CUISINART WOODCREEK SMK0036AS (02) PDF MANUAL

Read all safety warnings and instructions carefully before assembling and operating your grill and smoker. Please read the entire manual before installation and use. Failure to follow instructions could result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area. Save these instructions.

Do NOT use in humid or wet conditions.

NOT for use in or on boats or recreation vehicles.

Do not store or use gasoline, liquid propane or any other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this appliance.

Do NOT use on wood decks.

Do not use this grill under any overhang or near any combustible structures.

Do not operate this grill while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or while fatigued.

Do not use in the presence of explosive or flammable gases, vapor or other substances.

Do not use this grill unless it is completely assembled and all parts are securely fastened and tightened.

Do not use this product in high winds.

Do not use this product for indoor heating, as toxic fumes will accumulate.

Do not operate this product in rain or wet conditions. Do not allow this product to come in contact with water. Set this product up more than 10′ from any large body of water (swimming pool, lake, pond, etc).

Keep all combustible materials at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) away from the grill at all times. Maintain a minimum clearance of 60 inches (152.4 cm) from the side and back of the unit to combustible materials. It is of utmost importance that this product be installed only in accordance with these instructions.

In case of fire, turn the control “OFF”. Unplug the grill from the power source and allow the fire to burn out on its own. Do not use water to try to extinguish a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand acceptable for use with electric products. Refer to your local authority to determine proper size and type.

The grease duct should be inspected at least twice a year to determine when grease and/or creosote buildup has occurred. When grease or creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce risk of fire.

Use only cooking grade wood pellets. Never use heating grade wood pellets as they are not safe for cooking. Always store wood pellets away from heat and in a dry location.

NEVER add cooking pellets to a hot fire pot by hand. You could be seriously burned. If the hopper runs out of pellets or your fire goes out while cooking, let the grill completely cool and follow the Initial Lighting Instructions.

NEVER use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this appliance. Keep all such liquids well away from the appliance when in use.

This grill is not for use indoors. Do not use inside a building, garage or any other enclosed area. This product is not designed for commercial use. This product is not designed for tabletop use. Do not set this product on a tabletop.

Only use a properly-grounded power source.

Use only with a properly-grounded GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) household circuit.

Never alter or remove the grounding plugs on the power cord or household outlet.

Disconnect electric cord from outlet before cleaning.

Outdoor extension cords must be used with outdoor use products and are marked with suffix “W” and with the statement “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.”

Use a CSA or UL approved 3-prong grounded extension cord that is rated for at least 7-10 Amp and is marked as suitable for outdoor use.

Keep the power cord connection dry and off the ground.

Avoid running the power or extension cord across walkways, driveways, or anywhere where it could pose a tripping hazard.

CAUTION – To reduce the risk of electric shock, keep extension cord connection dry and off the ground.

Do not attempt to touch cooking surfaces or other hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.

Never leave appliance unattended. Hot while in operation. Keep children, clothing and furniture away. Contact may cause burns.

Do not attempt to move this appliance while it is in use. Lock wheels in place to stabilize grill.

Always open the grill hood carefully – heat and steam trapped inside the hood can burn.

Use caution when removing food from Pellet Grill. All surfaces are HOT and may cause burns. Use protective gloves or long, sturdy cooking tools to remove food.

This grill is HOT while in use and will remain HOT for a period of time afterwards. Use caution.

After a period of storage, inspect the grill for abrasion, wear, cuts, or damage to the temperature controller and power cord.

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is cooked to a safe temperature.

Keep appliance clean. See Proper Care and Maintenance section for cleaning. Do not clean this product with a water spray or the like. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. See a doctor if you or others develop cold or flu-like symptoms while cooking or in the vicinity of this appliance. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late. Alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to mother and child during pregnancy, infants, the elderly, grills and people with blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia or heart disease.

Yes. In manufacturing and preserving the components of your grill, oil residue may be present on the cooking surfaces. Before cooking on your grill for the first time you should follow “Initial Lighting Instructions” to ensure the auger is fully charged with pellets. Curing the grill is highly recommended before first use. Close cooking chamber lid and set temperature control knob to 400°F and allow grill to cure for 45 minutes. This will burn off any oil or paint residue inside the cooking chamber before cooking for the first time.

