Pellet longevity

[Smokin Lou]

Just curious if anyone has any problems with leaving pellets in the grill for period of time. If I use my smoker and then I don't use it for a week or two weeks or a month will the pellets remaining in the hopper and auger absorb water and possibly clog up the hopper or jam the auger. Would it be better when I finish smoking to let the pellets continue to burn until they are all burned out?

 

[Buckeye smoker]

I've only ever gone 2 weeks longest without using mine. In that time there were no issues with the pellets in the hopper. I did put my extra Lavalock on the pellet lid. (For the hell of it) not sure if that factors it at all.

 

[Mastertech59]

Just curious if anyone has any problems with leaving pellets in the grill for period of time. If I use my smoker and then I don't use it for a week or two weeks or a month will the pellets remaining in the hopper and auger absorb water and possibly clog up the hopper or jam the auger. Would it be better when I finish smoking to let the pellets continue to burn until they are all burned out?

I've had pellets in the hopper for months and never had a problem in Connecticut's weather.

 

[Infantryman]

I've had pellets in the hopper for months and never had a problem in Connecticut's weather.

CT's weather is definitely variable for sure.

 

[Deuce]

With the Rec Tec holding 40# in the older 680's like I have and the new 700's having the same pellets in the hopper for awhile is normal. Unless, if you have a pellet vac and or choose to change types, flavors or brands or not fill your hopper up all the way. I am pretty much set on what I like for pellets and fill the hopper to the brim. That being said, I have had the same pellets in the hopper in the Wisconsin weather with the Rec Tec outside 24/7 occasionally covered with never an issue. These pellets of course have varying life from the time I put them in until burning them up depending on weather and cooks. I do not have my hopper lid sealed other than what came from the factory almost 7 years ago. I am not saying that you cannot get moisture in but given the changes of seasons we have and the exposure my 680 gets I would not be overly concerned. I only use Cookin Pellets though so I cannot speak of other pellets.