Smoke Coming Out of Pellet Hopper (Why & How To Fix)

In addition to using wood pellets and a convection-style heating element, pellet grills are popular and efficient ways of cooking food. While using a pellet grill is generally safe, there may still be risks of smoke coming out of the pellet hopper. This can be very annoying and risky things to happen. Because no one actually likes to be around smoke, after all. This is dangerous, especially for kids.

That is why digging out the smoke’s cause and its solutions are so essential. This is usually caused by an unclean smoker box or a blocked air vent in the hopper. Read on and learn about 5 reasons to smoke coming out and its solutions.

5 Reasons to Smoke Coming Out of Pellet Hopper & Solutions

You may ask why smoke is coming out of my pellet stove hopper and wants one clear reason and one solution, but unfortunately, there aren’t any clear common issue for it. Most of the smoke coming out depends on those this bellow ten reasons:

1. Fans Not Working

Smoke coming from the pellet hopper during cooking on your pellet grill can seem like an extremely frustrating issue to have. In fact, this is likely an indication that your pellet grill isn’t generating enough pressure to vacuum out the exhaust due to insufficient airflow from the fan. This will result in smoke from the pellet hopper due to a lack of proper airflow and smoke expanding underneath the cooker lid.

Solutions:

It is wise first to verify that there isn’t a wire-related problem. Make sure the wire isn’t caught in the fan blade. You might be able to fix your fan by simply removing it. You must, however, replace the entire fan bracket if it is bent. Make sure the wires are not damaged next. Various factors can damage wires, including weather, rodents, and general wear and tear. An electrician can help you fix exposed wiring if you see it. A replacement fan can be purchased as an alternative.

2. Firepot Ash Accumulation

Ash accumulation in pellet stove hoppers’ firepots can lead to serious issues. Smoke and gases can be forced back into the hopper instead of being exhausted out the exhaust vent if ash piles up in the firepot, limiting airflow through the firepot. As this obstruction builds with additional ash layers, it creates a domino effect that leads to inefficient burning, low combustion temperatures, and decreased pellet performance.

Solutions:

• To prevent ash accumulation, cleaning out the firepot regularly is recommended to ensure that no ash is blocking the vents, reducing proper airflow and preventing spills or fires.
• Additionally, a good practice is to filter all pellets before use, as this helps stop large clumps of ashes from entering the hopper and thus reduce airflow blockage caused by excessive residue building up.
• Regular cleaning of ash buildup will keep your pellet stove running smoothly and minimize any associated risks.

3. Pellet Dust in Excess

The excessive dirty pellet is a common problem experienced by many pellet grill owners. The problem typically occurs when pellets that have been exposed to moisture start to burn, releasing an abundance of sawdust into the air. This white smoke may come from the hopper, and it’s important to address this issue immediately to prevent any further issues, such as burn back or catching on fire.

Solution:

• When addressing the issue, prevention is key – this means always storing your pellets in a dry area away from any water sources.
• Additionally, you should inspect your hopper for any dust build-up and vacuum it regularly as necessary. Regular maintenance and inspection can help ensure that dust never gets out of hand and your pellet grill performs consistently well.
• By taking the necessary precautions and addressing any problems quickly, you can ensure that your pellet grill remains safe and reliable for years to come.

4. Backburn

Backburn is a technical term often associated with wood-burning stoves and air conditioners, and it refers to the smoke that comes from the pellet hopper of an AC grill during shutdown mode. The high temperature caused by the pellets within the auger provides enough heat to combust the pellets and release smoke. This is a common problem and may be the answer to why smoke is coming out of the pellet box to those who own an AC grill. Still, fortunately, it can be easily remedied.

Solution:

• There are several approaches to addressing this issue, including adjusting the temperature control settings on your stove/AC handle or adding more fuel, such as dry pellets or hardwood chips, into your burning chamber.
• Also, properly maintaining your pellet stove can ensure a longer life span and improved performance. Regularly cleaning out ash, soot, and other forms of residue will keep your device in good working order while preventing possible backburn issues in the future.

5. Airflow Issues

Pellet grills are a great way to BBQ and can provide delicious, smoky food if you properly manage airflow. Unfortunately, problems like backburn and auger fire can sometimes occur if the airflow is inadequate. This is usually because the fan isn’t spinning fast enough to create the vacuum pressure needed to draw excess smoke out of the hopper. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure proper airflow in your pellet grill.

Solution:

• To prevent backburn, starting by turning your grill to SMOKE is important. The auger tube will be activated, and pellets will be fed into the firepot.
• Once you reach below 225 F degrees on the temperature setting, shutting down completely without smoke spilling out of the hopper is safe. Suppose you need to cook at a higher temperature than this.
• In that case, it’s important to wait a few minutes before turning off in SMOKE mode so that pellet pressure won’t build up and cause an undesirable auger fire or backburn.
• Keep the auger tube free of debris from cooking by cleaning it out periodically as needed to prevent any fires caused by blockages.

FAQs

1. Can a pellet stove hopper catch fire?

The blockages can sometimes result in malfunctions of pellet stoves that can eventually result in a fire inside the stove’s body if they occur in sufficient numbers. There is a possibility that this fire may spread to the hopper of pellets in the event that it is very serious.

2. Can pellet stove smoke be toxic?

Pellets can emit carbon monoxide. As Carbon Monoxide builds up unnoticed, it can become toxic. Wherever Wood Pellets are transported and stored, Carbon Monoxide will be present. Significant risks are associated with wood pellet exposure, including the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. How long can you continuously run a pellet stove?

Continuous operation is possible for 24 to 48 hours. Compared to traditional wood stoves, pellet stoves generate more heat; They are more environmentally friendly; Along with wood stoves, pellet stoves are one of the cheapest options available.

Conclusion

Smoke coming from the pellet hopper of an AC grill is a common problem and can be easily remedied. The reason behind the smoke is coming basically from above those reasons, but you don’t need to panic. Just apply those methods, and you will be fine to enjoy your grill.