Prior to use, it is recommended that you preheat your grill. This ensures that the cooking grates are at the desired temperatures to sear the food sugars when cooking. Preheat the grill for 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature before adding food. Close the lid during the preheat period. For searing, allow the controller to reach 500°F and then wait an additional 15 minutes for the cooking grates and ceramic insert to fully heat up.

Always allow the auger tube to fully load with pellets to ensure proper lighting of the grill. This procedure is for the initial firing or anytime the grill runs out of pellets.

Step 1: Open hood to cooking chamber and remove cooking grates, heat plates and heat baffle from inside the grill. Leave hood open.

Step 2: Make sure temperature control knob is “OFF”. Plug power cord into a GFI (grounded) outdoor electrical outlet. When connecting, first connect plug to the outdoor cooking gas appliance then plug appliance into the outlet. Use only a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) protected circuit with this outdoor cooking gas appliance. Never remove the grounding plug or use with an adapter of 2 prongs. Use only extension cords with a 3 prong grounding plug, rated for the power of the equipment, and approved for outdoor use with a W-A marking.

Step 3: Open the pellet hopper lid. Make sure the auger is free from debris and other objects. Turn the temperature control knob to 200°F.

Step 4: In the cooking chamber, place your hand about 3″ above the fire pot and make sure you can feel air blowing out from the fire pot.

Step 5: Look inside the fire pot and make sure the ignitor is getting hot. It will take a couple of minutes for the ignitor to glow red. DO NOT TOUCH THE IGNITOR! Turn temperature control knob to “OFF”.

Step 6: Fill the pellet hopper with cooking pellets. NEVER USE HEATING FUEL PELLETS AS THEY ARE NOT SAFE FOR COOKING.

Step 7: Turn the temperature control knob to 200°F. NOTE: During the initial loading of the auger tube, it will take approximately 2 minutes for the pellets to move from the pellet hopper to the fire pot.

Step 8: When the pellets start falling into the fire pot, turn the temperature control knob to “OFF”.

Step 9: Replace heat baffle, heat plates and cooking grates into the cooking chamber.

Step 10: Keep the cooking chamber lid open. Turn temperature control knob to 200°F. You should see smoke coming out of the cooking chamber as the pellets ignite in about 2 to 4 minutes. NOTE: The ignitor will stay on for the first 8 minutes and then turn off.

Step 11: Close cooking chamber lid and set the temperature control knob to the desired setting. See note below for curing process. NOTE: Curing the grill is highly recommended before first use. Close cooking chamber lid and set temperature control knob to 400°F and allow grill to cure for 45 minutes. This will burn off any oil or paint residue inside the cooking chamber before cooking for the first time.

Step 1: Open pellet hopper lid and check the pellet level. Add more pellets if necessary. WARNING: NEVER add cooking pellets to a hot fire pot by hand. You could be seriously burned.

Step 2: Open cooking chamber lid and turn temperature control knob to 200°F. You should see smoke coming out of the cooking chamber as the pellets ignite in about 2 to 4 minutes. NOTE: Always start the grill on 200°F setting with the cooking chamber lid open.

Step 3: Close cooking chamber lid and set the temperature control knob to the desired setting. For best results, preheat the grill for 15 to 20 minutes with the lid closed before placing food in the grill.

Step 1: Turn the temperature control knob to “OFF” and unplug. Open cooking chamber lid and remove all food, cooking grates, grease tray and heat distribution plate. CAUTION: Some parts may contain sharp edges. Wear protective gloves if necessary. WARNING: Always use oven mitts/gloves to protect your hands. Metal parts become hot during use. Use extreme caution when handling cooking grates, grease tray and baffle.

Step 2: Open Ash Clean-out to remove all pellets and ash from the fire pot. Close ash clean-out.

Step 3: Restart the grill and check that the ignitor is working. The ignitor should turn red after 2 minutes and pellets should be falling into the fire pot from the auger tube.

Step 4: Wearing oven mitts/gloves, replace the baffle, grease tray and cooking grates.

