$649.99
The Pellet Pro Elite is engineered for serious backyard pitmasters and commercial applications where reliability and consistency matter most. At Smoke Daddy Inc., continuous improvement drives every Pellet Pro upgrade—and the Elite is no exception.
One of the most common concerns with previous designs was auger motor flex under load. After extensive testing, we redesigned the auger motor mounting system, significantly increasing rigidity. This improved mounting delivers a more consistent pellet feed rate, helps reduce auger jams, and lowers stress on the auger motor gearbox for longer service life. To further enhance durability, the Elite now features a heavier-duty gearbox built to withstand demanding use.
At the heart of the system is our exclusive Pellet Pro® PID Controller©, designed to maintain precise, stable temperatures. The controller features universal mounting, allowing it to be installed on either the left or right side of your grill for maximum flexibility. Installation is straightforward—simply cut a 4-1/2″ × 5-1/2″ rectangular opening to mount the controller into an existing or custom pellet grill.
The hopper assemblies are available in 12″ or 18″ configurations, measured from the center of the burn pot to the mounting edge of the hopper. This design ensures the burn pot sits as close to the center of the cooking chamber as possible for optimal heat distribution.
Every hopper assembly undergoes a hands-on quality control process. Each unit is removed from its original packaging, visually inspected, bench tested for proper operation and then repackaged in our custom-designed protective packaging to ensure it arrives safely and ready to perform.
PID Controller Note:
The Pellet Pro® PID Controller operates by pulsing the fan motor and auger motor at different intervals. This control strategy differs from other brands and is intentionally designed to maintain a more stable cooking temperature.
Large 35 lb Pellet Hopper Capacity – Fewer refills for longer cooks
NEW! Removable Burn Pot – Quick and easy ash cleanout
NEW! Pellet Hopper Viewing Window – Monitor pellet levels at a glance
NEW! Integrated 120V Outlet & USB Charging Ports – Conveniently mounted on the rear of the hopper
Pellet Dump System – Fast, mess-free pellet removal
Hopper Baffling System – Directs pellets smoothly into the auger for consistent feeding
Redesigned Auger Motor Assembly – Improved durability, reduced flex, and fewer jams
Upgraded Vortex-Stlye Burn Pot – More efficient combustion and cleaner burn
36,000 BTU Output – Powerful heat for grilling, smoking, and searing
301 Stainless Steel Hopper Lid & Burn Pot – Built for corrosion resistance and long-term use
Combustion Fan System – Promotes natural convection for even heat distribution
Improved Hot Rod Igniter Design – Faster, more reliable startups
Smoke Mode & Grill Mode – Dial in low-and-slow smoking or high-heat grilling
100% Digital Control System – Precise, reliable temperature management
PID Controller with 5°F Increment Adjustments
Temperature Range: 100F- 145F 160°F – 450°F
Universal Controller Mounting – Install on either the left or right side of the hopper – See video below showing how to swap controller sides.
Easily Mountable Design – Ideal for custom or retrofit pellet grill builds
Includes NEW Sportsman Program – See description below for details
1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Extra-Long 6 ft RTD Temperature Probe
5 ft Meat Probe
Pellet Hopper Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Complete Installation Instructions & Mounting Template
Operating Voltage: AC 110V ±10%, 60Hz
Requires Standard 110V 20A Outlet
At Smoke Daddy Inc., we’re committed to continuous improvement across the Pellet Pro lineup. One of the most common issues reported with traditional pellet systems is auger motor flex under load. After extensive testing, we redesigned the auger motor mounting system to significantly increase rigidity. The result is a more consistent pellet feed rate, fewer auger jams, and reduced stress on the auger motor gearbox, leading to improved reliability and longer component life. To further enhance durability, we also upgraded to a heavier-duty gearbox.
This redesigned system has been running in our Pellet Pro 2300 Vertical Smokers for over two years with excellent real-world feedback from customers, confirming improved performance and dependability.
For existing pellet grills, we also offer an aftermarket auger motor mounting bracket designed to “stop the flop.” It’s compatible with Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Traeger, and many other popular brands. Check it out HERE.
