Traeger Renegade, TFB88LVI - GRILL Manual

ALL NATURAL HARDWOOD PELLETS

HOW OUR PELLETS ARE MADE

1. Traeger pellets are made from all natural hardwood sawdust.
   
2. The sawdust is compressed into pellets using heat and pressure.
   
3. Pellets fuel the fire and add flavor to make meals unforgettable.
   

ASSEMBLING YOUR GRILL

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING AND USING THE APPLIANCE

GRILL PARTS AND FEATURES

HARDWARE PACK

GRILL IS VERY HEAVY. ALWAYS LIFT GRILL WITH TWO PEOPLE.

1. Lay grill on cardboard to protect the exterior. Install legs. In this step:
   
   
2. Install lid handle. In this step:
   
   
3. Install chimney pipe and cap assembly. In this step:
   
   
4. Install heat baffle. In this step:
   

NOTE: If at this point you are ready to start your grill, refer to SEASONING YOUR GRILL before proceeding with further assembly.

Many parts of the grill will become very hot during operation. Care must be taken to avoid burns, both during operation and afterwards, while the grill is still hot. It should never be left unattended when young children are present. Never move the grill when it is operating. Let it thoroughly cool before moving or attempting to transport.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR GRILL

An 18 lb. (8.2 kg) capacity pellet hopper will keep you cooking for hours. Pair that with Traeger's Digital Controller and delicious food is just a "click" away.

Traeger's signature barrel shape creates a vortex of convection. It circulates hot, smoky air around the cooking chamber, surrounding your food with wood-fired heat for even cooking on all sides.

With 884 sq. in. (0.57 m 2 ) of grilling space and up to 36,000 BTUs of wood-fired heat, your Traeger® Grill has the real estate and cooking power for party-sized orders of T-bones or racks of ribs, with enough room left over to handle various side dishes, too.

You don't have to worry about drippings flaring up and causing nasty fireballs that destroy your meal because Traeger® Wood Fired Grills cook by using indirect heat. All drippings are safely channeled into an external grease bucket for easy disposal. TIP: Take care of your Traeger® Grill by using a new Traeger drip tray liner before each cook to help keep your grill clean.

Keep your grill clean. See "Operating Tips" and "Maintaining Your Grill".

A removable upper grill grate and the lower grill grate offer you the versatility you need to cook anything.

Before you begin using the grill, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the different features of the Digital Controller.

1. TEMPERATURE DIAL
   Rotate dial to set the desired temperature.
2. TEMPERATURE DISPLAY
   Shows current temperature and error codes.
3. MAIN POWER SWITCH
   Press to turn power to the grill on or off.

NOTES: Temperature fluctuations are normal for Traeger® Grills. Any significant fluctuation could be the result of wind, air temperature, improper use, or lack of grill maintenance.

SEASONING YOUR GRILL

USING YOUR GRILL

YOU WILL NEED TO BEGIN WITH THESE STEPS EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR GRILL.

PRE-GRILLING CHECKLIST

1. Check for and do needed maintenance:
   • Clean the Traeger Grease Management System:
     • Grill Grates
     • Grease Drip Tray
     • Grease Chute
     • Grease Trough
     • Grease Bucket
   • Remove ash (after approximately 20 hours of cooking).
   • Check power cord for twists, damage or fraying.
2. Make sure grill is correctly assembled with all parts present before using grill:
   • Heat Baffle
   • Grease Drip Tray
   • Grease Chute
   • Grill Grates

3. Make sure you have proper airflow and nothing is obstructing your chimney.
4. Make sure grill is a safe distance from combustibles.
5. Make sure grill is on a level surface.
6. Inspect pellets:
   • Make sure you have enough pellets in the hopper.
   • Make sure the pellets are not wet, water-damaged, swollen, or dull. They should be shiny and easy to snap.
   • Make sure the bottom of the hopper and the auger do not have excessive sawdust.
7. Close the hopper lid.
8. Close grill lid.

START UP

1. PLUG APPEARANCE MAY VARY BY REGION. Plug in grill and turn it on.
   
   Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection must be provided on the circuit or outlet used to power the grill.
   

TIPS:

• It is recommended, but not necessary, to wait until the preheat cycle is complete before loading food into the grill. Doing this can result in the grill taking longer than usual to achieve desired temperature.
• Keep the grill lid closed during the preheat cycle so that the grill can reach the desired set temperature.
• Traeger® Grills provide real time temperature readings and you should expect to see fluctuations in temperature.

