The Capital Griddle is an outdoor cooking appliance designed for both permanent installation in recreational vehicles (RVs) and portable tabletop use. Its primary function is to provide a flat-top cooking surface for various outdoor culinary activities. The griddle is designed to be used with propane gas (LP) only and is intended for outdoor use exclusively, never in enclosed areas such as buildings, garages, or under apartment/condominium balconies or decks.
Function Description:
The Capital Griddle operates by heating a griddle plate using one, two, or three burners, depending on the model. The burners are controlled by individual knobs, allowing users to adjust the heat intensity for different cooking needs. The griddle plate, made of a durable metal, is designed to be seasoned prior to first use to create a stick-resistant surface and protect against oxidation. This seasoning process involves applying a thin coat of oil and heating it to its smoke point, polymerizing the oil and bonding it to the griddle surface, resulting in a black, easy-to-clean finish. An oil drip box is integrated into the design to collect excess grease and food residue, ensuring a cleaner cooking experience. The griddle also features an ignition system for easy lighting, though match lighting is also an option.
Usage Features:
The Capital Griddle offers versatile usage, catering to both fixed and mobile outdoor cooking setups.
For permanent installation, the griddle is designed to be mounted in an open pull-out system within an RV, utilizing telescoping drawer slides (not supplied with the appliance). Specific minimum clearances to combustible constructions must be maintained, and the griddle must be connected to the RV's low-pressure propane system using an approved flexible hose connector. The design ensures that the griddle is open to ventilation air from the top, front, sides, and back when in use, with venting primarily through the back. When stored, the griddle plate can be positioned to cover the burners, and the unit can be locked into place within the slider system.
For portable/tabletop use, the griddle comes with four rubber feet that attach to the bottom, allowing it to be placed on a soft, stable surface. In this configuration, it can be easily disconnected from the RV's LP supply system via a quick-connect fitting or used with a separate LP hose and low-pressure regulator. This portability makes it suitable for various outdoor gatherings or camping trips where a fixed installation isn't practical.
Lighting the griddle involves pushing in and turning the control knob counter-clockwise to the light position. The spark-to-mini-flame ignition system will attempt to light the burner. If ignition doesn't occur within 5 seconds, the user is instructed to turn the control off, wait 5 minutes, and repeat. Match lighting is also provided as an alternative, requiring the use of an 11-inch long match to light the burner through the gap between the griddle plate and base. Users are advised to inspect the flame after lighting to ensure proper operation and to turn the control knob to the "OFF" position when finished cooking.
Food safety is emphasized, with instructions to clean hands, utensils, and surfaces, separate raw and cooked meats, cook food thoroughly using a food thermometer, and chill prepared foods promptly.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Capital Griddle.
Cleaning the burner assembly involves turning off the gas, ensuring all components have cooled, removing the griddle plate, wire brushing the burner's outer surface, and cleaning blocked ports with a stiff wire. An air hose can be used to force air into the burner tube and out the ports to ensure clear airflow. Any cracks or holes found in the burner should prompt contact with customer service.
General griddle cleaning after each use involves gently scraping the griddle surface with a metal spatula or scraper and wiping it down with a cloth or paper towel. For tough food residue, warm water can be poured onto the hot griddle surface to boil it off. Painted surfaces should be washed with mild detergent and a non-abrasive cloth, while plastic parts require warm soapy water. Abrasive plastic cleaning pads can be used for baked-on grease deposits, but only in the direction of the brushed finish to avoid damage.
Maintaining the griddle seasoning is recommended after each use by applying a very thin coat of oil to protect against rust and maintain the stick-resistant bond. If rust or chipped seasoning occurs, it should be rubbed off with steel wool or low-grit sandpaper, and the surface re-seasoned. The griddle should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Safety guidelines include ensuring the control knob is in the OFF position when not in use, never moving the griddle while hot, using long-handled barbecue utensils and oven mitts, keeping portable griddles away from walls and other structures, and ensuring ventilation openings are clear of debris. Regular inspection and cleaning of burner/venturi tubes for insects and nests are also critical to prevent fires.
Troubleshooting information is provided for common issues such as the burner not lighting (with ignitor or match), low flame, or hissing/roaring noises, offering possible causes and solutions like checking propane supply, regulator, ignitor, or cleaning obstructions. The manual also details how to check for LP gas leaks using soapy water, emphasizing that an open flame should never be used for this purpose. The valve check ensures the control knob springs back and turns smoothly, indicating proper valve function.
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