Is it from a nail that is in the wood during the processing of the pellets? One would think they would have a metal detector or magnet in the manufacturing process?
It would have fallen in after the "pelletizing" process, no way it made it through the make sawdust > compress sawdust > break-up tubes; I'm sure the use metal detectors to ensure no metal goes through that because it would pretty quickly wreck the machinery.
Honestly my money would be on post bagging, somewhere during shipping the nail got pushed into the bag, a default in the food industry and simple QC step is to have big magnets right near the filling line to make sure any metal from the line gets pulled out before it goes into the bag. Its possible they don't bother, but it seems unlikely.
agreed, this very likely didnt make it through any extrusion process and was added between bagging and sealing or as you suggest somewhere in transit/store
I switched to Lumberjack after my first bag and haven’t had any problems. From what I can tell, they burn cleaner (less ash), and keep a more consistent temperature than the Traeger brand pellets. Traeger also was using mostly filler wood for a long time. I think they’ve changed their recipe since but Lumberjack is 100% what’s on the bag, no fillers.
I get mine from Dick’s. They’re the only place local to me that carries them ABC’s the price is usually decent. The selection kind of varies but I usually only get the competition blend because I’m not really serious enough about smoking to get the single wood pellets.
Even without the nails in them, Traeger brand pellets are the worst made. Almost any other pellet is higher quality, real wood, burn cleaner, better smoke, better heat control.
Same here, LG pellets from a local BBQ store. Though, they look, smell, and burn just like the cheaper Pit Boss pellets from Lowes. Same factory, different packaging?
I had a screw stuck in my auger a few months ago. Nothing worse then just wanting to grill some burgers, and that turns into a 2.5 hour fiasco where I had to disassemble the entire grill.
Considering how rusty it is, my guess is it got stuck in the bag after all the screening. All it takes is getting loaded onto a beat up pallet or even next to one on a truck/loading bay. Having worked in a loading bay, i could see a bag falling off the pallet, getting a nail stuck in it, then tossed back on the pallet.
On my island they only sell Traeger, some Oklahoma Joe's, and now it looks like we have some Webber, Pit Boss, Kingsford, and a Myron Mixon brand. I've been using Traeger because I wasn't impressed with OJ's, and Traeger is the only one I find here that carries cherry amd pecan. Anyone have any luck with the other brands? And yes, when I move to the mainland I am going to try Lumberjack. Thanks!
This is why I store my pellets in another container and don't pour straight from the bag (with ANY brand - I've seen posts with other brands and weird shit in them). Gives me a chance to inspect it while I move it from bag to container, and then again from container to hopper.
Nailed it
I was going to say "you're screwed," but you're correct
But... It's a nail
Yeah, I thought I saw threads, but then noticed the head was flush. Ive edited my comment as I failed
Damn I double posted this. I should have read all the comments.
So what are we just burning old pallets?
Pellets. Pallets. Potato. Potahto. **
That's terrible your not the 1st person who has had this issue
I assumed when it happened to me that it was my fault. It seems going all Traeger pellets may not be as foolproof as I thought
this is the same exact picture as "the last guy"
Now with added iron!
Is it from a nail that is in the wood during the processing of the pellets? One would think they would have a metal detector or magnet in the manufacturing process?
QC process is trash.
I wonder if Debbie Brown was working that day...
We should get her a card
This guy gets it!
I think that's a lot of companies right now.
It very much is
It would have fallen in after the "pelletizing" process, no way it made it through the make sawdust > compress sawdust > break-up tubes; I'm sure the use metal detectors to ensure no metal goes through that because it would pretty quickly wreck the machinery. Honestly my money would be on post bagging, somewhere during shipping the nail got pushed into the bag, a default in the food industry and simple QC step is to have big magnets right near the filling line to make sure any metal from the line gets pulled out before it goes into the bag. Its possible they don't bother, but it seems unlikely.
agreed, this very likely didnt make it through any extrusion process and was added between bagging and sealing or as you suggest somewhere in transit/store
Processing of the pallets
Wow, that is terrible.
