Emptying pellets between cooks

[Pschiller86]

Brand new ex4 owner here and had a question. I emptied all the pellets out of the hopper after my initial cook. Do I need to somehow remove pellets that are in the auger? Past the finger safety mechanism?

 

[Goneincognito]

I would remove the finger guard as it can cause bridging and other issues (unless you are really concerned you will jam your hand in there while it is running). Depending on how often you will use it and how humid it is where you are, you will be fine leaving the pellets in there.
It is a good idea though to remove the auger every so often to remove any compacted pellet dust.

 

[JpsBBQ]

I leave mine in all year around temps from 100- -20. Sits out in the rain often and never an issue.

As stated above, it is a must to remove the worthless wire guard though.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[bbqking]

My 2 cents…I use mine enough that I don’t ever empty my pellets. With monsoon storms here in Phoenix, I do usually have the cover over it, if I see weather or know I’m not going to use it for a few days.

 

[Bruno]

I couldn’t imagine emptying pellets after every cook. Defeats the purpose of convenient.

 

[abmet]

I got in the habit of removing the pellets after each cook as I was consta changing pellets with each cook. I now pretty much use the Grillmaster blend for every cook. I do remove them if looks like rain for multiple days but don’t think it’s necessary more just habit.

 

[JpsBBQ]

I got in the habit of removing the pellets after each cook as I was consta changing pellets with each cook. I now pretty much use the Grillmaster blend for every cook. I do remove them if looks like rain for multiple days but don’t think it’s necessary more just habit.

Mine sits out in rain and snow all the time without a single incident. I was very diligent on covering it at first but I rarely ever cover it now. FWIW

 

[bbqking]

I’m more afraid of the sun frying the plastic screen, and or the knob on the controller panel than the rain…get hotter than you know where here

 

[Dougr]

Brand new ex4 owner here and had a question. I emptied all the pellets out of the hopper after my initial cook. Do I need to somehow remove pellets that are in the auger? Past the finger safety mechanism?

If you are changing your pellets to change the flavor, I wouldn't waste my time cleaning out the auger. By the time your Ex4 is heated up, the vast majority of the pellets in the auger will be already burned up. The rest will have a minimual effect on the flavor you are looking for.