4. Close the grill lid to proceed with cooking. Unlike a gas grill, you must keep the grill lid shut during cooking.
   

IN CASE OF FIRE:

With regular maintenance and cleaning of your Traeger® Grill, a grease fire is unlikely. In the unlikely event of fire, immediately turn the grill OFF (O) and leave the grill lid closed until the fire is out. Do not unplug the power cord. Do not throw water on the unit. Do not try to smother the fire. With the grill lid closed, the fire will be starved of oxygen and burn itself out. If an uncontrolled fire does occur, call the Fire Department.

REIGNITING YOUR GRILL

If at any time the grill fails to light or the fire in the firepot goes out while cooking or smoking and there are sufficient pellets in the pellet hopper, it is important to follow these steps. Failure to do so may cause a hazardous "overfiring" of your grill due to an excess of unburned pellets in the firepot.

IN CASE OF FIRE:

With regular maintenance and cleaning of your Traeger® Grill, a grease fire is unlikely. In the unlikely event of fire, immediately turn the grill OFF (O) and leave the grill lid closed until the fire is out. Do not unplug the power cord. Do not throw water on the unit. Do not try to smother the fire. With the grill lid closed, the fire will be starved of oxygen and burn itself out. If an uncontrolled fire does occur, call the Fire Department.

ADDITIONAL CONTROL FUNCTIONS

CONTROL SHUT-DOWN CYCLE
The control for this grill comes with an automatic shut-down cycle. When finished cooking on your grill, set the temperature dial to the SHUT DOWN CYCLE position. This will leave the draft induction fan running for 10 minutes to burn any excess pellets in the firepot. After 10 minutes, the control will power off and the fan will stop running.

The main power switch will shut off power to the control, and the temperature dial switch will shut off power to the grill components only. When servicing the control or any other parts, ensure that the power supply is disconnected to avoid an electrical shock hazard.

CONTROL SAFETY FEATURES
The control comes equipped with two safety features that will help you keep the grill operating correctly.

LOW TEMPERATURE ALARM
If the grill stays below 120ºF (49°C) as read by the RTD temperature sensor for a period of 10 minutes, the control will go into an alarm state and the display will read "LeR."
This will turn off all power to the internal components of the grill. The display will stay in this state until you turn off the main power switch. If this condition was caused from running out of pellets, add pellets to the hopper and re-prime your auger.

HIGH TEMPERATURE ALARM
If the grill reaches an internal temperature reading of 550ºF (288°C) as read by the RTD temperature sensor, the control will go into alarm state and the display will read "HeR." This will turn off all power to the internal components of the grill. The display will stay in this state until you turn off the main power switch.
Whenever either of these alarm conditions occurs, let the grill cool down completely, remove all internal components, and thoroughly clean all ash and pellets from the grill body and firepot ("Cleaning the Ash from Inside and Around the Firepot"). Contact Traeger Technical Support if you need help.

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!

5-PACK DRIP TRAY LINERS
Made of heatproof aluminum, they're lightweight and disposable so you can clean up quick and Traeger on. Available for purchase at traeger.com.

GRILL COVER
Protect your Traeger® Renegade Grill with the included premium custom cover, designed to withstand the elements.

MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL

Fire Hazard: Grease fires are most frequently caused by failing to properly maintain the grill by not cleaning the grease from the unit on a consistent basis.

Turn the main power switch on front of the grill hopper OFF (O) and disconnect the power cord before initiating any of the maintenance below.

1. CLEANING YOUR TRAEGER GREASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ("TGMS"): During your cooks, grease drippings will fall onto (i) the grease drip tray and be channeled into (ii) the grease drain (the "Trough") and then out of the grill through (iii) the grease drain tube, (iv) to be collected in the grease bucket. These are the four components of the Traeger® Grease Management System (TGMS). Grease will accumulate in all of these locations and should be regularly cleaned to reduce the risk of fire. How often you need to clean the TGMS depends on the fat content of your food. Fattier foods will require cleaning of the TGMS more often, and sometimes you will need to clean the TGMS after every cook. Visible pieces of food and bits of hardened grease or other buildup indicate a need for cleaning. All components of the TGMS should be inspected before each use for signs of grease buildup.
   
   Accumulated grease is easier to clean off when the grill is still warm—not hot. Be careful not to burn yourself. Heat-protective gloves are recommended. Clean the grease out of the V-shaped grease drain (the "Trough") and grease drain tube. We recommend cleaning these locations regularly.
   
