Replacing pellets

[RickySilva]

Quick question for everyone…. When you replace pellets with a different kind, do you remove everything that is inside auger also or just let it go?

I’m asking because I emptied my hopper today and I took as much as I could out of the auger hole… but I’m sure there’s a few more “down there”

I read somewhere that I should remove the actual auger …. really???
Thoughts????

 

[DutchieCooks]

If you let it run for a bit the Pellets in the auger are burned before you put your meat on..

 

[RickySilva]

Yeah… that’s pretty much what I thought I would do.
I was just wondering if there was a “prime” function that would make the auger spin without having to light the glow plug…

 

[MackeyC34]

Same here - when switching pellet flavors I drain/scoop out what I can and then add the new stuff. I figure what's left in the augur is minimal and will just be used to get the SF up to temp.

 

[Goneincognito]

Up to you. Only takes 5min to take the auger out and is a good time to inspect for damage as well as clear any compacted pellet dust.

 

[bbqking]

I just don’t switch out flavors. I do use a variety of wood chunks with my kettles, but have only been using Weber pellets, in the SmokeFire. I think it’s the blue bag grillmaster blend. But, everytime I see other flavors I’m interested.

 

[catpowered]

I just don’t switch out flavors. I do use a variety of wood chunks with my kettles, but have only been using Weber pellets, in the SmokeFire. I think it’s the blue bag grillmaster blend. But, everytime I see other flavors I’m interested.

When my EX6 was still running the Smokemaster Blend was my favorite pellet. I did prefer Weber Pellets over all others.

 

[MrPhilGrillTX]

I have been draining using the slide, but not worrying about the auger. Last time I changed, I realized that the scoop I was using to put pellets in, also worked to get pellets out. And this was easier, less messy, and got the about same amount of pellets out. So I might do that from now on.

 

[KevinD]

I found a large aluminum scoop on Amazon that fits the hopper perfectly. Great for unloading and loading. I shop vac the auger on occasion and dig out the impaction. If needed I run the auger to loosen things up and vac again.

 

[JRWoodman]

Quick question for everyone…. When you replace pellets with a different kind, do you remove everything that is inside auger also or just let it go?

I’m asking because I emptied my hopper today and I took as much as I could out of the auger hole… but I’m sure there’s a few more “down there”

I read somewhere that I should remove the actual auger …. really???
Thoughts????

Not in my experience, I usually shop vac the hopper and use the auger pellets to start the next cook, by the time you are up to temp, the old pellets will be gone. Just don’t leave the auger full of pellets too long, particularly if you are in a rainy, humid area.

 

[PatrickE]

I just let whatever is left in there get the grill to temp… no need for any extra work. LOL

 

[Chris Z]

I found a large aluminum scoop on Amazon that fits the hopper perfectly. Great for unloading and loading. I shop vac the auger on occasion and dig out the impaction. If needed I run the auger to loosen things up and vac again.

This is basically my routine as well. Wouldn't it be nice if Weber included some manual controls in their software for the auger, and perhaps even the fan and glow plug. They would be great for testing and troubleshooting. And in your and my case, rolling the auger about for a thorough cleaning without having to pul it all apart.