The Cuisinart 3-in-1 Stainless 5 Burner Gas Grill, model GAS9556AF, is an outdoor cooking appliance designed for use with LP (liquid propane) gas, with the option to convert to natural gas using a separately purchased 3 Embers conversion kit. This grill is intended for outdoor use only, in a well-ventilated area, and should not be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Function Description:
This gas grill features five main burners, providing ample cooking space and heat for various grilling needs. It includes a side burner for preparing side dishes or warming sauces, a smoke tube for adding smoke flavor to food, and a cast iron griddle for cooking breakfast items, vegetables, or other foods that might typically fall through grates. The grill is designed for both direct and indirect cooking methods.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Fuel Type: Primarily LP (propane) gas, convertible to natural gas with a 3 Embers conversion kit.
- Burners: 5 main burners, plus a side burner.
- LP Gas Cylinder: Requires a Type 1 cylinder valve, 12" (30.5 cm) diameter x 18" (45.7 cm) tall, with a 20 lb. (9.1 kg) capacity and an over-filling prevention device (OPD). Compatible with Worthington, Manchester, or SMPC brand 20 lb. cylinders.
- Regulator: Designed to operate at a maximum output pressure of 11 inches of water column (2.74 kPa). A specific replacement pressure regulator/hose assembly (part No 9456-155-7600-0) must be used.
- Clearances: Minimum clearance of 10 ft. (3.1 m) from combustible materials, buildings, and overhangs. For apartment dwellers, a 15 ft. (4.6 m) minimum clearance on back and all sides from any wall, structure, or combustible material is required. A minimum clearance of 36 inches (91 cm) between the back and all sides of the grill, deck railings, walls, or other combustible material is recommended for proper ventilation.
- Side Burner Pot Size: Use a 10" diameter pot or smaller.
- Side Burner Weight Limit: Do not place more than 15 pounds on the side burner.
- Flame Height: Normal flame height is 1" to 2" (blue/yellow color on "HIGH").
Usage Features:
- Dual Fuel Valves: Allows for easy conversion between LP (propane) gas and natural gas with the appropriate conversion kit.
- Ignition System: Features an igniter for lighting main and side burners. Users push and hold down the control knob and turn it slowly to "HIGH" to activate the igniter.
- Match Lighting: Instructions are provided for match lighting the main and side burners if the igniter fails.
- Regulator Flow Limiting Device: Restricts gas flow to 10 cubic feet per hour if activated. A "Regulator Resetting Procedure" (Mini Reset and Full Reset) is detailed to address this.
- Preheating: Recommended to preheat the grill for 5 to 10 minutes on "HIGH" before each use to sear food sugars.
- Flare-up Control: Instructions are provided to minimize flare-ups, including trimming excess fat, cooking high-fat meats on low settings or indirectly, ensuring the grill is level for proper grease drainage, and frequent cleaning.
- Indirect Cooking: The grill supports indirect cooking by placing food on an unlit side while a burner on the other side is lit.
- Smoke Tube: An accessory for adding smoke flavor using wood chips or pellets. It should be filled with wet wood chips (soaked for 15 minutes) or dry wood pellets and placed in the grill. The far-right main burner is lit on "HIGH" for 8-12 minutes to start smoking, then can be turned off. The smoke tube should be removed for normal grilling to maintain cleanliness and full heat output.
- Cast Iron Griddle: A porcelain-coated cast iron griddle for cooking various foods. It is placed on top of the cooking grates, with the grease reservoir at the back. The three main burners below the griddle are lit on "HIGH" for 10-15 minutes to preheat. The griddle can be stored on the left side of the cart when not in use.
- Safety Features: Includes warnings about gas leaks, proper LP cylinder handling, clearances from combustible materials, and not moving the grill when hot. The cylinder valve must be closed and burner knobs in the "OFF" position when the grill is not in use.
Maintenance Features:
- Leak Testing: Mandatory before first use, after each tank refill, if components are disconnected/replaced, after moving the grill, and at least once a year or after 60 days of disuse. A soapy water mixture is used to check for bubbles at all gas connections.
- Grease Management: The grill has a grease cup/tray that must be in position during cooking. Regular cleaning of the grease cup/tray and firebox is essential to prevent grease buildup and blockages.
- Interior Cleaning: Food residue should be cleaned immediately after cooking. Grates and heat tents should be brushed, and ash/grease removed from the firebox after the grill cools. The inside of the grill lid should be cleaned with a scrub brush and baking soda/water solution to remove smoke accumulation.
- Exterior Cleaning: Painted surfaces should be washed with mild detergent. Stainless steel surfaces should be cleaned with mild detergent and warm soapy water, wiping dry with a soft cloth. Abrasive plastic pads can be used for baked-on grease, always in the direction of the brushed finish. Car wax can help protect the exterior finish. Plastic and rubber parts should be cleaned with warm soapy water.
- Rust Prevention: To minimize rust, the grill should be kept clean and covered when not in use. Rust spots on interior surfaces can be buffed, cleaned, and lightly coated with vegetable oil. Avoid cleaners containing chlorine.
- Burner Cleaning and Maintenance: Burners should be regularly inspected for cracks, holes, or corrosion. Burner tubes can become blocked by spiders or insects, preventing gas flow. Cleaning involves removing cooking grills, heat distribution plates, and burners, then using a bottle brush or compressed air to clear burner tubes and flame ports. The outer surface of the burner should be cleaned with a wire brush. Burners must be correctly installed with the opening sliding over the valve nozzle.
- Storage: Before storing, ensure the cylinder valve is closed, clean all surfaces, and lightly coat burners with cooking oil. If storing indoors, the LP tank must be disconnected and left outdoors, with a dust cap placed on the cylinder valve outlet. If storing outdoors, cover the grill with a grill cover. Check and clean burners after storage periods to prevent blockages.
The grill comes with a limited warranty, requiring proof of purchase.
- Stainless steel burner: 15-years from date of purchase for perforation, manufacturing, and material defects.
- All other stainless steel parts: 3-years from date of purchase for perforation, manufacturing, and material defects.
- All other parts: 1-year from date of purchase for perforation, manufacturing, and material defects.
The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover failures due to misuse, improper installation, maintenance, corrosion, discoloration after use, accidents, alterations, abuse, neglect, or damage from heat, abrasive/chemical cleaners, or other components. Paint is not warranted. Consumable items like batteries are not covered. For replacement parts, contact customer service at 1-866-212-3150.