How long to pellets last?

[MoeGreene]

I just upgraded from a WSM to a timberline 1300 so I can use it all winter up here in NY. How long will a 20lb bag of pellets last at 225?

 

[TheGrumpyGriller]

There are of course variables. On my last brisket cook, I had my T-1300 set at 185 running overnight. In about 9ish hours, I probably went through about 1/4 to 1/3 of the completely filled hopper, so 5-6 lbs +/-. The temp outside overnight was probably in the mid 60's or so.

Even though the T-1300 has great insulation, if you are cooking with outside temp in the 20's or 30's, my guess is that consumption will be somewhat higher. And another variable is which pellets you are using. I stopped using the Traeger pellets after a couple of months and primarily use the Pit Boss, and some Camp Chef simply because they seem to be better in my experience.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[MoeGreene]

Thank you so much. It used half a hopper when I seasoned it last night, but seams to be slowing down now. First test cook attached! Almost done!

 

[TheGrumpyGriller]

If you followed the multi-temp seasoning, that makes sense. The ribs look quite tasty!

 

[Spanky]

I just upgraded from a WSM to a timberline 1300 so I can use it all winter up here in NY. How long will a 20lb bag of pellets last at 225?

My projection based on my Silverton 810 with the same controller but less double wall cooking chamber area would be about 1 pound per hour. The consumption rate will vary based on your outside air temperature and the pellets being used.

Check it out on you first long cook. My case was a 20 hour brisket cook. Start with full level hopper. Measure the total pounds of pellets used to refill to the same level at end of smoke. Divide the pounds of pellets by the smoking hours to get average pounds per hour of pellets. I used 2 quart container to fill the hopper from. Weigh or tare the container on scale and then measure the mass of each container as you fill the hopper for the total sum of pellets used. Test your scale with something of know mass to confirm accuracy.

Spanky

 

[MoeGreene]

Thanks Spanky!

 

[MidwestSmoker]

If you are concerned about pellet consumption and prices, don't use Traeger pellets. They are expensive and generally not of good quality. Head to Walmart and pick up a bag of Pit Boss pellets:

Robot or human?

 

[YYCRed]

If you are concerned about pellet consumption and prices, don't use Traeger pellets. They are expensive and generally not of good quality. Head to Walmart and pick up a bag of Pit Boss pellets:

Robot or human?

Yup. Pit Boss is what I use here, too.

Welcome to the forum @MoeGreene! Enjoy the journey.

 

[midwest]

Locally I get 40 lbs bags of Smoke Ring brand pellets for 15.00. Your outside/ambient temps and weather conditions play a big role in pellet consumption.
I did buy (and many others have as well) this welding blanket from Harbor Freight. I use it on cooks when temps get below 30 degrees or so. It's a fraction of the price of buying one of the Traeger insulated covers. I just keep it double over and draped across the lid. If it's windy out I set a weight on it. I have considered adding some magnets or hooks to it.

6 ft. x 8 ft. Fiberglass Welding Blanket

Amazing deals on this 6Ft X 8Ft Fiberglass Welding Blanket at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Dcgunman]

I’m finally using my 40lb bag from Sam’s. I’ll see how these pellets are compared to Traegers and Pit Boss. My first notice was how many broken pellets inside the bag compared to T’s and PB’s. Maybe more than PB pellets. Meaning more pellet dust in the bag. PB (from Walmart) was bad. Lots of broken pellets and dust. I’m assuming the smaller broken pellets would burn through quicker. Not sure which pellets I’ll be picking up next. Regardless of which brand I’d like to find the charcoal for my smoke tube. I wonder if I broke the regular charcoal up and shove them in the tube would it work? I don’t see why not.

 

[John S.]

I did the RemE insulation on my T1300 now my burn rate is under 1lb/hr… (180 - 350T). My briskets ( Meat church, weekday Brisket) usually about 20hrs 1 bag + a bit…

 

[RKSmoking]

I just upgraded from a WSM to a timberline 1300 so I can use it all winter up here in NY. How long will a 20lb bag of pellets last at 225?

I was told by rep at Costco 15-20 hours