Are you worried that you aren’t getting an accurate reading from your Traeger probe?
Or maybe have a replacement probe you want to test out…
Calibrating Traeger probe thermometers to actual temp isn’t hard.
Especially with a helpful guide like this! Plus it will ensure all your recipes come out perfect!
So turn up your grill temperature to get ready for some accurate and tasty cooking.
Table of contents
What Does a Food Probe Do on a Traeger Pellet Grill & Smoker?
Let’s get right to the heat of it!
The probe handles measuring the internal temperatures of whatever you are cooking.
But what is so special about the functionality of a probe on my Traeger pellet grill?
Well, cooking is all about control of the elements and time.
You can measure the exact temperature of your meat during the cooking process.
This gives you complete control over your desired correct temperature.
Not only this but there can be serious health consequences.
If we don’t achieve safe cooking temperatures within food!
Specifically meat!
Know the correct meat temperatures from accurate temperature readings.
This makes cooking a more enjoyable experience and mitigates worry.
It also lets you home in your technique and lets you get the best out of your hard-earned money on food.
I have highlighted the key reasons below;
- Safe knowing your food is cooked at the right temperature
- Better cooked and tastier food to enjoy
- Easier and enjoyable cooking experience that saves time
- If you’re spending money on a grill why not understand how it works?
How to Calibrate Traeger Probe(s)?
So here we are.
Now we understand exactly why the actual temperature of food is important.
How to use a probe and lastly, when to calibrate!
Below is my guide on thoroughly calibrating your Traeger probe.
So you can get it perfect every time!
Safety to Note When Calibrating Traeger Temperature Probe(s)
Below I have noted some safety to think about when calibrating the meat probes.
– Check the warranty.
– Contact Treager customer service if something else occurs you can’t fix.
– Handling hot probes and food you are at risk of burning yourself.
– Extreme rainy weather and electrical items do not mix.
– Keep an eye on children as they will likely pull on them.
– Always refer to the instruction manual for your probes and Traeger grill.
Step 1 – Turn On Your Traeger Grill
My first step is turning on your grill.
There is a power button on the front of all the Traeger grill ranges.
It is located on the control panel.
Step 2 – Get Your Probe(s) Ready
The second step is getting the probe(s) you want to calibrate.
Ensure you have them ready for the third step.
Step 3 – Plug in Your Probe(s) To the Jack(s)
My third step is plugging in the probe(s).
There will be a socket plug jack on the control panel face.
– Insert the opposite end of the probe into the jack.
Step 4 – Using the Menu & Grill Settings
The fourth step is navigating to the probe calibration in your Traegers settings.
To get here do the following;
– On your digital display, navigate to the menu using the arrow buttons or knob.
– Push in the knob to make the selection.
– Once selected, find settings and do the same.
In your settings, you should see different probe temperature offsets and calibration options.
– Select probe calibration.
Step 5 – Ready an Ice Bath
The fifth step is readying some ice water for calibration.
An ice bath sets the standard and well-known condition to work from.
In this case, the condition is the point of freezing.
– Grab a standard drinking glass or mug and fill it with ice and water.
– Let it stand for a minute for the temperature to average and the water to get cold.
– The ice water should be a consistent 32°F or 0°C.
This temperature is known as the base for your calibration.
Step 6 – Calibrate by Inserting the Probe(s) Into the Ice Bath
The sixth and final stage is calibrating!
– Place the probe(s) into the ice bath.
– On the control panel, click calibrate in the settings menu you navigated.
reic- Wait a few minutes for a temperature reading on your Traeger display.
– Make sure the temperature reading is 32°F or 0°C.
Note: If the temperature is off by a few degrees then don’t worry! You can always use the probe offset feature to adjust.
What Does It Mean to Calibrate?
To calibrate is when you check the standard and accuracy of an instrument.
An example is using a 1kg weight on a scale.
However in this case we will be calibrating your digital thermometer probe.
To make sure it has an accurate and consistent temperature reading.
Why You Should Calibrate Your Traeger Temperature Probe
Proper calibration of your Traeger probes will ensure they are working correctly.
The probe calibration also helps you understand the instruments in greater depth.
Most if not all people (including myself) use these probes as a sure way of knowing the temperature range.
Within food!
If you are relying on an instrument that doesn’t work then potential issues can arise.
Is your food safe to eat?
Are my probes broken and need replacing?
Have my new probes been properly calibrated?
I have highlighted the key reasons for the calibration process below;
- Ensure it is working
- In-depth knowledge and troubleshooting for your Treager
- Stops potential harm of food poisoning
- New probes to check
- Broken probes to check
When Should I Calibrate My Traeger Meat Thermometer Probe?
So when are the best times to calibrate my meat probe thermometer?
I briefly touched on the examples above.
– When you are first using the probes – whether that is with a new grill or separately brought ones.
– If you feel the probes might be faulty from wear and tear or damage. The accuracy of readings
– If you don’t think your food is cooked but the probes are reading the correct internal temperature. Of whatever food item you are cooking.
– After you have thoroughly cleaned them from excess grease residue.
For whatever food item you are cooking.
Is There Another Type of Thermometer Meat Probe?
What other accurate thermometers are available?
Apart from a wired Traeger built-in probe thermometers?
Instant-Read Thermometers
An instant-read thermometer is wireless with an LCD and probe.
The difference between an Instant-Read and the Traeger thermometer?
It is the area on the probe that measures the temp.
On the instant-read, it is only the bottom tip of the probe.
On the Traeger is the whole probe.
This makes the Treager probes more accurate.
As they use averaging over a bigger surface area.
Infrared Thermometers
An infrared thermometer measures the heat with infrared technology.
These are available for the kitchen.
The difference between an infrared and a Treager thermometer?
The infrared only read the surface area accurately
This might be okay for a thin cut of bacon but not a thick tomahawk steak.
What Is a Probe?
The definition of a probe is…
To physically examine or explore (something) with an instrument.
The instrument is a handheld thermometer.
It comes with all the Traeger grills range of wood pellet grills.
The something is whatever you are cooking!
Note: There are plenty of different probes built into your Traeger grill.
These all play a part in the functionality of the grill.
Whether it is the pellet sensor to manage the number of wood pellets in the auger.
Or the RTD temperature probe that measures the grill temps in your cooking chamber!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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