Operating Instructions, Pre-Use Procedures

Operating Instructions

Pre-Use Procedures

Your smoker has been packaged with a retail store level point-of-purchase label that hangs on the front of the door panel. This label must be removed before use. To remove the label, simply cut or tear along the indicated line and pull the top portion of the label from behind the name plate.

Before you cook food in your smoker, it is important to "season" your smoker. Seasoning seals the paint and interior of your smoker to enhance flavoring, durability, and overall performance. This is also referred to as the "break-in" process.

If your smoker requires any touch-up paint on the inside of the cabinet, the only time you should apply paint to the inside is before the seasoning process. Paint should not be applied to the interior of your smoker after your smoker has been used. Paint toxins may contaminate your food.

However, if paint becomes necessary after use, see the section in this manual concerning After Use Care and Maintenance.

To season your smoker, simply use it as you normally would; only do not cook any food. You will need to follow all of the operating procedures in the next few sections of this manual.

Using your desired flavoring woods, marinades, and charcoal, burn your smoker at low temperature (around 125°F) for 45-60 minutes. Let the smoker cool, and clean out the used charcoal, water, and wood.

If your heat indicator seems to be out of calibration, you can adjust the calibration by following the procedure described in the maintenance section on page 24.

Once seasoning is complete, your smoker's interior will have a durable, seasoned coating.

Adding Water

To add water before cooking, simply remove the water bowl and fill it with water up to 1" below the rim. Then replace the bowl to the bottom of the rack.

To add water while the smoker is hot, DO NOT pull the water bowl out beyond the rack.

Cooking Tip:

_ Line the water bowl with aluminum foil before each use. This will make it easy to clean and help your water bowl last longer.

_ To make adding water easier and safer, use a clean watering can with a long spout.