Modifying Traeger to increase BTU

Upgrade the auger motor to the 2.5 RPM one. If you do that and put it on high, you might get the high temps you want. You also may need to replace the controller. Texas Star Foods has the updated motor in stock.

dmp

I met a guy at a competition that swore that if you remove the heat deflector, you can get a nice sear on a steak on one. I haven't tried it yet, but plan on it at some point.

Just a quick note, I'd hate to have you buy something you don't need: If you can't achieve the temps on on your controller, the upgraded motor will help. If your controller has a "high" mode which is always on, as opposed to just 450 degrees, the upgraded motor will help. If you find that it takes too long to reach a set temp, or once your temp drops enough to push the controller into "Raise temp mode," the updated auger motor will help. If none of those are an issue, you might not see any bennefit from the new motor, and I'd go for a new controller (or switch) first. The motor's bennefit is seen by those who havea controller which allows them to either seek higher temperatures or run the auger 100%.

dmp