Shutdown, Lid Open or Closed

[Mark H.]

Use to think it didn't matter, and maybe it probably doesn't. Always left the lid open during shutdown, thinking it would cool off faster. Then I got to thinking, what if it cools off to fast and shuts down to quick and leaves pellets still smoldering?

 

[Cowboy1955]

As far as me I leave it closed and clean it after it cools off

 

[Mark H.]

As far as me I leaves it closed and clean it after it cools off

I think that's what I'm going to do from now on. I'm curious as to what the shutdown process involves.

 

[sparkyv]

I've done it both ways...doesn't seem to matter. I prefer to cool it off faster with the lid open.

 

[Cowboy1955]

I think that's what I'm going to do from now on. I'm curious as to what the shutdown process involves.

I turned the heat up all the way for a free minutes then turn it off and let it cool off then vacuum it out. Every other cook I clean the temperature sensor then cover it it and unplug it

 

[Jimsmokes]

I turn it to high for 10-15 min. Then down to smoke when it gets to 200. I shut it off.

 

[Mark H.]

Mine actually goes through a shutdown process. Shutting it down with either the app or pushing the power button. It'll show on the screen that it's shutting down and don't unplug it till it shuts down. The fan runs for probably 5 or 10 minutes then stops, then I unplug it. If you unplug it before it's done shutting down, it'll flash a shutdown error next time you start it up.

 

[sparkyv]

Correct.

Mine actually goes through a shutdown process. Shutting it down with either the app or pushing the power button. It'll show on the screen that it's shutting down and don't unplug it till it shuts down. The fan runs for probably 5 or 10 minutes then stops, then I unplug it. If you unplug it before it's done shutting down, it'll flash a shutdown error next time you start it up.

 

[Ol' Smokey]

I shut mine down with lid closed. After it shuts off i open the lid to cool it faster so i can put the cover on....

 

[bobissmokin]

I usually shut down with lid closed. Sure I had a reason in the beginning. Not sure it matters. I let it cool down, unplug, and clean it so it's ready for next cook.

 

[Mark H.]

I usually shut down with lid closed. Sure I had a reason in the beginning. Not sure it matters. I let it cool down, unplug, and clean it so it's ready for next cook.

I'm wondering if the shutdown process uses the temperature sensor to decide how long to shutdown.

 

[Ken S]

That's actually an interesting question, and the manual (at least mine) doesn't specifically say:

"1. Press and hold the Power Button for three seconds to turn the unit off. The grill will begin its automatic cool-down cycle. The auger system will stop feeding fuel, the flame will burn out, and the fan will continue to run until the cool-down cycle is complete."

I could be wrong, but I think the main goal during shutdown is to burn off any pellets in the firepot, to help prevent a fire from running up the auger into the hopper. So, during shutdown, the fan runs but the auger stops feeding fuel. I always thought that was a timed cycle, but the manual implies temperature control. Having the lid open or closed probably is splitting hairs, but in some conditions this old boy scout can see where the fan might control the burn off better with the lid closed.

 

[WT2121]

Interesting it may shutdown because of temperature. I have 3 smokers. Noticed my older 1100 Navigator takes longer to shutdown than my 1000 Lousiana or 500 Navigator. The larger seems to have much longer shutdown than 500 unit. Plus the 1100 we use most of the time at high temperatures grilling burgers dogs and steaks. Thinking shutdown process is longer due to high temp cooks.

 

[sparkyv]

I know it matters, but I sometimes think we focus on the non-cooking aspects (cleaning, shutdown, IP address, temperature offsets, and etc.) of these tools too much. Let's get cooking Boys, and let's see your results!