PID Description Overview
Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control is the most common control algorithm used in industry and has been universally accepted in industrial control. The popularity of PID controllers can be attributed partly to their robust performance in a wide range of operating conditions and partly to their functional simplicity, which allows engineers to operate them in a simple, straightforward manner.
As the name suggests, PID algorithm consists of three basic coefficients; proportional, integral and derivative which are varied to get optimal response. Closed loop systems, the theory of classical PID and the effects of tuning a closed loop control system are discussed in this paper.
If you would like to see the full article click here
http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3782/en/
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY FAKE PID CONTROLLERS!
These are NOT PID Controllers:
Our newly reengineered PID algorithm, called the Sportsman Program, expands the capabilities of your pellet smoker by allowing temperature settings as low as 100°F. This low-temperature control is ideal for applications such as jerky, sausage, fish, and other foods that benefit from gentle, low-heat smoking rather than traditional high-temperature cooking.
To access the lower temperature range, simply press the “–” button on the controller until the display scrolls below the standard range (145°F, 140°F, 135°F, and down to 100°F).
Important Note:
The Sportsman Program adds a low-temperature range of 100°F–145°F in addition to the standard 160°F–450°F range. You retain full access to all normal temperature settings at all times.
Disclaimer:
Because the hopper assembly must maintain an active fire in the burn pot, achieving ultra-low temperatures may require additional ventilation. Slightly cracking open the grill or smoker door allows excess heat to escape, helping the system stabilize at lower temperatures.
For custom smoker builds, we offer 3″ heat diffuser risers designed to position the heat diffuser 3 inches above the burn pot. This added clearance allows heat to disperse more evenly throughout the cooking chamber, improving temperature consistency and overall performance.
Constructed from high-quality 10-gauge steel, these risers are built for strength, durability, and long-term use in demanding smoking applications.
Hopper Assembly Dimensional Diagram
This hopper assembly is commonly used in custom smoker applications, and some installations may require modifications. While the hopper assembly functions as described, compatibility with all custom builds cannot be guaranteed. Smoke Daddy Inc. is not responsible for damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, or the use of materials or modifications not recommended for this hopper assembly.
Smoke Daddy Inc. offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. A full refund will be issued once the product is returned in unused condition. Additionally, Smoke Daddy Inc. will repair or replace any factory defects within one (1) year of the purchase date. Any misuse or unauthorized modifications will void all warranties.
Accordingly, this product is sold subject to the following terms:
This hopper assembly is provided “as is” and with the limited warranty stated above. Smoke Daddy Inc. makes no other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of third-party rights.
If you have questions regarding custom applications or installation, please contact us at 847-336-1329 prior to purchase.
Protect your hopper assembly from the elements with our durable, high-quality protective cover. Constructed from heavy-duty fabric with a plastic-lined interior, this cover helps prevent moisture intrusion, keeping pellets dry and protecting sensitive electronic components such as the controller.
Designed for reliable, everyday protection, it helps extend the life of your hopper assembly while ensuring consistent performance in outdoor environments.
The customer is responsible for shipping costs when returning failed components to Smoke Daddy Inc. Smoke Daddy Inc. will cover shipping costs for replacement components sent back to the customer.
Once a returned component has been received and inspected, Smoke Daddy Inc. will ship the replacement part within 1–2 business days if a factory defect is confirmed. If the component is determined not to be defective, further troubleshooting will be coordinated between Smoke Daddy Inc. and the customer.
For custom smoker applications, warranty coverage may be voided if the cooking chamber size exceeds recommended cubic footage or if the unit is operated for extended or excessive durations beyond normal use parameters.
Call Smoke Daddy Inc. at (847) 336-1329 to initiate a warranty claim
Repackage the faulty component securely to prevent additional damage
Include the following information inside the package:
Original customer name
Copy of original order or proof of purchase
Purchase date
Order number
Brief explanation of the issue
Ship the package to the address provided below
Smoke Daddy Inc. will send an email confirmation once the replacement part has shipped
Smoke Daddy Inc.