Step 5: Preheat the grill for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed before placing food back in the grill. If this procedure is not successful, see Trouble Shooting section.

Step 1: Ensure the control knob is in the “OFF” position. Plug the power cord into a grounded power source.

Step 2: Check fire pot to ensure there is no obstruction for proper ignition. Fill pellet hopper with cooking grade pellets.

Step 3: Open the hood. Remove the cooking grates, heat plates, and heat baffle to expose the fire pot. Place a small handful of pellets into the fire pot. Squirt a gelled fire starter, or other appropriate pellet starter, over the top of the pellets. A small amount of solid fuel fire starter, such as those composed of sawdust and wax, or wood shavings, is also recommended. Add another small handful of pellets in the fire pot. NOTE: Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, or petrol for lighting a fire in your grill.

Step 4: Light the contents of the fire pot using a long match or a long lighter. Allow the starter to burn 3 to 5 minutes. Do not attempt to add more starter into the fire pot as this can cause injury.

Step 5: Quickly and carefully replace the heat baffle, heat plates, and cooking grates. Continue on from step 2 of the “Subsequent Lighting Instructions.”

Turn the temperature control knob to “OFF”. An auto cool down feature will keep the fan running for 12 minutes. If you don’t allow the grill to run the cool down feature it can cause a fire in the fire pot and catch the pellet hopper on fire.

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Set temperature controller to desired level and allow temperature to be reached.

Place food on cooking grill.

With hood closed, cook until desired internal temperature is reached.

Use caution when removing food from Pellet Grill. All surfaces are HOT and may cause burns. Use protective gloves or long, sturdy cooking tools to remove food.

This grill is HOT while in use and will remain HOT for a period of time afterwards. Use caution.

Pellet grills do not provide smoke 100% of the time. Even though you don’t see smoke you are still getting smoke flavor.

Your Pellet Grill should never be moved while it is hot. If you are transporting your grill in a vehicle after cooking on it, make sure the fire is completely out and the grill is cold before placing it in any vehicle.

NEVER put water into the fire pot. It will jam the auger and can damage the ignitor.

The Pellet Grill is designed to operate with the lid closed.

Make sure the heat baffle is properly seated on its locating brackets. The opening of the heat baffle should be pointing left over the fire pot. If not seated properly, direct heat and flame could come up out of the fire pot and cause a grease fire or grill damage.

The temperature readout is an approximate and can be affected by the following factors: outside ambient temperature, the amount and direction of wind, the quality of pellet fuel being used, the lid being opened, and the quantity of food.

When selecting a temperature setting, the auger will feed pellets for several minutes. This will momentarily raise the temperature, but the temperature will decrease and stabilize after 10-15 minutes.

The auger will not run 100% of the time, it cycles on and off depending on the temperature setting.

Hot weather can cause the temp to drop very slowly and make it more difficult to cook at lower settings.

This grill is equipped with a pellet hopper sensor. “LOW PELLET” will start flashing on the controller and it will start beeping once the pellets are below the sensor.

Pellets can hang up in the pellet hopper after cooking for a long period of time. It’s important to monitor the pellet level and mix the pellets by hand to ensure they flow into the auger.

1. Remove right side heat plate and replace with ceramic sear insert. Turn grill to “SEAR”.

2. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the controller and cooking grates to get up to temperature before cooking.

3. Wait until the sear insert is cool before trying to remove or clean the insert.

4. The ceramic insert can be stored on the left side of the cart.

1. Remove right side heat plate and install charcoal insert.

2. Place approximately 2lbs of charcoal in charcoal tray and spread evenly so there is only one level of charcoal. NOTE: DO NOT USE MATCHLIGHT CHARCOAL.

3. Turn grill to “SEAR” and keep hood open. Charcoal should start turning white around 15-20 minutes. After charcoal is hot, turn the controller to “OFF” and start cooking.

4. Wait until the charcoal insert is cool before trying to remove the insert or cleaning out the ashes.

5. The charcoal insert can be stored on the left side of the cart.

1. Place Griddle on top of cooking grates with the grease reservoir toward the back of the grill. Push the Griddle to the back of the grill. It is best to locate the Griddle near the middle of the grill.