   Remove all grill grates, grease chute, grease drip tray, and heat baffle. This will provide access to the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain tube opening inside the grill. Scrape the grease accumulation from inside the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain tube using a stiff, nonmetallic tool. Much of the loosened grease can be pushed down through the grease drain tube and will fall into the grease bucket. Wipe up remaining grease residue with paper towels or disposable rags.
   
   Regularly clean the grease out of the grill barrel on the interior bottom and sides. If grease is allowed to build up, a grease fire could result. Scrape the grease accumulation from inside the barrel using a stiff, nonmetallic tool. Much of the loosened grease can be removed using paper towels or disposable rags. Excessive scraped-off residue can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner as described in Step 4 when cleaning the firepot of ashes. Inspect and clean the heat baffle for any grease or debris. NOTE: Traeger's drip tray liners can help keep your grill clean and can help reduce the risk of flare-ups.
   

2. CREOSOTE REMOVAL: When wood pellets are burned slowly, they produce tar and other organic vapors that combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool exhaust vent of a slowburning fire. As a result, creosote accumulates on the exhaust vent lining. When ignited, creosote makes an extremely hot fire. Airborne grease particles will travel through the cooking chamber, and some of this airborne grease will accumulate on the exhaust vent lining, similar to creosote. This could contribute to a fire. Periodically scrape the creosote and grease accumulation from the inside of the vertical and horizontal sections of the flue pipe or interior lining using a stiff, nonmetallic tool. A wooden paint stir stick, for example, would work for this task. Once the creosote and grease residue has been loosened from the interior lining and ventilation gaps in this downdraft system, much of it can be removed with paper towels or disposable rags. Do not spray water or other liquid cleaners onto the inside of your grill to remove creosote. When creosote or grease has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a fire.
3. OUTSIDE STORAGE:
   
   If the grill is stored outside, care should be taken to ensure that water does not get into the pellet hopper. Wood pellets expand greatly when wet and will jam your auger. Always cover your grill when not in use with the included Traeger® Grill Cover.

4. CLEANING THE ASH FROM INSIDE AND AROUND THE FIREPOT (EVERY 20 HOURS OF USE):
   
   Make sure that the grill is COLD and ashes are extinguished and COLD before cleaning the ash.
   
   Disposal of ashes should be done only according to the following instructions. Excess ash in the firepot will hamper ignition and may cause your fire to go out. The firepot should be inspected occasionally and cleaned to remove the ash buildup. Again, cleaning the ash from in and around the firepot should be done only when the grill and ash are COLD.
   
   Remove the grill grates, grease chute, grease drip tray, and heat baffle to provide access to the firepot and the interior of the grill. Much of the ash outside of the firepot can be removed from the grill with a small metal fireplace shovel or other similar tool.
   
   A dedicated vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove ashes from the firepot, but this must be done with extreme care to avoid the risk of fire. Again, cleaning the ash from in and around the firepot should be done only when the ash is extinguished and the grill and ash are COLD. A utility-type vacuum cleaner having a metal collection canister without a bag would be best for this task. However, almost any vacuum cleaner will work safely if this procedure is properly followed. After ensuring that the ash in the firepot is COLD, vacuum the ash from the inside of the firepot.
   

1. If your vacuum cleaner is a bagless model, empty any previously accumulated debris from the collection chamber. Then vacuum the ash from the inside of the firepot. Once the firepot is clean, empty the collection chamber into the metal container handled in the manner described below under Disposal of Ashes without delay. Make sure that there is no remaining ash residue left in the collection chamber.
2. If your vacuum cleaner is a model that uses a disposable bag, install an unused bag in the machine. Then vacuum the ash from the inside of the firepot. Once the firepot is clean, remove the bag from the vacuum cleaner and place it in a metal container handled in the manner described under Disposal of Ashes below.

5. DISPOSAL OF ASHES:
   
   Ashes should always be completely cooled before handling. Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. Ashes should be retained in the closed container until they are disposed.
6. CLEANING THE GRILL GRATES:
   
   Cleaning the grill grates works best while they are still warm. Be careful not to burn yourself. Heat-protective gloves are recommended. We recommend keeping a long-handled cleaning brush near the grill. After removing your food, give the grill grate a quick brushing. It takes only a minute and it will be ready the next time you want to use the grill.
7. CLEANING OUTSIDE SURFACES:
   
   Turn the main power switch OFF (O) and disconnect the power cord before initiating cleaning. Use a disposable rag or cloth dampened with Traeger® All Natural Cleaner or warm, soapy water to wipe the grease from the outside of the grill. DO NOT use oven cleaner, abrasive cleansers, or abrasive cleaning pads on the outside grill surfaces.
8. CLEANING HOPPER: Regularly change out your pellets and vacuum out the sawdust from the hopper and auger.
9. TESTING THE GRILL AFTER CLEANING: Before replacing the heat baffle, grease drip tray, grease chute, and grill grates, plug the power cord into an appropriate grounded/earthed electrical outlet and turn the main power switch ON (I). After you set the temperature, pellets should fall into the firepot and the hot rod should begin to heat.
   
