Indoor Outdoor Portable Grill FAQ

A: Yes! It's completely normal to notice a slight “burning” smell or new-appliance odor when you use the grill for the first time. We recommend “breaking in” your new grill before you cook for the first time. Assemble the grill, plug in the electric heating element, set the control on HIGH, and let the grill run for about 10 minutes with the lid off.

A: With continued use, some of the grill's parts may become slightly discolored. This is considered normal wear-and-tear.

A: The paint on the outside of the grill might change slightly during the first few uses due to the high temperatures. It’s normal and should be expected.

A: Yes, you can use heavy-duty aluminum foil for cooking in either charcoal or electric mode.

A: This grill is intended to be used as an indoor or outdoor electric grill, or as an outdoor charcoal grill. The grill should always be placed on a level surface.

In electric mode, you can place the grill on heat-safe tables and countertops.

In charcoal mode, keep the grill on a heat-resistant surface like brick, stone, concrete, or asphalt. DO NOT use indoors with charcoal, or an enclosed space like a garage, porch, breezeway, camper, tent, car, interior home space, or any space with an overhanging roof structure.

A: Yes! You can use standard barbecuing and grilling utensils, including wire brushes, on the grill.

A: Do not make any modifications to the grill or use any attachments not specifically provided by Pampered Chef. Modifications to the grill may cause instability, damage to components, premature failure of parts, and/or increased risks of fire or injury and will void the warranty.

A: The grate is steel with a porcelain-enamel coating.

A: The cord is 5 feet (1.5 m) long.

A: The grill is rated for 1500 watts maximum.

‬‬‬A: No. This grill is intended to be used as an indoor/outdoor electric grill, or outdoor charcoal grill only. Do not use it as a fire pit, wood-burning grill, or heat source.

A: No. The electric heating element is not designed to be used in contact with charcoal or as a charcoal starter. Using it this way may cause permanent damage to the electric heating element.‬‬‬‬‬‬

A: If you’re transporting the grill after cooking, it must be cooled COMPLETELY before you put it into your car, truck, camper, or trunk. ‭We also recommend cleaning the grill and emptying the drip tray before transporting it.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A: Because the grill is small, it’s intended for direct cooking.

A: We don’t recommend it. Cooking frozen foods takes much longer, and the taste is best when you let food (especially meat) come to room temperature.

Some foods, like hamburgers, have grilling instructions for cooking them frozen. If you choose to cook frozen foods, follow the instructions on the package. Please note that cooking frozen foods while in electric mode will result in more steam and smoke.

A: For electric cooking, we recommend oiling your food instead of the grate to minimize smoke. You can use the Kitchen Spritzer to get a light coating of oil, or lightly brush food with the Chef’s Silicone Basting Brush.

For outdoor charcoal cooking, you can oil either your food or the grate, depending on your preference.

A: For charcoal cooking:

• Keep the vent fully opened when cooking to help circulate air.

• Keep the vent closed when you’re trying to extinguish charcoal.

For electric cooking:

• Keep the vent closed when you’re trying to increase the heat of the grill.

• Open the vent to decrease the heat of the grill.

A: Because the grill can reach temperatures over 600°F (315°C), you should only use cookware recommended for outdoor grills, like Rockcroks and cast-iron cookware. You should only use cookware that fits on the grill grate. The Rockcrok® Dutch Oven, Everyday Pan, Casserole, and Small Grill Stone can safely be used on the grill. Please note that Rockcrok® glass lids are NOT grill-safe.

A: No. Because the grill can reach temperatures over 600°F (315°C), you should only use cookware recommended for outdoor grills, like Rockcroks and cast-iron cookware.

A: Yes! Rockcroks are grill-safe (except the lids), and can be used safely on the Indoor Outdoor Portable Grill. You should only use the pieces that fit on the grill grate: Dutch Oven, Everyday Pan, Casserole, and Small Grill Stone.

A: When using the grill in charcoal mode, you should always place it in an open area away from combustible materials like dry leaves or brush. You should place it at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from your house or other buildings.

A: We recommend standard-sized charcoal briquettes. They'll give the most consistent heat and burn time. You can find bags in many hardware stores year round, and during grilling season you can find them in most grocery and big box stores, like Walmart, Target, or Canadian Tire.

A: In charcoal mode, the Indoor Outdoor Portable Grill functions just like any other charcoal grill. We recommend that you place about 40 charcoal briquettes in a pyramid shape, add lighter fluid, then carefully light the charcoal. Leave the charcoal uncovered for about 20–30 minutes, until it's covered with a light gray ash, then use long-handled tongs to spread the charcoal into a single layer.

If you're more comfortable using a chimney or electric charcoal starter, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A: No. The electric heating element is not designed to be used in contact with charcoal or as a charcoal starter. Using it this way may cause permanent damage to the electric heating element.

A: There are many reasons that charcoal won't light or get hot enough to cook. Here are a few things to check:

&bull Make sure your grill is clean.

>&bull Use a high-quality charcoal briquette.

>&bull Check the age of your charcoal. Older bags won't work as well—so toss leftovers at the end of grilling season.

>&bull Make sure your charcoal isn't wet.

