ASMOKE
Hopper Backburn / Reverse Fire
Pellets back‑burning into hopper; smoke or heat visible in hopper.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Excessive draft through auger tube, Fan not maintaining positive pressure, Grill shut down improperly, Auger tube packed with pellets and embers
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: If you see smoke in the hopper, unplug the grill immediately. Do not open the hopper lid fully until smoke subsides. Have a fire extinguisher ready.
- Step 1 – Contain backburn: Keep the hopper lid closed to limit oxygen. Allow the grill to cool.
- Step 2 – Remove pellets: Once cool, empty the hopper and auger tube of all pellets.
- Step 3 – Clean fire pot: Remove ash and pellets from the fire pot to prevent embers from traveling up the auger.
- Step 4 – Check fan and shutdown procedure: Ensure the combustion fan runs during shutdown to clear smoke. Always use the controller’s Shutdown mode rather than unplugging while hot.
- Step 5 – Inspect auger tube: If the auger tube is warped or damaged from heat, replace the auger assembly.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Auger Assembly
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