2. Turn grill to the desired temperature and allow 15 to 20 minutes for griddle to get to desired temperature.

3. Keeping the lid closed during cooking will help prevent grease splatter.

4. Grease and food particles can be pushed back into the grease reservoir while cooking.

5. Do not let the grease reservoir overflow. Stop cooking, allow griddle to cool and remove excess grease.

6. Wait until the Griddle is cool before trying to remove the Griddle or clean out the grease reservoir.

7. The Griddle can be stored on the right side of the cart.

Before each use, open ash clean-out to get rid of ash and burnt pellets.

1. Lift Ash Clean-Out Handle Lock.

2. Pull Ash Clean-Out Handle to open ash door.

Note: Make sure Ash Cup is in place before empting ash.

If grill will be left un-attended for a long period of time, we recommend you remove unused pellets. Always store wood pellets away from heat and in a dry location.

1. Lift Clean-Out Handle Lock.

2. Open Hopper Clean-Out door.

Note: Make sure to hold a pail or bag in place before emptying pellets.

Plug the meat probes into the pellet control panel as shown. You can read the temperature of Probe 1 and Probe 2 at the bottom of the display screen. Example: “P1:86” means Probe 1’s temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Example: “P2:—” Displays nothing when the meat probe is not inserted into controller.

1. Your grill is Bluetooth capable.

2. This Bluetooth app allows you to monitor the internal grill temperature as well as two meat probe temperatures.

3. The Bluetooth range is around 120 ft and can vary with obstructions such as interior and exterior walls.

The temperature dial can be changed at any time to increase or decrease the cooking temperature of the grill.

The 200°F to 300°F temperature settings are for slow cooking/smoking.

The 325°F to 450°F temperature settings are for grilling.

The “SEAR” temperature setting is for searing.

Adjust the control knob to a desired temperature. The selected temperature will be in the bottom left hand corner of the digital display.

“ErP” – Error Power will occur when grill is plugged into power outlet and the temperature control knob is not in “OFF” position. It will also appear if power is lost during cooking.

“ErH” – High Temp Limit indicates that the temperature in the cooking chamber has exceeded 775°F.

“ErL” – Low Temp Limit indicates that the temperature in the cooking chamber is below 160°F.

“Err” – Thermocouple may be unhooked or damaged.

“Er1” – The temperature measured by the on-board temperature sensor of the main control board has exceeded maximum working temperature (158°F).

“LOW PELLET” – 1. Always ON: Low on pellets. 2. Flash once a second: Sensor maybe unhooked or damaged. 3. OFF: Normal operation.

“IGNITOR ON” – 1. Start up. 2. The temperature is below 120°F in the cooking chamber. 3. When falling the temperature is less than 15% of the set temperature.

Remove wood pellets from hopper if grill will not be used for a long period of time. Wood pellets can become soggy due to moisture/humidity and can cause the auger to bind up or not push pellets to burn chamber.

Disposal of ashes – Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. When the ashes are disposed by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.

It’s important to keep your grill always covered when not in use to avoid rain getting inside the grill and damaging the grill and/or cause excessive corrosion. The grill and pellets must be kept dry in order to function properly.

Wash cooking grates and heat distribution plate with hot, soapy water, rinse well and dry. Lightly coat cooking grill with vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray.

Clean inside and outside of grill by wiping off with a damp cloth. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray to the interior surface to prevent rusting.

Never apply paint to the interior surface. Rust spots on the interior surface can be buffed, cleaned, the lightly coated with vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray to minimize rusting.

Depending on use, periodically remove the cooking grates, grease tray and heat distribution plate to clean the ash from in and around the fire pot. Make sure the grill is cold before starting this procedure.

If you pre-cook meat or poultry, do so immediately before grilling.

Never defrost meat at room temperature or on a counter top.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of taking food off the grill.

For additional information, please phone the USDA’s toll free Meat & Poultry Hotline at 800-535-4555.

Keep the appliance free and clear of combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.

For safe grilling and peak performance of your grill, perform these checks at least twice per year or after extended periods of storage.

Be sure to tighten up all hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) at least twice per year. CAUTION: Some parts may contain sharp edges. Wear protective gloves if necessary.

