Traeger mod

[CapnBob]

Anyone install a temp gauge
In the lid for mor accurate
Temp readings?
I don’t trust the display on my
22 pro
Thanks for any feedback

 

[Shedd]

Anyone install a temp gauge
In the lid for mor accurate
Temp readings?
I don’t trust the display on my
22 pro
Thanks for any feedback

Check Ray Clem’s post, he’s added one to his I believe. I bought one a while back but haven’t thought about until now. I’m going to lay it out so I’ll remember to do it tomorrow.

 

[Slimpicker]

I've had a lot of food get close to the lid before, I came from building smokers and having lots of temp probes installed. I wouldn't do one in a Traeger, maybe in the 22 cuz it could use all the help it could get.
Fireboard makes one and I think RemE installed it thru the side.

 

[BrianChristenson]

I haven’t installed a temp gauge in the lid myself but it sounds like a good mod if you're looking for more accurate readings. Many people do it for better control, especially if the built in display isn’t reliable. Just make sure the new gauge is properly calibrated for accurate results. It could be a nice upgrade for your 22 Pro!

 

[Jeff3680]

I am fairly new to smoking and find temp control is a must . That is why I have purchased a set of probes that measure the ambient temp at the cooking level as well as the meat itself .. I still use my Treager probe also , and a set of wired probes . Looks like a porcupine in there , lol ...

 

[Like Smoke]

My older Texas has a knock out plug that is located on the upper part of the lid, about 5 inches from the exhaust stack. I installed a 3 inch analog that indicates in Fahrenheit and Celsius. I use it for a reference only because it is in the direct air flow of the heat leaving the tank on its way out the exhaust stack. I would never rely on one of these for actual temps that I am trying to achieve at the grill level or in the protien. I monitor and adjust according to my Thermpro's. If I was going to install one, I would try to locate it on the end of the tank at the same level as the grill, Reference only.

 

[RayClem]

I purchased the following analog thermometer and installed it in the lid of my Ironwood 885. Unfortunately, it is currently out of stock on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/GALAFIRE-Thermometer-Smoker-Charcoal-Temperature/dp/B07VK2G137

What I liked about the thermometer is the large dial face (3 3/16 inch/80 mm) and the medium length stem (75mm). I had to then figure out exactly where to drill the hole in the lid of my grill so that the tip of the thermometer would end up just slightly above the top rack of the grill. With the large face, I can read the thermometer 2- ft away.

Only once have I had an issue with the tip of the thermometer contacting my food. I was cooking a full (16#) pork butt on the top rack at the time. If I had placed the butt on the bottom rack, there would have been no issue.

Since you have the Pro 22, your calculations for thermometer placement will be different than mine. If you think the tip of the thermometer might be problematic, you can always look for a thermometer with a shorter stem, but the closer you get the tip to the cook, without touching, the more accurate your temp readings will be.

 

[Slimpicker]

I've bought River Country in the past for most my smoker builds... they are adjustable

https://www.amazon.com/River-Country-RC-T3-Adjustable-Thermometer/dp/B001P9J3GM/143-5449949-8968932?pd_rd_w=rSMi1&content-id=amzn1.sym.e8d820ef-2096-4eeb-b1bc-3781fc2e29af&pf_rd_p=e8d820ef-2096-4eeb-b1bc-3781fc2e29af&pf_rd_r=GN9183WCJFQZ2KPAF4FN&pd_rd_wg=s1Ifz&pd_rd_r=7a0b4984-6355-4582-9bfc-994cab9c9206&pd_rd_i=B001P9J3GM&psc=1

Verified Purchase
I smoke many types of meat and use my smoker regularly. I need to have an accurate reading or the meat will not cook properly and turn out in an acceptable way. This thermometer is just the ticket. I've worked in restaurants for a major portion of my professional career and being able to calibrate your thermometers is crucial. I will advise everyone out there to NOT BUY A THERMOMETER THAT IS NOT ADJUSTABLE. You'll just be throwing your money away in the long run.

This has an easy to read, large gauge, and is color coded for even easier readings from a distance. Installation is easy and anyone should be able to do it. Many don't know how to calibrate a thermometer. Either boil some water and see if the gauge reads 212 degrees, or fill a glass or bowl with ice, add water to fill it, and then take a reading. It should read just barely above 32 degrees. Adjust and you're done.

The thermometer installed on my smoker was a piece of garbage, and even though I love the smoker, that part was cheap, as is on many outdoor grills and smokers. Save your money in the long run and get one of River Country's ADUSTABLE thermometers. You'll love it!