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Cuisinart SMK0036AS - User Manual

Cuisinart SMK0036AS
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Woodcreek 4-in-1 Pellet Grill
OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATING IN STRUC TIONS
WARNING
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION
AND USE OF THIS PELLET FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE 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.
NOTICE TO INSTALLER:
LEAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WITH THE GRILL OWNER
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE .
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Model SMK0036AS / SMK0036ASO
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Summary

Important Safety Warnings

General Warnings

Operating the Grill

Breaking In Your Grill

Initial steps to prepare the grill for first-time use, addressing manufacturing residue.

Preheating Grill

Procedure to bring the grill to optimal cooking temperature before adding food.

If an Extension Cord is Necessary

Guidelines for using extension cords safely and appropriately with the grill.

Turning On the Grill

Instructions for initial lighting and starting the grill.

Subsequent Lighting Instructions

Steps for starting the grill after initial use or when it runs out of pellets.

Manual Start-Up Procedure

Procedure for starting the grill when the ignitor is not functioning correctly.

Turning Off the Grill

Instructions for safely shutting down the grill and its auto cool-down feature.

Cooking

Guidance on setting temperature, placing food, and cooking with the grill.

Operating Tips

Grill Inserts

Ceramic Sear Insert

Instructions for using and storing the ceramic sear insert for searing.

Charcoal Insert

Instructions for using and storing the charcoal insert for charcoal grilling.

Griddle

Instructions for using and storing the griddle insert.

Ash Clean-Out

Procedure for cleaning out ashes and burnt pellets from the fire pot.

Pellet Hopper Clean-Out

Procedure for removing unused pellets from the hopper for storage.

Meat Probes

Instructions for connecting and using meat probes with the grill's control panel.

Bluetooth App

Information on the grill's Bluetooth capability and app usage for monitoring.

Cook Mode

Error Codes

Proper Care & Maintenance

Helpful Hints

Tips for pre-cooking meat, defrosting, and refrigerating leftovers.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Instructions for keeping the grill clean and performing regular maintenance checks.

Transporting and Storage

Before Storing Your Grill

Steps to take before storing the grill, including cleaning and protection.

Grill Cooking Tips

Grilling to Proper Temperature

Recommendations for reaching safe internal temperatures for various food types.

Trouble Shooting

Wiring Diagram

Warranty

Limited Warranty

Details the 3-year warranty period for all parts.

Warranty Provisions

Outlines terms, limitations, and exclusions of the warranty.

Disclaimer of Implied Warranties; Limitation of Remedies

States exclusive remedies and disclaims consequential damages.

Summary

Important Safety Warnings

General Warnings

Operating the Grill

Breaking In Your Grill

Initial steps to prepare the grill for first-time use, addressing manufacturing residue.

Preheating Grill

Procedure to bring the grill to optimal cooking temperature before adding food.

If an Extension Cord is Necessary

Guidelines for using extension cords safely and appropriately with the grill.

Turning On the Grill

Instructions for initial lighting and starting the grill.

Subsequent Lighting Instructions

Steps for starting the grill after initial use or when it runs out of pellets.

Manual Start-Up Procedure

Procedure for starting the grill when the ignitor is not functioning correctly.

Turning Off the Grill

Instructions for safely shutting down the grill and its auto cool-down feature.

Cooking

Guidance on setting temperature, placing food, and cooking with the grill.

Operating Tips

Grill Inserts

Ceramic Sear Insert

Instructions for using and storing the ceramic sear insert for searing.

Charcoal Insert

Instructions for using and storing the charcoal insert for charcoal grilling.

Griddle

Instructions for using and storing the griddle insert.

Ash Clean-Out

Procedure for cleaning out ashes and burnt pellets from the fire pot.

Pellet Hopper Clean-Out

Procedure for removing unused pellets from the hopper for storage.

Meat Probes

Instructions for connecting and using meat probes with the grill's control panel.

Bluetooth App

Information on the grill's Bluetooth capability and app usage for monitoring.

Cook Mode

Error Codes

Proper Care & Maintenance

Helpful Hints

Tips for pre-cooking meat, defrosting, and refrigerating leftovers.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Instructions for keeping the grill clean and performing regular maintenance checks.

