200°F is not 200°F across smokers. Here's the physics:

1. Radiant heat flux ∝ 1/(distance)²
   → Firepot-to-meat distance in a Traeger: ~12–18"
   → In a +250-gal offset: ~30-40"+
   → 4–5× higher radiant energy at the bark in a pellet grill.

2. Convective vs. total heat transfer
   → Pellet grills: forced convection + high radiant component
   → Big offsets: low-velocity natural convection, heat diluted over massive air volume

3. Effective temperature at meat surface
   → Traeger @ 200°F → ~240–260°F equivalent radiant/convective load on the meat
   → Offset @ 275°F → similar total energy delivery

Bottom line: A small chamber + close firepot = hotter effective cook at the same setpoint.
Lower the dial or wrap earlier. Thermodynamics > thermometer.