highest quality BBQ Pellet available. No filler wood or oils. 100% locally-sourced Michigan hardwood.

smokeringbbqpellets.com

 

[Mathis]

Hello all. Recently got my first Traeger pellet smoker. Been using the signature blend for the most part on everything. Switching to a new flavor for my next cook. Do you need to clear and prime the auger every time you change pellet flavors? Only other time I switched up I did clear the auger but didn't prime again. Start up was super slow so not sure if that's what I did wrong.

I doubt if most folks can tell a taste difference in pellets. I'm starting to think it's just marketing.
I've used different "flavor" pellets and even combined different pellets. I've never said, "Gee this tastes different". Haha