INTRODUCTION TO CERAMIC GRILLING
Ceramic charcoal barbecues are extremely versatile. Not only can they be used for grilling or smoking, but also pizzas, bread,
pies and cookies can be baked effortlessly inside them. Due to their excellent heat-retention properties, high temperatures can
be achieved and maintained by precise control of airflow via the top and bottom vents. High temperatures are ideal for quickly
cooking burgers and sausages, while low heats can cook larger cuts over a longer period of time. Try adding some wood chips to
the charcoal, or try combining different flavor wood chips to make your meats even more flavorful.
UNDERSTANDING AIRFLOW AND DAMPER CONTROL
The heart of your grill lies in the relationship between the top and bottom ventilation dampers. Opening the dampers, allowing
more air to flow through the system, allows the charcoal to burn very hot and create firey embers. To cook at lower temperatures,
keep the dampers open only a small distance, allowing for minimal airflow and maximum heat retention in the ceramic chamber.
To ensure the grill performs correctly, proper maintenance and clean out of the firebox are essential. If the grill is not achieving
the desired temperature, check to ensure that there is proper airflow to the fuel and that none of the dampers are blocked.
TIP: The grill can run efficiently over extended periods of time as long as there is dry and sufficient fuel, proper airflow, and
the cooking components are clean.
FIRST USE – CURING THE UNIT
Curing your ceramic charcoal barbecue is important for its long-term operation and care. Avoiding the curing procedure could
lead to damage on the unit. If the first burns are too hot, they could damage the felt gasket seal before it has had the chance to
mature with use. To start your first fire:
1.
Place one lighter cube, or solid firelighters and one handful of lump charcoal on top of the charcoal plate. Open the
bottom vent and light the lighter cube using a long-nosed lighter or safety matches.
Do not use gasoline, white spirit, lighter fluid, alcohol or other similar chemicals for lighting or relighting.
2. Once the lump charcoal has caught, cure the unit by closing the lid, and leaving both vents mostly closed. Burn until all the
fuel is used and the fire is extinguished. This should take approximately two hours. Do not overload the unit with fuel.
3. After grill has cooled, inspect all fasteners. The metal band connecting your lid to the base will expand from the heat and
could become loose. It is recommended you check and tighten the band, if necessary, with a wrench.
4. The ceramic charcoal barbecue can now be used as normal.
LIGHTING PROCEDURE
When using the ceramic charcoal barbecue, push down on both of the locking wheels to stop the unit from moving around during
use. Ensure the ceramic barbecue is positioned on a permanent, flat, level, heat-resistant non-flammable surface, away from
flammable items. Position the ceramic charcoal barbecue with a minimum of 2 m / 78 in overhead clearance and at least 2 m / 78
in clearance from other surrounding items.
1.
To start a fire, place rolled-up newspaper and some lighter cubes or solid firelighters on the charcoal plate, in the base of
the ceramic charcoal barbecue. Then, place two or three handfuls of lump charcoal over the top of the newspaper.
Do not use gasoline, white spirit, lighter fluid, alcohol or other similar chemicals for lighting or relighting.
2. Open the bottom vent and light the newspaper using a long-nosed lighter or safety matches. Once it has caught, leave
the bottom vent and lid open for about 10 minutes to build a small bed of hot embers.
3. Allow the charcoal to heat up and keep it red hot for at least 30 minutes prior to the first cooking on the ceramic charcoal
barbecue. Do not cook before the fuel has a coating of ash.
It is recommended that you do not stoke or turn the coals once they are alight. This allows the charcoals to burn
more uniformly and efficiently.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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