Pellet grill overheating or temperature spikes

Normal swings versus a real problem

Controllers feed pellets in bursts, so temperatures rise and fall around the set point. Older or basic controllers swing more than modern PID controllers. Direct sun on a dark lid, a hot day or a strong wind into the fan intake can all push readings around. If the grill settles back within a few minutes, it is working normally.

Treat it as a fault if the temperature keeps climbing well past the setting, if you see flames or thick smoke from under the grates, or if an error code appears.

Common causes

Most overheating traces back to the first two causes, so start there.

If grease catches fire

Grease fires usually start when an old, fat-covered drip tray gets hot enough to ignite. Keep the lid closed to limit oxygen, and turn the grill off using its shut-down procedure or power switch as your manual advises. Do not open the lid to look, and never throw water on a grease fire, as it can spread burning fat.

Let the grill cool completely before cleaning. Remove and scrape the drip tray, clear the grease channel and empty the bucket. Check the paint and seals for damage before the next cook.

Note:Keep a suitable fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby when cooking, keep the grill well away from fences, sheds and the house, and call 999 if a fire spreads beyond the grill.

Check the temperature probe

The probe inside the barrel tells the controller how hot it is. If it is coated in grease and smoke, it reads low and the controller adds more pellets, pushing the real temperature up. Wipe it gently with a damp cloth when cold. Make sure it has not been knocked out of position or bent.

Compare the grill's reading with a separate oven thermometer placed on the grate at the same height. Some controllers let you calibrate an offset. If the probe gives erratic readings after cleaning, it may need replacing, which is usually a simple plug-in part.

Firepot, start-up and settings

If a start-up fails and you simply try again, pellets build up in the firepot. When they finally light, they burn far hotter than intended. Always empty the firepot after a failed start. Our pellet grill not getting hot article covers why start-ups fail.

Some grills, such as many Pit Boss models, have a P setting that adjusts the pause between pellet feeds at the smoke setting. A low P number feeds more often and runs hotter. Check your manual before changing it. Regular cleaning, covered in how to clean a pellet grill, prevents most problems. Our best pellet grills guide notes which models use PID controllers.

See the best pellet grills →

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pellet grill keep going over temperature? Common causes are grease build-up, a dirty probe, an overfilled firepot or a high P setting.

How much temperature swing is normal? A few degrees either side of the set point is normal, and more on older controllers. A steady climb is not.

Should I open the lid if my pellet grill has a grease fire? No. Keep the lid closed and shut the grill down as the manual advises.

Can wind make a pellet grill overheat? Wind into the fan intake or a hot sunny day can push readings up, especially on low settings.