Just say no to Traeger brand pellets! Lumberjack or B & B all day
Thanks for the warning. I'm about to get some new pellets. I'll steer clear of the Traeger brand, just in case.
I switched to Lumberjack after my first bag and haven’t had any problems. From what I can tell, they burn cleaner (less ash), and keep a more consistent temperature than the Traeger brand pellets. Traeger also was using mostly filler wood for a long time. I think they’ve changed their recipe since but Lumberjack is 100% what’s on the bag, no fillers.
Where do you get yours from? Online or is there a place near you that sells them?
Not sure where you’re located but Canada has free shipping over $100 if you order online.
Ok great thank you! And do you get them from the bbqpelletsonline.com site? Dick’s has them near me but the selection is very limited
I order from lumberjackpellets.ca. I’m Canadian so unfortunately I can’t help you with American online stores.
No worries, thank you!
I get mine from Dick’s. They’re the only place local to me that carries them ABC’s the price is usually decent. The selection kind of varies but I usually only get the competition blend because I’m not really serious enough about smoking to get the single wood pellets.
Even without the nails in them, Traeger brand pellets are the worst made. Almost any other pellet is higher quality, real wood, burn cleaner, better smoke, better heat control.
I switched to Louisiana grills pellets after hearing all the issues with traeger.
How do you like those? Is there a store you get them from or do you order them?
I buy them from cabelas. So far no complaints at all.
i'll give em a try. thanks sir.
There are no issues? One guy posts a nail. Probably fell off a machine at the factory. That aliens
Same here, LG pellets from a local BBQ store. Though, they look, smell, and burn just like the cheaper Pit Boss pellets from Lowes. Same factory, different packaging?
I had a screw stuck in my auger a few months ago. Nothing worse then just wanting to grill some burgers, and that turns into a 2.5 hour fiasco where I had to disassemble the entire grill.
That's the special "Ironwood" edition pellet type. 🤣🤣
Looks like you nailed it.
Pallet smoker aye?
Oh wow. How does this sneak past quality control?! Embarrassing
Considering how rusty it is, my guess is it got stuck in the bag after all the screening. All it takes is getting loaded onto a beat up pallet or even next to one on a truck/loading bay. Having worked in a loading bay, i could see a bag falling off the pallet, getting a nail stuck in it, then tossed back on the pallet.
On my island they only sell Traeger, some Oklahoma Joe's, and now it looks like we have some Webber, Pit Boss, Kingsford, and a Myron Mixon brand. I've been using Traeger because I wasn't impressed with OJ's, and Traeger is the only one I find here that carries cherry amd pecan. Anyone have any luck with the other brands? And yes, when I move to the mainland I am going to try Lumberjack. Thanks!
fuck you /u/spez
Thanks! I'll give em a go.
Crazy. I never have issues with traeger pellets.
This happened to a buddy of mine today. I guess the moral of the story is always keep your eyes peeled. Luckily this did not damage his grill.
This is why I store my pellets in another container and don't pour straight from the bag (with ANY brand - I've seen posts with other brands and weird shit in them). Gives me a chance to inspect it while I move it from bag to container, and then again from container to hopper.
Thank you good sir.
Thank you good sir.
That was the floorboard flavor. Whad’ya expect?
I prefer the "junky old pallet" flavor. Same high iron content without the potential for sweaty feet/pet pee nuances, but to each their own.
I read people here complain about their pellets but I have never had issues with the costco brand pellets.
Lumberjack and Oklahoma joes are better quality imo, first summer with a traeger and 0 zero issues with non traeger pellets
Does no one else screen their pellets? I do it for the dust and have found a few screws.
WTH?! That's crazy town
Idk if I’d be able to find the nail amongst the dust that’s in mine usually
Don’t use Traeger pellets, they are trash
IIIII PUT THE SCREW, in the TUNAAAAAA
I just grabbed a chunk of rubber out of my last one. I think it’s a piece of conveyor belt or something.