Why is smoke coming out of my pellet hopper?

Chef's answer
This may seem alarming, but seeing smoke coming from the hopper during a cook is indicative of an airflow issue--not the pellets in the hopper ready to ignite, Typically the fan is not blowing enough to create the pressure to vacuum out the exhaust, which allows smoke to escape out of the hopper..
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
This may seem alarming, but seeing smoke coming from the hopper during a cook is indicative of an airflow issue--not the pellets in the hopper ready to ignite, Typically the fan is not blowing enough to create the pressure to vacuum out the exhaust, which allows smoke to escape out of the hopper..
24 hourswhen full. The Pit Boss Vertical Smoker provides a spacious cooking area for you to enjoy cooking anything and in just one shot. It has five cooking racks, with 2,196 square inches cooking area. This hopper has a capacity of over 40 lbs and pellet purge that can last over 24 hours of use.
Leaving unused pellets in your hopper can cause them to rot since they will be exposed to the elements of your outdoor environment. ... Emptying your hopper after each cook and storing the leftover pellets in a secure device like sealed bucket can ensure your pellets last as long as possible..
A few more cooking questions 📍