Gen 2 Ironwood, self inflicted problem with preheat!

[Manannan]

I used my Gen 2 Ironwood over Christmas to cook a large turkey, rib roast and gammon, all came out really well.

Now I normally clean the unit out every 3-4 uses but for some reason it didn't hit my radar that one very long session would equate to more than 3 or 4 smaller sessions, obviously due to all that Christmas excitement and the odd

Came to use it yesterday and would it preheat... like heck it would! Set it to 120C / 250F but as soon as the temperature reached 100C / 212F it dropped rapidly to about 65C / 150F and from then on it was like Groundhog day repeating itself. Increased temp to 180C / 360F to no avail so shut the unit down to have a think. First thing was to run through the simple check list of likely faults and the amount of ash that had been generated by one albeit extended cook took me by surprise. Queue giving it a good vacuum out including under the firebox baffle and every other nook and cranny I could reach.

Tried using it today and the preheat worked perfectly, then ramped the temp up to 180C / 360F with no issues so thought I would do a quick post as a lesson for others, although maybe it is just me on this occasion!

 

[Like Smoke]

I think you are going the right direction. I clean mine out after every smoke, only takes a bit to wipe down the grill change the foil on my grease catcher and do a vacuum of the ash left behind. One other benefit is, in a humid climate the ash will absorb moisture which will lead to rust on parts that are not stainless steel. Just me, but after spending hours smoking a big pork butt, another 15 minutes to clean will just give me another reason for a cold one.

 

[Timmy]

After years of Traegering, I just got into the habit of a good ash vac and foil change before every cook. If you read back I did not have a good experience when I got my grill. After I got it all straightened out, I now love it and can’t wait to get this house thing all settled and sold and get back to normal life and cooking!

 

[Manannan]

One other benefit is, in a humid climate the ash will absorb moisture which will lead to rust on parts that are not stainless steel.

Good point.