A common question that grill owners have is whether or not they can use an extension cord with their grill. It’s a legitimate concern because extension cords are notorious for tripping people up and catching fire. If you’re trying to figure out if it’s safe to plug your Traeger into an extension cord, this article will give you the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

All Traeger Pellet Grills require a three-pronged and grounded 12-volt outlet to power the grill safely. The use of an extension cord is specifically advised against per the User Manual for every Traeger Grill, due to various safety risks the use of an extension cord can cause. 

Now that we’ve answered our initial question, let’s go into more detail about the specific safety hazards that could occur by using the Traeger Grill with an extension cord, as well as alternatives for using this grill at further distances than the provided AC plug can reach!

What Are The Safety Concerns With Using An Extension Cord?

When operating any electrical appliance, it is important to follow any and all safety regulations for the product as outlined by the manufacturer. This is especially true when it comes to appliances like your Traeger Pellet Grill. As always, we recommend using any product according to the specific instructions outlined by the product’s user manual for your safety! 

 We’ve outlined some of the major safety concerns you might face when using an extension cord with this product below: 

  • Fire is always a serious concern that must not be taken lightly. In the case of an electrical fire, these risks are compounded by the use of an extension cord with this type of appliance. Damage To Your Appliance. the use of an extension cord could cause damage to the grill itself, causing it to malfunction or fail to work due to a poor connection. Injury. Using your Grill without an appropriate grounded connection can cause injuries such as severe burns when you attempt to unplug your grill, especially outdoors where weather conditions such as rain or snow can cause water to pool around electrical cords, causing injury even when an outdoor approved extension cord is used. The use of electrical appliances that operate at a high heat like stoves, ovens and grills also run the risk of electrical shock while using the appliance itself. This is particularly dangerous when these appliances are not properly grounded.

How Can I Use My Grill Away From Home Safely? 

Pellet grills are often a favorite for portable grilling for campers and tailgaters, but often it is hard to navigate just how to use and transport this type of appliance safely. Traeger offers two fully portable pellet grills called the Ranger and the Tailgater. Both of these products can be used with a power inverter option for use with your car or truck battery to grill on the go safely. We’ve provided a list of notable features for both sizes as a comparison for you below: 

The Ranger: 

  • Max Temperature: 450 Degrees Fahrenheit Total Weight: 60 PoundsPellet Hopper Total Capacity: 8 PoundsCooking Space: 184 Square Inches 13 Inch Height, 21 Inches Wide, 20 Inches DeepLatched LidDigital Arc ControllerPorcelain-Coated Grill Grates Meat Probe

The Tailgater: 

  • Max Temperature: 450 Degrees FahrenheitTotal Weight: 62 PoundsPellet Hopper Total Capacity: 8 Pounds Cooking Space: 300 Square Inches 36 Inch Height, 37 Inches Wide, 18 Inches DeepDigital Arc ControllerPull down hinged lidPorcelain Coated Grill Grates Meat Probe

Another notable feature of Traegar’s entire line of grills is the ability to use your grill with the Traeger App. The app has a number of notable features that we’ve listed below: 

  • Control Grill TempControl meat probe goalControl TimerShop on Traeger SiteTraegar Recipe DatabaseSend recipes to grill with specific settings Control all other grill settings except turning grill on

The Traeger Electric Grill comes with a cord to plug in your grill. If you’re using the grill outdoors, it’s best not to use an extension cord because of fire hazards and power surges that could occur when cooking over high heat. You can also purchase portable options for your Traeger Grill so you don’t have to worry about finding outlets nearby or running cords through inconvenient areas. 

Conclusion

Don’t let these worries keep you from enjoying one of life’s great pleasures! Just take some extra precautions and you can enjoy barbecues and tailgating with confidence! In this article, we’ve answered our initial question on whether you can use an extension cord with your Traeger Grill, as well as provided you with information on Traegar’s portable options for grilling safely on the go!