Strong smoke smell or soot escaping from hopper lid

Safety first: If you suspect fire in the hopper, unplug the grill, keep the hopper lid closed, and monitor closely. Use a fire extinguisher if flames appear.

• Inspect exhaust stack: Ensure the chimney and cap are clear of soot and obstructions.
• Check combustion fan: Confirm the fan is running and exhausting smoke out of the cook chamber. Replace if not functioning correctly.
• Examine auger tube: After the grill cools, remove pellets from the hopper and inspect the auger intake for signs of charring or burn-back. Clean thoroughly.
• Relocate grill if needed: Position the grill to minimize strong winds blowing directly into the exhaust or hopper.
• Do not run with hopper open: Always keep the hopper lid closed during operation to reduce backdraft risk.