New Silverton 810 Concerns

[Rich]

So I'm new to pellet grills, and while I did want a regular offset smoker I just don't have enough time in my day for baby sitting one. I was leaning towards the 620 but was convinced of the silverton 810 because of the size and the super smoke feature. I seasoned the grill per the instructions, and because its still kinda cold I waited until today to officially grill. I started with skirt steak to do something quick that I know and get a feel for operation vs my kamado. Before grilling I checked the ash from the seasoning it wasnt much but that firebox where the pellets drop was already rusting before I ever used it, and the pan where the grease would drop was also showing signs of rust before actually using it. I wrapped it with foil and proceeded to grill. That was my first concern, my second one is when post grilling. After waiting for it to cool I went to clean it again so it's ready for some ribs to smoke tomorrow. While vacuuming out the ash and wiping it down I saw that double was a bit flimsy and only held by one screw, not a big deal but then I saw the under the grease tray funnel that the paint in there was already peeling. The grill never went above 500, I set it at 480 but I never went above 420. I set it to 480 because the I knew temp drops drastically every time I open the hood. These all feel like red flags. Should I be concerned here? How much of this is normal? Pics attached. I appreciate all feedback.

**Also if this helps anyone out there, I have a wifi router that combines the 2.4 and 5g bands and had no issues setting wifire. I also added a gasket along the lid to force most of the smoke to exit the back and it made a noticeable change. LAST, there seems to be an added weight on the 810 on the hood vs the 620, feels more solid while closing but maybe its also to stop so much smoke escaping through the front.**

 

[SmokinAL]

Just based on what I see, it looks normal. That fire box gets really hot. So that may not be rust, it may just be discoloration of the metal from it getting so hot. Mine looks the exact same way and has since the initial burn in/seasoning. The bottom of my drip pan looks the same way as well.

I would not worry and keep on grilling errr umm Traegering....

 

[John S.]

I had a 810 but switched to a 1300.. the discoloration is what I would have expected to see. Though the paint flaking is not... Costco has a great return policy, take a look at the Timberline.
‘your Pan before picture looks like an after photo...
do you have a calibrated temp probe or an IR gun, the silverton is known for being off...