The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal HUB™ is an outdoor electric ignition charcoal barbecue designed for efficient and versatile cooking. It combines traditional charcoal grilling with modern features, including a built-in rotisserie system and an electric ignition for quick start-up.
Function Description:
The HUB™ functions primarily as a charcoal barbecue, allowing users to cook food over hot coals. Its key distinguishing feature is the integrated Fast Flame Ignition System™, which uses an electric element to ignite charcoal quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need for firelighters or accelerants. Once the charcoal is ignited and fully ashed, it can be spread evenly for grilling.
A significant feature of the HUB™ is its patent-pending Rotiscope Technology™, a built-in rotisserie system. This allows for slow-roasting larger cuts of meat, with a maximum rated capacity of 88 lbs (40 kg). The rotisserie poles can be extended and adjusted to three different height settings, providing flexibility for various cooking needs. The rotisserie rod and Cliplock Forks™ are conveniently stored within the barbecue's side panel when not in use.
The cooking surface consists of two chromed open grills, which can be fully removed or levered up from the front to add additional charcoal during cooking. The design ensures that the grill handles remain cool to the touch, though the grill surface itself will be hot.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Electrical: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1400W, IPX4 rating.
- Dimensions (Barbecue only):
- Length: 4.5 ft (1365 mm)
- Width: 1.6 ft (487 mm)
- Height: 3 ft (900 mm)
- Note: When fully extended, the rotisserie poles increase the height by 6.7 inches (170 mm).
- Rotisserie Capacity: Maximum 88 lbs (40 kg).
- Fuel Type: Designed for use with 100% natural lump charcoal.
- Maximum Fuel Load: Shall not exceed 1.8 kg of charcoal at any one time.
- Ignition Timer: The electric element runs for 7 minutes during ignition.
Usage Features:
- Outdoor Use Only: The appliance is strictly for outdoor use in a well-ventilated area.
- Fast Flame Ignition System™: To ignite charcoal, users pile charcoal over the charcoal grid (allowing it to overflow up to 0.8 inches (20 mm)), then press the left button. An audible sound and LED indicate the element is on. The element heats for 7 minutes, igniting the charcoal. After 7 minutes, the element turns off, and the charcoal continues to ignite naturally. After 10-15 minutes, most charcoal should be partially or fully ignited. Users then spread the charcoal and can add more fuel if needed.
- Rotiscope Technology™:
- Assembly: To use the rotisserie, users first press and release the poles to extend them, then pull them up and rotate clockwise to one of the three height settings. The right pole contains the rotisserie motor.
- Loading Food: Slide a Cliplock Fork™ (base first) onto the rod, lock it by pressing the small fork lever. Push food onto the rod and the fork, then add the second Cliplock Fork™ to the other end of the food and lock it. This can be repeated for additional forks.
- Placement: Place the pointed end of the rotisserie rod (with food) into the motor hole at the top of the right-hand pole. Lever the handle side of the rod down into the slot of the left-hand pole and close the pole cover.
- Operation: Turn on the rotisserie by pressing the right button (an audible sound and LED indicate it's on).
- After Cooking: Press the right button again to stop the rotisserie. Carefully remove food using heat-resistant gloves and metal tools.
- Storage: With the barbecue cool, open the left-hand storage door, push the rod into the round hole, and place the Cliplock Forks™ next to the rod handle. Rotate the two rotisserie poles anti-clockwise and lower them, pressing slightly below the top level of the barbecue to secure them.
- Adjustable Grills: The chromed open grills can be easily removed or lifted to add charcoal during cooking.
- Retractable Power Cord: The power cord is retractable and stored in a recess on the right-hand side. It must be fully extended during use to prevent overheating.
- Safety Precautions:
- Do not use accelerants or fuels impregnated with accelerants.
- Do not overfill the charcoal chamber.
- Do not immerse the barbecue in water (only removable grills, charcoal grids, and rotisserie parts can be immersed).
- Accessible parts become hot; use protective gloves when handling hot surfaces.
- Ensure adequate clearance from combustible materials (at least 1 ft / 250 mm).
- Protect the barbecue from strong winds.
- Never leave the appliance unattended for long periods while cooking.
- Do not move the appliance while coals are burning.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Cleaning:
- After Each Use (while warm): Remove scraps from the grill with a scraper. Scrape excess fat and meat scraps from the inside of the barbecue (use protective gloves). Remove wastes from the charcoal chamber, under the charcoal grid, and element.
- Soaking: Soak cooking grills and tools in hot soapy water as soon as possible after use, then dry thoroughly.
- Internal Cleaning (when cool): The inside of the charcoal chamber can be cleaned with water, mild detergent, and a sponge or mild scouring pad. For hard-to-clean areas, use baking soda on a wet sponge. Remove all ash and leftover fuel (ensure it's fully extinguished and cold).
- Element Area: After cleaning the charcoal chamber, remove the charcoal grid, twist the element upwards, remove the element bracket and heat shield. Clean any ash or oil from the element bowl, then replace the heat shield, element bracket, and charcoal grid. Ensure all parts are correctly in place before cooking again.
- Rotisserie Rod: Clean by rubbing down with water and detergent. Once dry, coat with a thin film of cooking oil to minimize rusting.
- Rotisserie Forks: Clean by first soaking in hot water, then rubbing down with water and detergent.
- External Cleaning (when cool): Clean painted and plastic surfaces with a mild household detergent or cleaner and a clean cloth. Do not use scourers, harsh detergents, paint thinners, or similar solvents. Do not pour cold water over hot surfaces. Dry surfaces afterwards.
- Rotisserie Poles: Wipe down with a soft cloth to remove oil or grit (do not allow water to flow down the poles and into the barbecue).
- Storage: When not in use, store the barbecue outdoors under cover, preferably with a purpose-made HUB™ Barbecue cover, out of the weather. Ensure the cooking surface is clean before storing. Disconnect the power cord from the supply for extended periods.
- Annual Maintenance (at the commencement of each barbecue season):
- Wipe over the outer areas with a clean cloth.
- Check that all oils and ash have been cleaned from the charcoal chamber and under the element.
- Check all fasteners for tightness and re-tighten as necessary to ensure rigidity.
- Check that the retractable power cord is operational and that the cord/plug is undamaged.
- Warranty: Failure to follow cleaning and maintenance instructions will void the warranty.
- Environment: Dispose of packaging responsibly by recycling appropriately.