Warranty Services Department
173 Ambrogio Dr, Suite B
Gurnee, IL 60031
In the event that a hopper assembly is lost or damaged during transit, a claim must be filed with the shipping carrier. Please note that claims processing may take up to 10 business days before a replacement unit can be approved and shipped.
Before returning any hopper assembly, Smoke Daddy Inc. requires the customer to email clear photos of:
The product inside the shipping box
The outside of the shipping box, including any visible damage
Photos must be sent to [email protected] prior to returning the hopper assembly. This documentation helps expedite the claim process and ensures timely resolution.
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Auger Length | 12", 18" |
3 reviews for The Pellet Pro® Elite Pellet Hopper Assembly – 36,000 BTUs
stoddskr (verified owner) –
I’ve only had this a few days, but what a difference. I have a Traeger Lil Tex that I literally wore out…replaced the auger motor and fan, still making noises and the controller went bad, so I decided to buy the complete assembly from Smoke Daddy instead of continuing to replace parts. It fit perfectly, the bolts are a different size, but the new assembly included new bolts, pattern was the same. I had to drill out 2 holes where the temp wires went through because of the connecter on the new one, but I like the connecter, so I drilled the holes and put a piece of gasket over the holes afterward. Fired up, seasoned the pot, and everything works perfectly. We’ll see long term how it holds up, but it is a much better design than the old one. Love the pellet dump feature, and although the hopper is bigger, my old cover fits fine.
michael.rice (verified owner) –
I bought this to replace a failing unit in a Traeger Texas BBQ075 grill, in 2018. It has served me very well. Bolted right up without any issues, fired right up and worked great. Well after my unit was out of warranty, 3 buttons on the right side of the keypad stopped working one after the other; first “high” then “+” then “pwr”. I pulled the controller out and was pleasantly surprised to find that the keypad is a separate circuit board from the controller. I checked the switches with my multimeter and sure enough those 3 were bad. I expected to have to buy a new keypad or a whole new controller. Dennis and Dan came through for me in a big way. Not only did they accept my troubleshooting and diagnosis without question, they sent me a new keypad free of charge and shipped it the same day, FedEx 2-day delivery. Talk about customer service!
I installed the new keypad and put everything back together and my grill powered right up and all the buttons work again. Looking forward to many more years of use out of this bad boy. These guys rock! If you have an old pellet grill body that’s the same standard traeger clone and needs some new guts, give these guys a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Reed Ashburn (verified owner) –
To begin this review, I would like to state that I’m not new to aftermarket Hopper/Auger assemblies. Some years ago, I obtained a broken old-model Traeger 34 Series smoker and hooked up a Direct Igniter Hopper/Auger assembly. This device worked for a year or so when it came to grilling at 400 degrees, but flopped on every slow-smoking endeavor since it did *not* have a real PID controller. Even with proper maintenance, performance degradation plagued the Direct Igniter.
As a now-veteran (not the cool kind of veteran– USA is #1 baby) pellet smoking aficionado, I needed something new; something to nip every drawback in the bud and smoke out all of my neighbors. This is where the 18″ The Pellet Pro Elite Pellet Hopper Assembly came in, less than a week after placing my order. Unfortunately due to shortcomings of the Millennial brain, I found a mistake in my order preference, which Dallas of Smoke Daddy Inc. solved in short time before the order was shipped.
My first attempt to utilize this marvel of American engineering was an astounding success. Using steps outlined in the provided Operation Manual, my brand new Pellet Pro Elite smoothly dropped a few pellets into the firepot (which has a removable bottom — awesome) right before I fired it right up and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius is for communists). This is the part that sets Smoke Daddy’s Pellet Pro Elite apart from everyone else; that being the logic in their PID controller. In the event of a temperature spike (common in the south due to abrupt weather changes), the PID promptly adjusts the auger motor / induction fan to compensate. On the Direct Igniter device, the auger was time-based and induction fan constant, which sadly wasted my precious pellets and required manual intervention.
Smoke Daddy Inc. got it right, and they’re not lying when they say “do not be fooled by non-PID controllers,” as that’s what I had before. The Pellet Pro Elite Hopper assembly works and feels like a premium piece of machinery, and you will certainly not regret getting one.