Transporting and Storage

Before Storing Your Grill

Steps to take before storing the grill, including cleaning and protection.

Grill Cooking Tips

Grilling to Proper Temperature

Recommendations for reaching safe internal temperatures for various food types.

Trouble Shooting

Wiring Diagram

Warranty

Limited Warranty

Details the 3-year warranty period for all parts.

Warranty Provisions

Outlines terms, limitations, and exclusions of the warranty.

Disclaimer of Implied Warranties; Limitation of Remedies

States exclusive remedies and disclaims consequential damages.

Overview

This document serves as the owner's manual and operating instructions for the Cuisinart Woodcreek 4-in-1 Pellet Grill, models SMK0036AS and SMK0036ASO. It emphasizes safety warnings, operational procedures, maintenance guidelines, and troubleshooting tips to ensure safe and effective use of the appliance.

Function Description

The Cuisinart Woodcreek 4-in-1 Pellet Grill is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance designed for grilling, smoking, searing, and using charcoal. It operates by burning cooking-grade wood pellets, which are fed into a fire pot by an auger, ignited by an ignitor, and then fanned to maintain combustion and distribute heat. The grill features a temperature control knob that allows users to set desired cooking temperatures, ranging from 200°F for slow cooking/smoking to 500°F for searing. A digital display on the control panel shows the current temperature and various error codes or status indicators. The grill is equipped with a pellet hopper to store wood pellets and a fan to regulate airflow. It also includes a grease management system with a grease reservoir to collect drippings. The "4-in-1" functionality is achieved through interchangeable inserts: a ceramic sear insert for high-temperature searing and a charcoal insert for traditional charcoal grilling. The grill is Bluetooth-capable, allowing users to monitor internal grill temperature and two meat probe temperatures via a dedicated app.

Usage Features

Initial Setup and Lighting:

Before first use, the grill requires a "breaking in" process to ensure the auger is fully loaded with pellets. This involves opening the cooking chamber, removing grates, heat plates, and the heat baffle, then turning the temperature control knob to 200°F. The ignitor should glow red within a couple of minutes, and pellets will start falling into the fire pot. Once pellets are in the fire pot, the control knob is turned "OFF," and then back to 200°F with the lid open to allow ignition. After 2-4 minutes, smoke should appear, indicating ignition. The ignitor remains on for 8 minutes before turning off. The manual strongly recommends curing the grill before first use by closing the lid, setting the temperature to 400°F, and allowing it to run for 45 minutes to burn off manufacturing residues.

Subsequent Lighting:

For subsequent uses, users should check the pellet level in the hopper, add more if needed, open the cooking chamber lid, and turn the temperature control knob to 200°F. Smoke should appear within 2-4 minutes. Once ignited, the lid can be closed, and the temperature set to the desired level. Preheating for 15-20 minutes with the lid closed is recommended for best results.

Manual Start-Up (if ignitor is not working):

If the ignitor fails, a manual start-up procedure is provided. This involves ensuring the control knob is "OFF," plugging in the power cord, checking the fire pot for obstructions, filling the hopper with pellets, and then removing cooking grates, heat plates, and the heat baffle. A small handful of pellets is placed in the fire pot, followed by a gelled fire starter or solid fuel starter. After lighting the starter with a long match or lighter, it should burn for 3-5 minutes before carefully replacing the heat baffle, heat plates, and cooking grates.

Cooking Modes:

The temperature dial can be adjusted at any time. Settings from 200°F to 300°F are for slow cooking/smoking, 325°F to 450°F for grilling, and "SEAR" for high-temperature searing. The selected temperature is displayed on the digital screen.

Grill Inserts:

  • Ceramic Sear Insert: Replaces the right-side heat plate. The grill is set to "SEAR" and preheated for approximately 20 minutes to reach optimal searing temperature.
  • Charcoal Insert: Replaces the right-side heat plate. Approximately 2 lbs of charcoal are placed in the charcoal tray, spread evenly. The grill is set to "SEAR" with the hood open until the charcoal turns white (15-20 minutes). After the charcoal is hot, the controller is turned "OFF" for cooking.
  • Griddle: Placed on top of cooking grates with the grease reservoir at the back. It's best located near the middle of the grill. The grill is turned to the desired temperature and allowed to preheat for 15-20 minutes. Keeping the lid closed helps prevent grease splatter. Grease and food particles can be pushed into the grease reservoir.