   Do not touch the hot rod. When flames start to come out of the firepot, run the shut-down cycle. Let the grill cool down. Now you're ready to place the heat baffle, grease drip tray, grease chute, grill grates, and food back onto the grill.
10. If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord assembly available from Traeger.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Scan this QR code to take you to Frequently Asked Questions on traeger.com.

OPERATING TIPS

1. You can change the temperature at any time during grilling to increase or decrease cooking temperature. It is best practice to give the grill some time to reach the desired temperature before making additional temperature changes.
2. Your Traeger® Grill is designed to operate with the lid closed. Opening the grill lid greatly lengthens your cooking time.
   • When putting frozen, raw, cold, or otherwise uncooked food on the grill, this may result in a temporary temperature drop of your grill's internal temperature.
3. Do not overload cooking surface with excessive amounts of food that reach beyond the edges of the footprint of the grease drip tray. This can lead to interference with proper cooking airflow.
4. Always take into account the type of food you are cooking:
   • Thin foods need high heat and shorter cook times, while thicker foods need low heat and longer cook times.
   • Vegetables take longer to cook than meats at the same cooking temperatures.
   • Always check that the internal temperature of the meat that you are cooking reaches a safe temperature for eating.

5. Keep the grill clean. Vacuum out the sawdust from the hopper and auger. Regularly inspect your grill for accumulated grease. Most grease fires are caused by not properly maintaining the grill and failing to clean the Traeger® Grease Management System (TGMS) on a consistent basis (see "Maintaining Your Grill"). Even if there is ample room in the grill, be cautious of loading excessive amounts of food that can release large quantities of flammable grease (for example, more than a pound of bacon). If the grill has not been well-maintained or if your previous cooks have produced large quantities of flammable grease, it is highly recommended that the grease be cleaned from the grill before using it again. NOTE: If changed frequently, Traeger's drip tray liners can help keep your grill clean and thereby can help reduce the risk of a grease fire.

SERVICE

TRAEGER'S LEGENDARY CUSTOMER SERVICE is the best out there. If you have any questions about your Traeger® Grill or need tips on cooking your first holiday turkey, our seasoned experts have your back. We're here for you 365 days a year, including holidays. For assistance with assembly, installation, safe operation, parts, or general customer service, you can visit our website or write us at:

TRAEGER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE
For support please visit: https://www.traeger.com/support

TRAEGER PELLET GRILLS LLC
533 South 400 West Salt Lake City, UT 84101

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING AND USING YOUR TFB88LVI TRAEGER® RENEGADE GRILL
A MAJOR CAUSE OF FIRES IS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIR SPACES) BETWEEN COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT THIS PRODUCT BE INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
When properly operated and maintained, cooking with a hardwood fire on a Traeger enjoyment – to you and your lucky friends and family. Your new Traeger cooking easier while giving you optimal performance with the most savory-flavored food. Please read this entire manual before installation, and anyone who uses this grill should also read the entire manual before operating it. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area. Save these instructions. If you are assembling this unit for someone else, provide this manual for the owner to read and save for future reference.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Burning wood pellets produces carbon monoxide which may lead to illness, serious injury, and/or death. Follow these guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you, your family, your pets, or others:

• Only use your Traeger ® Grill outside in a well- ventilated area. This grill is intended for OUTDOOR USE ONLY.
• Never use your Traeger ® Grill in any enclosed area or any area without adequate ventilation.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death.
• See a doctor if you or others develop cold- or flu-like symptoms. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late.
• Alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to mother and child during pregnancy, infants, the elderly, smokers, and people with blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia or heart disease.

Fire Hazard

• When operating your Traeger ® Grill, maintain a MINIMUM distance of 18 inches (45.7 cm) from the grill to any nearby combustibles, including wooden railings, home siding, window frames, furniture, trees, and trash receptacles, etc.
  