A: If you remove hot charcoals from the grill, it will take the body of the grill about 15 minutes to cool. If hot charcoals are left in the grill, it can take 48 hours for the charcoals to burn out and the grill to cool completely. Always make sure the grill has cooled completely before moving or cleaning.

A: It's recommended to let the charcoal burn out completely, then let the ash cool for 48 hours. You can speed up the process by pouring water over the hot charcoals and stirring it very carefully. Once the ash has cooled completely, follow local ordinances for disposal.

A: California's Proposition 65, also called the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

While there is nothing toxic about our Indoor Outdoor Portable Grill, it is intended for use with charcoal, which is on the list. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

A. We recommend preheating the grill for 10 minutes to help remove manufacturing residues. You only need to do it one time. Breaking in your electric grill won't prevent smoking through—this is caused by the fat and/or oils in the food you cook, combined with the high heat of the grill.

A: The Indoor Outdoor Portable Grill can be plugged into any outlet, as long as it is a GFI outlet rated to handle at least 120 volts.

A: No. We don't recommend using an adapter to plug the grill into your car because they don't produce enough power to run the grill. If you're interested in using the grill for tailgating, we recommend using it in charcoal mode.

A: We don't recommend using an extension cord. However, if you do decide that you can safely use one, it must be the same three-wire, grounded type, and the electrical rating at least as great as the appliance cord (16AWG).

A: If your grill won't turn on, unplug it and make sure that the electric heating element is properly connected to the plug. Plug the grill in again. If they're properly connected and your grill still won't turn on, check the outlet or breaker to make sure there's power.

A: We don't recommend using the lid when you're cooking inside. If you decide to use it anyway, make sure to place it somewhere heat-resistant (like the stovetop or a metal sink) when you take it off to check food.

A: If you're using the grill and notice food buildup, you can use the Wooden Grill Scraper to remove it. Wear a grill glove or oven mitt.

Alternately, you can use a damp cloth. Using tongs, run the cloth across the surface of the grill grate.

A: The cord is 5 feet (1.5 m) long.

A: The grill is rated for 1500 watts maximum.

A: It will take the grill about 20 minutes to cool down after electric cooking. Always make sure the grill has cooled completely before moving or cleaning.

A: For safety reasons, you should never use the grill outdoors in electric mode when it's raining or snowing.

A: The red light on the grill temperature control indicates that the power is on and that the heating element is heating. The light will turn on and off periodically, as the heating element adjusts to maintain the temperature.

A: When using the grill in electric mode, it should be at least 12” (35 cm) away from any combustible materials.

A: Yes. The electric heating element uses high wattage. Make sure no other high-wattage appliances are plugged into the same circuit when you're using the grill. If you experience a breaker tripping, then you'll need to use a different outlet that's located on a different circuit, or make sure other appliances are turned off.

A: Over time, the grate will develop a dulled appearance from normal wear. However, if you have built-up residue, there are two different deep-cleaning methods you can use. Repeat either method as needed:

• Gently rub grate with a Pumie® Heavy-Duty Scouring Stick, following the package instructions. They can be found at Walmart, most home-improvement stores, and online.

• Use EASY-OFF® BBQ Grill Cleaner per the label instructions. Be sure to use a soft sponge when you wipe it off.

After using the grill with charcoal, the tray will show some discoloration that will not be removable. For food residues, use Easy Off Grill Cleaner per the label instructions. Be sure to use a soft sponge when you wipe it off.

A: We recommend storing your grill in a clean, dry area to keep it safe from the elements. The power cord and electric heating element should always be stored indoors to prevent premature wear and damage. Leave the vents open to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the grill and causing rust.

If you choose to store your grill outside, close the top vent to keep rain out. We recommend covering it to keep it clean and safe from the elements.

A: After using the grill for a while, it may look as if paint is peeling or flaking off the inside of the lid. They're actually accumulated cooking vapors that have turned into carbon. They won't hurt you, but you can remove them with a wire grill brush.

A: If you're using the grill and notice food buildup, you can use the Wooden Grill Scraper to remove it. Wear a grill glove or oven mitt.

Alternately, you can use a damp cloth. Using tongs, run the cloth across the surface of the grill grate.

A: Many of the grill's parts and pieces are too big to fit in a standard dishwasher. However, the grill grate is dishwasher-safe, and it's the piece you'll want to wash the most frequently. You can wipe the electric pieces with a damp cloth to clean them. Pieces like the lid and base that aren't dishwasher-safe can be hand washed with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Make sure all the parts are completely dry before storing.

A: You'll want to thoroughly clean the grill between uses. The grill grate is dishwasher-safe, and it's the piece you'll want to wash the most frequently. Wipe the electric pieces (electric heating element, plug) with a damp cloth to clean them. Pieces like the lid and base that aren't dishwasher-safe can be hand washed with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Make sure all the parts are completely dry before storing.

A: The grill grate is designed to cover the electric heating element, so it shouldn't need to be cleaned often. If there's some food residue or other buildup on the coil, use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Never put the electric heating element in water.

A: At the end of cooking, let the grill cool completely. Carefully remove the drip tray and dispose of the grease.

If you're grilling and need to empty the drip tray, USE EXTREME CAUTION. The grease will be hot both during and after cooking, and will cause serious burns if spilled. Use a heat-resistant oven mitt or grill glove, and deposit hot grease in a metal can.