18
MAINTAINING YOUR GRILL
1.
CREOSOTE AND GREASE FORMATION
AND REMOVAL
When wood pellets are burned slowly, they
produce tar and other organic vapors that
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote.
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively
cool flue exhaust of a slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote accumulates on the flue lining.
When ignited, creosote makes an extremely hot
fire. Airborne grease particles will travel through
the cooking chamber, and some of this airborne
grease will accumulate on the flue lining, similar
to creosote, which could be contributory to a fire.
The smokestack exhaust should be inspected at
least twice a year to determine when a creosote
and/or grease buildup has occurred.
Also, grease drippings from the food will fall onto
the grease drain pan and be channeled into the
grease drain and then out of the grill through
the grease drain tube, to be collected in the
grease bucket. Grease will accumulate in all
of these locations.
The grease drain, the grease drain tube, and the
grease bucket should be inspected at least twice
a year for signs of grease buildup.
When creosote or grease has accumulated, it
should be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
Cleaning the Smokestack Flue Pipe:
DANGER!
Turn the switch OFF (
O
) and disconnect
the power cord.
CAUTION!
Make sure that the grill is cold before
cleaning the flue pipe. Remove (unscrew) the
chimney cap assembly from the top of the flue
pipe. Once the chimney cap assembly has been
removed, it can be cleaned with warm, soapy
water or with a biodegradable degreaser.
Scrape the creosote and grease accumulation from
the inside of the vertical and horizontal sections
of the flue pipe using a stiff, nonmetallic tool.
A wooden paint stir stick, for example, would work
for this task. Once the creosote and grease residue
have been loosened from the flue pipe lining,
much of it can be removed with paper towels or
disposable rags. Do not spray water or other
liquid cleaners onto the inside of your grill.
Once the flue pipe has been cleaned, replace
the chimney cap assembly.
Cleaning grease from your grill:
DANGER!
Turn the switch OFF (
O
) and
disconnect the power cord.
CAUTION!
Accumulated grease is easier to clean
off when the grill is still warm—not hot. Be careful
not to burn yourself. Gloves are recommended.
Periodically clean the grease out of the V-shaped
grease drain and grease drain tube. If too much
grease is allowed to build up in the V-shaped
grease drain or is allowed to plug the grease drain
tube, a grease fire could result. We recommend
cleaning these locations regularly.
Remove the porcelain-coated grill grates and
the grease drain pan. This will provide access
to the V-shaped grease drain and grease drain
tube opening inside the grill. Scrape the grease
accumulation from inside the V-shaped grease
drain and grease drain tube using a stiff,
nonmetallic tool. Much of the loosened grease
can be pushed down through the grease drain
tube and will fall into the grease bucket. Wipe up
remaining grease residue with paper towels or
disposable rags. Paper towels or disposable rags
can also be used to wipe some of the grease off
of the interior surfaces of the grill.
Line your grease bucket with aluminum foil for
easy cleanup. Empty it occasionally, depending
on the amount of use. Change the aluminum foil
on the grease drain pan frequently (sometimes
after each use, depending upon what was cooked).
Clean foil on the grease drain pan will make
your food taste better and reduce the risk of a
grease fire.
Cleaning outside surfaces:
DANGER!
Turn the switch OFF (
O
) and
disconnect the power cord.
Use a disposable rag or cloth dampened with
warm, soapy water to wipe the grease from the
outside of the grill. DO NOT use oven cleaner,
abrasive cleansers, or abrasive cleaning pads on
the outside grill surfaces.
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