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Need help?Do you have a question about the Elite Gourmet EPN-2811 and is the answer not in the manual?
Information regarding the grounded 3-prong plug and its connection to a properly grounded outlet.
Explanation of the short power-supply cord's purpose and guidelines for using extension cords.
Caution to prevent damage to furniture finishes caused by plasticizer transfer from the appliance.
Advice on avoiding circuit overload and operating the appliance on a separate electrical circuit.
Instructions for using the grill in the open position for cooking various foods.
Steps for operating the appliance as a closed press grill for sandwiches.
The Elite Platinum EPN-2811 is a versatile 2-in-1 Panini Grill and Contact Grill designed for household use, offering a convenient way to prepare a variety of grilled foods. This appliance is engineered with consumer safety in mind, featuring important safeguards that users should adhere to for safe operation.
The primary function of the Elite Platinum EPN-2811 is to act as both a panini press and a contact grill. In its closed position, it functions as a panini press, ideal for making delicious pressed sandwiches. The floating hinge automatically adjusts to the thickness of the food, ensuring even grilling and perfectly toasted results. When opened flat, it transforms into a contact grill, suitable for cooking burgers, boneless and thin pieces of meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. This dual functionality makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen, allowing for a wide range of culinary creations.
The grill features nonstick grill plates on both the top and bottom, which facilitate easy food release and simplify the cleaning process. A temperature control dial allows users to adjust the heat setting, providing flexibility for different types of food and desired doneness. The appliance is equipped with a red POWER light, which illuminates when the unit is plugged in, and a green READY light, which indicates when the grill has reached its preheated temperature and is ready for use. During cooking, the green READY light cycles on and off, signaling that the thermostat is maintaining the proper cooking temperature.
A removable drip tray is integrated into the design to collect grease, fat, and other drippings, promoting healthier cooking and making cleanup more efficient. The tilted bottom plate and raised ridges on the grill plates are specifically designed to channel these drippings away from the food and into the tray. The cool-touch handle ensures safe operation, allowing users to open and close the grill without directly touching hot surfaces.
Before first use, users are instructed to unpack the grill, remove all packaging, and set it on a dry, clean, and flat surface. The removable drip tray should be securely attached to the bottom front of the unit. The grill plates should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any dust, then dried, and the outer surfaces wiped clean. For optimal performance, it is recommended to condition the nonstick grill plates by spreading a teaspoon of vegetable oil with an absorbent kitchen towel and wiping off any excess. This initial conditioning helps maintain the nonstick surface.
To use the appliance as a contact grill (open position), the unit is plugged into a 120V AC electrical outlet, which will illuminate the red POWER light. The grill plate lock on the side of the handle should be slid to the OPEN position. To preheat, the temperature control dial is turned to the MAX setting, and the unit is operated in the closed position. After approximately two minutes, the green READY light will illuminate, indicating that the grill is preheated. When placing or removing food, a pot holder or oven mitt should be used to hold the top grill plate open. Food should be centered on the bottom grill plate. Once cooking is complete, the temperature control dial is turned to OFF, and the plug is removed from the wall outlet.
For use as a press grill (closed position), the initial steps for contact grill use, including preheating, are followed. After placing food on the bottom grill plate, a pot holder or oven mitt is used to gently lower the top grill plate. The floating hinge will automatically adjust to the food's thickness. To ensure even grilling, it's important that the top grill plate lies evenly on the food and that the food is centered. The temperature control dial can be adjusted as needed during grilling. When the food is cooked to liking, the top grill plate is carefully lifted using an oven mitt or pot holder. Cooked food should always be removed with a plastic or wooden spatula to protect the nonstick surface. After use, the temperature control dial is turned to OFF, and the plug is removed.
For panini preparation, sandwiches should be assembled and, optionally, brushed or wiped with olive oil, butter, or margarine on both sides of the outside bread for enhanced browning. The panini is then centered on the bottom grill plate, oiled side down. The top grill plate is lowered, allowing the floating hinge to adjust. For best results, all sandwiches grilled at the same time should have consistent thickness. The green READY indicator light will cycle during grilling, indicating temperature maintenance. Panini should be grilled until the bread is toasted and the filling is cooked. A plastic or wooden spatula should be used to remove the finished panini. After cooking, the temperature control dial is turned to OFF, and the plug is removed, allowing the panini to cool before slicing.
Several panini tips are provided to enhance the cooking experience. These include preheating the grill before each use, having all ingredients ready, and experimenting with various types of bread. While not strictly necessary, butter or olive oil on the outside of the bread is recommended for even browning. Thicker-sliced breads are suggested for soft or liquid fillings, and the insides of soft rolls can be removed to accommodate more ingredients. Canned fruit should be drained and patted dry. Users are cautioned that processed cheeses may "run" at high temperatures. Sprinkling a teaspoon of sugar on the buttered side of a panini can make it crispier and add flavor, especially with sweet fillings. Whole grain and sweet breads grill quicker than white breads and should be grilled at lower temperatures. After removing finished panini, closing the top grill plate helps retain heat for subsequent sandwiches or to keep food warm at a lower setting. Oven mitts and a soft, absorbent paper towel are recommended for wiping grill plates clean after each use to prevent food contamination.
Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of the Elite Platinum EPN-2811. The appliance should never be immersed in water or other liquids, nor should the Panini Grill or drip tray be placed in a dishwasher. The grill plates should be wiped clean after each use, and reconditioned with vegetable oil as needed. Stubborn stains can be removed using a plastic mesh puff or pad, followed by wiping with a paper towel or soft cloth. Users are explicitly warned against using steel wool or coarse scouring pads, as these can damage the nonstick coating. Sharp or metal objects should also be avoided on the grill plates.
The drip tray should be allowed to collect run-off, then pulled out, emptied, and cleaned with warm soapy water before being wiped dry. The exterior of the appliance should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft, damp cloth, then dried thoroughly. When cleaning the top grill plate, it should be held open to prevent accidental closing or injury.
For storage, ensure the unit is unplugged and fully cooled. The clean drip tray should be attached. The top grill plate should be lowered, and the grill plate lock (located on the side of the handle) should be slid to the LOCK position for neat and compact storage. The power cord can be stored by wrapping it around the back two legs and the central hub on the bottom of the grill. It is important not to put any stress on the cord where it enters the unit to prevent fraying and breakage.
The manual also includes general safety warnings, such as not leaving the appliance unattended during use and ensuring adequate ventilation. It advises against using non-fat spreads, as they may burn and damage the non-stick grill plates. The appliance is designed for household use only and should not be used for commercial purposes or outdoors. Users are reminded to use the appliance on a heat-resistant, flat level surface only. If the electrical circuit is overloaded, the appliance may not operate properly, so it's recommended to operate it on a separate electrical circuit. The appliance remains hot after turning off, so oven mitts should always be used when handling hot materials, and metal parts should be allowed to cool before cleaning. Nothing should be placed on top of the appliance while it is hot.
General| Product Type | Electric Grill |
|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | Non-Stick |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Drip Tray | Removable |