Meat Probes:

Two meat probes can be plugged into the pellet control panel to monitor internal food temperatures, displayed as "P1:XX" and "P2:XX" on the screen.

Bluetooth App:

The grill's Bluetooth capability allows monitoring of internal grill temperature and meat probe temperatures via a smartphone app, with a range of approximately 120 ft.

Turning Off the Grill:

To turn off, the temperature control knob is set to "OFF." An auto cool-down feature runs the fan for 12 minutes to prevent fires in the fire pot or pellet hopper. The power cord should then be unplugged.

Safety Features:

The manual highlights numerous safety warnings, including:

  • Maintaining a minimum clearance of 60 inches (152.4 cm) from combustible materials on all sides.
  • Not using the grill on wood decks or under overhangs.
  • Using a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) protected circuit.
  • Not operating in rain or wet conditions.
  • Never adding cooking pellets to a hot fire pot by hand.
  • Never using gasoline, lighter fluid, or similar flammable liquids.
  • Not using the grill indoors.
  • Always using oven mitts/gloves when handling hot parts.
  • Not moving the grill while hot or in use.
  • Locking wheels to stabilize the grill.
  • Not using water to extinguish flare-ups.
  • Being aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

Maintenance Features

General Cleaning:

  • Ash Disposal: Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and kept on a non-combustible surface, away from combustible materials, until thoroughly cooled.
  • Grill Cover: Keep the grill covered when not in use to protect it from rain and corrosion.
  • Cooking Grates and Heat Distribution Plate: Wash with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Lightly coat with vegetable oil or spray to prevent rusting.
  • Interior and Exterior: Clean with a damp cloth and apply a light coat of vegetable oil or spray to interior surfaces to prevent rusting. Never apply paint to the interior.
  • Fire Pot: Periodically remove cooking grates, grease tray, and heat distribution plate to clean ash from the fire pot. Ensure the grill is cold before starting this procedure.

Pellet Management:

  • Remove wood pellets from the hopper if the grill will not be used for a long period to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause the auger to bind.
  • Always store wood pellets in a dry location, away from heat.
  • Monitor pellet levels and mix pellets by hand during long cooks to ensure they flow into the auger.

Pre-Storage:

  • Clean all surfaces.
  • If storing outdoors, close the wood pellet lid and cover the grill.
  • Ensure water does not get into the pellet hopper, as wet pellets can expand and jam the auger.

Regular Checks:

  • Perform checks at least twice a year or after extended storage periods for safe grilling and peak performance.
  • Tighten all hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) at least twice a year.
  • Inspect the grill for abrasion, wear, cuts, or damage to the temperature controller and power cord after storage.

Troubleshooting:

The manual includes a detailed troubleshooting section covering common issues such as:

  • LCD screen not lighting up (checking power, fuse, GFI, control knob position).
  • Grill not getting hot enough (adjusting temperature, avoiding frequent lid opening, checking pellet levels, removing excess ash).
  • Pellets not lighting (auger not primed, jammed auger, ignitor failure).
  • Grill getting too hot (reducing temperature setting).
  • Smoke coming out of the pellet hopper (normal air pressure, not allowing cool-down cycle).
  • Temperature fluctuations (normal for pellet grills, affected by wind, air temperature, improper use, or lack of maintenance).

Creosote Management:

The manual explains creosote formation and the need for removal. When wood pellets burn slowly, they produce tar and organic vapors that combine with moisture to form creosote, which accumulates in the flue lining and exhaust hood. This buildup can cause extremely hot fires if ignited. The grease duct should be inspected at least twice a year for creosote buildup and removed to reduce fire risk.

Cuisinart SMK0036AS Specifications

General IconGeneral
Product NameCuisinart SMK0036AS
CategoryGrill
TypeElectric Smoker
MaterialSteel
Temperature Range100°F to 400°F
Power1500 Watts
Fuel TypeWood Pellets

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