• Do not install or operate this grill indoors or under a combustible ceiling or overhang.
• Do not install or operate your Traeger ® Grill on combustible floors or surfaces.
• Do not put a grill cover or anything flammable under the grill.
• Remove pots and pans while the operating appliance is unattended, to reduce the risk of fire.

• Never leave the grill unattended when young children or pets are present.
• Never move the grill when it is operating or hot. Let the grill cool thoroughly and close the grill lid before moving or attempting to transport. If you are transporting your grill in a vehicle after cooking on it, make sure the fire is completely out and the grill is cold before placing it in any vehicle. Never put water into the firepot; it will jam the auger.
• Never add pellets by hand to a hot firepot. This is dangerous and you may be seriously burned. If you run out of pellets and lose your fire while cooking, let the grill cool completely and start again.
• Never move the grill with the lid open. Always close the grill lid prior to moving.

Smoke Hazard

• If there is a delayed start and the smoke from your grill changes from transparent, white smoke to unusual billowing thick, non-transparent, white smoke that turns to a yellow-tinted smoke, immediately turn off your grill using the main power switch on the front of the pellet hopper or unplug the power cord. Do Not initiate the shut-down cycle.
• 
  Do Not open the grill lid to air out the grill. Stay away from the grill until smoke clears and the grill completely cools. This may be the result of a pellet overflow condition, which is caused by partial ignition of pellets. If allowed to continue long enough, gases will build up, which can ignite. If these gases ignite they will combust all at once, making a loud noise that may startle and/or injure persons in the immediate vicinity of the grill, and the grill lid may open and close. This occurrence is sometimes referred to as a "grill burp" and should be avoided. If you have not properly maintained your grill, as described in "Maintaining Your Grill", a hazardous grease fire may also result.

• If a burp occurs, let the grill cool down completely, remove all internal components (including grill grates, grease chute, grease drip tray, and heat baffle), and thoroughly clean all ash and pellets from the grill and firepot (see "Cleaning the Ash from Inside and Around the Firepot") and ensure that grease and other buildup has been removed (see "Maintaining Your Grill"). Remove all pellets from the pellet hopper. Run the prime auger sequence to push all pellets out of the auger and dispose of those pellets. Clean all pellets out of the firepot. Fill hopper with new pellets and prime the auger (see "Seasoning Your Grill" or instructions to prime your auger).

Do Not stick your hand in or near the auger located at the bottom of your pellet hopper. Severe injury will occur if the auger is turning and your hand is caught in the auger. Do not remove the honeycomb guard in your pellet hopper. No maintenance should be performed on or around the auger while the grill is turned on or plugged into power.

Electrical Shock Hazard
Hazardous voltage is present, which can shock, burn, or cause death.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection must be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the operation of this Traeger ® Grill.
• Disconnect the power cord before servicing the grill unless otherwise noted in this Owner's Manual.
• If using an extension cord, only use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use to prevent electric shock in accordance with the instructions and warnings accompanying that product. This type of cord is designated with "W-A" or "W" on the cord's jacket such as an extension cord of cord type: SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
• If using an extension cord, be sure to use a No. 14 AWG grounded extension cord.
• Do not modify the plug on your Traeger ® Grill, the extension cord receptacle, or the extension cord plug in any way, including by removing the ground (earth) prong.

• Remove all unburned pellets and ash from inside and around the firepot. (See instructions for proper handling and disposal of ash.)
• Before replacing the heat baffle, grease drip tray, grease chute, and the grill grates, plug the power cord into an appropriate grounded/earthed electrical outlet and turn the switch ON (I). Pellets should fall into the firepot and the hot rod should begin to heat.
  
  Do not touch the hot rod.

• When flames start to come out of the firepot, turn the switch OFF (O). Let the grill cool down. Now you're ready to place the heat baffle, grease drip tray, grease chute, grill grates, and food back into the grill.

• Accumulated grease is easier to clean off when the grill is still warm—not hot. Be careful not to burn yourself. Heat-protective gloves are recommended.
• A dedicated vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove ashes from the firepot, but this must be done with extreme care to avoid the risk of fire. Again, cleaning the ash from in and around the firepot should be done only when the grill is COLD.
• Cleaning the grill grates works best while they are still warm. Be careful not to burn yourself. Heat-protective gloves are recommended. We recommend keeping a long-handled cleaning brush near the grill. After removing your food, give the grill grate a quick brushing. It takes only a minute and it will be ready the next time you want to use the grill.

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