Remove the cooking grates, from inside your grill. Use a brush with hot water and detergent to remove excess residue. NEVER use a commercial oven cleaner. Rinse completely with water. Towel dry and replace all components as described in the assembly instructions.

Never move a grill when it is hot or when objects are on the cooking surfaces.

Never store flammable liquids or spray canisters under or near the grill.

DO NOT extinguish grease fires using water.

Before Storing Your Grill:

Clean all surfaces.

If storing the grill outdoors, close the wood pellet lid and cover the grill with a cover for protection from the weather.

If the grill is stored outside during the rainy season, care should be taken to ensure that water does not get into the pellet hopper. Wood pellets, when wet, expand greatly and will jam your auger.

Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water prior to handling food and after handling raw meat, uncooked poultry or seafood.

When using a platter to carry raw meat, uncooked poultry or seafood to the grill, make sure to wash the platter thoroughly with soap and hot water before placing cooked foods back on the platter or use different platters for raw and cooked foods.

Never use the same utensils when handling raw meat, uncooked poultry or seafood unless you wash the utensils thoroughly with soap and hot water.

Never re-use marinade from raw meat or uncooked poultry on foods that have been cooked and are ready to be served.

Use a meat thermometer to be sure food has reached a safe internal temperature. The US Department of Agriculture recommends the minimum temperature be reached for the following food items:

Chops	145 degrees F (62.8° C)
Ground Meat	160 degrees F (71° C)
Pork	145 degrees F (62.8° C)
Poultry	165 degrees F (73.9° C)
Roasts	145 degrees F (62.8° C)
Seafood	145 degrees F (62.8° C)
Vegetables	145 degrees F (62.8° C)

PROBLEM	CAUSE	CORRECTION
LCD screen will not light up	1. Grill is not plugged in. 2. The fuse is blown. 3. Check that the GFI outlet has not been tripped. 4. Control knob is in the “OFF” position.	1. Make sure the grill is plugged into a working power source. Check and make sure wire connections are properly connected. 2. Check the fuse and see if it has blown and needs to be replaced. Use 5 Amp Fuse. 3. Reset GFI outlet. 4. Control knob is still in the “OFF” position. Turn the control knob to 200° F to start-up the grill. The LCD screen should turn on.
Grill is not getting hot enough	1. Adjust temperature control knob on temperature controller. 2. Avoid the temptation to check food too often. 3. Verify that there are pellets in pellet hopper. 4. Fire goes out at lower setting.	1. Turn up heat on the control knob. 2. Opening the door allows heat to escape and causes the temperature to vary drastically from the set temperature. 3. Add pellets and allow sufficient time for the pellets to travel from the pellet hopper to the fire pot (can take up to 5 minutes). 4. Excess ash. Remove all unburned pellets and ash from the fire pot using the ash clean-out. CAUTION! ASSURE THAT THE GRILL IS COLD TO AVOID A FIRE FROM HOT ASH.
Pellets will not light	1. Auger not primed. 2. Auger is jammed. 3. Ignitor has failed.	1. Before the unit is used for the first time or anytime the hopper is emptied, allow the auger tube to fully load with pellets to ensure proper lighting of the grill. Follow Initial Lighting Instructions. 2. Remove all components inside the firebox. Turn the grill to 200° F and inspect the auger. 3. Ignitor needs to be replaced. Contact Customer Service dept. for a replacement part. Follow Manual Start-Up Procedure to continue use of the grill.
Grill is getting too hot	1. Adjust temperature control	1. Reduce heat by reducing the selected temperature setting.
Smoke comes out of pellet hopper	1. This is normal due to the air pressure inside the grill. The amount of smoke can vary depending on cooking conditions. 2. Unplugged grill too soon.	1. This condition will not affect cooking. 2. Once the grill is turned off the fan will continue to run for 12 minutes. If you do not allow the grill to go through the cool down process it can cause fire to transfer to the auger tube.
Temperature fluctuations	1. Temperature fluctuations are normal for pellet grills. Any significant fluctuations can be caused by wind, air temperature, improper use, or lack of grill maintenance.