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Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Maintenance
- How should I clean my barbecue?
- What is the correct way to season cast iron grids?
- Why is it important to season cast iron grids?
- My barbecue is experiencing excessive flare-ups. What could cause that?
- My push button doesn’t work anymore. What could have gone wrong?
- The inside of my lid appears to have the paint peeling off
- There is a black oily soot building up on my cooking grids and more importantly on my food, what could cause this?
- General Info
1. How should I clean my barbecue?
- Clean your barbecue after each use but make sure it’s cooled down completely first. Don’t douse the barbecue with water if it’s still hot.
- Use hot soapy water to clean the barbecue body. Remove gas burners and cooking grills before cleaning.
- Clean the cooking grill using hot soapy water. Any tough food residues can be removed with a cream cleaner – don’t use an abrasive cloth.
- Gas burners should be cleaned regularly (it’s not necessary to clean them after every use). Clean the outside with a wire brush and use a pipe cleaner or thin wire to clean the portholes.
- Turn up the heat on your gas barbecue after cooking to burn off any residue on lava rocks – there’s no need to wash them unless they become heavily impregnated.
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2. What is the correct way to season cast iron grids?
Seasoning Cast Iron Grids: Spread a thin coating of cooking oil (Vegetable, Olive, Peanut, Canola, Sunflower) over entire surface of the cast iron grids with a paper towel. Be certain the entire surface, including all corners, has been coated thoroughly. DO NOT use salted fat such as margarine or butter. Never use non-stick sprays to season your grids, as they just don’t work. They burn off at a really low heat and do not protect the grids well.
Preheat barbecue for 10 minutes on HIGH. Turn burners to MEDIUM with lid closed. Allow barbecue to heat for 30 minutes. Turn all burners to OFF. Leave cooking grids in barbecue until they are cool. Your cast iron grids are now ready to use.
Reseasoning: After each use the grids should be reseasoned by coating with a cooking oil, closing the lid and leaving the cast iron grids in the barbecue until it is cool.
Storage: When Barbecue is not in use for long periods of time, store Cast Iron Grids in a dry warm place.
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3. Why is it important to season cast iron grids?
Just like a cast iron frying pan it is necessary to season, and re-season, cast iron cooking grids. The oil will help protect the porcelain coating, decrease sticking, and protect damaged or worn grids from rusting. Only use household cooking oils (Olive, Vegetable, Peanut, Sunflower, Canola, to name a few).
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4. My barbecue is experiencing excessive flare-ups. What could cause that?
Food drippings may come into contact with the hot flames of the burner, causing flare-up. Some flare-up is normal, but excessive flare-ups are most often caused by a build up of grease catching fire. To avoid large flare-ups, or possible grease fires, it is best to keep the briquettes (or Flav-R-Cast™/Flav-R-Wave™) clean by flipping them over periodically. The heat of the burner will burn off any excess grease on the bottom side.( Burn off should last 15-20 minutes on Medium High. When cool, Flav-R-Cast™/Flav-R-Wave™ should be returned to the normal operating position). Also, ensure that the bottom of the casting is kept clean of any grease or cooking debris, including your drip can/pan.
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5. My push button doesn’t work anymore. What could have gone wrong?
The Sure-Lite™ starting system is a two part system consisting of either a push button or rotary ignition, plus the electrode. The electrode may develop a build up of grease or oxidization that may hamper the performance of the spark. Most times this can be rectified by cleaning the electrode with a brush or carefully with a piece of sandpaper. The electrodes can be found connected to your burner. You will need to remove your grills and heat medium to access the electrode. If you do not hear the ignitor clicking, and cleaning the electrode does not resolve the problem, you may need to replace it or the batteries (if your Barbecue came with electric battery start). Always ensure the electrode wire is plugged into the ignitor and securely attached to your burner. This wire can be found underneath the control panel.
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6. The inside of my lid appears to have the paint peeling off.
The inside of the casting was never painted when the unit was manufactured. As a barbecue is used and the food drippings and sauces burn, there will be a certain amount of carbon (smoke) that builds up on the inside of the castings. The carbon may peel off in time. This build up can be cleaned off with a stiff brush and degreaser.
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7. There is a black oily soot building up on my cooking grids and more importantly on my food, what could cause this?
The black buildup is a sign that your burner is not burning at the correct air/gas mixture. Likely there is a blockage in your venturi tubes or around the air intake holes. There also may be a build up of grease burning on the bottom of the casting. Ensure that the spider guards on the intake holes are clear of debris, and see owners’ manual for cleaning instructions.
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8. General Info
- Always season the grids before using the BBQ for the first time.
- To clean porcelain grids, use a soft brass bristle brush. To clean stainless steel grids, use a stainless steel bristle brush.
- To clean the outside of the BBQ, use mild soapy solution and wash off. Frequent cleaning will help maintain the original appearance.
- Never use oven cleaner, it will remove the paint finish.
- Never use harsh cleaners or utensils to clean any part of the BBQ. Never use cleaners with bleach or abrasives on stainless steel.
- Only use household cooking oils to season the grids.
- Never use automotive or industrial oil to lubricate the BBQ.
- Never leave the BBQ unattended.
- Never use your barbecue in an enclosed space, under an over hang and not closer than 24" from any combustible surface.
- Never store a propane tank in an enclosed space.
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