Is This Normal? Backfire caught on camera.

[madurochris]

Started this up in the cold last night. I don't know if the auger was jammed. I really don't have a clue what caused the minor explosion or backfire or what? lol

 

[Waterboy]

If it was an “explosion” at start up that’s the old lid pop that can happen in any pellet grill. If you get a chain of events that allow too many pellets to build up in the burn pot before ignition you’ll get a situation where the pellets smolder too much and build up a huge amount of combustible smoke that can explode when you finally do get ignition. That’s why many of us start our grills with the lid open despite what Reqteq says. You can still get all the smoke but it won’t explode because it isn’t confined.

 

[BNeal]

Make sure to keep your fire pot clean. I vacuum mine every-other cook and have never had problems.

 

[Heatonist]

Smoke is volatilized oil from the wood pellets…it is very combustible. Leave the lid up until you hear the afterburner kick in…

 

[larry4406]

After my "puff" or "lid pop" event (sure sounded like an explosion to me and destroyed the hinges on the cold box) I start my Recteq with lid open. I am also much more aware of dust in pellets.

Interesting how the terms "puff" and "lid pop" sound so less violent then the more accurate "explosion". I wonder if lawyers helped make the event description more politically correct.

 

[Waterboy]

After my "puff" or "lid pop" event (sure sounded like an explosion to me and destroyed the hinges on the cold box) I start my Recteq with lid open. I am also much more aware of dust in pellets.

Interesting how the terms "puff" and "lid pop" sound so less violent then the more accurate "explosion". I wonder if lawyers helped make the event description more politically correct.

It’s probably a matter of perspective. I’ve been around a couple of significant explosions so when my pellet grill went off it sounded more like a pop. Doesn’t mean it can’t cause some damage but compared to a natural gas explosion that levels a house or two it’s a pop.

 

[larry4406]

It’s probably a matter of perspective. I’ve been around a couple of significant explosions so when my pellet grill went off it sounded more like a pop. Doesn’t mean it can’t cause some damage but compared to a natural gas explosion that levels a house or two it’s a pop.

Mine sounded worse than a shot gun at close range. There were 3 of us within about 10 feet when it went off and we all ducked for cover.

Blew the door open on the cold box, failed the welds on the cold box hinges, and bent the door so it would not close. Recteq sent me a new one under warranty then had me adjust the igniter which was determined to be improperly set in the firepot from factory.

 

[Motodad1776]

I really do believe that if igniter is working properly and adjusted properly, and along with a fire pot that doesn't have too much ash built up so all the pellets can get unobstructed air.......should never be a KABOOM.

 

[madurochris]

Thank you for all your input. I think the damp cold conditions and a firepot that needed a quick vacuum contributed to the issue. I cleaned out the firepot and cranked it up again with no apparent side effects.

 

[SmokeZilla]

The posts here already summed up the issue and I am glad everything is being sorted. However, this is why we can’t have nice things. That setup and explosion looks way to close to a building. I can only assume pictures like this is why RT won’t let the responsible users have remote start on our units. I hate to sound condescending but this does not look like a great place to put anything that can spew fire at a moments notice. I am hopeful that your post will serve as a reminder that fire is unpredictable and should be respected at all times.

 

[madurochris]

Yep! Right next to my house! Almost touching my house and right where I want it.

 

[v1per95]

The posts here already summed up the issue and I am glad everything is being sorted. However, this is why we can’t have nice things. That setup and explosion looks way to close to a building. I can only assume pictures like this is why RT won’t let the responsible users have remote start on our units. I hate to sound condescending but this does not look like a great place to put anything that can spew fire at a moments notice. I am hopeful that your post will serve as a reminder that fire is unpredictable and should be respected at all times.

If you hated to sound condescending, you wouldn't do it lol.

 

[SmokeZilla]

If you hated to sound condescending, you wouldn't do it lol.

i hate paying taxes but i do it. Prove me wrong. lol.

 

[v1per95]

i hate paying taxes but i do it. Prove me wrong. lol.

Honestly, ya got me there, and I rescind what I said