Airflow:
No fire can exist without the ability to properly breathe. The heat produced by any fire will need to escape, as it will always want to take the path of least resistance. When areas of escape are blocked off or impeded, heat will have to find a new way. In this case, it is back through the auger tube and into the hopper.
Possible solutions:
- Ensure that grease buildup is cleared from the smokestack, vents, or around the edges of the lid of the grill.
- Remove any third-party sealants or gaskets that you may have added to your recteq.
- If you foil your drip pan, ensure that no foil is overhanging the edges. This may impede proper airflow.
- Be certain your firepot is clear. Excessive ash can clog the air holes in the firepot which will adversely affect airflow.
Low quality pellets:
- The pellets you are burning have a direct effect on how a fire will perform. Low quality pellets tend to have a higher amount of dust and lead to inconsistencies.
Possible solutions:
- Ensure that you are using 100% premium hardwood pellets
- Pellets stored in a bag, or a container will have a lifespan of roughly 6-months. Use fresh pellets whenever possible.
- Pellets should not be stored in the hopper for longer than 30 days. Again, use fresh pellets whenever possible.
Adverse wind conditions:
- Extreme wind conditions can affect the flow of air throughout your recteq. As strong wind moves past your hopper, it can create a vacuum effect, which will pull smoke and heat in that direction. While hopper smoke created by windy conditions is rare, it is possible and should be kept in mind when cooking in adverse weather conditions.
Possible solutions:
- Keep the hopper lid closed whenever possible.
- Consider using a wind screen, or orienting your grill in such a way, that your house can block the wind.